News Briefs
June 19, 1996
Web posted at: 11:45 p.m. EDT (0345 GMT)
Russian soldiers reported killed in rebel ambush
GROZNY, Chechnya (CNN) -- Fighting broke out in the Chechen capital of Grozny Wednesday amid reports that rebels in southern Russia had killed seven Russian soldiers overnight.
Unidentified gunmen opened fire Wednesday on a government building in Grozny, and Russian troops returned fire. No casualties were reported.
In the neighboring republic of Ingushetia on Tuesday, rebel fighters hiding in a forest opened fire on an armored personnel carrier full of Russian soldiers, killing seven, Interfax reported. Four soldiers were wounded.
A rebel spokesman said the assault was aimed at thwarting the military agreement that calls for rebel disarmament and the withdrawal of Russian troops by August 30.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
- Chechen peace plan on shaky ground - June 11, 1996
Cyclone in India kills two people
BOMBAY, India (CNN) -- For the second time in a week, a tropical cyclone has struck India. The storm, packing winds up to 50 mph (80 kph), swept into India's western Gujarat state Wednesday, killing at least two women.
The cyclone appeared to be heading north toward neighboring Pakistan, after leaving a swath of destruction as it knocked down power lines and destroyed buildings. It left boats stranded.
A government spokesman in Gujarat's Baroda city said the women were killed when a house collapsed. Five other people were injured when a cinema collapsed.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Stubborn Mongolia fires doused
BEIJING (CNN) -- Aided by rain, Mongolian firefighters have put out the wildfires that have swept through the countryside over the last four months and killed at least 25 people.
Once they doused the flames, Mongolian officials called off its emergency declaration, United Nations Development Program workers said Wednesday.
Authorities warned local officials to remain alert, however, because the fires could be rekindled. They said several more days of rain are needed to ensure the fires are permanently out.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
- Deadly Mongolian fires may burn for weeks - May 2, 1996
South Korea faces major strikes
SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) -- After years of rapid economic growth, South Korea faces what could become its worst labor unrest in years.
Two major automakers, including Kia Motors Corp., are on strike. They may be joined by subway, telecommunications and public utilities workers, who have threatened to go on strike Thursday.
Subway and utility employees were meeting with government officials to try to avoid the walkout. The government has threatened to break up the strikes.
Members of more than one dozen unions affiliated with the giant Hyundai group, which produces cars, ships, petrochemicals,
semiconductors and steel products, may go on strike, as well.The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Followers help Suu Kyi celebrate birthday
RANGOON, Burma (CNN) -- Supporters of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi dropped by her home with presents Wednesday to celebrate her 51st birthday.
It was her first birthday since being released from six years of house arrest last July. Burma's military rulers had detained her without trial for allegedly endangering public security.
Her celebration came amid reports that the Burmese military had issued an arrest warrant for the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner. The Burmese government, which has denounced Suu Kyi and her supporters, denied the allegations.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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