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| Thursday, January 18, 2001, Chandigarh, India   
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Congo President Laurent
Kabila assassinated WB offers aid to quake-hit Salvador COLOMBO, Jan 17 — At least 90 persons were killed on the first day of a fresh offensive in the northern Jaffna peninsula in which the Sri Lankan army secured seven square kilometres of the territory, army sources said today. Estrada’s trial: prosecutors quit 3,000 protesters tear-gassed |
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| Iraq justifies attack on Kuwait BAGHDAD, Jan 17 — Iraq has strongly defended its 1990 invasion of Kuwait, the eve of the 10th anniversary of the start of the Gulf war which saw Saddam Hussein’s troops ejected from the Emirates. Setback to Fiji Govt Clinton treated for skin cancer Cole bombing: $ 5m reward for clues
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Congo President Laurent Kabila assassinated HARARE, Jan 17 (AFP) — Top Zimbabwean government officials said today that the Democratic Republic of Congo President Laurent Kabila, who was reportedly shot, died aboard a plane as he was being flown to Harare early in the day. "It was a last-minute decision to fly Kabila to Zimbabwe but unfortunately he died on the plane," an unnamed state official told the state-run Ziana news agency. Zimbabwe's Defence Minister Moven Mahachi told Ziana: "President Kabila has died. It was pure assassination." Ziana said the body was now in the Zimbabwe capital and would be flown back home for burial. Reports confirmed by several foreign governments said Kabila was fatally shot in a row with his top generals at his residence in Kinshasa yesterday. The Zimbabwe government officials said he was shot five times by a bodyguard. Foreign diplomatic sources earlier said he had been shot in the back and right leg. "I believe the reason to fly him to Zimbabwe was for security reasons to ensure that the people of Kinshasa remain calm and that there is no turmoil in that country," one official was quoted as saying. Meantime, Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, one of the strongest military ally of Kabila, cut shot his visit to Yaounde, Cameroon, for the 21st Franco-African summit and headed back home following the death of Kabila. Zimbabwe, which has committed up to
11,000 troops to help the DRC government against a rebellion backed by
Rwanda and Uganda, pledged its continued commitment to the DRC.
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WB offers aid to quake-hit Salvador WASHINGTON, Jan 17 (DPA) — The World Bank said yesterday that it was prepared to provide aid and support for reconstruction in El Salvador after Saturday’s devastating earthquake killed hundreds. World Bank President James Wolfensohn sent technical specialists from the institution to assess the situation and discuss assistance with government officials in El Salvador. “The World Bank is deeply concerned by the loss of life and continuing suffering following Saturday’s tragic earthquake in El Salvador,’’ Wolfensohn said. “We have assured the President of El Salvador that the bank is prepared to provide such technical and financial assistance as the government may need to help address this emergency,’’ he said. The US government also was beefing up its assistance to the Central American nation by sending a military team and officials with the US Agency for International Development. Five US helicopters transported about 45 tonnes of cargo to El Salvador on Sunday. The White House said President Bill Clinton had spoken with El Salvador’s President Francisco Flores about the crisis. And there were US specialists from Costa Rica, Miami and the Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue Department in the country, a White House spokesman said. MADRID (Reuters): Spanish Exterior Minister Jose Pique said last evening that Spain would consider waiving El Salvador’s debt as the country struggles to find its feet after an earthquake that killed more than 600 persons. He promised $ two million to aid in reconstruction, praising El Salvador speedy response to the 7.6 magnitude quake which left some 500 people missing, more than 2.500 injured and a death toll which is expected to rise. El Salvador’s debt to Spain exceeds 7.2 billion pesetas (40.72 million dollars), Spanish state radio reported. The European Union has pledged $ 1.88 million in emergency aid. Italy has promised $ 3.66 million and Britain $ 885,000. SANTA TECLA (El Salvador): Rescue workers with experience plucking survivors from natural disasters around the world felt powerless on they scoured the mud for victims of Saturday’s quake in Salvador. “The main problem is the compacted soil ... the humidity does not allow the dog to smell the odor’’ of bodies, said Mexican rescue worker Jose Flores. More than 300 rescue workers, including French and Turkish doctors, Spanish engineers, US, Guatemalan and Taiwanese firefighters, joined forces with Salvadoran crews using hightech, life-detecting machinery, sniffer-dogs, picks, shovels and their hands. By late Tuesday emergency workers had evacuated over 40,000 people from dangerous areas. AFP: Rescuers abandoned a last-ditch attempt to find survivors of El Salvador’s killer quake as the priority became getting food, water and shelter to the tens of thousands of victims who lost it all. The death toll of 675 from Saturday’s killer quake would likely continue to rise, rescuers said late yesterday, as heavy machinery cleared rubble and landslides, and helicopters reached remote mountainous areas. At least 2,000 people were believed missing and feared dead. Rescue workers said that it would be a miracle to find survivors amid the destruction. |
