Milosevic trial judge to resign

May has a reputation for firmness

The presiding judge in the war crimes trial of former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic is to quit the case because of health problems.

UK judge Richard May will step down in three months, just as Mr Milosevic is scheduled to begin presenting his defence at the court in The Hague.

Court officials say his resignation will not disrupt the case which began two years ago.

But legal experts believe Mr Milosevic will say the case should not continue.

Mr Milosevic is charged with committing crimes against humanity, genocide and war crimes in Bosnia, Croatia and Kosovo in the 1990s. He has repeatedly refused to enter a plea.

The BBC's Geraldine Coughlan in The Hague says it has been suggested that the former president, who is representing himself, could go as far as to demand a mistrial.

'Safe hands'

There is also concern over the amount of catching up a replacement for Judge May will have to do.

Milosevic also suffers from ill health

A new judge will have to be briefed on two years of testimony and thousands of documents.

But the president of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, Judge Theodor Meron, insists the trial remains in "safe hands".

Judge May's resignation would be effective from 31 May, tribunal officials said in a statement.

It is thought that UN Secretary General Kofi Annan will appoint a replacement soon.

Judge May, who is in his 60s, is known for taking a tough line with Mr Milosevic.

He has cautioned him for making political speeches - turning off the defendant's microphone on such occasions - and forced him to adhere to court procedures.

A witness once described Judge May as being "made of reinforced platinum," said Judge Meron.

The prosecution's case against Mr Milosevic, 61, was scheduled to finish last week but proceedings were postponed because he was ill.