September 2000 Military News

ISRAEL/PALESTINIANS, Voice of America, 30 September 2000 -- At least 12 more Palestinians have been killed in bloody clashes with Isreali forces.
ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS, Voice of America, 30 September 2000 -- At least 26 Palestinians have been wounded in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, during a third day of clashes with Israeli security forces.
RUSS/YUGO, Voice of America, 30 September 2000 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says his government is ready to take a more active role in Yugoslavia and is offering to send his foreign minister to Belgrade to help resolve the crisis stemming from last Sunday's presidential elections.
THE YUGOSLAV ELECTIONS, Voice of America, 30 September 2000 - A conversation with Aleksa Djilas, is a visiting scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center, David Binder, a free-lance journalist who covered the Balkans for the New York Times, and Mihajlo Mihajlov, a former Yugoslav dissident, and an adjunct fellow at the Hudson Institute.
RUSSIA/CHECHNYA, Voice of America, 30 September 2000 - A review of the situation in Chechnya.
ZIMBABWE POL, Voice of America, 30 September 2000 -- Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has called on President Robert Mugabe to retire immediately or risk being removed violently by a national uprising.
LANKA/REBELS, Voice of America, 29 September 2000 -- Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels have asked civilians to evacuate large areas in the northern Jaffna region, where heavy fighting is in progress.
UNHCR / AFGHANISTAN, Voice of America, 29 September 2000 -- The United Nations Refugee Agency, U-N-H-C-R, says in the last ten days more than eight-thousand Afghans have crossed into Pakistan to escape fighting in northeast Afghanistan.
UN calls on parties in Afghanistan to ensure safety of civilians, aid workers, UN News, 29 September 2000 -- The United Nations today called on the warring parties in Afghanistan to ensure the security of civilians and aid workers, and to allow humanitarian assistance to reach those in need.
ISRAEL / PALESTINIANS, Voice of America, 29 September 2000 -- Israeli riot police have shot and killed at least four Palestinians and wounded scores more in clashes today/Friday in Jerusalem.
ISRAEL / PALESTINIANS / SHOOTING, Voice of America, 29 September 2000 -- One Israeli police officer is dead and another wounded after a Palestinian policeman opened fire on them in the West Bank.
YUGOSLAVIA / OPTIONS, Voice of America, 29 September 2000 -- Last Sunday's presidential election in Yugoslavia has turned into a test of wills between Slobodan Milosevic and his opponents, who are demanding he step down, citing evidence that he lost. Tens-of-thousands have already taken to the streets to demand he give up power. But will this strategy prove effective or should the man who has been able to weather protests against him in the past be offered a chance to leave with dignity?
Press Briefing By Joe Lockhart - Yugoslav Elections, The White House, Office of the Secretary, 29 September 2000 - Q: Joe, with respect to Serbia, if civil war should break out there, is the United States prepared to intervene militarily, or NATO? What is our military situation if this thing should break out over there?
State Department Regular Briefing - Yugoslav Elections, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 29 September 2000 -- Q: Yugoslavia -- the former Yugoslav Prime Minister Milan Panic is very critical of insisting on Milosevic being brought to the The Hague saying if the United States and Europe continue to insist this it's going to lead to bloodshed and that he's writing a letter to President Clinton and to President Putin asking that Panic -- or Milosevic be given a plane to leave and that this would save the Serb people a lot of, perhaps, bloodshed. He fears a civil war. Is there any thinking on your part about this?
NATO keeping quiet about Yugoslav voting, Stars and Stripes, 29 September 2000 -- As Western nations proclaim an opposition victory in the Yugoslav election, NATO is saying little about the vote and its aftermath, an alliance official said on Thursday.
U-N-Timor, Voice of America, 29 September 2000 -- The top United Nations official in East Timor, Sergio Vieira de Mello, today (Friday) called on the government of Indonesia to take aggressive action against armed militia groups.
INDONESIA-TIMOR DISARMAMENT, Voice of America, 29 September 2000 -- An operation by Indonesian security forces to disarm marauding militias in West Timor has produced meager results.
State Department on Disarming of Militias in West Timor, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 29 September 2000 -- "We agree it is crucial that disarmament succeed in order to allow refugees in West Timor the opportunity to decide in peace where they wish to settle, and to bring peace to the citizens of West Timor."
Jakarta alone is responsible for ending West Timor attacks, Security Council told, UN News, 29 September 2000 -- The head of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) told the Security Council today that the Government of Indonesia alone was responsible for dealing with violent militia in West Timor.
Militias Root Cause of Problems For Untaet And Indonesia In East Timor, Secretary-General's Special Representative Tells Council, UN Press Release, 29 September 2000 -- There had been the two opposing developments in the East Timor situation since the Security Council last considered the Territory, Sergio Vieira de Mello, the Secretary-General's Special Representative and head of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), told an open Security Council briefing this afternoon. Escalating violence in West Timor was contrasted with encouraging progress in the reconstruction being carried out by UNTAET.
PHILIPPINES / HUMAN RIGHTS, Voice of America, 29 September 2000 -- Philippine Roman Catholic leaders are strongly criticizing the military operation against the Abu Sayyaf Muslim rebels, who are holding hostages in the southern Philippines.
UN / CONGO, Voice of America, 29 September 2000 -- The United Nations' top human rights official, Mary Robinson, will visit the Democratic Republic of Congo (D-R-C) next Monday and Tuesday.
U-N / Mandela / Burundi, Voice of America, 29 September 2000 -- Former South African President Nelson Mandela today (Friday) urged rebels in Burundi to stop fighting and join in that nation's peace process.
After briefing by Nelson Mandela, Security Council condemns attacks on civilians in Burundi, UN News, 29 September 2000 -- The United Nations Security Council today condemned all attacks on civilian populations in Burundi and urged armed rebel groups to settle their differences and implement the Arusha Peace Accord.
Security Council Briefed By Nelson Mandela, Facilitator of Arusha Peace Process; Adopts Presidential Statement Condemning Attacks On Civilians, UN Press Release, 29 September 2000 -- There could be no justification for continued violent attacks on the civilian population in Burundi when a comprehensive political agreement had been reached and the way opened for all to bring their concerns to the political table, Nelson Mandela, Facilitator of the Arusha peace process, said this morning in a briefing to the Security Council.
UNHCR / ANGOLA, Voice of America, 29 September 2000 -- The United Nations Refugee Agency, U-N-H-C-R, says there has been a dramatic upsurge in the number of Angolan refugees fleeing into Zambia.
UNITA rebels among new refugees arriving in Zambia: UNHCR, UN News, 29 September 2000 -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) today reported that approximately 50 members of the Angolan rebel group, UNITA were among some 8,500 refugees who had arrived in Zambia from Angola over the past five days.
SRI LANKA FIGHTING, Voice of America, 28 September 2000 -- Heavy fighting has gripped Sri Lanka's northern Jaffna peninsula.
ISRAEL / PALESTINIANS, Voice of America, 28 September 2000 -- Israeli security forces have clashed with Palestinian demonstrators in Jerusalem's walled Old City.
Clinton-Yugo, Voice of America, 28 September 2000 -- President Clinton is calling on Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic to step down in the wake of Sunday's election defeat, and is promising immediate action to lift economic sanctions against Belgrade if there is a democratic change there.
YUGOSLAV ELECTION, Voice of America, 28 September 2000 -- Yugoslavia's democratic opposition is rejecting the government's decision to hold a second round of voting between its candidate, Vojislav Kostunica, and President Slobodan Milosevic.
CLINTON-YUGO, Voice of America, 28 September 2000 -- President Clinton says the evidence of an outright victory by the Yugoslav opposition in Sunday's election is "persuasive" and he is pledging to seek an early end to international sanctions against Belgrade if a democratic government assumes power.
YUGOSLAV ELECTION, Voice of America, 28 September 2000 -- Yugoslavia's opposition says it will take its fight against President Slobodan Milosevic beyond street protests and is calling for a blockade of government institutions.
