DECLARATION OF MR. BLEWITT, DEPUTY PROSECUTOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL

The Hague, 1 February 1999

The deputy prosecutor Mr Graham Blewitt thanked the delegation from the European Parliament for their interest in the Tribunal and for recognizing that the Tribunal can render justice.

Mr. Blewitt then made the following statement:

In receiving this petition today, it should not be understood that this represents a departure from the Prosecutor's normal policy about commenting on the nature or extent or even the existence of any particular investigation which may or may not exist within the Prosecutor's Office.

Having said that, indictments will only be issued by the Prosecutor when there is sufficient admissible evidence available to the Prosecutor to establish the guilt of the accused. Media reports, petitions and speculations do not amount to such evidence.

I think that it is appropriate for me to say to the representatives of the European Parliament, who are presenting this petition today, that you can assist the Tribunal more by being very active in urging those States which hold relevant evidence to cooperate fully with the Prosecutor's Office in the investigation of crimes falling within the Tribunal Jurisdiction.

Without admissible evidence it will not be possible to bring the appropriate indictments.