BELGRADE, Jan. 31, 2005 (BETA) - Gen. Vladimir Lazarevic, accused ofwar crimes in Kosovo in 1999 by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, will leave for The Hague by the end of the week after surrendering to the authorities, the Serbian cabinet announced on Jan. 28.

Lazarevic decided to surrender to the Hague court after talks with Serbian Premier Vojislav Kostunica, saying that "the defense of state and national interests has always been the highest call for me," for "I have served my country and people loyally and honorably all of my life."

"Today, our country is fighting to save Kosovo and Metohija, and a large number of my soldiers laid down their lives courageously for Kosovo," Lazarevic said, adding that "the struggle for Kosovo and Metohija continues, which is why I have made the only possible decision, and that is to serve my country to the end."