Regarding yesterday’s comments by Swedish Ambassador to Belgrade Krister Bringeus on “Croatia and Serbia’s joint EU entry between 2012 and 2015”, made on the occasion of the opening of a green market in Lebane, co-financed by the Kingdom of Sweden, Assistant Minister Neven Pelicarić invited to a meeting Swedish Ambassador to Zagreb Lars Freden, in order to express his concern over said statements and demand Sweden’s official position on Croatia’s EU negotiations
At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration asked Croatian Ambassador to Sweden Svjetlan Berković to request of the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Stockholm an official explanation of Ambassador Bringeus’ statements.
The Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded that Ambassador Bringeus’ statement was transferred incorrectly, and was originally directed at inciting Serbia to turn towards the EU as soon as possible and once and for all.
Ambassador Freden reiterated the official positions stated on 13 February 2008 before the Swedish Parliament on behalf of the Swedish Government by Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, stating that in the preparations for its 2009 EU presidency Sweden plans to close the negotiation process with Croatia, and will stand firm by that position. Any other interpretations and statements do not reflect the official positions of the Kingdom of Sweden.
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