Ex-Yugoslavia-related resolutions at PACE

27 January 2011 | 09:38 | Source: Beta

STRASBOURG -- The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on Wednesday adopted three resolutions related to the former Yugoslavia region. (Beta) They cover issues such as witness protection, reconciliation and dialogue among the countries of the former Yugoslavia, and on the obligation of Council member countries to cooperate in the prosecution of war crimes. The resolution entitled "The protection of witnesses as a cornerstone of justice and reconciliation in the Balkans" by Jean-Charles Gardetto, was adopted by 104 votes in favor and none against. Also adopted were the accompanying recommendations to the Ministerial Committee. The international community and the authorities in Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo are called on to provide full protection to the witnesses in war crimes cases, because this is the necessary measure for accomplishing justice and reconciliation. The resolution "The obligation of member and observer states of the Council of Europe to cooperate in the prosecution of war crimes" by Miljenko Dorić, was adopted unanimously, together with the accompanying recommendations. The resolution "Reconciliation and political dialog between the countries of the former Yugoslavia" by rapporteur Pietro Marcenaro, was adopted unanimously with 110 in favor, also with the accompanying recommendations. The three resolutions on countries of the former Yugoslavia were adopted after a joint debate, and the deputies were also addressed by Serbian President Boris Tadić.