The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia recently declared Hrvoje Šnajder, the first secretary at the Croatian Embassy in Serbia, persona non grata for allegedly stepping outside of the diplomatic framework. The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs responded to this decision by expressing regret and completely rejecting the grounds for expelling an accredited Croatian diplomat. They stated that Serbia’s decision represents a step towards deteriorating mutual relations and further destabilizing sensitive regional political and security conditions at a time when stability in South-Eastern Europe is crucial for the continent as a whole.
The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs also expressed concern about the expulsion of the Croatian diplomat adding additional pressure on the employees of the Croatian embassy in Belgrade, particularly during the pre-election period in the Republic of Serbia. They regretted that the anticipated escalation of relations by Serbia was realized with a drastic decision to expel diplomats. The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs concluded by reserving the right to respond to this move at the time and in the manner of their choosing.