In a long-elusive compromise , opposition leader Prince Norodom Ranariddh will become president of the National Assembly resulting from disputed elections in July, even though Hun Sen's party holds a majority of 64 seats in the 122-member chamber. Cambodia's bickering political parties broke a three-month deadlock Friday and agreed to a coalition government leaving strongman Hun Sen as sole prime minister , King Norodom Sihanouk announced. After a three-month impasse, they agreed last week to a coalition deal that will make Hun Sen sole prime minister and Ranariddh president of the National Assembly. Last week , Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party and Ranariddh's FUNCINPEC party agreed to form a coalition that would leave Hun Sen as sole prime minister and make the prince president of the National Assembly. The agreement will make Hun Sen prime minister and Ranariddh president of the National Assembly. The deal, which will make Hun Sen prime minister and Ranariddh president of the National Assembly , ended more than three months of political deadlock that followed a July election narrowly won by Hun Sen. Key to the agreement was the formation of a Senate as the upper house of Parliament, to be led by CPP President Chea Sim, the outgoing head of the National Assembly. Hun Sen's ruling party narrowly won a majority in elections in July , but the opposition _ claiming widespread intimidation and fraud _ has denied Hun Sen the two-thirds vote in parliament required to approve the next government. Ranariddh and his core supporters did not return to Cambodia until a few months before an election in July this year that the ruling party narrowly won. Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party narrowly won the polls , but a strong second-place finish by Ranariddh's FUNCINPEC gave the royalist party leverage in post-election negotiations. The alleged assassination attempt came during massive street demonstrations organized by the opposition after Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party narrowly won the election. The deal, which will make Hun Sen prime minister and Ranariddh president of the National Assembly, ended more than three months of political deadlock that followed a July election narrowly won by Hun Sen. Key to the agreement was the formation of a Senate as the upper house of Parliament, to be led by CPP President Chea Sim, the outgoing head of the National Assembly. King Norodom Sihanouk has declined requests to chair a summit of Cambodia's top political leaders, saying the meeting would not bring any progress in deadlocked negotiations to form a government. Negotiations to form the next government have become deadlocked , and opposition party leaders Prince Norodom Ranariddh and Sam Rainsy are out of the country following threats of arrest from strongman Hun Sen. Hun Sen complained Monday that the opposition was trying to make its members' return an international issue. A series of negotiations to forge a new government have failed. A series of negotiations to forge a new government have failed. Opposition leaders Prince Norodom Ranariddh and Sam Rainsy, citing Hun Sen's threats to arrest opposition figures after two alleged attempts on his life , said they could not negotiate freely in Cambodia and called for talks at Sihanouk's residence in Beijing. Citing Hun Sen's threats to arrest opposition politicians following two alleged attempts on his life , Ranariddh and Sam Rainsy have said they do not feel safe negotiating inside the country and asked the king to chair the summit at his residence in Beijing. Negotiations to form the next government have become deadlocked, and opposition party leaders Prince Norodom Ranariddh and Sam Rainsy are out of the country following threats of arrest from strongman Hun Sen. Hun Sen complained Monday that the opposition was trying to make its members' return an international issue. He said it contained indirect language and loopholes that suggest he and his Sam Rainsy Party members are still under threat of arrest from Hun Sen's ruling party. The assurances were aimed especially at Sam Rainsy, leader of a vocally anti-Hun Sen opposition party , who was forced to take refuge in the U.N. offices in September to avoid arrest after Hun Sen accused him of being behind a plot against his life. The assurances were aimed especially at Sam Rainsy, leader of a vocally anti-Hun Sen opposition party, who was forced to take refuge in the U.N. offices in September to avoid arrest after Hun Sen accused him of being behind a plot against his life. Sam Rainsy , a staunch critic of Hun Sen, was forced to take refuge in a U.N. office in September to avoid arrest after Hun Sen accused him of being behind a plot against his life. Sam Rainsy , a staunch critic of Hun Sen, was forced to take refuge in a U.N. office in September to avoid arrest after Hun Sen accused him of being behind a plot against his life. Government and opposition parties have asked King Norodom Sihanouk to host a summit meeting after a series of post-election negotiations between the two opposition groups and Hun Sen's party to form a new government failed. King Norodom Sihanouk has declined requests to chair a summit of Cambodia's top political leaders , saying the meeting would not bring any progress in deadlocked negotiations to form a government. Cambodian leader Hun Sen's ruling party and the two-party opposition had called on the monarch to lead top-level talks , but disagreed on its location. The opposition has insisted that any further talks on the next government must take place outside the country, but the ruling party has rejected allegations of intimidation and recently guaranteed opposition members' safety inside the country. The opposition has insisted that any further talks on the next government must take place outside the country, but the ruling party has rejected allegations of intimidation and recently guaranteed opposition members' safety inside the country. Worried that party colleagues still face arrest for their politics, opposition leader Sam Rainsy sought further clarification Friday of security guarantees promised by strongman Hun Sen. Sam Rainsy wrote in a letter to King Norodom Sihanouk that he was eager to attend the first session of the new National Assembly on Nov. 25, but complained that Hun Sen's assurances were not strong enough to ease concerns his party members may be arrested upon their return to Cambodia. Cambodian leader Hun Sen has guaranteed the safety and political freedom of all politicians , trying to ease the fears of his rivals that they will be arrested or killed if they return to the country. In a letter to King Norodom Sihanouk _ the prince's father and Cambodia's head of state _ that was broadcast on television Tuesday, Hun Sen said that guarantees of safety extended to Ranariddh applied to all politicians. Hun Sen announced a government guarantee Wednesday of all politicians' safety and their right to conduct political