Serb war crime suspect to stand trial

BELGRADE, Serbia, June 11 (UPI) -- Stojan Zupljanin, a top war crime suspect, was arrested in Serbia this week and will be sent to the Netherlands to stand trial, officials say.

The former head of the Bosnian Serb security forces faces seven counts of crimes against humanity and five of violating the customs of war. He is accused of playing a role in the killings of 41 groups of men and the destruction of 60 towns or villages during the ethnic wars of the 1990s, The Times Online reported Wednesday.

His arrest Tuesday near Belgrade was seen as an indication three other prime suspects -- Ratko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb general; Radovan Karadzic, the wartime Bosnian Serb leader; and Goran Hadzic, a Croatian Serb leader -- also may face trial at some point.

"This arrest shows clearly that we are seriously co-operating (with the Hague) and there is the political will for full cooperation," said Vladimir Vukcevic, Serbia's chief war crimes prosecutor.

Officials said Zupljanin had avoided an attempt to arrest him in Serbia two months ago. His family had implored him to give himself up after their assets were frozen.