According to the Government Communications Office (UKOM), Janša authorised state secretary in his office Tone Kajzer to draw up an agreement on the issue together with Milanović's representative before the meeting of the two prime ministers.

Erjavec was removed from the talks to secure the necessary continuity and credibility in finding a solution for the issue, which "could be jeopardised because of the constant public announcements of FM Karl Erjavec that he is withdrawing from the government and his exaggerated craving for constant public appearances", the press release reads.

The LB bank issue has been stalling the ratification of Croatia's EU Accession Treaty in Slovenia.

The Foreign Ministry told the STA that Erjavec's meeting with his Croatian counterpart Vesna Pusić scheduled for Tuesday was cancelled.

They also said that Erjavec was on leave today and would comment on Janša's decision on Tuesday.

Pusić commented on the move in Brussels, saying that not much would change since both countries would stay with their views. She added that anyone who will be put on the issue by Slovenia will negotiate with her.

The STA also spoke about the issue to law professor Rajko Pirnat, who explained that there was no legal basis for stripping a minister of his powers. The prime minister may only propose a minister's dismissal.

The PM's office has not provided any legal basis for the move.

Kajzer (born in 1966) has a degree in economics and specialises in international relations. He started his career in diplomacy in 1995 and has served both in the internal service and abroad.

He was appointed head of the sector for Croatia at the Foreign Ministry in 2007 and ambassador to Finland and Estonia in 2008.