October 2000 Military News

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on Women and peace and security United Nations Security Council Adopted by the Security Council at its 4213th meeting, on 31 October 2000 -- "Urges Member States to ensure increased representation of women at all decision-making levels in national, regional and international institutions and mechanisms for the prevention, management, and resolution of conflict (...) Calls on all parties to armed conflict to take special measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual abuse, and all other forms of violence in situations of armed conflict" [PDF 35.6 Kb]
Namibia / Angola / Medicine, Voice of America, 31 October 2000 -- The long civil war in Angola is spreading over the borders into Zambia and Namibia.
UNHCR / Angola, Voice of America, 31 October 2000 -- The U-N's refugee agency, the U-N-H-C-R, says about 18-thousand Angolan refugees are massing at the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Congolese rebel leader apologizes for shooting of UN helicopter, UN News, 31 October 2000 -- A rebel leader in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has apologized for an incident in which a United Nations helicopter was hit by small arms fire, a UN spokesman announced today.
Kenyan general named to head UN mission in Sierra Leone, UN News, 31 October 2000 -- In a first move to reshape the military leadership of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), Secretary-General Kofi Annan has informed the Security Council of his intention to appoint Lt. Gen. Daniel Opande of Kenya as Force Commander of the Mission.
Zanzibar / Elections, Voice of America, 31 October 2000 -- Election observers on the island of Zanzibar say Sunday's vote there should be repeated. But the government says it is only going to re-run the vote in two districts, something opposition candidates say is not acceptable.
Peru / Revolt, Voice of America, 31 October 2000 -- Peru's military says a revolt by an army unit in the southern part of the country is virtually over with all but eight of the mutineers captured.
Peru Uprising CQ, Voice of America, 31 October 2000 -- A short-lived revolt by a small unit of Peruvian soldiers Sunday is the latest chapter in the political crisis that began in mid-September and which has steadily weakened Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori.
US / Indo Pol Analysis, Voice of America, 31 October 2000 -- The U-S Embassy in Indonesia is closed to the public until further notice.
East Timor: UNHCR reports biggest return to Oecussi since July, UN News, 31 October 2000 -- A group of East Timorese refugees has gone back to East Timor's Oecussi enclave in the biggest single-day return since July, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced today.
Holbrooke Praises, Criticizes Bosnia in University Speech, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 31 October 2000 -- "The historic transformation throughout the region illustrates a significant accomplishment: the beginning of a return to normality in the Balkans."
Interim Chechen Administration's Move To Grozny On Hold, RFE/RL Newsline, Vol. 4, No. 211, Part I, 31 October 2000 -- The planned move from Gudermes to Grozny of most agencies of the pro-Russian interim Chechen administration has been postponed indefinitely, Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Rushailo told journalists in Gudermes on 30 October.
Russia, EU Agree Political Solution Needed On Chechen Conflict, RFE/RL Newsline, Vol. 4, No. 211, Part I, 31 October 2000 -- In a joint declaration issued following the Russia-EU summit in Paris on 30 October, Russian President Putin and EU leaders noted that with regard to the conflict in Chechnya, "we agreed on the necessity and urgency of seeking a political solution with respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Russian Federation."
KOSTUNICA ACCEPTS GUILT...Or Does He, RFE/RL Balkan Report, Vol. 4, No. 81, 31 October 2000 -- Kostunica's remarks on a popular U.S. television news program (CBS network's "60 Minutes II") mark a significant change in his public declarations about Serbian culpability in the atrocities of the past decade, as well as in his views on whether Milosevic should be brought to justice
Survey Suggests Majority of Montenegrins Support Independence, RFE/RL Newsline, Vol. 4, No. 211, Part II, 31 October 2000 -- A poll published in the Montenegrin daily "Vijesti" on 30 October showed that a majority of respondents would favor independence if a referendum on the topic were held, although a majority also favored some future association with Serbia, Reuters reported.
U-N / Yugoslavia, Voice of America, 31 October 2000 -- The United Nations Security Council has endorsed Yugoslavia's request for full membership in the world organization.
Yugoslavia / IMF, Voice of America, 31 October 2000 -- Progress is being made in Yugoslavia's efforts to rejoin the International Monetary Fund, which is an essential first step for post-Milosevic Serbia obtaining needed reconstruction loans.
Security Council recommends admission of FR of Yugoslavia to UN membership, UN News, 31 October 2000 -- In a unanimous decision, the Security Council today recommended to the General Assembly that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia be admitted to membership in the United Nations.
Yugoslavia Recommended for U.N. Membership, USIS Washington File, 31 October 2000 -- The Security Council October 31 accepted the application of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) for membership in the United Nations.
Israel / Palestinians / Bethlehem, Voice of America, 31 October 2000 -- Bethlehem, the cradle of Christianity, is virtually sealed-off from the outside world with violence raging across the territories.
US / Mideast, Voice of America, 31 October 2000 -- The Clinton administration is renewing efforts to get Israel and the Palestinians to stop fighting and agree to a truce after more than one month of deadly conflict.
Israel / Palestinians, Voice of America, 31 October 2000 -- At least three Palestinians are dead after new fighting with Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip.
Israel / Palestinian Reax, Voice of America, 31 October 2000 -- Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank town of Ramallah reacted angrily Tuesday after Israeli air attacks on suspected command centers of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's Fatah movement.
/ Palestinians, Voice of America, 31 October 2000 -- Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon is vowing to oust Prime Minister Ehud Barak from office, apparently ending prospects of a national emergency government being formed to deal with raging violence between Israel and the Palestinians.
Annan increasingly concerned at ongoing Middle East violence, UN News, 31 October 2000 -- Reacting to the latest spate of clashes in the Middle East, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today urged the parties to honour the understandings reached earlier this month at the summit meeting in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
State Department Noon Briefing - Middle East Unrest, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 31 October 2000 -- Q: The Secretary seemed to find more fault in one of her TV appearances, last night I guess, with the Palestinian side than with the Israeli side. And, you know, there have been so many hours since then. Has she or you noted, or anybody in the building noted, any difference in -- if you look at some of the things Arafat has said now? Do you see him as being receptive to her appeals?
Albright Interview with Jim Lehrer on PBS October 30, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 31 October 2000 -- MR. LEHRER: All right, let's talk about the Middle East. As we just reported, as I just reported in the news summary, Israeli Prime Minister Barak said today that the window of opportunity for peace with the Palestinians was closing. Do you agree with him?
Secretary-General Calls For 'Full, Immediate Implementation' of Sharm El-Sheikh Understandings, UN Press Release, 31 October 2000 -- The Secretary-General is increasingly concerned at the continuing wave of violence in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza. He is dismayed by the ongoing loss of innocent lives.
Afghan Fugitives Gather On Border With Tajikistan, RFE/RL Newsline, Vol. 4, No. 211, Part I, 31 October 2000 -- Some 1,500 Afghans fleeing the ongoing fighting between Taliban and Northern Alliance forces have congregated at the Pyandj border crossing between Afghanistan and Tajikistan, Interfax reported on 30 October.
/ India/ Afghanistan, Voice of America, 31 October 2000 -- Pakistan is urging India to reduce military tensions in the disputed Kashmir region.
Press Briefing On Financial Implications of Brahimi Peace Operations Report, UN Press Briefing, 31 October 2000 -- A new report, which presented the financial and budgetary implications of the implementation package presented by Deputy Secretary-General Louise Fréchette on the Brahimi report, was now available, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Marie Guéhenno, told journalists at a press briefing at Headquarters this afternoon.
Namibia - Angola - Bushmen, Voice of America, 30 October 2000 -- The encroaching war in neighboring Angola is slowly pushing the local San people out of their homes.
Angola / U-S / Savimbi, Voice of America, 30 October 2000 -- A senior U-S official is calling on Angolan rebel leader Jonas Savimbi to abandon his guerrilla struggle and bring lasting peace to his resource-rich but war-torn country.
Despite promises, much work to be done on Angola sanctions: UN body, UN News, 30 October 2000 -- Despite the international community's stated willingness to implement sanctions against Angola's rebel army, UNITA, there is still "a great deal to be done" to diminish the group's military capability, according to the latest report by the Security Council body monitoring the United Nations sanctions.
U-S / Ivory Coast, Voice of America, 30 October 2000 -- The United States says it will work with the new government in Ivory Coast, but it is joining with opponents of President Laurent Gbagbo in calling for new elections.
Ivory Coast, Voice of America, 30 October 2000 -- Political factions in Ivory Coast are trying to begin what they hope will be a healing process following the bloodiest street clashes in the West African country's history.
Ivory Coast, Voice of America, 30 October 2000 -- Relatives of those missing or detained in violent demonstrations in Ivory Coast last week are demanding an explanation on the fate of their loved ones.
Annan "shocked" by discovery of mass grave in Côte d'Ivoire, UN News, 30 October 2000 -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan today expressed shock at the discovery of a mass grave of more than 50 victims of post-election violence in Côte d'Ivoire.
State Department Noon Briefing - Ivory Coast Elections, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 30 October 2000 -- Q: Okay. I'm not sure that you're ready to comment on the Ivory Coast situation. Since the situation seems to be calm in the Ivory Coast, is the US intending to support a new government?
Senior Dutch military officer to head new UN mission in Ethiopia/Eritrea, UN News, 30 October 2000 -- A senior military official from the Netherlands will head the new United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), according to documents released today at UN Headquarters in New York.
UNHCR - Refugees - Guinea, Voice of America, 30 October 2000 -- U-N aid workers say conditions in camps near the border regions of Guinea have deteriorated since the U-N Refugee Agency withdrew.
Zanzibar election, Voice of America, 30 October 2000 -- Zanzibars's election commission has rejected opposition demands that it scrap the results of Sunday's presidential election.
SAF / Zimbabwe, Voice of America, 30 October 2000 -- South African President Thabo Mbeki says that his government's approach to the political crisis in Zimbabwe is based on the need to prevent a complete economic collapse in that country.
Peru / Revolt, Voice of America, 30 October 2000 -- Peruvian troops are searching for a small group of rebel soldiers in southern Peru that rose up in revolt Sunday against the government of President Alberto Fujimori.
Peru Revolt, Voice of America, 30 October 2000 -- Rebel Peruvian soldiers are reported to be holding five hostages - including an army general - to press their demand for President Alberto Fujimori to resign.
State Department Noon Briefing - Peru Revolt, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 30 October 2000 -- Q: ...And the other question is your assessment of all the military uprising in Peru of this weekend.
White House Daily Briefing - Peru Revolt, The White House, Office of the Secretary, 30 October 2000 -- Q: Jake, on Peru, the President said last week he will be watching closely the situation, and there is now a small number of military leaders who are asking President Fujimori to resign and form a new government. What is the position of the White House regarding the calls from the small part of the military leaders to Fujimori?
Remarks Following Holbrooke Meeting with Bosnia Presidency, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 30 October 2000 -- "The end of the dictatorship in Serbia should be a clear signal to those forces in Bosnia-Herzegovina that their day is done as well."