State Department Regular Briefing - Yugoslav Elections, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 28 September 2000 -- Q: There is talk that some Western official's envoys are suggesting to President Milosevic that if he decides to give up power and not force a second round, he may be able to find a graceful exit, implying that he may somehow escape a war crimes charge. Is there any change in your view on that? Are you looking to see him leave?
Amb. Johnson Says Serb Opposition Victory Must Be Respected, source, 28 September 2000 -- U.S. Mission to the OSCE , 28 September 2000 -- The United States Government believes the opposition has won the first round and that it has the protocol documentation compiled from individual polling sites to prove it.
CLINTON, KOK: SANCTIONS AGAINST SERBIA SHOULD END ONCE DEMOCRACY RETURNS, USIS Washington File, 28 September 2000 -- NATO economic sanctions against Serbia should be lifted once a democratically elected government is installed in Belgrade, President Clinton said September 29 in remarks in a Sepember 28 press availability in the Rose Garden with Prime Minister Wim Kok of the Netherlands.
FRY Election: Opposition's Run-Off Boycott A 'Mistake' Or 'Correct Response'?, Foreign Media Reaction Reports, 28 September 2000 -- Foreign media commentary on the Yugoslav elections.
USAID Announces Plan to Help Displaced Persons in Colombia, U.S. Agency for International Development, 28 September 2000 -- The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has granted $25 million to five non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to provide social services to 660,000 displaced Colombians.
INDONESIA-TIMOR, Voice of America, 28 September 2000 -- Indonesian security forces are gearing up for what they say will be an operation to forcibly disarm the militias of West Timor.
Security Council Sending Mission to Sierra Leone, USIS Washington File, 28 September 2000 -- The Security Council is planning to send 10 of its members on a seven-day mission to Sierra Leone to assess the full dimension of the situation before making any further decisions on U.N. peacekeeping operations in the country.
Seized UN worker released in Liberia; Security Council discusses events in region, UN News, 28 September 2000 -- The United Nations refugee agency announced today that its staff member abducted two weeks ago by gunmen in Guinea has been handed over by Liberian troops to Ivorian authorities in Liberia's capital, Monrovia.
YUGO ELECTIONS, Voice of America, 27 September 2000 -- Opposition leaders are rejecting an announcement by Yugoslav authorities that a crucial presidential race against incumbent Slobodan Milosevic will move into a second round.
FRY Elections: 'Victory Snatched' From Opposition, Foreign Media Reaction Reports, 27 September 2000 -- Foreign media commentary on the Yugoslav elections.
Yugoslav elections show voters' wish for change, Annan says, UN News, 27 September 2000 -- Following the presidential elections in Yugoslavia on 24 September, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today said the polling results revealed a clear wish on the part of the voters for "genuine change," a United Nations spokesman said in New York.
New ferry service to link East Timor with Oecussi enclave, UN News, 27 September 2000 -- A new passenger ferry service will soon link East Timor to its Oecussi enclave in Indonesia, in order to connect the two parts of the territory until a safe land route can be established through militia-swamped West Timor, the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) said in a statement issued in Dili.
U-N-H-C-R / CONGO REFUGEES, Voice of America, 27 September 2000 -- The United Nations refugee agency, U-N-H-C-R, has sent a delegation to study how aid can be brought to tens of thousands of refugees trapped in remote, inaccessible parts of the Republic of Congo.
Press Briefing By Special Adviser On Cyprus, UN Press Briefing, 26 September 2000 -- A "qualitative step forward" had taken place in the latest round of Cyprus proximity talks that had just ended, and another round had been scheduled from 1 to 10 November in Geneva, Alvaro de Soto , Special Adviser to the Secretary- General on Cyprus, said at a Headquarters press briefing this afternoon.
DoD News Briefing - Serbian Elections, U.S. Department of Defense, 26 September 2000 -- Q: On Yugoslavia ... is there now an Amphibious Ready Group in the Adriatic? And, if not, are there plans for one to ...
White House Daily Briefing - Serbian Elections, The White House, Office of the Secretary, 26 September 2000 -- Q: Do you have a reaction to the Yugoslav election commission calling for a run-off?
FRY Elections: 'A Kostunica Victory'; Milosevic 'Down, But Not Out', Foreign Media Reaction Reports, 26 September 2000 - Foreign media commentary on the results of the Serbian elections.
Latest round of proximity talks on Cyprus ends in New York, UN News, 26 September 2000 -- The latest round of proximity talks on Cyprus ended today at United Nations Headquarters in New York with the lead UN mediator describing the meetings as "a qualitative step forward" but warning against expectations of an imminent peace agreement.
East Timor: militia member killed in clash with UN peacekeepers, UN News, 26 September 2000 -- An armed militia member was killed today by United Nations soldiers in East Timor's Suai district, 8 kilometres from the border with Indonesia.
Amputees Bring Conflict in Sierra Leone Home to Congressmen, USIS Washington File, 26 September 2000 -- The senseless mutilation of innocent civilians in Sierra Leone's nine-year conflict was plainly seen in Congress September 26 as eight victims of forced amputations spoke of their experiences before the House Subcommittee on African Affairs.
Team from UNHCR to assess refugee needs along Congo river, UN News, 26 September 2000 -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced today its was sending a mission to Central Africa to assess the impact of a fresh arrival of refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who are settled along the Congo and Ubangui rivers in the northern Republic of the Congo.
Concerned about spread of Afghan crisis, Security Council renews call for talks, UN News, 25 September 2000 -- Members of the Security Council today expressed concern at the growing spread of the Afghan conflict beyond the country's borders and its destabilizing effect on neighbouring countries, urging the parties -- particularly the Taliban - to resume negotiations under United Nations auspices "without further delay and any preconditions."
OSCE Chairperson-In-Office Issues Statement On Fry Elections, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Chairman-in-Office, 25 September 2000 -- In reaction to yesterday's elections in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE, Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner, said it was clear that the people of Yugoslavia expressed their strong desire for change that will permit them to embrace democracy and rejoin Europe.
State Department Regular Briefing - Serbian Elections, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 25 September 2000 -- Q: Let's start with the Milosevic situation, please...
Annan hopes Yugoslav elections will lead to democratic government, UN News, 25 September 2000 -- Awaiting the outcome of the elections in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia "with keen interest," Secretary-General Kofi Annan hopes the electoral process will produce a democratic government that is open to dialogue, his spokesman said today.
FRY Elections: 'The Real Battle For Power Will Take Place After Elections', Foreign Media Reaction Reports, 25 September 2000 - Foreign media commentary on the Yugoslav elections.
State Department Regular Briefing - East Timor, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 25 September 2000 -- Q: Over the weekend, the Indonesian Defense Minister gave an interview in the newspaper in which he said that the East Timorese who want to rejoin Indonesia were being prevented from doing so by foreign powers...
Indonesia's effort to disarm West Timor militia "pathetic," UN mission says, UN News, 25 September 2000 -- The head of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) today described as "pathetic" Indonesia's effort to disarm the militia in West Timor, after a UN delegation attending a disarmament ceremony in the area was threatened by militia supporters.
Security Council mission to visit Sierra Leone in October, UN News, 25 September 2000 -- The Security Council will dispatch a mission to Sierra Leone early next month to look into ways of ensuring the full application of the Council's resolutions and enhancing the effectiveness of UNAMSIL, the United Nations Mission in the country, according to a letter released today at UN Headquarters in New York.
Initial deployment of UN observers completed on Ethiopia/Eritrea border, UN News, 25 September 2000 -- United Nations military observers are now in place in four locations on both sides of the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea, the UN said today.
Culture of Impunity in DROC Must Be Ended, U.S. Official Says, USIS Washington File, 25 September 2000 -- A "culture of impunity" and the absence of any effective judicial system are fueling the violence against innocent civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DROC), says David Scheffer, the U.S. ambassador-at-large for war crimes.
