| Office of Research | Issue Focus | Foreign Media Reaction |
April 12, 2000
BOSNIA: KRAJISNIK ARREST WELCOMED; MIXED VIEWS ON MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
With NATO's April 3 detention of a key former Bosnian Serb aide, Momcilo Krajisnik, and last weekend's municipal elections in Bosnia, commentators in Europe, Indonesia, Mexico and Canada turned their attention to that part of the Balkans. A majority of analysts applauded Mr. Krajisnik's arrest, viewing it as an indication of NATO's "new resolve" in bringing to justice indicted war criminals. They said it sends several "messages": to other indictees that they "may be next," as well as to Bosnian voters that the international community is serious in seeking justice. Several also emphasized that, more broadly, such arrests show that international prohibitions against ethnic cleansing "are not just laws on paper" and that the International Criminal Tribunal is more than "symbolic." Some media voices--hailing mainly from Croatia--downplayed the arrest, contending that only the capture of the "main suspects Karadzic and Mladic" will prove "the true worth of all the ICTY prosecutors, SFOR intelligence and raid units." A few observers--notably in Belgrade and Athens--were flatly critical of Mr. Krajisnik's detention, contending that it is one more instance of international "discrimination" against Serb people and would "stifle" the Bosnian elections. Regarding the Bosnian elections, editorialists weighed in with mixed assessments, with some calling the results a "breakthrough" in ethnic cooperation, and others deeming it "no turnaround" from the nationalist trends of the past. These sentiments were reflected in the mix of optimistic and pessimistic assessments of the prospects for future peace and stability for Bosnia. Highlights follow:
KRAJISNIK ARREST: A majority of analysts--agreeing that "peace demands democracy; democracy demands the rule of law...and the rule of law demands the prosecution of criminals"--was upbeat regarding the arrest of a "big fish," Mr. Krajisnik. A French daily observed that "it constitutes a warning to [former Bosnian Serb leader] Karadzic, [Bosnian Serb general] Mladic, [and] Milosevic." Writers contended that the arrest also indicates a change in NATO's approach--which, they held, had previously "shied away from arresting the ones who were really responsible" for war crimes. Predictably, the press in Belgrade railed against Mr. Krajisnik's detention. The state-owned news agency Tanjug contended: "This scandalous and shameful act by the NATO-led SFOR...is the latest and the most dramatic act by the occupying force to...intimidate, and discriminate against the Serb people...all with the aim of creating a unitary Bosnia-Herzegovina and eliminating the Serb Republic as an equal entity."
ELECTIONS: Papers in Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and Indonesia saw the gains by the multi-ethnic Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the Muslim-dominated urban areas of Bosnia as a "ray of hope." A Dutch opinionmaker held that this is the "first indication that the multi-ethnic credo is not just based on wishful thinking." But others in Croatia, Germany and Italy were much less sanguine. Zagreb-based Vjesnik contended that SDP is really "perceived as a Bosniak" party, and that the Croats and Serbs elsewhere in Bosnia still voted heavily along ethnic lines. Right-of-center Berliner Morgenpost lamented: "The old forces...continued to remain the strongest" in Bosnia.
EDITOR: Diana McCaffrey
EDITOR'S NOTE: This survey is based on 45 reports from 19 countries, April 3-12. Editorial excerpts are grouped by region; editorials from each country are listed from the most recent date.
EUROPE
YUGOSLAVIA: "Krajisnik's Arrest Act Of Genocide By NATO"
Belgrade's state-owned news agency Tanjug had this piece (4/3): "The FRY Foreign Ministry condemns in the strongest possible terms the underhand arrest of Momcilo Krajisnik.... This scandalous and shameful act by the NATO-led SFOR is a direct attack on the Dayton-Paris agreement. It is the latest and the most dramatic act by the occupying force, made on the eve of the election in Bosnia-Herzegovina so as to stifle democracy, intimidate, and discriminate against the Serb people and promote the puppets of the U.S. administration and NATO pact, all with the aim of creating a unitary Bosnia-Herzegovina and eliminating the Serb Republic as an equal entity. This act of violence clearly shows that NATO continues to pursue the policy of genocide against the Serb people in an organized fashion.... The arrest of Momcilo Krajisnik shows that the so-called Hague Tribunal functions exclusively as an illegitimate political creation aimed to inflict collective punishment on the Serb nation. Wholesale dismissals of politicians and officials elected by the popular choice prove that there are attempts to set up a colonial-style protectorate in Bosnia-Herzegovina."