activities ``in accordance with the laws in force.'' Opposition leaders Prince Norodom Ranariddh and Sam Rainsy , citing Hun Sen's threats to arrest opposition figures after two alleged attempts on his life, said they could not negotiate freely in Cambodia and called for talks at Sihanouk's residence in Beijing. Negotiations to form the next government have become deadlocked, and opposition party leaders Prince Norodom Ranariddh and Sam Rainsy are out of the country following threats of arrest from strongman Hun Sen. Hun Sen complained Monday that the opposition was trying to make its members' return an international issue. Fearing for their safety, Sam Rainsy and his then-ally Prince Norodom Ranariddh led an exodus of opposition lawmakers out of Cambodia after parliament was ceremonially opened in late September. The Cambodian People's Party criticized a non-binding resolution passed earlier this month by the U.S. House of Representatives calling for an investigation into violations of international humanitarian law allegedly committed by Hun Sen. Events mentioned in the resolution include Hun Sen's coup last year against his co-prime minister, Prince Norodom Ranariddh, and his violent crackdown in September against anti-government demonstrations. Their arguments turned bloody last year when Hun Sen ousted Ranariddh in a coup. The men served as co-prime ministers until Hun Sen overthrew Ranariddh in a coup last year. Honduras braced for potential catastrophe Tuesday as Hurricane Mitch roared through the northwest Caribbean , churning up high waves and intense rain that sent coastal residents scurrying for safer ground. BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) - The European Union on Tuesday approved 6.4 million European currency units (dlrs 7.7 million) in aid for thousands of victims of the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch in Central America. Pope John Paul II appealed for aid Wednesday for the Central American countries stricken by hurricane Mitch and said he feels close to the thousands who are suffering. The aid will be distributed in Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala which have most suffered from Mitch's deadly passage, the EU executive Commission said in a statement. In Washington on Thursday, President Bill Clinton ordered dlrs 30 million in Defense Department equipment and services and dlrs 36 million in food, fuel and other aid be sent to Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala. Clinton is dispatching a delegation next week led by Tipper Gore, wife of Vice President Al Gore, to deliver some of the supplies destined for Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala. The aid will be distributed in Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala which have most suffered from Mitch's deadly passage , the EU executive Commission said in a statement. Hurricane Mitch killed an estimated 9,000 people throughout Central America in a disaster of such proportions that relief agencies have been overwhelmed. Mitch , which sat off the Honduran coast for several days last week, destroyed scores of Central American communities before moving northwest. Mitch , once among the century's most powerful hurricanes, weakened today as it blasted this Central American nation , bringing downpours that flooded at least 50 rivers. The weakened storm crossed southern Florida on Thursday, damaging mobile homes and buildings and injuring at least seven people. The weakened storm crossed southern Florida on Thursday, damaging mobile homes and buildings and injuring at least seven people. Nine other deaths had been reported elsewhere in the region by early Thursday _ more than a day after Mitch drifted to just off the coast and seemed to park there. After remaining virtually stationary for more than a day, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said Thursday the center of the 350-mile-wide (560-kilometer-wide) storm had moved slightly to the south but remained just off the Honduran coast. Mitch , which sat off the Honduran coast for several days last week , destroyed scores of Central American communities before moving northwest. At least 231 people have been confirmed dead in Honduras from former-hurricane Mitch, bringing the storm's death toll in the region to 357, the National Emergency Commission said Saturday. In Honduras , at least 231 deaths have been blamed on Mitch , the National Emergency Commission said Saturday. At least 231 people have been confirmed dead in Honduras from former-hurricane Mitch, bringing the storm's death toll in the region to 357, the National Emergency Commission said Saturday. In Honduras , at least 231 deaths have been blamed on Mitch, the National Emergency Commission said Saturday. Honduras braced for potential catastrophe Tuesday as Hurricane Mitch roared through the northwest Caribbean, churning up high waves and intense rain that sent coastal residents scurrying for safer ground. Honduras braced for potential catastrophe Tuesday as Hurricane Mitch roared through the northwest Caribbean, churning up high waves and intense rain that sent coastal residents scurrying for safer ground. Pope John Paul II appealed for aid Wednesday for the Central American countries stricken by hurricane Mitch and said he feels close to the thousands who are suffering. U.S. President Bill Clinton requested a ``global relief effort '' to help Central America and boosted U.S. emergency aid to dlrs 70 million. Hurricane Mitch paused in its whirl through the western Caribbean on Wednesday to punish Honduras with 120-mph (205-kph) winds, topping trees, sweeping away bridges, flooding neighborhoods and killing at least 32 people. At least 32 people were killed and widespread flooding prompted more than 150,000 to seek higher ground. The detention and the possible extradition of Pinochet to Spain to stand trial for genocide, terrorism and torture during his 17-year dictatorship was warmly welcomed by human rights activists worldwide. The detention and the possible extradition of Pinochet to Spain to stand trial for genocide, terrorism and torture during his 17-year dictatorship was warmly welcomed by human rights activists worldwide. Pinochet was arrested in London on Oct. 16 at the instigation of Spanish magistrate Baltasar Garzon who is seeking to extradite the former dictator on charges of genocide, terrorism and torture. Pinochet was detained by British police in London on Oct. 16 by request of a Spanish magistrate as a first step toward his extradition to stand trial for genocide and terrorism. He was arrested Oct. 16 at the instigation of a Spanish magistrate seeking to extradite him on charges of genocide, terrorism and torture. He was detained on a warrant from a Spanish magistrate seeking to extradite him on charges of genocide, terrorism and torture during his 1973-90 rule. Spanish magistrate Baltasar Garzon is seeking his extradition on charges of genocide, torture and terrorism during his 17-year rule which ended 