Newspaper Says Police Think Chechens Set Ostankino On Fire, RFE/RL Newsline, Vol. 4, No. 210, Part I, 30 October 2000 -- "Nezavisimaya gazeta" reported on 27 October, citing only a "well-informed and reliable source," that Russian law enforcement agencies suspect the Ostankino television tower was deliberately set ablaze with "the involvement of Chechens"
Seven Killed In Chechen Cafe Bombing, RFE/RL Newsline, Vol. 4, No. 210, Part I, 30 October 2000 -- The manageress, one waitress, and five Russian servicemen died on 29 October when a bomb exploded at a cafe in the Chechen village of Chiri- Yurt, 30 kilometers south of Grozny, Russian agencies reported.
Spain Bomb, Voice of America, 30 October 2000 -- In Spain's capital, Madrid, a carbomb killed a Supreme Court judge, his driver, and a bodyguard.
Secretary-General condemns political murders in Spain, UN News, 30 October 2000 -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan today reacted with shock and indignation to the "cold-blooded" murders of a Spanish judge and two associates.
State Department Statement on Oct. 30 Murder of Spanish Judge, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 30 October 2000 -- The United States strongly condemns and denounces those responsible for the horrible car bomb explosion that killed Supreme Court judge General Jose Francisco Querol Lombardero, his bodyguard Jesus Escudero and driver Armando Medina, and injured more than 30 other people this morning, October 30, in Madrid.
Georgia: Annan urges both sides to move beyond impasse on Abkhazia issue, UN News, 30 October 2000 -- Calling the lack of progress in defining the status of Abkhazia "deeply regrettable," Secretary-General Kofi Annan has appealed to both sides in the Georgian conflict - particularly the Abkhaz side - to move beyond the current impasse.
EU Approves Large Aid Package For Serbia, RFE/RL Newsline, Vol. 4, No. 210, Part II, 30 October 2000 -- The EU parliament has given its approval to a 200 million euro ($166 million) aid package for Serbia, AP reported on 27 October.
Belgrade Calls Elections 'Invalid.', RFE/RL Newsline, Vol. 4, No. 210, Part II, 30 October 2000 -- A statement from the office of Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica called the elections in Kosova invalid since the Serbian minority in the province boycotted the vote, AP reported.
Insurgency In The East?, RFE/RL Iran Report, Vol. 3, No. 41, 30 October 2000 -- Events in Khorasan Province at the end of October call attention to the poor security situation there. Indeed, together with other provincial developments, these latest events suggest that what is taking place is more than simple lawlessness.
Israel/Palestinians, Voice of America, 30 October 2000 -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak says peace is still possible in the Middle East, but warned Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat that nothing will be achieved by the wave of recent violence that has left about 150 people, mostly Palestinians, dead.
Israel - Palestinians - Military, Voice of America, 30 October 2000 -- Israeli army officials (on Monday) announced a new strategy to counter Palestinian gunmen who have been shooting at Israeli targets.
Israel / Syria, Voice of America, 30 October 2000 -- Israel says it will hold Syria responsible for renewed attacks by Lebanese guerrillas on Israel's northern border.
Israel / Palestinians, Voice of America, 30 October 2000 -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has so far failed in his efforts to form a national emergency government.
State Department Noon Briefing - Middle East Unrest, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 30 October 2000 -- Q: Richard, it was announced today, at least on NPR, that the Israelis are planning to take more or stronger offensive actions to take out the gunmen that are mixed with the Palestinian population. It sounds like a dangerous escalation. What does the State Department say about it?
White House Daily Briefing - Middle East Unrest, The White House, Office of the Secretary, 30 October 2000 -- Q: Jake, what's the latest reaction to the Israeli situation and the greater defenses used by Israeli tanks and also discussions with the Barak government?
U-N / Peace Keeping Reform, Voice of America, 30 October 2000 -- U-N Secretary-General Kofi Annan is proposing a more than 22-million-dollar increase in the world organization's peacekeeping budget.
Annan moves to implement proposals for improving UN peace operations, UN News, 30 October 2000 -- Taking another step forward in improving the capacity of the United Nations to conduct peace operations, Secretary-General Kofi Annan has presented an outline of financial resources needed to implement the far-reaching changes proposed by an independent panel chaired by former Algerian Foreign Minister Lakhdar Brahimi.
Ivory Coast, Voice of America, 29 October 2000 -- In Ivory Coast, opposition leader Alassane Ouattara is calling for an international inquiry into the massacre of dozens of his supporters in ethnic clashes during the week.
Zanzibar election, Voice of America, 29 October 2000 -- Zanzibar's political opposition has rejected Sunday's presidential elections in Tanzania.
Columbia Elections, Voice of America, 29 October 2000 -- Local elections took place peacefully across Colombia on Sunday, despite violence that had marred the run-up to the elections.
Military Uprising, Voice of America, 29 October 2000 -- A military commander and about 60-soldiers say they have taken control of a town in southern Peru. The apparent uprising follows the resignations of the four most powerful commanders in the Armed Forces, all accused of having ties with disgraced former intelligence chief, Vladimiro Montesinos.
Indonesia/anti-American sentiments, Voice of America, 29 October 2000 -- In Indonesia, a group of roughly 200 Muslim militants has searched hotels for U-S citizens in order to force them to leave the country.
Israel Palestinians, Voice of America, 29 October 2000 -- At least four Palestinians were killed near the West Bank town of Nablus as heavy clashes erupted in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Israel Hospital, Voice of America, 29 October 2000 -- The violent clashes that rocked the Middle East in the past weeks have ripped the tender fabric of Arab-Israeli relations, deepening mutual fears and alienation. But a Jerusalem hospital founded and supported by an American Jewish organization continues serving Jew and Arab alike, offering first-rate medical care to whoever needs it.
Israel Politics, Voice of America, 29 October 2000 -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak says he is close to forming a national emergency government.
Lanka Clashes, Voice of America, 29 October 2000 -- Sri Lanka is reeling from more violence as a fresh government offensive in the north killed 25-rebels and Tamil protests elsewhere turned violent with one death reported.
Ivory Coast, Voice of America, 28 October 2000 -- Ivory Coast's new government is vowing to punish those responsible for the killing of as many as 50 young men whose bodies were found after several days of bloody demonstrations that followed the country's controversial presidential elections.
Peru Military-Reshuffle, Voice of America, 28 October 2000 -- Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori has announced the replacement of the top three military commanders and one regional commander Saturday, as the hunt for former intelligence chief Vladimiro Montesinos goes on.
Northern Ireland, Voice of America, 28 October 2000 -- In Northern Ireland, Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble has fended off yet another challenge to his leadership, winning a critical vote to stay in the power sharing government with the nationalists.
Israel - Palestinians, Voice of America, 28 October 2000 -- Israeli-Palestinian clashes broke out Saturday in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Palestinian officials say as many as 50 people were wounded in the fighting.
India-Pakistan, Voice of America, 28 October 2000 -- India says at least 10 Pakistani soldiers have been killed and several others injured in a clash, started by Pakistan, along the disputed Kashmir border.
Angola / Youth, Voice of America, 27 October 2000 -- Next month, Angola celebrates the 25th anniversary of its independence. It has spent almost all of that time engulfed by war - an entire generation has grown up knowing almost nothing else.
Ivory Coast Pol, Voice of America, 27 October 2000 -- The people of Ivory Coast have toppled a military dictator and gained a civilian president.
Ivory Coast Crisis, Voice of America, 27 October 2000 -- The political turmoil in Ivory Coast has unsettled many - both inside and outside the West African country.
Ivory Coast, Voice of America, 27 October 2000 -- In Ivory Coast, opposition leader Alassane Ouattara, whose supporters staged the latest bout of violent demonstrations, says he will not accept a part in the country's newly installed civilian government.
Congo Fighting, Voice of America, 27 October 2000 -- Rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo say 35 government troops have been killed in clashes in the southeast of the country.
Congo / Civilians Under Seige, Voice of America, 27 October 2000 -- Humanitarian activists warn that the civilian population in eastern and western Kasai region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is under siege.
Guinea: UNHCR studies government offer to relocate 125,000 refugees, UN News, 27 October 2000 -- The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is considering a proposal by the Government of Guinea to relocate 125,000 refugees currently camped in insecure zones near the border with Sierra Leone - an area where an agency staff member was killed during a recent attack.
Tanzania / Elections, Voice of America, 27 October 2000 -- Campaigning in Tanzania enters its final weekend with the ruling party facing challenges both on the mainland and on the island of Zanzibar.
Indonesia Violence, Voice of America, 27 October 2000 -- Fighting is now in its third day in Indonesia's West Kalimantan province, with at least seven people now dead.
East Timor: UN mission sets up national development agency, UN News, 27 October 2000 -- The United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) has established a national development agency, with the goal of leaving behind a viable planning organization after the UN's withdrawal from the newly independent territory.
Holbrooke at Cemetery Site Near Srebrenica, Bosnia, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 27 October 2000 -- Holbrooke noted that Srebrenica had been designated a safe area during the Bosnian war, but that United Nations peacekeepers failed to protect the victims. He said "an intense effort" is now underway to improve UN peacekeeping operations so that kind of tragedy never happens again.
Putin Says Moscow Plans 'Democratic Elections.' In Chechnya, RFE/RL Newsline, Vol. 4, No. 209, Part I, 27 October 2000 -- At his meeting in Moscow on 26 October with French and Russian journalists, President Putin said that democratic elections for a new Chechen leader will take place as soon as conditions are auspicious, ITAR-TASS reported.
Clinton / Cyprus, Voice of America, 27 October 2000 -- President Clinton says he is disappointed that he has not been able to resolve the dispute between Turkey and Greece over Cyprus, but says he is willing to continue working on the issue after he leaves office next year.
UN envoy wraps up round of "useful" meetings in Cyprus, UN News, 27 October 2000 -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Advisor on Cyprus has completed a series of meetings on the island in preparation for the next round of proximity talks.
A New Beginning? Kostunica Visits Montenegro And Bosnia, RFE/RL Balkan Report, Vol. 4, No. 80, 27 October 2000 -- Just two weeks after taking office, Yugoslavia's new president, Vojislav Kostunica, visited Montenegro last weekend in a bid to reach agreement on a new Yugoslav government.
'The Hour of Europe' In The Balkans?, RFE/RL Balkan Report, Vol. 4, No. 80, 27 October 2000 -- As election day in the U.S. draws ever closer, the discussion there has heated up regarding Washington's future role in the Balkans.
Kostunica Says CBS Took Remarks On Serbian War Crimes 'Out of Context', RFE/RL Newsline, Vol. 4, No. 209, Part II, 27 October 2000 -- His statements to the "60 Minutes II" news program were widely hailed as the first admission by a Serbian leader of guilt for atrocities committed by Serbian forces during the conflicts launched by former President Slobodan Milosevic.
