Croatian Foreign Ministry regrets expulsion of its diplomat from Serbia

“We completely reject the grounds for expelling the accredited Croatian diplomat,” said the Croatian Ministry in a press release.

It found that Serbia’s decision “is a step towards a deterioration in mutual relations, as well as further destabilization of the sensitive political and security situation in the region at a time when stability in South-Eastern Europe is extremely important for the whole of Europe.”

It also said that this step puts “additional pressure on the staff of the Croatian Embassy in Belgrade” in the run-up to elections in Serbia, set for 17 December.

“In this regard, we express our regret that the anticipated escalation of relations by Serbia at this time was realized with a drastic decision to expel the diplomat,” said the Croatian Ministry.

The Croatian Ministry said it reserves the right to respond to this move “at a time and in a manner it chooses.”