1990. British police arrested Pinochet in his bed Friday at a private London hospital in response to a request from Spain , which wants to question Pinochet about allegations of murder during the decade after he seized power in 1973. The 82-year-old Pinochet was arrested Friday at a Spanish magistrate's request. British police , acting on an international arrest warrant from Spanish judge Baltasar Garzon on Friday , detained the ailing general in the London clinic where he was recovering from back surgery. Pinochet was arrested in London on Oct. 16 at the instigation of Spanish magistrate Baltasar Garzon who is seeking to extradite the former dictator on charges of genocide, terrorism and torture. He was arrested Oct. 16 at the instigation of a Spanish magistrate seeking to extradite him on charges of genocide, terrorism and torture. He was detained on a warrant from a Spanish magistrate seeking to extradite him on charges of genocide, terrorism and torture during his 1973-90 rule. On the opposing side, Alun Jones, a British government lawyer acting as prosecutor in the case, defended the Spanish warrant , which led to the general's detention in London. Margaret Thatcher entertained former Children dictator Gen. Augusto Pinochet at her home two weeks before he was arrested in his bed in a London hospital , the ex-prime minister's office said Tuesday, amid growing diplomatic and domestic controversy over the move. British police , acting on an international arrest warrant from Spanish judge Baltasar Garzon on Friday, detained the ailing general in the London clinic where he was recovering from back surgery. British police, acting on an international arrest warrant from Spanish judge Baltasar Garzon on Friday, detained the ailing general in the London clinic where he was recovering from back surgery. On Thursday the head prosecutor from the National Court set in motion appeals against several rulings made by Judge Garzon related to Pinochet's detention in the London clinic where he was recovering from back surgery. Pinochet was detained in the London clinic while recovering from back surgery. Pinochet is under arrest in a London hospital where he'd gone for back surgery. Pinochet is under arrest in a London hospital where he'd gone for back surgery. In London , where Pinochet has been under arrest in a clinic for the last 10 days , a phalanx of British lawyers argued before the High Court of Justice that the arrest order sent from Spain was illegal because the general, 82, is not a Spanish citizen. Supporters and opponents of the dictator have traveled to the London clinic where he is being held. Pinochet has been held at a London clinic since his arrest earlier this month. The Chilean government has protested Pinochet's arrest, insisting that as a senator he was traveling on a diplomatic passport and had immunity from arrest. Chile argues that Pinochet must be released because as a senator he enjoys diplomatic immunity _ and because he is in poor health. Chile argues that Pinochet must be released because as a senator he enjoys diplomatic immunity _ and because he is in poor health. The Chilean government has urged Britain to release Pinochet on humanitarian grounds, and argued that as a senator, he is entitled to diplomatic immunity. Europe's top official said Friday that he hoped former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet would be extradited to Spain to be tried for crimes committed during his 17-year rule. Europe's top official said Friday that he hoped former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet would be extradited to Spain to be tried for crimes committed during his 17-year rule. Swiss authorities said the Spanish effort to extradite Pinochet should be given priority. Pinochet had gone to the hospital to have a back operation Oct. 9. Pinochet had gone to the hospital to have a back operation Oct. 9. Pinochet, who has vowed to fight attempts to extradite him to Spain on allegations of murder, genocide and torture, had drinks with Lady Thatcher and her husband, Denis, in their home in London's elite Belgravia district four days before he was hospitalized for back surgery performed Oct. 9. The wife of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet appealed for his release, saying he is too sick to be extradited to Spain to face charges of genocide. The wife of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet appealed for his release , saying he is too sick to be extradited to Spain to face charges of genocide. The British and Spanish prime ministers said Sunday that the fate of former Chilean dictator Gen. Augusto Pinochet is in the hands of their judicial authorities and they will not interfere. The British and Spanish prime ministers said Sunday that the fate of former Chilean dictator Gen. Augusto Pinochet is in the hands of their judicial authorities and they will not interfere. In a separate attempt to block his extradition, lawyers for the former strongman went to court Friday to argue that British police acted illegally in accepting the Spanish warrant. As his lawyers in London tried to quash a Spanish arrest warrant for Gen. Augusto Pinochet , the former Chilean dictator, efforts began in Geneva and Paris to have him extradited. Administration officials have denied since August that the raid was intended to kill bin Laden, a Saudi exile who has been charged by federal prosecutors with leading a global war against U.S. interests. The Taliban, who control about 90 percent of Afghanistan, on Friday closed their three-week inquiry into allegations that Osama bin Laden is waging a war of terror against the United States. He was worried, he wrote in an angry dispatch, about the security of the ``East Africa network'' of bin Laden, the Saudi exile accused of masterminding a worldwide terrorist conspiracy against Americans. He has been linked to the Aug. 7 bombing of two U.S. embassies in East Africa. Police seized copies of the newspaper for reproducing a foreign newspaper interview of Afghanistan-based Saudi billionaire Osama Bin Laden, who has been accused by the United States of masterminding bombing attacks on the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in August. From the court papers filed in the investigation of the embassy bombings in East Africa in August , it is clear that the informant has provided crucial information to federal investigators. Bin Laden is believed to be living in Afghanistan. Bin Laden is believed to be living in Afghanistan. Bin Laden , a Saudi exile, is thought to be living in Afghanistan. The United States has obtained new evidence to link the owner of a Sudanese factory destroyed in a U.S. cruise missile strike last month to a terrorist group backed by Osama bin Laden , the suspected mastermind of the bombings of two U.S. embassies in East Africa, according to U.S. intelligence officials. Albania says it has uncovered a terrorist network operated by Osama Bin Laden , the Islamic fundamentalist accused of masterminding