Radovan Karadzic trial delayed until March 2010

Proceedings against the former Bosnian Serb leader will now be delayed until next March 2010 to give the court-appointed counsel time to study the case.

"The trial chamber hereby determines that the overall interests of justice are best met by the appointment of counsel," said a written ruling issued on Thursday by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

UN judges in The Hague took the decision after Mr Karadzic boycotted the beginning of his trial, which began on Oct 26, claiming he had not been given enough time to prepare his own defence.

"The accused's conduct has effectively brought the trial to a halt, which is evidently his purpose. Furthermore, he has made it clear that he wishes to control when the trial will resume, rather than the chamber. These are blatant examples of deliberately obstructive conduct," said the judges.

The 64-year-old former president of the Bosnian Republica Srpska was also warned he "will forfeit his right to self-representation" if he continued to obstruct the trial.