ALL WAR CRIMES SUSPECTS MUST GO BEFORE COURT -- DEL PONTE

SARAJEVO, Nov 2 (Hina) - Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), Carla Del Ponte, said on Tuesday that the apprehension of all war crimes suspects against whom public or silent indictments have been raised, and that local authorities must take over more responsibility in this area, with the so far decisive role of the Stabilisation Force (SFOR). Del Ponte who is visiting Sarajevo as of Monday, told a news conference that she asked SFOR main commander General Adams to take more actions with regards to the arrest of all suspects, including the most wanted Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic. She stressed that this time she was carrying a special message for authorities in the Serb entity of Republika Srpska, that is, Premier Milorad Dodik, who will be requested to implement his part of obligations towards the Tribunal. Asked why indictments against those responsible for war crimes against Croats in Grabovica and Uzdol had not been risen yet, Del Ponte said numerous newspaper articles focusing on the subject were not sufficient evidence for indictments to be issued. In order for an indictment to be issues, firm evidence and witnesses are required, which are being sought, Del Ponte said. She did confirm, however, that new indictments could be expected next year. Commenting on the cooperation between the ICTY and Croatia, Del Ponte said that at the moment, the priority was the extradition of Mladen Naletilic Tuta. I am certain that he can be ensured appropriate medical care in The Hague, Del Ponte said. She also confirmed that the prosecutor's Office would continue to insist that Croatia submit all requested documents about events in the Croatian military and police operations "Storm" and "Flash" which liberated most of the then occupied areas of Croatia in 1995. (hina) lml jn