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Lankan army kills 90 Tigers COLOMBO, Jan 17 (PTI) — At least 90 persons were killed on the first day of a fresh offensive in the northern Jaffna peninsula in which the Sri Lankan army secured seven square kilometres of the territory, army sources said today. Sources said 52 LTTE rebels were believed to have been killed in the operation, while the army lost 37 personnel, including an officer. A lone civilian, identified as a 27-year-old priest of a Hindu temple at Mirusuvil, died at Kodigamam allegedly in LTTE artillery fire, sources said. Thirty-five bodies of LTTE cadre have been recovered so far. Rebel radio transmission intercepts reported that 72 LTTE Tigers were wounded in addition to 52 killed. Backed by artillery fire and air support from Sri Lankan air force, the security forces on ground stretched their area of control by seven square kilometre including Ponnar and Avarakadu, southeast of Kilali and Eluthumadduval, described as important areas for future operations, the sources said. Codenamed ‘Operation Kinihira IX’, the latest offensive was aimed at regaining territory south of Kilaly and Eluthumadduval which lie on the main supply route from Jaffna to the strategic Elephant Pass. According to army sources, the LTTE fought back ferociously using almost all their artillery and mortar positions. The air force effectively neutralised their firepower to a great extent, while the navy stepped up patrolling to prevent any attempt by the rebels to use sea-lane, they said. The army interprets the manner of deployment of the LTTE’s weapon systems as an indication that they were preparing for a major operation. The offensive comes in the midst of a month-long ceasefire announced by the Tigers last month. The ceasefire expires on January 24. After replenishment of troops, the operation resumed this morning, the sources said. Two LTTE rebels, a man and a woman, were captured and admitted to Palaly military hospital for treatment of injuries, they added. UNI: The Sri Lankan army today recommenced its Kinihara-9 operation to push the Tigers out of the peninsula even as the casualty on both sides rose to 90 in yesterday’s battle in the northern Jaffna. Meanwhile, the LTTE has warned the Norwegian peace envoy that the military action of the Sri Lankan government will “intensify the war and seriously impair the current peace initiative”. A statement issued from the LTTE London headquarters last night that the LTTE fighting formation put up fierce resistance when thousands of Sri Lankan combat troops launched an offensive early yesterday. “The LTTE is committed to a defence war as the organisation has declared a unilateral ceasefire for a month ending on January 24 and strictly observing peace”. “Emboldened by the limited victories facilitated by the LTTEs strategic withdrawal, the Sri Lankan military establishments has launched the offensive with the strategic objective of re-taking Elephant Pass”, the statement said. The LTTE has declared a unilateral ceasefire which will end on January 24. The two terrorists — a male and a woman injured due to an anti-personnel mine explosion, were taken in custody by the security forces. Significantly, they did not consume cyanide to commit suicide. The civilian killed, was a 27-year old Hindu priest, Indran Sharma, from Mirusuvil Hindu Kovil. The injured civilian was identified as Ramaswamy from Kodikaamam. The operation, as planned , commenced again this morning, the statement said. |
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Estrada’s trial: prosecutors quit MANILA, Jan 17 (Reuters) — An 11-member prosecution team formally withdrew from Philippine President Joseph Estrada’s impeachment trial today, denouncing the proceedings as a charade. “What happened was a tragic event in the nation’s quest for justice. It is very clear that further participation would lend credibility to what appears to be a charade,” prosecutor Roan Libarios said. The prosecutors, all members of the House of Representatives, jointly signed a ‘manifestation of withdrawal’ just hours before Estrada’s trial on corruption charges was to resume before the Senate impeachment court at 2 p.m. The mass resignation was triggered by a decision by the Senate court yesterday to reject evidence against Estrada consisting of bank records which the prosecutors said would show the former actor had amassed 3.3 billion pesos ($60 million) while in office, in violation of anti-corruption laws. Congressmen said the Lower House would have to appoint other Congressmen to replace them if the trial is to proceed. Meanwhile, the Philippine armed forces chief said today the military would repel any attempt by vested groups to exploit political unrest after President Estrada’s opponents vowed to intensify their campaign for his resignation. Thousands of Estrada’s political opponents began gathering on a Manila highway for a demonstration to demand Estrada’s resignation. Various groups opposing Estrada said they would escalate their protests until the president resigned. Vice-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo warned today of a plot by a group to seize power and install a civilian-military junta. Ms Arroyo issued the warning as the country headed deeper into political turmoil. She did not identify the group. Ms Arroyo will take over the presidency if Estrada is convicted in the corruption trial. |
