Report of the Visit of the Honourable Peter Milliken, M.P., Speaker of the House of Commons, and a Parliamentary Delegation to the Republic of Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia April 18-27, 2008

The Honourable Peter Milliken, M.P., Speaker of the House of Commons and a parliamentary delegation visited the Republic of Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia from April 18 to 27, 2008. The delegation has the honour to present its Report

The official delegation was composed of the following persons: The Honourable Peter Milliken, M.P., Speaker of the House of Commons Mr. Ed Komarnicki, M.P. Mr. Dave MacKenzie, M.P. Mr. Lui Temelkovski, M.P. Mr. Robert Vincent, M.P. Mr. Patrick Kennedy, Chief of Staff, Office of the Speaker Ms. Stephanie Bond, Secretary to the delegation Context This was the first Speaker-led delegation to visit the Republic of Macedonia, Bosnia- Herzegovina and Croatia from the House of Commons. Objectives The official visit served to enhance relations between Canada and the Republic of Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia, and to strengthen interparliamentary communication between our countries. The visit objectives focused on enhancing relations between Canada and the Republic of Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia by encouraging ongoing parliamentary dialogue and future parliamentary exchanges. The visit served to highlight the range of Canada’s interests in the region, foster discussion on foreign policies with respect to issues of international and mutual interest, and exchange on subjects of interest stemming from shared membership in multilateral organizations. The visit was successful in renewing and strengthening the ties between Canada and the Republic of Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. Meetings REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA During the official visit to the Republic of Macedonia, the delegation met with: His Excellency Branko Crvenkovski, President of the Republic of Macedonia;

His Excellency , Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia;

Mr. Ljubisa Georgievski, former President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia;

Mr. Lazar Elenovski, Minister of Defence; and

Mr. Antonijo Milososki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia.

Meeting with His Excellency Branko Crvenkovski, President of the Republic of Macedonia President Crvenkovski expressed his gratitude for Canada’s support of Macedonia’s bid to join NATO. The Speaker shared the President’s disappointment in the results of the Bucharest summit and reiterated Canada’s support of Macedonia’s NATO application. The President called for increased parliamentary dialogue between the two countries and addressed the upcoming election. Speaker Milliken agreed that parliamentary exchanges are very helpful in building relations. Discussions ensued on military cooperation between the two nations and the countries’ joint commitment in Afghanistan. The benefits of enhanced trade and the economic growth that will result from EU membership were agreed upon. The past visits to Canada of the Macedonian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defence, as well as the future visit of the Speaker of President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia were discussed. Following the spring election, the President confirmed that the next step for the country is to begin negotiations for EU membership. Meeting with His Excellency Nikola Gruevski, Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia The Prime Minister thanked Canada for recognizing the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia and for Canada’s support at the NATO summit. The Prime Minister expressed optimism that a solution will be found with Greece regarding the outstanding name issue. The Republic of Macedonia will continue its efforts to enter NATO and the EU. Taxation reforms to improve the investment climate have been successful and the Prime Minister mentioned that Nortel will open an office in Macedonia. The in Canada was highlighted