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| (Exclusively for the use of the media. Not an official document) |
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The Hague, 29 June 2001
C.C./P.I.S./597-e
Slobodan Milosevic transferred into the custody of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) welcomes the transfer of Slobodan Milosevic into its custody. He arrived in the ICTY’s Detention Unit during the early hours of today.
The date and time for the initial appearance of Slobodan Milosevic, at which he will be asked to enter a plea to the charges against him, will be scheduled and announced in due course.
Statement by the President
The President of the Tribunal, Judge Claude Jorda, said that the transfer of Slobodan Milosevic to the Tribunal is a turning point and the beginning of a new era in the development of international criminal justice. The forthcoming trial of a former Head of State is a new and irreversible step in relation to the international community’s resolve to fight against impunity.
The President considers it of the utmost importance that Slobodan Milosevic, like all other accused appearing before the Tribunal, be afforded a fair and expeditious trial in accordance with the highest international standards.
Statement by the Prosecutor
The ICTY Prosecutor, Ms. Carla Del Ponte welcomes the decision of the Belgrade authorities to transfer Slobodan Milosevic to the Tribunal for trial. This day will be remembered as an important milestone for international criminal justice.
The Prosecutor, however, wishes to emphasize that the transfer itself does not represent the end of the process. On the contrary, this is only the beginning of the criminal proceedings and a great deal of work now has to be done to bring the case to a just conclusion.
The Prosecutor also wishes to acknowledge the contribution made by Member States who have supported and facilitated the transfer.
Press Conference
The ICTY Prosecutor, Ms. Carla Del Ponte will hold a press conference on Friday, 29 June 2001 at 4 p.m. in the lobby of the Tribunal.
Members of the press who wish to attend are requested to present themselves at the main entrance to the Tribunal at 3 p.m.
Due to the space available, admission will be limited.
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International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
For more information, please contact our Media Office in The Hague
Tel.: +31-70-512-8752; 512-5343; 512-5356 Fax: +31-70-512-5355 - Email: press [at] icty.org