In the interview published on Friday, Josipovic spoke about his coming visit to Belgrade, planned for this autumn, cooperation between the two countries and their shared European future. He expressed hope that different positions regarding Operation Storm, the 18th anniversary of which will be marked on Monday, would not spoil plans for development of cooperation.

"The fact about a significant number of Serb casualties in that operation gives Serbia the right to have a different view. Although we will most probably have to accept the fact that some events from the past are viewed differently by different sides, I expect Serbs to accept with understanding the importance Operation Storm has for Croatia's freedom. On the other hand, Croatia must treat all victims with all due respect, punish the crimes and make it possible for all people who wish to return to do so," the Croatian president said.

Josipovic said that he saw his coming visit to Belgrade "more as an incentive than as a new beginning."

"Given the difficult history and the recent war, relations have thawed over the past three or four years, and it is normal that we are exchanging tourists, that musicians are holding concerts, that theaters are coming from one country to the other, exhibitions are being set up, our athletes are competing in matches that are mostly fair. Our police forces and the judiciary are intensively cooperating, mutual trade and investments are going up," Josipovic stressed.

He said he expected Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic to encourage the resolving of numerous outstanding issues between the two countries and promote furthering of Croatia-Serbia relations.

"We have many outstanding issues that our very important to both of our countries and citizens. I would like to underscore the issue of approximately 1,700 missing persons, seized cultural goods which Serbia has not yet returned, the issue of refugees, Serbs from Croatia and Croats from Serbia, numerous property-related issues .. There is also the issue of succession to the former Yugoslavia, as well as the border issue along the Danube river. Besides, we must advance cooperation in the economy, the prosecution of war crimes and the fight against organised crime," Josipovic said, listing the issues that would be on the agenda during his talks with the Serbian head of state.

Commenting on the interviewer's remark that Croatia had shown a great degree of reserve, Josipovic said Zagreb saw Nikolic as a legitimately elected president of Serbia.

"There were no reserves towards Nikolic and initial contacts with him were encouraging. He is a legally and legitimately elected president, he represents Serbia, and Croatia is treating him accordingly. It is true that some statements provoked dissatisfaction and that too contributed to the impression that relations have entered an ice age, as somebody has put it," Josipovic said.

He also commented on Serbia's European integration process and its coming negotiations with the EU.

"There are many similarities between our societies and Serbia will most definitely find our experience useful. We are prepared to offer all the help we can, not only to Belgrade but to all other neighbours as well," the Croatian president said.