In its decision, the Appeals Chamber refused to order the Tribunal's President to report the French government to the Security Council for failure to cooperate on a request to provide information, allegedly backing up Nzabonimana's alibi defence.
Such information allegedly suggests that Nzabonimana was at the French Embassy in Kigali between April 7and 12, 1994, a period the prosecution claims he was busy organizing killings of Tutsis in his native commune of Nyabikenke (Central Rwanda).
The Chamber dismissed the appeal by defendant, challenging Trial Chamber's order to rescind its decision for the President to act against French government upon realizing that the state had complied with its obligations after supplying some documents to suit the required defence demand.
In the trial of Ngirumpatse, the defence called four witnesses, including former Rwandan Information Minister, Pascal Ndengejeho, who gave contradictory evidence about the position of MRND party in implementation of the Arusha Peace Agreement.
When testifying, the minister said allegation involving MRND to block implementation of the agreement was meant to discredit the party as part of propaganda in the multiparty politics. However, a document signed by his party, MDR, shown to him by prosecutor, stated to the contrary.
The document indicated that MRND was opposing the Accord and, therefore, political bureau of MDR had requested the ruling party, its President as well as their ministers to stop blocking government action to implement the agreement.
Hearing of the case continues Monday. Ngirumpatse is jointly tried alongside his Vice President, Edouard Karemera, mainly for crimes committed by members of their party. Karemera has already completed his defence case.
FK/ER
© Hirondelle News Agency