Statement of the Prosecutor, Carla Del Ponte, on the Occasion of the Visit by the Prime Minister of Republika Srpska, Mr. Mladen Ivanic

Press Release. Communiqué de presse
(Exclusively for the use of the media. Not an official document)

OFFICE OF THE PROSECUTOR

BUREAU DU PROCUREUR

The Hague, 6 July 2001
F.H/P.I.S./602e

STATEMENT OF THE PROSECUTOR, CARLA DEL PONTE, ON THE OCCASION OF THE VISIT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF REPUBLIKA SRPSKA, MR. MLADEN IVANIC

I held conversations today with Prime Minister Ivanic and Justice Minister Maric of the Republika Srpska.

We discussed the status of cooperation of the Republika Srpska with my Office, and, in particular, the pressing issue of the arrest and surrender of persons indicted by this Tribunal.

At any given time, the authorities of the Republika Srpska know, or are in a position to know, the whereabouts of our most wanted fugitives. In addition, it is a well-known fact that Ratko Mladic has been enjoying protection from members of the VRS.

Karadzic and Mladic have been at large for the past six years. This could not have been possible without the support of the Republika Srpska. This unacceptable situation must come to an end now. I will not be satisfied by hollow promises or excuses. I demand that firm action be taken by the Authorities of the Republika Srpska, so that its police force of 8,000 men trained and equipped with the assistance of the international community finally proceed with these arrests, with the support of SFOR if need be. It is a matter of legal obligation and of political will.

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