UNHCR - Yugoslavia, Voice of America, 27 October 2000 -- The United Nations Refugee Agency, U-N-H-C-R, warns that more than 700-thousand refugees and displaced people in Yugoslavia are facing a brutal winter unless they receive urgent international assistance.
Mideast Peace: 'A Return To The Climate Just Before The 1967 War?', Foreign Media Reaction Reports, 27 October 2000 -- Foreign media commentary on the prospects for peace in the Middle East.
Clinton / Mideast, Voice of America, 27 October 2000 -- President Clinton - expressing frustration at the continuation of Middle East unrest - says there will have to be a much lower level of violence before there can be any serious discussion of resuming the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
Israel / Palestinians, Voice of America, 27 October 2000 -- The Israeli Army is predicting that after a month of deadly clashes with Palestinians that the violence will continue into next year.
State Department Noon Briefing, October 27, 2000, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 27 October 2000 -- Q: If I can come back to the Middle East. Since the White House is playing down the possibility of a visit by Prime Minister Barak and President Arafat, are there any plans for activity by people in this building in this regard in the coming days?
UN food agency warns of hunger threat in Afghanistan, appeals for support, UN News, 27 October 2000 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today warned that hundreds of thousands of poor Afghans will face starvation in the coming months if the agency does not get the resources it needs to continue emergency operations during Afghanistan's worst drought in decades.
Kyrgyzstan Celebrates Victory Over Islamists, RFE/RL Newsline, Vol. 4, No. 209, Part I, 27 October 2000 -- Kyrgyz President Akaev and Defense Minister Esen Topoev attended a victory parade in Bishkek on 26 October to mark the successful expulsion from the country of groups of Islamist militants who invaded Kyrgyzstan from neighboring Tajikistan in August and September
Annan calls for inquiry into killing of ethnic Tamil inmates in Sri Lanka, UN News, 27 October 2000 -- "Profoundly distressed" by the reported killing of a group of ethnic Tamil inmates of a rehabilitation centre in Sri Lanka, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called for a probe into the incident and voiced his vigorous condemnation of terrorist acts.
Secretary-General Distressed By Killings In Sri Lanka; Condemns Terrorist Acts In Strongest Terms, UN Press Release, 27 October 2000 -- The Secretary-General was profoundly distressed by the reported killing on 25 October of more than 20 ethnic Tamil inmates of the rehabilitation centre in Bandarawela, Sri Lanka.
Namibia / Angola / Detainees, Voice of America, 26 October 2000 -- Namibian authorities are ignoring a High Court order to release four men detained during a crackdown on suspected sympathizers of Angola's rebel UNITA movement.
Concerned at Burundi violence, Security Council members condemn use of force, UN News, 26 October 2000 -- Expressing concern over the continuing violence in Burundi, members of the Security Council have condemned the use of force in settling disputes in the country.
Ivory Coast Violence, Voice of America, 26 October 2000 -- There were clashes in Ivory Coast a day after the departure of former military ruler General Robert Guei, and at least 10-people have died in street battles between supporters of rival political groups.
Annan calls on political forces in Côte d'Ivoire to work towards free elections, UN News, 26 October 2000 -- Expressing "great concern" over the latest developments in Côte d'Ivoire, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called for restraint by all sides and urged the country's political forces to strive towards a democratic political process.
State Department Noon Briefing - Ivory Coast, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 26 October 2000 -- Q: On the Ivory Coast, there are calls now for elections. Yesterday you said it was something to consider, but the US did not at that point endorse new elections. Any change in the US view today? Is the situation --
Secretary-General, Expressing Concern At Events In Côte D'ivoire, Urges Parties To Take Opportunity To Move To Political Reform, UN Press Release, 26 October 2000 -- "The Secretary-General recalls that he had deplored the current electoral process, which deprived the people of Côte d'Ivoire of the opportunity to freely exercise their rights and elect their leaders. "
Statement By The President - Sudan, The White House, Office of the Secretary, 26 October 2000 -- "I am deeply concerned by reports that the Government of Sudan is bombing innocent civilians in the southern part of the country."
Security Council members welcome efforts to promote reconciliation in Somalia, UN News, 26 October 2000 -- Members of the Security Council have welcomed the efforts of the transitional Government of Somalia to promote national reconciliation in the country.
Zimbabwe politics, Voice of America, 26 October 2000 -- Zimbabwe's parliament has agreed to set up a special committee to consider the possible impeachment of President Robert Mugabe.
State Department Noon Briefing - Zimbabwe, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 26 October 2000 -- Q: This Administration has been not too happy with Mr. Mugabe recently, so I wondered if you thought it would be a good idea, as the opposition seems to be suggesting, to impeach him.
Indonesian Violence, Voice of America, 26 October 2000 -- Violence has flared in the northern Indonesian province of Kalimantan, with at least one man hacked to death in a fight between locals and migrants from other parts of Indonesia.
U-N / Timor Mission, Voice of America, 26 October 2000 -- A delegation from the United Nations Security Council will visit East Timor and Indonesia next month.
Security Council delegation to visit East Timor, Indonesia next month, UN News, 26 October 2000 -- The United Nations Security Council has confirmed that it will send a delegation to East Timor and Indonesia next month to review the work of the UN mission in the newly independent territory and Jakarta's progress in disarming militia in West Timor.
U-N / Bosnia, Voice of America, 26 October 2000 -- The man in charge of overseeing the Dayton peace agreement on Bosnia, Wolfgang Petritsch, told the U-N Security Council Thursday that, despite other demands in the Balkan region, the international community must continue its support for Bosnia.
Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina debated in Security Council, UN News, 26 October 2000 -- Briefing the United Nations Security Council today, the High Representative for the Implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina stressed the need for the country to abandon nationalist politics and keep pace with the welcome changes that had taken place in other parts of the Balkans.
Holbrooke Remarks in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 26 October 2000 -- Certain political parties "represent the past and certain parties represent racial and ethnic division and hatred and criminal elements and ultra-nationalism and extremism," he said, adding that he hopes "the good people of Mostar and Bosnia do not support these extremists and racists."
Ambassador Cunningham's UNSC Remarks on Bosnia-Herzegovina, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 26 October 2000 -- "We welcome Mr. Petritsch back to the Council, and wish to thank him for his thorough briefing on the progress his office has overseen to date building a peaceful, multi-ethnic society in Bosnia."
Senior United Nations Official In Bosnia And Herzegovina Announces Plans For Burial Ground And Memorial For Victims of Srebrenica Massacre, UN Press Release, 26 October 2000 -- At an opening briefing of the Security Council this morning, Wolfgang Petritsch, High Representative for the Implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina, said he intended to make available a plot of land in Srebrenica to bury the victims of the massacre that had taken place there, and to erect a memorial to them.
Georgian, Russian Officials Disagree Over Whereabouts of Chechen Fighters...As Russia Proposes Deploying More Osce Observers On Georgian Border, RFE/RL Newsline, Vol. 4, No. 208, Part I, 26 October 200 -- Georgian Defense Minister Davit Tevzadze told journalists in Tbilisi on 25 October that the Chechen fighters who refused to surrender to Georgian troops who intercepted them on 20 October have now left Georgia, Interfax reported.
Another Pro-Moscow Chechen Local Official Murdered, RFE/RL Newsline, Vol. 4, No. 208, Part I, 26 October 2000 -- Lecha Avturkoev, head of the Kurchaloi district administration, was shot dead on 23 October by three gunmen who flagged down his car, Interfax reported on 25 October.
Russia Chechnya Rights, Voice of America, 26 October 2000 -- An international human-rights group is urging that Russia be brought before the European Court for Human Rights to explain why it has not done a better job investigating claims that its soldiers tortured and killed civilians in Chechnya.
State Department Noon Briefing - Greek/Turkish Relations, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 26 October 2000 -- Q: The Washington Post today, with an unusual article, attacks -- namely the Greek Minister of Defense, Apostolos Tsokhatzopoulos, characterizing him as a hardliner against the Greek-Turkish rapprochement, and praising in the meantime the Greek Foreign Minister Yeoryios Papandreou.
Northern Ireland, Voice of America, 26 October 2000 -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair made a one-day visit to Northern Ireland Thursday to help bolster the fragile peace process there.
Statement By The President - Northern Ireland Peace Process, The White House, Office of the Secretary, 26 October 2000 -- "I was very pleased to learn today of the IRA's announcement that it has decided to allow a repeat inspection of a number of its arms dumps."
White House Daily Briefing - Northern Ireland Peace Process, The White House, Office of the Secretary, 26 October 2000 -- Q: On Northern Ireland, the President wrote a column about the situation there some time ago, the situation with the police and these various issues are cropping up again. Is there any thoughts the President has on the situation there?
Kostunica Looking To Moscow For Help, RFE/RL Newsline, Vol. 4, No. 208, Part I, 26 October 2000, 26 October 2000 -- In an interview with Interfax on 25 October, two days before his scheduled meeting with Russian President Putin in the Kremlin, Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica said that his country "needs help" and is "firmly convinced that Russia will give it."
Yugo / Balkans, Voice of America, 26 October 2000 -- Three weeks after an uprising ousted Yugoslav leader Slobodan Milosevic, Yugoslavia Thursday officially joined the Balkans Stability Pact.
State Department Noon Briefing - Yugoslavia, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 26 October 2000 -- Q: We haven't heard very much about Mr. Kostunica and how he is doing at establishing his government. Is there any problem with Milosevic and his people getting --wanting to share power or getting in the way of the new government? What has been going on?
Statement By The President - Yugoslavia, The White House, Office of the Secretary, 26 October 2000 -- "I applaud today's decision by the members of the Stability Pact to welcome the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia as a new member."
Clinton / Mideast, Voice of America, 26 October 2000 -- The Clinton administration - still hopeful of putting the Middle East peace process back on track - has distanced itself from a resolution by the House of Representatives (Wednesday) condemning Palestinian leaders for this month's outbreak of violence in the region.
After Oslo, Voice of America, 26 October 2000 -- For seven years, Israelis and Palestinians have tried to reach a settlement satisfactory to both sides under the Oslo peace process, named for the Norwegian city where the talks originated.
Israel / Palestinians, Voice of America, 26 October 2000 -- A militant Islamic group has claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing attack against an Israeli army outpost.
White House Daily Briefing, October 26, 2000, The White House, Office of the Secretary, 26 October 2000 -- Q: Do you have any reaction to the suicide bomb in the Middle East and the approval of this law on the House floor to hold the financial support to the Palestinians?
Afhganistan / Russia, Voice of America, 26 October 2000 -- Afghanistan's ruling Taleban movement has warned Russia of serious consequences if it continues to give military support to opposition forces in the Afghan conflict.
Lanka Camp Attack, Voice of America, 26 October 2000 -- In Sri Lanka the death toll climbed to at least twenty five after Wednesday's attack on a government-run rehabilitation center for former Tamil Tiger guerrillas.