CROATIA: "Bosnia Tangle"
Drazen Vukov Colic commented in Rijeka-based, independent Novi list (4/12): "Izetbegovic is the only one who lost more than expected, while the international community once again achieved only limited success. There can be no doubt that the convincing victories of the Social Democrats in all major cities...marked a big turnaround in the Bosniak part of the Bosnian Federation; but generally, one can speak only of select and limited changes in Bosnia as a whole, confirming the irreconcilable divisions existing there to date.... Izetbegovic's SDA party wouldn't have lost so badly had it run with more efficient and less corrupt people, meaning the Bosniaks didn't necessarily vote for a 'multi-ethnic Bosnia,' but rather wanted to punish their inert national party. The Croats didn't have a choice, and the Serbs were afraid to lose everything that they had unjustifiably gained--their special 'republic' first and foremost. Hence, after the elections, Bosnia remains as entangled as it was before."
"Social Democrat Win Must Be Placed In Context Of Local Inter-Ethnic Relations"
Petar Milos opined in Split-based, right-of-center Slobodna Dalmacija (4/12): "Since in multi-ethnic Bosnia everything is relative, the success of Zlatko Lagumdzija's Social Democrats must be regarded in relative terms and within the context of inter-ethnic relations. The too small number of Croat and Serb votes, and 'too many' Bosniak votes the Social-Democrats received make it appear as a 'crypto-Bosniak' party.... The international community simply cannot understand how entangled the political situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina is, especially the local sensitivities of all ethnic groups regarding their national affiliation. Thus, and with their hasty moves prior to the elections, they (the international community) irritated the local population just when they believed to have reconciled them and gotten them to do something for their own well-being. They cannot even comprehend their lack of understanding--or could it be that they just do what they do on purpose? Otherwise they wouldn't have captured Krajisnik just before the elections, thus rendering the Serbs (and Croats) even more homogenous."
"Elections Not A Turnaround"
Ivan Sabic commented in Zagreb-based Vjesnik (4/11) on the preliminary results of the Bosnian municipal elections: "The success of the Social Democrats in those parts of Bosnia-Herzegovina with a majority Bosniak [Bonsian Muslim] population proves right the old thesis...that the party so far has been perceived first and foremost as an alternative to Alija Izetbegovic's SDA Party and its coalition parties. In other words, although there are non-Bosniaks in the Social Democrats' leading ranks--though perhaps not in the proportion that would reflect Bosnia's mixed population--that party is perceived as a Bosniak one. This means the change which occurred in the recent municipal elections is not the turnaround Bosnia-Herzegovina representatives have been waiting and hoping for since the signing of Dayton.... That change has not had any particular impact on Bosnia's political scene, but it could bring some major changes in the international community's attitude towards certain areas and political groups in Bosnia. Hence, Milorad Dodik could be pushed back and replaced by Zlatko Lagumdzija, the Social Democrats' leader, as the new darling of the international community.... In this sense, it's logical to expect even stronger efforts by the international community to support the SDP taking over at least from the SDA."
"Atmosphere Of Political Fear For Bosnian Croats"
Jozo Pavkovic opined in mass-circulation Vecernji list (4/11): "The national question, which is believed to be solved, is being increasingly pushed back by social issues. Tired of the [ruling Muslim nationalist] SDA, which with its ideas lives more in the past than the present, Bosniaks opted for Lagumdzija's better future. For them, the changes are not that risky, since the Bosnian SDP consists mainly of Bosniaks, too.... The Croats in Bosnia-Herzegovina feel threatened. As a constitutive nation, they have already been downgraded to an ethnic minority. An atmosphere of political fear has been created that, in case they split up, they might be outvoted. And that's why they gave their vote to HDZ. One of the characteristics of the recent election, however, is a low turnout of Croat voters. Many of them used to vote for HDZ, but did not want to do so anymore. Nevertheless, they just couldn't make up their minds to opt for somebody from the opposition. Just like Croats, the Serbs opted again for the SDS. Krajisnik's arrest made them even more homogenous with the right.... The international community is investing a lot of money and efforts to make the episode from Croatia happen in Bosnia as soon as possible. The first opportunity is in September, when parliamentary elections are scheduled."
