"The reasons, at least to me, aren't absolutely clear because the time in the end doesn't change the functionality of that law. It's just a matter of whether person 'A, B or C' will be included in the extradition procedure one month earlier or later", Josipovic said on the RTL commercial television network.

He assessed however that this related to "political symbolism which however is important". "That (symbolism) relates to whether Croatia respects European law or is acting out of spite on matters that should not be treated that way," Josipovic said.

He said that any solution that was agreed to with the European Commission was acceptable to him, regardless of the timeframe.

Asked if Prime Minister Milanovic had consulted him over the amendments to the law on judicial cooperation in criminal matters with European Union member states, colloquially referred to as "Lex Perkovic" , Josipovic said "there is always a possibility of a difference of opinion on certain concrete matters."

"This is one of those matters that I was not consulted on, but we discussed it during the process just like I regularly talk with the prime minister. We exchanged opinions and the difference in our opinion can be seen in our public statements," he said.

When it comes to the Social Democratic Party's (SDP) initiative for amendments to the Constitution which would remove the statute of limitations on politically motivated murders, Josipovic said that the amendments would send a certain political message but that caution was needed in this regard.

"It is important that we understand the criteria that politically motivated crimes are the same for everyone, that means this doesn't just refer to communist crimes. Crimes were committed before and after Croatia became an independent state. I appeal for wisdom because this is a matter that could antagonise society and if it becomes part of every day political battles Croatia could be faced with instability and that would not be good," Josipovic said.

He underscored however that he did not think that communist crimes should not be touched.

"No, what I mean is that there have to be clear criteria, equal for all. All that concerns the judiciary should be referred to the judiciary and individual crimes should not be discussed in the Sabor but in courts and the Prosecutor's Office. When it comes to political processes and historical assessments then incumbent and future MPs are not qualified, this is up to historians, experts in various fields, and politicians of course", he said.