"This is a premeditated and carefully planned move made ahead of local elections with the aim of discrediting me as the top candidate of the (Croatian Democratic Union) slate for the city of Zadar in the eyes of the international factors," Kalmeta was quoted as saying for the Croatian Television (HTV) prime news programme on Saturday evening.
Kalmeta added that this was not the first time that allegations of this type were being made ahead of important events and dates for Croatia. The minister referred to the first session of the European Union task force in charge of assessing Croatia's cooperation with the UN war crimes tribunal, scheduled for Tuesday (26 April).
Banic was quoted by the HTV television as saying that while he was Zadar Mayor Kalmeta asked him that the tanker shipping company should monthly pay 25,000 dollars on a bank account of the law firm of Luka Mistic, one of attorneys for Gen. Gotovina, who is wanted by the ICTY tribunal. The funds were to be used for the costs of the defence team and needs of the Gotovina family, according to Banic who said that he had refused to do so.
Banic accused Kalmeta of 'political racketeering' and called on him to resign.
Lawyer Misetic on Saturday evening issued a press release resolutely refuting Banic's accusations.
Misetic said that he had never asked, nor had he ever received 25,000 dollars in a month from anyone.
He said that he had never seen Banic and that he had never talked or communicated with Kalmeta, adding that he was outraged by the HTV report which the television aired without contacting him before that.
Misetic stressed that all members of the defence team were representing General Gotovina 'pro bono', namely without receiving fees for their services.