ZAGREB, April 26, 2018 - The Serbian government has decided to declare Croatian Defence Minister Damir Krstičević persona non grata, authorities in Belgrade reported on Thursday.
"The Serbian government decided at its session on Thursday to adopt reciprocal measures against Croatia, under which Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević is not welcome to Serbia until further notice," the government said in a press release.
It said this was a reciprocal measure to counter the Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Ministry's decision of 21 April declaring Serbian Defence Minister Aleksandar Vulin persona non grata in Croatia.
Serbia said that Croatia's moves are contrary to the spirit of good neighbourly relations and respect of fundamental European values that include freedom of movement, the statement said. The press release goes on to say that the Serbia government remains committed to building good neighbourly relations with Croatia, refraining from steps that could deteriorate relations with the neighbours.
Krstičević said on Thursday that the decision by the Serbian government to declare him persona non grata was unwarranted, adding: "I never offended anyone or said something that was not true. I never went to Serbia or said anything bad."
"Serbian Defence Minister Aleksandar Vulin and I are worlds apart. I am focused on developing and strengthening the Croatian military, strengthening the homeland security system in the interest of Croatia. In my job I am always guided by values, by my responsibilities, and most importantly, I never do to others what I wouldn't want others to do to me," Krstičević told reporters in Zagreb when asked to comment on the Serbian government's decision to declare him persona non grata. "I was like that during the Homeland War, after my forced retirement and when I worked in the private sector, and now as defence minister," he added.
Krstičević said that the Croatian decision was justified. "It was our response to provocations by Vulin, and any modern country which protects its sovereignty, dignity and national interests would do the same," he stressed. "However, this decision is unjustified. It is a decision made by the Serbian government, I can deal with it, but it speaks much more about them," the Croatian defence minister said.
Asked to comment on the reason for the Serbian government's decision, Krstičević said it could be his involvement in the Homeland War as commander of the 4th Guards Brigade, or many other reasons. "What I did and what I do now is honourably serving Croatia," he said.
Asked how he saw further cooperation with Serbia, Krstičević said he was always in favour of cooperation, adding that the Croatian military was cooperating with everyone, especially with key allies the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel and Sweden. "We need to cooperate. We are cooperating with our neighbours. Croatia always wants cooperation and dialogue and wants the focus to be on the future. Croatia is a member of NATO and the EU and is forward-looking," Krstičević said.
He said that he was in touch with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and that he should be asked how Croatia would respond.
