Croatian Minister of Foreign Affairs held an emergency press conference in Rijeka
After yesterday’s public address by the Prime Minister Zoran Milanović, Croatian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vesna Pusić held an emergency press conference today with only one subject – the alleged murder of Tomislav Salopek. Minister Pusić once again stated that this grim news cannot be confirmed with 100% certainty and that it is very possible that we will never find out whether the person ISIS is showing in the photos is Tomislav Salopek, Croatian national who was kidnapped by ISIS on July 22nd in Cairo, Egypt.
According to Pusić, a ransom demand was sent to the French company Tomislav Salopek was employed by, however, on August 5th when the video came out, ransom terms changed so it is evident two different terrorist organisations were involved in Tomislav’s kidnapping. After the video appeared, money was no longer on their list of demands, instead, kidnappers were asking for the release of all female Muslim prisoners in Egypt which was a bad sign in itself given that this particular demand was not specific. When asked if the Egyptian authorities were ever ready to negotiate with the terrorists she responded that, to her knowledge, this was never an option, especially since their demands were so vague.
Communication between Croatian state agencies and their Egyptian counterparts began only hours after the release of the video and within 24 hours, Minister Pusić was in Cairo along with Tomislav Salopek’s wife and sister. “I deeply sympathize with the family, we all do. They have shown extreme courage in times of unimaginable pain. They are still fighting and they are an example to us all” Pusić commented.
“We have received all necessary help and cooperation not only from Egypt and France but from all large countries in the EU and worldwide. I would also like to thank the members of the Islamic community, especially Mufti Hasanović who immediately contacted the Grand Mufti of Egypt to help in the matter. I must repeat that ISIS has no country and no religion, only terror” she continued.
“Our efforts in finding Tomislav have not ceased, together with our partners we will continue to search for him with maximum intensity for as long as there is even the slightest chance that he is still alive. We must all gather in a decisive fight against evil and support the Salopek Family. Terrorism is a global problem and we all must fight against it. We’re a small country so we cannot lead the battle, but cannot hide under the table thinking that we will be safe that way. Their threats against countries that are fighting against ISIS and their claims in the line of – if you don’t fight against terrorism you won’t be targeted by it, are nothing more than manipulation. Take Nigeria for example. It is not a member of the international coalition fighting against ISIS and yet it has been hit the hardest by this organisation”. Croatian First Deputy Vice President concluded.
View the press conference below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2x8n6K74Mm4
