"Ice age" in political relations between Serbia and Croatia

"Ice age" in political relations between Serbia and Croatia

Zagreb criticizes Serbia almost every day since Šešelj's return to the country. After several days of silence, Belgrade strikes back.

Ivica Dačić and Rasim Ljajić responded to many statemens from Ivo Josipović, Zoran Milanović and Croatian opposition.

Members of the Serbian government said that Zagreb's demands adressed to Belgrade to "dissociate" from Šešelj are pure politicking. Presidential campaigne in Croatia started recently, and everyday mentioning of Serbia is a way for collecting cheap political points, Dačić and Ljajić recently stated.

- Presidential elections are "just arround the corner" in Croatia. They are also dealing with constant protests of war veterans. They have influence on political regime in Croatia and impose political rhytm. That's the reason why Croatian governement is affraid to criticize them - Aleksandar Popov, director of Centre for Regionalism stated for "Blic."

Popov says that Serbia is not responsible for Šešelj's release. He thinks that's the Tribunal's responsibility.

The "Šešelj situation" is just a cause. Problems between two countries are numerous, including mutual accusations to International Court of Justice in the Hague.

Presidents Josipović and Nikolić have a bad communication since the beginnig, and cooperation between two governments is not so good.