Mladic in critical state after stroke
Kurir (Summary) - June 23, 2006

BELGRADE, June 23 2006 - Former Bosnian Serb army chief Ratko Mladic faces a slim chance of survival after suffering a third stroke last week, the Serbian newspaper Kurir reported on Friday.

"Ratko Mladic is in a critical state and his chances of survival are weak," the newspaper reported, citing "a well-informed source, very close to the general during the war in Bosnia" in 1992-1995.

"The main problem is that he cannot receive adequate medical treatment," it added.

"The place where he will be buried is already being discussed," the newspaper said, stating that Mladic may be interred in the grounds of an Orthodox monastery in the northern Serbian province of Vojvodina.

Rumours that Mladic is dead have been circulating in Serbia and Bosnia this week, prompted by comments from Andreja Mladenovic, a spokeswoman for the party of Serbia's Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica.

"We wonder what will become of the conditions imposed by the European Union if Mladic is dead," the Mladenovic said on Monday.

Mladic had suffered two previous strokes, in 1995 and 1999, Kurir cited its source as saying.

According to the source, Mladic is protected by around 800 people "who are very well trained and equipped, and who have nothing to lose except Mladic, whom they respect as a father".

Original Serbian-language article: http://www.kurir-info.co.yu/Arhiva/2006/jun/23/V-05-23062006.shtml