"Colonel Popovic has pointed out that he has confidence in the Government of Serbia and that this decision is in the best interests of his family, people and country. He has said that meeting this obligation is the best way to help his people and country," the statement said.
The statement added that Popovic had made the decision after a conversation with Interior Minister Dragan Jocic.
The government said it would provide all the necessary assurances for the accused Popovic to be granted release pending trial, and that it would also provide his family with all the necessary assistance.
During the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Popovic held the rank of lieutenant colonel and served in the Drina Corps as assistant commander in charge of security. He is charged with genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war and crimes against humanity committed in Srebrenica, Potocari, Bratunac and Zvornik in eastern Bosnia from July 11 to August 31, 1995.