Hague prosecutor "bewildered" by international support for Kosovo indictee

BBC Monitoring Europe (Political) - February 20, 2006 Monday

 

Text of report in English by Belgrade-based Radio B92 text website on 20 February

 

The Hague, 20 February: The Hague tribunal's Chief Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte has criticized UNMIK [UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo] for lack of cooperation.

 

Del Ponte stated that UNMIK is not cooperating adequately in the witness protection programmes pertaining to war crimes trials.

 

"It is not at the level that it should be. We are concerned because UNMIK is not prepared to help us," Del Ponte said.

 

According to the chief prosecutor, former Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj, who was indicted by the tribunal for war crimes last year, should be remanded back to custody until the beginning of his trial.

 

"Haradinaj is politically active again, and I am bewildered by the international support that he is receiving. It seems that peace in Kosovo can only exist with Haradinaj there. That is unacceptable. The problem is that the trial must begin as soon as possible, and we need to receive evidence because some of our witnesses have been threatened," Del Ponte said.

 

Source: Radio B92 text website, Belgrade, in English 1239 gmt 20 Feb 06