Croatian diplomat expelled from Serbia for 'espionage', response follows that this is a worsening of relations between the two countries

(Patria) - Croatia expressed regret on Monday over the expulsion of its diplomat from Serbia, stating that it is a "step towards worsening" relations and destabilizing regional circumstances.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia (MFA) declared the first secretary of the Croatian Embassy in Serbia, Hrvoje Šnajder, a persona non grata on Monday for "grossly exceeding the framework of diplomatic norms," the Serbian MFA announced, without providing further details.

"We completely reject the basis for the expulsion of an accredited Croatian diplomat. The aforementioned decision by the Republic of Serbia represents a step towards worsening mutual relations, as well as further destabilizing sensitive regional political and security circumstances at a time when stability in Southeast Europe is of utmost importance for the whole of Europe," the statement from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MVEP) reads.

It is emphasized that this step represents "additional pressure on the staff of the Croatian Embassy in Belgrade, which is particularly manifested during the election period in the Republic of Serbia".

"In this regard, we express regret that the anticipated escalation of relations by the Republic of Serbia has materialized at this time with a drastic decision to expel a diplomat," it is added.

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs added that it reserves the right to respond to this move "at a time and in a manner it chooses."

The first secretary at the Croatian Embassy, Hrvoje Šnajder, was expelled from Serbia for espionage, the portal "Večernje novosti" reported on Monday evening, citing unofficial sources, after the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously announced the decision that the Croatian diplomat was unwelcome.

"This involves documented espionage and recruitment to work for the Croatian service. This means that evidence has been gathered that Šnajder violated the Vienna Convention regulating diplomatic and consular relations, and as a result, he was declared a persona non grata," state the pro-government "Večernje novosti".

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia announced earlier on Monday, without providing further details, that on "November 20, 2023, it made a decision to declare Hrvoje Šnajder, first secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Belgrade, a persona non grata, in accordance with Article 9 of the Vienna Convention, which regulates diplomatic and consular relations," writes Nacional.

Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations states that "the receiving State may at any time and without having to explain its decision, notify the sending State that any head of mission or any other member of the diplomatic staff of the mission is persona non grata."