Milosevic to face Nato adversary (Ashley Wilkes)

The BBC ^ | December 15, 2003

[RWR8189]

Clark's meeting with Milosevic is sure to become a political showcase

Former Nato commander Wesley Clark is in Holland to testify at the war crimes trial of former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic.

The two-day hearing begins at 0800 GMT on Monday behind closed doors.

Mr Clark, who directed the Nato bombing campaign against Serbia in 1999, is one of the most high-profile figures to testify at the trial.

His testimony is part of an unprecedented deal between the tribunal and the US Government.

Washington will be given two days to apply for parts of the testimony considered to harm national interests to be removed from public records.

An edited recording is due to be made public on Friday.

Milosevic will use the opportunity to accuse Nato

The meeting between Mr Clark and Mr Milosevic is sure to become a political showcase.

Both men are candidates bidding for power in elections at home.

Mr Clark said he expected to give information on more than 100 hours of meetings over four years with Mr Milosevic during the 1990s.

Prosecutors say this will help to establish what Mr Milosevic knew about war crimes and when he knew it.

The former Yugoslav president has often accused Nato of aggression in court and he will certainly grab the chance to point the finger at the alliance for the war crimes he alleges they committed during the bombing campaign against Serbia.

[happydogdesign]

[Bommer]

I hope Milosevic mops up the floor with Clark; the most worthless General this country has had since McClellan.

[duckln]

I'm afraid Bush is going to cover for NATO and Clintons' sellout to the Muslims, in Bosnia and Kosovo at the expense of the Serbia. A tragedy in the making, justice run amuck?

Based on what I've seen of the Tribunal 'kangaroo' proceedings for the last 1 1/2 years and the blah blah from Gen Clark, there's no comparison. I'm ashamed of Gen Clark and the Serbs are proud of Milosevic. I hate to come in second.

I hope Gen Clarks' two days are open to the public, and draws a huge audience. The American people have to weigh in on this sham that's been going on for too long.

[JoJo Gunn]

This is a little reminder for our sewer dwelling friends (we're being watched)....

Michael miserable failureMoore

[getgoing]

Doubt much will be released-Clark served up as mincemeat won't look good. Wonder if the chapter in Clark's book, the chapter dropped from the book at the request of the State Dept, will come up.

[A. Pole]

Sorry for bringing the facts but
"Slobo" was neither brutal not dictator.