Croatian authorities have arrested a senior military commander on corruption charges, as the Balkan nation tries to fulfill pledges to fight crime as part of its bid for European Union membership.

Police say Croatia's anti-corruption agency detained Croatian ground forces commander General Mladen Kruljac on Friday. He is suspected of illegally selling or purchasing land.

Croatian President Ivo Josipovic expressed support for the actions of the anti-corruption agency, saying everyone is equal before the law. He predicted the case against General Kruljac will be “fast, fair and based on facts.”

Mr. Josipovic said Croatia's ground forces were operating normally following the arrest. He said General Kruljac has been replaced by a deputy commander.

Croatia has pledged to crack down on corruption to meet requirements for its pending entry into the EU in 2013.