In her speech, Del Ponte addressed some of the most relevant points - cooperation with the Office of the Prosecutor, the transfer of cases and investigation files to domestic authorities of the former Yugoslavia as well as issues of regional cooperation.
The Prosecutor said that the cooperation of Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina with her office has generally improved. Regarding Serbia, specifically, the Prosecutor elaborated on the recent positive developments and the demonstrated commitment to provide all necessary assistance to locate and arrest fugitives, the statement said.
In respect of the transfer of files and cases and regional cooperation, the Prosecutor outlined the progress made, the need for continued monitoring of local war crimes trials and the crucial role played by the OSCE in this respect.
"The monitoring of these trials is crucial and the OSCE is best suited to carry out this function and assist these countries in bringing their judicial systems and war crimes trials up to standards. In fact, the OSCE's presence in Croatia is currently being debated. I have written to the Chairman of the OSCE and asked that the trial monitoring functions be continued in Zagreb. I believe that is in the Council of Europe's interest as well," Del Ponte said.
She also said that enhanced cooperation in criminal matters between states of the former Yugoslavia was an essential step towards further reconciliation, rebuilding trust and justice in the region.
The fact that some important issues, such as the extradition of nationals and transfer of proceedings among states concerned, have still not been resolved, can lead to an 'impunity gap' which denies any hope of justice to victims, Del Ponte said.