The search for Tomislav Salopek continues.
Egyptian authorities are doing everything in their power to locate and rescue kidnapped Tomislav Salopek, said Ahmed Abu Zeid, a spokesman for the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. “We have found certain evidence, traces which need to be tested. We are trying to locate him.” He added that Croatian and Egyptian diplomatic services remain in constant contact, reports Slobodna Dalmacija on August 10, 2015.
The main question that everyone in Croatia wants to know the answer to is whether Tomislav Salopek is alive. “That is something we are still trying to find out. I think that it would have already been announced if it were the opposite”, said Abu Zeid.
According to the Egyptian media, the Egyptian authorities are conducting extensive military-police operation in the field which includes Apache helicopters. The security forces have reportedly raided the strongholds of militants in the Sinai Peninsula. Abu Zeid said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no information about the operational details of the investigation. But, he added that the Egyptian authorities are trying to resolve this issue as soon as possible.
“Such incidents are isolated, scattered, occurring in some parts of the country. You can see how the Egyptians live. Egypt is not an area of terrorism, but such things happen. There is a need for all states to coordinate their efforts, show solidarity and share information because all of these incidents demonstrate that terrorism does not distinguish between religions and countries. The terrorists have their own dynamics, their own theories”, explained the spokesman.
Two members of the Egyptian antiterrorist special unit were killed and three were wounded while looking for Salopek. Their vehicle crossed over a landmine planted by the members of the ISIL. The Egyptian Interior Ministry has confirmed the death of Captain Mohammed Amin Ismail Abyssinian and recruit Ahmed Mehann. They said that this event will not prevent them from searching for Tomislav Salopek.
Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović said on Monday that she cannot comment on the case of kidnapped Tomislav Salopek, but asked the media to respect his security and privacy of his family.
“At this moment, I cannot comment on anything about this case”, said the president in Split after she was asked whether there were any news about Salopek. “I once again ask for your understanding and ask the media to keep the whole issue within the proper limits”, said Grabar-Kitarović.
