Justice Louise Arbour, the Prosecutor of the International Tribunal, writes to President Milosevic and other senior officials in Belgrade and Kosovo to remind them of their responsibilities under international law.

Press Release
(Exclusively for the use of the media. Not an official document)

The Hague, 26 March 1999
JL/PIU/389-E

Justice Louise Arbour, the Prosecutor of the International Tribunal, is gravely concerned that serious violations of international humanitarian law continue to be committed in Kosovo. She has taken the unusual step of addressing herself directly to President Milosevic and other senior officers, reminding them of their obligations under international law. So as not to leave any doubt as to the relevant law, copies of the salient portions of the text of the Statute of the International Tribunal have been attached to the letters. The crimes over which the International Tribunal has jurisdiction are fully set out in Articles 2-5, and the responsibility of individuals, including persons in position of authority, is explained in Article 7.

In her letter the Prosecutor states, "It is my intention to investigate all serious violations of international humanitarian law that merit prosecution in the international forum, particularly those involving attacks on the civilian population. Meanwhile I believe that everything must be done to deter the commission of future crimes. I therefore look to you to exercise your authority over your subordinates; to exercise your leadership in order to prevent the commission of further crimes; and to take all necessary steps to punish any of your subordinates who commit serious violations of international humanitarian law in Kosovo."

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International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
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