"West was deeply involved in Bosnian war" - govt. official

"West was deeply involved in Bosnian war" - govt. official

Ahead of Tuesday's debate on the Srebrenica resolution at the UN Security Council, Mihajlovic said that "the international community, i.e. the West, was deeply involved in the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina."

Mihajlovic said that the burden of guilt is carried by both parties, that is the three sides involved in the Bosnian conflict, but added that much of the guilt lies on the international forces that had the mandate to protect the citizens exposed to attacks.

He said that that it is time the courts of the states formed after the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia and international courts solve the question of guilt, identify people accountable for the murders and raise indictments against the ones who ordered the crimes.

“The Balkans has embarked on the path of reconciliation, and that is the trend it should maintain,” Mihajlovic said.

As for the debate at the UN, Mihajlovic said he "did not expect a great diplomatic battle," and added it will become obvious "how ready the great powers are to turn toward the Balkans and help solve the remaining problems."

Commenting on the upcoming visit of German Chancellor Angela Merkel to Belgrade and the region, he said Germany was "seriously present" in the Balkans, while Merkel "will have things to say to the Balkan states' leaders."

According to Mihajlovic, "these messages will motivate them to further cooperate and resolve the remaining problems."

This government official added the visit will be useful - because Merkel is "the leader of a country that is economically, and therefore politically, the most powerful in Europe." He also "does not think that Merkel is coming to a powder keg."

The government "expects help from Germany, not only economic, but also help in solving the problems in Kosovo and Metohija, that is, solving the problem of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija," Mihajlovic revealed.

Commenting on the Kosovo negotiations, he said the talks would "certainly continue" while any progress at this time "depends on Pristina, above all."

"There is fear in the Kosovo, Albanian political circles of the community of Serb municipalities (ZSO), that is linked to the fear of the formation of a special court for war crimes," said Mihajlovic, and added:

"This fear is unfounded. The ZSO is one of the most important agreements during the Brussels dialogue, the realization of which has been awaited for two years and three months. The ZSO is a step forward toward a more just solution to the Kosovo problem."