YouSaid · the spoken record

Milanovic

lines on the record: 102
first: 2013-12-05
most recent: 2019-05-08
sittings or episodes: 10
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“It also established a colleague-assistance mechanism, called a "person of trust". The structure incorporated the standards of the United Nations, European Union and NATO Partnership for Peace programme in the field of gender equality. Along with the progress made in building a more democratic society and in protecting human rights, a significant step towards laying the foundation for a better and more humane and secure future for women has been made in the field of gender equality as well. The action plan is currently being evaluated, and the extension of its implementation in the coming mid-term period, 2016-2020, is being considered. Figures show clearly the progress achieved. Compared to 2010, when women made up 27.4 per cent of the defence and security system in the Republic of Serbia, in 2015, women now account for 31.47 per cent.”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Based on its firm commitment to the goals and objectives of the resolution, in 2010, my country adopted a national action plan to implement resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security in the Republic of Serbia over the period 2010-2015. Its seven chapters, encompassing seven general goals, 15 specific goals and 106 activities, have been successfully implemented over the past five years. The action plan established a structure of gender-equality institutions and mechanisms, such as the Government's political council, the governmental multisector coordination body, the National Assembly Committee on Gender Equality, analytical groups and research teams, counsellors and ministers/directors for gender equality, which have been established, for the time being, only within the defence and security system.”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“I am greatly honoured to address the Security Council at this meeting convened to mark the 15 years since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) and to express my gratitude to Spain and personally to you, Mr. President, for convening this important meeting. This is an opportunity to review the implementation of the resolution over the past 15 years, but it also a chance to see what still remains to be done and how we can better deliver in the future. In that regard, we welcome the recommendations of the global study on women and peace and security, as well as the report of the Secretary-General on the issue (S/2015/716). In my statement, I shall outline some of the most important experiences of the Republic of Serbia in implementing the resolution.”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Serbia supports the activities conducted by the United Nations in this field and uses its current OSCE Chairmanship-in-Office to highlight the importance of the issue. It will intensify its efforts at national, regional and international levels and stands ready to further engage in all initiatives aimed at preventing and stopping this plague of the modern-day world.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“In that context, let me mention that the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of the Small Arms and Light Weapons, the regional organization mandated by the United Nations Development Programme and the Regional Cooperation Council, is headquartered in Belgrade. Although we have witnessed some important developments in this field, much remains to be done if we are to address the challenges we face in a comprehensive and effective way. It is Serbia's strong conviction that international cooperation is the key to achieving progress in resolving the issues of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. Occurring in all parts of the globe, it sparks and fuels armed conflicts, violence and organized crime, causing death to civilians and hindering rebuilding and development.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“Bearing that in mind, Serbia recognizes the important role of international cooperation and assistance in the area of capacity-building. There is no doubt that the sharing of relevant information, national experiences and lessons learned, as well as appropriate international financial, expert and technical assistance, can vitally contribute to the consolidation and strengthening of institutional capacities and practices for the suppression and eradication of the illicit trade in SALW. International, regional and subregional organizations and civil society can make a significant contribution in that regard as well, for example, through developing model legislation, practical guidelines and coherent regional implementation standards, assisting States in assessing their needs or conducting training, regional meetings and similar activities.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“Fully harmonized with EU rules and regulations, the law entered into force on 4 March and its implementation - except for article 51, providing for arms legalization f is expected to begin on 4 March 2016. Currently, a campaign is under way in Serbia to legalize arms and ammunition. Begun on 4 March, it will last until 4 June. According to the data of the Ministry of the Interior ofthe Republic of Serbia, 2,251 pieces of weapons were diverted from illegal to legal flows in the first 2 months ending on 4 May. My country attaches great importance to the Programme of Action and remains strongly committed to its full implementation. In addition to the necessary political will, effective implementation of the Programme of Action requires appropriate capacities.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“As for arms exports control, all the criteria of the EU code of conduct are incorporated in Serbia's new law on the export and import of arms and military equipment. Adopted by the Serbian National Assembly in October 2014, the law is fully in line with the relevant EU and OSCE standards and, together with enhanced border and customs control measures, plays a pivotal role in strengthening surveillance and combating the illicit arms trade. It is also an indispensable instrument for preventing the destabilizing accumulation of SALW and reducing the ability of unauthorized non-State actors to acquire exported arms illegally. On 24 February, the Assembly of the Republic of Serbia adopted a new law on arms and ammunition.