A protest note was handed late on Thursday to French Ambassador in Belgrade Christine Moro.
Source: B92
Close the entire text of the article here
(mfa.gov.rs)
The note is "the position of the government of Serbia that this is a politically motivated decision that is not legally justified and whose reasoning did not respect the documentary evidence submitted by Serbia, including the statements of surviving witnesses," and also points out that the Court of Appeal in Colmar did not mention any fact which proves failure to meet the requirements of the European Convention on Extradition, made in 1957 in Paris, which has been ratified by France and Serbia.
The note points out that this decision is a violation of the universal principles of international law on the prevention of impunity for war crimes, and that particularly unacceptable is the statement that the extradition of Ramush Haradinaj to Serbia would cause very serious consequences for him, which is an expressed distrust in the legal system of Serbia.
At the same time, it is estimated that the decision of the Court of Appeal in Colmar is offensive and is a serious blow to bilateral relations between the two countries, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Earlier in the day, Serbia's PM and President-elect Aleksandar Vucic announced that Serbia's ambassador to France would be withdrawn for consultations.
The French court cited Belgrade's failure to meet procedural requirements as the reason behind the decision. While noting that the Serbian request was not political, it said not all formal requirements had been met for it to be accepted, Tanjug reported late on Thursday.
Haradinaj, a Kosovo Albanian politician and a former leader of the so-called Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) is wanted in Serbia for war crimes committed in 1998 and 1999.
Hahaha Serbs always act like they weren't stuck in the same ottoman shit can as everyone else .. who cares you suck, they suck, we suck it's just a giant suck fest .. but the thing is everyone is trying to make it not suck as bad when Serbia only huffs and puffs and speaks about how great they suck Lmao we get it you guys are awesome that's why people always take you so seriously I mean you've only been bombed 2 times in the last 100 years by the most powerful nations at the time .. stop being weird and just be friends with everyone .. your the creepy kid at the party who talks about how cool school shooting are ..
(Souti, 1 May 2017 20:06)
From the Count of Kosovo: "Well then, Serbia and France have that in common. However, unlike France, Serbia has never won a war."
Hmmm, let's see. Serbs fought on the winning sides in WWI, WWII and the Balkan Wars. And in 1875 they were successful in kicking out the Ottomans from Serbian lands. I'd say they've won quite a few wars. In all of these wars, your Albanian countrymen were on the losing side. Cave in and assimilate to the occupier. That's the Albanian way. Please brush up on your history before making anymore inaccurate and irresponsible comments.
(njegos, 1 May 2017 14:51)
Francois Hollande .I thought he was a Serb at that time when Haradinaj was on trial,just like Trump before elected President,is not going your way Serbs hahaha...
(Prishtina(County of Gollak), 1 May 2017 10:15)
Serbia vs Haradinaj 0:5. Another humiliating defeat. I thought pride was your 'thing'. Evidently, your approach is to throw it against the wall and see if it sticks. No wonder you keep loosing left and right.
(Cry me a river, 30 April 2017 23:23)
From Vojvodina: "It was up to the French to determine whether or not Haradinaj did what our politicians claim he did. They determined that he is innocent."
WRONG!! How could they have determined that he was innocent? There was no trial smart guy. They released him because they questioned the whether he would get a fair trial in Serbia. Also, the French claim that Serbia didn't follow all of the proper procedures.
In reality, they may have very well have released a war criminal. The French knew that the Albanians would cause trouble had Hardinaj been extradited. This potentially could have been the match that could have lit the next Balkan inferno. So instead of allowing a trial to be conducted and the new evidence shown and new witnesses heard, the French caved and chose the easy way out instead of allowing the judicial process to take place and to live up to the extradition agreement that they signed. Very typical of the French. No wonder Hitler overran them in a day.
(njegos, 30 April 2017 19:33)
Now, if you still believe that there are no double standards, if not corruption, you're either a blind man or an ignorant one.
(Bob Baher, 29 April 2017 15:44)
Well, you did not provide any evidence (other than your opinions) to prove any double standards. So, it's not clear what your point is!
(icj1, 30 April 2017 03:21)
During this man's trial at Hague 19 witnesses against him (all 19 of which were Albanians) were "mysteriously murdered" during the trial process. Thus, not enough sufficient evidence was found.
