International Events in 1999

Jan. 1

Eleven European countries launch single currency, the euro.

Jan. 3

The Pakistani Prime Minister, Mr. NawaJan. Sharif, escapes assassination attempt as a bomb destroys a bridge minutes before he crosses it on his way from Lahore to Raiwind.

Jan. 5

U.S. jets fire missiles at Iraqi planes over southern Iraq.

Jan. 7

The impeachment trial of the U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton, gets underway in the Senate. The articles of impeachment are perjury and obstruction of justice in the sex scandal involving the President and former White House intern, Ms. Monica Lewinsky.

Jan. 8

The Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohammad nominates the Foreign Minister, Mr. Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as the new Deputy Prime Minister.

Jan. 11

The Pakistan Supreme Court stays the execution of all death sentences pronounced by military courts in Karachi till the apex court decides on the legality of the special courts.

Jan. 12

Mr. Bulent Ecevit is to become Turkey's sixth Prime Minister in three years.

Jan. 13

The U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton, pays Ms. Paula Jones $850,000 to settle the sexual harassment lawsuit filed by her.

Jan. 14

The Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Keizo Obuchi forms a ruling Liberal Democratic party-led coalition Government.

Jan. 27

Mr. Moshe Arens is Israel's new Defence Minister.

Feb. 2

The former White House intern, Ms. Monica Lewinsky gives her version of her relationship with the U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton at a closed door deposition in the Senate impeachment trial of the President. She springs no surprises.

Mr. Chee Soon Juan, secretary-general of the Singapore Democratic Party, a fringe opposition outfit, opts for a prison term of one week, instead of a fine, on being found guilty of committing the offence of delivering a speech without obtaining a permit.

Feb. 3

The Russian President, Mr. Boris Yeltsin, sacks half of his staff.

The deposition of witnesses in the Senate impeachment trial of the U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton, ends.

Feb. 4

Yemen officially stops issuing entry visas to British citizens fearing the entry of terrorists.

Feb. 6

Crown Prince Abdullah is made regent of Jordan after the Cabinet declares (on doctor's advice) that King Hussein, who is on his death bed, will be unable to rule.

Feb. 7

King Hussein of Jordan passes away. He is succeeded to the throne by his son, Crown Prince Abdullah.

Feb. 8

The Singapore politician, Mr. Chee Soon Juan, leaves prison after a seven-day sentence for speaking publicly without a police permit.

Feb. 10

The East Timorese leader, Mr. Xanana Gusmao is shifted from a high-security prison to a specially designated centre for a virtual house arrest in Jakarta.

Feb. 11

The Syrian President, Mr. HafeJan. Assad is elected to an unprecedented fifth seven-year term.

China stations up to 200 ballistic missiles next to Taiwan.

Feb. 12

In a historic vote, the U.S. Senate rejects both the Articles of Impeachment turned in by the House of Representatives against the President, Mr. Bill Clinton, thus fully acquitting him in the process.

Feb. 16

Mr. Abdullah Ocalan, fugitive leader of the Kurdish Workers' Party in Turkey is arrested in an undercover operation.

Feb. 17

Mr. David Trumble, Northern Ireland's first Minister, wins vote on devolution of powers in March.

Feb. 18

Kurds across Europe protest against the arrest of Mr. Ocalan.

Feb. 19

Turkish troops hunt down Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq while police round up hundreds of activists in Turkey following violent protests over the capture of Mr. Ocalan.

Feb. 22

North Korea says it will release the world's longest serving prisoner of conscience, Mr. Woo Yong Gak.

Feb. 23

The imprisoned Kurdish rebel leader, Mr. Abdullah Ocalan is charged with treason.

Feb. 24

Ethnic Albanians and Serbs fail to reach agreement on a proposed settlement that the U.S. and its European allies sought to impose after 17 days of intense negotiations at Rambouillet in France.

A white supermacist is found guilty of mudering James Byrd, a black, in one of America's most gruesome race crimes.

Feb. 25

Hip-hop star Lauryn Hill bags five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Best New Artist.

Feb. 28

U.S. air force F-15 fighters attack Iraqi military installations with bombs and missiles after planes patrolling the northern no-fly zone come under fire.

Mar. 2

Rebels kill eight of the 14 foreign tourists taken hostage by them in a remote national park in south- west Uganda.

Mar. 5

The Russian President fires the controversial tycoon, Mr. Boris Berezovsky, from his position as Executive Secretary of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Mr. Thabo Mbeki, President of the African National Congress is among the 27 top ANC leaders who have been refused amnesty by the Amnesty Committee of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Mar. 6

The West's top peace envoy to Bosnia, Mr. Carlos Westerndorp sacks the utranationalist Bosnian Serb President, Mr. Nikola Poplaseu, for obstructing the country's fragile peace process.

Mar. 9

The U.S. Department of Energy sacks a Los Alamos weapons designer suspected of being involved in smuggling nuclear secrets to China.

Mar. 11

NATO expands from 16 members to 19 with the inclusion of Belarus, Ukraine and Lithuania.

Mar. 12

Mr. Oscar Lafontaine, German Finance Minister and leader of the governing Social Democrat Party, quits from his posts.

Mar. 14

The Taliban and the Northern Alliance agree to form a broad-based coalition government in Afghanistan.

Mar. 20

The European Commission President, Mr. Jacques Santer and 20 Commissioners resign en masse, in response to a damning 144-page report by a five-person committee of independent experts, which criticised the Commission's administration ``up to the highest level of command''.

Ms. Rosemary Nelson, a human rights lawyer in Northern Ireland, is killed in a car bomb blast at Lurgan, Co Armagh.

Mar. 20

Fighting flares in Kosovo and Western embassies in Belgrade evacuate non-essential staff as the threat of NATO bombing looms.

A Swiss doctor and British pilot, cross an invisible line on Africa's map and drift on into immortality, the first to realise man's century-old dream of circling the world in a hot-air balloon.

Mar. 22

``Shakespeare in Love'' wins seven Oscar awards, including best picture and best actress for Gwyeneth Paltrow. Steven Speilberg's ``Saving Private Ryan'' wins the prize for direction. Roberto Benigni wins best actor for his role in ``Life is Beautiful''.

Mar. 24

NATO warplanes launch air strikes against Serbian targets in Yugoslavia.

Judges at the House of Lords, Britain's highest court of appeal, decide that the former Chilean dictator, Gen. Augusto Pinochet, will have to face extradition to Spain to face charges of murder and torture.

Mar. 25

A determined NATO mounts a fresh wave of air strikes against Yugoslavia.

Mar. 26

The Russian draft resolution demanding an immediate end to NATO air strikes on Yugoslavia and resumption of negotiations is defeated in the U.N. Security Council.

Mar. 28

NATO warplanes bomb Yugoslav targets while Serb forces down a U.S. F-117A Stealth fighter.

Mar. 29

Thousands of ethnic Albanians flee their homes in Kosovo and pour into neighbouring Macedonia and Montenegro.

Mar. 31

The NATO military alliance rejects a peace offer by the Yugoslav President, Mr. Slobodan Milosevic.

Apr. 1

Serb forces capture three U.S. soldiers.

Apr. 2

The Russian President, Mr. Boris Yeltsin suspends the country's Prosecutor-General in what is seen as an attempt to suppress investigation into corruption charges against the President's relatives and top Kremlin officials.

Apr. 3

Cruise missiles from U.S. ships hit the heart of Belgrade, destroying the buildings housing the Serbian and Yugoslav Federal Interior Ministries.

Apr. 5

NATO aircraft launch fresh attacks on targets in Kosovo, bombing the Slatina airfield south-east of the provincial capital Pristina and the Grijilane area further east.

