March 11, 2006
U.S. Department of State
Office of the Spokesman

Statement by Tom Casey, Acting Spokesman

Death of Slobodan Milosevic

The United States learned this morning of the death of Slobodan Milosevic. Milosevic was the principal figure responsible for the violent dismemberment of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, including the outbreak of two horrific wars in Bosnia and Kosovo. Milosevic's rule has long ended, and the United States supports a future for the Serbian people of peace, security, prosperity and greater integration with the Euro-Atlantic community.

Milosevic was on trial before the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in connection with the atrocities committed in the Balkans conflicts of the 1990's. He was charged with genocide, crimes against humanity, violations of the laws and customs of war, and grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions. His trial, which began in February 2002, was nearing completion. The Tribunal will be looking into the circumstances of his death. The United States reiterates its continued support for the Tribunal and its work.

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