„I strongly welcome the arrest of Ratko Mladic by Serbia’s authorities. This is an important step forward for Serbia and for international justice. I congratulate President Tadic and Serbia’s Government for this courageous action. During my visit to Belgrade last week, I strongly reiterated the EU’s firm support to Serbia’s European perspective. The arrest of Ratko Mladic is therefore a very positive development for the European Union, for Serbia’s neighbours, but most of all for the rule of law in Serbia itself. The families of his countless victims deserve justice.

I look forward to Ratko Mladic’s transfer to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia without delay. Full cooperation with the ICTY remains essential on Serbia’s path towards EU membership.“