Apr. 6

Yugoslavia declares unilateral ceasefire in Kosovo, offering to take back refugees and work towards a political solution by negotiating with the moderate Kosovo leader, Mr. Ibrahim Rugova. U.S. rejects truce offer.

Apr. 7

The NATO responds to the Yugoslav ceasefire in Kosovo with an intense barrage of bombs and cruise missile attacks against military and civilian targets across Serbia, Kosovo and Montenegro.

Apr. 9

Yugoslavia asks refugees to return to Kosovo. The Russian President warns NATO against sending ground troops into Yugoslavia.

Apr. 10

NATO aircraft continue bombing, brushing aside a warning from Russia.

Apr. 13

Yugoslav forces cross into Albania and occupy a border village.

Apr. 14

Mr. Anwar Ibrahim, deposed Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, is found guilty of four separate but inter-related counts of abuse of authority and sentenced to prison to serve a six-year concurrent conviction.

Apr. 15

The former Pakistan Prime Minister, Ms. Benazir Bhutto and her husband, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, are sentenced to five years in jail and disqualified from public life after being found guilty of corruption by the Lahore High Court.

Apr. 16

Yugoslavia rejects key provisions of a German peace plan.

Apr. 18

Thousands of refugees pour out of Kosovo into camps in Albania and Macedonia as Yugoslavia pushes out refugees in retaliation for NATO's continuing bombing attacks.

Apr. 22

Two teenagers go on the rampage at a school in Denver, Colorado, killing 25.

Apr. 30

NATO blitzes Belgrade, leaving many dead and injured, in one of the heavist raids yet in the five-week old bombing campaign against Yugoslavia.

Cambodia becomes full-fledged member of ASEAN.

May 1

A mail bomb rips through a crowded pub in central London killing two persons and injuring over 70, in what is believed to be the third such attack by neo-Nazi right-wing extremists in as many weeks.

May 2

Yugoslavia releases three American soldiers.

May 5

The European Parliament approves the nomination of the former Italian Prime Minister, Mr. Romano Prodi, as next President of the European Commission.

May 6

Historic agreement on the political future of East Timor is signed in New York by the Foreign Minister of Indonesia and Portugal. A U.N. sponsored balloting to assess the political wishes of the East Timorese, will take place on August 8.

May 7

Nearly 300 years after its abolition in favour of rule from London, Scotland gets back its Parliament in a historic vote.

May 8

NATO missiles hit the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade killing at least four persons.

May 9

Beijing sends a special mission to Belgrade to investigate the NATO missile attack amid massive street protests across China.

May 10

China demands an official apology from the U.S. for the missile attack and suspends diplomatic contacts on military affairs, arms control and human rights issues.

May 12

The Russian President, Mr. Boris Yeltsin, fires his Prime Minister, Mr. Yevgeny Primakov and his Cabinet.

The U.S. Treasury Secretary, Mr. Robert Rubin, resigns.

May 13

Serb troops begin pullout from Kosovo.

Mr. Carlo Azeglio Ciampi is elected Italy's President.

May 14

The Scottish Labour leader, Mr. Donald Dewar is elected Scotland's First Minister.

May 16

The British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair, sets June 30 as the deadline for the transfer of a range of largely home-rule powers from Britain to Northern Ireland.

May 18

Mr. Ehud Barak is set to become the next Prime Minister of Israel.

May 19

Russia's acting Prime Minister, Mr. Sergei Stephashin, wins overwhelming parliamentary approval.

May 23

Mr. Johannes Rau, veteran politician of the ruling Social Democratic Party, is elected German President.

May 27

The International War Crimes Tribunal at The Hague formally indicts the Yugoslav President, Mr. Slobodan Milosevic for war crimes.

The Queen and the Prince of Wales inaugurate the new Welsh Assembly, the first in 600 years.

Moule Kwelagobe, the 19-year-old Miss Botswana, wins the Miss Universe title for 1999.

May 28

The outgoing Israeli Prime Minister, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, resigns from Parliament.

May 29

Mr. Olusegum Obasanjo is sworn in Nigerian President.

Jun. 3

The Serbian Parliament approves the Group of Eight's peace plan on Kosovo.

Jun. 10

Yugoslav troops begin to pull out of Kosovo. NATO suspends air raids on Serbia.

Jun. 12

NATO forces begin entering Kosovo after the surprise arrival of Russian forces in Pristina.

Jun. 14

The South African Parliament elects Mr. Thabo Mbeki, the country's new President.

Jun. 15

North Korea announces that one of its gunboats has been sunk by South Korea naval fire following a standoff in the Yellow Sea near a demarcation line that North Korea refuses to recognise.

Jun. 16

Mr. Mbeki is sworn in South Africa's second democratically elected President.

Jun. 17

Screaming Lord Sutch (58), one of the most colourful characters in British politics and leader of the Monster Raving Loony Party, is found hanging in his London home.

Jun. 19

Prince Edward, the last of Queen Elizabeth's children, weds Ms. Sophie Rhys-Jhones, a public relations executive.

The U.S. and Russia reach agreement ending a standoff over Moscow's peacekeeping role in Kosovo.

Jun. 22

The war in Kosovo officially ends as the last Yugoslav forces leave Kosovo. The Kosovo Liberation Army signs an agreement with NATO to lay down its arms and cease all military activity.

Jun. 29

The rebel Kurdish leader, Mr. Ocalan is sentenced to death after being found guilty of treason.

Jun. 30

The Australian Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Tim Fisher, resigns.

Jun. 23 children die in a blaze in Hwasung, South Korea.

Amnesty international accuses the military authorities in Myanmar of killing and mistreating unarmed civilians.

U.N. mission workers arrive in East Timor to help implement a plebiscite.

An anti-government rally is organised by the opposition in Yugloslavia, demanding the resignation of its president Mr. Slabadon Milosevic.

Jul. 1

Police opens fire at protesters in Jakarta who demand the disqualification of Indonesia's ruling Golkar party from last month's poll .

In Israel, the newly elected Prime Minister, Mr. Ehud Barak, appears to head a coalition Government, after he reaches a pact with Shas.

Talks between South and North Korea stalls.

The South African President, Mr. Thebo Mbeki, announces his country will take part in peace keeping operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The U.S. releases documents related to human rights abuses, terrorism during the Pinochet rule in Chile.

Mr. Clinton's National Security Adviser, Mr. Sandy Burger, deposes before panel in a espionage case.

20 persons are killed when a cable car crashes at Grenoble, France.

Jul. 2

A French Court sentences Panama's former dictator, Mr. Marvel Noriega and his wife, in absentia, to 10 years in jail and imposes a fine of $33 million. He has been in jail in florida since 1990 for drug trafficking.

The U.S. President, Mr. Clinton and the Egyptian President, Mr. Hosni Mubarak meet at the White House and express the hope peace will prevail in West Asia.

The U.S. President says he is prepared for disagreement with the vice-president, Mr. Al Gore.

The U.S. warns North Korea against conducting another missile test.

Deadlock in the Northern Ireland peace talks over decommissioning despite a path-breaking declaration by Sinn Fein that IRA would lay down its weapon by May 2000.

Jul. 2

The Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) launches attacks across Turkey resulting in the death of 22 rebels of the party.

Israeli copters raid Southern Lebanan.

Polish army officer is held for spying.

Jul. 3

Kuwait goes to the polls.

30 die as two boats collide off the Pacific Coast of Mexico city.

The London high court freezes the assets of Nick Leeson, who is responsible for the collapse of Britain's oldest merchant Bank, Barings Bank.

Breakthrough in Congo peace talks.

Jul. 4

Liberals make gains in Kuwaiti polls.

