"The talks focused on the start of Croatia's negotiations with the EU. A problem which crops up in that regard is Croatia's ability to fulfil conditions concerning its relationship with the Hague tribunal. We also discussed bilateral relations, including trade and tourism, which are developing well, although mutual investments are still very scarce," said Cimoszewicz, who is on an official visit to Croatia.
Asked by a Polish reporter if Gotovina was only a burden for Croatia or if he was also a hero, Cimoszewicz said that "it is clear that the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia and emergence of new states was very dramatic, but all those who committed crimes have to answer for them individually".
"This is a unanimous position of the EU and the Hague tribunal and there can be no exceptions. If an exception is allowed, it may become a rule, and that would not be good any more," Cimoszewicz said.
He reiterated that the tribunal had its suspicions about the possible whereabouts of General Gotovina, and that if those suspicions were proved true, Croatia's negotiations with the EU could be postponed.