"Sanader's arrest wasn't a condition from Europe and the European Commission. But as far as Croatia and common sense are concerned, clearing up the Sanader case is an absolute condition," she told press after a session of the committee which focused on the meeting of benchmarks in the negotiation chapter on the judiciary and fundamental rights.

Pusic added that Sanader's arrest on suspicion of corruption was not the topic of the session, but that he "is part of the need to clear up suspicion of corruption at the highest level."

Pusic said that without shedding light on the summit of corruption, it was impossible to shed light on the connection between high-ranking politicians and corruption. She added, however, that the atmosphere of lynching was as dangerous as amnesty from responsibility for corruption.

After the meeting, which was also attended by Justice Minister Drazen Bosnjakovic, Pusic said the European Commission demanded six pieces of evidence from Zagreb for closing the chapter on the judiciary and fundamental rights - electing the Judicial Appointment Council by secret ballot by the end of January, protection of human rights, the fight against discrimination, protection of minority rights, refugee return and provision of housing for them, and evidence of what has been done to suppress and punish corruption.

The Commission will release a report on the meeting of benchmarks for said chapter on March 11. Pusic expects Croatia to be ready close the chapter by mid-February.

Responding to questions from the press, she said the process of Croatia's EU accession could not be slowed down by a petition by Croatian Serb refugees, who want to stop Croatia from joining the Union before their demands are met.

"The petition can't slow down Croatia if we are doing what is in the interest of the protection of our citizens, and we are," said Pusic.