Russia delays deployment of its paratroopers to Kosovo, following fresh disagreements with NATO.

Indonesia promises to respect verdict on East Timor.

Jul. 5

The Latvian Prime Minister, Mr. Vilis Kristopans resigns.

The standoff between Russia and NATO comes to an end.

The Golkar party in Indonesia rules out alliance with leading Islamic parties.

Jul. 6

The Sri Lankan Deputy Defence Minister, Gen. Anuradha Ratwatte, escapes an attempt on his life by LTTE.

The Northern Ireland authorities imposes a ban on protestant orange order March from entering a Roman Catholic area in South Belfast.

The Russian President, Mr. Boris Yeltsin says he will relinquish office in 2000.

Jul. 7

Mrs. Margaret Thatcher, former Premier of U.K., protests against the arrest of former Chilean leader Gen. Pinochet.

Peace deal reaches in Sierra Leone to end eight years of civil war.

The U.S. slaps financial sanctions against Talibans for backing Osoma Bin Laden.

The First Lady, Mrs. Hillary Clinton begins campaign for the Senator race from New York.

Jul. 8

U.K. resumes ties with Libya after a gap of almost 15 years.

The Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr. Mahatir Mohammad rules out an early election.

Jul. 9

A six party coalition led by the Flemish Liberal, Mr. Guy Verhofstadt, set to govern Belgium.

The U.K. Premier, Mr. Tony Blair denies rift with his deputy, Mr. John Prescott.

Jul. 10

The NATO peace keepers reveal more evidence of Serb atrocities when they find mass grave in Kosovo containing as many as 350 bodies.

The Indonesia's Election Commission advances poll results date.

Jul. 11

Students' protest is spreading in Iran after the police enter the Teheran University campus and attack them.

Police foil an attempt to poison England's water supply by a group claiming to be Irish republican terrorists in Dublin.

Rebels reject the peace deal in Congo.

Jul. 12

Security forces are on alert in Northern Ireland as thousands of Protestant orangemen prepare to hold marches across the country.

Lenin's niece warns Russia of any move to shift Lenin's body from Red square which will cause upheavels in the country.

U.N. envoy say fear still reigns in East Timor.

Jul. 13

Unrest in Iran as police fire teargas to disperse some 10,000 pro-democracy demonstrators in Teheran.

The son of Nikita Khrushchev, the Soviet leader who promised to bury the U.S., Mr. Serbei Khrushchev becomes U.S. Citizen.

Jul. 14

Iran's Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, orders a clampdown on anti-Government protesters as thousands attend pro-Government rally at Teheran University.

Jul. 15

Ulster peace process is in limbo as the Ulster Unionist party refuses to join a new Government which accommodate Sinn Fein.

Normality is restored in Teheran after a week of unrest.

Mr. Oscar RamireJan. Durand, leader of the rebel movement ``shining path'' is captured by a Peruvian army patrol in a jungle gorge.

Jul. 16

The ruling Golkar Party in Indonesia concedes defeat while the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) of Ms. Megawati Sukarnoputri, falls short of majority.

The Albanian leader Mr. Ibrahim Rugova returns to Kosova after being in exile in May

Jul. 17

The U.S. Coast Guard and the Air National Guard launch a search to locate the missing private plane of John F. Kennedy Jr. at Martha's vineyard. Later they spot some wreckage of the missing plane.

A rally is held to mark the 23rd year of annexation of East Timor to Indonesia.

Taiwan says it is fully prepared to face China's military threat.

Jul. 18

Search intensifies to track missing Kennedy's at Martha's vineyard, some debris belonging to the plane and passengers are washed up ashore.

Setback to Columbian peace talks as the government and the rebels fail to agree on a team of international observers.

Jul. 19

Russian forces attack Chechen guerilla in response to an overnight attack by gunman.

Coast Guard personnel give up hopes on looking for the missing plane and shift their operation from rescue to recovery as the chance of survival in cold water impossible.

The Jordon King sacks the chief of the armed forces.

The Israeli Prime Minister sets a 15-month deadline for deal with Palestinians.

The Afghan peace talks begin at Tashkent.

Jul. 20

China warns the Taiwanese president, Mr. Lee-Teng-Hui of taking a dangerous step to split the country. Mr. Lee calls for public support to his statehood claim.

The launching of U.S. space shuttle, Columbia, is aborted following a snag.

The WTO ends a deadlock over leadership dispute.

The French conservative MP, Ms. Nicol Fontaine is elected president of the European Parliament.

The apex constitution court in Russia's upholds a restitution law banning the return of war trophies to Germany and its allies in the second World War and rejects Mr. Yeltsin's plea.

The Afghan peace talks fails in Tashkent.

Jul. 21

The body of John F. Kennedy Jr. and the wreckage of his plane are found off the coast of Martha's vineyard.

China threatens to invade Taiwan if the latter declares independence.

Thousands of followers of the spiritual group, Falun Gong, are detained in Beijing for protesting against the detentions of more than 100 local leaders.

Jul. 22

The ashes of John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife Carolyn Besette Kennedy and sister-in-law Lauren Besette are scattered over the sea of Maratha's vineyard.

China bans the spiritual sect, Falun Gong.

The Irish Republican Army (IRA) blames the Ulster unionists and the British Government for the impasse in the Good Friday agreement.

A British ship carrying a cargo of deadly plutonium leaves France to Japan.

Jul. 23

A five-day annual ASEAN meet begin in Singapore which will focus on Taiwan and East Timor and other issues.

The U.S. space shuttle, Columbia, blasts off under the first woman commander Ms. Eile Collins, after two failed attempts.

The former Ecuadorean President Mr. Fabian Alarcon, is released on bail after four months in jail for corruption charges.

Jul. 24

The Crown prince of Morocco, Sidi Mohammed, is enthroned after the death of his father, King Hassan II.

14 Serbs are gunned down in a village in Central Kosovo.

Jul. 25

British customs seize 20 tonnes of material and component apparently meant for Pakistan's nuclear programme.

World leaders gather in Morocco to bid a farewell to King Hassan II.

The Indonesian President, Mr. B. J. Habibie, rules out a coalition government with the main opposition leader, Ms. Megawati Sukarnoputri.

Jul. 26

The Venezuelan President, Mr. Hugo Chevez's Patriotic Pole coalition wins on overwhelming majority in a national Assembly poll.

Malaysia's Lower House of Parliament rejects an opposition motion calling for a debate against the Prime Minister, Mr. Mahatir.

Jul. 27

Lord Melchef, former Labour Minister and executve director of Green Peace and 30 others are arrested.

Jul. 28

The Israeli President, Mr. Barak and the Palestinian leader, Mr. Yasser Arafat agree on to modify certain parts of the Wye river agreement.

The Russian Prime Minister Mr. Sergei Stepeshin warns the U.S. against assuming the role of global policeman.

18 are killed in Swiss canyon disaster.

Jul. 29

The leader of TULF, Dr. Neelan Tiruchelvam is assassinated by a suspected LTTE suicide bomber in Colombo.

The U.N. postpones referendum in East Timor.

France is ordered to pay $1,00,000 for rights abuse by the European Court of Human Rights.

China lifts ban on U.S. military flights to Hong Kong.

U.S. wants the handing over of Osama Bin Laden and warns Taliban that it is ready for confrontation.

Rockets hit Kabul as fierce fighting continues between ruling Taliban and the opposition alliances.

Jul. 30

The U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton is fined for lying under oath.

A man identified as Mark Burton opens fire in two brokerage offices in Atlanta killing nine and injuring 12.

Taiwan parliament refuses to amend the Constitution to declare the country an independent nation.