U.S. Response to Report of Foreign Plot to Sabotage FRY Election, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 23 September 2000 -- The Government's charges of a foreign plan are nonsense. By offering baseless charges and moving troops to electoral sites on the day before elections the regime is showing the world and the people of Yugoslavia that it feels weak and afraid heading into those elections.
MP colonel takes command of U.S. contingent in E. Timor, Stars and Stripes, 23 September 2000 -- Army Col. Louis Traverzo took command Sept. 16 of the U.S. Support Group East Timor, a headquarters element that organizes ship visits and community relations projects in the developing country.
White House Daily Briefing - Serbian Elections, The White House, Office of the Secretary, 22 September 2000 -- Q: How close is the White House following the Serbian elections this weekend?
"Democracy Witnesses" to Serbia Elections Cannot Get Visas, European Union, 22 September 2000 -- Declaration By The Presidency On Behalf of The European Union On The Sending Of EU "Democracy Witnesses" To The FRY
Milosevic's Quest For 'Legitimacy': Raising Stakes In The Balkans, Dilemmas For West, Foreign Media Reaction Reports, 22 September 2000 -- Foreign press commentary on the Yugoslav elections.
UN peacekeepers move to position on Ethiopia/Eritrea front, UN News, 22 September 2000 -- The deployment of the first teams of United Nations military observers to the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea began today, as the newly authorized peacekeeping mission starts a new phase of operations.
Thousands of Guineans flee for safety after repeated armed attacks: UNHCR, UN News, 22 September 2000 -- Thousands of Guinean civilians are fleeing to safer areas after recent attacks in the country's border regions left dozens of people dead, including a United Nations aid worker, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said today.
"Little progress, if any" made in DR of Congo peace process: Annan, UN News, 22 September 2000 -- Noting the stalemate in the peace process of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Secretary-General Kofi Annan has recommended an eight-week extension of the United Nations operation in that country, hoping that the extra time will be used wisely by the parties to the conflict.
Boucher Comments on Pretoria Meeting on Conflict Diamonds, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 21 September 2000 -- From the outset, the U.S. foreign policy goal has been to prevent rebel groups from financing armed conflict through the sale of rough diamonds, while ensuring that no harm is done to the legitimate diamond industry.
Afghan conflict risks spreading into neighbouring countries, Annan warns, UN News, 21 September 2000 -- Recent incursions by Islamic militants from Afghanistan into other parts of Central Asia highlight the danger that the Afghan conflict could spread, and underscore the need for a "comprehensive rather than piecemeal" solution to that country's crisis, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan writes in a new report released today.
TV Program on Yugoslav Elections with Schulte Sept. 18, Worldnet Television, "Washington Window", United States Department of State, Office of Broadcast Services, 21 September 2000 -- Conversation with Greg Schulte, Special Assistant to the President, and Director, Southeast European Affairs, National Security Council on the upcoming Serbian elections.
Senior U.S. Official Briefing on Yugoslav Elections, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 21 September 2000 -- On-the-record briefing by Special Advisor to the President and the Secretary of State for Balkan democracy Jim O'Brien.
Daily Press Briefing, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 21 September 2000 -- Q: Do you have any update on the American hostage in the Philippines?
UN mission in East Timor welcomes arrest of suspects in staff murder case, UN News, 21 September 2000 -- The head of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) today welcomed the arrest of six persons suspected of participating in the 6 September attack in Atambua, West Timor, in which three UN personnel were murdered.
Daily Press Briefing, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 21 September 2000 -- Q: What does the Administration make out of the latest peacekeeping operations, given the fact that India is withdrawing all its troops out of the place?
India to withdraw troops from UN mission in Sierra Leone, UN News, 21 September 2000 -- The Government of India has indicated to Secretary-General Kofi Annan that it intends to withdraw all of its 3,059 soldiers from the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL).
Yugoslav Voters Have the Right to Democracy, USIS Washington File, 20 September 2000 -- Voters in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia "have theright to democracy. Yugoslavia ought to be an important part of theinternational community, and this is their opportunity to choosethat," said James O'Brien, the U.S. State Department's special advisoron democracy in the Balkans.
U.S. Ambassador to OSCE Calls on FRY to Release Foreign Detainees, U.S. Mission to the OSCE, Vienna, 20 September 2000 -- Ambassador David T. Johnson's remarks to the OSCE Permanent Council.
U.S. Ambassador Renews Call for OSCE-Russia Cooperation in Chechnya, U.S. Mission to the OSCE, Vienna, 20 September 2000 -- Ambassador David T. Johnson's remarks to the OSCE Permanent Council.
Indonesia to disarm militia in West Timor, Security Council told, UN News, 20 September 2000 -- An envoy of the Government of Indonesia has announced that his country plans to disarm the militias in West Timor using "persuasive and repressive" means.
UN refugee agency continues efforts to find worker abducted in Guinea, UN News, 20 September 2000 -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said today that it has initiated a number of actions to locate a female staff member who was abducted by unknown gunmen in Guinea on Sunday, in an attack that left another aid worker dead.
Security Council extends UN mission in Sierra Leone, UN News, 20 September 2000 -- The United Nations Security Council today unanimously approved a resolution that extends the mandate of the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) until 31 December 2000.
Security Council Extends Sierra Leone Mission Until 31 December, By Unanimously Adopting Resolution 1321 (2000), UN Press Release, 20 September 2000 -- The full text of the resolution extending the present mandate of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone.
Annan flags human rights issue in latest report on Ethiopia/Eritrea, UN News, 20 September 2000 -- Amidst persistent accusations of human rights abuses by both Ethiopia and Eritrea, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said in a report released today that he intends to establish a human rights component in the newly authorized United Nations peacekeeping mission for the two countries.
Secretary Cohen Sept. 19 News Briefing in Bangkok, U.S. Department of Defense, 19 September 2000 -- "I made it clear that Indonesia must act aggressively todisarm and disband these militia groups and hold their leaders andsupporters accountable for their atrocities..."
Press Briefing By Office of Un High Commissioner For Refugees, UN Press Briefing, 18 September 2000 -- At a Headquarters press briefing this afternoon, Nicolas Bwakira, Director, New York Liaison Office, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), told correspondents that the recent murder of an agency staff member and the abduction of another had occurred amid growing tensions in the country of Guinea.
PAK / BLAST, Voice of America, 19 September 2000 -- Authorities in Pakistan say they have arrestedthree men in connection with a bomb blast, whichkilled 16 people at a produce market in the capital,Islamabad Tuesday morning.
PHILIPPINES / SITREP, Voice of America, 19 September 2000 -- The Philippine military's offensive on Muslim rebels in the south of the country continued for a fourth day Tuesday, with the aim of wiping out the Abu Sayyaf and rescuing the hostages they are holding.
U-S / INDONESIA, Voice of America, 19 September 2000 -- U-S Defense Secretary William Cohen says he is concerned about the lack of civilian control over the military in Indonesia.
Gunmen attack World Health Organization compound in Somalia, UN News, 19 September 2000 -- Two United Nations security officers have been evacuated from a city in southern Somalia after armed gunmen attacked the World Health Organization (WHO) compound where they were staying, a UN spokesman announced today.
Efforts continue to locate abducted UN refugee worker in Guinea, UN News, 19 September 2000 -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is taking all possible measures to find the aid worker abducted yesterday in Guinea in an attack that left another staff member dead, the UN agency said today.
Returns of Sierra Leone refugees from Guinea may pose health risks, WHO warns, UN News, 19 September 2000 -- With the current crisis in Guinea threatening to push large numbers of Sierra Leonean refugees back to their home country, the World Health Organization (WHO) today warned that a new influx will put intense pressure on already overburdened health centres there.