the August embassy bombings in Africa, and that it's members have infiltrated other parts of Europe, The Sunday Times reported. The United States has obtained new evidence to link the owner of a Sudanese factory destroyed in a U.S. cruise missile strike last month to a terrorist group backed by Osama bin Laden, the suspected mastermind of the bombings of two U.S. embassies in East Africa, according to U.S. intelligence officials. This evidence was uncovered after the United States destroyed Idris' factory in a missile attack following the bombing of the U.S. embassies, the officials said. The man accused of orchestrating the U.S. embassy bombings in Tanzania and Kenya was declared a free man Friday in Afghanistan , where he has lived for years with the permission of the hard-line Islamic Taliban militia. Albania says it has uncovered a terrorist network operated by Osama Bin Laden, the Islamic fundamentalist accused of masterminding the August embassy bombings in Africa, and that it's members have infiltrated other parts of Europe, The Sunday Times reported. The blast at the embassy building in downtown Nairobi killed 213 people, 12 of them Americans, and injured 5,400. The blast at the embassy building in downtown Nairobi killed 213 people, 12 of them Americans , and injured 5,400. And that excuse is Osama bin Laden , the man Washington calls Enemy No. ``America is looking for an excuse to fire more rockets on our dear Afghanistan and that excuse is bin Laden ,'' Saqib said. Under German law, U.S. officials have 40 days after the arrest to turn over supporting evidence so a German court can rule on their extradition request. Under German law, U.S. officials have 40 days after the arrest to turn over supporting evidence so a German court can rule on their extradition request. The source is also the basis for many of the significant charges in the indictment against bin Laden himself, including the assertion that he directed the attacks on U.S. soldiers in Somalia and that he attempted to obtain nuclear weapons. According to the government, the informant worked closely with bin Laden from 1989 to 1996, a period when prosecutors assert that bin Laden was ordering deadly attacks on U.S. soldiers in Somalia and elsewhere. Not only are both sides still awaiting the outcome of an arbitration decision that is due before Oct. 18 - the Fordham Law School dean John Feerick will rule whether or not more than 200 players with $800 million in guaranteed contracts should be paid during the lockout _ but the owners and players also are making time to win public opinion before they test their fans' loyalties by canceling games. More than 220 National Basketball Association players with guaranteed contracts will find out Monday whether they are to be paid during the management lockout, a long-awaited arbitrator's decision that may affect leverage in the league's dispute with the players and have major ramifications on American sports-labor law. It just means they have to pay 200-some players. In a critical ruling for the North American National Basketball Association and the players' union , arbitrator John Feerick decides Monday whether more than 200 players with guaranteed contracts should be paid during the lockout. In a critical ruling for the North American National Basketball Association and the players' union, arbitrator John Feerick decides Monday whether more than 200 players with guaranteed contracts should be paid during the lockout. In a critical ruling for the North American National Basketball Association and the players' union , arbitrator John Feerick decides Monday whether more than 200 players with guaranteed contracts should be paid during the lockout. In a critical ruling for the North American National Basketball Association and the players' union, arbitrator John Feerick decides Monday whether more than 200 players with guaranteed contracts should be paid during the lockout. The two sides will meet on Thursday _ their first official bargaining session since Aug. 6. The owners and players are scheduled hold their first bargaining session since Aug. 6 on Thursday in Manhattan. The owners and players are scheduled hold their first bargaining session since Aug. 6 on Thursday in Manhattan. The first substantive talks in more than two months between opposing sides of the National Basketball Association's labor dispute came and went Thursday without a hint of a settlement. Both sides agree that it would take at least three weeks to hold abbreviated training camps and sign over 200 free agents to new contracts. Both sides agree that it would take at least three weeks to hold abbreviated training camps and sign over 200 free agents to new contracts. Taking into account that a three- to four-week period would be needed for training camp and free-agent signings before the season starts , the league said it would decide in two weeks whether to make further cancellations. Taking into account that a three- to four-week period would be needed for training camp and free-agent signings before the season starts , the league said it would decide in two weeks whether to make further cancellations. The decision came after what both sides agreed were the most substantive talks since the owners imposed a lockout on the player July 1. The decision came after what both sides agreed were the most substantive talks since the owners imposed a lockout on the player July 1. The union filed a grievance with Feerick before the lockout was imposed July 1 over the owners' announcement June 29 that they would not honor guaranteed deals. The union filed a grievance with Feerick before the lockout was imposed July 1 over the owners' announcement June 29 that they would not honor guaranteed deals. Despite modest encouragement over a new proposal delivered by the players to the owners, the National Basketball Association Tuesday canceled the first two weeks of the regular season , the first time in the league's 51-year history that it will lose games to a labor dispute. The National Basketball Association, embroiled in a labor dispute with its players, Tuesday canceled the first two weeks of the 1998-99 season. The NBA has already canceled the first two weeks of the regular season because of the labor dispute. Despite modest encouragement over a new proposal delivered by the players to the owners, the National Basketball Association Tuesday canceled the first two weeks of the regular season, the first time in the league's 51-year history that it will lose games to a labor dispute. After 35,001 games without a blemish, the NBA now joins the National Hockey League, the National Football League and Major League Baseball in having lost games to a labor dispute. After 35,001 games without a blemish, the NBA now joins the National Hockey League, the National Football League and Major League Baseball in having lost games to a labor dispute. Citing stalled negotiations with the Players Association over a new collective bargaining agreement, league