The media's argument that relations between Croatia and Serbia have entered an ice age is simply not correct and is probably the result of a somewhat cooler rhetoric given certain statements from Serbia, Croatian President Ivo Josipovic said in an interview with Deutsche Welle (DW) on Sunday.
"The cause for this incorrect ice age argument is the fact that there are no official meetings between Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic and me. We will meet the moment both of us will be able to assure our citizens that we can contribute to improving the atmosphere between the two countries. Talks are being held about this. We have no diplomatic disputes, we don't need mediators and it is not necessary for us to meet on neutral territory," Josipovic said.
The Croatian president underlined that efforts were constantly being invested so as to resolve outstanding issues.
"We are cooperating in the prosecution of criminals, war criminals, new companies are being opened, both Croatian and Serbian, sport clubs are playing, artists are performing," Josipovic said refuting the argument about an ice age in bilateral relations.
Commenting on Zagreb's policy towards Bosnia and Herzegovina, Josipovic said it was based on the respect of sovereignty and principles of non-interference in the home affairs of the neighbouring country. He added that at the same time Croatia was meeting its constitutional regulations about assisting the Croat people living outside Croatia.
Josipovic said he did not believe that Croatia's EU entry would cause a mass emigration of Croats from Bosnia, adding that the main reason why people were leaving Bosnia was poverty and lack of work.
He once again condemned hate speech made by some Croatian politicians and public figures against Serbs, saying those were excesses and not a pattern of Croatia's policy.
