ZAGREB, Sept 19 (Hina) - Deputy PM Goran Granic informed retired Gen. Janko Bobetko about the Hague war crimes tribunal's request for an interview with him in his capacity as defendant last night, in keeping with a government
decision, sources close to the government said on Thursday.
ZAGREB, Sept 19 (Hina) - Deputy PM Goran Granic informed retired
Gen. Janko Bobetko about the Hague war crimes tribunal's request
for an interview with him in his capacity as defendant last night,
in keeping with a government decision, sources close to the
government said on Thursday. #L#
Granic spoke to Bobetko for two hours during which the general was
not angry but approached the matter soundly, said the sources.
According to unofficial information, Bobetko held talks with two
attorneys proposed by the government and suggested engaging two
more. After talking with the general, the lawyers have to talk with
the Hague tribunal's prosecutors.
Croatia will insist on having Bobetko be interviewed by Hague
investigators at his Zagreb home, well-informed sources claim. It
has allegedly been agreed that "no duress" should be allowed with
the general.
Even though it cannot be speculated as to further developments,
particularly the possibility of a trial, well-informed sources say
that if that were to happen, it was possible that all preparations
be carried out in Croatia. There is no need for Bobetko, given his
age and health, to go to The Hague only for the arraignment, the
sources say.
Even though some have compared the request for the Bobetko
interview with the case of Gen. Petar Stipetic, those well-versed
in the UN tribunal's procedure claim the difference lies in the
status of the two officials.
Stipetic spoke with Hague investigators as a suspect, whereas the
request for the interview with Bobetko is in his capacity as
defendant.
(hina) ha sb