"The Hague Hunts Prized Serb Stags Of Crime"
Fran Visnar held in Zagreb-based Vjesnik (4/5) on the arrest of Momcilo Krajisnik: "Official Paris approved Krajisnik's arrest because of the permanent complaints by its allies--the United States and Britain--that the French are dealing with the Serbs in an almost friendly manner. At the same time, the French wanted to demonstrate that their soldiers are capable enough to act independently, and even more effectively, than their SFOR colleagues by bagging major prey. Still, the Hague is not celebrating too loudly. The main suspects, Karadzic and Mladic, are still at large.... Only the capture of those two notorious criminals will prove the true worth of all the ICTY prosecutors, SFOR intelligence and raid units."
"'Schematized' Justice"
Visnja Staresina commented in mass-circulation, Zagreb-based Vecernji list (4/4) on the arrest of Bosnian Serb politician Momcilo Krajisnik: "After [chief UN prosecutor] Carla del Ponte announced that she would be after top officials...it became very risky for a top guy like Momcilo Krajisnik to sleep at home.
"For if she can't get the one she wants, Carla del Ponte will get the one right next to him. So she did this time, and Momcilo went straight from his bed to The Hague. Had it happened in 1995, when the indictments were first issued, including those against Karadzic and Mladic, the indictment against Krajisnik would have deserved sincere applause and strengthened the belief that ICTY's aim is indeed to take action against the crimes.... Krajisnik simply didn't fit , however, into the scheme of the indictments at that time. Today, when he finally fits, his trip to The Hague evokes different associations than had he been indicted and arrested five years ago. That 'schematized justice' does not really inspire confidence."
"At Last--The Strategists, Too"
Frane Plancic opined in mass-circulation, Zagreb-based Vecernji list (4/4): "The arrest of the political planners, who gave orders to the Bosnian Serb army to create and sustain a parastate and make war with rifles and knives is a long-expected sign of some changes.... It is the first one after NATO's intervention against Serbia in Kosovo, and in a way even more significant than the intervention itself.... And yet, Krajisnik's arrest puts into question whether the international community will not go in the other extreme. Will it halt the small number of prosecutions of those who executed the genocide in the military, police, and paramilitary uniforms? Nobody in Bosnia, not even the current moderate leadership of the Bosnian Serbs, is satisfied with SFOR's sluggishness towards these criminals who still wear the Bosnian Serb army uniforms and rule in their military districts.... The Hague tribunal must not have mercy, be it granted in advance, or politically motivated."
FRANCE: "A Close Friend Of Karadzic Caught"
Baudouin Bollaert declared in right-of-center Le Figaro (4/4): "'They did it!' Yesterday, Richard Holbrooke, U.S. ambassador to the UN was not hiding his admiration for the French soldiers of SFOR who captured Krajisnik.... Krajisnik is today the most important political leader handed over to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.... It constitutes a warning to Karadzic, Mladic, Milosevic and Milutinovic.... Karadzic is NATO's next target."
"France Finally Enforces Law"
Jean Marc Gonin judged in right-of-center France Soir (4/4): "It is an important step, not to say a turning point. NATO finally arrested one of the most important war criminals.... The French troops, which had been criticized for a long time by the United States and former [chief UN prosecutor] Louise Arbor, finally caught a big fish.... The two main butchers of Sarajevo will not be as easy to catch as their accomplice Krajisnik."
GERMANY: "Breeze Of Change"
Peter Muench opined in centrist Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich (4/11): "Elections in Bosnia are the continuation of war with different means. In the election campaign, the opponents were the same forces that had competed against each other on the battlefield.... Among the Serbs and the Croats, the nationalists continue to determine the political battle order. Only among the Muslims, the phalanx was destroyed. To sum it up: This is not much of a turnabout. The Serbs have cemented the power of the SDS.... The Bosnian Croats rejected the winds of change that was blowing from Zagreb. The only ray of hope is the victory of the Social Democrats in the sphere of influence of the SDA. But since experience with the Bosnian peace process has made us modest, even such a partial victory will create undivided joy among the international organizers of the elections. The U.S. ambassador is already speaking of the 'beginning of a new era.' This is a bit too much, goes too far, and does not hit the target. With such words, the ghosts of the past cannot be chased away.