officials said they would decide next week whether to cancel the first week of regular season games. Next week , it will consider canceling the first-ever regular season games in league history. Russ Granik , the NBA's deputy commissioner, said the league would wait until after next week's meeting before deciding to cancel regular-season games. The NBA's deputy commissioner , Russ Granik, announced the cancellation after nearly three and a half hours of meetings concluded at a Manhattan hotel. The NBA's deputy commissioner, Russ Granik, announced the cancellation after nearly three and a half hours of meetings concluded at a Manhattan hotel. The NBA's deputy commissioner , Russ Granik, announced the cancellation after nearly three and a half hours of meetings concluded at a Manhattan hotel. In a decision that will almost certainly lead to the first work stoppage in National Basketball Association history, the league Monday announced the cancellation of all 114 preseason games. The league canceled the entire 114-game preseason on Monday. While the decision had been expected for 10 days , it nonetheless sent a strong signal that the owners and players will probably be willing to cancel at least part of the regular season in order to settle their labor dispute. More than 220 National Basketball Association players with guaranteed contracts will find out Monday whether they are to be paid during the management lockout, a long-awaited arbitrator's decision that may affect leverage in the league's dispute with the players and have major ramifications on American sports-labor law. The rebels are a coalition of ethnic Tutsis, disenchanted members of Kabila's army and political opponents who accuse Kabila of power-grabbing, mismanagement, corruption and sowing dissent among Congo's 400 tribes. The rebels are a coalition of ethnic Tutsis, disenchanted members of Kabila's army and political opponents who accuse Kabila of power-grabbing, mismanagement, corruption and sowing dissent among Congo's 400 tribes. The rebels are a coalition of ethnic Tutsis, disenchanted members of Kabila's army and political opponents who accuse Kabila of power-grabbing, mismanagement, corruption and sowing dissent among Congo's 400 tribes. The rebels _ ethnic Tutsis , disenchanted members of President Laurent Kabila's army and opposition politicians _ took up arms Aug. 2 accusing Kabila of mismanagement, corruption and creating division among Congo's 400 tribes. The rebels accuse Kabila of betraying the eight-month rebellion that brought him to power in May 1997 through mismanagement and creating divisions among Congo's 400 tribes. The rebels accuse Kabila of betraying the eight-month rebellion that brought him to power in May 1997 through mismanagement and creating divisions among Congo's 400 tribes. The rebels see Kindu as a major prize in their two-month revolt against President Laurent Kabila , whom they accuse of mismanagement, corruption and warmongering among Congo's 400 tribes. Rebels , who began their insurgency more than two months ago, accuse President Laurent Kabila of corruption, failing to carry out promised democratic reforms, and stirring up hatred among Congo's 400 tribes. So far, Kabila has refused to negotiate with the rebels, accusing them of being the puppets of neighboring Rwanda and Uganda. So far, Kabila has refused to negotiate with the rebels, accusing them of being the puppets of neighboring Rwanda and Uganda. But the president has so far refused, accusing the rebels of being puppets of Rwanda and Uganda , which Kabila has accused of orchestrating the rebellion. But the president has so far refused, accusing the rebels of being puppets of Rwanda and Uganda , which Kabila has accused of orchestrating the rebellion. Kabila accuses Rwanda and Uganda _ former allies who installed him in power in May 1997 after an eight-month rebellion _ of sponsoring the new fighting. Kabila accuses Rwanda and Uganda _ former allies who installed him in power in May 1997 after an eight-month rebellion _ of sponsoring the rebels. Congolese rebels have taken their two-month campaign to oust President Laurent Kabila to the Internet. Congolese rebels have taken their two-month campaign to oust President Laurent Kabila to the Internet. Congolese rebels have taken their two-month campaign to oust President Laurent Kabila to the Internet. Congolese rebels have taken their two-month campaign to oust President Laurent Kabila to the Internet. The bloody bandages of injured rebels trucked back to this rear base Wednesday offered evidence that the three-day battle for the strategic air base at Kindu was not going well for those fighting to oust Congolese President Laurent Kabila. The rebels are a coalition of ethnic Tutsis, disenchanted members of Kabila's army and political opponents who accuse Kabila of power-grabbing, mismanagement, corruption and sowing dissent among Congo's 400 tribes. The rebels are a coalition of ethnic Tutsis, disenchanted members of Kabila's army and political opponents who accuse Kabila of power-grabbing, mismanagement, corruption and sowing dissent among Congo's 400 tribes. The rebels _ a coalition of ethnic Tutsis , disenchanted soldiers in Kabila's army and opposition politicians _ faced stiff resistance. On Aug. 2 , Tutsis, political opponents, and disenchanted members of President Laurent Kabila's army took up arms , accusing Kabila of corruption, nepotism and fostering tribal strife. On Aug. 2, Tutsis, political opponents, and disenchanted members of President Laurent Kabila's army took up arms, accusing Kabila of corruption, nepotism and fostering tribal strife. The rebels have targeted Kindu since late August, when they were forced to retreat from the outskirts of the capital, Kinshasa, after troops from Angola and Zimbabwe came to Kabila's aid. The rebels targeted Kindu since late August, when they were forced to retreat their march from extreme western Congo to the outskirts of Kinshasa after Angola and Zimbabwe sent troops to bail out Kabila. Tanks, aircraft and troops from Angola, Zimbabwe and Namibia are supporting Kabila. Then Angola, Zimbabwe and Namibia intervened to help Kabila and drove the rebels back to their bases in eastern Congo. Then Angola, Zimbabwe and Namibia intervened to help Kabila and drove the rebels back to their bases in eastern Congo. Rebels in eastern Congo on Saturday said they shot down a passenger jet ferrying 40 government soldiers into a strategic airport facing a rebel assault. On Saturday , the rebels said they shot down a Congolese Boeing 727 which was attempting to land at Kindu air base with 40 troops and ammunition. On Saturday, the rebels said they shot down a Congolese Boeing 727 which was attempting to land at Kindu air base with 40 troops and ammunition. On Saturday , the rebels shot down a Congolese Boeing 727 over the Kindu airport. Rebel commander Richard Mondo said troops had fired artillery rounds into Kindu Monday and early Tuesday , sending the population fleeing