UPON MENTIONING REPUBLIKA SRPSKA, GENERAL MLADIĆ RESPONDED: "YES, MY PEOPLE"

BANJA LUKA, APRIL 20 /SRNA/ – Republika Srpska Minister of Justice Goran Selak stated that Serbia's Minister of Justice Nenad Vujić, who visited The Hague today and met General Ratko Mladić in the detention unit, informed him that the general’s health condition has seriously deteriorated.

"In a phone conversation with Minister Vujić, I was informed that General Mladić is barely communicative, that he was brought in a bed because he cannot even use a wheelchair, that he tires quickly, and mostly gives short answers. In that context, it was conveyed to me that, upon mentioning Republika Srpska, he uttered `yes, my people,`" Selak stated.

He emphasized that institutions have an obligation to monitor the health condition and detention conditions of all detainees, and to insist on respect for their fundamental rights.

"Republika Srpska, together with the Republic of Serbia, will continue to monitor the condition of its citizens and insist on humane treatment, adequate medical care, and respect for all rights guaranteed to them in accordance with international standards," Selak said.

He added that Minister Vujić pointed out the need, given the health condition, to consider the possibility of allowing General Mladić to receive treatment in Serbia.

During his stay in The Hague, Minister Vujić also visited Mićo Stanišić.

Selak added that, according to information from the conversation, attention was also drawn to the responsibility of the competent authorities for the conditions in the detention unit.

"We expect the competent institutions to ensure adequate conditions and healthcare for all detainees, without exception," Selak concluded.