Milanović summoned Israeli ambassador: 'His statements cause political and reputational damage to Croatia'

(Patria) - The Ambassador of Israel to the Republic of Croatia, Gary Koren, was summoned yesterday to the Office of the President of Croatia, Zoran Milanović.

Milanović's advisor for foreign and European policy, Neven Pelicarić, warned Koren that his statements, in which he called on Croatia "to break diplomatic relations with Iran," are unacceptable and harmful to bilateral relations.

Koren also called for the verification of the staff of the Iranian embassy, stating that "members of the Revolutionary Guard are in it with the task of collecting intelligence and supporting terrorism".

"Croatia is a safe country, and the public claims of the Israeli ambassador are not supported by anything and only unnecessarily and groundlessly disturb Croatian citizens and cause political and reputational damage to the Republic of Croatia.

It is in Croatia's national interest to maintain its status as a safe and peaceful country, as the Croatian economy, primarily tourism, largely depends on it. Therefore, we ask the Israeli ambassador to refrain from any statements in the future that could harm Croatia.

The Republic of Croatia does not allow its ambassadors to interfere in the political processes of the countries in which they are accredited, nor will it allow foreign ambassadors and diplomats in Croatia to do so, just as it does not allow them to interfere in Croatia's relations with third countries.

As a sovereign state, Croatia will make all decisions related to cooperation with other countries independently, taking into account primarily its own interests and the interests of the Croatian people. We expect diplomatic representatives in Zagreb to respect this, as Croatia will not allow itself to be drawn into others' conflicts or wars," the statement from Milanović's office said.