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“The Council, established in December 2011, was mandated to propose measures for the implementation and coordination of the Strategy. It developed an action plan for the implementation of the Strategy on SALW control, which was adopted by the Government in 2013. The action plan regulates the coordination of the activities and allocation of necessary resources, ensures the harmonization of national legislation with United Nations, OSCE and EU regulations and standards, coordinates the work of the relevant agencies in preparing reports under Serbia's international obligations, submits periodic reports to the Government on the progress made in the fulfilment of the objectives of the strategy and the action plan and initiates and contributes to the establishment of a unique national SALW tracing database.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“The strategy, a major accomplishment of the Serbian institutions in their efforts to formulate a holistic approach towards SALW control on the basis of the best international practices, provides a framework for the activities of relevant governmental and non-governmental actors to prevent and combat the unlawful production, possession and trade in SALW. Its overall goal is to establish a national system of effective control of SALW, thereby ensuring the reduction of weapons in illegal possession as well as the number of abuses of legal weapons. The Strategy has also provided a basis for setting up a council for SALW as an ad hoc working body headed by the SALW National Coordinator and comprised of the representatives of the competent governmental institutions with the relevant professional knowledge in the field.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“It has also adopted the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Document on Small Arms and Light Weapons, as well as OSCE decisions in this area, notably on the storage of conventional arms, standard elements of end- user certificates, verification procedures and brokering control. Serbia also signed and ratified the Arms Trade Treaty and has taken extensive legislative, regulatory and practical measures at the national level for the implementation of the obligations it has assumed. In May 2010, the Government of Serbia adopted its national strategy on the control of small arms and light weapons for the period 2010-2015.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“First, allow me to thank you, Madam President, for convening this very important meeting. My country aligns itself with the statement delivered by observer of the European Union (EU). I would like, however, to take this opportunity to inform the Council briefly about some of Serbia's activities in the field of preventing, combating and eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons (SALW) in all its aspects. Serbia is a State party to major international instruments in this field, including the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, the Firearms Protocol and the International Tracing Instrument.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“Numerous problems in the area of the rule of law, human rights and freedoms and the return of displaced Serbs and restitution of their property existed as Croatia marched towards European Union accession. They continue to exist today, well after its accession. Those problems could have been raised and solutions insisted upon, yet my country did not do so as it considered that open questions could be resolved in a bilateral context and that European integration by all of the countries of the region was much more important to regional stability and would have served to solve all of the questions.”
2014-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7332 (2014) · source
“I am regretfully compelled to take the floor once again. This body is too precious to be abused for the conduct of a domestic electoral campaign. The conduct of Croatia related to some recent events cannot be said to have been fully conducive to building on what we have achieved thus far - not the future that we all aspire to. One needs to look no further than to the treatment of the members of the Serbian minority over the past 20 years in Croatia, and still today, and the character of the frequent incidents directed against them. Serbia has invested significant efforts in stabilizing its delicate relations with Croatia and in resolving outstanding questions to mutual satisfaction and benefit.”
2014-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7332 (2014) · source
“The international judicial system has a key role to play in the process, and it is obligated to make a contribution through full respect for international norms and human rights principles. Let me point out once again that Serbia is committed to regional peace, stability and reconciliation.”
2014-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7332 (2014) · source
“We advised the Security Council of our official position on the matter in October 2008. My country is ready to participate actively in all future discussions and to continue to cooperate with the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals on this question. Also, as in the past, Serbia is ready to fulfil all obligations resulting from cooperation with the ICTY and the International Residual Mechanism. Let me conclude by expressing once again my country's satisfaction concerning the progress made in the establishment of operational capacities of the Hague branch of the International Residual Mechanism. Its work is and will continue to be of key importance in facilitating the full establishment ofjustice, in particular in enabling the continued work of national judiciaries in prosecuting war crimes.”
2014-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7332 (2014) · source
“Without prejudging the outcome of this purely humanitarian request, and bearing in mind that President Meron has on a number of occasions stated in his reports and in public statements that the International Residual Mechanism is actively working to secure additional agreements to increase its enforcement capacity and that he welcomes the cooperation of States in that regard, Serbia would appreciate an opportunity to sign such an agreement. The results of its many years of cooperation with the ICTY indicate that my country takes this question very seriously and that it is ready to accept international supervision of the enforcement of sentences and provide all necessary guarantees. I take this opportunity to reiterate the readiness of Serbia to, and its interest in, addressing the questions of ICTY archives.”
