"In the name of the European Commission, I rejoice at the news of the arrest of Radovan Karadzic. This is a really positive development which will foster justice and lasting reconciliation in the Western Balkans". José Manuel Barroso, leader of the European Union Executive, commented the news of the arrest of the former Serbian Bosnian leader who was said to be responsible for genocide, owing to the Srebrenica massacre in 1995 (eight thousand Muslims were killed) and the besiege of Sarajevo (twelve thousand dead), during the war originating from the breaking up of former Yugoslavia. The operation led by Serbian forces, according to Barroso, "showed the new Beograd government’s resolution to reach full collaboration with the International Court at The Hague". "Such development added the president of the Commission is also very important for Serbia’s European ambitions".