Jul. 31

Differences emerge on Balkans strategy.

Century long U.S. presence in Panama ends.

Autonomy most realistic option for East Timor, says Mr. Alatas, the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

Iraq says the United States has induced instability in various parts of the world.

Aug. 1

Pakistan bows to IMF pressure and hints at a steep hike in cost of utilities.

The U.S. Defence Secretary, Mr. William Cohen welcomes Georgia to join the NATO.

Space scientists have little hope of finding water on the moon.

Aug. 2

China tests new missile.

Russia seeks U.S. Cooperation on West Asia peace process.

Documents classified by the U.S. confirm Japan as a long standing nuclear partner with it.

Mr. Richard Butler, Chief of the Special Commission, United Nations, accuses the Secretary General of destroying the commission.

Aug. 3

Millennium will see euro in good health, according to the Deutsche Bank of Germany.

The U.N. Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan dismisses the charge of Mr. Richard Butler on U.N. Special Commission.

New computer installed in Russia's Mir Space Station .

Aug. 4

The British Defence Secretary, Mr. George Robertson is named the new NATO chief.

A U.S. Senate Bill on security enhancement may worsen China- Taiwan row.

Aug. 5

North Korea's proposed missile test causes concern. The Indian scientists get U.S. patent for a chemical from rice bran acid oil.

Aug. 6

The Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Keizo Obuchi says his Government will try to abolish nuclear arms.

The U.N. Security Council criticises the Taliban for launching offensive against opposition forces in Afghanistan.

Aug. 7

The U.S. and Japan are to launch anti- missile project.

Aug. 9

The Russian President, Mr. Boris Yeltsin sacks the Prime Minister, Mr. Sergei Steposhin and appoints Mr. Vladimir Putin.

Aug. 10

Russia launches major offensive against Islamists in Dagestan.

Aug. 11

The Palestinian leader, Mr. Yasser Arafat accepts later date for Israeli pullout from the West Bank.

Aug. 15

SADC summit begins in Magputo, Mozambique in the wake of failure to resolve conflicts.

Aug. 16

The sacked Malaysian Deputy Premier, Mr. Anwar Ibrahim is charged with slashing secret documents.

Aug. 17

Earthquake hits Turkey, killing more than 800. Pic. on page 16.

Aug. 18

Mr. N. R. Nathan is elected the sixth President of Singapore.

North Korea is ready to negotiate over concerns about its missile programme.

The Bosnian president denies the charge that over a billion dollars of aid money sent by the western countries has been stolen by the officials.

Aug. 19

The United States and Russia agree for further cut in nuclear weapons.

West Asia peace talks breakdown for the second time.

The toll in the earthquake in Turkey rises to 40,000.

A massive rally in Belgrade seeks ouster of Milosevic, President of the Yugoslavia.

Aug. 21

The United Nations disapproves NATO pack with the Kosovo Liberation Army.

China opposes move to include Taiwan in the United States missile shield.

Aug. 22

The Sri Lankan President, Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunga calls for support to peace package.

Iran denies plans for nuclear tests.

A plot to kill the former Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochit is being investigated.

The United Kingdom and Argentina plan military exercises.

Aug. 24

Workers stage rallies to protest unilateral wage increase in public sector units in S.Africa.

Aug. 25

The British Defence Secretary, Mr. George Robertson is created peer.

Berlin emerges the capital of Europe's powerhouse as the German Parliament moves from Berlin.

Iraq accuses Allied forces of hitting its civilian targets.

Aug. 27

The chief of the World Trade Organisation welcomes China into its fold.

Aug. 30

Over 90 per cent vote is recorded in East Timor poll.

The Zimbabwe's President, Mr. Robert Mugabe demands compensation from Britain for colonising the country.

The U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton may face perjury trial in Monica Lewinsky affair.

The U.S. and North Korea are likely to reach a deal on test missiles.

Russia and China are to strengthen their defence ties.

Russia launches final offensive against the rebels in Dagestan.

A French Magistrate rules out any conspiracy in Diana's death.

Sep. 1

Post-poll security concerns mounts in East Timor, with calls for the deployment of a U.N. Peace-Keeping force.

The Russian President, Mr. Boris Yeltsin, orders the Defence Minister, Marshal Igor Sergeyev, to rush to Tashkent to discuss the situation in Kyrgyzstan.

The former New Zealand Prime Minister, Mr. Mike Moore, takes over as the head of the World Trade Organisation.

The U.N. sponsored popular consultation in East Timor, comes under a cloud.

Bomb blast near Kremlin injure 40

Argentine passenger plane crashes on take-off from an airport near Buenos Aires, killing 80.

Sep. 2

Mr. N. Manickathasan, vice president of the People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) killed in a powerful claymore bomb in Vavunia.

Ms. Mireya Moscoso, sworn in as Panama's first woman President.

Palestinians accuse Israel of brinkmanship on the Wye river pact.

The British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair, says Northern Ireland peace is his priority.

Mr. S. R. Nathan, sworn in as Singapore's sixth president.

Sep. 3

Tension in East Timor reaches a crescendo on the eve of poll verdict.

Israel and Palestinians come `close' to an agreement on the Wye accord.

Mr. James Mawdsley, a Briton and a campaigner against human rights abuses in Myanmar begins his 17-year prison sentence.

Sep. 4

A U.N. police officer is injured and armed gangs of pro-Indonesia militias forces the U.N. to abandon five towns as violence overshadows in East Timor's poll.

Sep. 5

The independent Electoral Commission tries to avert a possible show down between Jakarta and the U.N. over the East Timor imbroglio.

Sep. 6

The Egyptian President, Mr. Hosni Mubarak, escapes bid on life.

The highly-charged sex trial of the former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Anwar Ibrahim, resumes after a two-week recess.

Sunday Timessays that Sotheby's, the international auction house, had sold fake antique furniture department.

The U.N. Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan, urges the Indonesian President, Mr. B. J. Habibie, to ensure a peaceful transition in East Timor.

Sep. 7

Russia launches proton rocket safely from the Baikonour space base in Kazakhstan.

The Spanish Judge, Mr. Baltasar Garzon, demands that Gen. Pinochet, former Chilean dictator, present himself in Spain within 20 days, in rights violation case.

The Indonesian Government sets at liberty the leader of the East Timorese independence movement, Mr. Xanana Gusmao.

The United Nations gives Jakarta 48 hours to set the house in order in East Timor.

Sep. 8

A Swiss investigation finds evidence an international construction company allegedly paid off credit card bills of the Russian President, Mr. Boris Yeltsin and his daughters.

The Indonesian crisis over East Timor overshadows the preparations for the summit in ministerial meetings of the forum for Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation.

The official death toll in the worst earthquake rises to 50.

Sep. 9

A powerful blast shatters a nine-storey apartment building in Moscow, killing atleast 70 people.

The Russian President, Mr. Boris Yeltsin, denies the allegations of corruption and money laundering.

The forum for Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) convey their collective political will to see the results of the ballot on ending violence in East Timor.

The U.N. Security Council warns Indonesia of further action if the situation does not improve there.

Sep. 10

The U.S. announces suspension of relations with the Indonesian military.

Fears of a massacre inside the besieged U.N. Compound in East Timor rises as most of the staff evacuate airport.

Broadcaster, Ms. Adrienne Clarkson, appointed Canada's 26th Governor General.

The Indonesian army Commander, Gen. Wiranto, says he will recommend the ``accelerated deployment of international peacekeepers'' to East Timor.

Doctors in London help deliver a baby developed outside its mother's womb.

Mrs. Melita Norwood, is revealed as one of the most successful spy of the cold war, according to a BBC investigation.

