Former Liberian President Charles Taylor made a surprise appearance at the UN Special Court yesterday after having so far boycotted his trial on charges of orchestrating atrocities in Sierra Leone.

Taylor, who is charged with instigating murder, mutilation, and the recruitment of child soldiers in a quest for the country's diamonds, had argued he had inadequate funds to mount a proper defense and had on two occasions refused to show up to court, delaying proceedings.

However, after judges ordered that Taylor be assigned a new defense team and postponed the trial until August 20 to allow them time to prepare, Taylor walked in late to the procedural hearing, allowing the judges to outline their ruling.

He looked calm wearing a smart dark suit and pale tie. A representative said security measures by the traffic police had caused his delay.

He spoke only to re-enter a not guilty plea to the count of sexual slavery, which had been slightly reworded in an amended indictment.

"I think he has got the message that he cannot gain anything by absenting himself and that he gains from being present," said Prosecutor Stephen Rapp by telephone from Sierra Leone.

Taylor had earlier pleaded not guilty to 11 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, related to the 1991-2002 civil war, which killed an estimated 50,000 people.

Taylor sacked his lawyer as his trial opened, initially saying he wanted to defend himself, although he has since changed his mind and is demanding a top caliber lawyer.

Prosecutors hope the trial will send a signal that international justice can operate efficiently and fairly as well as target the world's most powerful individuals. But some observers fear Taylor is intent on upstaging proceedings.

The trial proper will continue in August with witness testimony.

(China Daily via agencies July 4, 2007)