Serbs, Croats can check if probed for war crimes

Serbia's justice minister says the citizens of Serbia and Croatia can now check whether they are sought for war crimes stemming from the Balkan wars of the 1990s.

Snezana Malovic says former fighters can see whether they are on the lists of wanted people in both Croatia and Serbia.

Malovic says former Balkan foes have set up a joint commission to deal with the issue which has been a major problem in relations since the 1991-95 Serb-Croat war.

Secret arrest warrants also have hampered the return to Croatia of thousands of Serb refugees who fear they could be arrested once they arrive there.

The war erupted when Croatia declared independence from Serb-led Yugoslavia. Serbia and Croatia have recently improved ties as both seek EU membership.