BELGRADE – Serbian First Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic stated on Thursday that the release of Oliver Ivanovic from detention is very important for the stability and peace in Kosovo and mutual trust, and he called on he High EU Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton to get involved in the search for a solution to the problem.
Addressing reporters at the conference in the Serbian government, Vucic said that he sent a letter to Ashton asking for her mediation in the search for a solution to the problem because the credits for the Brussels agreement with Pristina and an increase of trust between Serbia and the EU and its institutions go to her personally.
“The arrest was made by the very EU bodies and this is why we require a clear explanation,” Vucic underscored.
There are several questions: first, how is it possible for someone to be charged with involvement in a case that took place 14 years ago, without even completing the pre-trial proceedings? Secondly, how is it possible for them to move freely throughout Kosovo and then be suddenly arrested the eve before the elections, Vucic added.
It is exceptionally important to preserve peace, stability and mutual trust in Kosovo, which is why it is essential for Ivanovic to be released from detention, Vucic stressed.
In case there is founded suspicion that he did something wrong, then it is clear that a man of his rank, who is also a public figure, would not try to escape, Vucic said.
The situation makes it difficult to talk with Kosovo Serbs, as it will make them lose trust in the institutions which should guarantee their security and survival in Kosovo, Vucic concluded.
The leader of Citizens’ Initiative ‘Serbia, Democracy, Justice’ Oliver Ivanovic was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of involvement in alleged war crimes in 1999 and post-war incidents in 2000, including an aggravated murder.
http://www.tanjug.rs/news/115140/vucic-calls-for-ivanovics-release–requires-explanation.htm