Angola - U-S Firm, Voice of America, 25 October 2000 -- A private U-S defense consulting firm says it has all but given up hope of concluding a contract with Angola despite five years of effort and the backing of the Clinton administration.
Ivory Coast, Voice of America, 25 October 2000 -- Angry demonstrations turned into street celebrations in Ivory Coast Wednesday, following word that former military ruler General Robert Guei had left power.
U.N. / Ivory Coast, Voice of America, 25 October 2000 -- U-N Secretary General Kofi Annan said today (Wednesday) that the recent events in Ivory Coast are further evidence that the people of the world are starting to assert their rights.
Ivory Coast Strife, Voice of America, 25 October 2000 -- Ivory Coast is bracing for what may be more violent demonstrations Wednesday, after military ruler General Robert Guei declared himself the winner in Sunday's presidential elections.
Annan "amazed at the audacity" of Côte d'Ivoire's General Guei, UN News, 25 October 2000 -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan today expressed amazement at what he called the "audacity" of Côte d'Ivoire's General Guei, and drew parallels with events in that country and the recent change of government in Serbia.
State Department Noon Briefing - Ivory Coaast Elections, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 25 October 2000 -- Q: The situation in Ivory Coast. The US refused support for the election in Ivory Coast, and after the election it seems like the socialist leader Mr. Gbagbo seems to win the election. Is the US position today unchanged and to bring finally some new sign there?
Britain - Conflict Diamonds, Voice of America, 25 October 2000 -- A two-day conference in London is trying to rally global support for action against the international trade in so-called conflict diamonds.
Kenya - Cult, Voice of America, 25 October 2000 -- Nearly 800 people have been arrested in a series of police raids in Kenya. Katy Salmon reports from Nairobi that police are cracking down on members of the Mungiki sect, an underground cult that wants Kenyans to return to traditional African values.
Annan confirms withdrawal of Jordanian troops from UN Sierra Leone mission, UN News, 25 October 2000 -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan today confirmed that Jordan intended to withdraw its forces from the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL).
Zimbabwe / Politics, Voice of America, 25 October 2000 -- The opposition movement in Zimbabwe has taken a first step toward trying to remove President Robert Mugabe from office, by presenting Parliament with a formal motion for the president's impeachment.
Philippines / Hostages L-only, Voice of America, 25 October 2000 -- The Philippine military says it has rescued three Malaysian hostages held by Muslim Abu Sayyaf rebels for more than six weeks in the southern Philippines.
Timor Violence, Voice of America, 25 October 2000 -- UN peacekeepers in East Timor have killed at least one anti-independence militiaman in two gun battles late Tuesday
Chechen Fighters Said To Have Left Georgia...As Russia Accuses Georgia of Avoiding 'Cooperation', RFE/RL Newsline Vol. 4, No. 207, Part I, 25 October 2000 --
State Department Noon Briefing - Cyprus, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 25 October 2000 -- Q: Two days ago, I believe, in Cyprus in the Greek Cypriot side, anti-aircraft missile, they locked a Turkish jetfighter, and Turkey urged the Greek side if the next time happened, they will attack.
Kostunica Visits Montenegro And Bosnia, RFE/RL Newsline Vol. 4, No. 207, Part II, 25 October 2000 -- Vojislav Kostunica, hailed by the West as the savior of democracy in Serbia, wants to preserve the common state of Serbia and Montenegro, although he concedes that the name "Yugoslavia" may have to be sacrificed.
Clinton / Balkans, Voice of America, 25 October 2000 -- President Clinton is defending his decision to have U-S troops serve as peacekeepers in the Balkans. The matter has become a key campaign issue in the race for the White House this year, with Republican presidential nominee George W. Bush proposing to withdraw U-S forces from Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo.
Congress / Mideast, Voice of America, 25 October 2000 -- The U-S House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved (355 - 30, with 11 members abstaining) a resolution on the Middle East that stresses support for Israel and calls on the Palestinians to refrain from violence.
Egypt Protests, Voice of America, 25 October 2000 -- Ever since the violence began in Israel and the Palestinian territories, university students in Cairo have been holding demonstrations against the Israeli actions.
Clinton - Mideast, Voice of America, 25 October 2000 -- President Clinton has renewed his call on Israel and the Palestinians to honor truce commitments made at last week's Sharm El-Sheikh summit. He said Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, in particular, is capable of actions that can "dramatically" reduce the level of violence.
Israel / Palestinians, Voice of America, 25 October 2000 -- Top Israeli and Palestinian security officials are meeting (today/Wednesday) in an attempt to reduce violent clashes in the territories, now in their fourth week.
Russia / Barak, Voice of America, 25 October 2000 -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak says he still hopes for peace with the Palestinians and he believes that an Israeli government of national unity would strive to achieve it.
Travel, Voice of America, 25 October 2000 -- The State Department is warning U-S citizens not to travel to Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
United Nations Report, USIS Washington File, 25 October 2000 -- The Palestine Observer Mission October 25 asked for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council to consider the continuing violence in the Occupied Territories and establish a UN force to provide protection for Palestinian civilians.
State Department Noon Briefing, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 25 October 2000 -- QUESTION: Last night, the White House said that the President, in the talk with Arafat, had said, you know, possibly he'd like to have Arafat and Barak come separately to Washington. Has there been any follow-up, any probing of interest on their parts, since the conversation?
Lanka Camp Attack, Voice of America, 25 October 2000 -- Villagers in the central hills of Sri Lanka have attacked a government controlled rehabilitation camp for former Tamil child soldiers. At least 12 of the detainees have been killed, and as many as 16 injured.
Angola / U.S. Military, Voice of America, 24 October 2000 -- A senior U-S defense official says the Angolan government is anxious to win increased American support, especially in the military arena.
Ivory Coast / Violence, Voice of America, 24 October 2000 -- Demonstrators take to the streets of Ivory Coast's main city, Abidjan, after the military government of General Robert Guei declares him a winner in the West African country's presidential elections.
U-N / Ethiopia / Eritrea, Voice of America, 24 October 2000 -- A United Nations mission to Ethiopia and Eritrea finds that hundreds of thousands of internally-displaced people are in urgent need of international assistance.
UN mission in Eritrea-Ethiopia boosts its air transport capacity, UN News, 24 October 2000 -- The United Nations peacekeeping operation in Ethiopia and Eritrea today boosted its air transportation capacity with the arrival of helicopters, a UN spokesman announced in New York.
Colombian refugees in Ecuador get help from UNHCR, UN News, 24 October 2000 -- The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has established a field presence in Ecuador to support authorities there in helping thousands of people fleeing drug-related armed conflict in Colombia, a spokesman for the agency said today at UN Headquarters in Geneva.
East Timor receives first royalty payment from oil exploitation in Timor Gap, UN News, 24 October 2000 -- East Timor has received its first royalty payment - worth over $3 million - from oil exploitation in the Timor Gap, a stretch of sea between the newly independent territory and Australia, according to a statement issued today in Dili by the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET).
Bosnia To Prepare For Relations With Belgrade , RFE/RL Newsline Vol. 4, No. 206, Part II, 24 October 2000 -- The joint presidency authorized the Foreign Ministry on 23 October to prepare an agenda for discussions with Belgrade on the opening of diplomatic relations between Bosnia and Serbia
War Crimes Tribunal / Bosnia, Voice of America, 24 October 2000 -- Judges at the Yugoslav war crimes tribunal in The Hague have, for the first time ever, ordered the NATO-led stabilization force in Bosnia (known as S-FOR) to hand over information.
Russia To Ask Georgia To Extradite Chechens , RFE/RL Newsline Vol. 4, No. 206, Part I, 24 October 2000 -- Russian presidential aide Serghei Yastrzhembskii said in Moscow on 23 October that Russia will ask Tbilisi to extradite any of the Chechen fighters who surrendered in Georgia the previous day and are suspected of involvement in terrorism, the slave trade, or the execution of hostages, Interfax reported.
The Undoing of Milosevic , RFE/RL BALKAN REPORT, Vol. 4, No. 79, 24 October 2000 -- The collapse of Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic's government was long in coming but sudden in the end. What caused his 13-year presidency to finally fall?
YUGOSLAVIA / KOSTUNICA, Voice of America, 24 October 2000 -- Yugoslavia's new president, Vojislav Kostunica, has acknowledged that Yugoslavia's army and police forces committed widespread killings in Kosovo last year.
Clinton-Mideast-Jordan, Voice of America, 24 October 2000 -- Mr. Clinton is offering to invite Palestinian and Israeli leaders to meet with him separately at the White House if progress is made in restoring calm.
Israel-Palestinians, Voice of America, 24 October 2000 -- Clashes between Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli security forces are now in their fourth week and show no signs of ending. Around 130 people have died in the violence thus far, almost all of them Palestinians.
U-N / Robinson / Middle East, Voice of America, 24 October 2000 -- The United Nations' top human-rights official, Mary Robinson, says she would like to visit Israel when she goes to the region to investigate claims of human-rights violations against Palestinian civilians.
Broken Peace Process, Voice of America, 24 October 2000 -- As Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak negotiates with hard-lining Ariel Sharon to form a coalition government, the prospects for renewing the peace process are not bright. Positions have hardened with the killing of some 120-people, mostly Palestinians, and the fighting continues.
Broken Peace Process, Voice of America, 24 October 2000 -- The fighting continues in the West Bank and Gaza as peace talks are suspended, and Israel appears on the verge of forming a more hawkish coalition government.
Israel / Palestinians, Voice of America, 24 October 2000 -- In Israel, the government is threatening to take stronger action against Palestinian gunmen who have been firing on Israeli villages. The warning comes amid more reports of fighting in the West Bank and as Prime Minister Ehud Barak is continuing his efforts to bring the opposition Likud Party into the government.
UN food agency to provide emergency rations in Palestinian Territory, UN News, 24 October 2000 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today announced a new emergency food distribution programme to help Palestinians affected by the closure of entry points into Israel.
White House Press Briefing , The White House, Office of the Secretary, 24 October 2000 -- Q: Jake, what can you tell us about the President's meeting today on the Middle East?
Boucher Statement on Solomon Islands October 14 Peace Agreement, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 24 October 2000 -- The United States applauds the signing on October 14 of a peace agreement in Townsville, Australia between warring ethnic militias of the Solomon Islands.
Annan presents detailed action plan for improving UN peace operations, UN News, 23 October 2000 -- Issuing a detailed action plan to follow up on recent proposals by an international panel of experts, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today the UN was taking steps to enhance the performance of its peace operations but needed sufficient resources to do the job properly.
Lanka Fighting, Voice of America, 23 October 2000 -- Sri Lanka's Navy and Air Force have suffered heavy damage in a Tamil rebel attack on the eastern Trincomalee Harbor. Two sailors died and a Navy ship and helicopter gunship were lost in the fighting.
General Assembly demands end to violence in occupied Palestinian territory, UN News, 23 October 2000 -- Condemning the recent violence in the occupied Palestinian territory, the United Nations General Assembly has demanded an end to the use of force and urged all parties to implement the understandings they reached at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit in Egypt.
