The UK's Special Envoy to the Western Balkans, Dame Karen Pierce DCMG, today summoned the Serbian Chargé d'Affaires to the United Kingdom. The summons was issued to condemn the involvement of Serbian state and military officials in the funeral of Ratko Mladić.
Lord Wood of Anfield, Minister for Europe, stated that Mladić was convicted by an independent UN tribunal of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. He added that the denial and whitewashing of Mladić's crimes is an affront to international law and undermines regional stability and trust.
The UK government expressed that its thoughts are with Mladić's victims and their families, who deserve respect, compassion, and accountability. The government also highlighted that Serbia is obliged to respect the judgments of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, which was established by the UN Security Council.
The UK affirmed its commitment to international justice, accountability, and lasting reconciliation across the Western Balkans, pledging to continue working with partners in support of peace, justice, and a secure future for all communities.