Opening Statement on 6 + 2 Meeting On Afghanistan, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 18 September 2000 -- Secretary Of State Madeleine K. Albright's oening statement before the Afghanistan peace talks.
E-U / SERBIA, Voice of America, 18 September 2000 -- The European Union (E-U) has endorsed Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic's opposition in this Sunday's (September 24th) election.
NORTHERN IRELAND / VIOLENCE, Voice of America, 18 September 2000 -- A bomb blast in a Northern Ireland seaside town has injured at least three men.
PHILIPPINES HOSTAGES UPDATE, Voice of America, 18 September 2000 -- Thousands of civilians are fleeing an intensive government assault on Muslim rebels holding 19 hostages in the southern Philippines.
U.S., Filipino Leaders Meet to Strengthen Ties, American Forces Press Service, 18 September 2000 -- Defense Secretary William S.Cohen said the main theme of his trip to Asia is tosolidify relationships, and he spent the weekend doingexactly that.
Cohen Tells Indonesian Leaders to Disarm, Disband Militias, American Forces Press Service, 18 September 2000 -- During a long day ofmeetings, Defense Secretary William S. Cohen told Indonesianleaders Sept. 18 that they must disband and disarm the "killermilitias" on the island of Timor.
DoD News Briefing, U.S. Department of Defense, 18 September 2000 -- The United States strongly supports Indonesia's historic transition to democracy, but that transition must include a clear commitment to the rule of law and an end to the violence in East and West Timor.
INDONESIA-SECURITY, Voice of America, 18 September 2000 -- U-S Defense Secretary William Cohen has delivered a sharp warning to Indonesia about the militias terrorizing refugees and aid workers in West Timor.
UN mission holds meeting with Indonesia on security in West Timor, Voice of America, 18 September 2000 -- The head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in East Timor today received reassurances from a senior Indonesian official that a concrete plan was being drawn up to disarm militias and improve the security situation in West Timor, where three aid workers from the UN refugee agency were brutally murdered on 6 September.
Zimbabwe: Search of Opposition Party Offices, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 18 September 2000 -- The United States is very concerned by events in Zimbabwe which constitute government harassment of a legitimate opposition political party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).
One UN refugee worker dead, one missing following attack in Guinea, UN News, 18 September 2000 -- Armed assailants on Sunday killed a top United Nations refugee official in Guinea and abducted an agency staff member, who remains missing.
IVORY COAST SHOOTING, Voice of America, 18 September 2000 -- The military ruler of Ivory Coast says he narrowly survived an assassination attempt by unidentified gunmen who attacked his home.
Military observers start training for new UN mission in Ethiopia-Eritrea, UN News, 18 September 2000 -- As the newly authorized United Nations peacekeeping mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea continues to gather pace, UN military observers today began a training course to prepare for the challenges ahead.
CONGO REBEL PROFILE, Voice of America, 18 September 2000 -- Congolese rebel-leader Jean-Pierre Bemba says his men are preparing to attack a government-held town unless President Laurent Kabila follows through with a regional peace plan.
PERU/ELECTION CALLED, Voice of America, 17 September 2000 -- Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori has surprised political observers, calling for new general elections and saying he will NOT be a candidate.
SPAIN - BASQUES, Voice of America, 16 September 2000 -- In Spain's Basque country, security agents are on a maximum alert after the arrest on Friday of the separatist organization ETA's "maximum leader" in France.
PHILIPPINES ASSAULT, Voice of America, 16 September 2000 -- Philippine armed forces have launched a massive assault to rescue 19 hostages being held by Islamic extremists on the southern island of Jolo.
SUHARTO, Voice of America, 16 September 2000 -- The youngest son of former Indonesian president Suharto has denied links with this week's bombing at the Jakarta Stock Exchange, which left 15 people dead.
CONGO / DISPLACED, Voice of America, 16 September 2000 --
Guinea: Attacks On Guinean Villages, Violence Against Refugees, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 15 September 2000 -- The United States condemns the recent armed incursions across Guinea's border against the villages of Massadou, Medina Oula, and Pamalap.
Security Council members hail Sierra Leone's new diamond certification regime, UN News, 15 September 2000 -- United Nations Security Council members today welcomed the recent gem certification scheme developed by the Government of Sierra Leone. The regime had been requested by the Council in its resolution 1306 of 29 June in which it demanded that all countries prohibit imports of Sierra Leone diamonds.
Thousands seek refuge in Sierra Leonean Embassy in Guinea: UNHCR, UN News, 15 September 2000 -- The United Nations refugee agency today expressed concern about conditions facing 4,500 Sierra Leoneans who have sought refuge in their country's Embassy in Guinea.
SRI LANKA BOMB, Voice of America, 15 September 2000 -- A suicide bomb attack in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, Friday, has left five people dead and at least 25 others injured.
FRY Elections: 'A Dangerous Situation With Unpredictable Consequences', Foreign Media Reaction Reports, 15 September 2000 -- Foreign media commentary on the upcoming Yugoslav elections.
Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen / Philippine Secretary of National Defense Orlando Mercado Joint press conference, U.S. Department of Defense, 15 September 2000 -- Cohen discusses his talks with with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Orlando Mercado and the Philippine hostage crisis.
DoD News Briefing - Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen, source, 15 September 2000 -- "We'll be heading first to the Philippines where we support President Estrada's efforts to promote a unified democratic country. We support his opposition to the groups that are holding hostages, including an American."
DoD News Briefing, U.S. Department of Defense, 15 September 2000 -- Joint press conference with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Orlando Mercado, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Philippines
Statement On Nagorno-Karabakh, U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, 15 September 2000 -- We are encouraged by the continuation of direct talks between Presidents Kocharian and Aliyev aimed at achieving a stable and lasting settlement, which is critical for development and prosperity of the region.
TURKEY / KURDS, Voice of America, 15 September 2000 -- Turkish police on Friday raided several offices of the country's largest legal pro-Kurdish party.
SUHARTO SON ARREST, Voice of America, 15 September 2000 -- Indonesia's president has ordered the arrest of former President Suharto's youngest son in connection with a recent bombing attack.
IVORY COAST / CLASHES, Voice of America, 15 September 2000 -- The government of Ivory Coast is launching an effort to stop violence between the native ethnic Kroumen group and immigrants from neighboring Burkina Faso.
U-N-ETHIOPIA-ERITREA, Voice of America, 15 September 2000 -- The United Nations Security Council today (Friday) unanimously approved a resolution authorizing a peacekeeping mission for Ethiopia and Eritrea.
U.S. Helped "From Day One" in Obtaining Horn of Africa Cease-fire, USIS Washington File, 15 September 2000 -- Visiting Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has praised the Clinton administration for helping bring about a cease-fire between Ethiopia and Eritrea and paving the way for what could be "a final and comprehensive peace agreement" between the two Horn of Africa neighbors.
Security Council authorizes 4,200 troops for Ethiopia-Eritrea peacekeeping force, UN News, 15 September 2000 -- The Security Council today authorized the deployment of 4,200 troops for the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), with an initial six-month mandate to carry out a range of verification tasks, including monitoring the ceasefire between the two countries.
Security Council Authorizes 4,200 Troops For Ethiopia-Eritrea Mission Adopting Resolution 1320 (2000) Unanimously, UN Press Release, 15 September 2000 -- The Security Council this morning authorized the deployment of up to 4,200 troops, including 220 military observers, for the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE). It also mandated the mission until March 2001.
US / EAST TIMOR, Voice of America, 15 September 2000 -- A four-vessel U-S Naval Task Group has left East Timor after a three-day visit. Although the group's mission was a humanitarian one, but the show of force coincided with U-S complaints about continued insecurity on Timor island.
DoD News Briefing - Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen, U.S. Department of Defense, 15 September 2000 -- The situation that has been unfolding in recent days and months in East Timor is not acceptable, and that the international community is looking with a very critical eye on whether or not President Wahid is going to take the kind of action necessary to have accountability on the part of the Armed Forces of Indonesia.
