In today's report to the UN Security Council, del Ponte said that Croatian General Ante Gotovina had been repeatedly seen in Croatia since his disappearance in June 2001, the last time in the summer of this year. She also said he enjoyed a hero's status among the Croatian population and that he was protected by a strong network.
"We declare, i.e. all information points to this, that General Gotovina is not in Croatia. Everyone, including Carla del Ponte, must provide proof for their claims," Sanader said on national television in a primetime broadcast.
He added the Government would thoroughly examine del Ponte's report and see in what it differed from the Government's positions.
Sanader estimated that the European Union, in setting the date for Croatia's admission talks, would consider del Ponte's as well as the Croatian Government's report.
He dismissed speculation that in exchange for a positive report from del Ponte, the Government had pledged that Gotovina would be extradited and transferred to The Hague by the time the report was submitted.