DISCUSSION ON BINDING ORDER HELD BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

( Editorial: --> 1763 ) THE HAGUE, May 5 (Hina) - A discussion on the binding order in the Blaskic case, which the International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) sent Croatia at the beginning of February, is being held on Tuesday behind closed doors. After Croatia's legal representatives and the Prosecutor on April 22 presented their objections concerning the issuing of the binding order, the Trial Chamber heard additional arguments of the prosecution and defence on Tuesday. A statement on the binding order is pending. On April 22 Croatia asked that the office of the ICTY Prosecutor specify requests from the binding order on handing over certain documents important to the Blaskic case. Croatia appealed the binding order on February 13. The Appeals Chamber then decided that the Trial Chamber should hear verbal arguments of the defence and prosecution on April 22 and May 5. (hina) rm/mrb 051955 MET may 98