Mideast Violence / Britain, Voice of America, 23 October 2000 -- Britain is calling on both Israel and the Palestinians to show restraint and resume peace talks.
Arab Summit - React, Voice of America, 23 October 2000 -- Many in the Arab world are reacting with a mixture of disappointment and resignation to the two-day Arab summit meeting that ended Sunday in Egypt.
Palestinian Worker - Profile, Voice of America, 23 October 2000 -- Deadly confrontations between Israelis and Palestinians are now into their fourth week, with about 125 people killed, almost all of them Palestinians.
Clinton / Mideast, Voice of America, 23 October 2000 -- The White House is continuing to press the leaders of Israel and the Palestinians to implement pledges made to President Clinton last week at the Sharm El-Sheikh summit to defuse the Mideast crisis.
Israel / Palestinians, Voice of America, 23 October 2000 -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak is trying form a national emergency government, after nearly one month of clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians.
Chechen President Urged To Resign, RFE/RL Newsline Vol. 4, No. 205, Part I, 23 October 2000 -- Speaking on Chechen television on 21 October, interim Chechen administration head Akhmed-hadji Kadyrov again called on President Aslan Maskhadov to resign and go into exile, ITAR-TASS reported.
Russian Military To Change Tactics In Chechnya, RFE/RL Newsline Vol. 4, No. 205, Part I, 23 October 2000 -- Russian military spokesmen in Chechnya told Interfax on 21 October that they will increase the number of checkpoints in lowland regions of Chechnya in anticipation that Chechen fighters will descend from the southern mountains to spend the coming winter in the plains.
Karabakh Cease-Fire Violated, RFE/RL Newsline Vol. 4, No. 205, Part I, 23 October 2000 -- Two Azerbaijani servicemen were wounded late on 19 October
Gore Suggests U.S. Would Stay In Bosnia, Kosova Under His Administration, RFE/RL Newsline Vol. 4, No. 205, Part II, 23 October 2000 -- Democratic candidate and Vice President Al Gore told Reuters by telephone on 21 October that "without U.S. participation in peacekeeping missions, we would no longer be able to continue U.S. leadership of NATO."
Will U.S. Have Limited Role In Balkans?, RFE/RL Newsline Vol. 4, No. 205, Part II, 23 October 2000 -- Condoleeza Rice, who is senior national security adviser to Republican presidential candidate and Texas Governor George W. Bush, told "The New York Times" of 21 October that Bush would like peacekeeping in the Balkans to become a European responsibility within a "new division of labor" in NATO.
Kostunica Pays Controversial Visit To Bosnia...Makes Gesture To Kosovars, RFE/RL Newsline Vol. 4, No. 205, Part II, 23 October 2000 -- Kostunica asked officials of the Justice Ministry to begin proceedings to pardon and free from prison ethnic Albanian human rights activist Flora Brovina
Kostunica Working On Setting Up Yugoslav Government, RFE/RL Newsline Vol. 4, No. 205, Part II, 23 October 2000 -- Kostunica began talks with Montenegrin leaders in Podgorica on 22 October about the formation of a new Yugoslav government.
SERBIAN OPPOSITION READY TO RELAUNCH STREET PROTESTS? , RFE/RL Newsline Vol. 4, No. 205, Part II, 23 October 2000 -- Talks between supporters of Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica and backers of his predecessor, Slobodan Milosevic, are slated to begin again in Belgrade on 23 October.
Serbia / Government, Voice of America, 23 October 2000 -- The ruling Socialist Party of ousted Yugoslav leader Slobodan Milosevic has agreed to a new transitional government for Yugoslavia's main republic, Serbia.
UN envoy holds meetings in Cyprus to prepare for next round of talks, UN News, 23 October 2000 -- A top-level United Nations official held a series of meetings in Cyprus today following up on the latest round of talks on the divided island and preparing for upcoming negotiations.
Kostunica visits Bosnia, meets with political leaders, Stars and Stripes, 23 October 2000 -- Yugoslavia's new president averted a diplomatic debacle by meeting Bosnia's political leaders Sunday, defusing anger over a decision to use his first visit to the country to attend the reburial of a prominent Serb poet.
Independence leader elected speaker of East Timor National Council, UN News, 23 October 2000 -- East Timorese independence leader Xanana Gusmao today was elected speaker of the East Timor National Council, a precursor of the nation's parliament, which held its first session today after replacing the National Consultative Council.
Guterres to be Freed, Voice of America, 23 October 2000 -- An Indonesian court has ruled that East Timorese militia leader Eurico Guterres should be released from jail on the grounds that his arrest earlier this month was illegal.
W-F-P - Sierra Leone, Voice of America, 23 October 2000 -- The U-N's World Food Program, W-F-P, says it has been able to deliver food to several thousands of people in a previously inaccessible part of Sierra Leone.
U.S. Team to Attend OAU Talks in Algiers on Ethiopia/Eritrea, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 23 October 2000 -- The President's Special Representative for Ethiopia and Eritrea, former National Security Advisor Anthony Lake, will lead a U.S. team to attend negotiations sponsored by the Organization of African Unity beginning on October 23 in Algiers regarding a peaceful resolution to the border conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
UN observers take up forward positions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, UN News, 23 October 2000 -- United Nations military observers were sent today to key forward positions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, in a deployment that would complete the second stage of a three-phase peacekeeping operation set up by the UN Security Council last July.
DRC - Fighting, Voice of America, 23 October 2000 -- Reports say the army of the Democratic Republic of Congo is stepping up its military offensive against rebel forces and their Rwandan allies.
Ivory Coast Elections/Observers, Voice of America, 23 October 2000 -- In Ivory Coast, voters went to the polls Sunday, in an election that was largely outside the scrutiny of international observers. The one major observer group that did monitor the polls, a European Union team, is preparing to release its findings, which are likely to cite irregularities occurring in the weeks leading up to the election.
Ivory Coast-Elections, Voice of America, 23 October 2000 -- Soldiers in Ivory Coast have fired teargas on opposition demonstrators (Monday) as the government continues to delay announcing the results of Sunday's presidential election.
US/Angola/Savimbi, Voice of America, 23 October 2000 -- A senior U-S defense official says the Clinton Administration has rebuffed Angolan government requests for help in tracking down fugitive UNITA rebel leader Jonas Savimbi.
Israel clashes, Voice of America, 22 October 2000 -- Tensions are high in the West Bank and Gaza Strip as Palestinians prepare to bury four more victims of the latest clashes with Israeli troops.
Israel/inquiry, Voice of America, 22 October 2000 -- The Israeli government has launched an inquiry into the killing this month of 13 Arab citizens in clashes with police.
Arab-Summit, Voice of America, 22 October 2000 -- Arab leaders have concluded an emergency summit in Egypt calling for an end to any normalization of relations with Israel and castigating it for the recent violence against Palestinians.
Israel-Palestinians-Update, Voice of America, 22 October 2000 -- Israel's prime minister is calling for a break in the peace process to re-evaluate diplomatic efforts after weeks of violence.
Palestinians Reaction, Voice of America, 22 October 2000 -- Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat is reacting angrily to a statement by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak that Israel needs a break in the peace process.
Israel-Palestinians Overnighter, Voice of America, 22 October 2000 -- Israel's Prime Minister Sunday called for a "time-out" in the peace process, as Arab leaders strongly condemned Israel for the latest violence.
Serbia Government, Voice of America, 22 October 2000 -- Allies of new Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica are threatening street demonstrations unless the party of former-leader Slobodan Milosevic accepts changes in a transitional government for Serbia.
Kostunica/Montenegro-Bosnia, Voice of America, 22 October 2000 -- Yugoslavia's new President, Vojislav Kostunica, has visited the independence-minded republic of Montenegro, in an attempt to keep the Yugoslav federation united.
Spain-Terrorism, Voice of America, 22 October 2000 -- Terrorism has claimed another victim in Spain, just 12-hours after a massive protest against the terrorist campaign carried out by the separatist group ETA.
Ivory Coast-Elections-Analysis, Voice of America, 22 October 2000 -- In Ivory Coast, while there has been widespread doubt and criticism surrounding Sunday's presidential elections, many Ivorians see the vote as a crucial step in the country's development as a multi-party democracy.
Ivory Coast Elections, Voice of America, 22 October 2000 -- Voter turnout was very light in Ivory Coast Sunday, in presidential elections that are meant to return the West African country to civilian rule.
On the Line - Crisis in the Middle East, Voice of America, 21 October 2000 -- A conversation with David Wurmser, director of the Middle East Studies Program at the American Enterprise Institute.
Osman Q&A - Arab Summit, Voice of America, 21 October 2000 -- An interview with Egyptian government spokesman Nabil Osman on the results of the Arab Emergency Summit held in Cairo.
Israel-Palestian, Voice of America, 21 October 2000 -- Fresh clashes erupted today (Saturday) between Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli security forces in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. At least two Palestinians were reported killed and more than 100 injured.
Yugoslavia-Milosevic, Voice of America, 21 October 2000 -- Ousted Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic has re-emerged on that country's political scene for the first time since he was forced to step down more than two weeks ago.
Only demonstration in Brcko is small and peaceful, Stars and Stripes, 21 October 2000 -- There was only a small, peaceful student demonstration here on Friday as U.S. peacekeepers, international and local police in armored vehicles and Humvees were on the streets.
Brasil-Colombia, Voice of America, 21 October 2000 -- Brazil's Defense Minister has dismissed the conclusions of a secret military report that warns of incursions into Brazilian territory by Colombian drug traffickers with ties to leftist rebels.
Fighting in northeast Afghanistan forces thousands to flee to Pakistan: UNHCR, UN News, 20 October 2000 -- Amid reports of intense fighting between the Taliban and the opposition Northern Alliance in northeast Afghanistan, thousands of people from the area continued to stream into Pakistan, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said today.
General Assembly Demands End To Violence In Occupied Palestinian Territory; Urges Action To Implement Sharm El-Sheikh Accord, UN Press Release, 20 October 2000 -- As it continued its resumed tenth emergency special session on illegal Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territory, the General Assembly tonight condemned the violence that had taken place since 28 September at Al-Haram Al-Sharif and other holy places in Jerusalem, as well as in other areas of the occupied Palestinian territory.
Calm And Quiet Needed To Create Best Atmostphere For Resumption of Middle East Peace Talks, Secretary-General States, UN Press Release, 20 October 2000 -- The text of the statement by Secretary-General Kofi Annan to the resumed tenth emergency special session of the General Assembly.
State Department Noon Briefing - Middle East Unrest, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 20 October 2000 -- Q: All right. Well, then let's move to the Middle East. What's new there?
Annan tells General Assembly it can make "real difference" on Middle East, UN News, 20 October 2000 -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan told the General Assembly today that it "can make a real difference" in response to the recent crisis in the Middle East.
