ONE YEAR OF CROATIAFOCUS

06.11.03

Croatiafocus was set up to provide a fresh alternative to certain other websites that deal with Croatia. Some are funded by particular governments and institutions, and are often politically motivated, setting Croatia within an inappropriate 'Balkan' framework. Writings on Bosnia-Herzegovina are usually no better. Croatiafocus provides superior analysis, free from ideological bias.

Over the last year, Croatiafocus has brought a more realistic perspective than our rivals. We have been at the forefront of reporting EU 'regional policy' towards Croatia, revealing the reality of the 'West Balkans' plan as opposed to the much reported entry of Croatia in 2007. Will EU policy change? Quite possibly - Croatiafocus will tell you first.

Indeed, just recently we were the first to report the news that Hague Prosecutor Carla del Ponte was to extend the indictment against General Gotovina and that she had been investigating BiH ex-president Izetbegovic. Despite a Croatian Radio Television presence at the event, this news was reported in Croatia only when the Hague spokeswoman announced it the following day. We got there first by issuing an article on Del Ponte's comments just hours after she spoke, while also pointing out her loss of temper when asked about Gotovina.

We tackled topics such as proposed British asylum seekers camps in Croatia and the situation of Croats in Bosnia-Herzegovina. We have provided unique analysis of Paddy Ashdown's tenure as High Representative of BiH. Who else has explored the implications of the remarkable similarity of certain of Paddy Ashdown's Liberal Democrat views to those of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) of BiH?

Croatiafocus has been ahead of the others; advocating the recognition of election victories in Bosnia-Herzegovina of parties such as the Croatian Democratic Union - whatever one thinks of them - before it became fashionable to do so. Even the influential International Crisis Group is starting to come around to our way of thinking. On matters where Croatiafocus is concerned, we lead - the others follow, and sometimes at a considerable distance!

All those involved in helping us with support and information are thanked. Special thanks must go to Tonci Prusac of The Croatian Herald in Australia, for having the vision to suggest and run Brian Gallagher's Viewpoint from London column in The Croatian Herald's popular New Generation supplement.

Unlike some providers, Croatiafocus allows free access to all its articles and shall continue to do so for the foreseeable future. We will also be continuing our "of interest elsewhere" feature - carefully selecting the cream of Croatia-related material in the media.

There is soon to be an election in Croatia - a new government will be elected or the current government will be returned for a second term. Either way this will have an impact on Croatia's international relations. We shall be here to report it. Join us then for the next year of Croatiafocus.

Regards,

Brian Gallagher

Paul Stroud