Del Ponte appeals to Merkel

Del Ponte appeals to Merkel

In her letter Del Ponte said that the judgment explicitly ordered Serbia to promptly take effective steps to punish the perpetrators of genocide, to surrender those indicted for genocide and other war crimes and to cooperate fully with the Tribunal.

Carla Del Ponte claimed she had "strong evidence" that Karadžić and Mladić were "under protection" in Serbia. Three other fugitives from international justice, Tolimir, Župljanin and Hadžicć still "reside safe" in Serbia, she said.

Del Ponte called on the European Union and its presiding state Germany to continue with "strong pressure and clear messages", as the only way to force Serbia to cooperate.

She emphasized that the ICJ judgment should be "supported and enforced" and that "it is time for Serbia to finally comply with its international obligation to arrest and surrender these fugitives".

"For the sake of justice and rule of law", Del Ponte appeals to Merkel, it is "of utmost importance that the European Union stands firm by its view that the negotiations on the Stabilization and Association Agreement can continue only after Serbia has arrested and surrendered Ratko Mladić to the Tribunal."

Finally, Carla Del Ponte asked Angela Merkel to pass on her letter to presidents and prime ministers of the other 26 members of the European Union.