Secretary-General heartened by arrest of Radovan Karadžić, commends

 

Serbian authorities for decisive step towards ending impunity

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the arrest today of Radovan Karadžić, former President of the Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  The Secretary-General commends the Serbian authorities for this decisive step towards ending impunity for those indicted for serious violations of international humanitarian law during the conflict in the former Yugoslavia.

This is a historic moment for the victims, who have waited 13 years for Mr. Karadžić to be brought to justice.

This important and timely arrest will enable the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia to move closer to completing its mandate, and bring justice to the perpetrators and the victims of the serious international crimes committed.

Ending impunity is an essential element for achieving sustainable peace and justice in the region.  While this is an important milestone, the work of the International Tribunal will not be complete until all fugitives have been arrested and tried.

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For information media • not an official record