Milosevic to get defence lawyer

The UN war crimes tribunal is to impose a defence lawyer on Slobodan Milosevic, whose doctors say he is too ill to continue representing himself.

The court in the Hague did not immediately name the lawyer who will act as defence counsel for the former Yugoslav president, or say when he would be assigned.

Milosevic, who has used the 2 1/2-year trial as a platform for his political views, has refused to accept a lawyer who would replace him in examining witnesses.

“It is plain from the medical reports that the accused is not fit enough to defend himself,” said presiding judge Patrick Robinson.

The court also rejected Milosevic’s request for a new round of medical tests by independent doctors.

He suffers from chronic hgh blood pressure, which has repeatedly worsened under the stress of the trial. His frequent absences due to his illnesses have caused months of delays.