ABSTRACT: Cherif Bassiouni, "formerly standing for Public Prosecutor of the ad hoc Tribunal", denies that it is impossible to gather evidence of the crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia: "Saying that there is no evidence is simply a lie. Obviously, if the Public Prosecutor is not give the means [...] it will be extremely difficult to find the evidence".

(1994 - IL QUOTIDIANO RADICALE, 25 October 1993)

Is it realistically possible to gather the evidence to hold the masterminds of the horrors of the war in the Balkans to their terrible responsibilities? It is possible, yes, but the more time goes by the more complicated it will be. Bassiouni, formerly standing for the position of Public Prosecutor of the ad hoc Tribunal as well as the rapporteur of the committee of investigation on the crimes, is the suitable person to answer these questions. "I have never agreed with the president of the committee of investigation concerning the impossibility of gathering this evidence". Some object that there are difficulties. "Obviously, but this does not mean that it is impossible to gather the evidence and the testimonies. The United Nations committee of investigation recently concluded its second periodic report. We have filed a great many cases of women who have been raped, and we have the names and surnames of the culprits; we have filed some 393 concentration camps. We know the names of many commanders and officers

who are in charge of these camps. Obviously, if the Public Prosecutor is not given the necessary financial, logistic and human means, then it will be extremely difficult to find the evidence".