Plenkovic talks reports of BiH indictments against Croatian wartime commanders

“Just look at where Croatian generals and soldiers are today. Croatia is a serious state that defends its national interests and protects members of the Croatian Army. We respond to every such situation, just as we have done over the past nine years. Communication is open with all who wish to engage, and we will continue to act as we have so far,” Plenkovic told reporters.

President Zoran Milanovic also spoke of the indictments during a ceremony marking Croatian Army Day, describing them as a political abuse that must stop.

Some Croatian media outlets report that the new indictments may name former defence minister and retired Major General Damir Krsticevic, the recently deceased Lieutenant General Mate Lausic, and HVO generals Mijo Jelic, Stanko Sopta, and Tihomir Blaskic.

These reports remain unofficial. As of yesterday, there was no confirmation from official sources in BiH, and the indictments were not listed on the websites of either the BiH Prosecutor’s Office or that of Republika Srpska.

Retired General Ljubo Cesic told reporters four new indictments had arrived on 2 May.

Croatia is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s strongest advocate for EU integration

President Milanovic questioned how Croatia can support BiH’s European integration while proceedings are still being conducted against Croatian officers from the wartime period.

Plenkovic said today Croatia’s support for BiH on its EU path must continue, noting that Croatia played a key role in advancing BiH’s accession process.

“Our involvement, particularly our support for the Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers, Borjana Kristo, was crucial in securing last year’s decision at the European Council to open accession negotiations. Without our efforts, let me be clear that the decision would not have been made. Our support will remain firm and unwavering,” said Plenkovic.

“These are legal matters that we are resolving in parallel. We are here to support Bosnia and Herzegovina,” he added.

He stressed that Croatia’s “strong and sincere support” is recognised by Croatian partners in BiH and expressed hope that Bosniaks and Serbs in BiH will also come to understand this better, reiterating that “there is no greater ally and advocate for BiH’s European path than Croatia.”