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/A ray of hope in Kosovo?/ YESTERDAY'S papers yesterday gave most of their
front page attention to Jesse Jackson's successful efforts to secure the
release of the three American soldiers captured in Yugoslavia.
Phileleftheros
said that the three soldiers were "welcomed with cheers" at the American
army base in Ramstein, Germany. Jackson noted that their release was only a
small step towards the end of the war in Kosovo. Locally, the paper
reported that Nicosia was concerned that Cyprus would be asked to implement
a further EU embargo on Yugoslavia. Phileleftheros said that the island
would be significantly affected by a 'freezing' of Yugoslav capital in
Cyprus.
Simerini
claimed that Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic had asked to meet US
president Bill Clinton in exchange for his release of the three American
soldiers. The paper said that the two presidents would discuss the return
of the refugees, the deployment of an international peace-keeping force in
Kosovo, an end to Nato bombing and finding a political solution.
Politis
wondered if Jackson's effort was, "A chance for peace?" The paper said
Clinton had said the bombings would continue in spite of the soldiers'
release because the reason for Nato's intervention still existed. Politis
also said that, in an interview to international news agency UPI, Milosevic
had admitted that "bad things have happened in Kosovo," but denied that
ethnic cleansing had taken place. "We are not angels, but we aren't devils
either," he is quoted as saying. Milosevic also suggested a political
solution to the conflict.
Haravghi
called Yugoslavia's release of the three soldiers "a ray of light" in the
Kosovo conflict. The paper said the gesture had been made while Nato forces
"committed another criminal 'mistake' which led to the death of dozens of
innocent people." Locally, the paper reported that a special constable,
"hired in exchange for working towards (President Glafcos) Clerides' re-
election," might be involved in drug trafficking. The paper said that while
a civilian had reported the constable to the police, no official
investigation had been carried out.
Alithia
said "hope was born by the three's release." The paper said that the three
US captives had been held in Belgrade for 32 days. The paper also said that
£18.5 million would be given to families with four or more children in
1999. The announcement was made on Sunday in a speech by Clerides at an
annual award ceremony for mothers of many children.
To Tharros said that
prison staff would be given rewards for good service. The paper said that
the move was part of an effort to modernise the law on the function of
prisons. The paper said the awards would be given by the prison governor in
appreciation of initiative, zeal, unusual bravery and self-sacrifice in the
line of duty.
© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1999
