DATE=1/22/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SERBIA/ARRESTS (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-258333
BYLINE=STEFAN BOS
DATELINE=BUDAPEST
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Yugoslav police announced Saturday the arrest
of three suspects in connection with the murder,one
week ago of Serb Paramilitary leader Zeljko
Raznatovic, better known as "Arkan",who was indicted
for war crimes in Bosnia and Croatia. Stefan Bos
reports from Budapest although investigators say they
cannot link politics to the killing, opposition
leaders claim the murder was the work of the Serbian
Government.
TEXT: The 47-year old Serb warlord "Arkan" was shot
to death in the lobby of Belgrade's Inter Continental
Hotel. Two other men, a friend of the warlord and a
policeman were also killed during the attack.
Police officials in Belgrade say that the 23-year old
alleged trigger man, Dobrosav Gavric, was arrested on
the day of the killing,in a hospital,where he was
treated for his wounds during the gun battle with Mr.
Arkan's bodyguards. His two accomplices were arrested
afterward. (Dejan Pitulic, 33-year old and Vujadin
Krstic, 36-year old)
Serbian police said all three men had contacts with
the underworld,and Mr. Gavric along with 33-year old
Dejan Pitulic worked as policemen until mid 1999.
Both men were asked to leave the police force because
of their alleged ties with criminals.
That is one of the reasons why Serbian police and the
Authorities in Belgrade are claiming that Mr. Arkan's
death was crime-related, and that there were no
political motives behind the killings.
But Serbian opposition politicians and independent
media have questioned that explanation. They said Mr.
Arkan may have been killed for trying to bargain a
deal with the United Nations Tribunal in The Hague,
which indicted him for war crimes mostly in Bosnia and
Croatia.
A spokesman for the war crimes tribunal confirmed that
intermediaries purportedly representing the Warlord
had contacted the court last year, to discuss his
case.
Opposition parties argue that his death will make it
much more difficult for International Community to
find out the truth about President Milosovic role in
the Yugoslav conlicts wich began in Slovenia and soon
led to ethnic cleansing in Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo.
/// Rest Optional ///
Mr. Arkan, who was buried earlier this week,LEFT
behind his black-uniformed army, known as the Tigers,
who were viewed with terror by Bosnian Muslims, Croats
and Kosovo Albanians during the Yugoslav wars since
1990.
He also had interests in many business operations
including pastry shops as well as casino's, and even
owned one of Yugoslavia's leading football clubs.
The warlord was also wanted in six European countries,
including Sweden, the Netherlands and Belgiums for
bank robberies and other crimes.
But he escaped from a courtroom in Sweden and a Dutch
jail, after which he began a notorious life which led
to an indictment for war crimes against humanity.
(Signed)
NEB/PT
22-Jan-2000 19:08 PM EDT (23-Jan-2000 0008 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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