Secretary-General Calls Mladić Arrest ‘Significant Step’ Towards Ending Impunity

 

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

The Secretary-General welcomes today’s arrest of Ratko Mladić, former commander of the army of Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  He commends President [Boris] Tadić and the Serbian authorities for this significant step towards ending impunity for those indicted for serious violations of international humanitarian law during the conflict in the former Yugoslavia.

The Secretary-General’s thoughts today are first and foremost with the victims and their families, who have waited almost 16 years for Mr. Mladić to be brought to justice for crimes including those committed at Srebrenica.  This is an historic day for international justice and for the world’s collective fight against impunity.  It sends a powerful message that those who are alleged to have committed crimes against humanity may try to evade justice, but they will, in the end, be held accountable.

This important arrest will enable the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia to move closer to completing its mandate.  Ending impunity is essential for reconciliation, sustainable peace and justice in the region.

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For information media • not an official record