"Again, these elections are evidence of the fact that progress in Bosnia is, first of all, slow, and second, it is asynchronous."
"No Change In Sight"
Centrist Der Tagesspiegel of Berlin argued (4/11): "The outcome of the elections does not leave any doubt: the country remains ethnically and politically divided and blocks the return of hundreds of thousands of expellees.... The narrowing of views in Bosnia in the sense of the Dayton Peace Treaty will continue to be postponed and be restricted to the tormented cooperation between the three ethnic groups in the common Bosnian state presidium. The tailwind which the elections in Croatia promised for Bosnia, dropped off at the border of the neighboring country. In the fifth year of the internationally sponsored peace process, we can by no means speak of 'change' and a 'breakthrough.' The hardliners continue to have the fate of the country in their hands. For them, it would also be grist to the mill if the Balkan model country Slovenia disappeared as a factor of stability due to a government crisis."
"The Old Pattern"
Dieter Opitz judged in right-of-center Berliner Morgenpost (4/11): "When the Serbs, Croats, and Muslim were exhausted after three years of bloodshed and put down their arms, a complicated state structure was set up that was oriented to the military status quo. Under a common roof, two partial states were set up: a Serbian republic and a Muslim-Croatian federation, governed by parties that waged the war. The elections from the weekend did not change that. At issue was the distribution of local power and offices within the ethnic groups. The old forces, however, continued to remain the strongest. The parliamentary elections in the fall will show whether something is about to change among the ethnic groups or whether peace will be maintained only by international forces."
"Democratic Games"
Ruediger Rossig noted in a front-page editorial in left-of-center die tageszeitung of Berlin (4/10): "What threatens to be lost in the midst of the clamor over the 'free and fair' elections is the fact that the international community has done little more since the end of the war five years ago than repair a few bridges, occupy the best office space with its own institutions, and hire large numbers of secretaries and drivers.... If the social bureaucracy, consisting of the UN, the OSCE, and other organizations, packed up its tents tomorrow, the unemployment rate would immediately shoot up to 90 percent--with all social and political consequences. However, it was not the mission of the international community to make itself the largest employer in Bosnia. It is supposed to create normal democratic conditions. This has not happened so far. But instead of making this failure a topic of discussion, a few Social Democratic election victories are being turned into proof of democratic maturity."
"No Quiet For War Criminals"
Katja Ridderbusch noted in right-of-center Die Welt of Berlin (4/4): "With the publication of the secret indictment against Slobodan Milosevic, the West sent a signal of toughness last May. And with the arrest of Momlico Krajisnik...the West is now directly entering the inner power circle surrounding former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic. This is a strike not only against the 'prominent' figures of the Bosnian war such as Karadzic and his General Ratko Mladic. It is also a strike against the political and administrative elite of the Bosnian Serbs, the still influential political mafia in Pale.... There is even more. Like during the spectacular indictment against Milosevic in the last stages of NATO air strikes, Krajisnik's arrest is a piece of politics. Next Saturday, local elections will take place in Bosnia.
"The strike against hardliner Krajisnik is also sending a signal of detente to the restless region."
"A Really Big Fish Before The Tribunal"
Frank Herold concluded in an editorial in left-of-center Berliner Zeitung (4/4): "With Momlico Krajisnik, the War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague has now got its first top politician. He is accused of genocide and other war crimes. Krajisnik himself did not dirty his hands like the notorious General Mladic.... Krajisnik was always a politician, and this is why he did not consider it necessary to go underground after the end of the war.... For years, the peace force shied away from arresting the ones who were really responsible for the crimes, because they enjoy great influence in their ethnic groups. The dangers for stability and for the peace process in Bosnia seem to be too great. Krajisnik's arrest, which, in addition, happened shortly before the elections, seems to be a signal that the time of tactical considerations is finally over."
ITALY: "Bosnia Votes"
A report from Sarajevo in centrist Il Messaggero said (4/10): "Bosnian voters seem to have acknowledged the appeal issued by Robert Berry, the head of the OSCE mission, who had urged them to participate in the local elections to promote 'changes.'... The OSCE has let it be known that the first official results will be made public today."