Security Council briefed by Secretary-General on Sharm El-Sheikh agreements, UN News, 20 October 2000 -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan today briefed the Security Council on his recent trip to the Middle East and stressed the need for both parties to faithfully implement the agreement they reached at the Sharm El-Sheikh summit in Egypt.
UN body votes to send human rights experts to occupied Palestinian territories, UN News, 20 October 2000 -- The United Nations Commission on Human Rights has adopted a resolution condemning "grave and massive violations of the human rights of the Palestinian people by Israel," and establishing a "human rights inquiry commission" to gather information with the aim of preventing similar occurrences in the future.
Israel - Human Rights, Voice of America, 20 October 2000 -- Israel says it will not cooperate with a United Nations investigation into its alleged human rights abuses in the Palestinian territories.
Mideast / Violence, Voice of America, 20 October 2000 -- Continuing violence between Israelis and Palestinians has soured the atmosphere for the resumption of serious peace negotiations.
Israel-Palestinians, Voice of America, 20 October 2000 -- Casualty figures continued to rise Friday from some of deadliest clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces throughout the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. At least nine Palestinians were reported killed. In light of the continuing violence, Prime Minister Ehud Barak says, Israel may seek a "time-out" from the peace process.
State Dept. Official on Middle East Peace Obstacles, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 20 October 2000 -- U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Edward Walker said ignorance of Islam on the part of Israelis and Americans and ignorance of Judaism by Arabs lie at the heart of the Middle East conflict.
UN-Mideast, Voice of America, 20 October 2000 -- United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan appealed today (Friday) for calming words as the U-N General Assembly began a second emergency session on the violence in the Middle East.
UN-Mideast, Voice of America, 20 October 2000 -- The United Nations General Assembly tonight (Friday) approved a strongly-worded resolution condemning what it calls "excessive force" used by Israel against Palestinian civilians.
Austrian Official: Montenegro 'Moving In Direction of Independence.', RFE/RL Newsline, Vol. 4, No. 204, Part II, 20 October 2000 -- Albert Rohan, who is general-secretary at the Austrian Foreign Ministry, told Vienna's "Die Presse" of 20 October that Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic recently left him with the impression that Podgorica is "moving along in the direction of independence, albeit with a certain degree of caution."
Sharing Power With War Criminals, RFE/RL Balkan Report, Vol. 4, No. 78, 20 October 2000 -- The Serbian power-sharing agreement signed by supporters of the new Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica and the remnants of Milosevic's regime raises major moral questions as well as reasonable doubt about the future of democracy in Serbia (see "RFE/RL Balkan Report," 17 October 2000).
Yugoslavia / Kosovo and Montenegro, Voice of America, 20 October 2000 -- As Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica works to form his new government, the rest of the Yugoslav federation - which includes Montenegro and the Serbian province of Kosovo now under the administration of the United Nations - are working to understand just what the fall of Slobodan Milosevic will mean.
Chechnya's Duma Deputy Accuses Russian Military of Human Rights Violations, RFE/RL Newsline Vol. 4, No. 204, Part I, 20 October 2000 -- Echoing numerous western journalists' findings, Aslanbek Aslakhanov told fellow State Duma deputies on 19 October that the Russian military in Chechnya engages in the arbitrary detention, beating and torture of Chechen civilians, 10,000 of whom he claimed have vanished without trace, Interfax reported.
Chechnya Constitutes One Barrier To Military Reform, Iiss Concludes, RFE/RL Newsline Vol. 4, No. 204, Part I, 20 October 2000 -- In "The Military Balance 2000-2001," the International Institute for Security Studies concludes that although military reform under President Putin is likely to be more "coordinated, strategically focused and economically viable" than under his predecessor, the regime's ability to tackle costly military reforms is challenged by the continuing war in Chechnya, which "is draining economic and military reforms and losing public support."
Bosnian Serb Students Protest For Segregated Schools, RFE/RL Newsline Vol. 4, No. 204, Part II, 20 October 2000 -- For the third day in a row, some 1,000 ethnic Serbian high school students staged violent protests in Brcko on 19 October to demand separate schools from those of Muslims and Croats (see "RFE/RL Newsline," 19 October 2000).
UN mission announces composition of expanded National Council in East Timor, UN News, 20 October 2000 -- The head of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) today announced the composition of a new National Consultative Council, intended as a precursor to a future East Timorese Parliament.
East Timor--first foreign minister, Voice of America, 20 October 2000 -- East Timorese independence leader and Nobel Peace Laureate Jose Ramos-Horta has been sworn in as East Timor's first foreign minister.
Samoa Delegate Warns of Troubles in Indonesia's Irian Jaya, Congressional Register, 18 October 2000 -- Although many of our colleagues are familiar with Indonesia's atrocious and despicable record of human rights violations in East Timor and West Timor--the world has neglected to address the parallel tragedy that is being played out as we speak in West Papua.
Brazil-Colombia, Voice of America, 20 October 2000 -- A leading Brazilian newspaper has published a military report warning that drug traffickers linked to leftist Colombian guerrillas are operating inside Brazilian territory in the Amazon rain forest.
Ebola / Uganda, Voice of America, 20 October 2000 -- This raises the possibility that members of the rebel group, Lord's Resistance Army, based in southern Sudan, may have introduced the disease during their cross-border attacks on northern Uganda.
All sides of conflict in DR of Congo guilty of human rights violations: UN report, UN News, 20 October 2000 -- There are widespread human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including torture, detention of political prisoners and the lack of freedom of expression, according to a United Nations report released today in New York.
UNHCR / Angola Refugees, Voice of America, 20 October 2000 -- The United Nations refugee agency, U-N-H-C-R, has begun repatriating several hundred Angolan refugees to Cabinda province from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Congo
Sri Lanka child soldiers, Voice of America, 19 October 2000 -- The war between Tamil separatists and the Sinhalese-dominated government has left an estimated 60-thousand people dead. Caught up in the conflict are tens of thousands of children whose lives have been severely disrupted by the fighting.
Sri Lanka Bomb Update, Voice of America, 19 October 2000 -- In Sri Lanka a suicide bomber has set off an explosion, killing himself and two others and injuring more than 20 people, including at least two U-S citizens, as Sri Lanka's new cabinet was being sworn in.
Special Session of Commission On Human Rights Establishes Inquiry Commission Into Israeli 'Abuses' In Occupied Palestinian Territories, UN Press Release, 19 October 2000 -- A special session of the Commission on Human Rights condemned this evening by a margin of three roll-call votes what it said were "grave and massive violations of the human rights of the Palestinian people by Israel", and decided to establish a "human rights inquiry commission" to gather information with the aim of preventing similar occurrences.
State Department Noon Briefing, Friday - Middle East Unrest, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 19 October 2000 -- Q: Events in the Middle East. How does this building see what's going on as the agreement begins to take shape or not take shape, depending on --
Israel - Palestinians - Ramallah, Voice of America, 19 October 2000 -- A self-imposed 48-hour deadline is winding down for Israelis and Palestinians to halt three-weeks of clashes.
Israel / Activists, Voice of America, 19 October 2000 -- Since the eruption of violence in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Strip three weeks ago, there has been a growing feeling among many people in Israel that the peace movement is dead.
UN-Commission-Palestine, Voice of America, 19 October 2000 -- The United Nations Human Rights Commission has narrowly approved a resolution condemning Israel for what it calls widespread, systematic and gross violations of human rights.
Israel-Palestinian, Voice of America, 19 October 2000 -- A serious gun battle pitting Palestinians against Jewish settlers and Israeli security forces raged for hours Thursday near the West Bank town of Nablus.
Albright on Mideast Peace Process, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 19 October 2000 -- ...What has happened is that both sides have issued statements as a result of Sharm and the Israelis have in fact begun to redeploy...
Annan Calls for End to the Language of Violence on Mideast, USIS Washington File, 19 October 2000 -- Secretary General Kofi Annan October 19 again appealed to Palestinians, Israelis, and the international community to use restraint in talking about the violence in the Middle East.
U.S. Criticizes UN Vote on Middle East, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 19 October 2000 -- "We opposed the session because we feared that it would not contribute to and would, in fact, undermine international efforts underway to halt the violence in the Middle East and return the parties to the path of peace."
State Department Noon Briefing - Middle East Unrest, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 18 October 2000 -- Q: It looks like Sharm el-Sheikh summit didn't have a great effect on stopping the violence. Can you tell us what diplomatic moves you are planning next to hold the leaders to the agreements they made in Sharm el-Sheikh?
Press Briefing By Jake Siewert - Middle East Unrest, The White House, Office of the Secretary, 19 October 2000 -- Q What's the President sense of compliance by each party with the Sharm el-Sheikh agreement, and is he in touch with any of them?
Secretary-General renews call for restraint to calm Middle East tensions, UN News, 19 October 2000 -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan today reiterated his call for restraint by all parties in the Middle East and elsewhere to help reduce tensions in the region and to pave the wave for a resumption of peace talks.
Yugoslavia - West, Voice of America, 19 October 2000 -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe has invited Yugoslavia back into the body.
U.S. Would Welcome Yugoslav Bid for OSCE Membership, U.S. Mission to the OSCE, Vienna, 19 October 2000 -- "We welcome the recent democratic changes in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The OSCE has an important role to play in supporting those changes, in welcoming the new Federal Republic of Yugoslavia into the family of democratic states, and in facilitating its integration into Europe and appropriate Euro-Atlantic fora. "
Clinton Op-Ed on Northern Ireland Peace Process, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 19 October 2000 -- An op-ed article by President Clinton on the Northern Ireland peace process, written for The Belfast Telegraph for publication October 19.
State Department Noon Briefing - Bosnia and Herzegovina, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 19 October 2000 -- Q: The last one. Do you have anything on Bosnia? There are some tensions in Brcko today and some fighting between Serbs and Muslims, and the local police and US peacekeepers are --
Serbian Youths Continue Protests In Bosnian Town, RFE/RL Newsline Vol. 4, No. 203, Part II, 19 October 2000 -- Up to 2,000 ethnic Serbian teenagers threw eggs at NATO troops and damaged Muslim property in Brcko on 18 October for the second day in a row.
Nobel Peace Laureate takes over foreign affairs portfolio in East Timor, UN News, 19 October 2000 -- Jose Ramos-Horta, an East Timorese Nobel Peace Laureate, was sworn in today as the newest member of the East Timor Transitional Cabinet, taking over day-to-day foreign affairs functions of the newly independent territory, as well as the setting up of the future Foreign Ministry and Diplomatic Corps.
West Papua tense, Voice of America, 19 October 2000 -- Indonesian security forces have backed down from a threat to pull down flags belonging to West Papua's independence movement, avoiding another possible outbreak of violence.
Nigeria / Violence, Voice of America, 19 October 2000 -- Nigerian police are looking for leaders of a banned separatist group blamed for ethnic violence this week in the commercial capital, Lagos.
Kenya Politics, Voice of America, 19 October 2000 -- Street riots erupted in western Kenya after an opposition member of Parliament had his three-year jail term annulled.
