ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with a short review of the most recent political events in Croatia. It then presents the general activities of the Mission and its preliminary conclusions regarding progress made by the Government in fulfilling its international commitments in recent months and concludes with an update on the forthcoming parliamentary elections. Croatia is confronted with a process of post-conflict normalisation, as well as the transition from socialism to democracy. For the first time since independence, the dominance of the party in power, the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), and its charismatic leader, are questioned at the national level. Based on a rather broad mandate of April 1996, the Mission monitors the Government's progress in meeting the numerous commitments it has undertaken. The reports presented do not describe the 'current state of affairs' in the country, but assess the progress of the Government of the Republic of Croatia in fulfilling its international obligations and commitments during the reporting period.