"Decline Of Nationalists In Bosnia"
Conservative newspaper syndicate Il Resto del Carlino/La Nazione/Il Giorno (4/10) noted in a report from Sarajevo: "After the turnaround in Croatia, the decline of the nationalists has begun in Bosnia as well. The leadership that was involved in the war is being defeated by the peaceful weapon of democracy. In Bosnia, this phenomenon is clear among the Muslims, less evident among the Croatians, while among the Serbs there has even been a revival of the extremists in the second local elections since the end of the war in 1995."
"Differences Emerge More Clearly"
An analysis in pro-DS (leading government party) L'Unita' held (4/10): "Seen the day after the vote, the differences between the two 'entities' that form Bosnia emerge even more clearly. The victory of the Social Democratic opposition in the cities of the Croatian-Muslim federation is balanced by the continuing strength of Croatian and Serbian nationalist parties in Herzegovina and in the Serbian Republic of Bosnia."
"An Important Arrest, But Still Impunity For Some"
Massimo Nava observed in centrist, top-circulation Corriere della Sera (4/4): "[Krajisnik's] arrest takes place at a very delicate moment in Bosnia, on the eve of local elections.... Indeed, it is an important arrest which does not, however, erase the fact that those responsible for the war continue to benefit from impunity.... General Mladic, in Belgrade, went to watch a soccer match between China and Yugoslavia in recent days...and it is rumored that Karadzic is in a secure hiding place in Belgrade. Indeed, Milosevic, who is also accused of war crimes in Kosovo, has transformed his country into a bunker."
"A Message For Milosevic"
Fabio Luppino opined in pro-DS (leading government party) l'Unita' (4/4): "Only a few days ago an American diplomat reaffirmed that to deal with Milosevic there is no alternative to the tough line...and the arrest of Karadzic's aide is for sure part of this strategy....
"Indeed, this arrest speaks to Milosevic. For NATO...today the dictator is only a wanted person. The war in Kosovo has taken away from him his role as 'Dayton guarantor.'"
"Milosevic' Nightmares"
Guido Rampoldi commented on the front-page of left-leaning, influential La Repubblica (4/4): "After years of compromises and minuets with those who organized the 'ethnic cleansing,' it seems that NATO decided that Dayton is overcome and Bosnia is an international protectorate under all respects. Hence The Hague Tribunal...has now in custody a high-level politician.... Indeed, the scandal of war criminals strolling freely in Bosnia was a reason for clashes amid some Western contingents.... Now NATO should arrest Mladic."
RUSSIA: "No Outcry Expected from Moscow"
Maksim Yusin surmised in reformist Izvestiya (4/4): "Only six months ago, arresting Karadzic, Krajisnik or Mladic would have had Moscow outraged, straining the relations with it still further. Not now. Putin feels a great deal less constrained than Yeltsin did by what the Communists and patriots might say. He can afford to be pragmatic and not to quarrel with America and Europe over personages like Krajisnik."
AUSTRIA: "Message To Big Shots"
Foreign affairs editor Livia Klingl wrote in mass-circulation Kurier (4/4): "One of the major organizers of murder, pillage, and 'ethnic cleansing' in Bosnia, Momcilo Krajisnik...who explicitly rejected the mere coexistence of three Bosnian ethnic groups, was not on the tribunal's official 'wanted list.' Still, he could have guessed that they had taken aim at him. However, he was so sure of his life that NATO was able to catch him at home in Pale. This news of his arrest will probably strike his former 'master' Karadzic to the core. Because the message is: Even big shots are no longer taboo for the tribunal. Finally."
"Krajisnik's Arrest A Step In Right Direction"
Foreign affairs writer Irene Miller noted in prestigious Die Presse (4/4): "They all shook his hand or even had a picture taken with him: Pope John Paul II., U.S. President Bill Clinton, France's Jaques Chirac, NATO Secretary General Javier Solana, Tony Blair, and Robin Cook from London.... Why did the The Hague Tribunal decide only this February to (probably rightfully) unmask Krajisnik as a war criminal, as somebody who committed genocide?... Have they just been working a little slowly? Did the accusers not know anything about the third man Krajisnik, when they indicted Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic years ago? Or have they just begun to grope for the worst war criminals in Europe since the end of World War II? The tribunal has neither given an explanation for presenting the bill of indictment so late nor published the charges in detail. That the tribunal in The Hague has finally put the presumed main perpetrator, the so far highest-raking Bosnian Serb, on trial, is a step in the right direction. Peace demands democracy; democracy demands the rule of law. And the rule of law demands the prosecution of criminals, also in Bosnia."