as was the importance of liberalization of the visa regime. Speaker Milliken expressed Canada’s disappointment with the refusal of NATO to admit Macedonia at the Bucharest summit and reiterated the importance of working together in military and business spheres. Liberalization of the visa regime was further discussed with mention of the technical steps required to lift visa requirements. The Prime Minister discussed the Kosovo situation and stressed the importance of open communication with Serbia. The investment potential in Macedonia and the possibilities in the tourism industry were discussed. Ambassador MacDougall mentioned that the visit marked the first high-level Canadian delegation to come to Macedonia and highlighted the joint membership on many multilateral organizations. Meeting with Mr. Ljubisa Georgievski, former President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia Former President Mr. Ljubisa Georgieski warmly welcomed the delegation. The Speakers compared the parliamentary systems of both countries. Minority parliaments, the role of Ministers and the upcoming elections in the Republic of Macedonia were discussed. Meeting with Mr. Lazar Elenovski, Minister of Defence Mr. Lazar Elenovski, Minister of Defence, provided an overview of the defence situation in Macedonia. The Minister highlighted the success of the defence reforms undertaken, the multi-ethnic composition of the military and the abolition of conscription in the country. Macedonia has increased its military efficiency and its ability for military deployment through a series of defence reforms. Currently, Macedonia is active in missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia- Herzegovina and Lebanon. Macedonia has fulfilled the full defence criteria for accession to NATO. The Minister expressed disappointment in the results of the Bucharest NATO summit. Speaker Milliken congratulated the Minister on the success of defence reforms and expressed disappointment in the delay of Macedonia’s accession to NATO. It was agreed that military cooperation between Macedonia and Canada will continue to be enhanced. Ambassador Robert MacDougall expressed condolences on behalf of the delegation for the recent loss of Macedonian soldiers deployed in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The delegation congratulated Macedonia on its defence reforms and supported the future membership in NATO. Meeting with Mr. Antonijo Milososki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia Mr. Antonijo Milososki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia expressed disappointment in the delay of Macedonia’s membership to NATO. Mr. Milososki referred to his recent visit to Canada and thanked the country for its support of Macedonia’s application to NATO. The Minister raised the upcoming elections in Macedonia scheduled for June 1. The Minister of Foreign Affairs described the economic situation in the country which includes a 5.5% increase in GDP growth. The Minister’s recent visit to Canada was discussed. Speaker Milliken expressed disappointment that NATO membership for Macedonia was delayed. Military cooperation between the two countries was applauded with emphasis on the Afghanistan mission. Macedonia is committed to European integration and NATO accession. Macedonia sees itself as a stabilizing factor in the region. Ambassador Robert MacDougall reiterated that this was the first visit of the House of Commons since independence and called for increased exchanges and bilateral trade between the countries. Recognition of Kosovo, shared membership on international multilateral organizations, the visa issues and outstanding agreements on social security benefits were discussed. The Minister spoke about a future agreement to be signed with the U.S. with the goal of enhancing relations with Canada’s southern neighbour. The Speaker invited the Minister of Foreign Affairs to return to Canada with a delegation. BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA During the official visit to Bosnia-Herzegovina, the delegation met with: The Presidency, composed of:

Dr. Haris Silajdzic, Chair Mr. Zeljko Komsic, Co-president Mr. Nebojsa Radmanovic, Co-president; Mr. Nikola Spiric, Chair of the Council of Ministers; The Collegium of Speakers of the House of Representatives, composed of: His Excellency Milorad Zivkovic, Speaker of the House of Representatives His Excellency Niko Lozančić, First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives His Excellency Beriz Belkić, Second Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; Mr. Mladen Ivanic and Mr. Iliha Filipovic, Co-Presidents of the House of People; Ms. Ana Trisic-Babic, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Miroslav Lajcak, High Representative in Bosnia Herzegovina a nd EU Special Representative;

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Bartnik, Commander of the Canadian Forces for NATO;

Major General Richard O. Wightman, Jr., Commander NATO Headquarters / Senior Military Representative;

Major General Ignacio Villalain, Commander European Union Forces Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Meeting with the Presidency, Dr. Haris Silajdzic, Chair, Mr. Zeljko Komsic, Co-President and Mr. Nebojsa Radmanovic, Co-President Mr. Nebojsa Radmanovic, Co-President thanked Canada for its assistance and requested Canada’s ongoing support in Bosnia-Herzegovina’s accession to NATO. Speaker Milliken highlighted the importance of parliamentary exchanges in order to exchange views and committed to raising the issues brought forth in the visit to the Canadian government. Speaker Milliken referred to the disappointing delay in NATO accession for the Republic of Macedonia and also congratulated Bosnia-Herzegovina on the progress it has made and the economic developments in the country. Speaker Milliken called for more cooperation between the two countries in terms of tourism as well as parliamentary and business exchanges. Co-President Zeljko Komsic described the firm path to EU integration and the projected signing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement. He stressed that regardless of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s internal difficulties, the country is stable and capable of increasing foreign investments. While Bosnia-Herzegovina is a small market for Canada, there is much investment potential. Co-President Komsic praised Canada for being a leader in mine disposal and appealed to Canada to continue its de-mining efforts in the country. Ambassador David Hutchings highlighted the large community from Bosnia-Herzegovina in Canada and discussed the current visa regime. The business potential in the country was discussed in terms of tourism, infrastructure, highway construction, electricity and natural resources. Negotiations on various agreements are underway regarding investment protection and removal of double taxation. The importance of Bosnia- Herzegovina’s commitment to maintaining diversity was agreed upon. Speaker Milliken explained the diverse nature of Canada and the country’s commitment to multiculturalism. Meeting with Mr. Nikola Spiric, Chair of the Council of Ministers Chair of the Council of Ministers, Prime Minister Spiric thanked Canada for its contributions to reconciliation, reconstruction and development within Bosnia- Herzegovina. He praised the leadership of Canada in mine disposal. Speaker Milliken stated that he has witnessed the democratic changes firsthand since his last visit in 1997 as an election observer and wished the Prime Minister well in reaching the standards required for NATO and EU accession. The Prime Minister outlined reforms for policing, education, rural development, sports and the creation of a fiscal council. The signing of the EU Stabilization and Association Agreement marks the most important step for the future of the country since the signing of the Dayton Agreement which ended the war. The Prime Minister stated that he is dedicated to achieving the standards and that the constitution must be amended. Bosnia-Herzegovina must concentrate on developing its economy to become more attractive to investors, including Canada. Mr. Spiric hopes that a double taxation agreement can be signed by both countries. The Prime Minister expressed his desire for Bosnians to manage their own internal affairs without interventions by the international community. While the international community and the High Representative did a lot of good work in the country, the Prime Minister indicated that he would like the citizens to take ownership of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Speaker Milliken applauded the judicial reforms and Mr. Spiric stated that the judicial reforms must be accompanied by the removal of non-Bosnian judges and prosecutors from the system. Speaker Milliken welcomed a visit to Canada to observe how the system addresses the diverse geographic and ethnic nature of the country and to cultivate links with the Bosnia-Herzegovina diaspora in Canada to promote investment. The Prime Minister thanked Canada for welcoming immigrants and also for its de-mining assistance which Mr. Spiric hopes will continue in the future. Meeting with Collegium of Speakers of the House of Representatives, His Excellency Milorad Zivkovic, Speaker of the House of Representatives; His Excellency Niko Lozančić, First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; and His Excellency Beriz Belkić, Second Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; and Co-President of the House of Peoples, Mr. Mladen Ivanic and Mr. Iliha Filipovic. The Collegium of Speakers represents the three ethnic groups of Bosnia- Herzegovina. His Excellency Milorad Zivkovic, Speaker