out of town. Fighting in Kindu, 32 kilometers (20 miles) northeast of the Elila River bridge, died down after the rebels fired a barrage of artillery into the government-held quarters and the air base, four kilometers (two miles) away. Fighting for the town of Kindu in this vast West African nation subsided after rebels launched an artillery barrage into government-held buildings and the airfield, two miles (three kilometers) away. Fighting for the town of Kindu in this vast West African nation subsided after rebels launched an artillery barrage into government-held buildings and the airfield , two miles (three kilometers) away. After an initial lightning advance in the far west of Africa's third-largest nation , the rebels were stopped at the outskirts of the capital , Kinshasa, by troops from Angola, Zimbabwe and Namibia, who are backing Kabila. After an initial lightning advance in the far west of Africa's third-largest nation , the rebels were stopped at the outskirts of the capital , Kinshasa, by troops from Angola, Zimbabwe and Namibia, who are backing Kabila. The rebels targeted Kindu since late August, when they were forced to retreat their march from extreme western Congo to the outskirts of Kinshasa after Angola and Zimbabwe sent troops to bail out Kabila. The rebels targeted Kindu since late August, when they were forced to retreat their march from extreme western Congo to the outskirts of Kinshasa after Angola and Zimbabwe sent troops to bail out Kabila. Troops moving south from Kisangani, the largest city under rebel control, and moving west, had made steady gains against Kindu , which the government apparently used to build up force for a planned counter-offensive. Kabila has turned Kindu into a launching pad for a counteroffensive against rebel positions in eastern Congo. Kabila has turned Kindu into a launching pad for a counteroffensive against rebel positions in eastern Congo. The rebels say they now control one-third of Kindu , which the government has used as a staging area for a counteroffensive against rebel positions in the east. Rebels attacked a village in western Uganda and killed six civilians before soldiers drove them off, a military spokesman said Thursday. The rebels have targeted Kindu since late August , when they were forced to retreat from the outskirts of the capital, Kinshasa, after troops from Angola and Zimbabwe came to Kabila's aid. The rebels targeted Kindu since late August , when they were forced to retreat their march from extreme western Congo to the outskirts of Kinshasa after Angola and Zimbabwe sent troops to bail out Kabila. Asia-Pacific leaders are scheduled to meet next month in Malaysia for an annual economics meeting. Asia-Pacific leaders are scheduled to meet next month in Malaysia for an annual economics meeting. In little more than a week, the world's leaders will converge on this businesslike city in the heart of Southeast Asia for the annual meeting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. The worsening financial gloom is likely to dominate talks at next week's summit in Kuala Lumpur of leaders from the 18-nation Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. The worsening financial gloom is likely to dominate talks at next week's summit in Kuala Lumpur of leaders from the 18-nation Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Wearing a neck brace Monday after a court-ordered hospital checkup, Anwar was ordered to stand trial Nov. 2 on four charges of abusing his powers to interfere with a police investigation. The leaders of Malaysia's ruling party met Tuesday to discuss a replacement for ousted deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim , who faces trial next month in a case that will test the country's legal system. Meanwhile, a group Philippine legislators said they plan to attend Anwar's trial , which opens Nov. 2. The prime minister used riot police to thwart the protests, and jailed Anwar , charging him with corruption and sex crimes, and scheduling his trial for Nov. 2. But he was suddenly fired by Mahathir on Sept. 2 after the two differed on economic policy. The party leaders, who have been conducting a national campaign to explain to Malaysians why the popular Anwar was fired Sept. 2 , will also confer on what to do now that the High Court judge has banned all comments on Anwar's guilt or innocence. Anwar was fired as deputy premier in September and later arrested, appearing in court with a black eye, bruises and a neck brace. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad fired Anwar in September , saying he was morally unfit to lead, then had him expelled from Malaysia's ruling party. Anwar is a charismatic politician who was once picked to be the successor to Malaysia's long-serving Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Anwar is a charismatic politician who was once picked to be the successor to Malaysia's long-serving Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Mahathir , who had heart bypass surgery in 1989, had groomed Anwar, 51 , as his successor. He has also said Anwar should be held in house arrest during his upcoming trial on corruption and sexual misconduct charges. He has also said Anwar should be held in house arrest during his upcoming trial on corruption and sexual misconduct charges. The prime minister used riot police to thwart the protests, and jailed Anwar , charging him with corruption and sex crimes , and scheduling his trial for Nov. 2. Clinton is scheduled to go to Malaysia for the meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Clinton is scheduled to go to Malaysia for the meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. The delegation will travel to Kuala Lumpur for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum Nov. 14-18. His trial is to halt on Nov. 14 and resume after the APEC meetings. His trial is to halt on Nov. 14 and resume after the APEC meetings. The trial will be interrupted during the Nov. 12-18 APEC meetings , but Mahathir's treatment of Anwar and his reform movement already have been criticized by APEC members such as Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and the United States. The Philippine ambassador to Malaysia said Friday he was summoned to the Malaysian Foreign Ministry to explain his president's statements in support of dissident Anwar Ibrahim. The Philippine ambassador to Malaysia said Friday he was summoned to the Malaysian Foreign Ministry to explain his president's statements in support of dissident Anwar Ibrahim. After Anwar appeared in court with a black eye, bruised face, neck and arms, his case drew international attention, particularly from the presidents of the Philippines and Indonesia, who have raised the possibility they might not attend an 18-nation summit in Malaysia next month. Both presidents have hinted they might not attend the meeting of the 18 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation nations next month in the Malaysian capital out of concern for Anwar. He