Zeljko Raznatovic, also known as "Arkan", was indicted by the Tribunal in 1997 for crimes committed during the conflict in the former Yugoslavia. This indictment remained confidential, or "under seal", following its confirmation by a Judge of the Tribunal.

In March 1999, the seal order was partially lifted to reveal that "Arkan" was under indictment by the Tribunal. The specific contents of the indictment, however, remained subject to an order of non-disclosure and that order is still in effect.

Other investigations involving persons who sponsored "Arkan", or who were otherwise linked to him, are ongoing and accordingly I have no intention to seek a lifting of the order of confidentiality of the indictment.

Although I am not prepared to disclose specific crimes or locations cited in the indictment, I am prepared to state that "Arkan’s" activities in the Eastern Slavonian part of Croatia, and in eastern and northwestern Bosnia for the entire period between 1991 and 1995, have been thoroughly investigated and well-documented.

I do regret, following the reported events of Saturday evening that "Arkan" will not appear in The Hague to answer to the charges, which had been brought against him. I do remain confident, however, that other persons who shared responsibility with "Arkan" for his crimes will ultimately be brought to justice.