- Civilians targeted by NATO aviation today. At least 20 killed in a bus attacked by missiles.
- Electric power system of Serbia hit by NATO bombs.
- Possible power outages in the RS-announces the RS Electric Power Enterprise.
- 19 journalists were killed around the world last year-statement from the international journalists’ day.
At least 20 were killed and 15 heavily wounded during the NATO attack on a bus travelling on the road connecting Pec, Kula and Rozaje. A few civilian cars were also hit. The ambulance and rescue teams could not approach the site for some time, due to continued NATO bombardment.
NATO bombs also struck the Serbian electric power bloodline. Reuters quoted a NATO official as saying that last night’s attack demonstrated NATO’s ability to cut off power supply any time they wish.
Correspondent from Pristina: At least 20 died and 15 people were wounded today when NATO aviation attacked the Pec-Kula-Rozaje bus line. Last night, army barracks near the centre of Pristina were hit. The Slatina airport was attacked later. Army barracks in Pec were hit earlier that night. Civilian houses were damaged in Pec and Gnjilane.
Correspondent from Belgrade: After the attack on the electric power system, some parts of Belgrade have been left with no power and running water for over 20 hours. Radio Belgrade reports an attack on the industrial zone in Nis. Tanjug reports attacks on towns near Kraljevo. Radio Belgrade reports of an attack on bridges in Prijepolje and Kokin Brod. Radio Belgrade’s correspondent from Novi Sad reported heavy smoke clouding the sky above Novi Sad, after the 11th attack on the oil refinery. Radio Belgrade also reported that civilian buildings were destroyed during last night’s attack on Valjevo.
Breaking news: Srna reports that 17 bodies were taken out of the bus hit by NATO and 40 wounded were taken to the Pec hospital.
The New York Times quotes a high ranking US official as saying that the White House supports Russian efforts to find a peaceful solution for the Kosovo crisis.
Beta reports that the Russian envoy, Viktor Chernomyrdin expects to fly to Belgrade after meeting the US president Clinton, for a new round of negotiations.
NATO secretary-general, Javier Solana also supported the Russian efforts.
The Washington Post reported that US officials expressed positive expectations for finding a diplomatic solution to the Kosovo conflict.
Correspondent from New York: US Republicans demanded that the Clinton administration “gives peace a chance” and even makes concessions regarding the UN mandate in Kosovo.
London media comment on Chernomyrdin’s mission as being the key initiative for the resolution of conflict. The meeting between Chernomyrdin and Clinton will be a turning point.
British PM Tony Blair visited Macedonia and Rumania today. He visited refugee camps near the Macedonian-Yugoslav border. As Tanjug reports, the Macedonian PM, Ljupco Georgijevski asked for international assistance in taking care of a large number of refugees.
Correspondent from London: The Times commentary warns that the arrogant and badly planned NATO aggression against the FRY has brought only disaster so far, but that it is still not too late for a diplomatic resolution, in conjunction with Russia.
The Liberation from Paris reports, and Tanjug carries, that the NATO information team employed significant efforts to improve NATO spokesman Jamie Shea’s press briefings.
The State Department spokesman, James Rubin stated today that Russia can play a constructive role in finding a political solution for Kosovo.
The main topic of today’s NATO briefing was the attack on the electric power network in Serbia. The alliance spokesman, Jamie Shea said that 70% of Serbia stayed without power yesterday. Shea said NATO is being very careful in these attacks, trying not to harm the civilian institutions. Speaking of the Albanian refugees, Shea said that UNHCR believed that 50,000 people had fled to Albania. General Walter Jertz admitted that a new type of bomb was used last night, but did not explain the details.
The RS Electric Power Enterprise reported technical problems due to last night’s bombing of the electric power facilities in Serbia.
The RS Journalists’ Association issued a press release on the occasion of International Journalists’ Day, expressing protest against the NATO attacks on the media in Serbia.
Tanjug reports of a protest rally in Athens against the NATO bombing, organised by Greek journalists.
The Social Democratic Union of Croatia issued a press release today, questioning the sincerity of NATO policy in the Kosovo crisis.
FBiH related news.