I would like to take this opportunity to express my regret at the death of Slobodan Milosevic yesterday morning. I would also like to convey my profound disappointment that the trial against Slobodan Milosevic will not be concluded. It is extremely unfortunate that the victims and their families will not have a final answer in this case on the criminal responsibility of the accused.

In addition to the investigation that is being conducted by the Dutch authorities, and pursuant to my authority under the Statute and the Rules, I ordered a full inquiry yesterday. I nominated the Vice-President, Judge Kevin Parker, to head the inquiry. The Vice-President is being assisted by several Tribunal staff and will provide his report to the President as soon as possible. I have requested the Registry and the Commanding Officer of the United Nations Detention Unit to provide the Vice-President every assistance he requires.

According to the Tribunal’s Rules of Detention, the authorities of the host state of the Netherlands, are conducting an inquest, pursuant to their law. A Dutch forensic team, including coroners carried out an examination of Slobodan Milosevic and his cell yesterday. Because the Dutch coroners who examined Slobodan Milosevic were unable to establish a cause of death, an autopsy was ordered without delay, as required under Dutch law. The autopsy will take place in the course of today. The Registrar has requested that a full report of the Dutch authorities’ investigation be forwarded to the Tribunal as quickly as possible.

Pursuant to a request from the authorities of Serbia and Montenegro, and in concurrence with the Dutch authorities conducting the investigation, the Registrar agreed to have senior pathologists selected by the government of Serbia and Montenegro observe the autopsy.

The Trial Chamber will deal with the status of proceedings against Slobodan Milosevic in due course.

Because the inquiry into the circumstances of Slobodan Milosevic’s death is still on-going, I am unable to take questions at this time.

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