United Nations Radio

The President of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia said on Thursday that the trial activity of the court is entering a final stage.

International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia

Addressing the Security Council on work of the tribunal, Judge Patrick Robinson said during the last six months the Tribunal focused on completing its work as expeditiously as possible.

He informed the Council that three appeal judgements have been rendered and seven trials are being heard simultaneously in three courtrooms.

He said the court expected all trials except three to conclude in 2010, two more in early 2011 and the final one in early 2012.

"However, one serious hurdle remains: the continued flight from justice of Ratko Mladic and Goran Hadzic. The failure to bring these two men to justice will leave a stain on the Security Council's historic contribution to peace-building in the former Yugoslavia."

Judge Patrick Robinson told the Security Council that while the primary focus of the Tribunal is trials and appeals, it has also worked towards the strengthening of the judicial system in the former Yugoslavia.

Diane Bailey, United Nations

(duration: 1'19"