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Milosevic allies trial to begin Milosevic allies trial adjourned
(about 5 hours later)
Two former Serbian intelligence chiefs, Jovica Stanisic and Franko Simatovic, are going on trial before the International War Crimes Tribunal. The trial of Serbia's two former intelligence chiefs at The Hague war crimes tribunal has been adjourned because one of the accused was absent.
The two men deny charges of directing Serb forces who committed atrocities during the wars in Bosnia and Croatia, including the 1995 Srebrenica massacre. Lawyers for Jovica Stanisic said he was too ill to attend.
They are accused at The Hague of murder, persecution and deportation. Mr Stanisic and Franko Simatovic face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the wars in Bosnia and Croatia in the 1990s.
The duo also deny directing paramilitary armies with ex-Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic. They deny the charges. It is not known when the trial - which had already been delayed for a week - will now open.
Observers say the case is the first since the Milosevic trial which can show the extent of Serbia's involvement in the conflicts. The decision to adjourn the trial was taken at a closed session by judges at The Hague tribunal on Monday.
Judges have ruled confidential testimony may be used in court Mr Stanisic and Mr Simatovic are accused of directing Serbian forces that committed atrocities during the wars in the former Yugoslavia, including the 1995 Srebrenica massacre.
Tribunal observers say it could also shed light on the alleged role of Western governments, as well as Serbia, in the Balkans wars. Franko Simatovic commanded Yugoslav special forces
They are accused of a "joint criminal enterprise" with former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic, that involved murder, persecution and deportation.
Observers say the case - when it opens - will be the first since the Milosevic trial to show the extent of Serbia's involvement in the conflicts.
Tribunal observers say it could also shed light on the alleged role of Western governments, as well as Serbia, in the Balkan wars.
This case is closely linked to the former Yugoslav president's trial, which ended without a verdict two years ago when Milosevic died of a heart attack in his prison cell.This case is closely linked to the former Yugoslav president's trial, which ended without a verdict two years ago when Milosevic died of a heart attack in his prison cell.
The judges have ruled that part of the testimony from the Milosevic trial, which has been confidential up to now, may be used in court.The judges have ruled that part of the testimony from the Milosevic trial, which has been confidential up to now, may be used in court.