"Krajisnik Arrest Indication Of International Community's New Strategy"
In prestigious Die Presse (4/6), Sarajevo correspondent Erich Rathfelder commented: "Krajisnik's arrest seems to indicate a new strategy of the international community regarding the war criminals issue, which they intend to approach with more determination. NATO Secretary General Robertson recently stressed that none of the 93 official nor any of the unknown presumed war criminals on the secret 'wanted persons' file can feel safe.
"'They will all be brought to trial,' he recently declared in Sarajevo. Since 1995, NATO officials in particular have hesitated.... Only an intervention by Richard Holbrooke made it clear to the public that this mandate was covered by resolutions of the World Security Council. This led to first actions by the British in Prijedor. Since that time, several other political criteria have changed as well. With the change of power in Croatia, Zagreb's willingness to cooperate has increased.... In Serbia and in the Republika Srpska in Bosnia, however, a similar readiness is not to be expected. Thus, as far as the Serbs are concerned, the investigators will have to take recourse to violent actions by international units. On top of the list: General Ratko Mladic, Radovan Karadzic, and Slobodan Milosevic."
BELGIUM: "A Win For Prosecutors"
Edouard Van Velthem opined in independent Le Soir (4/4): "Nothing indicates that the arrest of Radovan Karadzic, the 'great architect' of ethnic cleaning, has been programmed for the near future. The United States is offering $5 million for his arrest, but, in the Pentagon, U.S. generals are afraid that a catastrophic Somalia-type scenario might happen, given the heavily armed guards surrounding the former Bosnian Serb leader.... 'When the Dayton negotiations began, Karadzic promised Richard Holbrooke that he would stay out of political life, and he kept his word,' some people in Western chanceries sometimes say as an excuse.... The debate is not over. But, with the arrest of Krajisnik, the prosecutors have perhaps scored a decisive win vis-à-vis the diplomats."
DENMARK: "NATO Moving Toward Top Of Most Wanted List"
Center-right Berlingske Tidende held (4/4): "The Bosnian Serb leader Momcilo Krajisnik is the highest ranking war criminal to have been arrested by NATO so far. The message is clear that NATO is moving toward the top of its [most wanted] list.... NATO has formerly based its reluctance to arrest Karadzic and Mladic on the fact that this would adversely affect stability in Bosnia. This explanation has long lacked credibility, and [with Krajisnik's arrest] it appears even more dubious. The real explanation is to be found in the realm of politics. During the first years after the war, the West needed Krajisnik; today he has outlived his political usefulness."
GREECE: "NATO's Puzzling Methods"
Writing in pro-government, populist tabloid Ethnos, an unidentified political columnist wrote: "Is anyone puzzled by the methods NATO forces are using, not only in Kosovo but also in Bosnia, where tension is again in danger of flaring up? In 1993.... Krajsnik was a moderate leader who faced the criticism of the then-hardcore Ms. Plavsic. Years went by, Mr. Krajsnik signed the Dayton Agreement, Ms. Plavsic found herself allied with the Americans, and suddenly yesterday Mr. Krajsnik was arrested and marched to the court in the Hague on a secret arrest warrant. Tudjman and Izebegovic never paid for their crimes. The only 'guilty' ones will be Karadzic, Milosevic, and Krajsnik. This is a war in which every sacrifice is made to see one side defeated."
HUNGARY: "Feat Of Arms"
Jozsef Makai wrote in influential, liberal-leaning Magyar Hirlap (4/5): "Krajisnik's arrest was a message to Bosnia's residents. NATO said: 'We are stronger, and we do with you what we want. If you are guilty, we will have no mercy. We have occupied you because you were not able to live in peace. And now you will stop killing one another, because we will not let you go on. If you have committed crimes, we will come and get you.' Come to think of it, it is not a bad message.
"There will be municipal elections [in Bosnia] next weekend, and now NATO has decided to intervene: with its peculiar measures, it wants to strengthen the forces co-operating with the West."
THE NETHERLANDS: "Living Together In Bosnia"
Influential, liberal De Volkskrant commented (4/12): "Will Bosnia-Herzegovina ever become a more or less normal state? A state with a somewhat functioning democracy and reasonably stable relations between the three ethnic groups: Muslims, Serbs, and Croats? Until recently, the answer to this question was mainly a matter of faith.... However, the municipal elections held all over Bosnia last weekend provide the first indication that this multi-ethnic credo is not just based on wishful thinking.... We can slowly see emerging the contours of a Bosnian society which deserves that name."
