Press Release (98)137 2 Dec. 1998

Statement by the Secretary General of NATO, Dr Javier Solana on SFOR's Action against an Indicted War Criminal On 2 December 1998, SFOR detained General Radislav Krstic, who is indicted for war crimes by the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia (ICTY). He is now being processed for transfer to the Hague. Details will be provided in due course by the operational commanders. This action was undertaken in accordance with SFOR's mandate which authorises it to detain such persons 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. The parties to the Peace Agreement remain responsible for apprehending and transferring indicted war criminals to the Hague. SFOR will continue to do its part by carrying out its mandate in a firm and even-handed manner. Persons indicted for war crimes who are still at large should realise that they, too, will be brought to justice. Once again I call on these indictees to surrender immediately to the ICTY. SACEUR, as overall commander for SFOR, has kept me fully informed of this action. I should like to commend 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.