Milosevic Defiant Before War Crimes Tribunal

July 3 -- A defiant Slobodan Milosevic refused to cooperate with the U.N. war crimes tribunal today when he appeared for the first time on charges of crimes against humanity allegedly carried out during his time as Yugoslavia's president.

Milosevic refused a lawyer for the appearance and also refused to enter a plea.

"I consider this tribunal [a] false tribunal and indictments false indictments. It is illegal, so I have no need to appoint counsel," an uncooperative Milosevic said in English today at The Hague.

He is charged with crimes against humanity and is the first former head of state to appear as a defendant before the tribunal.

Milosevic, dressed in a dapper dark suit with a striped tie, switched to Serbo-Croat when asked by the International War Crimes Tribunal if he wanted to enter a plea — but instead of answering, he said the tribunal was convened to cover up NATO atrocities in Kosovo.

The International War Crimes Tribunal entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf, then adjourned until the week of Aug. 27. Milosevic appeared to check his watch as the proceeding came to a hasty conclusion after barely 10 minutes.

‘That’s Your Problem’

Since he chose to represent himself, Milosevic appeared before the tribunal alone, flanked only by two security guards. However, his Belgrade lawyers were seen going into the court earlier in the morning. He has the right to bring in legal representation later in the proceedings.

The former Yugoslav president appeared at times somber, bored and defiant. At times he rested his hand on his chin. At other points, he looked on darkly with a furrowed brow.

But one aspect did not change: Milosevic was determined not to lend any legitimacy to the proceedings by cooperating.

Presiding Judge Richard May told Milosevic he had a right to hear the indictment — a move that could have taken several hours.

"This is a right you may also waive. Now, do you want to have the indictment read out, or not?," May asked.