In an interview with the latest issue of the Belgrade-based Vreme weekly, Tadic says that his meeting with Croatian President Ivo Josipovic will make sense if it can be seen that its results will be shown to the two countries' citizens.

"The new Croatian President has underlined nicely that for them it is very important that Ratko Mladic is brought before the Hague tribunal, but I would like to add that it is much more important for Serbia," Tadic says.

Commenting on the ICTY trial of Gotovina and another two Croatian generals, the Serbian head of state says that "for Serbia it is important to see Croatia deliver all documents related to the charges against Gotovina. His case is about grave war crimes against Serbs and it would not be good if Croatia obstructed the trial and the revelation of the full truth by not delivering the documents to the court."

According to Tadic, a possible acquittal of Gotovina due to "the so-called lack of evidence" would unfavourably affect relations between Serbia and Croatia.

Regarding plans for his meeting with Josipovic, Tadic said that the meeting should be seriously prepared and that "it should not be a part of political decor".

"Croatia has expectations from Serbia. Serbia has expectations from Croatia. The two countries' interests and rights should be recognised and they should establish which interests they share... mutual relations should be improved step by step."

Recalling that he knew Josipovic from before, Tadic says that he is carefully following the first days of the new Croatian president's term in office.

Tadic said leaders of the two countries should deal with the return of Serb refugees, respect for their human and minority rights, and property repossession.

He added that the exchange of opinions on sentences for war crimes suspects and cooperation with the ICTY should also be on the agenda of his talks with Josipovic.