"No progress" made at UN/Indonesia meeting on West Timor, UN mission says, UN News, 15 September 2000 -- The United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) said today that "no advances" were made at a meeting held late last night between officials from the UN mission and the Indonesian Government on West Timor's volatile security situation.
East Timorese athletes cheered at opening of Sydney Olympics, UN News, 15 September 2000 -- Four athletes from East Timor won cheers from the crowd today at the opening of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, according to a United Nations spokesman in New York.
U.S. Lawmaker Blasts Trade in Conflict Diamonds, USIS Washington File, 15 September 2000 -- "American consumers simply will not be a party to this blood trade" in conflict diamonds, which is fueling fighting in West Africa, Congressman Tony P. Hall (Democrat of Ohio) has told a House of Representatives subcommittee.
CONGO / REBELS, Voice of America, 15 September 2000 -- Rebels in northern Congo are advancing toward a strategic river town controlled by troops loyal to President Laurent Kabila.
AFGHAN - UNHCR, Voice of America, 15 September 2000 -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Sadako Ogata, says the ongoing civil war coupled with the harsh policies of the ruling Taleban Islamic Movement in Afghanistan have discouraged many refugees from returning home.
Secretary-General Says 'Six Plus Two' Group Remains Essential Forum For Solution of Afghan Question, UN Press Release, 15 September 2000 -- The text of Secretary-General Kofi Annan's statement today at Headquarters to the "Six plus Two" meeting on Afghanistan.
ZIMBABWE / RAID, Voice of America, 14 September 2000 -- Police in Zimbabwe have raided offices of the country's main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change, and detained four party officials.
Djibouti President urges Security Council to establish peace mission in Somalia, UN News, 14 September 2000 -- The President of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, today asked the United Nations Security Council to "give serious consideration" to a UN post-conflict peace-building mission in Somalia.
GUINEA / SIERRA LEONE, Voice of America, 14 September 2000 -- Hundreds of Sierra Leonean nationals are leaving Guinea, amid fears of persecution by Guinean authorities.
Expanded UN mission in Sierra Leone to cost over $780 million: Annan, UN News, 14 September 2000 -- The proposed boosting of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) would cost more than $780 million over a one-year period, according to the latest budgetary projections released today by Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Statement On The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia , U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, 14 September 2000 -- The United States concurs with the Chair's September 11 statement welcoming the recent local elections in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
Remarks By Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright at Press Availability, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 14 September 2000 -- We discussed ways that the US and the EU can make clear our solidarity and increase our support for the courageous men and women who are demanding their rights in cities and towns across Serbia.
The Judges of The ICTY Acknowledge The Right of Victims of Crimes Committed in the Former Yugoslavia to Seek Compensation, International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, The Hague, 14 September 2000 -- On Wednesday 13 September 2000, the Judges of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) resumed and completed their discussions on the right of victims to seek compensation.
U.S. European Command Begins Crisis Response Training in Senegal, USIS Washington File, 14 September 2000 -- The United States European Command (EUCOM) launched the first-ever brigade training under the African Crisis Response Initiative (ACRI) program on September 11 in Senegal.
U-S/PHILIPPINES, Voice of America, 14 September 2000 -- The Defense Department has confirmed that some 200 U-S Army and Air Force special operations forces are in the Philippines.
PHILIPPINES HOSTAGES, Voice of America, 14 September 2000 -- Abu Sayyaf Islamic militants, holding 19 hostages, are threatening to create havoc in cities in the southern Philippines if the military launches an assault on them.
Defense Department Regular Briefing, U.S. Department of Defense, 14 September 2000 -- Q: Sir, there are some reports in the Philippines press about some special forces in the country now possibly joining some anti-terror or hostage rescue operations.
INDONESIA-BOMB, Voice of America, 14 September 2000 -- Speculation is rife that the attack is linked to the trial of former President Suharto, which resumed Thursday.
TIMOR'S TROUBLES PLAGUE INDONESIA, Voice of America, 14 September 2000 -- The ongoing violence on the island of Timor -- divided between Indonesia and a United Nations protectorate - continues to occupy the attention of newspaper editorial writers around the world.
TIMOR - SANCTIONS CALL, Voice of America, 14 September 2000 -- East Timor's independence leader, Xanana Gusmao is pressing international donors to withhold aid to Indonesia until Jakarta reigns in militia bands terrorizing East Timor refugees in West Timor.
UN Security Council to meet with Indonesian envoy on situation in West Timor, UN News, 14 September 2000 -- The United Nations Security Council today announced that it planned to discuss the deteriorating security situation in West Timor privately with a special envoy dispatched to New York by the Indonesian Government.
More Is Needed to Control Trade in Conflict Diamonds, Statement of William B. Wood, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, International Organization Affairs, U.S. Department of State, 14 September 2000 -- Despite "good cooperation" worldwide to eliminate illegal trade in conflict diamonds, additional efforts are needed to stop the practice, a State Department official has told House of Representatives lawmakers.
CONGO REBELS, Voice of America, 14 September 2000 -- Rebels in northern Congo have retaken ground in fighting against the army of President Laurent Kabila.
ZIMBABWE / IMF, Voice of America, 13 September 2000 -- A team from the International Monetary Fund says the organization will not resume lending to Zimbabwe until the farm crisis is resolved and the country's financial affairs are in order.
TURKEY / ISLAM, Voice of America, 13 September 2000 -- A Turkish court has issued an arrest warrant for the country's first Islamic prime minister, Necmettin Erbakan, on charges of inciting ethnic and religious hatred.
NATO watching Yugoslavia closely, USAFE commander says, Stars and Stripes, 13 September 2000 -- NATO's deeply ingrained "defensive culture" would make it almost impossible for the alliance to pre-empt a potential explosion in the increasingly tense relationship between Montenegro and Serbia, a senior U.S. military official said Tuesday.
SAF / SECURITY, Voice of America, 13 September 2000 -- Government officials say they are "at war" with the Muslim organization they blame for a recent upsurge in terrorist attacks.
Cohen Asia Trip Includes Strong Message to Indonesians, American Forces Press Service, 13 September 2000 -- Defense Secretary William S. Cohenwill take "a strong message to the leaders of Indonesia" as partof his nine-day trip to Asia.
PHILIPPINES HOSTAGES UPDATE, Voice of America, 13 September 2000 -- The Philippine government says it will continue negotiations with Muslim rebels to end the five month hostage crisis, but is not ruling out military options.
IRELAND - VIOLENCE, Voice of America, 13 September 2000 -- A bomb exploded Wednesday outside the police station in the Northern Ireland town of Armagh, a day after a terrorist attack on an army base and a blast outside a Belfast bar.
CLINTON - NORTHERN IRELAND, Voice of America, 13 September 2000 -- The leaders of Northern Ireland's power- sharing government are signaling that this week's violence in the province will not set back the peace process.
INDONESIA-BLAST, Voice of America, 13 September 2000 -- The Jakarta Stock Exchange was rocked by a powerful explosion Wednesday that killed at least one person and injured at least 23 more.
UN begins deploying military observers in Eritrea and Ethiopia, UN News, 13 September 2000 -- The United Nations today began deploying the first of 46 military observers to Eritrea and Ethiopia, as part of its mission in the two countries.
TIMOR-REFUGEES, Voice of America, 13 September 2000 -- Concern for the plight of refugees in the Indonesian-controlled portion of the island of Timor continues to grow.
Indonesian Government Must End Timor Violence, USIS Washington File, 13 September 2000 -- The international community must take action to prevent violence from returning to East and West Timor, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Richard Holbrooke said September 13.
East Timor: slain UN aid workers honoured at memorial service, UN News, 13 September 2000 -- More than 500 people attended a memorial service today in Dili, East Timor, to honour the three United Nations relief workers who were killed last week in Atambua, Indonesia.
