Doctors have found Mr Slobodan Milosevic is at grave risk of eart trouble and needs rest, UN war crimes judges have said, ordering fresh health tests for the former Yugoslav president.
"The medical report showed the accused as a man with a severe cardiovascular risk," Judge Richard May told the Hague war crimes court, referring to a medical check ordered in June on the former Yugoslav president, on trial for genocide and crimes against humanity in the Balkans.
Judges said Mr Milosevic (60) should undergo a further check-up by a cardiologist, based on which the court "will consider any option" available for the future of the trial.
Judge May said the medical report advised that Mr Milosevic should rest and be under constant observation by a cardiologist.
Mr Milosevic, however, responded in typically feisty form, telling the court: "I never demanded any medical check-up . . . You should not harbour any illusion that I'm asking for anything." The trial has been adjourned several times because of Mr Milosevic's health.
It was last suspended in mid-July after the tribunal said he needed treatment for high blood pressure. Mr Milosevic has also fallen ill with flu twice since his trial began.
He has been defending himself, refusing to appoint a formal defence attorney, saying he does not recognise the legitimacy of the tribunal.
Mr Milosevic dismissed a suggestion from Judge Patrick Robinson that he at least appoint a legal associate with whom he can share cross-examination duties.
"Your health is of a paramount concern for the trial chamber," Judge Robinson said to Mr Milosevic, who has informally appointed lawyers to help him behind the scenes with preparation. The trial is expected to last at least two years to encompass events in Kosovo, Croatia and Bosnia.
Proceedings are due to adjourn at the end of tomorrow's session for a four-week break. Upon resumption, prosecutors will have until September 13th to wrap up its case on Kosovo.
Judges agreed yesterday to give Mr Milosevic two weeks to prepare for the next stage, covering Bosnia and Croatia, which will open on September 30th.
The former Communist apparatchik objected, saying the time was too little since he had received 9,000 pages of material and 500 cassettes from prosecutors.
Judges have imposed time restrictions on both sides due to the enormous scope of the trial.