Date:06/07/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/07/06/stories/2004070602491400.htm

International

Health fears delay Milosevic trial

THE HAGUE (NETHERLANDS), JULY 5. A U.N. tribunal delayed the opening of the former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic's defence case on Monday due to concerns about his health, while an independent lawyer said he might not be fit to continue his trial.

Judges said doctors for the 62-year-old Mr. Milosevic had warned he needed rest, and discussed details of his medical troubles in open session.

Reading from a physician's report, the presiding Judge Patrick Robinson said Mr. Milosevic had suffered ``organ damage'' to his left ventricle due to high blood pressure and that it would not be sensible for him to begin presenting his defence as originally planned.

Mr. Milosevic, who is defending himself, appeared relaxed and fit in the courtroom, and objected when Mr. Robinson began discussing his medical file but was overruled.

Steven Kay, one of the independent lawyers assigned to ensure a fair trial, said medical evidence put the continuation of the case in question.

``It's quite clear over the past five months that his health had been gradually declining,'' Mr. Kay told the judges. — AP