Diamond Industry Spokesman Speaks Out on Conflict Diamonds, Statement of Jeffrey Fischer, President, Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association of America, 13 September 2000 -- A representative of the world diamond industry on September 13 asked lawmakers in the House of Representatives to consider incorporating proposals by the World Diamond Council into legislation that aims to control the import of diamonds from Africa's conflict zones.
U.S. Lawmakers Consider Conflict Diamond Legislation, Statement of the Honorable Frank R. Wolf, M.C., Virginia, 13 September 2000 -- Members of the U.S. House of Representatives on September 13 heard testimony regarding legislation that, if passed, would impose import restrictions on known "conflict diamond areas" in West Africa.
U-N-CYPRUS TALKS PROBLEM, Voice of America, 13 September 2000 -- The President of Cyprus, Glafcos Clerides, decided not to attend the second day of U-N sponsored talks on Cyprus, as he seeks clarification of a statement by U-N Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
PAK / UNHCR, Voice of America, 13 September 2000 -- With the hope of highlighting the ongoing refugee problem in and around Afghanistan, the U-N High Commissioner for Refugees is about to begin a four-day visit to South Asia.
ZIMBABWE / BOMB, Voice of America, 12 September 2000 -- Zimbabwe's The Movement for Democratic Change political party says the government is responsible for an attack on the party's headquarters.
Secretary-General's Annual Report Says Headquarters Support For Peacekeeping Is Still Inadequate, UN Press Release, 12 September 2000 -- ...he notes that no objective observer could doubt that the current level of Secretariat support for peacekeeping operations is inadequate, citing the example of 12,000 troops in Sierra Leone being supported by only five staff at United Nations Headquarters.
GUINEA - TRIAL, Voice of America, 12 September 2000 -- The verdict comes as the government cracks down on those it suspects of launching attacks on Guinean forces from neighboring Sierra Leone and Liberia.
Members of Sierra Leone's rebel "West Side Boys" surrender to UN, UN News, 12 September 2000 -- Members of the "West Side Boys" -- an armed band of rebels in Sierra Leone -- have turned themselves in to the UN mission in the country, a spokesman for the Organization announced today.
UNHCR sends message to Guinea on refugee protection, UN News, 12 September 2000 -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has sent a message to the authorities in Guinea urging them to continue to provide protection to refugees in the country.
Secretary-General Expresses Concern At Tension, Clashes On Guinea-Liberia, Guinea-Sierra Leone Borders, UN Press Release, 12 September 2000 -- The Secretary-General has been following with concern the mounting tension between Guinea and Liberia following armed clashes along their common border, as well as reported clashes along the Guinea-Sierra Leone border. He is distressed at the loss of life and injuries sustained by innocent villagers.
WAR CRIMES PROSECUTOR, Voice of America, 12 September 2000 -- It has been one year (Sept. 15) since Carla Del Ponte took up her post as chief prosecutor of the war crimes tribunals for the former Yugoslavia [and Rwanda] in The Hague.
U-S/EUROPE/YUGOSLAVIA, Voice of America, 12 September 2000 -- Foreign Ministers from the United States and countries in Southeastern Europe are preparing for the possibility that Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic may try to disrupt his country's elections later this month, perhaps by even attacking the independence- minded republic of Montenegro.
U.S. Official Sees No Doubt Milosevic Will Try to Steal Election, USIS Washington File, 12 September 2000 -- senior State Department official declared flatly September 12 that Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) President Slobodan Milosevic "will try to steal the election" in Serbia September 24.
SAF-BOMB, Voice of America, 12 September 2000 -- The blast appears to have been targeted at a political party meeting, just hours after South Africa's parliament finished a debate on the recent series of terrorist attacks in the Western Cape region.
PHILIPPINES HOSTAGES, Voice of America, 12 September 2000 -- Three Malaysians abducted Sunday from a diving resort off the coast of Malaysian Borneo, have been taken to the southern Philippine island, Jolo -- the stronghold of the Islamic extremist Abu Sayyaf group.
LIBYA / PHILIPPINES HOSTAGES, Voice of America, 12 September 2000 -- Four hostages released last Saturday by rebels in the southern Philippines have been handed over to their government representatives.
Philippines: Lucrative Hostage Trade Puts Spotlight On Abu Sayyaf Separatists, Foreign Media Reaction Reports, 12 September 2000 -- Foreign press commentary on the kidnappings in the Philippines.
INDONESIA-WORLD BANK, Voice of America, 12 September 2000 -- The president of World Bank has told Indonesia it must take concrete action to halt lawlessness in West Timor, where three foreign aid workers were killed last week.
UN mission in East Timor reports militia defections, UN News, 12 September 2000 -- The United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) today reported defections of several militia members who had surrendered to UN peacekeeping forces.
U-N-CYPRUS TALKS RESUME, Voice of America, 12 September 2000 -- Saying the "time has come to move ahead," U-N Secretary-General Kofi Annan today (Tuesday) opened the fourth round of talks aimed at starting direct negotiations on Cyprus.
Time to "move ahead," Annan says as Cyprus proximity talks resume, UN News, 12 September 2000 -- As a new round of proximity talks on Cyprus got under way today at UN Headquarters in New York, Secretary-General Kofi Annan met separately with Messrs. Glafcos Clerides and Rauf Denktash, telling them that "the time has come to move ahead."
Secretary-General Stresses Equal Status of Parties In Cyprus Proximity Talks, UN Press Release, 12 September 2000 -- The text of the statement of Secretary-General Kofi Annan, read today to the participants in the Cyprus proximity talks, Glafcos Clerides and Rauf Denktash.
CONGO / CLASHES, Voice of America, 12 September 2000 -- Several dozen people have been killed in renewed fighting in the rebel-held east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
UN mission in Bosnia condemns bridge blocking by veterans' group, UN News, 12 September 2000 -- The United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH) has condemned the blocking of a bridge in Mostar by a veterans' association and called on the group to re-open the link between the two sides of the city.
Press Conference By President of Croatia, UN Press Briefing, 11 September 2000 -- The United Nations had mainly been late in taking action to prevent conflict, especially conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, and needed a new mechanism so that action could be both blunt and cost-effective, the President of the Republic of Croatia, Stjepan Mesic, told correspondents on Friday afternoon.
U-N-SIERRA LEONE MEETING, Voice of America, 11 September 2000 -- United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today (Monday) urged West African nations to continue working for peace in Sierra Leone.
GUINEA-REBELS, Voice of America, 11 September 2000 -- Guinean forces continue to round up Sierra Leonean and Liberian nationals, following recent clashes along Guinea's borders with Liberia and Sierra Leone.
BRITAIN / SIERRA LEONE, Voice of America, 11 September 2000 -- Britain's government has hailed the rescue mission that won freedom for six British soldiers and a Sierra Leone national being held hostage in Sierra Leone by the renegade group known as the West Side Boys.
African Ministers Discuss Sierra Leone at U.N., USIS Washington File, 11 September 2000 -- Pressing regional leaders to use their influence on new Sierra Leone rebel leaders to abide by the Lome Peace Agreement and cooperate with the United Nations, Secretary-General Kofi Annan warned September 11 that continued instability in the country could affect the entire region.
Annan concerned over effect of Guinea/Liberia tension on Sierra Leone, UN News, 11 September 2000 -- xpressing concern about reports of tensions along the border between Guinea and Liberia, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to prevent any deterioration of the situation, which could have an "adverse effect" on Sierra Leone.
Secretary-General Pays Tribute To Ecowas Efforts For Peace In Sierra Leone; Calls On Ecowas Leaders To Influence Rebels To Cooperate, UN Press Release, 11 September 2000 -- Text of the Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Statement today to the first meeting of the Coordination Mechanism on Sierra Leone of the United Nations, the Economic Community of West African States and the Government of Sierra Leone.
LANKAN FIGHTING, Voice of America, 11 September 2000 -- Sri Lanka's state media says security forces gained new territory in fierce fighting in the northern Jaffna Peninsula, Sunday.