then began speaking out against Mahathir and was arrested Sept. 20. The former deputy prime minister and finance minister of Malaysia was arrested Sept. 20 on corruption and illegal sex charges, then brought to court with a black eye and bruises. Israel's Cabinet announced within hours of a market bombing Friday that it will put off a vote indefinitely on whether to ratify the Wye River accord until Palestinians crack down further on terrorism. Israel's Cabinet decided Friday to suspend indefinitely its ratification of the land-for-security agreement with the Palestinians. Israel's Cabinet decided Friday to suspend indefinitely its ratification of the land-for-security agreement with the Palestinians. The Israeli Cabinet suspended a meeting to ratify the agreement after the bombing , demanding that the Palestinians conduct an ``all-out war on terror.'' The two bombers who carried out Friday's attack , which led the Israeli Cabinet to suspend deliberations on the land-for-security accord signed with the Palestinians last month, were identified as members of Islamic Holy War from West Bank villages under Israeli security control. Netanyahu's Cabinet delayed action on the new peace accord following Friday's suicide bombing at a Jerusalem market, and his remarks about building on Har Homa may be seen as a provocation by the Palestinians at a politically sensitive moment. Netanyahu's Cabinet delayed action on the latest Israeli-Palestinian accord following Friday's suicide bombing at a Jerusalem market, and his remarks about building on Har Homa may be seen as a provocation by the Palestinians at a politically sensitive moment. Most recently , Israel's Cabinet put off a vote to ratify the accord after a suicide bombing Friday in Jerusalem that killed the two assailants and injured 21 Israelis. Palestinian security sources and the families of the dead bombers had already identified them as Islamic Jihad activists. Palestinian security sources and the families of the dead bombers had already identified them as Islamic Jihad activists. Palestinian security sources and the families of the dead bombers had already identified them as Islamic Jihad activists. Palestinian security sources and the families of the dead bombers had already identified them as Islamic Jihad activists. The Israeli military said it could not confirm the suicide bombers' identities and hometowns, but they were disclosed by Palestinian security officials and also reported by Palestinian media. Palestinian security sources and the families of the dead bombers had already identified them as Islamic Jihad activists. Palestinian security sources and the families of the dead bombers had already identified them as Islamic Jihad activists. The Israeli military said it could not confirm the suicide bombers' identities and hometowns, but they were disclosed by Palestinian security officials and also reported by Palestinian media. A car rigged with explosives blew up Friday morning in Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda market packed with Israelis shopping for the Jewish Sabbath, killing two people and wounding 21. Two people were killed and at least 21 injured when an explosives-rigged car blew up Friday at Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda market, only meters (yards) from the site of a suicide bombing 16 months ago. Two people were killed and 21 others were wounded in the attack for which the Islamic militant group Hamas claimed responsibility. Palestinian political leaders said Israel should not use Friday's suicide bombing, which killed the two assailants and wounded 21 Israelis , as an excuse to stop the peace process. Palestinian political leaders said Israel should not use Friday's suicide bombing, which killed the two assailants and wounded 21 Israelis , as an excuse to stop the peace process. Their car-bomb blew apart two hours later in a Jerusalem market, killing both men and wounding 24 people. Most recently, Israel 's Cabinet put off a vote to ratify the accord after a suicide bombing Friday in Jerusalem that killed the two assailants and injured 21 Israelis. A defiant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel would continue to build Jewish neighborhoods throughout Jerusalem, including at a controversial site in the traditionally Arab sector of the city. A defiant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel would continue to build Jewish neighborhoods throughout Jerusalem, including at a controversial site in the traditionally Arab sector of the city. A defiant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel would continue to build Jewish neighborhoods throughout Jerusalem, including at a controversial site in the traditionally Arab sector of the city. A defiant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel would continue to build Jewish neighborhoods throughout Jerusalem, including at a controversial site in the traditionally Arab sector of the city. A defiant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel would continue to build Jewish neighborhoods throughout Jerusalem, including at a controversial site in the traditionally Arab sector of the city. The militant Palestinian movement Islamic Holy War said Saturday that it carried out the suicide bombing in a Jerusalem market on Friday , which prompted arrests by the Palestinian Authority overnight. The radical group Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility Saturday for the suicide bombing of a crowded Jerusalem market and promised more attacks to try to block the new peace accord. The radical group Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility Saturday for the market bombing and vowed more attacks to try to block the new peace accord. The radical group Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility Saturday for the market bombing and vowed more attacks to try to block the new peace accord. The radical group Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility. Palestinian political leaders said Israel should not use Friday's suicide bombing , which killed the two assailants and wounded 21 Israelis, as an excuse to stop the peace process. Netanyahu's Cabinet delayed action on the new peace accord following Friday's suicide bombing at a Jerusalem market , and his remarks about building on Har Homa may be seen as a provocation by the Palestinians at a politically sensitive moment. Palestinian political leaders said Israel should not use Friday's suicide bombing , which killed the two assailants and wounded 21 Israelis, as an excuse to stop the peace process. Netanyahu's Cabinet delayed action on the latest Israeli-Palestinian accord following Friday's suicide bombing at a Jerusalem market , and his remarks about building on Har Homa may be seen as a provocation by the Palestinians at a politically sensitive moment. Most recently, Israel's Cabinet put off a vote to ratify the accord after a suicide bombing Friday in Jerusalem that killed the two assailants and injured 