2014-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7332 (2014) · source
“As I stated in the previous Security Council debate six months ago (see S/PV.7192), bearing in mind that Serbia is firmly committed to cooperation with the ICTY and that 20 years have elapsed since its establishment, I would like to point out once again that my country attaches great importance to the initiative aimed at ensuring that those convicted by the Tribunal in The Hague be allowed to serve their sentences in the States that emerged in the territory of the former Yugoslavia. In that context, let me recall that, since 2009, Serbia has requested to sign such an agreement with the ICTY and sought very actively to promote the initiative all along. Its officials have written to the United Nations and the ICTY on numerous occasions, yet, regrettably, no progress has been made.”
2014-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7332 (2014) · source
“As to the impact of those statements and the political views that they advocate, the results of the past several elections offer sufficient testimony to their marginality. Regional destabilization is not in the interest of Serbia, just as it is not in the interest of the Balkan countries or of Europe. What we all aspire to is respect for civilizational and democratic achievements, the rule of law and the economic progress and stability of the region. It is difficult to build peace and stability in the region, but it is very easy to raze it. Hate speech is, let me remind the Council, not exclusive to Serbia but, sadly and regrettably, a region-wide phenomenon.”
2014-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7332 (2014) · source
“The statements made by Vojislav Seselj after his temporary release are no different from those he made regularly in the ICTY courtroom. Besides, he has said on a number of occasions that he would not accept any restrictions on his public statements. Yet, he was released nonetheless. In deciding on the release, the Trial Chamber certainly knew quite well the kind of statements he would make. His statements against the Government of the Republic of Serbia and its policies cannot be attributed to the Republic of Serbia, and there is no basis whatsoever to accuse my country and its Government of anything levelled against them in Mr. Seselj's statements before or after his release.”
2014-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7332 (2014) · source
“Bearing in mind the path that our countries have traversed over the past two decades, from the ashes of war and devastation through the establishment of peace and the quest for reconciliation, and coming to terms with the past and particularly looking to the future and to the work that remains ahead of us, the importance of regional cooperation cannot be overstated. While much has been said about the successes achieved so far, as in any endeavour, to bear the full fruit of success one has to be forward-looking, courageous and persistent. Abusing events and occurrences for one's political ends is neither forward-looking nor courageous, and can only be said to be effective in awakening the demons of the past.”
2014-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7332 (2014) · source
“To that end, I wish to emphasize that Serbia has never made any request to the Tribunal but to complete the pending cases with full respect for the trial rights of the accused and the defence. Since then, as stated in President Meron's report (S/2014/556), on 6 November the Trial Chamber, with a decision by the majority, ordered the provisional release of Vojislav Seselj to Serbia for an indefinite period on humanitarian grounds. Committed to the policy of peace and stability, as well as to regional cooperation and dialogue, Serbia does not condone warmongering rhetoric no matter where it comes from. Likewise, my country cannot accept allegations of collective responsibility and guilt.”
2014-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7332 (2014) · source
“I have pointed out at previous Security Council meetings on the ICTY, and most recently in a General Assembly plenary meeting, the need to see the processes before the Tribunal completed and to have defences presented in a fair and expeditious procedure, arguing that protracted procedures that prolong detention, often indefinitely, are contrary to the recognized norms regulating the rights of the accused. In line with that, we take the case of Vojislav Seselj as indicative, with the indictee having been held in detention without sentencing for almost 12 years following his voluntary surrender. I have underscored that this case is less than conducive to the reputation of the ICTY and that concrete measures should be taken speedily in order to unlock the legal procedural deadlock in which this case has remained.”
2014-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7332 (2014) · source
“Another recent positive element on this path is the agreement on the exchange of liaison officers signed on 11 September between the War Crimes Prosecutors of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will facilitate bilateral cooperation on access to evidence. Given Serbia's earlier stated efforts, as well as the aforementioned positive trends, it is imperative to keep up the momentum. It is also our right to expect all countries of the former Yugoslavia to do the same and to investigate and try the cases of war crimes in which Serbs were victims. This is their duty not only towards the victims and their own people, but towards humankind as well.”
2014-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7332 (2014) · source
“Such cooperation with the war crimes prosecutors of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro and with the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo has been constantly intensifying, with the latest example demonstrated by the successful outcome of the joint Serbian-Bosnian investigation that led to the arrest on 5 December of five suspects in Serbia and 10 in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the notorious case of the abduction and killing in 1993 of 20 people from a train near the Bosnian village of Strpci. The 20 years of attempts to investigate this case and uncover the perpetrators of this heinous atrocity could not have succeeded without intensive cooperation within thejudicial andpolice organs ofthe two countries, particularly in the past two years. Let me also point out that evidence has been exchanged in 252 cases so far.”
