Skare Ozbolt was speaking to reporters in the eastern town of Djakovo where she opened offices of her Democratic Centre (DC) party. She is a member of the National Security Council, which is scheduled to meet later today to discuss the Gotovina case.
The minister commented on graffiti of support to the fugitive general that appeared in the centre of Djakovo this morning. The graffiti read "If you betray Ante, you will betray yourselves" and "Ante Gotovina, we will not let them get you". One such message also appeared on the wall of the local police station, but was promptly erased.
"Those who write such graffiti cannot see beyond the wall," Skare Ozbolt said.
"Only General Ante Gotovina can refute the formidable allegations from the Hague tribunal's indictment. He should do it for his own sake and for the sake of the Croatian past," the minister said.
Skare Ozbolt denied reports that any member of the government had contacted Gotovina, but would not say if anyone else had done it on the government's behalf.
Speaking of her party's preparations for the forthcoming local elections, Skare Ozbolt said that the DC would run in the elections on its own.