Arrest of Mladić: a milestone for Serbia and international justice

The arrest of Serbian war crime suspect Ratko Mladić on 26 May was strongly welcomed by the EU. "This is a milestone both for Serbia and for international justice," declared President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy.

The International Criminal Tribunal for the
former Yugoslavia in The Hague
© Fotolia, Jan Kranendonk

President Van Rompuy congratulated President Tadić for his personal leadership and commitment that led to this important achievement. "I reiterate my support for his tireless work aimed at realising Serbia's European perspective," he added.

"It's a very important day for international justice and the rule of law," declared EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton on her arrival in Belgrade on 26 May.

President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso congratulated President Tadić and Serbia's government for "this courageous action".

Commissioner for Enlargement Štefan Füle pointed out that "a great obstacle on the Serbian road to the EU has been removed".

"It's a very significant day for the families of the victims. They have waited for this day since 25 July 1995; since then Ratko Mladić has been a fugitive, and for them, this is something very special," said Valentin Inzko, EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The thoughts of President Van Rompuy and the representatives of other EU institutions are with the victims of war crimes and their families and they are looking forward to Ratko Mladić's speedy transfer to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, in The Hague.

"I hope today's news will take us an important step closer to reconciliation and regional stability as well," stressed the President of the European Council.

Statements by:
President Van Rompuy (pdf)
High Representative Catherine Ashton
President Barroso
Commissioner Štefan Füle
EU Special Representative in BiH