“The acknowledgement of guilt by Mrs. Plavsic is individual amd personal. Legal responsibility can only be borne by persons individually, based upon individual acts and conduct. Mrs. Plavsic’s acknowledgement of guilt reflects this principle and affirms that the legal responsibility of an individual, even if he or she is a leader, cannot be attributed to a group of people. Her acceptance of the reponsibility will, she hopes, enable her people to move past the carnage of the past decade, to reconcile with their neighbours, and ultimately, to restore their dignity as a respected people.”

Robert Pavich, Lead Counsel for Mrs. Plavsic, added a Statement”

“First – there is no agreement, nor have there been any discussions, between Mrs. Plavsic and the Ofice of the Prosecutor regarding sentencing. Mrs. Plavsic understands, as the agreement itself specifically provides, that she is subjecting herself to a possible sentence of life imprisonment.

“Second – Mrs. Plavsic has not agreed to testify in any case pending before this Tribunal.”

Biljana Plavsic has been on “Provisional Release”, since September 6, last year and made her Plea via video conference facilities provided by the ICTY. She spoke from an undisclosed location – not in The Hague.

There are some fears for her safety, since there are those who still deny any admission of Serbian responsibilty for war crimes.