2014-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7332 (2014) · source
“The assistance provided to national judicial authorities by the Office of the Prosecutor for the purpose of strengthening national capacities has been vital and will remain a high priority until the very closure of the Tribunal - as much in Serbia as in the rest of the region. In order to make a successful contribution to regional peace and reconciliation, we believe that regional cooperation must continue to be a priority. With anything short of full cooperation by the countries on whose territories the crimes were committed, justice can hardly be served. Regional cooperation is and will be of key importance in the struggle against impunity for international criminal offences - all the more so in the time to come.”
2014-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7332 (2014) · source
“To further this task, an action plan has been conceived, in line with the European Union (EU) negotiating framework, under the chapter on judiciary and fundamental rights, and has been submitted to the European Commission. The implementation of the action plan will further contribute to enhancing the capacity and strengthening the work of the Office of the War Crimes Prosecutor and other State bodies, in line with our obligations as a nation, society and an aspiring EU member State. Much, however, remains to be done, and we are fully aware that the task will require diligence and persistence.”
2014-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7332 (2014) · source
“With the ICTY completion strategy entering its final stages, the emphasis of war crimes prosecutions has been shifting to national judiciaries, and will soon be their full responsibility. Serbia, for its part, has systematically and persistently continued to prosecute war crimes committed in the territory of the former Yugoslavia in the firm belief that the quest and respect for justice and fairness are of vital importance. The number of cases tried in domestic courts has increased considerably in the past period. The facts speak for themselves: the Serbian judiciary has so far tried 435 persons for criminal offences committed against international humanitarian law, while 78 persons are currently under investigation.”
2014-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7332 (2014) · source
“We hope that the remaining proceedings will be completed as planned. Serbia welcomes the progress made in the establishment of the operational capacities of The Hague branch of the International Residual Mechanism over the past year, which is essential for the implementation of the ICTY mission in accordance with its mandate and, in particular, for enabling national judiciaries to continue to prosecute war crimes. In this context, I would like to mention once again, with particular appreciation, the visit to Belgrade of Mechanism Prosecutor Hassan Bubacar Jallow on 8 September, during which a memorandum of understanding was signed to facilitate continued cooperation in the exchange of evidence to be used in cases tried by the national judiciary of Serbia.”
2014-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7332 (2014) · source
“This has been brought about not only through the compliance of the Government of Serbia with its international obligations, but also through its firm commitment to the principles of international humanitarian law. Let me reiterate that the Government of Serbia is committed to continuing its cooperation, with the Tribunal and the Residual Mechanism alike. Serbia has followed with particular attention ICTY activities to implement its completion strategy and transition smoothly to the Mechanism. While the Tribunal, regrettably, will not complete all of its judicial work by the end of this year, as set forth in resolution 1966 (2010), it is in the interest ofmy country to see the trials against its citizens completed and have their defences presented under a fair and expeditious procedure.”
2014-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7332 (2014) · source
“Let me begin by welcoming the Presidents and the Prosecutors of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), two of whom are also officials of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, and by thanking them for their briefings today. At the outset, I would like to express our appreciation of the acknowledgement of the continued high level of cooperation of the Republic of Serbia with the ICTY that the President and the Prosecutor presented in their reports. As a consequence, there are no outstanding indictees at large and all of the 3,466 requests for assistance received from the Office of the Prosecutor or defence counsels for access to documents, archives and witnesses have been complied with, with only two of the most recent still pending.”