Sep. 12

Indonesia bows to international pressure and decides to invite a U.N. peace keeping force to restore law and order in East Timor.

Russia and U.S. decide to join forces against Saudi terrorist and Osama Bin Laden.

15

The U.N. General Assembly elects the Foreign Minister of Namibia, Mr. Theo-ben Gurirab, as its president.

The Pacific Island States of Kiribati, Nauru and Tonga joins the United Nations.

The United Nations Security Council authorises the setting up of a multinational force to restore peace and security in East Timor.

Sep. 17

Mr. Bill Gates and his wife, Mrs. Melinda pledge $ 1 million for college scholarship to minority students over the next 20 years.

Indonesia announces a massive withdrawal of its military units from East Timor.

Sep. 18

Fifty Sinhalese villagers are hacked to death a massacre in Eastern Sri Lanka.

The Australian led multinational military force, begins a countdown for its operations, for peace in East Timor.

Sep. 19

The Australian commander of the multinational force, Maj. Gen. Peter Cosgrove, meets the Indonesian military commander in East Timor, Maj Gen. Kiki Syahnakri, to discuss the modalities of the peace mission.

The Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Keizo Obuchi, is re-elected the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's Chief.

The United Nations - mandated Multinational Force (MNF) for East Timor begins its field assignment, code named, ``Operation Stabilise''

Sep. 21

A devastating earthquake in Taiwan, kills nearly, 15,000 people and leaves 4,000 injured.

Kosovo rebels, under intense pressure from the NATO and the U.N. agree to finalise demobilisation terms.

Sep. 22

Dr. Walter Playwright of the United Kingdom gets the prestigious $ 250,000 World Food Prize, 40 years after he developed a vaccine to rid of the rinderpest.

Sep. 23

A new security crisis looms over East Timor, even as Indonesia lifts martial law there as a prelude to a total pullout of its troops.

Sep. 24

The Pakistan's Army Chief, General PerveJan. Musharraf, declares that there were ``no differences'' between the Government and the Army.

White supremacist, Lawrence Russell Brewer, is sentenced to death in Bryan by lethal injection for dragging to death a disabled blackman.

Russia launches massive air raids against Chechnya and the Prime Minister, Mr. Vladimir Putin, calls for joint action by former Soviet Republics to combat terrorism.

Violence unnerves Jakarta due to clashes between soldiers and protesters.

Sep. 26

The Russian Defence Minister, Mr. Igor Sergeyer, says that a land operation might be launched in Chechnya to stamp out terrorism.

Sep. 27

Mr. Hosni Mubarak, is elected for a fourth term as President of Egypt after he wins a referendum.

Russia intensifies aerial bombardment of Chechnya.

Sep. 28

The president of the World Bank, Mr. James Wolfensohn, is renominated for a second term.

Sep. 29

The Pakistani Prime Minister, Mr. NawaJan. Sharif, extends by one-and-a-half year the additional charge of the Army Chief, General PerveJan. Musharraf.

The United Nations and the United States take new initiatives of differing magnitudes on independence in East Timor.

Sep. 30

The United States formally announces that it will cancel the debt due from some 40 countries if it was shown that the money was used for basic needs.

The German novelist, Mr. Gunter Grass wins the Nobel Prize for literature.

The Chinese Premier, Mr. Zhu Rongji, says the Beijing will make due contribution to world peace.

The Indonesian President, Mr. B. J. Habibie, assures the U.S. Defence Secretary, Mr. William Cohen, of all steps to investigate the charges of atrocities by Jakarta's armed forces in East Timor.

Sep. 30

The 1999 Nobel Prize for literature goes to the German Novelist, Mr. Guenter Grass.

Four share the 1999 Right Livelihood Award, often called an alternative Nobel Prize.

A member of the Japanese doomsday cult is sentenced to death in connection with the release of lethal nerve gas on the Tokyo subways in 1995 killing 12 and leaving thousands ill.

Mishap at a Japanese nuclear fuel facility.

U.S. denies role in 1953 Korean massacre.

Oct. 1

China celebrates the 50th anniversary of its communist rule.

18 are killed in mexican earthquake.

Gunmen seize Myanmar's Embassy in Bangkok to protest against the Myanmar Military Government.

The Kazakstan Premier, Mr. Nurlan Balgimbayev resigns.

A Palestinian radical, Mr. Mustafa Zubasi returns to West Bank after 32 years in exile.

276 Irani prisoners of war (POWs) arrive 11 years after the end of the Gulf War.

Oct. 2

An Indian born British nanny, Ms. Manjit Basuta, is sentenced to 25 years in jail for causing the death of a California toddler.

Mr. Jeffrey Archer, the millionaire novelist, is chosen as the Conservative Party's candidate for the London's Mayor post.

All hostages are released in Myanmar's Embassy incident and the gunmen flyout in a helicopters given by the Thailand authorities.

Russian troops occupy a village in Chechnya

Oct. 3

The opening of the `safe passage' connecting the West Bank and Gaza strip is postponed as hundreds of Israelis demonstrate against this.

Japan orders a probe into the cause of the nuclear mishap.

Oct. 4

Mr. Amien Rais is sworn in the Speaker of Indonesia's People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

The far-right freedom party of Mr. Joerg Haider, emerges as the second largest in Austria's general election.

Oct. 5

A non-bailable arrest warrant is issued against the former Pakistani Prime Minister, Ms. Benazir Bhutto who is in exile in another corruption case.

Dr. Wouter Basson nicknamed ``Dr. Death'', the mastermind of South Africa's aparthied-era chemical and biological warfare programme, faces 64 charges ranging from conspiracy to murder.

Oct. 5

Bernard Buffet (71) the French Painter, designer as well as sculptor, commits suicide.

Oct. 6

The ruling Golkar Party bags speaker post in Indonesia.

Chechnya calls for holy war on Russia.

The Europe's largest Jewish Cemmetery is desercrated in Berlin.

Oct. 7

Russia rejects European Union mediation in Chechnya.

Oct. 8

A British Magistrate's Court gives a ruling to allow the extradition of former Chilean dictator Gen. Augusto to Spain.

Europe urges U.S. to ratify CTBT.

Oct. 9

Taliban agrees to shut down terrorist camps.

More than 100 judges are suspended by Venezuela's Constitutional Assembly.

Oct. 10

Sri Lankan Army celebrates its golden jubilee.

Dalai Lama says Tibet is seeking autonomy, not independence from China.

Multinational Force clashes with anti-independence guerilla of East Timor and kills one militia man.

The Austrian Chancellor, Mr. Viktor Klima tells Israel that Hailder's far-right Freedom Party will not be invited to join the Government.

Oct. 11

The German cell and molecular biologist, Mr. Guenter Blobel wins the 1999 Nobel Prize for medicine.

Probe finds no proof against the former Indonesian President, Gen. Suharto asking him to stand trial on charges of abusing authority while in power and amassing wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income.

The Prime Minister, Mr. Antoni Guterre's Socialist Party returns to power in Portugal.

Oct. 12

Army takes over in Pakistan, Mr. NawaJan. Sharif is sacked and confined to House.

Dutch Physicists, Dr. Gerardus't Hooft and Dr. Martinus Veltman share the 1999 Nobel Prize for Physics and the Egyptian Scientist, Dr. Ahmed Zewail gets for Chemistry.

Pakistan's supreme court exonerates Ms. Bhutto's Government of corruption charges but rejects a plea to restore it.

World Population turns 6 billion.

An U.N. Staffer is shot dead in Kosovo.

Oct. 13

A Canadian Prof. Robert Mundell gets the 1999 Nobel Prize for Economics.

The coup is for the good of the country says General Musharraf.

