WASHINGTON WELCOMES CROATIA'S REQUEST FOR SAKIC'S EXTRADITION

( Editorial: --> 6515 ) WASHINGTON, April 13 (Hina) - The US administration on Monday welcomed the news on Croatia's request for the extradition of Dinko Sakic, a former commander of the concentration camp in Jasenovac. The US government welcomed reports saying Croatia would seek the extradition of Sakic and expected decisive prosecution and a just trial, State Department spokesman James Rubin said. The accusations concerning Sakic's role in the camp are extremely serious and deserve close court consideration, Rubin said. Although Sakic could be tried by the courts of different states, the United States believes that Croatia should be the one to do it, he added. Considering the fact that the alleged crimes were committed in Croatia and that many victims were citizens of Croatia, we believe that Croatia should have a specially strong interest in bringing Sakic to justice, the State Department spokesman said. Other former Yugoslav states could try the commander of the Jasenovac camp as well, Rubin said. Sakic's trial could not be conducted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) because the Hague Tribunal deals with crimes committed after January 1, 1991, Rubin said. Welcoming Argentina's request for an authorised court to issue a warrant for Sakic's arrest, Rubin called on Argentina to take all necessary steps and see that Sakic is brought to justice. Rubin said his government was in contact with the Argentinean authorities concerning Sakic's case, but could not confirm that the US authorities have established contact with the Croatian authorities as regards the case. (hina) rm 132055 MET apr 98