89. As previously stated, in exercising their discretion to impose a sentence, Trial Chambers must take into account the following factors: the gravity of the offence and the individual circumstances of the convicted person, the general practice regarding prison sentences in the courts of the former Yugoslavia, and aggravating and mitigating circumstances.[1] The special context of a plea agreement raises an additional factor that must be taken into account. A plea agreement is a matter of considerable importance as it involves an admission by the accused of his guilt. Furthermore, recommendation of a range of sentences or, as in the present case, a specific sentence, reflects an agreement between the parties as to what, in their view, would constitute a fair sentence. The Appeals Chamber notes that Rule 62ter(B) of the Rules unambiguously states that Trial Chambers shall not be bound by any agreement between the parties. Nevertheless, in the specific context of a sentencing judgement following a plea agreement, the Appeals Chamber emphasises that Trial Chambers shall give due consideration to the recommendation of the parties and, should the sentence diverge substantially from that recommendation, give reasons for the departure. Those reasons, combined with the Trial Chamber’s obligation pursuant to Article 23(2) of the Statute to render a Judgement “accompanied by a reasoned opinion in writing”, will facilitate a meaningful exercise of the convicted person’s right to appeal and allow the Appeals Chamber “to understand and review the findings of the Trial Chamber”.[2]