10:00CDT - 06 Oct 2000 Series of EmergencyNet News Reports Concerning the Take-Over of the Serbia/Yugoslav Parliament Building; Milosevic Overthrown By Popular Uprising -- 05 to 06 Oct 2000
Instant
10:00CDT - 06 Oct 2000
YUGOSLAVIA: Yugoslavs in the capital's streets celebrated the apparent collapse of Slobodan Milosevic's government and are heeding calls to remain vigilant for counterattacks by Milosevic loyalists. The euphoria of the tens of thousands of protesters was fed by their stunning seizure earlier of Yugoslavia's parliament, the state broadcasting center and police stations, in an apparent death blow to Milosevic's 13-year rule. Opposition leaders, wary of the sudden success, called on Yugoslavs to remain in the streets and be watchful of a possible backlash from their old adversary.
Instant
17:00CDT - 05 Oct 2000
Where in the World is Slobodan Milosevic??
BELGRADE,
YUGOSLAVIA (EmergencyNet News)-- Speculation is running rampant about the
location and status of Yugoslavian President Slobodan Milosevic. As it
becomes increasing clear that the opposition is taking control of
Yugoslavia, everyone seems to be asking the same question -- where is
Milosevic?? Apparently, no one has seen him, and no official
statements have been issued from his office in regard to the opposition
uprising.
Pentagon spokesman Kenneth Bacon, late this afternoon, reportedly told the press that the Pentagon believes that Milosevic is still in Belgrade, despite rumors that he and his wife Mira Markovic had fled the country. Bacon said that despite "numerous rumors" they did not have any firm information that could confirm that Milosevic or any of his regime had left the country.
Bacon added that the Pentagon also did not have any information as to whether the Yugoslav Army and police have remained loyal to Milosevic, but did confirm that the U.S. military is monitoring events in Yugoslavia very closely and that they had not noticed any major troop movements or reinforcement of military forces. According to the Beta News Agency, Serbian soldiers have stayed in their barracks, refusing to take sides in the struggle on the streets.
Additional EmergencyNet News reports will be issued as circumstances warrant...
*****
Instant
13:00CDT - 05 Oct 2000
"Dozens" Injured As Belgrade Unrest Continues
The Independent B-92 radio station in Belgrade is reporting that "several dozens" of people were admitted to the Belgrade Emergency Center as of 17:00 hrs. (local time) with slight and serious injuries. A nursing supervisor is quoted as saying that the injured citizens are constantly arriving at the center and that at the moment she could not give more details. Mobile medical units from the Anlave clinic are also said to be assisting people in downtown Belgrade.
Additional reports from Belgrade say that the Parliament building was captured and set on fire. The fire has now reportedly been extinguished. Additionally, Serbian state television and radio stations are now said to be off-the-air, following an assault on the building by protestors.
At least one government armored column was reported to be on the way to the capital, thought to be in an effort to halt still on-going demonstrations, but few details about its composition or intent of the force was available at the time of this report. It is known that a number of police stations and other government buildings have been overrun and are in the control of the demonstrators.
*****
11:00CDT - 05 Oct 2000
Protestors Clash With Police In Attempt to "Storm" Belgrade Parliament Building
BELGRADE,
YUGOSLAVIA (EmergencyNet News) --
According to reports from the scene, hundreds of thousands of people
converged on the Yugoslav capital capital of Belgrade today, demanding
that Slobodan Milosevic step down. A majority of police have responded
with nightsticks and teargas, while a few others appear to be assisting
the protestors or simply avoiding the clashes. Several people are
believed to have been injured, although exact numbers and details remain
sketchy at the time of this report.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that an attempt to "storm" the Parliament building, and take it over, are underway. A number of arson fires and burning vehicles are in evidence in downtown Belgrade. Witnesses say that thousands of other people are trying to make their way into the capital from the countryside to participate in the demonstrations, but that they are being stopped at roadblock by police and paramilitary troops. Only one thing is certain at this time -- that the peaceful protests of the past few days have grown more violent. The primary questions that remain are whether or not Milosevic will accede to the wishes of his people and step down, or if the civil unrest will continue to escalate.
Numerous unconfirmed reports about the tactical situation on the ground in Belgrade continue to come into the EmergencyNet News Watchdesk and we are attempting to verify details and continue to monitor events there closely. Additional reports will be issued as circumstances warrant...
© EmergencyNet News Service, 2000. All rights reserved. Redistributed
or republication is prohibited without the expressed consent of ERRI/EmergencyNet
News.
Emergency Response & Research Institute
6348 N. Milwaukee Ave., #312
Chicago, IL. 60646
(773) 631-3774 - Voice
(773) 631-4703 - Fax
(773) 631-3467 - Modem/Emergency BBS On-Line
http://www.emergency.com - Main
Webpage
webmaster@emergency.com -
E-mail