Mihajlovic: Ivanovic's arrest to be discussed in Brussels

BELGRADE - The arrest of Kosovo Serb political leader Oliver Ivanovic - whom the Serbian government wants to be released pending trial - will be one of the topics of Wednesday's round of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, the head of the government press office, Milivoje Mihajlovic, has said.

"A meeting of Prime Minister Ivica Dacic, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton and Kosovo Prime Minister Hasim Taci will be held in Brussels tomorrow, and I think that Ivanovic will be one of the topics. At this moment, that is a pressing issue in Kosovo-Metohija," Mihajlovic told the RTS late Tuesday.

Ivanovic's recent arrest was very skilfully timed and based on an old case, which is the usual practice aimed at eliminating a political figure, Mihajlovic said.

The case was opened in April last year, and the last witnesses were heard in September, Mihajlovic said.

Following the withdrawal of Krstimir Pantic as candidate for mayor of northern Kosovska Mitrovica and the assassination of another candidate, the arrest was conducted at an opportune time, Mihajlovic said, adding that its purpose was to eliminate Ivanovic as the third candidate.

Mihajlovic said that the trial will last a long time, but expressed hope that the truth will be established.

The Serbian government has provided guarantees not only for Ivanovic, but for all Serbs, he said.

Photo Tanjug, Z. Zestic (archive)