HL Deb 21 May 1996 vol 572 c88WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will oppose the admission of Croatia to the Council of Europe until such time as there are an independent judiciary and free media, and democracy and human rights are fully respected in that country.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

In the light of continuing concerns about Croatia's internal policies, EU Foreign Ministers agreed at the General Affairs Council on 13th May to postpone a decision on Croatian membership of the Council of Europe. The Council of Europe deputies at their meeting on 14th May decided to consider Croatia's membership at their next meeting on 30th May, on the basis of a document prepared by the Council of Europe secretariat setting out commitments and expectations, the fulfilment of which could be required of Croatia according to a timetable to be fixed. The UK has not taken the lead within the EU on this issue, but supports the decision on postponement, and the proposed process for further consideration by the Council of Europe of the Croatian application.