Milosevic arrives in Netherlands, official confirms

Slobodan Milosevic arrived in The Hague early today, hours after Serb authorities handed the former Yugoslav president over to the UN war crimes tribunal to face charges of ‘‘crimes against humanity.’’

‘‘I can confirm he has arrived in the detention unit,’’ said Jim Landale, spokesman for the tribunal.

Shortly before Landale spoke, reporters saw a police helicopter land inside the prison walls at about 1.16am (local time) while a second helicopter hovered overhead. Reporters could not see who may have left the helicopter, however.

No details were released about where Milosevic’s plane from the Balkans landed.

He was expected to be interviewed by tribunal officials who will read the charges against him and explain his rights. Milosevic will also undergo a medical examination to determine any special health requirements while in detention.

There was no word on when he will be arraigned.

‘‘The forthcoming trial of a former head of state is a new and irreversible step in relation to the international community’s resolve to fight against impunity,’’ tribunal President Claude Jorda said.