International Events in February 1998
1st Feb
Over 300 LTTE fighters and 20 Sri Lankan soldiers are killed in a major flare-up east of Paranthan in Kilinochchi.
4th Feb
Iraq proposes that U.N. inspectors can have access to eight disputed ``presidential sites.''
At least 3,600 people are killed in an earthquake, in the northern Afghan province of Takhar.
5th Feb
The U.S. rejects the Iraqi offer which allowed a U.N. inspection team access to eight presidential sites, and demands unfettered access to all the sites.
6th Feb
The U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton, denies in White House that he had an improper relationship with the former White House intern, Ms. Monica Lewinsky.
7th Feb
Further tremors in North Afghanistan kill 150 people.
8th Feb
Two hundred and fifty more die in another earthquake in the northern Afghan province Takhar.
The U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton, and the British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair, chalk out a battle plan in case the Iraqi President, Mr. Saddam Hussein, refuses to bow to diplomatic pressure over U.N. weapons inspections.
14th Feb
Riots in Indonesia, as hundreds go on the rampage in the streets. The protest is caused by spiralling prices.
16th Feb
Two hundred are killed as a Chinese airliner hits residential buildings while landing at the Taipei international airport.
20th Feb
The Security Council raises Iraq's oil sale quota from $2 billion.
22nd Feb
Sri Lankan troops are closing in on Mankulam, controlled by the LTTE.
23rd Feb
The LTTE sinks a Sri Lankan naval vessel and another naval craft goes missing off Point Pedro. Fifty sailors and 58 soldiers are missing.
The U.N. Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, signs a deal with the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Tariq Aziz, to end the impasse over the U.N. weapons inspections.
The U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton, extends support to the accord, but warns Mr. Saddam Hussein of military action if he breaks his word.
The British creators of Dolly, cloned sheep, announce that scientists in the U.S. have produced a first cloned calf, named Mr. Jefferson.
25th Feb
Mr. Kim Dae-jung has been sworn in President of South Korea.
27th Feb
The U.S. lifts a 35-year-old arms embargo against South Africa.