PUBLIC SENSITISING IS KEY TO SUCCESS OF HAGUE TRIBUNAL

ZAGREB, Dec 12 (Hina) - The success of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) depends on the cooperation of governments. It is imperative that the public of the countries of the former Yugoslavia be understanding, Croatian and international human rights experts said in Zagreb on Saturday. At a seminar on the work of the Tribunal, chairman of the Justice Group e.V. Robert Chambers said the goal of the seminal was to inform the public about the work of the ICTY and overcome prejudices about this institution. The aim is to connect with the Croatian public's opinion, considering misunderstandings and the lack of information about the work of the Hague Tribunal, as well as to discuss certain problems and anxieties of Croatian people in connection with the work of the Tribunal, Chambers told Hina. The international crimes tribunal is the first attempt of the international community in the past 50 years aimed at holding legal proceedings against individuals who had violated international humanitarian rights. Speaking about the work of the ICTY Prosecutor's Office, legal advisor Gavin Ruxton noted that the Tribunal had in the past several years developed from an organisation with a minimal status and limited resources to a fully active crimes court. We have a large data base and documents about committed crimes, Ruxton told Hina. Among the crimes committed on both sides, most of them are grievous and the Tribunal is currently trying to decide which cases to initiate that have the best success rate. We are investigating new cases and supporting a number of complex trials, Ruxton said. We must conclude these cases as soon as possible and find ways to present evidence in due time, he said. The International Criminal Tribunal is trying to expedite the course of justice, but also maintain a balance in the rights of all accused, so every person receives a fair trial, Ruxton concluded. (hina) lml