The names of possible ambassadors "were made public long before... The media didn't get them from (my office). Perhaps it can be found out where they came from but I do agree that it's a disgrace," he said at the marking of the 20th anniversary of the military police.

Foreign Minister Gordan Jandrokovic said earlier that the publication of the names of the ambassador nominees in the media was an attack on his ministry by the opposition Social Democratic Party, but would not speculate if the names had been leaked from Josipovic's office.

"I don't want to speculate on who divulged the names, but it definitely was not the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration," the minister said, adding that he was willing to meet with Josipovic as soon as possible to analyse "name by name" the nominations for new ambassadors and consuls.

"PM Kosor invited (Josipovic) to talks. We are ready for a fair discussion during which we will make appropriate decisions," Jandrokovic said.

"As for a possible meeting about ambassadors, I am always for meeting with everyone, but the procedure won't change. We have the law and the Constitution and this must be honoured," said Josipovic.

He said he was willing to discuss every nominee upon receipt of the official proposal and the opinion of the relevant committee, adding that he had nothing against discussing the matter with Kosor as well.

Asked when a meeting with Kosor could be held, he said, "when commitments allow it."

Asked if he still thought that Jandrokovic should be relieved of duty, Josipovic said, "I said what I would do, but I know that's up to the prime minister and I don't have the right to give her orders."

Josipovic said that any minister who attacked the president as Jandrokovic had done must suffer the consequences and reiterated that this was within Kosor's remit.