Karadzic Arrest Boosts Mladic’s Vigilance

13 November 2008 Belgrade – The arrest of former Bosnian Serbs leader Radovan Karadzic created difficulties for the investigation into the whereabouts of fugitive Ratko Mladic, Serbian Labour Minister Rasim Ljajic said in an interview published today in Belgrade’s Politika newspaper.

He said that Mladic’s guards had become more careful but he insisted that the Serbian security agency is following every possible lead.

“We know for sure that not more than 10 people guard Ratko Mladic,” Ljajic revealed.
 
He said the work of the security agency in searching for Mladic confirms that all institutions in Serbia are truly dedicated to fulfilling the country’s obligations towards the ICTY.
 
“These actions are not connected with Serge Bramertz’ visit to Serbia and the region,” Ljajic said, adding that he expects the EU to respect Serbia’s effort to complete its cooperation with the ICTY.
 
Last week Serbian police and the security agency raided several private business enterprises in an apparent attempt to cut off financial support to war-crimes fugitives.

Mladic, the Bosnian Serb military commander during the 1992-95 war, has been indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia for war crimes and genocide, including the killing of as many as 8,000 Muslims from the eastern Bosnian town of Srebrenica.

In July, Serbian authorities arrested Mladic’s political leader Radovan Karadzic and handed him over to the Netherlands-based court.