"The Serbs of Virovitica County are not happy with the fact that some political circles in Serbia mention Virovitica as their military and political goal. We, Serbs living in this county, say that we have always lived and that we will always live in our country, Croatia. Our message to the Serbs who originate from our county but who keep on dreaming about different borders, is that they should stay where they are because they are not welcome here," Council chairman Stanisa Zarkovic said in a statement on Thursday.
"It is because of such ideas that the war broke out, after which all people here live hard. The war caused great loss of life, property destruction and other negative things that happen in wars. Our local government has recognised the views of the Serbs, so today we have our own representative in the county government. Here both Croats and Serbs have common goals, and that is a better life for all. Our minority is facing difficulties in the process of refugee return, which we manage to deal with despite the poor economic situation. Because of all that, even if you come here, you will have to answer not only to legal institutions but also to all the Serbs in Virovitica County," Zarkovic said.