I, Claude Jorda, President of the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991 (hereinafter "the Tribunal");

PURSUANT to Rule 15 bis (D) of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence (hereinafter "the Rules");

CONSIDERING that, pursuant to Rule 15 bis (D) of the Rules, "in case of illness or an unfilled vacancy or in any other similar circumstances, the President may, if satisfied that it is in the interests of justice to do so, authorise a Chamber to conduct routine matters, such as the delivery of decisions, in the absence of one or more of its members";

CONSIDERING that Judge Mohamed Bennouna resigned on 28 February 2001;

CONSIDERING that, pursuant to Article 13 bis of the Statute, Judge Mohamed El Habib Fassi Fihri was appointed by the Secretary-General to replace Judge Mohamed Bennouna from 1 March 2001 until 16 November 2001, at which time Judge Bennouna’s mandate expires;

CONSIDERING that, on 14 March 2001, Judge Mohamed El Habib Fassi Fihri will make the solemn declaration set down in Rule 14 of the Rules;

CONSIDERING that the interests of justice require that Trial Chamber III be able to conduct routine matters in this case in the absence of Judge Mohamed Bennouna until 14 March 2001;

AUTHORISE Trial Chamber III, composed of Judge May, presiding, and Judge Robinson, to conduct routine matters until 14 March 2001;

Done in French and English, the French version being authoritative.

Done this first day of March 2001
At The Hague
The Netherlands

(signed)
___________
Claude Jorda
President