"Zuzul's decision to leave the post of foreign minister was an autonomous political decision," Sanader said after a meeting with leaders of parliamentary parties.
The PM could not say who would succeed Zuzul, but only said that he would reveal the name of the new minister when the time came.
Sanader explained that his statement of last week about the government's readiness to reconsider its decision to appoint Zuzul as head of the team for negotiations with the EU and European Integration Minister Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic as chief negotiator was the government's contribution to efforts to reach a consensus with parliamentary parties.
"There were no suggestions from the EU with regard to that matter," Sanader told reporters.
Speaking highly of Zuzul's work, Sanader reiterated that he had requested Zuzul to complete all previously arranged foreign policy activities before the start of negotiations with the EU.
He would not comment on whether he would like Zuzul to be succeeded by a career diplomat, stating that the only thing that mattered was whether someone was a good politician.
The PM indirectly dismissed media speculation that Zuzul would be succeeded by Culture Minister Bozo Biskupic.
"Biskupic is a very good minister and it would not be wise to transfer a successful minister to another ministry."
Sanader also would not comment on reporters' remarks about the possible appointment as foreign minister of a state secretary at the Foreign Ministry, Hido Biscevic, stating that he did not want to speculate. The new minister has not been chosen yet, but the government will definitely appoint a good minister, he said.
The PM would neither confirm nor dismiss speculation that Deputy Prime Minister Andrija Hebrang was leaving the government for health reasons. He added that he would soon meet and talk with Hebrang, who he said had received a final diagnosis.
"Hebrang will then address the public and say what he has to say," he said.
Sanader also would not comment on speculation that Tourism and Transport Minister Bozidar Kalmeta and Economy Minister Branko Vukelic would not go unscathed by a government reshuffle.