[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: GEORGE W. BUSH (2001, Book I)]
[June 28, 2001]
[Page 746]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Transfer of Slobodan Milosevic to the War Crimes Tribunal
June 28, 2001

    I applaud today's transfer of indicted war criminal Slobodan 
Milosevic to the War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague. This very important 
step by the leaders in Belgrade ensures that Milosevic can finally be 
tried for his war crimes and crimes against humanity. During various 
visits by Yugoslav authorities to Washington, they pledged that 
Yugoslavia was committed to cooperating with the Tribunal. Milosevic's 
transfer is a strong sign of that commitment. We are confident that the 
Government of Yugoslavia will continue down the path of cooperation with 
the Tribunal.
    The transfer of Milosevic to The Hague is an unequivocal message to 
those persons who brought such tragedy and brutality to the Balkans, 
that they will be held accountable for their crimes. Milosevic's 
transfer further signals the commitment of the new leadership in 
Belgrade to turn Yugoslavia away from its tragic past and toward a 
brighter future as a full member of the community of European 
democracies.
    The United States stands ready to assist the people of Yugoslavia as 
they continue to take the difficult steps to advance its democratic and 
economic reform.