George Floyd's murder during his arrest in Minneapolis has triggered off a wave of protests, originally in the USA and then in other countries where police brutality occurs on their territory, for example against aborigines in Australia.
Large protests have also taken place in numerous cities in Europe including London, Berlin and Paris as well as Sofia, Pristina and Athens.
"Croatia is a democracy with the highest standards developed and obviously there is no reason or basis for protests to be held here which in one way would suggest that Croatian society is tolerant and supports human rights and the rule of law," said Grlic Radman.
He added that "everyone is shocked by the horrific scene" of Floyd's killing after a white policemen knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes even though Floyd said he couldn't breathe.
"We nevertheless hope that that is not the picture in all of the USA with which Croatia and the European Union have a common system of values which include human rights, non-discrimination of race, religion or national origin," Grlic Radman told reporters.
Grlic Radman participated in a video conference of European foreign ministers in the development configuration as part of Croatia's presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2020.
He said that he was satisfied with the adoption of five sets of conclusions defined during the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the EU, and in this context he underlined the political, economic and social empowerment of youth and the Team Europe project whereby the EU plans to help partner countries in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grlic Radman emphasised that in the fight against the novel coronavirus "it is important to act together, in a coordinated manner and show solidarity,” and that assistance to the most vulnerable group of countries "is the obligation of us all," concluded the minister.
Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also participated in the video conference and presented the current situation related to the pandemic, projections and crucial needs.
"He thanked and highlighted Croatia's presidency and activities several times," Grlic Radman informed.