punished, whether they are constitutionally responsible rulers, public officials or private individuals."

The World Court also stressed that its decision concerns Diplomatic Immunity in this particular case and should not necessarily be applied to other cases, pointing out that it does not aply to the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda and the forthcoming International Criminal Court, since the statutes of these institutions specifically state that certain crimes preclude Diplomatic Immunity.

Belgium has another contentious case in its legal system and the parties involved are currently going over the “Yerodia Decision” to see if it has any bearing on their deliberations.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has been accused, along with other Israeli and Lebanese leaders of war crimes, including genocide, allegedly committed in Lebanon, during the Sabra and Shatila massacres in 1982, which the United Nations has already condemned as an "act of genocide".

A group of Palestinian exiles has brought the case before a Belgian Court and although a decision was expected by March 8, both sides have asked for - and been granted - an extension to consider the World Court Decision.

A hearing in Brussels is now scheduled for May 15, 2002.

The U.N. OBSERVER & International Report will report on the Sharon Case, in more detail, after that hearing.