People in Lahore celebrate the ouster of Mr. Sharif.

High drama at PTV station

The European Union condemns coup.

The U.S. wants democracy restored in Pakistan.

Oct. 14

Big blow to Mr. Clinton, as the U.S. Senate rejects CTBT. But the president vows not to give up.

Martial law unlikely in Pakistan.

Dr. Julius Nyerere (77) is dead. He led Tanzania to Independence and was President of the country from (1961-85)

Ms. Bhutto tries to get in touch with Gen. Musharraf.

Students on rampage in Jakarta.

Oct. 15

The Pakistan Army Chief. Gen. PerveJan. Musharraf assumes sweeping powers, suspends the constitution and Parliament.

The Medical Aid Charity Medicin Sans Frontiers (Doctors without burdens) gets the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize.

The Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, Mr. Karl Inderfurth says return of Mr. Sharif to office is a remote possibility.

Mr. Josef Burg (91) founding father of Israel dies in Jerusalem.

Street battles continue in Jakarta for the second day.

Oct. 16

Pakistan's military regime launches ``ruthless process'' to hold previous Governments including Mr. Sharif and Ms. Butto, accountable for their acts of omission and commission. Leading politicians and religious leaders in Pakistan want restoration of democracy.

Taliban rejects the U.S. demand to hand over Osama Bin Laden.

The U.N. gives ultimatum to Teliban to handover Osama or face sanctions.

Calm prevails in Jakarta after two days of rioting by students.

Major quake rocks California knocking out power to parts of Los Angeles.

Oct. 17

The Pakistani Military Ruler, Gen. Musharraf announces de-escalation along the India-Pakistan border.

An opinion poll on Pakistani website supports Martial law.

Oct. 19

Indonesia's top legislature endorses East Timor independence.

The Indonesian President, Mr. Habibie loses a crucial vote in the newly constituted People's Consultative Assembly (MPR)

The Commonwealth bans Pakistan's military regime from attending the grouping summit in Durban next month. While Pakistan regrets the decision.

A top aide to Mr. Kenneth Starr is sworn in the independent counsel replacing Mr. Starr.

Schindler's widow claims documents which include lists of 1,200 jewish factory workers he saved from the holocaust. The papers are found in the house near Hanover where Schindier died.

An Egyptian Airlines jet carrying 48 passengers from Istanbul to Cairo, is hijacked.

The Chinese President, Mr. Jiang Zemin gets ceremonial welcome at the start of his four-day State visit to Britain, the first by a Chinese President.

Oct. 20

Mr. Abdurrahman Wahid is Indonesia's new president, Ms. Megawati Sukarnoputri is defeated.

Ms. Elizabeth Dole, the only woman in the 2000 U.S. Presidential campaign, pulls out of the Republican race.

The Ku Klux Khan (KKK) seeks to hold rally in Manhattan.

Russia wins G-8 support on Chechnya.

Oct. 21

The Pakistan Army Chief, Gen. Mr. Musharraf appoints Governors for all the four Provinces since the October 12 coup.

The Pakistan Muslim League (N) demands the release of Mr. Sharif.

Ms. Megawati Sukarnoputri is Indonesia's vice-president.

The Japanese diplomat, Mr. Koichiro Matsuura is the next Director General of the UNESCO.

Oct. 22

Another major quake hits Taiwan. The city of Chiayi bears the brunt of quack

118 are killed in Russia's missile attack on Grozny.

The leader of the East Timor's independence movement, Mr. Xanana Gusmao returns to the territory's capital, Dili from Darwin, Australia. He was recently freed from detention by the Indonesian authorities.

The fugitive French war-time criminal, Maurice Papon, is arrested in Berne.

Noted Pakistani journalist, Najim Sethi and his wife get the International Press Freedom awards.

The former Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. Benjamin Natanyahu is grilled by the police after the discovery of state-owned valuables at his home.

Oct. 23

The former Sicilian Premier, Mr. Givlio Andreotti is acquitted by a Sicilian Court. He was accused of doing favours for Siciliy's media in exchange for votes.

The U.N. Security Council asks Taliban to stop training terrorists.

254 people are injured but no deaths in Taiwan quake say authorities.

The British Television Network, Sky News, among 21 is nominated for the 27th Annual International Emmy Awards.

Oct. 24

France stops delivery of submarine to Pakistan.

China reiterates its support to ratify the CTBT.

The Pakistani General Musharraf will be visiting Saudi Arabia and UAE.

Oct. 25

Opposition triumphs in Argentina's Presidential poll.

Pakistan National Security Council (NSC) is constituted with the appointment of four members.

Mr. Christoph Blocker's right wing Swiss People's Party impressive win in the Swiss polls.

The banned spiritual set, Falun Gong protests at Tiananmen Square in Beijing.

The U.N. Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan accuses the U.S. of ``disrupting the operation of the oil-for-food programme which permits Iraq to sell a limited amount of oil and spend the proceeds on humanitarian operations.

The President of Tunisia, Mr. Zine-al-Abidine ben Ali is re- elected for third five-year term.

The safe passage between the West Bank and Gaza Strip is opened for Palestinians.

Oct. 26

Mr. J. M. Coetzee of South Africa bags the Booker Prize for 1999. He is the first to receive the award twice.

The Albanian Prime Minister, Mr. Pandeli Majko, resigns after he loses the race for the party leadership.

Russia offers a $1 million reward for the head of the Chechen Warlord, Shamil Basayev.

Britain calls for U.N. revamp.

Oct. 27

The Armenia's Premier, Mr. Vazgen Sarkisian, is shot dead by three masked gunman inside Parliament.

Hereditary Peers are voted out in Britain's Upper Chamber of Parliament through a bill to end their right to sit in the House of Lords.

The Iranian President, Mr. Mohammad Khatami, begins a three day visit to France.

Russian jets bombard Grozny.

Netherlands lifts its century-long ban on brothels.

Cases against the former Indonesian President Genera Suharto may be reopened.

Oct. 28

Gunmen who killed Armenia's Premier and six other leaders, surrender.

The U.S. is again told to pay dues to U.N.

China brands the outlawed Falun Gong movement a cult.

The Cuban President, Mr. Fidel Castro is ready for ties with the U.S.

Oct. 29

21 are killed when a Pakistani spy plane crashes over the coastal areas.

Russia denounces Georgia's plan to seek NATO membership.

``The Exorcist'' is voted the scariest movie ever by the British.

Oct. 30

S. Thondaman (86) Sri Lankan Minister of Livestock Development and Estate Infrastructure and Leader of Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) passes away in Colombo.

Indonesian troops leave East Timor.

Pursuit will continue even if Osama is planning to leave Afghanistan says the U.S.

The Myanmar's Supreme Court dismisses a law suit brought by the opposition leader, Ms. Aung Sen Suu Kyi, against the Junta Government.

Militants in British issue a fatwa against the American playwright, Terrence Mcnany, for portraying Jesus Christ as a homosexual in his play.

Oct. 31

214 are feared killed when an Egyptian Airlines carrying them from New York to Cairo, goes down in the Atlantic.

Blaze kills 55 in South Korea.

Ukranian goes to the polls.

Crackdown on Falun Gong is intensified.

Egyptians workers go on rampage in Kuwait.

Nov. 1

Possibility of survivors remote in the Egyptian Airlines crash.

The Malaysian Prime Minister, Mr. Mahathir accepts a subpoena to testify in the sodomy trial involving Mr. Anwar Ibrahim.

France's Finance Minister, Mr. Dominique Strauss-Kahn is likely to resign after he is suspected of being linked to a corruption scandal.

The Georgian President, Mr. Eduard Shevardnadze, claims victory in the parliamentary election.

