The Hague, 07 June 2000
JL/ P.I.S./ 509-e

On Wednesday 7 June 2000, the Croatian Justice Minister, Mr. Stjepan Ivanisevic, visited the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) at its seat in The Hague.

Minister Ivanisevic was accompanied by the Croatian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Mr. Jaksa Muljacic and Ms. Sanja Pirsl, the Minister’s Chef de Cabinet.

During the visit, Minister Ivanisevic met with the President of the Tribunal, Judge Claude Jorda, the Registrar of the Tribunal, Mrs. Dorothee De Sampayo, and with the Prosecutor, Carla Del Ponte. Discussions focused on matters of cooperation between Croatia and the Tribunal. Minister Ivanisevic also toured the facilities at the Tribunal’s Detention Unit.

During his meeting with President Jorda, Minister Ivanisevic expressed his concern over the outstanding report on Croatia’s non-compliance to the Security Council. President Jorda reiterated that as soon as he received confirmation that the outstanding issues had been resolved he would inform the Security Council accordingly.

In addition, Minister Ivanisevic raised the possibility of some persons convicted by the Tribunal serving their sentences in countries neighbouring Croatia and the possibility of some individuals serving their pre-trial phase in Croatia. President Jorda took note of these points and indicated that these matters should be considered further.

This visit follows President Jorda’s trip to Croatia on 9 and 10 May 2000, where he met with, among others, the Croatian President, Stipe Mesic.

The Tribunal welcomes Croatia’s improved cooperation with the Tribunal and views visits such as this as further proof of Croatia’s determination to engage constructively with the court.

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