The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 99-04-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] NATO air strikes continue despite bombing of refugees

The state radio in Montenegro has reported that allied jets bombed strategic targets in Montenegro, including an airport in the suburbs of Podgorica, a road artery connecting Montenegro with Albania and the port of Bar.

Late last night the sirens sounded again in Belgrade and other Yugoslav towns.

Missiles were reported to have hit a refugee reception centre in Paracin, 150 km south of the Yugoslav capital. So far, there have been no reports about possible victims.

Meanwhile, NATO confirmed it was responsible for the death of civilians during an attack on a refugee convoy returning to Kosovo. NATO expressed deep regret at the death of civilians but said that air strikes on Serb military targets will continue.

NATO spokesman James Shea has said that the alliance was taking every measure to avert collateral damage but a tragic incident could not weaken its determination.

The alliance screened a video taken from the F-18 fighter jet which showed the bombing of the convoy and claimed that one of the bombs hit a non- military target by mistake.

In Washington, National Security Council spokesman David Levy expressed the US administration's sorrow at the loss of human lives in Kosovo but said that military operations will continue.

In a related development, the UN security council described the recent NATO bombing of a refugee convoy as a tragic incident, while American president Bill Clinton remarked yesterday that it was a sad, but unavoidable fact.

Russia has urged the UN to provide explanations for the NATO bombardment and Yugoslavia has called for an emergency session of the UN security council.

According to press reports, the US has called up 30,000 reserve troops to boost its armed forces, while the newspaper "Washington Post" has referred to a NATO ground offensive in Kosovo.

Germany has cancelled all its unmanned reconnaissance flights over Kosovo, following the loss of a third aircraft since the beginning of this week.

In the meantime, the European parliament has passed a resolution providing for Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic's trial by an international criminal court and the deployment of an international peace-keeping ground force in Kosovo.

[02] Greece and Bulgaria agree on need for political solution

Mr Simitis presented Greece's plan for Balkan restructuring, within the European Union context, stressing that all Balkan countries, including Yugoslavia, should work together towards implementing an economic-political framework for the Balkans. On Monday, high-ranking Balkan officials will meet in Athens for discussions on the issue.

British foreign secretary Robin Cook has praised Greece's role in the Balkans, expressing satisfaction at the initiatives undertaken by Athens to promote stability and cooperation in the region.

[03] Athens to coordinate humanitarian aid to Kosovo

The decision was taken during yesterday's interministerial committee meeting which was chaired by interior minister Vasso Papandreou.

Ms Papandreou said Greece could play a more extensive role in the Balkans owing to its good relations with all the states in the region.

She also made it clear, however, that Greece would not allow the passage of military vehicles carrying humanitarian aid from its soil.

[04] Greek political leaders comment on Kosovo crisis

Leader of the Coalition of the Left Wing and Progress Nikos Konstantopoulos described the likelihood of a land operation in Yugoslavia as a nightmare. Mr Konstantopoulos was speaking from Skopje where he has been on two-day visit since yesterday.

[05] Euro-Mediterranean meeting in Stuttgart

Greek foreign minister Yorgos Papandreou, who is representing Greece, referred to a good neighborhood framework in the Mediterranean and an agreement for a peaceful settlement of conflicts.

[06] Greek exhibit halls at the New York Metropolitan Museum

Prime minister Kostas Simitis will inaugurate the Greek exhibit halls on Monday.

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