of the House of Representatives and host for the visit welcomed the delegation. Speaker Zivkovic praised the evolved democracy of Canada and encouraged the sharing of best practices in democracy-building. The similarities of the bicameral system were highlighted. Speaker Zivkovic provided an overview of the police reforms in the country and announced that most requirements have been fulfilled for EU and NATO membership. He thanked Canada for their ongoing support as a leader in mine-disposal. Speaker Milliken referred to his past visit in 1997 as an election observer and stated that the sharing of parliamentary experiences is very important. Canada’s continued mine-disposal and peace-keeping role was discussed. Co-president Mladen Ivanic provided an overview of the role of the House of Peoples, the upper House of Parliament. He thanked Canada for its contribution to peace-keeping and humanitarian assistance. Accession to the EU and NATO are priorities for the country. Mr. Niko Lozančić, First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives described the Presidency, which must include a representative from the three constitutional peoples, as well as the challenges of governing Bosnia-Herzegovina. Mr. Lozančić reiterated that accession to EU and NATO are the future of the country and all reforms necessary will be undertaken. His Excellency Milorad Zivkovic, Speaker of the House of Representatives inquired as to the process of liberali zation of the visa regime. It was agreed that the creation of the Canada-Bosnia-Herzegovina Interparliamentary group will strengthen relations. Meeting with Ms. Ana Trisic-Babic Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Babic, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs thanked Canada for its assistance, in particular in the field of de-mining. Speaker Milliken made reference to his past visit to the country as an election observer in 1997. The importance of increasing cooperation in tourism, parliamentary exchanges and trade was agreed upon. Ms. Babic highlighted the potential role of the country’s diaspora in Canada as promoters of business exchanges. The success of reform measures and the importance of signing of the EU Stabilization and Association agreement were discussed. Ms. Babic called for full societal reform in terms of media, NGOs and education in addition to the military, police and economic reforms underway. The Deputy Minister described the progress that the country has made since the war and the assistance given by the international community. Exchanges between parliaments and between educational institutions were explored. Meeting with Mr. Miroslav Lajcak, High Representative in Bosnia Herzegovina and EU Special Representative Mr. Miroslav Lajcak, High Representative, provided a clear and succinct picture of the country today. He explained the complexity of the system of government of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the role of the international community. The political situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina remains divisive among ethnic lines and thus there is a lack of accountability to the state. The Dayton Accord succeeded in ending the war but 13 years later, is inadequate in protecting the rights of citizens and does not meet international conventions. Constitutional reform is necessary for the country to move forward and must not be imposed by the international community. The solution must be negotiated internally. European integration is a priority and may bring the three ethnic groups closer to compromise on the constitution. The High Representative thanked Canada for its support. Meeting with Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Bartnik, Commander for Canadian Forces for NATO Lieutenant Colonel Bartnik provided an overview of the NATO and EUFOR missions and defence reform. The delegation met with Canadian Forces for NATO posted in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Meeting with Major General Richard O. Wightman Jr., Commander NATO Headquarters Sarajevo / Senior Military Representative Major General Richard O. Wightman thanked Canada for its role within NATO in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Citizens are very thankful for the contributions Canada has made in the region. Defence reforms have been successful, most notably, the creation of a unified army within Bosnia-Herzegovina. General Wightman was very pleased with the results of the Bucharest NATO summit. The General stated that there is much to do to achieve NATO accession and most obstacles are political in nature. The High Representative has a large role to play in overcoming these political challenges to reach the goals of NATO and EU membership. The ongoing search for war criminals was discussed. Meeting with Major General Ignacio Villalain, Commander European Union Forces Bosnia and Herzegovina Major General Ignacio Villalain underlined the past Canadian contribution to the EUFOR Liaison Observer Teams in the country. He reiterated that the security situation in the country is fine; it is the political situation that is extremely complex. Participation at the Open Parliament hosted by the OSCE Speaker Milliken addressed students at the Open Parliament organized by the OSCE and provided an overview on the Canadian political system and governance structure. Participants raised issues of diversity, national identity, self-government, corruption in government and universities and youth engagement. CROATIA During the official visit to Croatia, the delegation met with: His Excellency Stjepan Mesic,President of the Republic;