"Some Questions About Krajisnik's Arrest"
Influential, liberal De Volksksrant's editor Olaf Tempelman commented (4/5): "Momcilo Krajisnik has been arrested. Arresting the heavyweights has begun. The arrest of Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic is only a matter of time.... Euphoria prevails. But there are still some questions to raise. For example, the logic behind the arrest of Krajisnik is not very clear. It is highly questionable whether this arrest will speed up the arrest of Karadzic or Mladic.... It is true that Krajisnik is a discreditable politician...but the question here is not whether this man is good or not. The question is whether his arrest was a logical move that contributes to normalization of the area. Krajisnik was part of the Serbian delegation in Dayton which ended the war in Bosnia.... Post-Dayton, he played a key role in the new Bosnian arena.... The question is whether you can first, in a political-post-Dayton framework, accept someone and then, in a legal post-Dayton framework, arrest this person. Following this logic, there are many more who should be arrested."
"Arrest A Major Success"
Influential, liberal De Volkskrant editorialized (4/5): "The arrest of Momcilo Krajisnik is a major success for the Yugoslav Tribunal. Gone are the days that only a single camp commander such as Dusan Tadic would be imprisoned.... Chief prosecutor Carla Del Ponte and her predecessor exhibited admirable persistency in putting pressure on NATO and SFOR-countries to give up their reluctance.... Of equal importance is the fact that the tribunal has made clear that international law prohibiting ethnic cleansing is not just laws on paper.... Thanks to the arrest of people such as Krajisnik, there is no more doubt about the tribunal being merely symbolic.... Hopefully, the two key suspects, Karadzic and Mladic will soon appear before the tribunal."
POLAND: "Crime And Punishment"
Jan Skorzynski opined in centrist Rzeczpospolita (4/4): "SFOR troops should be congratulated. The detention of Momcilo Kraysnik, right hand of Radovan Karadzic, one who shares responsibility for the bloody ethnic cleansing in Bosnia, proves that the international troops treat seriously the declarations of punishing war criminals from the former Yugoslavia.... The prospect of bringing the perpetrators of crimes committed in Yugoslavia to justice can only make us happy. Equally good news is the fact that international justice is becoming effective. Those who commit crimes in the name of the state, nation or ideology should not feel safe only because courts in their own country wash their hands."
"No Longer Secure"
Dawid Warszawski wrote in liberal Gazeta Wyborcza (4/4): "Krajisnik personifies two aspects of the Bosnian war. He was the architect of the strategy of total separatism, the one who made the Bosnian Serbs' parliament reject in spring 1994 the Vance-Owen peace plan, signed earlier by Karadzic.... But he was also the boss of the mafia which drew unbelievable profits from the war.... By not persecuting war criminals, the international community let them participate in the reconstruction Bosnia.... The arrest of Krajisnik shows they are no longer secure. It is good news--but belated by five years."
SPAIN: "Filling Up The Cells At The Hague"
Center-left El Pais commented (4/4): "Slowly but surely justice is being meted out for the atrocities committed in Bosnia.... The arrest of Momcilo Krajisnik, a former Bosnian co-president and close collaborator of Bosnia-Herzegovina's primary fugitive, Radovan Karadzic, is good news for those who believe that the executioners of the former Yugoslavia will eventually be held to account.... Krajisnik is accused of genocide, human rights abuses, and violations of the rules of war. His arrival at the International Criminal Court for the former Yugoslavia at The Hague will have set off a loud alarm in the ears of Slobodan Milosevic."
"Karadzic Beware.... And Others Too!"
Independent El Mundo judged (4/4): "The international community regained a certain amount of initiative and credibility with yesterday's detention of Momcilo Krajisnik, Radovan Karadzic's former right-hand man in Bosnia-Herzegovina.... The message for Karadzic, still in hiding, and General Ratko Mladic is clear: We are coming for you. Belgrade has exploded in indignation, understandably, because several primary fugitives reside there. The Hague court is engaged in a laudable task, one that we would like to see expanded worldwide."
