April 1, 2001
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today welcomed the arrest of
Slobodan Milosevic:
"As a steadfast partner in the struggle against the
brutal excesses of his regime, Canada is, indeed, pleased to learn that
Slobodan Milosevic – the author of so much of the misfortune that has
plagued the Balkans – has at last been apprehended.
This is an important first step in bringing Milosevic to
justice for his regime’s actions. It demonstrates the commitment of
President Kostunica and other democratic leaders to the rule of law and the
seriousness with which they view holding the Milosevic regime to account for
its crimes.
At the same time, the authorities in Belgrade have an
obligation to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Tribunal for
the Former Yugoslavia, including the handing over of Milosevic. In the
interest of justice, and as a decisive step in the improvement of Yugoslavia’s
international standing, we hope that this takes place soon."
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