(Bob Baher, 29 April 2017 15:44)
The ICTY stated that no witnesses were murdered during either trial. The judgments of each trial chamber can be found on the ICTY's website: [link]. There was some confusion over this point because during the first trial, 97 witnesses were called by the Prosecution to testify against Mr. Haradinaj; however, two did not testify. and one witness died shortly before trial. His name was Kujtim Berisha and his death has been used as evidence that witnesses were killed.
Facts matter. Cheers
(Gjon Marku, 30 April 2017 01:15)
I just want to add one comment which was not covered by the media nor any of the comments above so that people who bother to read this can decide the truth for themselves.
During this man's trial at Hague 19 witnesses against him (all 19 of which were Albanians) were "mysteriously murdered" during the trial process. Thus, not enough sufficient evidence was found to en prison him. He was let go within a couple of months within Hague.
He was a war commander which according according to his own men's accounts forced them to rape, pillage and murder (none of these men are here to claim any different anymore).
Serb politician Vojislav Seselj was not a war commander but a politician whos trial lasted 15 years during which he was imprisoned without possibility of parole. He, like Haradinaj, was acquitted on all charges but it took 15 years to prove his innocence and not a single witness was threatened let alone murdered during the trial.
Now, if you still believe that there are no double standards, if not corruption, you're either a blind man or an ignorant one.
(Bob Baher, 29 April 2017 15:44)
I'm sure the French have more pressing issues to deal with than Serbia crying wolf. Let it go take the L and move on. Instead of bashing Albanians at every turn, how about extending a hand of friendship. Following Russia's foreign policy will only isolate you further from the civilised world.
(Albanian Chap., 29 April 2017 02:57)
Well done serbia. Every country likes protest notes over their judicial system. Specially when it comes from a corrupt 3rd world country.
(Gjon Marku, 29 April 2017 00:51)
@Tony "the Brit in Berlin"
What being allies has to do with justice?
Justice is supposed to be blind, not dumb.
If your allies are not trusting your sense of justice maybe you should look in the mirror and see what's wrong with you.
(Niko, 29 April 2017 00:02)
France always ditches their allies when it suits them. Untrustworthy and ungrateful nation. They will one day reap what they sowed.
(Tony (a Brit currently working in Berlin), 28 April 2017 19:23)
There is never PEACE, CALM, SECURITY when Abanians are around. That is a fact, since the day they landed in the Balkans from the Middle East. France is no longer the old France and no wonder all French are leaving..France went to the dogs.
(sara, 28 April 2017 13:27)
The above comment is in another article, and this is copy paste. We came from middle east ah????
(the truth, 28 April 2017 16:14)
There is never PEACE, CALM, SECURITY when Abanians are around. That is a fact, since the day they landed in the Balkans from the Middle East. France is no longer the old France and no wonder all French are leaving..France went to the dogs.
(sara, 28 April 2017 13:27)
I think we are the only country in history to ever send a foreign government a protest note over a verdict of a court process.
It was up to the French to determine whether or not Haradinaj did what our politicians claim he did. They determined that he is innocent. So instead of asking ourselves if maybe our crooked politicians lied to us (like they always do), we keep claiming that he is guilty and the entire world is in some sort of conspiracy against us.
(Vojvodina, 28 April 2017 13:27)
This is so unfair, we really thought we had him. I mean, sure we made up a few lies, but who cares everybody lies right?
All of our criminals faced trials, Milosevic, Karadzic, Mladic, and list goes on. Sure we have a few thousands of them roaming around but we can't just lock them all up. They have become our heroes. We love Serbs that kill our neighbors, those are our true Serbian patriots.
I just don't get it, how can France a long time ally ditch us over those damn Albanians? I think it's time we follow North Koreas leadership.
Serbia vs. the world.
(Serbian, 28 April 2017 13:01)
There is never PEACE, CALM, SECURITY when Abanians are around. That is a fact, since the day they landed in the Balkans from the Middle East. France is no longer the old France and no wonder all French are leaving..France went to the dogs.
(sara, 28 April 2017 13:27)
I think we are the only country in history to ever send a foreign government a protest note over a verdict of a court process.
It was up to the French to determine whether or not Haradinaj did what our politicians claim he did. They determined that he is innocent. So instead of asking ourselves if maybe our crooked politicians lied to us (like they always do), we keep claiming that he is guilty and the entire world is in some sort of conspiracy against us.