Violence in Bangladesh. At least 20 people including two photographers are injured.

Quake rocks Taiwan after one month.

Nov. 2

A.Nadarajah (36) an MP of the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) is shot dead in Colombo.

LTTE claims takeover of northern town.

Taiwan is a sovereign country says its President, Mr. Lee Teng- Hui.

Mr. Christian Sautter is the new Finance Minister of France.

Henry Ford is Fortune Magazine's ``businessman of the century''.

Shanti Bahini rebels form political party in Bangladesh.

Nov. 3

The former Bangladesh Premier and opposition Jatiya Party leader, Kazi Zafar Ahmed is sentenced to 15 years' rigorous imprisonment.

LTTE claims control of another northern town.

Mr. Michael Partillo, the charismatic right-winger, returns to Parliamentary politics after two and a half years in political wilderness.

Iran's press court sentences three to jail for blasphemous' play.

Nov. 4

The Sri Lankan Minister, S.Thondaman is cremated with state honours.

Heavy fighting in Sri Lanka.

Former Bangladesh President, Gen.H.M.Erashad is banned from travelling abroad.

Countdown begins for a referendum on Australia becoming republic.

Nov. 6

Australians vote to retain monarchy.

LTTE claims two more northern towns in Sri Lanka.

SAARC meet is put off.

Nov. 8

The former Soviet President, Mr. Mikhail Gorbachev, is awarded Germany's highest order of merit.

Support swells for the New Zealand Foreign Minister, Mr. Don Mckinnen to become next secretary-general of the Commonwealth.

A senior official is sentenced to death for graft in the Chinese city of Ningbo.

Rally demands referendum on Indonesia's province, Aceh.

A report says Osama fighters are being trained in U.K.

Nov. 9

Germany celebrates the fall of Berlin wall.

The U.S. renews economic sanctions on Iran.

The opposition strike paralyses Bangladesh.

The Georgian President, Mr. Shevardnadze wins an outright majority in the country's parliamentary poll.

Nov. 10

Mr. Bill Clinton cancels Greece visit following mass protests against the visit.

The IMF chief, Mr. Michel Camdessus decides to resign citing personal reasons.

The Malaysian Premier, Dr. Mahathir calls a snap general election to Parliament eight months' ahead of schedule.

The IMF criticises Germany's tough labour laws.

Army evicts illegal settlers in West Bank.

Nov. 11

Over 2,000 bodies are exhumed from graves in Kosovo.

Sino-U.S. negotiations on the former's accession to the WTO break off.

The extreme right-wing Austrian leader, Mr. Joerg Haider rejects Hitler politics.

Nov. 12

Rocket attacks on the U.S. and the U.N. installations in Pakistan . It is a barbaric act says the U.S.

The Commonwealth suspends Pakistan for an indefinite period from the councils of the commonwealth.

Any military Government is bad says the Nigerian President, Mr. Obasanjo at the CHOGM in Durban.

Malaysia's 10th general election will be held on November 29.

Russia lashes out at U.S. for trying to weaken its international position and oust it from Cacacus.

Nov. 13

At least 321 people are killed and 1,860 injured in a massive earthquake in the western Turkish city of Bolu .

Residents of Vavunia in northern Sri Lanka, leave the town after the LTTE calls for the evacuation of the area .

Nov. 14

The U.N. slaps sanctions on Afghanistan.

CHOGM demands immediate release of Mr. NawaJan. Sharif.

Anti-American protests rock Kabul after the U.N. sanctions against the Taliban comes into effect.

A pre-poll survey shows Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunga's party ahead in the presidential poll in Sri Lanka.

19 people are killed in a storm in Southwestern France.

The President of Brazil, Mr. Fernendo Henrique Cordoso's car is stolen in Sao Paulo.

The U.N. Chief, Mr. Kofi Annan arrives in Beijing on a four day visit to China.

Nov. 15

A petition is filed in Pakistan's Supreme Court to restore Mr. Sharif Government.

The U.S. and China sign a deal that will pave the way for the latter's entry into WTO.

France faces legal action over ban on British beef.

A Japanese rocket carrying a satellite fails to reach orbit and is deliberately blown up eight minutes after its launch.

Nov. 17

Pakistan's military ruler, Gen.Musharraff, rules out early return to democracy. His government arrests ``top loan defaultor''.

Civilians, who fled Vavuniya, are returning to the town following the announcements by the LTTE.

Nov. 18

The ousted Pakistani Premier, Mr. NawaJan. Sharif, is shifted to Karachi from Rawalpindi.

At the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Summit, in Istanbul, the U.S. President, Mr. Clinton calls for European role in Chechnya. While the Russian President Mr. Boris Yeltsin, enraged over West's criticism, stages walkout.

Russia slams Pakistan for criticising its military campaign in Chechnya.

The Indonesian President, Mr. Wahid remains firm in his stand on Aceh.

The Malaysian Election Commission rules out postponement of the general election slated for November 29.

The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) is shocked over the National Accountability Bureau (NAB)'s declaration that Ms. Bhutto is a ``proclaimed offender''.

Nov. 19

Leaders of 54 countries including the U.S. and Russia adopt a charter for European security.

The toll in Turkish quake rises to 675.

The U.S. navy fighter attacks a military radar site in Southern Iraq.

Muslim clerics issue a fatwa against Osama.

The Israeli Prime Minister, Mr. Ehud Barak escapes unhurt when a jet carrying him and his party collides with a baggage truck on the turmac of the Manchester airport.

Nov. 20

The Sri Lankan Army regains the pilgrim town, Madu from LTTE.

Greece Leftists anti-American protest mars the U.S. President Mr. Clinton's visit to Greece .

The former Malaysian Deputy Premier, Mr. Anwar Ibrahim pulls out of fray, his wife files papers.

Nov. 21

China launches its first shuttle into space.

38 civilians are killed and 56 injured in shelling at 450-year- old Madhu Church in Northern Sri Lanka.

The former Soviet President, Mr. Mikhail Gorbachev confirms that he will not stand in the Russian Presidential polls scheduled for June next year.

Lord Jeffrey Archer is forced to step down as conservative candidate for London Mayor race.

U.K. freezes Angolan's rebel leader, Mr. Jonas Savvimbi's bank accounts.

Nov. 22

Tension in Mannar as the LTTE attacks Army camp.

16 armed drug traffickers are killed by Iranian commandos in a shootout in northern Iran.

Jordan expels four jailed Hamas leaders.

Colombia extradites drug lord, Jaime Lara to stand trial in the U.S.

Nov. 23

The ousted Pakistani Premier, Mr. Sharif's father and other male members of his family are arrested.

Three Iranian students involved in the July's unrest are given death sentence.

Kuwait's parliament rejects a decree granting women full political rights.

U.K. dominates the Emmy awards winning in six of the seven categories.

Iraq suspends the export of oil under the oil-for-food agreement.

Nov. 24

A 500-year-old Muslim shrine is badly damaged in an attack in the Pakistani city of Multan.

Setback to Mr. Sharif in hijack case as one of the accused in that case turns approver.

Nov. 25

The death sentence against the Kurdish guerilla leader, Mr. Abdulla Ocalan is upheld by a Turkish appeals court.

Violence rocks Karachi after a raid on the home of a break-away leader of Mohajir Quami Movement (MQM).

Nov. 26

The former Italian Premier, Mr. Silvo Berlusconi faces trial on corruption charges.

24 are killed and more than 100 injured in a violence in the city of Ambon in Indonesia.

The Croatia's Parliament Speaker, Mr. Vlatko Pavletic takes over power after its constitutional court declares the ailing President, Mr. Franjo Tudjman temporarily unfit to rule.

