NATO Press Release (2002)091 7 July 2002<br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br />STATEMENT BY NATO SECRETARY GENERAL, LORD ROBERTSON<br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br />Today, 7 July 2002, SFOR detained Miroslav Deronjic who is under indictment by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) for war crimes. There were no casualties sustained in this operation by SFOR, Mr. Deronjic, or anyone in the surrounding area. Miroslav Deronjic is now being transfered to The Hague. <br /><br /> <br /><br />Mr. Deronjic is under indictment for war crimes committed while serving in his capacity as President of the Bratunac Crisis Staff in May 1992. He is accused of crimes against humanity to include persecutions and murder, and violations of the laws and customs of war to include wanton destruction of cities, towns or villages, destruction of institutions dedicated to religion and an attack on an undefended village. In particular, Deronjic is accused of organising the massacre of over 60 Bosnian Muslim men from Glogova.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Today?s action is another step in NATO?s drive to arrest those under indictment by the International Criminal Tribunal. Let the detention of Mr. Deronjic serve as a notice to the remaining indictees: surrender now with dignity or justice will be brought to you. To those who provide support to those indicted for war crimes: your support will carry a great price. To the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina: we are determined to help you shake the legacy of hatred, death and destruction by sending war criminals to the Hague. Each one sent contributes to the quest to build a lasting peace in the Balkans. <br /><br /> <br /><br />Today?s action was undertaken in accordance with SFOR?s mandate that authorizes it to detain such persons when encountered in the course of framework operations. <br /><br /> <br /><br />The parties of the Dayton Peace Agreement remain responsible for cooperating in the investigation and prosecution of war crimes and other violations of international law. SFOR will continue to do its part by carrying out its mandate in a firm and even-handed manner.<br /><br /> <br /><br />SACEUR, as overall commander for SFOR, has kept me fully informed of this action. I would like to praise the SFOR troops and their commanders for their courage, professionalism, and dedication in carrying out this action, which will contribute to the continued consolidation of the peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.