DARKO MLADIĆ: SUPPORT FROM SRPSKA MEANS A LOT TO US; EVERYTHING SHOULD BE DONE TO ENSURE A DIGNIFIED FAREWELL

BELGRADE, SEPTEMBER 4 /SRNA/ - Darko Mladić, the son of General Ratko Mladić, said that the strong support from fighters and veterans from Republika Srpska, as well as from the entire Serb people, means a great deal to the family, adding that he hopes his father's funeral will be dignified and worthy of a man who sacrificed everything during the most difficult period for the Serb people.

Darko Mladić said there is interest among people from the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Russia, and Poland in attending General Mladić's funeral, and that people are also coming from Australia, the United States, and European countries.

"Because of this enormous interest, I also said that I want everything to proceed with dignity and that everyone should help us make it the way my father deserved," Darko Mladić said in response to a question from SRNA about whether he was aware of the support from fighters, veterans and people from Republika Srpska.

Darko Mladić stressed that every expression of support is very important to his family, especially given that the legal battle with the Hague Tribunal lasted a long time and was extremely difficult.

"While my father was in hiding from the Tribunal, it was a difficult struggle, and we were alone as a family. Every expression of support means a great deal to us, as does the support of those who want to help. I hope it will be a farewell worthy of a man who sacrificed everything he had during the most difficult period for the Serb people and who saved that people from genocide, because we see what happened to the people where there was no Serb army," the son of General Mladić said.

He added that General Mladić had prevented this through his actions and deeds, while committing no crimes, as the Hague Tribunal had no evidence against him and everything came down to third-hand sources.

When asked by SRNA whether Serbia would ask the UN to lift the immunity of the female doctor whom the family and doctors consider responsible for General Mladić's death, Serbian Justice Minister Nenad Vujić said that he would discuss the matter with lawyer Dragan Ivetić.

Vujić said that the public would be informed about this, adding that no one can hide behind national rules but is obliged to comply with international documents when an international tribunal is involved.