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Following their meeting in Sarajevo, High Representative Valentin Inzko and Chief ICTY Prosecutor Serge Brammertz concluded that, considering the large number of war-crimes cases facing the local judiciary, a strong strategy is “long overdue”.
The War Crimes Processing Strategy of Bosnia and Herzegovina was adopted in December 2008, after discussions lasting more than two years. The Strategy suggests that local judicial institutions will need 15 years to try all war-crimes suspects in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The High Representative pledged the OHR’s continuing support “in ensuring the full cooperation” of the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the International Criminal Tribunal.
“Full cooperation from Bosnia and Herzegovina with the ICTY is a priority for this Office,” Inzko said, noting that he is “ready to use the powers of my Office if needed,” in order to ensure this cooperation.
Inzko pointed out that the crimes in question were committed by individuals, who must be held responsible for their acts. He said the surrender of Ratko Mladic and Goran Hadzic to the Hague Tribunal is now the top priority, while inter-agency cooperation “aimed at undermining their support networks” must continue.
Inzko and Brammertz discussed the flight of Radovan Stankovic, who was serving a 20-year sentence for crimes committed in the Foca area when he escaped from prison in 2007. The two officials said the fact that Stankovic remains at large two years after his escape is a serious problem, and they noted that no one has yet been held accountable for his escape.
“On Tuesday, May 5 I will visit Belgrade for a series of high-level meetings and will raise the need for mechanisms that will prevent borders in the region providing a safe-haven for war criminals,” Inzko said.