His Excellency Ivo Sanader, Prime Minister;

His Excellency Luka Bebic, President of the Croatian Parliament;

Mr. Gordan Jandrokovic, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration;

Mr. Ivan Margaretic, President of City Council of Dubrovnik; and

Mr. Duro Market, President of the Tourist Bureau of Dubrovnik. Meeting with His Excellency Stjepan Mesic, President of the Republic President Mesic welcomed the delegation and noted that bilateral relations were good. He mentioned that there is room for increased economic relations. Croatia is a small market but can be viewed as a gateway to a regional market of 150 million consumers. Croatia products are not significantly visible in Canada. The President encouraged stronger links and new ways to improve relations. The President thanked Canada for its assistance during and following the war. Today, Croatia is in a position to provide aid through the United Nations. The President explained the current situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the repercussions instability would have on the region. Speaker Milliken congratulated the President on the results of the Bucharest NATO summit and wished Croatia well in EU accession. Speaker Milliken thanked the President for his views of Bosnia-Herzegovina and expressed his hope that the country will find a workable solution to its constitutional matters. The upcoming Francophonie Summit to be held in Quebec was discussed. Speaker Milliken thanked Croatia for its participation in Afghanistan. Meeting with His Excellency Ivo Sanader, Prime Minister Prime Minister Sanader applauded Canada's important role internationally. The Prime Minister confirmed that the first round of talks on a final NATO document had occurred and he expected a conclusion by July. The Prime Minister thanked Canada for removing the visa requirement of form IMM5559 and hoped that further liberalization of the visa regime will follow. He recalled his productive discussions on the topic with Prime Minister Harper at the NATO summit in Bucharest and mentioned a past meeting at the International Democratic Union in Washington. He noted that visas were a subject of his talks with President Bush during his visit to Croatia earlier in the month. Speaker Milliken thanked Croatia for its contribution to the NATO mission in Afghanistan. A discussion ensued on the upcoming elections in Serbia. The Prime Minister spoke to his efforts to improve interethnic relations in the region. Meeting with His Excellency Luka Bebic, President of the Croatian Parliament Speaker Bebic welcomed the delegation and thanked Canada for supporting Croatia in its bid for NATO and EU membership. Speaker Milliken congratulated Croatia on the results of the Bucharest Summit. The two Speakers shared their disappointment in the delay of the Republic of Macedonia’s membership. Speaker Milliken extended an invitation to Speaker Bebic to lead an official delegation to Canada. Speaker Bebic expressed his appreciation to Canada for removing form IMM5559 and expressed optimism in the prospect of visa exemption in the future. The potential of tourism in the country was discussed. Speaker Bebic described the parliamentary system and also the political system in the region. Recognition of Kosovo, the realities of the neighbouring states and the need for stability and inclusive discussions were discussed. Both Speakers praised the contributions to NATO missions and Speaker Bebic expressed his sympathies for the loss of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan. Speaker Bebic accepted Speaker Milliken’s invitation to visit Canada. Meeting with Mr. Gordan Jandrokovic, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration The Minister of Foreign Affairs praised the excellent bilateral relations and thanked Canada for its support on NATO. Regarding the visa issue, Minister Jandrokovic was pleased with the removal of form IMM559 and indicated that discussion to liberalize the visa regime with the U.S. have begun following President Bush’s visit. Speaker Milliken noted that tourism from Canada to Croatia is increasing and should be followed by increases in trade. The Minister expressed his sympathy for the loss of Canadian lives in Afghanistan. Speaker Milliken called for increased cooperation between the two NATO members in Afghanistan. Regarding Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia will support a constitutional agreement that is accepted by all three ethnic groups. A new constitution is required, as are public institution reforms. The Minister explained the relations and open issues with neighbouring countries and his hope for continued stability in the region. Meeting with Mr. Ivan Margaretic, President of the City Council of Dubrovnik and Mr. Duro Market, President of the Tourist Bureau of Dubrovnik Mr. Ivan Margaretic, President of the City Council provided an overview of the history of Dubrovnik and the impressive tourist industry that flourishes in the region. Speaker Milliken made reference to the direct summer Toronto-Zagreb flight. Enhanced cooperation in terms of tourism and educational exchanges were explored. Mr. Duro Market, Tourist Board President provided insight into the vibrant tourist industry and the need for enhanced infrastructure due to increased demand. It was agreed that tourism improves trade relations between the two countries. Acknowledgements The delegation would like to thank all the employees of the Embassies in Belgrade (responsible for the Republic of Macedonia), Sarajevo and Zagreb for their efforts in making this visit a great success. Special thanks are due to Mr. Robert MacDougall, Canada’s Ambassador to the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Patrick Hébert, Counsellor at the Embassy of Canada in Belgrade and Mr. Zivko Gruevski, Consul for the Consulate of Canada in in the Republic of Macedonia. In Bosnia-Herzegovina, special thanks are due to Mr. David Hutchings, Canada’s Ambassador to Bosnia-Herzegovina and Ms. Chrystiane Roy, Counsellor and Counsel. In Croatia, special thanks are due to Mr. Thomas Marr, Canada’s Ambassador to Croatia, Mr. Claude Demers, Counsellor and Ms. Vlatka Ljubenko, Cultural and Academic Officer at the Embassy of Canada. The members of the delegation left the Republic of Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia confident that their visit had contributed to enhancing parliamentary relations between our countries. Respectfully submitted, Peter Milliken, M.P., Speaker of the House of Commons

Travel Costs

Visit of the Honourable Peter Milliken, M.P., Speaker of the House of Commons and a parliamentary delegation to the Republic of Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia.

TRAVEL $60,978.87

PER DIEMS $1,855.56

PROTOCOL $7,378.58

TOTAL $70,213.01