Zagreb –January was an extremely action-packed period at the Croatian Parliament. The event of the month was the positive outcome of the referendum on Croatia’s Accession to the European Union. A reception was organized in the Parliament’s Palace where high-ranking state officials and their numerous guests, including the entire diplomatic corps in the Republic of Croatia, waited for the referendum results to be released.

Following the standard practice in the parliaments of EU Member-States, the Danish Ambassador to Croatia Mr. Bo Eric Weber presented before the European Integration Committee the priorities of the Danish Presidency.

On January 15, Croatia marked the 20th anniversary of its recognition by the international community. The Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Mr. Boris Šprem together with other top-ranking state officials celebrated the day when 21 countries recognized Croatia in the year 1992.

On January 18, Sabor began its first regular sitting after the constituting of the 7th term on 22 December 2011. On this occasion Mr. Šprem delivered a speech on the victims of the Holocaust, reminding of the obligation never to forget them. Sabor thus joined the commemoration of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day on 27 January.

The Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Mr. Boris Šprem, the President of the Republic Mr. Ivo Josipović and the Prime Minister Mr. Zoran Milanović participated in the Christmas festivities of Christians observing the Julian Calendar.

Last month was also marked by a number of visits paid to the newly elected Speaker: Estonia’s Ambassador Mr. Priit Pallum, the European Union Ambassador Mr. Paul Vandoren, Australian Ambassador Ms. Beverly Mercer, Turkish Ambassador Mr. Burak Özügergin, Austrian Ambassador Ms. Andrea Ikić-Böhm, Chinese Ambassador Mr. Shen Zhifei, Indian Ambassador Mr. Pradeep Singh and the United States of America’s Ambassador Mr. James B. Foley.

Members of Parliament also hosted many international meetings. Mr. Gordan Jandroković, Mr. Davorin Mlakar, Mr. Gvozden Srećko Flego as well as the Deputy Speaker Ms. Jadranka Kosor held farewell meetings with the Japanese Ambassador Mr. Yoshi Tamura.

Mr. Gordan Jandroković and Mr. Andrej Plenković met with the Swedish Foreign Affairs Minister Mr. Carl Bildt, and Mr. Frano Matušić with the Latvian Ambassador Mr. Kaspars Ozolinš.

Mr. Frans Timmermans, Member of the Dutch Parliament, held meetings with Mr. Jozo Radoš, Mr. Igor Dragovan, Mr. Milorad Pupovac and Mr. Davor Ivo Stier.

The Israeli Ambassador Mr. Yosef Amrani met with Mr. Domagoj Ivan Milošević, Mr. Gordan Jandroković and Mr. Davor Ivo Stier.

Chairman of the Foreign Policy Committee Mr. Milorad Pupovac met with the Hungarian Ambassador Mr. Gábor Iván.

During January, all of the 28 parliamentary bodies as well as 9 MP Clubs were formed. (Internet Editorial Staff)