(Vojvodina, 28 April 2017 13:27)
This is so unfair, we really thought we had him. I mean, sure we made up a few lies, but who cares everybody lies right?
All of our criminals faced trials, Milosevic, Karadzic, Mladic, and list goes on. Sure we have a few thousands of them roaming around but we can't just lock them all up. They have become our heroes. We love Serbs that kill our neighbors, those are our true Serbian patriots.
I just don't get it, how can France a long time ally ditch us over those damn Albanians? I think it's time we follow North Koreas leadership.
Serbia vs. the world.
(Serbian, 28 April 2017 13:01)
There is never PEACE, CALM, SECURITY when Abanians are around. That is a fact, since the day they landed in the Balkans from the Middle East. France is no longer the old France and no wonder all French are leaving..France went to the dogs.
(sara, 28 April 2017 13:27)
The above comment is in another article, and this is copy paste. We came from middle east ah????
(the truth, 28 April 2017 16:14)
France always ditches their allies when it suits them. Untrustworthy and ungrateful nation. They will one day reap what they sowed.
(Tony (a Brit currently working in Berlin), 28 April 2017 19:23)
Well done serbia. Every country likes protest notes over their judicial system. Specially when it comes from a corrupt 3rd world country.
(Gjon Marku, 29 April 2017 00:51)
I just want to add one comment which was not covered by the media nor any of the comments above so that people who bother to read this can decide the truth for themselves.
During this man's trial at Hague 19 witnesses against him (all 19 of which were Albanians) were "mysteriously murdered" during the trial process. Thus, not enough sufficient evidence was found to en prison him. He was let go within a couple of months within Hague.
He was a war commander which according according to his own men's accounts forced them to rape, pillage and murder (none of these men are here to claim any different anymore).
Serb politician Vojislav Seselj was not a war commander but a politician whos trial lasted 15 years during which he was imprisoned without possibility of parole. He, like Haradinaj, was acquitted on all charges but it took 15 years to prove his innocence and not a single witness was threatened let alone murdered during the trial.
Now, if you still believe that there are no double standards, if not corruption, you're either a blind man or an ignorant one.
(Bob Baher, 29 April 2017 15:44)
From the Count of Kosovo: "Well then, Serbia and France have that in common. However, unlike France, Serbia has never won a war."
Hmmm, let's see. Serbs fought on the winning sides in WWI, WWII and the Balkan Wars. And in 1875 they were successful in kicking out the Ottomans from Serbian lands. I'd say they've won quite a few wars. In all of these wars, your Albanian countrymen were on the losing side. Cave in and assimilate to the occupier. That's the Albanian way. Please brush up on your history before making anymore inaccurate and irresponsible comments.
(njegos, 1 May 2017 14:51)
Serbia vs Haradinaj 0:5. Another humiliating defeat. I thought pride was your 'thing'. Evidently, your approach is to throw it against the wall and see if it sticks. No wonder you keep loosing left and right.
(Cry me a river, 30 April 2017 23:23)
@Tony "the Brit in Berlin"
What being allies has to do with justice?
Justice is supposed to be blind, not dumb.
If your allies are not trusting your sense of justice maybe you should look in the mirror and see what's wrong with you.
(Niko, 29 April 2017 00:02)
I'm sure the French have more pressing issues to deal with than Serbia crying wolf. Let it go take the L and move on. Instead of bashing Albanians at every turn, how about extending a hand of friendship. Following Russia's foreign policy will only isolate you further from the civilised world.
(Albanian Chap., 29 April 2017 02:57)
During this man's trial at Hague 19 witnesses against him (all 19 of which were Albanians) were "mysteriously murdered" during the trial process. Thus, not enough sufficient evidence was found.
(Bob Baher, 29 April 2017 15:44)
The ICTY stated that no witnesses were murdered during either trial. The judgments of each trial chamber can be found on the ICTY's website: [link]. There was some confusion over this point because during the first trial, 97 witnesses were called by the Prosecution to testify against Mr. Haradinaj; however, two did not testify. and one witness died shortly before trial. His name was Kujtim Berisha and his death has been used as evidence that witnesses were killed.