State Department Noon Briefing - Ivory Coast Elections, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 19 October 2000 -- Q: Over the weekend, you managed to infuriate the Belarusian Government with your condemnatory comments about its election, and I'm wondering if you would like to do the same thing for Ivory Coast, which is about to have its election on Sunday.
U.S. "Deeply Concerned" About Human Rights Workers in Congo, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 19 October 2000 -- "The United States is deeply concerned by reports of violence against human rights workers in the rebel-controlled and Rwandan-occupied area of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo."
World - Arms, Voice of America, 19 October 2000 -- The London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies has issued its annual review of the world's military balances. The report finds that sub-Saharan Africa accounts for most of the world's deaths in armed conflict and criticizes U-N peacekeeping operations as inadequate and unfocussed.
U-N - Palestine - Investigation, Voice of America, 18 October 2000 -- A U-N investigator has accused Israel of using indiscriminate and excessive force against Palestinians.
Europe / Mideast Violence, Voice of America, 18 October 2000 -- The violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories is being blamed for anti-Semitic attacks in Europe.
Israel / Palestinians, Voice of America, 18 October 2000 -- The Israeli army and Palestinian security forces have begun implementing a series of steps designed to reduce tensions after three weeks of bloody violence.
Israel - Palestinian React, Voice of America, 18 October 2000 -- Israeli and Palestinian leaders are taking steps to implement the measures agreed upon at Sharm el-Sheikh.
U-N / Mideast Debate, Voice of America, 18 October 2000 -- Israeli and Palestinian representatives traded charges Wednesday in the first phase of an emergency United Nations General Assembly session on the violence in the Mideast.
General Assembly Session Not Conducive to Peace Process, USIS Washington File, 18 October 2000 -- Representatives of Israel and the Palestinian Authority outlined their positions on the violence in the occupied territories to a sparsely attended opening session of the 10th emergency special session of the General Assembly October 18.
General Assembly resumes emergency session on Occupied Palestinian Territory, UN News, 18 October 2000 -- The General Assembly this afternoon resumed its emergency special session on illegal Israeli actions in Occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Speakers Call for Support for Middle East Peace Efforts, in Assembly Special Emergency Session , UN Press Release, 18 October 2000 -- The Sharm El-Sheikh Summit on 16 and 17 October, and before it the meetings in Paris and Sharm El-Sheikh which Israel boycotted, represented serious attempts to rescue the situation in the Middle East and possibly to revive the peace process, the Permanent Observer of Palestine told the resumed tenth emergency special session of the General Assembly this afternoon, as it met to discuss "Illegal Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territory".
Will 'Fragile' Sharm Al-Sheikh Accord Pass Test On Ground?, Foreign Media Reaction Reports, 18 October 2000 -- Foreign media commentary on the prospects for a cease-fire between Palestinians and Israelis.
Serbia Election, Voice of America, 18 October 2000 -- A leading human rights advocate says non-governmental organizations played a key role in Serbia's still ongoing revolution.
Yugoslavia - Milosevic extradition, Voice of America, 18 October 2000 -- European countries and the United States say they want Mr. Milosevic brought to justice in an international court for war crimes. But average Serbs and members of Yugoslavia's new leadership say it is more important to bring the ousted leader to trial in his own country.
Serbia / Money, Voice of America, 18 October 2000 -- A leading expert on international finance, Johns Hopkins University economist Steve Hanke, says Yugoslavia's new president, Vojislav Kostunica, only has a few weeks to assure financial stability in the dominant republic of Serbia by stabilizing the inflation-prone Yugoslav dinar.
No Quick Solution Between Serbia, Montenegro In Sight, RFE/RL Newsline, 18 October 2000 -- Kostunica said in Cetinje on 17 October that there will be no meeting of the Supreme Defense Council for some time to come.
Bosnian Serb convicted of war crimes to serve sentence in Germany: UN tribunal, UN News, 18 October 2000 -- The International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) today confirmed that a Bosnian Serb convicted of crimes against humanity would serve his sentence in Germany.
Ogata Indonesia, Voice of America, 18 October 2000 -- The head of the United Nations refugee agency says she believes Indonesia is making some effort to rein in the militias in West Timor, but the situation is not yet secure enough for international aid agencies to return there
Timor - Intimidation, Voice of America, 18 October 2000 -- U-N officials say militias in West Timor are still intimidating refugees who fled widespread violence after East Timor voted for independence last year.
Zimbabwe / Riots, Voice of America, 18 October 2000 -- In Zimbabwe, troops and police are continuing their crackdown on food rioters in the capital, Harare.
SAF Bomb, Voice of America, 18 October 2000 -- A bomb explosion has injured four women, none critically, in South Africa's legislative capital, Cape Town.
DR of Congo brings case against Belgium to International Court of Justice, UN News, 18 October 2000 -- The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has brought Belgium to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in an attempt to block an international arrest warrant issued by a Belgian judge against a Congolese official.
Ivory Coast Election, Voice of America, 18 October 2000 -- Ivory Coast's military government is warning opposition supporters not to disrupt presidential elections that are scheduled for Sunday.
UN will not coordinate observers for Côte d'Ivoire's presidential elections, UN News, 18 October 2000 -- The United Nations has decided that it will not coordinate electoral observers for Côte d'Ivoire's upcoming presidential elections, a UN spokesman announced today.
Angola - Prospects for Peace, Voice of America, 18 October 2000 -- Today, peace and prosperity appear far off for Angola
UN - Mideast Violence, Voice of America, 17 October 2000 -- An emergency session of the U-N Human Rights Commission has opened in Geneva with calls for an international inquiry into the Israeli-Palestinian clashes in Israel and the Occupied Territories.
Clinton-Mideast Accord, Voice of America, 17 October 2000 -- The emergency Middle East summit in Egypt has ended with an agreement by Israel and the Palestinians to seek an immediate end to their nearly three weeks of violence and to seek a way back to negotiations on a final peace agreement.
Israel / Palestinian Clashes, Voice of America, 17 October 2000 -- Two Palestinians are dead and an Israeli policeman critically wounded in violence in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and near Jerusalem.
Albright Interview on ABC'S Good Morning America - Middle East Summit, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 17 October 2000 -- MR. CHARLES GIBSON: Madame Secretary, what turned this around? Pessimistic last night; all of a sudden an agreement this morning.
Albright Interview on CNN - Middle East Summit, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 17 October 2000 -- MR. JOHN KING: Madame Secretary, first, you can put words on paper, but we have seen in the past 18 days raw anger, bitterness, bloodshed, death. How fast will there be a cease-fire in the Middle East?
State Department Spokesman on Mideast Summit Stakes, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 17 October 2000 -- QUESTION: Secretary Boucher, how big are the stakes at a summit such as this?
U.S. Opposes General Assembly Session on Mideast Violence, USIS Washington File, 17 October 2000 -- The United States is opposed to a scheduled emergency General Assembly session on the violence between Palestinians and Israelis, U.S. Ambassador Richard Holbrooke said October 17.
Background Briefing By A Senior Administration Official On The Middle East Peace Summit, The White House, Office of the Secretary, 17 October 2000 -- Q: Can you shed any light on the sequence with which this agreement is going to be implemented?
Remarks By The President And President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt In Delivery Of Joint Statements At The Conclusion Of The Middle East Peace Summit, The White House, Office of the Secretary, 17 October 2000 -- "Our primary objective has been to end the current violence so we can begin again to resume our efforts towards peace."
PRESS BACKGROUND BRIEFING BY SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL - Middle East Summit, The White House, Office of the Secretary, 17 October 2000 -- Q: So where did you wind up, as opposed to where you wanted to get? Did you get what you wanted?
Secretary-General Kofi Annan Expresses Relief At Outcome of Sharm El-Sheikh Summit On Recent Middle East Turmoil, UN Press Release, 17 October 2000 -- "I am relieved and thankful that here today, in Sharm El-Sheikh, Israeli and Palestinian leaders, under the tireless chairmanship of Presidents Mubarak and Clinton, have stepped back from the abyss and renewed their commitment to resolve their differences by peaceful means."
Second Committee Discusses Development Aspects of Situation In Occupied Palestinian Territory, Including Jerusalem, UN Press Release, 17 October 2000 -- The Second Committee (Economic and Financial) this morning took up the question of the permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources.
Under-Secretary General Expresses Grave Concern At Impact On Children of Middle East Violence, Urges Restraint, UN Press Release, 17 October 2000 -- "Children suffer most from the impact of armed conflict; I appeal to the political leaders to do all within their powers to end the violence as promised at Sharm El-Sheikh."
Relieved at Middle East summit outcome, Annan says "we must move forward", UN News, 17 October 2000 -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan today expressed relief at the results of the just-concluded Middle East summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, and urged all concerned to help foster calm so that peace talks could resume.
Commission on Human Rights opens special session on Middle East, UN News, 17 October 2000 -- The key to a peaceful and stable future in the Middle East lies in developing a culture of human rights and tolerance, Mary Robinson, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, told the Commission on Human Rights today as it opened its special session on the situation in the Middle East.
Serbia To Have A Government, RFE/RL Newsline, 17 October 2000 -- In Belgrade on 16 October, representatives of Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica's Democratic Opposition of Serbia (DOS) reached agreement with officials of former President Slobodan Milosevic's Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) on the composition of a transitional government for Serbia until the 23 December elections.
Serbia's Milosevic To Go To Jail For Fraud?, RFE/RL Newsline, 17 October 2000 -- DOS leader Zarko Korac said that Milosevic is likely to be tried in Serbia for fraud.
Yugo / Montenegro, Voice of America, 17 October 2000 -- Yugoslavia's new president, Vojislav Kostunica, has failed in his attempt to persuade the leader of the country's smaller republic, Montenegro, to take part in the federal government.
Situation In Yugoslavia: Warnings Against 'Easy Optimism', Foreign Media Reaction Reports, 17 October 2000 -- Foreign media commentary on the power-sharing deal between Yugoslavia's new President Vojislav Kostunica and supporters of former President Milosevic
Moscow Denies Heavy Troop Losses In Tsa-Vedeno, RFE/RL Newsline, 17 October 2000 -- Russian presidential aide Sergei Yastrzhembskii denied on 16 October a report on a Chechen website that some 50 Russian servicemen were killed in a battle with Chechen fighters in the village of Tsa-Vedeno, 50 kilometers southeast of Grozny.
East Timor / Leadership, Voice of America, 17 October 2000 -- A profile of the men who are likely to lead East Timor after its first presidential elections, which United Nations officials hope will take place in July or August.
UNHCR-Timor, Voice of America, 17 October 2000 -- The United Nations refugee agency, U-N-H-C-R, says several hundred East Timorese refugees have succeeded in returning home from West Timor despite continued intimidation from militia groups opposed to East Timor's independence from Indonesia.
Militia in East Timor returning to Indonesia, UN mission says, UN News, 17 October 2000 -- The United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) today reported that the number of militia members currently in the territory stood at no more than 100, after the recent return of at least 30 militia to West Timor.
