"Ante Gotovina is not a hostage of Croatia. He is very well and I can convey his best regards to you," Cesic said at a rally he held in the cultural centre in the Borovo Naselje residential area.
Cesic went on to say that it was not Gotovina but corrupt politicians who were a major obstacle on Croatia's road towards the European Union.
"Yes for the European Union, but not at any cost" Cesic said adding that "Ante Gotovina is a Croatian war hero, and Franjo Tudjman the greatest Croat in history".
Earlier in the day Cesic toured the nearby towns of Ilok, Sarengrad and Sotin.