The arrest of Ratko Mladic means that justice can now take its course, High Representative and EU Special Representative Valentin Inzko said today. Welcoming the arrest he described it as an affirmation that “no one is untouchable”

The HR/EUSR said Mladic’s arrest “will help to bring down barriers to reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.” He said it would also remove obstacles to better co-operation throughout the region. “This will have a positive impact on relations in Southeast Europe,” he stressed.

The OHR has worked closely with the ICTY and other organisations and agencies to apprehend ICTY indictees and to dismantle their support networks, the HR/EUSR said, adding that “today’s arrest represents the culmination of many years of hard work.”

He said the arrest has special meaning for the families of the victims of the genocide in Srebrenica, the victims and survivors of ethnic cleansing, those who endured the siege of Sarajevo, and civilians in every town in Bosnia and Herzegovina targeted by Mladic.

“Ratko Mladic will answer the accusations against him in court. He will face witnesses and he will be presented with evidence,” the HR/EUSR said. “The pursuit of truth is the essence of justice and justice will be served.”

Mladic has been indicted for genocide, crimes against humanity and violations of the laws and customs of war. He has been a fugitive since 25 July 1995.

For Bosnia and Herzegovina, the ICTY phase of war-crimes trials is now coming to a conclusion. However, many others stand accused of war crimes and these individuals must be put on trial in the domestic courts, the HR/EUSR said. The International Community will continue to work to ensure that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s judiciary has all the support it needs in order to perform this task.