U-S/SENEGAL, Voice of America, 11 September 2000 -- U-S military trainers have embarked on a new program in Senegal aimed at bolstering the skills of troops who take part in future peacekeeping missions.
SAF - TERRORISM, Voice of America, 11 September 2000 -- Last week's murder of a Cape Town magistrate has sparked an angry exchange between South Africa's national security minister and the vigilante group he accuses of carrying out the killing.
Indonesia's 'Embarrassment'And 'Moment of Truth': Atambua, Soeharto Trial, Presidential Power- Sharing, Foreign Media Reaction Reports, 11 September 2000 -- Foreign press commentary on recent developments in Indonesia and East Timor.
INDONESIA - MILITIAS, Voice of America, 11 September 2000 -- Indonesia says it is strengthening its security forces in West Timor.
Press Conference By Chairman of Angola Sanctions Monitoring Mechanism, UN Press Briefing, 11 September 2000 -- For the first time, the General Assembly would take up the issue of diamonds as a catalyst for conflict, Juan Larraín (Chile), Chairman of the Security Council's Angola Sanctions Monitoring Mechanism, told correspondents at a press conference.
Proximity talks on Cyprus to resume at UN Headquarters, UN News, 11 September 2000 -- The latest round of United Nations facilitated proximity talks on Cyprus will open tomorrow at UN Headquarters in New York, a spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan announced today.
East Timor situation on agenda for Cohen talks in Indonesia, Stars and Stripes, 11 September 2000 -- Defense Secretary William Cohen will deliver a strong message from President Clinton to Indonesian officials this week about the failure of that nation’s government to bring to heel the violent militia gangs that continue to wreak havoc on the island of Timor.
GUINEA / REFUGEES, Voice of America, 10 September 2000 -- The U-N refugee agency says there is no substance to reports that refugees from Sierra Leone and Liberia are being forcibly deported.
SRI LANKA ELECTION VIOLENCE, Voice of America, 10 September 2000 -- In Sri Lanka, a parliamentary candidiate has been shot dead by unidentified gunmen, the first major incident of violence reported in the run-up to the October 10th parliamentary elections in the island nation.
BRITAIN / SIERRA LEONE-UPDATE, Voice of America, 09 September 2000 -- British troops have raided a Sierra Leonean militia base and freed six British soldiers held captive since last month.
PHILIPPINES HOSTAGES RELEASED, Voice of America, 09 September 2000 -- Islamic extremists in the Philippines have released four European hostages kidnapped more than four months ago.
Experienced MPs pass along knowledge of Bosnia's realities, Stars and Stripes, 09 September 2000 -- At Eagle Base in Bosnia and Herzegovina, military police help each other by passing on a tour’s worth of experience to their replacements.
U-S-MONTENEGRO, Voice of America, 08 September 2000 -- The Clinton administration is implicitly warning Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic not to contemplate action against Montenegro -- or its President Milo Djukanovic -- out of a mistaken notion that U-S authorities are distracted by the American presidential election.
Background Briefing - Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen's upcoming trip to Asia, U.S. Department of Defense, 08 September 2000 -- Secretary Cohen will take a strong message to the leaders of Indonesia. Indonesia's failure to protect an American citizen and other international aid workers, and more general failure of the Indonesian army to provide security for the international relief operations, threatens to destroy the international goodwill towards Indonesia at a time when it needs it most. And we have asked for meetings, of course, with the top leadership in Indonesia and the top military leaders.
U-S/INDONESIA, Voice of America, 08 September 2000 -- U-S Defense Secretary William Cohen will convey to Indonesian leaders what is being described as a "strong message" about ongoing insecurity in East and West Timor.
INDONESIA / TIMOR / U-N, Voice of America, 08 September 2000 -- The United Nations has evacuated more than 390 staff and other humanitarian workers from West Timor following the murder of three U-N workers on Wednesday.
INDONESIA / TIMOR, Voice of America, 08 September 2000 -- United Nations officials say they have received reports of a massacre in the Indonesian province of West Timor - days after three U-N Aid workers were murdered and the U-N evacuated its staff.
Security Council condemns militia attacks in West Timor, UN News, 08 September 2000 -- Condemning the recent wave of militia attacks in West Timor, in which three United Nations relief workers were killed, the Security Council today insisted that Indonesia take "immediate additional steps" to disarm and disband the militias, restore law and order, ensure the safety of refugees and humanitarian workers, and prevent incursions into East Timor.
Militia attacks continue in West Timor in wake of murder of UN relief workers, UN News, 08 September 2000 -- Against the background of wide international condemnation of the murder of three United Nations workers in West Timor, the situation in the area continued to be very volatile, with militia members attacking civilians and terrorizing aid staff, UN officials said today.
Council Condemns ‘Outrageous And Contemptible’ Killing of Three Un Staff In West Timor; Insists Indonesia Disarm, Disband Militia, UN Press Release, 08 September 2000 -- Appalled by "the brutal murder" of three United Nations personnel on 6 September by a militia-led mob, the Security Council this evening insisted that Indonesia "take immediate additional steps to disarm and disband the militia immediately, restore law and order in the affected areas in West Timor, ensure safety and security in the refugee camps and for humanitarian workers, and prevent cross-border incursions into East Timor".
U-N SUMMIT-AFRICA, Voice of America, 08 September 2000 -- The summit of world leaders features a strong representation from Africa. But Congo-Kinshasa President Laurent Kabila decided not to attend, meaning there could be no real progress in attempts to resolve the problems related to deployment of a U-N peacekeeping force in Congo.
U-N CONGO SPEECH, Voice of America, 08 September 2000 -- Congo-Kinshasa's foreign minister, Yerodia Ndombasi, said today (Friday) that his nation has no intention of entering the new century as an occupied country.
Press Conference By Foreign Minister of Burundi, UN Press Briefing, 08 September 2000 -- The Burundi Government's main concern was to reach agreement with the armed opposition to end the civil war between the army and rebel forces by 20 September, Séverin Ntahomvukiye, that country's Minister for External Relations and Cooperation, said at a Headquarters press conference this afternoon.
Security Council leaders resolve to strengthen UN peacekeeping, UN News, 07 September 2000 -- Meeting at the level of heads of State and Government for only the second time in its history, the Security Council today resolved to strengthen the central role of the United Nations in peacekeeping, and pledged to take concrete steps to achieve that goal.
Security Council leaders articulate vision for more effective peacekeeping, UN News, 07 September 2000 -- Leaders from the 15 members of the Security Council, in a summit meeting today, articulated a vision of a more effective collective endeavour to maintain international peace and security in a debate which addressed fundamental issues of conflict prevention, more effective peacekeeping, intervention in the internal affairs of a State and Council reform.
Secretary-General, Addressing Council Summit On International Peace, Security, Stresses Council Responsibility For Adequate Support of Peacekeepers, UN Press Release, 07 September 2000 -- ...We all recognize that too often in the peacekeeping operations of the past decade, the path to failure was paved with good intentions and inadequate mandates.
U-S/NIGERIA/MILITARY, Voice of America, 07 September 2000 -- In Nigeria, U-S military personnel have completed the first phase of training on one of five Nigerian combat battalions destined for peacekeeping service in Sierra Leone.
SIERRA LEONE / BRITAIN, Voice of America, 07 September 2000 -- British paratroopers have arrived in Sierra Leone amid continuing efforts for the release of six British troops held by renegade militiamen.
NIGERIA/SIERRA LEONE, Voice of America, 07 September 2000 -- U-S troops are in Nigeria training soldiers to help end the rebel insurgency in neighboring Sierra Leone.
Statement By Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright - Attack on UNHCR Offices In West Timor, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 07 September 2000 -- ...I again call on the Indonesian Government to take immediate action to restore order, ensure the safety and welfare of all refugees and remaining foreign nationals, and bring the perpetrators of this violence to justice without delay.
