Croatia won’t withdraw the ambassador to Serbia

Croatia’s foreign minister has said that the withdrawal of the country’s ambassador to Belgrade would not help a veteran wanted by Serbia on war crimes charges.

Foreign Minister Gordan Jandrokovic was commenting on a statement made on Thursday by the head of the Croatian disabled war veterans’ association, HVIDR, Josip Djakic.

Djakic called for the ambassador’s withdrawal over the case of Croatian war veteran Tihomir Purda, wanted in Serbia on war crimes charges, and Serbia’s attitude towards the Croatian justice authorities.

“I heard the statement by Mr Djakic and I can understand it. It’s emotional,” Jandrokovic said after a government meeting. “If the withdrawal of our ambassador from any city could help Mr Purda, we would do so.”

“We will use all legal means available and will follow developments and act in the interests of Croatia and of Mr Purda,” Jandrokovic said.