Zimbabwe-Riots, Voice of America, 17 October 2000 -- In Zimbabwe, protests over rising prices of food and transport in the capital, Harare, have now spread to all the city's working class suburbs. Police have fired tear gas to break up angry crowds who were stoning buses and setting up barricades on the main roads into the capital.
U.N. Mission Sets Military, Aid Strategy to Help Sierra Leone, USIS Washington File, 17 October 2000 -- A special Security Council mission to Sierra Leone is recommending a two-pronged approach to ending renewed fighting there that includes better coordination of international aid already going to the country and U.N. peacekeepers' putting more military pressure on the Revolutionary United Front (RUF).
Press Conference On West Africa By Security Council Mission Head, UN Press Briefing, 17 October 2000 -- President Charles Taylor of Liberia vigorously denied that he was involved in diamonds and arms trafficking in Sierra Leone, but others who spoke to the Security Council mission were not convinced, Sir Jeremy Greenstock (United Kingdom), head of the 11-member Security Council mission to West Africa, told correspondents at a Headquarters press conference this afternoon.
After African trip, Security Council team urges stronger UN mission in Sierra Leone, UN News, 17 October 2000 -- Returning from a five-nation visit to West Africa, a Security Council delegation has recommended that the United Nations bolster its peacekeeping operation in Sierra Leone, whose conflict is having an "increasingly alarming" impact on the region.
Nigeria / Clashes, Voice of America, 17 October 2000 -- Ethnic clashes continued Tuesday in Nigeria's main city, Lagos. At least 30 people have died since fighting began Sunday between members of the Hausa and Yoruba ethnic groups.
UNHCR reports relative calm in Guinea refugee camps, UN News, 17 October 2000 -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) today reported that the situation in six refugee camps for Sierra Leonean and Liberian refugees in Guinea was "relatively calm," although people there expressed the wish to go home.
UNHCR - UNITA Refugees, Voice of America, 17 October 2000 -- The U-N Refugee Agency and the Zambian government have agreed to move soldiers who once belonged to the UNITA rebel group to a new camp in the east of the country.
Angola / Saurimo, Voice of America, 17 October 2000 -- A report on conditions in the town of Saurimo, known as the diamond capital of Angola.
UN food agency gets $10.5 million from EU for emergency aid in Angola, UN News, 17 October 2000 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today announced a donation of $10.5 million from the European Union for the people in need of relief assistance in war-ravaged Angola.
Mideast Summit Opens, Voice of America, 16 October 2000 -- Foreign ministers at the emergency Middle East summit in Egypt are trying to draft a document aimed at ending the violence between Palestinians and Israelis.
Mideast summit - Monday wrap, Voice of America, 16 October 2000 -- Leaders at the Middle East summit in Egypt have ended 18 hours of non-stop meetings, saying they will continue efforts Tuesday to end weeks of violence between Palestinians and Israelis.
Crisis in the Middle East: Is Peace Still Possible Or Is War Inevitable?, Brookings Institute, Washington, DC, 16 October 2000 -- "I think it's fair to say that we're now facing what might be a fundamental transformation in the conflict as we have known it over half a century. I think it is-this is not just another cycle in violence that needs to be stopped, I think there is a-what might be a very dangerous transformation of the conflict."
Breaking the Cycle of Violence, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 16 October 2000 -- An article by Secretary of State Madeleine Albright published in the October 15 Washington Post, in which she says that Israelis and Palestinians have no alternative to living as neighbors
Clinton's Radio Address on the Middle East & U.S.S. Cole, The White House, Office of the Secretary, 16 October 2000 -- "The violence we've seen...demonstrates beyond a shadow of a doubt that the alternative to peace is unacceptable, and that no one will gain from an endless contest of inflicting and absorbing pain."
Remarks By The President At Opening of Plenary Session, Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, The White House, Office of the Secretary, 16 October 2000 -- "We have to have a balanced, mutual disengagement and we have to restore the security cooperation and have the confidence building measures necessary for people to go about their business and live in peace and begin to rebuild the bonds of trust."
Press Briefing By P.J. Crowley - Middle East Unrest, The White House, Office of the Secretary, 16 October 2000 -- Q: PJ, can you tell us, in those bilats with Barak and Arafat, what the level of acrimony was regarding the other? What they were basically saying, can you give us any feel for that?
Sharm Al-Sheikh Summit: 'Opportunity for Peace' After 'Time of Anger'?, Foreign Media Reaction Reports, 16 October 2000 -- Foreign media commentary on the prospects of success for the Israeli-Palestinian summit.
Mideast summit / mood, Voice of America, 16 October 2000 -- World leaders are convening an emergency summit today in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, a resort on the Red Sea coast that usually is best known for its beaches and coral reefs.
Russia / Mideast, Voice of America, 16 October 2000 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow wants to help resolve the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, but it now seems clear that Russia will not be taking an active part in efforts to save the peace process.
Clinton / Mideast, Voice of America, 16 October 2000 -- President Clinton -- at the emergency Middle East summit in Egypt -- has called on Israel and the Palestinians to move beyond casting blame for the latest turmoil and take specific steps to defuse the crisis.
Hezbollah-Lebanon, Voice of America, 16 October 2000 -- The leader of Lebanon's pro-Iranian Hezbollah group, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, says the Israeli colonel his group holds was captured on Lebanese soil and not in Switzerland.
Israel / Palestinians Clashes, Voice of America, 16 October 2000 -- As world leaders meet in Egypt in an effort to end more than two weeks of violence between Israel and Palestinians, clashes have again erupted across the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Amnesty International / Israel, Voice of America, 16 October 2000 -- The human rights group Amnesty International is calling on the United Nations to conduct an independent international investigation into what it calls serious human rights abuses in Israel and the occupied territories.
Annan attends Middle East summit amid mood of "grim determination", UN News, 16 October 2000 -- After conferring with the key players gathered in Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt, for the Middle East summit, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today attended the plenary meeting of the latest international effort to bring the crisis under control.
In Egypt, Annan says failure is not an option for Middle East summit, UN News, 16 October 2000 -- On the eve of the Middle East summit in Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt, Secretary-General Kofi Annan underscored that the implications of the current crisis were so grave that failure was not an option in the quest to contain the conflict.
Annan hopes new Belgrade leadership will help restart talks on disputed Prevlaka, UN News, 16 October 2000 -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan has expressed hope that recent developments in Belgrade could help re-start talks on the Prevlaka peninsula -- a strategic area disputed by Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
Yugoslavia / Pol, Voice of America, 16 October 2000 -- Supporters of new Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica say they have agreed with allies of ousted leader Slobodan Milosevic to share power in the country's main republic, Serbia.
OSCE Chair Sends Personal Representative to Montenegro, U.S. Mission to the OSCE, Vienna, 16 October 2000 -- The Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE, Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner, is sending her Personal Representative for Southeastern Europe, Ambassador Albert Rohan, to Montenegro on 17 and 18 October to hold talks with Montenegro's leadership as well as leading personalities from the opposition.
Spain/Terrorism, Voice of America, 16 October 2000 -- A doctor, murdered Monday in Seville, is the latest victim of terrorism in Spain.
U-N / Sierra Leone, Voice of America, 16 October 2000 -- A United Nations Security Council delegation that just returned from Sierra Leone says there is increasing regional concern about the conflict in that country.
Ivory Coast / Pol, Voice of America, 16 October 2000 -- In Ivory Coast, opponents of military ruler General Robert Guei have called for a general strike to protest the government's exclusion of most major political parties from next week's presidential elections.
Berger Interview on Mideast Peace, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 15 October 2000 -- National Security Advisor Sandy Berger said the immediate objective of the United States in the Middle East is to stop the violence so that negotiations can resume eventually in an interview on NBC's "Meet The Press".
Zanzibar Election, Voice of America, 13 October 2000 -- Human-rights groups say police in Zanzibar are torturing opposition supporters ahead of the presidential election later this month. But authorities on the Indian Ocean island say there has been no intimidation, and everyone is campaigning freely.
ISRAEL-HIZBOLLAH, Voice of America, 15 October 2000 -- The Israeli Defense Ministry confirms that an Israeli reserve officer has been kidnapped.
PREPARING FOR SUMMIT, Voice of America, 15 October 2000 -- On the Sunday American television news shows, top Israeli and Palestinian officials angrily blamed each other for the violence that broke off the peace talks, but cautiously added that Monday's summit meeting could revive them - under the right circumstances.
ISRAEL / PALESTINIANS, Voice of America, 15 October 2000 -- Israeli and Palestinian officials say they have low expectations that a summit opening Monday in Egypt will lead to any major progress in the Middle East peace process.
RUSSIA / MIDEAST, RUSSIA / MIDEAST, 15 October 2000 -- Russia says it is ready to take part in the Middle East summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
Excerpts of an interview with Special Middle East Coordinator Dennis Ross on "Fox News Sunday", U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 15 October 2000 -- QUESTION: Let me ask you what you may now have learned, that you didn't fully understand before about Yasser...starting with his spurning of the extraordinary - I think everyone would agree - concessions offered him by Ehud Barak at Camp David.
Albright on Middle East Peace, U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, 15 October 2000 -- Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said that neither the Israelis nor the Palestinians have the luxury of choosing whom they will negotiate with in the Middle East peace process in remarks on a television news program (ABC's This Week).
ANGOLA / SIEGE, Voice of America, 15 October 2000 -- The United Nations says that in the past 10-days, more than six-thousand people have fled to the central Angolan city of Kuito to escape fighting between the government and UNITA rebels.
SUMMIT PREVIEW, Voice of America, 14 October 2000 -- U-N Secretary General Kofi Annan warned the Middle East summit scheduled for Monday in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheikh could "not afford to fail," as he met with Egyptian officials hosting the talks.
Clinton-Mideast Wrap, Voice of America, 14 October 2000 -- President Clinton leaves Washington Sunday for Egypt and a summit meeting aimed at restoring calm and dialogue after the worst outbreak of Israeli-Palestinian violence in several years.
Clinton & Mideast, Voice of America, 14 October 2000 -- President Clinton, who engaged in days of delicate negotiations to help arrange the Sharm El-Sheikh summit, has welcomed its convening but is setting low expectations for it.
ISRAEL / PALESTINIANS, Voice of America, 14 October 2000 -- Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak have agreed to a Middle East summit to try to end the violence of the past two weeks.
Statement By The President On The Middle East Situation, The White House, Office of the Secretary, 14 October 2000 -- ...Our central objectives must now be to stop the violence, to restore calm and safety, to agree on a fact-finding mechanism concerning how this began and how it can be prevented from occurring again and to find a way back to dialogue and negotiations.
Yugolavia-Football riot, Voice of America, 14 October 2000 -- At least 40 people were injured Saturday in the Yugoslav Capital Belgrade during a political charged riot, which forced organizers to abandon a soccer (football) match between two rival football clubs, "Red Star" and "Partizan".