OPEN LETTER TO POLITICAL LEADERS

The fall of the so-called "safe area" of Srebrenica on July 11.1995, was followed by the slaughter of thousands of its inhabitants. Srebrenica has become a symbol of the atrocities commited during the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina. It is also a symbol of the inaction of the international community.

Nearly two years have passed since this massacre took place. The men responsible for this and other war-time atrocities crimes enjoy not only freedom but power. Of seventy-five persons on all sides indicted for war crimes in the former Yugoslavia, only nine have been taken into the custody of the International Criminal Tribunal (ICTY) in The Hague. Many continue to exert substantial economic and political power, and some are linked to active paramilitary organizations. Through their obstruction of the return of refugees and displaced persons, their suppression of dissent, and their control of the media, they poison the peace process and prevent national reconciliation. The continuing influence of warlords in Bosnia-Herzegovina also undermines the possibility of free and fair elections in September.

The main responsibility for arresting persons indicted by the ICTY lies with the region' s governments that signed the Dayton Peace Agreement in December 1995. But these governments have consistently flouted their Dayton commitments by defying the repeated
demands of the international community. It is futile to count on these governments to arrest those indicted pressent on territory under their jurisdiction.

The NATO-led SFOR troops deployed in Bosnia-Herzegovina are charged with ensuring compliance with the Dayton Peace Agreement and have an obligation under international law to arrest persons indicted for war crimes. Over a year ago, they promised to arrest indicted persons who were "encountered in the course of normal duties". However, despite numerous such encounters, the troops have not apprehended a single indicted person. It is long past time for NATO troops to live up to their mandate and responsibility. Unless those indicted for war crimes are brought to justice, they will continue to sabotage the peace process.

More than fifty years ago, the international community pledged not to let genocide happen again. Yet, genocides have recurred, in Bosnia-Herzegovina and elsewhere. Arresting those responsible for war crimes is essential not only for the peace process in Bosnia-Herzegovina but also as an opportunity to build an international system of justice to deter future crimes against humanity.

We call upon you to exert your leadership and take the necessary measures to ensure that NATO forces in Bosnia-Herzegovina arrest those indicted for war crimes so thay can be brought to justice.

Sarajevo, 11 July 1997
No:02A-07/97