Head of OSCE Mission to BiH welcomes improved co-operation between Croatia and BiH war crimes prosecutors

SARAJEVO, 3 June 2013 – The Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Fletcher M. Burton, welcomed today the signing of a protocol between the State Attorney's Office of Croatia and the Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina on co-operation in the prosecution of perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

“Perpetrators of war crimes must be brought to justice,” said Burton. “The signing of this protocol demonstrates the commitment of both Croatia and BiH to eliminate impunity and ensure accountability for war crimes. Our Mission will continue to support the BiH Prosecutor’s Office and the justice sector as a whole in strengthening the rule of law in BiH.”

“Greater exchange of information and evidence in the sphere of war crimes prosecutions is an important and encouraging sign of increased regional co-operation,” added Burton.

In January 2013, the Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the War Crimes Prosecutor’s Office of Serbia signed a similar protocol agreement on sharing information and evidence.