THE HAGUE TRIBUNAL GRANTS BLASKIC BETTER LIVING CONDITIONS

ZAGREB, Apr 19 (Hina) - The International War Crimes Tribunal has granted defendant Tihomir Blaskic's request for a substantial improvement in living conditions. As of next week, Gen. Blaskic is to move to a three-room apartment situated close to the Tribunal. He will be allowed illimited use of the telephone and to spend several hours with his family each day. Once a month, he will be allowed to sleep with his family in their hotel. Blaskic's wife, who is currently in Croatia, is to leave for The Hague next week. Blaskic is charged with crimes against humanity, violations of laws and customs of war and serious violations of the Geneva Conventions. The request was granted on Wednesday by Judge Antonio Cassese. The decision took into account the fact that Blaskic had delivered himself to the Tribunal of his own free will. Deliberating on the matter, Judge Cassese remembered one of the basic tenets of Roman law, "in dubio pro reo." The next hearing has been set for the 24th of April, when the prosecutor will present the bill of indictment and the evidence supporting it. (hina) jn as 192052 MET apr 96