European Union Welcomes Arrest of Ratko Mladic, Says that Major Obstacle to Serbia's Road to EU has been Removed

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Delegation of the European Union to the United States

May 26, 2011, 02:40 ET

WASHINGTON, May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The European Union today welcomed the arrest of Ratko Mladic by Serbia's authorities.

"This is an important step forward for Serbia and for international justice," said European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. "I congratulate President Tadic and Serbia's Government for this courageous action." He noted that the arrest "is a very positive development for the European Union, for Serbia's neighbors, but most of all for the rule of law in Serbia itself."

Ratko Mladic was indicted in 1995 by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia on charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes allegedly committed during the 1992 to 1995 conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Speaking in Belgrade, Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said: "I've discussed with President Tadic on a number of occasions his commitment to wanting to see Mr Mladic brought to justice, so it's important that we see that ambition realized today. It's of course a very important day for international justice and for the rule of law. Mr Mladic will now face the charges against him in the International Tribunal; charges which are of course of a very serious nature."

European Council President Herman Van Rompuy said his thoughts are with the victims of war crimes and their families. "I hope today's news will take us an important step closer to reconciliation and regional stability as well," he said.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule noted that "Justice is being served and a great obstacle on the Serbian road to the EU has been removed."

For more information on the EU's relations with Serbia and to read the statements in full, please visit: http://www.eeas.europa.eu/serbia/index_en.htm

www.eurunion.org & www.twitter.com/EUintheUS

SOURCE Delegation of the European Union to the United States