2014-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7332 (2014) · source
“To that end, we have been promoting the integration process, including through a number of institutions, initiatives and acts, such as the Commission on the Implementation of the Action Plan of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of European Integration, exchange of experiences in the fulfilment ofthe Copenhagen criteria and readiness for coordination on the road towards the European Union, making it possible for the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to draw insight from the part of Serbia's application relating to foreign affairs and the fulfilment of other technical membership conditions fulfilled by my country. We cooperate with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the cross-border cooperation programmes under aegis of the European Union's Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7308 (2014) · source
“I would like to reiterate that, as the country with the largest number of refugees in the region, Serbia shares the concern of High Representative Inzko with respect to the recommendation of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to lift the refugee status on refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region. We consider that the recommendation is premature, has a negative effect on the protection of refugees and is detrimental to the implementation of the regional housing programme and the process of reconciliation. Serbia calls for the adoption of lasting, just and sustainable solutions that will address the needs and respect the rights of the long-displaced vulnerable population. Finally, I would like to point out that Serbia is a staunch supporter of Bosnia and Herzegovina's European integration.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7308 (2014) · source
“In addition, the return visits to Bosnia and Herzegovina of Tomislav Nikolie, President of the Republic of Serbia, and Ivica Dacie, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, will take place some time soon. Last but not least, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on joint ventures in third-country markets in Belgrade last September, as a reflection of their excellent overall relations. Also, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to address in good faith and mutual interest all outstanding issues, which are significantly reduced in number now, in direct contacts and talks without intermediaries. They include demarcation, refugees and missing persons, and the process of succession.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7308 (2014) · source
“Zlatko Lagumdzija, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to Belgrade in August, and his meetings with the highest ranking officials of Serbia were also assessed as an important contribution to the strengthening of the stability of the region and the promotion of economic relations between the two countries. On that occasion, the two sides expressed their interest in revitalizing the infrastructure connecting Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and intensifying the work on energy generation projects, especially on the Drina River. The two countries are in agreement on the need to hold a joint meeting of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The meeting is now expected to take place upon the formation ofa new Council.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7308 (2014) · source
“We also continue to believe that the right way forward is the honouring by the post-election majority of the political will expressed at the elections. The political dialogue between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina is extensive and wide-ranging. That is evinced very tellingly by the fact that Sarajevo was the first visit destination of Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vueic' after his electoral victory, as well as by the joint donor conference, held in Brussels on 16 July, to raise funds to relieve the consequences of the catastrophic floods that hit both Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina last spring. The visit of Mr.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7308 (2014) · source
“Serbia supports the territorial integrity and constitutional arrangements of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as provided for by the Dayton Peace Agreement, and considers the country one of its key partners in the region. Accordingly, my country accepts every decision taken by the two entities and three constituent peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and is committed to promoting good-neighbourly cooperation on the basis of the closest possible relations with the central Government and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We continue to deepen and enrich the special relations that we have with Republika Srpska. Serbia shares the assessment, prevalent both within and without Bosnia and Herzegovina, that the general elections of October were fair and democratic and that their results were accepted by all political actors.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7308 (2014) · source
“Before proceeding with my statement, I would like to underline how privileged I am to deliver my statement today, 11 November, a date that continues to stand out as a beacon of hope and reconciliation all over the world. In paying respect to those who have laid down their lives for peace and liberty before and after that momentous day, let me reaffirm my country's commitment to lasting peace and reconciliation in our region and beyond. At the outset, I would like to welcome Mr. Valentin Inzko, High Representative for Implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to thank him for his report to the Council (S/2014/777, annex).”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7308 (2014) · source
“Attaining justice is just as important as establishing the difference between fairness and vengeance all over again, for the two notions send basically different social and political messages to our societies.”
2013-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7073 (2013) · source
“Also, as in the past, Serbia is ready to fulfil its obligations resulting from cooperation with the ICTY and the Residual Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals. In conclusion, let me point out once again that Serbia is committed to regional peace, stability and reconciliation. In that commitment, however, the quest and respect for justice and fairness are of vital importance. The international judicial system has a key role to play in the process, and the Tribunal is duty- bound to make a contribution by ensuring full respect for international norms, human rights and the right to a fair hearing and defence. The influence of the Tribunal and its decisions are fully felt both within regional and national confines.”
2013-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7073 (2013) · source
“My country is the first country in South-East Europe to sign such an agreement - Great Britain, Austria, Belgium, Denmark and Finland having done so earlier. Once again, I express my country's expectation that the Security Council will vest its full attention on this initiative and enable those convicted by the Tribunal to serve their sentences in Serbia. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the readiness of Serbia to, and interest in, addressing the question of the ICTY archives. We advised the Security Council of our official position on the matter in October 2008. My country is ready to participate actively in all future discussions and to continue to cooperate with the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals on this question.”
2013-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7073 (2013) · source
“The results of the years-long cooperation with the ICTY indicate that my country takes this question seriously and that it is ready to accept international supervision of the enforcement of sentences and to provide clear guarantees that convicted persons will not be paroled without a decision of the ICTY, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals or some other organ or body of the United Nations to be made responsible for this matter in the future. Let me also recall that, on 20 January 2011, the Republic of Serbia signed an agreement on the enforcement of criminal sentences with the International Criminal Court. Under the agreement, persons convicted before the Court for war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide may serve their sentences in Serbia.”
