With regard to the allegations about unauthorised use of the official vehicle of the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Washington for private purposes, the MFAEI states the following.

Immediately after learning about this, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Gordan Jandroković requested an inquiry into these allegations and internal control conducted. The investigation about unauthorised surveillance and filming of the diplomatic staff and their family members accredited to the United States of America was initiated at the same time.

In this regard, it was requested from the competent service in charge of the safety of the diplomatic staff and objects to conduct an urgent investigation. Until all facts have been established and the perpetrators of this act prohibited by law identified, or the potential organiser(s) who ordered it, the security level at the Croatian Embassy in Washington has been raised to a higher level.

As regards the use of the official vehicle by the spouses of the ambassadors, they are not only entitled but also obligated to participate in the diplomatic activities, and it is essential to provide the prerequisites to this end. As such, they may use the car personally or with the driver. This, of course, depends on the occasion and the event. Use of the official vehicle is approved by the ambassador or the authorised person in the diplomatic mission.

Whether there had been abuse in the case concerned will be established in the inquiry that was launched.

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