THE HAGUE, Netherlands, July 6 (UPI) -- Judges at the Hague's genocide trial of Yugoslavia's former president Slobodan Milosevic decided Tuesday to continue, despite Milosevic's poor health.
Milosevic's high blood pressure, described by a Dutch physician as recurrent and chronic, emerged this week as grounds for possibly canceling the trial by the International War Crimes Tribunal.
On Tuesday, however, the court decided to resume proceedings July 14, subject to Milosevic's health. They said he appeared well enough to continue, although perhaps not to defend himself.
The trial for genocide and crimes against humanity began in February 2002. Milosevic, 62, was supposed to open his defense Monday, but was unable to do so.
Prosecutors called for the defendant to be offered the chance of appointing a lawyer of his choice, saying if he refused, one should be appointed for him.
Milosevic said he had no intention of appointing a lawyer or taking up the offer of appearing in court via a video link from the prison. He also objected to his medical details being made public.
