Serbia pledges to bring war crimes case

Serbia says it will bring charges against Croatia after the UN’s highest court agreed to hear accusations it committed genocide during the Bosnian war.

The retaliation comes after the International Court of Justice said Croatia’s case could be heard.

Serbia, which denies genocide took place, had argued it was not bound to the 1948 Genocide Convention.

Head of the Serbian Delegation Tibor Varady said: ‘‘I think that it will be an impetus to continue a confrontation of nations and society. I don’t think this is a good solution. I think it would be much better to insist consistently on individual responsibility.’‘

Croatia is seeking reparations from Serbia for crimes committed against its citizens during the conflict.

Head of the Croatian Delegation Ivan Simonovic said: ‘‘It might seem that, at the moment, it creates additional difficulties, but it also lays ground for healthy foundations between the two states. I firmly believe that it will contribute to sustainable peace and good relations between the two countries.’‘

The war between 1992 and 1995 claimed around 20,000 lives and pitted Croatia against a rebel Serb minority backed by Belgrade.

In 2007 the same court cleared Serbia of direct responsibility for genocide in a case brought by Bosnia.

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tags: Bosnian war, Croatia, International Court of Justice