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3,000 protesters tear-gassed JAKARTA, Jan 17 (Reuters, AFP) — Indonesian police fired tear gas today shells at about 3,000 students outside the parliament who are protesting over two financial scandals linked to President Abdurrahman Wahid, witnesses said. They said scores of police fired the tear gas at the students as they were trying to pull down a main gate leading into the parliament compound. There was no actual clashes between the police and students, who had gathered inside parliament’s grounds in Central Jakarta. Indonesia’s financial markets have been jittery in the past week over the threat of renewed political violence, although rumoured mass demonstrations failed to materialise on Monday. A parliamentary team investigating the two financial scandals had been scheduled to question Wahid today at the House, but the Muslim cleric has refused to attend. He has instead invited the mps to question him at the presidential palace. Meanwhile, after two days of drilling, Indonesian police today finally managed to break into a bunker under the house of the fugitive son of former President Suharto. “The bunker is being cleared by two members of the police anti-bomb squad in a search for any suspicious objects,” Jakarta police detective chief Harry Motolalu said. The police suspects billionaire businessman “Tommy” Hutomo Mandala Putra (38) could be hiding in the underground system. President Abdurrahman Wahid in November had rejected Tommy’s appeal for a pardon from the conviction imposed by the Supreme Court, which overturned an earlier acquittal. |
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Iraq justifies attack on Kuwait BAGHDAD, Jan 17 (AFP) — Iraq has strongly defended its 1990 invasion of Kuwait, the eve of the 10th anniversary of the start of the Gulf war which saw Saddam Hussein’s troops ejected from the Emirates. “The leaders of the Kuwait deserved to be attacked on August 2 (1990) because they are traitors,” Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz said yesterday, declaring Iraq “triumphant”. “They betrayed Iraq as only Zionist Jews would do,” he told a press conference in Baghdad. “I can tell you, 10 years after the confrontation, that we were right to say that we triumphed. Victory is achieved not only on the battlefield but through strategic results of the conflict and we are sure of having triumphed,” Aziz said. “The role of Kuwait’s leader at the time was shameful. To this day, these leaders continue, with those in Saudi Arabia, to serve imperial-Zionist plot against Iraq and Arab nation.” After accusing Kuwait of stealing oil and land, Iraq occupied the oil-rich Gulf state in a matter of hours and annexed it. An international coalition led by the USA unleashed on January 17, 1991, a six-week war to liberate Kuwait. “What happened to them was less than they deserved because they betrayed the country which let the blood of its sons flow during eight years in the name of stability and security in the region,” Aziz said referring to Iran-Iraq war. Iraq says it waged the war in the name of Gulf monarchies which feared the Islamic revolution in Iran would spread. |
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Setback to
Fiji Govt SUVA, Jan 17 (AFP) — An attempt by Fiji’s Army-backed interim government to defend its legitimacy suffered a temporary setback today when the appeals court rejected a bid to suspend a high court ruling declaring it illegal. Dismissing the application, Mr Justice Sir Maurice Casey said orders issued by high court judge tony gates in November declaring the interim government illegal were judicial statements of the law and could not be nullified, except on appeal. “Short of setting aside the judgement, there is no way that the declarations themselves can be nullified, either temporarily or permanently,” Mr Justice Casey said. The interim government, led by Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, had asked the appeals court for a stay of the Gates ruling. However, the Qarase Government has retained leading counsel from Britain and New Zealand to fight a substantive appeal in a case to be heard in the appeals court on February 19. Mr Qarase was installed by the Army following an attempted coup by failed businessman George Speight, who stormed Parliament with rebels soldiers on May 19 and took Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and his government hostage for 56 days. The Army also dumped the Constitution, declared martial law and ousted President Sir Kamisese Mara. |
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Clinton treated for skin cancer WASHINGTON, Jan 17 (Reuters) — A lesion removed from President Bill Clinton’s back in a routine medical checkup last week was cancerous, the White House said. “The pathology results that were read this morning confirm that the lesion was a superficial basal cell skin cancer,” spokesman Jake Siewert told reporters at the daily White House briefing, adding that the lesion appeared to have been completely removed. “Pathologists noted that the margin of the lesion appeared clean, which indicated that the lesion had been totally removed,” he said. During Clinton’s annual medical check-up last Friday, doctors discovered what they called a “small, suspicious skin lesion” on Clinton’s back. They removed tissue from the area for tests. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, and is caused by exposure to sunlight. Doctors said there were at least 800,000 to a million cases of basal cell cancer in the USA every year. If the lesion is not removed, the cancer can spread, but unlike melanoma — a more deadly form of skin cancer — basal cell carcinoma does not spread to other parts of the body. Doctors will see Clinton in four/six months and if there is no evidence of new lesions he will only have to see a dermatologist on an annual basis. Corbett said Clinton had had sun-damaged spots and benign cysts before but had never had any skin cancer. |
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Cole bombing: $ 5m
reward for clues WASHINGTON, Jan 17 (AFP) — The USA has offered $ 5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of the people who carried out the bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen last year. Reward money will be given to anyone who can provide “information that could lead to the arrest or conviction in any country of the persons responsible for the Cole attack,” State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said yesterday. |
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