Press
Release
(98)8
22 Jan. 1998
|
Statement by the Secretary General on SFOR's action
against indicted war criminals
(includes additional information to (98)7)
On 22 January 1998, SFOR acted to detain Goran Jelisic, who is
indicted for war crimes by the International Criminal Tribunal for
former Yugoslavia (ICTY). He is now being processed for immediate
transfer to the Hague.
Jelesic has been indicted by the ICTY for the murder of more than 16
persons, torture, theft, plunder and ordering the murder of many
others. In a recent interview with a Dutch newspaper Jelesic bragged
that he was known as the "Serb Adolph" and challenged the
International Community to bring him to justice.
There were no casualties sustained during the action. Today's action
resulted following the identification of Jelisic on the streets of
Bijeljina. This action was undertaken in accordance with SFOR's
mandate, which authorises it to detain persons indicted for war
criminals when encountered in the course of its duties. This mandate
was given to SFOR by the North Atlantic Council under authority
contained in the relevant United Nations Security Council
Resolutions.
Upon arrival at the Hague, Jelisic will be remanded to the
International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.
As has been the case throughout the IFOR and SFOR missions, we will
not tolerate any behaviour by any party contrary to the Peace
Agreement. SFOR will continue its firm and even-handed approach to
implementing its mandate and supporting civil implementation.
This action by SFOR stands as a further warning to all those indicted
for war crimes who are still at large that they, too, will be held
accountable. They should take steps immediately to surrender
themselves voluntarily to the ICTY. NATO also insists that the
parties to the Peace Agreement comply fully with their commitment to
transfer indicted war criminals to the ICTY.
The International Community has repeatedly made clear that it
believes the surrender of persons indicted for war crimes is an
essential part of building peace and reconciliation in Bosnia and
Herzegovina.
I should like to praise the SFOR troops and their commanders for
their courage, professionalism and dedication in carrying out this
action, which will contribute to the continued consolidation of the
peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Annex to Press Release (97)8
Background on IFOR/SFOR Support to the ICTY
IFOR (1996)
- On 12th February, IFOR transported two Bosnian Serbs (Gen.
Djukic
and Col. Krsmanovic), detained as suspects and potential witnesses,
from Sarajevo to The Hague.
- On 9th May, SHAPE signed an MOU with the ICTY concering
practical
arrangements for the detention and transfer of indicted war criminals
to the ICTY.
- On 13th June, IFOR transported two Bosniac indictees (Ensad
Landzo
and Hozim Delic) from Sarajevo to The Hague.
- Between March and October, IFOR provided security, liaison and
logistical support to ICTY teams carrying out investigations or
exhumations in Bosnia and Herzegovina; all three MNDs were involved.
- IFOR conducted aerial reconnaissance and ground patrols of mass
grave sites to deter any tampering.
SFOR (1997)
- During the summer months, SFOR provided security, liaison and
logistical support to ICTY teams carrying out investigations or
exhumations.
- On 10th July, SFOR undertook action against two Bosnian Serbs in
Prijedor who were subject to sealed indictments; Milan Kovacevic was
transferred to The Hague while Simo Drljaca died after SFOR troops
returned fire in self-defence.
- On 12th December, SFOR provided support to an ICTY team carrying
out investigations in Prijedor.
- On 18th December, SFOR took action against two Bosnian Croat
indictees near Vitez; Vlatko Kvpreskic, subject to a public
indictment, and Anto Furvudzija, subject to a sealed indictment, were
both detained and transferred to The Hague.
|