IMOR / U-N EVAC, Voice of America, 07 September 2000 -- The United Nations has evacuated nearly 200- humanitarian workers from Indonesia's West Timor province after militiamen killed three aid workers Wednesday.
Statement By The President - Attack on UNHCR Offices In West Timor, The White House, Office of the Press Secretary, 07 September 2000 -- ...The government of Indonesia must live up to its commitments to restore order and to ensure the safety and welfare of all refugees and foreign nationals.
West Timor: UN evacuates staff, mourns slain relief workers, UN News, 07 September 2000 -- Following yesterday's murder of three United Nations staff members in West Timor, the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) said today that it had evacuated some 140 relief workers from two West Timorese towns.
U-N-CLERIDES, Voice of America, 07 September 2000 -- Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides is calling for the U-N Security Council to re-affirm the parameters for a solution to the Cyprus problem.
Press Conference By President Of Cyprus, UN Press Briefing, 07 September 2000 -- The current rapprochement between Turkey and Greece was not sufficient in itself to solve the Cyprus problem, the President of Cyprus, Glafcos Clerides, told correspondents this morning at a press conference.
Security Council calls for "accelerated withdrawal" of foreign forces from DRC, UN News, 07 September 2000 -- Expressing its deep concern at the continuation of hostilities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Security Council today called for "the accelerated withdrawal" of Ugandan and Rwandan forces and of all other foreign contingents from the country.
U-N / CHECHNYA, Voice of America, 07 September 2000 -- The U-N refugee agency says tens-of-thousands of Chechen refugees are due to spend a second harsh winter in the neighboring Russian republic of Ingushetia.
Headquarters Press Conference By President Of Afghanistan, UN Press Briefing, 07 September 2000 -- The people of Afghanistan were suffering from "an imposed war" and an invading force backed by Pakistan and a coalition of terrorists and fanatics, that country’s President, Burhanuddin Rabbani, told correspondents at a Headquarters press conference this morning.
LEBANON POLITICS, Voice of America, 06 September 2000 -- Lebanon's elections have produced a major victory for former Prime Minister Rafiq al-Hariri.
AFGHANISTAN/FIGHTING, Voice of America, 06 September 2000 -- In Afghanistan, the ruling Taleban movement has captured a key opposition town after weeks of fighting in the north of the country.
TIMOR ATTACK, Voice of America, 06 September 2000 -- In the Indonesian province of West Timor, at least three foreign U-N aid workers have been killed during an attack by a mob of pro-Jakarta militia members on the office of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.
OGATA-TIMOR ATTACK, Voice of America, 06 September 2000 -- The U-N High Commissioner for Refugees, Sadako Ogata is calling for the Indonesian government to crack down on militia groups in West Timor.
PRESS CONFERENCE BY UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES, UN Press Briefing, 06 September 2000 -- Three International staff of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) were killed in a brutal mob attack in Atambua, West Timor, in "the worst security incident ever to face UNHCR", the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Sadako Ogata, informed correspondents at a press conference this morning.
Militia attack on international staff in West Timor draws strong condemnation, UN News, 06 September 2000 -- Today's fatal militia attack on three United Nations staff members in West Timor has drawn immediate and strong condemnation from world leaders and top UN officials.
Three aid workers killed in militia attack on UN refugee agency in West Timor, UN News, 06 September 2000 -- Militia opposed to independence of East Timor attacked today the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in West Timor, killing at least three relief workers.
PRESS CONFERENCE BY SECRETARY-GENERAL AT HEADQUARTERS, PRESS CONFERENCE BY SECRETARY-GENERAL AT HEADQUARTERS, 05 September 2000 -- Mr. Secretary-General, the Brahimi report advocates extremely severe measures. If you apply them, many Member States could be far from pleased. How do you plan to deal with this?
SECURITY COUNCIL EXTENDS MANDATE OF SIERRA LEONE MISSION UNTIL 20 SEPTEMBER, UN Press Release, 05 September 2000 -- The Security Council this morning extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) until 20 September by unanimously adopting resolution 1317
Secretary-General says Lebanon's elections testify to progress in south, UN News, 05 September 2000 -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan today congratulated the Government of Lebanon on its recent parliamentary elections, which for the first time in 20 years included the southern part of the country.
UN/Indonesia arrangement on border committee approved in East Timor, UN News, 05 September 2000 -- The Cabinet of the East Timor Transitional Administration has approved an arrangement reached by the United Nations peacekeeping mission and the Government of Indonesia on the establishment of a committee to deal with border issues between East and West Timor.
UN refugee agency notes "sharp" increase in exodus of Angolans to Zambia, UN News, 05 September 2000 -- According to UNHCR spokesman Kris Janowski, who briefed reporters at the agency's Headquarters in Geneva, more than a thousand people went through five transit centres last week alone, marking a fourfold increase.
U-N PEACEKEEPING / BRITAIN, Voice of America, 04 September 2000 -- A report issued in London says the United Nations should have a rapid reaction force on standby, ready to go into action anywhere in the world on short notice.
SOMALIA / PRESIDENT, Voice of America, 04 September 2000 -- Following an address to the Arab League in Cairo, Somalia's new president is on his way to New York City, where he is expected to ask for U-N assistance in rebuilding his war-shattered country.
LANKAN FIGHTING, Voice of America, 04 September 2000 -- More than 230 soldiers and Tamil Tiger rebels have been killed in new fighting in Sri Lanka's northern Jaffna region.
RUSSIA / BLAST, Voice of America, 04 September 2000 -- Russian authorities are investigating explosions in St. Petersburg and Ryazan.
FIJI / MAGISTRATE, Voice of America, 04 September 2000 -- Fiji's chief magistrate says he has been told by the country's high court he does not have the authority to rule on the question of immunity for coup leader, George Speight.
MANDELA BURUNDI, Voice of America, 04 September 2000 -- Former South African President Nelson Mandela is following up last week's political accord on Burundi with talks on a cease-fire.
LANKA/FIGHTING, Voice of America, 03 September 2000 -- Fighting has resumed in Sri Lanka's northern Jaffna peninsula, where government forces have launched a fresh offensive.
NDONESIA - ACEH, Voice of America, 03 September 2000 -- The Indonesian government and separatist rebels in the northern province of Aceh have agreed to temporarily extend the three-month ceasefire that came to an end on Saturday -- until a more formal plan can be arranged.
FIJI - COURT, Voice of America, 03 September 2000 -- In Fiji, coup leader George Speight could walk free when he appears in court on Monday to hear a magistrate's ruling on whether his immunity deal still stands.
Polish troops fill gaps in Bosnia peacekeeping process, Stars and Stripes, 03 September 2000 -- As part of the Joint Resolve exercise, Polish troops normally stationed with the NordPol battle group at Camp Doboj, filled in for Czech troops taking part in Operation Strong Guardian, a simulated response to tension in southern Bosnia.
PHILIPPINES - HOSTAGES (Q&A), Voice of America, 02 September 2000 -- The Philippines chief hostage negotiator says six remaining Europeans being held on the southern island of Jolo by Muslim rebels may be released next week.
Sierra Leone President visits UN peacekeepers in Port Loko area, UN News, 01 September 2000 -- Sierra Leonean President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah has visited United Nations peacekeepers deployed in the western town of Port Loko, marking the first time he has travelled to the area since taking office in 1996, according to the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL).
LANKA BLAST, Voice of America, 01 September 2000 -- Fourteen Sri Lankan airmen have been killed in a landmine explosion in the island's northern region.
YUGOSLAV ELECTIONS, Voice of America, 01 September 2000 -- U-N officials and European diplomats in Belgrade are concerned that the Milosevic government may yet try to rig the vote.
PHILIPPINE HOSTAGES, Voice of America, 01 September 2000 -- Islamic rebels holding an American man hostage in the Southern Philippines have reportedly demanded 10 million dollars for his release.