That what the perpetrators did by stoning houses of Serb returnees and setting a fire "is a direct attack against the declared policy of promoting coexistence and creating prerequisites for the secure and safe return of all who left Croatia during the war", the Office of the President stated in a press release.
Being a homeland of its equal citizens, Croatia will in no way discriminate citizens on any basis. Our goal is to have a Croatia based on tolerance and the respect for all human and minorities' rights, and we shall remain committed to this goal for the sake of our own future and for the sake of finding our niche in an united Europe, Mesic was quoted in the press release as saying.
The president praised the police for the timely intervention and added that he hoped that the perpetrators would receive appropriate punishment.
Mesic is due to talk with Serbian President Boris Tadic by phone later in the day about the incident.