The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 99-04-19

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <ert.ntua.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Extensive NATO bombings in Yugoslavia

In the course of the night, taking advantage of the improvement in weather conditions, NATO hit a total of 32 targets throughout the country, while it claims, through one of its spokesmen, that the Yugoslav air defense system has been extensively weakened.

An oil refinery, a petrochemical plant and a nitrogen fertilizer plant suffered extensive damage from the bombings in Pancevo, which also caused an ecological disaster with the leaking of toxic gas. A cloud of toxic gas hovering over Pancevo is now moving towards neighbouring countries.

For their part, the Yugoslav authorities announced that their anti-aircraft defense has brought down a number of Cruise missiles as well as an unmanned reconnaissance airplane.

[02] Yugoslavia breaks off diplomatic relations with Albania

Meanwhile, NATO yesterday requested Sofia to provide unlimited access to Bulgaria's air space, in order to facilitate the alliance's air offensive against Yugoslavia and its fighter jets taking off from Turkish bases.

American secretary of state Madeleine Albright yesterday denied that Americans are negotiating the supply of arms to the Kosovo Liberation Army and reiterated that the US supports broad autonomy and not independence for Kosovo. She also disclosed that, seeking means to bring economic pressure to bear on Belgrade, the allies are planning to cut off the flow of oil from Montenegro to Serbia.

Serbian military court authorities have ordered the Montenegro police to bring before them the local government's deputy premier, Novak Kilibarda, who had failed to respond to the martial court's instruction to present himself and testify in relation to an article he had published some time ago, in which he called on the men of Montenegro to refuse enlistment in the Yugoslav army.

[03] Greek foreign undersecretary tours southern Albania

The foreign undersecretary pointed out that the Greek government is concerned about the minority's problems and that his tour was far from being merely a formality. Mr Niotis accompanied a consignment of 6 tons of humanitarian aid for the Kosovar refugees settling in ethnic Greek villages.

[04] Greek prime minister visits USA

Present at the celebrations will be Greek premier Kostas Simitis, who left yesterday for New York, first stop of his trip to the US.

Mr Simitis is scheduled to have several important meetings in New York-- including one today with UN secretary general Kofi Annan--and he will present the Greek proposal on a political settlement of the Yugoslav crisis and the subsequent establishment of a development plan for the region.

[05] Balkan meeting in Athens

Participating will be delegates from Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania, FYROM and Albania, as well as the German EU presidency. Representatives of Belgrade's financial institute will send in their written proposals

[06] Greek naval officer faces court-martial

The officer had said he was categorically opposed to the NATO bombardments of Yugoslavia and would not participate in any activities related to the alliance's offensives.

[07] Cypriot president analyses Cyprus alternatives

Mr Kliridis estimates that "the Cypriot side will be pressured on the constitutional issue, while the Turkish side on the territorial and security questions."

Additionally, he makes it clear that he will never accept as a solution a confederation or a rotating presidency, or the recognition of a separate Turkish Cypriot entity.

[08] Greek American Youth Forum in Chicago

The inauguration ceremony, in the presence of Archbishop of America Spyridon, was attended by over 140 young people from all over North America as well as by more than 50 observers.

[09] Results of Turkish elections

The Turkish prime minister's party has secured 22.6% of the votes, followed by the extreme right wing party of Nationalist Action which has so far secured an equally unexpected 17.7%. The Islamic Party of Virtue is in 3rd place with 15.7% while Mesut Yilmaz's Motherland party and Tansu Ciller's True Path party received 13.7% and 11.7% respectively.

However, Mr Ecevit has stated that it is still early to ascertain which parties will make up the future coalition government.

Meanwhile, in violent clashes that took place yesterday in southeastern Turkey, 6 people were killed and 8 wounded.

[10] Sister of jailed Kurdish leader not allowed to visit him

Meanwhile Ocalan's lawyers, on their way to see their client, again faced the protest demonstrations of over 150 people gathered at the port of Mudanja who were carrying banners of the extreme right wing Nationalist Action party.

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article