Both Croatia and Slovenia in 1995 ratified the European Extradition Convention of 1957 which is applicable to relations between the two countries. As for Slovenia's relations with other EU members, the Framework Decision on the European Arrest Warrant is in force. Since the European Commission does not know the details of the case, we have no further comment, said Matthew Newman, spokesman for Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding.

Newman was responding to a question about procedures followed by the EU in cases when a fugitive flees Croatia to the EU and how long he can stay there.

Sanader left Croatia on Thursday morning, shortly before the Croatian Parliament stripped him of his parliamentary immunity. He crossed the Croatian-Slovenian border at Bregana.

Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele also declined to comment on the case of the former Croatian prime minister, while the European Parliament's Rapporteur for Croatia, Hannes Swoboda, said that it would be best for Sanader to return to Croatia so that it could be determined in court whether he was guilty or not.

We do not comment on individual cases. At the same time I can say that the fight against corruption is an important part of Chapter 23 -- Judiciary and Fundamental Rights, if you see it as not just that you have the necessary legislation and institutional framework but also a track record showing that the legislation and the institutions are functioning. I can say that Croatia has a good track record, and at the beginning of March next year the Commission will submit a report on compliance with the benchmarks in Chapter 23, Fuele responded to a reporter's question at a press conference after meeting with Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic.

Swoboda said that the Croatian government and parliament should act in accordance with the law, regardless of the person in question.

I think it's best for Sanader that it is precisely determined what he did and what he did not do, and I think it is important that this be clarified before the accession treaty with Croatia is signed, because the fight against corruption is one of our highest expectations of Croatia, Swoboda said.

When asked to comment on the news that Sanader left Croatia via Slovenia, Swoboda said this was a bit strange considering conflicts with the Slovenian government.

I hope Sanader decides to obey the law and return to Croatia. That would be the best, because if he is innocent, which I hope he is, he will be able to say that in court. I expect an impartial trial, because he has done a lot for Croatia, but he is not above the law, Swoboda said.