SWEDEN: "World Community Has Golden Opportunity To Bring Justice To Balkans"
Liberal Dagens Nyheter ran this editorial by foreign editor Per Ahlin (4/5): "NATO's operation might have been successful but problems in the Balkans still are so great that they risk undermining what has been achieved, and in the long run, also jeopardizing international conflict prevention.... The parties in the region bear major responsibility because peaceful coexistence cannot be forced from the outside.... However, international commitment is necessary. It will be both lengthy and costly, but there are no alternatives. To let go now might be the same thing as allowing the powder magazine to explode.... There is an alarming situation in the Balkans...but the international community is prepared and cannot be surprised, should something go awry.... The Balkans are high on the international agenda.... Foreign troops are in place, sanctions have been imposed, and it is obvious that justice will sooner or later catch up with the Ratko Mladics and Radovan Karadzics, providing that the other states continue to assist the International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague.... The international community now has a golden opportunity to use the whole arsenal of preventive diplomacy...and to take the chance to obtain peace."
TURKEY: "Now Karadzic?"
Hasan Unal wrote in religious/intellectual Zaman (4/7): "As stated in the experts' reports, the systematic tortures and massacres were handled in a very professional and organized manner. Serbian leaders, including Karadzic, knew very well what they were doing.... Therefore, the capture of Krajisnik is very important.
"The capture itself will be disturbing enough for both Karadzic and Mladic--the big pawns which have so far believed nothing would ever happen to them. If these pawns are eventually captured, then it will serve as a reconciliatory role for the victims of genocide, including others as well."
"Arrest Of Krajisnik"
Hadi Uluengin wrote in mass-appeal Hurriyet (4/5): "The arrest of Krajisnik is a success due to the coordination between NATO and SFOR, as well as due to the French team's adept operation.... Even though it occurs slowly in phases, things are fortunately changing in the world. Criminals--ranging from a Chilean dictator to a Serbian murderer--are either facing criminal charges, or are at least no longer allowed to live under any kind of immunity."
"A Little Pawn"
Fikret Ertan wrote in religious/intellectual Zaman (4/5): "The arrest and upcoming trial of Krajisnik is a very important development for both the international community and the war victims. This development will also reveal the financing information within the Serbian leadership. It is certain that the revelations of such information will rip Karadzic and Milosevic, as well as their right-hand figures, into pieces. Momcilo Krajisnik is a 'little pawn' compared to Karadzic, Mladic or Milosevic. But the arrest of Krajisnik will help to facilitate the capture of these large figures."
EAST ASIA
INDONESIA: "Bosnian Breakthrough, Multi-Ethnic Party Wins Majority"
Leading independent Kompas held (4/11): "It is thought that recent peaceful elections are positive developments that should enhance the international community's resolve to rebuild the ruins of Bosnia's civil war. The international community has declared its support of Bosnian economic reforms. Undertaking economic restoration has become strategic to Bosnia. Economic improvement would not only eliminate poverty and alleviate unemployment, but also strengthen the reconciliation and democratization processes. Without a strong economic basis, the course of reconciliation and democratization will be tentative and awkward."
WESTERN HEMISPHERE
CANADA: "Happy Surprise"
Serge Truffaut judged in liberal, French-language Le Devoir (4/4): "NATO stabilization forces have finally arrested one of the main authors of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed between 1992 and 1995. At the same time, the International Federation of Human Rights published a scathing report against the Russian armed forces in Chechnya, declaring them guilty of crimes similar to those committed in the Balkans. Ten days after having been trampled by the Chilean Congress, who granted parliamentary immunity to General Pinochet, human rights are imposing themselves again.... In the wake of the arrest, some now nourish the hope that Karadzic, who has been in hiding for three years, will soon be arrested. As for the third member of that sinister troika, General Ratko Mladic, he is taking it easy in Serbia, under the protection of Slobodan Milosevic."
MEXICO: "Krajisnik--High-Ranking War Criminal Arrested"
Mireya Olivas wrote in nationalist Milenio (4/5): "Major Western countries are very much pleased with the arrest of Momcilo Krajisnik. He is the highest ranking war criminal arrested since the creation of the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia. This court was created by the UN in 1993, but it began to function three years later because of the lack of funds and the little support by nations like Great Britain, the United States and France. However, once NATO's bombing of Kosovo began, NATO required the support of the court to put pressure on Slobodan Milosevic, thus NATO began to support the court activities that have led to Krasjisnik's detention."
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