A defiant Mr Sloboan Milosevic today refused to recognise the UN war crimes tribunal and refused to enter a plea at his first hearing before the court at The Hague.
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"I consider this tribunal false tribunal, and indictments false indictments. It is illegal, not being appointed by the UN General Assembly, so I have no need to appoint counsel." - Mr Slobodan Milosevic
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Presiding Judge Richard May gave the former Yugoslav president 30 days to reconsider and adjourned the court until the week of August 27. The British judge said a not guilty plea would be entered on his behalf.
In his first appearance before the tribunal, Mr Milosevic said in English: "I consider this tribunal false tribunal, and indictments false indictments. It is illegal, not being appointed by the UN General Assembly, so I have no need to appoint counsel."
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He began a statement refusing to recognise the jurisdiction of the court. But Judge May, interrupted him, saying: "Mr Milosevic, this is not the time for speeches. You will have full opportunity to defend yourself and make your defence before the tribunal."
The hearing was then adjourned.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Brian Cowen, said that the fact the trial of Mr Milosevic is taking place shows no one is immune from accountability of their actions. "Without in any way pre-judging the outcome of the trial, the fact of it's taking place establishes the principle that no one is immune from accountability for their actions, even as Head Of State. In itself, this will be a powerful deterent for the future," he said.
Mr Cowen added that the transfer of Mr Milosevic highlights that several other indictees, most notably Mr Radovan Karadzic and MrRatko Mladic, were still at large. He said he hoped this would be remedied soon.
Mr Milosevic is charged with three counts of crimes against humanity and one of violations of the laws or customs of war for atrocities committed during ethnic cleansing in Kosovo in 1999.
He is the first head of state ever indicted for war crimes while still in office and could spend the rest of his life behind bars if convicted.