Nov. 27

The U.K. imposes a ban on recruiting Asian, African or Caribbean nurses.

The New Zealand Prime Minister, Ms. Jenny Shipley concedes defeat in the general election to the Centre-Left coalition.

Iran's leading reformist politician, Mr. Abdullah Nouri gets five years jail term for religious dissent.

Nov. 28

The U.S. and British war planes strike on a primary school in Iraq injuring eight persons.

29

The Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr. Mahatir Mohammad leads the Nation front to a convincing victory in the country's general election.

Mr. Jorge Batlle wins the Uruguay's presidential run off election.

Nov. 30

Hundreds of protesters stage demonstration outside the venue of the third Ministerial meeting of the WTO in Seattle.

Two-thirds win for the Malaysian Premier, Mr. Mahathir, in the general election. The wife of the jailed Deputy Premier, Mr. Anwar Ibrahim, Ms. Wan Azizah, wins the first Parliamentary seat for the new party.

The U.S. President, Mr. Clinton signs a massive $390-billion budget plan including payment of U.N. dues.

The former German Chancellor, Mr. Helmut Kohl, admits the charge that he operates secret party slush funds during his 16 years in office.

The Kuwaiti Parliament rejects a Bill to grant women the right to vote and stand for office in elections.

Dec. 1

Seattle appears calm after a day of violence and sporadic looting.

The European Court of Human Rights asks Turkey to suspend the death sentence of Mr. Abdullah Ocalan.

Dec. 2

The U.S. bans child labour.

The military regime in Pakistan amends the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Protests continue in Seattle for second day.

Parliament of world's religions, only third in 106 years, meets in Cape Town.

U.K. transfers power to New Government in Northern Ireland.

The Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine is closed.

Dec. 3

Deadlock in Seattle talks.

Attackers sabotage the power supply to the WTO headquarters in Geneva.

Mr. Sem Nujama's Swapo party wins the presidential and parliamentary elections in Namibia.

A hunt is on for a man who claims to have killed 100 begger children in Pakistan.

Dec. 4 WTO talks collapse, NGOs claim victory in Seattle

The ex-General of Argentina, Gen. Guillermo SuareJan. Mason is arrested for kidnapping babies in the ``dirty war''.

China sentences a U.S. based missile expert to 15 years in jail for leaking state secrets.

Dec. 5

31 people are killed in Christian-Muslim clashes in Maluku, Indonesia.

Thousands stage rally for Basque independence in Spain.

Dec. 6

A leader of the Hutu militia group is convicted by a U.N. Tribunal and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Dec. 7

The U.S. President, Mr. Clinton attacks China on Falun Gong issue and also Russia on Chechnya.

Russia rejects west's criticism on Chechnya issue.

Two Libians accused of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing, appear in open court.

Peace not possible without resolving Kashmir, says the Pakistani Chief Executive, Gen. Musharraf.

Dec. 8

The former Pakistani Prime Minister, Mr. NawaJan. Sharif is charged with `waging war' in the plane hijack case.

The Indonesian President, Mr. Abdurrahman Wahid rules out Acch independence

Russia and Belarus sign uniform treaty.

`Star wars' tops the world's top 10 movies according to the latest survey of the BBC

The police chief of Seattle resigns.

NASA gives up hope on the space craft mars polar lander.

Dec. 9

The deposed Pakistani Prime Minister, Mr. NawaJan. Sherif's nephew and son-in-law are arrested.

Israel tells Syria no pullout from Golan heights is possible.

France stays ban on British beef.

The President of the radical Porti Islam Se Malaysia (PAS), is chosen the leader of the Opposition.

Dec. 10

The Centre-left Coalition Government comes to power in New Zealand.

A prominent human rights activist of Pakistan is barred by the military regime from leaving the country.

Dec. 11

Over 230 LTTE rebels are killed when Sri Lankan forces repulse two massive sea and land attacks by them.

The Taiwan born U.S. Scientist, Mr. Wen Ho Lee, is arrested and charged with downloading arms secrets.

Turkey accepts E.U. candidacy

The President of Croatia, Mr. Franjo Tudjman is dead.

Dec. 12

Iraq will resume oil exports following a suspension of three weeks.

Switzerland in a report admits its role in holocaust.

Dec. 13

A state of emergency is declared in Sudan.

Algerian Muslim rebels kill 15 civilians in Algiers.

Fighting between LTTE and the Sri Lankan troops intensifies.

Dec. 14

LTTE destroys rader installation near Jaffna in Sri Lanka.

The U.N. war crimes tribunal sentences a Bosnian Serb Camp Guard, Goran Jelosic to 40 years in prison for the murder and torture of Muslims in 1992.

Russia begins clean-up operation in Shali in Chechnya.

Dec. 15

The U.S. formally transfers the control over the Panama Canal to Panama.

Russia rejects a Chechen offer of talks.

An apartheid Minister gets amnesty from South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Japan enacts a bill banning donations to politicians.

Dec. 16

The U.S. agrees to pay $28 million to China for the NATO bombing of its embassy in Belgrade

17

Russia's former Premier, Mr. Yevgeny Primakov, announces he will run for President next year.

The U.N. Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan, apologises for the U.N. role in Rwanda massacre.

Scientists discover a complete 3.3 million-year-old arm and hand of an ape-man in South Africa.

Dec. 18

The Sri Lankan President, Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunga, narrowly escapes an attempt on her life with minor injuries by a suspected woman suicide bomber. Thirteen people are killed. In another blast at the Opposition UNP meeting, nine are killed.

Curfew is clamped in Colombo.

China is all set to retake Macau from Portuguese after a gap of 443 years.

Sign of progress in Israel-Syria talks as the Hizbollah pledges to end war.

Britain announces that it will write-off debt of some of the poorest countries.

The Colombian Police turn down a $3 million bribe offer from a drug lord when they nabbed him.

An Algerian national is arrested by the U.S. Customs authorities for carrying explosives.

Georgia alleges bombing by Russia.

Dec. 19

Sri Lankan polls as scheduled. Curfew is lifted.

The Russian Communist party is ahead in the Country's Parliamentary election.

More than 600 people are killed and thousands are missing in floods and mudslips in Venezuela.

The Portuguese Colony for 443 years, Macau returns to China.

The Italian Prime Minister, Mr. Massimo D'Alema, resigns.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) of Pakistan disqualifies former Punjab Chief Minister from holding Public office or contesting elections for 21 years.

Dec. 20

The Space shuttle, Discovery takes off on an eight-day mission to fix the Hubble telescope.

The Sri Lankan President, Ms.Chandrika Kumaratunga, returns to home from a private hospital two-days after she escapes an assassination bid.

Tight security for Sri Lanka elections

Russians elect a hung Parliament.

The former U.S. President, Mr. Ronald Reagon's condition worsens as he was diagnosed with a alzheimer's disease five years ago.

Priest among nine are killed in a latest clash between Muslims and Christian in Ambon, Indonesia.

Dec. 21

75 per cent polling in Sri Lanka.

The Governor of Osaka, Mr. Knock Yokoyama resigns in the wake of a sexual harrassment scandal.

Russia denies a western media report accusing its troops of killing 41 civilians in a Chechen village.

Mr. Massimo D'Alema, is asked to form a new Government in Italy.

30,000 feared dead in Venezuela floods.

Dec. 22

Ms. Chandrika is sworn in President of Sri Lanka for a second term and warns LTTE

The Space shuttle, Discovery captures the Hubble telecope.

Army takes control of Venezuela

The U.S. pays $151 million part of its dues to the U.N.

The new Romanian Government under the Prime Minister. Mr. Mugur Isarescu is sworn in.

Events 1999