FIRST WITNESS TO COMPLETE HIS EXAMINATION IN CHIEF ON THURSDAY

Arusha, November 11, 2003 (FH) –The first prosecution witness in the trial of four former cabinet ministers in the Rwandan interim cabinet is expected to complete his examination in chief by Thursday at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda according to the prosecutor, Ibukunolu Babajide. He will then be cross-examined by the defence teams.

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The witness, Maxwell Ephrem Nkole, the chief investigator in the office of the prosecutor has been testifying since the trial began on November 6th. Nkole will produce a total of 196 exhibits on behalf of the prosecutor. The trial formerly known as Government Two, groups former minister of Health, Casimir Bizimungu, former minister of Foreign Affairs Jérôme Bicamumpaka, that of Commerce, Justin Mugenzi and Prosper Mugiraneza, former minister of Public Service. They are charged with six counts of conspiracy to commit genocide, genocide, complicity in genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide, crimes against humanity and violation of Article 3 common to the Geneva Convention. The trial continues on Wednesday before Trial Chamber Two where Judge Asoka de Zoyza Gunawardana (Sri Lanka) is presiding, assisted by judges Lee Muthoga (Kenya) and Khalida Rashid Khan (Pakistan)PJ/CE/FH (GVII'1111e)