Statement by the High Representative for BiH, Lord Paddy Ashdown, with regard to the transfer by the authorities of Republika Srpska (RS) of ICTY indictee Savo Todovic

“I welcome the transfer by the authorities of Republika Srpska of ICTY indictee Savo Todovic. Nine years after Dayton Peace Agreement I commend RS authorities on making this significant step forward. Mr. Todovic stands accused of grave crimes, for which he must now answer before the Tribunal. But many other indictees, including Karadzic and Mladic, remain at large. It is essential that the transfer of Mr. Todovic to The Hague should now mark the beginning of a process, which will see the other indictees transferred without delay to the ICTY. If the RS authorities demonstrate that they are fully cooperating with ICTY it will remove the obstacle that is blocking this country’s progress towards the EU and NATO.”