Berton: We must all respect the verdict against Karadžić and avoid inflammatory messages

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Today's verdict in the case of 'Radovan Karadžić' represents another crucial step towards bringing to justice those most responsible for genocide and other grave war crimes committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stated the Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, Bruce G. Berton.

"First and foremost, our thoughts are with the families of the victims, for whom the pursuit of justice is a long and painful process. It is a complex and difficult process, but at the same time, a process of paramount importance. Establishing responsibility for committed crimes, even so many years after the war, is of key importance for building lasting peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, respecting the rule of law, and strengthening international jurisprudence. Alongside the efforts of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), judicial institutions in BiH are continuously working towards achieving these goals, and to date, hundreds of perpetrators of war crimes have been prosecuted before domestic courts. However, these institutions need support to continue working on war crimes cases in an independent and impartial manner, free from political attacks or attempts at undue influence," Berton stated.

He added that the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to support the BiH judiciary in its efforts to bring to justice those responsible for the gravest international crimes.

"We call on all citizens in the country and abroad, and especially political and party leaders, media, local government officials, religious leaders, and community activists, to respect today's verdict and to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric that leads to divisions. Only through the joint investment of all in the process of reconciliation can stability and security be achieved in Bosnia and Herzegovina," Berton concluded.