Facts matter. Cheers
(Gjon Marku, 30 April 2017 01:15)
From Vojvodina: "It was up to the French to determine whether or not Haradinaj did what our politicians claim he did. They determined that he is innocent."
WRONG!! How could they have determined that he was innocent? There was no trial smart guy. They released him because they questioned the whether he would get a fair trial in Serbia. Also, the French claim that Serbia didn't follow all of the proper procedures.
In reality, they may have very well have released a war criminal. The French knew that the Albanians would cause trouble had Hardinaj been extradited. This potentially could have been the match that could have lit the next Balkan inferno. So instead of allowing a trial to be conducted and the new evidence shown and new witnesses heard, the French caved and chose the easy way out instead of allowing the judicial process to take place and to live up to the extradition agreement that they signed. Very typical of the French. No wonder Hitler overran them in a day.
(njegos, 30 April 2017 19:33)
Hahaha Serbs always act like they weren't stuck in the same ottoman shit can as everyone else .. who cares you suck, they suck, we suck it's just a giant suck fest .. but the thing is everyone is trying to make it not suck as bad when Serbia only huffs and puffs and speaks about how great they suck Lmao we get it you guys are awesome that's why people always take you so seriously I mean you've only been bombed 2 times in the last 100 years by the most powerful nations at the time .. stop being weird and just be friends with everyone .. your the creepy kid at the party who talks about how cool school shooting are ..
(Souti, 1 May 2017 20:06)
Now, if you still believe that there are no double standards, if not corruption, you're either a blind man or an ignorant one.
(Bob Baher, 29 April 2017 15:44)
Well, you did not provide any evidence (other than your opinions) to prove any double standards. So, it's not clear what your point is!
(icj1, 30 April 2017 03:21)
Francois Hollande .I thought he was a Serb at that time when Haradinaj was on trial,just like Trump before elected President,is not going your way Serbs hahaha...
(Prishtina(County of Gollak), 1 May 2017 10:15)
There is never PEACE, CALM, SECURITY when Abanians are around. That is a fact, since the day they landed in the Balkans from the Middle East. France is no longer the old France and no wonder all French are leaving..France went to the dogs.
(sara, 28 April 2017 13:27)
I think we are the only country in history to ever send a foreign government a protest note over a verdict of a court process.
It was up to the French to determine whether or not Haradinaj did what our politicians claim he did. They determined that he is innocent. So instead of asking ourselves if maybe our crooked politicians lied to us (like they always do), we keep claiming that he is guilty and the entire world is in some sort of conspiracy against us.
(Vojvodina, 28 April 2017 13:27)
This is so unfair, we really thought we had him. I mean, sure we made up a few lies, but who cares everybody lies right?
All of our criminals faced trials, Milosevic, Karadzic, Mladic, and list goes on. Sure we have a few thousands of them roaming around but we can't just lock them all up. They have become our heroes. We love Serbs that kill our neighbors, those are our true Serbian patriots.
I just don't get it, how can France a long time ally ditch us over those damn Albanians? I think it's time we follow North Koreas leadership.
Serbia vs. the world.
(Serbian, 28 April 2017 13:01)
France always ditches their allies when it suits them. Untrustworthy and ungrateful nation. They will one day reap what they sowed.
(Tony (a Brit currently working in Berlin), 28 April 2017 19:23)
There is never PEACE, CALM, SECURITY when Abanians are around. That is a fact, since the day they landed in the Balkans from the Middle East. France is no longer the old France and no wonder all French are leaving..France went to the dogs.
(sara, 28 April 2017 13:27)
The above comment is in another article, and this is copy paste. We came from middle east ah????
(the truth, 28 April 2017 16:14)
I'm sure the French have more pressing issues to deal with than Serbia crying wolf. Let it go take the L and move on. Instead of bashing Albanians at every turn, how about extending a hand of friendship. Following Russia's foreign policy will only isolate you further from the civilised world.
(Albanian Chap., 29 April 2017 02:57)
Well done serbia. Every country likes protest notes over their judicial system. Specially when it comes from a corrupt 3rd world country.
(Gjon Marku, 29 April 2017 00:51)
From the Count of Kosovo: "Well then, Serbia and France have that in common. However, unlike France, Serbia has never won a war."