2013-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7073 (2013) · source
“In that context, let me recall that since 2009 Serbia has requested the signing of such an agreement with the ICTY. From the outset, we have very actively sought to promote this initiative. Serbian officials have written to the United Nations and the ICTY on a number of occasions. Regrettably, no progress has been made because the question continues to be determined by the Secretary-General's recommendation to the Security Council in May 1993 that "the enforcement of the sentences should take place outside the territory of the former Yugoslavia. While that position may have been justifiable in 1993 at the time of the war in the former Yugoslavia, it is clear that the situation has changed and lost its relevance a long time ago.”
2013-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7073 (2013) · source
“This initiative is motivated by the desire of Serbia to assume responsibility for its nationals and other persons convicted by the Tribunal serving their senstences, as well as by its belief that the purpose of punishment - which implies, among other things, the resocialization of convicted persons - can hardly be achieved if they serve their sentences in far-off countries, the language of which they do not understand or speak, and when family visits and contacts are reduced to a minimum. Yet today, the States that emerged in the territory of the former Yugoslavia have no possibility to conclude agreements with the ICTY on the serving of sentences, even though President Meron said in his report that, in addition to 17 existing agreements, additional agreements should be concluded in order to complete the ICTY's mandate successfully.”
2013-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7073 (2013) · source
“Bearing in mind that Serbia is firmly committed to cooperation with the ICTY, and the fact that 20 years have elapsed since its establishment, I would like to point out once again that my country attaches great importance to the initiative that those convicted by The Hague Tribunal be allowed to serve their sentences in the States that emerged in the territory of the former Yugoslavia.”
2013-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7073 (2013) · source
“The two international documents provide for a fair and public hearing within a reasonable time. Although the term "a reasonable time" may be interpreted elastically and vary from case to case, an ll-year lapse of time can hardly be considered a reasonable time. We also believe that the detention of a person without a first-instance decision is tantamount to the denial of the presumption of innocence. We are convinced that the case is less than conducive to the ICTY's reputation and that concrete measures should be taken speedily in order to unlock the legal and procedural deadlock in which the case finds itself.”
2013-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7073 (2013) · source
“My country is of the opinion that the Security Council, whose resolution provided the basis for the establishment of the ICTY, has an exceptionally important role and responsibility in ensuring the impartiality of the Tribunal, respect for basic international legal norms and laws and in eliminating all forms of politicization and voluntarism in its work. In that context, let me draw the Council's attention to the case of Vojislav Seselj, whose detention, lasting almost 11 years without a judicial decision, is a gross violation of basic human rights and civilizational values. The length of the detention in this case is in contravention of the provisions of the United Nations Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights.”
2013-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7073 (2013) · source
“No request for assistance from the Office of the Prosecutor or defence counsel regarding access to archives has been rejected, while all witnesses for whom waivers were requested were granted. That enabled them to testify before the ICTY. According to the data of the Republic of Serbia Office of the War Crimes Prosecutor, 410 individuals indicted for committing criminal offences under international humanitarian law have been tried in the courts of the Republic of Serbia. Serbia has shown in a demonstrable way that it is fully committed to the quest for truth about the crimes committed during the armed conflicts on the territory of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and to bringing those responsible for the crimes to justice, irrespective of their nationality or the nationality of the victims.”
2013-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7073 (2013) · source
“In that way, my country has shown that it is not only seriously committed to abiding by its international obligations but also that, by taking each and every step in good faith, it is resolved to contribute to achieving international justice and regional reconciliation. Concrete examples and results reflect Serbia's cooperation with the ICTY in the best possible way, and I shall mention a few here. In July 2011, Serbia completed cooperation with the ICTY on the transfer of all accused persons. Serbia responded to more than 3,350 requests for assistance received from the Office of the Prosecutor or the defence counsel regarding access to documents, archives and witnesses. Only those of a more recent date are still being processed.”
2013-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7073 (2013) · source
“Proceeding from Serbia's determination of Serbia to make a contribution to regional peace and reconciliation, as well as from its readiness to continue to cooperate constructively with the ICTY, I would like to take this opportunity to inform the Council on the concrete results that my country has achieved in its cooperation with the ICTY, confirmed also this time round in the ICTY President's and the Prosecutor's reports of December 2013, just as they were confirmed in previous reporting periods. There are no outstanding or overdue requests for assistance. Summonses were served on time, court orders were executed and witness interviews were arranged without delay or difficulty.”
2013-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7073 (2013) · source