FM AMEMBASSY STOCKHOLM
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 7207
[Date:] JUN 87
SUBJECT: SWEDISH DECISION TO RELEASE CONVICTED YUGOSLAV TERRORIST FROM PRISON
UNCLAS STOCKHOLM 04419
REF: STOCKHOLM 4252
1. The Swedish press has reported that on June 15 the Yugoslav government formally protested Sweden's decision to parole Croatian Miro Baresic, who in 1971 murdered Yugoslav Ambassador Rolovic in Stockholm (reftel). Yugoslavia's Ambassador to Sweden, Marjan Osolnik, called on FM Sten Andersson to express his government's dismay over the decision. At the same time, Sweden's Ambassador in Belgrade, Jan af Sillen, was reportedly summoned to the Yugoslav MFA to hear Yugoslavia's complaints about the parole. Both protests were said to have been made orally.
2. According to the press, FM Andersson told Ambassador Osolnik that the Swedish legal system "independently" made its ruling in accordance with Swedish laws and principles, and that the decision is one which the "government cannot review." Andersson added that Sweden shares Yugoslavia's interest in fighting terrorism in all its forms, and he told Osolnik that the Swedish government is "very anxious to strengthen and further develop good relations with Yugoslavia." Andersson reportedly expressed understanding for "the strong sentiments" which the murder of the Yugoslav Ambassador had aroused, and he expressed his sympathy to Ambassador Rolovik's [sic] family.
3. Press reports here have emphasized the negative reaction to the Swedish decision expressed by Yugoslavian media, and also focused on Yugoslavian outrage at Swedish TV for allowing Baresic to go on the air June 12 to present his own version of his situation altogether uncontradicted. Swedish TV, in an attempt to defend itself from charges of bias, has claimed that it requested comments from the Yugoslav Embassy and from Belgrade, but had received no response. Newell.