Hmmm, let's see. Serbs fought on the winning sides in WWI, WWII and the Balkan Wars. And in 1875 they were successful in kicking out the Ottomans from Serbian lands. I'd say they've won quite a few wars. In all of these wars, your Albanian countrymen were on the losing side. Cave in and assimilate to the occupier. That's the Albanian way. Please brush up on your history before making anymore inaccurate and irresponsible comments.
(njegos, 1 May 2017 14:51)
From Vojvodina: "It was up to the French to determine whether or not Haradinaj did what our politicians claim he did. They determined that he is innocent."
WRONG!! How could they have determined that he was innocent? There was no trial smart guy. They released him because they questioned the whether he would get a fair trial in Serbia. Also, the French claim that Serbia didn't follow all of the proper procedures.
In reality, they may have very well have released a war criminal. The French knew that the Albanians would cause trouble had Hardinaj been extradited. This potentially could have been the match that could have lit the next Balkan inferno. So instead of allowing a trial to be conducted and the new evidence shown and new witnesses heard, the French caved and chose the easy way out instead of allowing the judicial process to take place and to live up to the extradition agreement that they signed. Very typical of the French. No wonder Hitler overran them in a day.
(njegos, 30 April 2017 19:33)
I just want to add one comment which was not covered by the media nor any of the comments above so that people who bother to read this can decide the truth for themselves.
During this man's trial at Hague 19 witnesses against him (all 19 of which were Albanians) were "mysteriously murdered" during the trial process. Thus, not enough sufficient evidence was found to en prison him. He was let go within a couple of months within Hague.
He was a war commander which according according to his own men's accounts forced them to rape, pillage and murder (none of these men are here to claim any different anymore).
Serb politician Vojislav Seselj was not a war commander but a politician whos trial lasted 15 years during which he was imprisoned without possibility of parole. He, like Haradinaj, was acquitted on all charges but it took 15 years to prove his innocence and not a single witness was threatened let alone murdered during the trial.
Now, if you still believe that there are no double standards, if not corruption, you're either a blind man or an ignorant one.
(Bob Baher, 29 April 2017 15:44)
@Tony "the Brit in Berlin"
What being allies has to do with justice?
Justice is supposed to be blind, not dumb.
If your allies are not trusting your sense of justice maybe you should look in the mirror and see what's wrong with you.
(Niko, 29 April 2017 00:02)
Francois Hollande .I thought he was a Serb at that time when Haradinaj was on trial,just like Trump before elected President,is not going your way Serbs hahaha...
(Prishtina(County of Gollak), 1 May 2017 10:15)
Serbia vs Haradinaj 0:5. Another humiliating defeat. I thought pride was your 'thing'. Evidently, your approach is to throw it against the wall and see if it sticks. No wonder you keep loosing left and right.
(Cry me a river, 30 April 2017 23:23)
During this man's trial at Hague 19 witnesses against him (all 19 of which were Albanians) were "mysteriously murdered" during the trial process. Thus, not enough sufficient evidence was found.
(Bob Baher, 29 April 2017 15:44)
The ICTY stated that no witnesses were murdered during either trial. The judgments of each trial chamber can be found on the ICTY's website: [link]. There was some confusion over this point because during the first trial, 97 witnesses were called by the Prosecution to testify against Mr. Haradinaj; however, two did not testify. and one witness died shortly before trial. His name was Kujtim Berisha and his death has been used as evidence that witnesses were killed.
Facts matter. Cheers
(Gjon Marku, 30 April 2017 01:15)
Now, if you still believe that there are no double standards, if not corruption, you're either a blind man or an ignorant one.
(Bob Baher, 29 April 2017 15:44)
Well, you did not provide any evidence (other than your opinions) to prove any double standards. So, it's not clear what your point is!
(icj1, 30 April 2017 03:21)
Hahaha Serbs always act like they weren't stuck in the same ottoman shit can as everyone else .. who cares you suck, they suck, we suck it's just a giant suck fest .. but the thing is everyone is trying to make it not suck as bad when Serbia only huffs and puffs and speaks about how great they suck Lmao we get it you guys are awesome that's why people always take you so seriously I mean you've only been bombed 2 times in the last 100 years by the most powerful nations at the time .. stop being weird and just be friends with everyone .. your the creepy kid at the party who talks about how cool school shooting are ..
(Souti, 1 May 2017 20:06)