21 Israelis. An Islamic Jihad official in the Syrian capital of Damascus confirmed that the group's leader Ramadan Abdullah Shallah claimed responsibility for Friday's bombing in an interview with the Paris-based Radio Monte Carlo. An Islamic Jihad official in the Syrian capital of Damascus confirmed that the group's leader Ramadan Abdullah Shallah claimed responsibility for Friday's bombing in an interview with the Paris-based Radio Monte Carlo. An Islamic Jihad official in the Syrian capital of Damascus confirmed that the group's leader Ramadan Abdullah Shallah claimed responsibility for Friday's bombing in an interview with the Paris-based Radio Monte Carlo. An Islamic Jihad official in the Syrian capital of Damascus confirmed that the group's leader Ramadan Abdullah Shallah claimed responsibility for Friday's bombing in an interview with the Paris-based Radio Monte Carlo. An Islamic Jihad official in the Syrian capital of Damascus confirmed that the group's leader Ramadan Abdullah Shallah claimed responsibility for Friday's bombing in an interview with the Paris-based Radio Monte Carlo. A car rigged with explosives blew up Friday morning in Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda market packed with Israelis shopping for the Jewish Sabbath, killing two people and wounding 21. In Friday's explosion , the rigged car , a red Fiat, blew up at about 9:45 a.m. (0745 GMT) at the entrance of Mahane Yehuda market , just meters (yards) away from the site of a suicide bombing in July 1997. The decision came less than three hours after a car rigged with explosives blew up in an outdoor market in downtown Jersualem. Their car-bomb blew apart two hours later in a Jerusalem market , killing both men and wounding 24 people. One of Israel's key demands is that the Palestinians do more to fight attacks by Islamic militants against Israeli targets. One of Israel's key demands is that the Palestinians do more to fight attacks by Islamic militants against Israeli targets. One of Israel's key demands is that the Palestinians do more to fight attacks by Islamic militants against Israeli targets. One of Israel's key demands is that the Palestinians do more to fight attacks by Islamic militants against Israeli targets. The radical group Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility Saturday for the suicide bombing of a crowded Jerusalem market and promised more attacks to try to block the new peace accord. The radical group Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility Saturday for the market bombing and vowed more attacks to try to block the new peace accord. The radical group Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility Saturday for the market bombing and vowed more attacks to try to block the new peace accord. Mahathir and Anwar had differed over economic policy and Anwar says Mahathir feared him as an alternative leader. But he was suddenly fired by Mahathir on Sept. 2 after the two differed on economic policy. The two had differed over economic policy and Anwar has said Mahathir feared he was a threat to his 17-year rule. Anwar was sacked on Sept. 2 from his posts as deputy prime minister and finance minister, after he had differed with Mahathir on policy for escaping economic recession. Anwar was fired by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Sept. 2 after the two differed on economic policy. Anwar was fired by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Sept. 2 after the two differed on economic policy. Mahathir fired Anwar on Sept. 2 from his posts as deputy prime minister and finance minister, saying he was morally unfit for office. On Sept. 2 , he fired the last one, Anwar Ibrahim, calling him morally unfit for office. On Sept. 2 , Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad fired Anwar, calling him morally unfit for office. On Sept. 2 , Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad fired Anwar , calling him morally unfit for office. But he fired his protege from his posts as deputy prime minister and finance minister on grounds he was morally unfit to lead. But the prime minister said the deputy was fired because he was morally unfit. Anwar mounted a nationwide campaign against the prime minister before being detained as a national security risk and charged with illegal homosexual acts and corruption in connection with those allegations. Anwar mounted a nationwide campaign against the prime minister before being detained as a national security risk and charged with illegal homosexual acts and corruption in connection with those allegations. Last month, Mahathir dismissed and arrested his deputy and heir apparent, Anwar Ibrahim , 51, accusing him of corruption and illegal sex acts. Anwar has been accused of engaging in homosexual acts illegal under Malaysia law , but the charges are generally seen as a pretext for his political persecution. Anwar since has been charged with corruption and illegal homosexual acts , and is to go on trial Nov. 2. In recent appearances in court , where he is facing charges of corruption and illegal homosexual acts , he was seen with a black eye and a neck brace. People are peering at the pictures, downloading copies from the Internet, discussing whether Mahathir, who also oversees the police as home affairs minister, knew what was happening to the man he had once groomed as his successor. Anwar is a charismatic politician who was once picked to be the successor to Malaysia's long-serving Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Anwar is a charismatic politician who was once picked to be the successor to Malaysia's long-serving Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Anwar is a charismatic politician who was once picked to be the successor to Malaysia's long-serving Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Mahathir , who had heart bypass surgery in 1989, had groomed Anwar, 51 , as his successor. Singh spoke to reporters after attending court proceedings Monday where Anwar's trial was fixed for Nov. 2 on corruption charges. Wearing a neck brace Monday after a court-ordered hospital checkup, Anwar was ordered to stand trial Nov. 2 on four charges of abusing his powers to interfere with a police investigation. The leaders of Malaysia's ruling party met Tuesday to discuss a replacement for ousted deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim , who faces trial next month in a case that will test the country's legal system. Anwar since has been charged with corruption and illegal homosexual acts, and is to go on trial Nov. 2. Asia-Pacific leaders are scheduled to meet next month in Malaysia for an annual economics meeting. Asia-Pacific leaders are scheduled to meet next month in Malaysia for an annual economics meeting. Clinton is scheduled to go to Malaysia for the meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Clinton is scheduled to go to Malaysia for the meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Mahathir fired Anwar on Sept. 2 from his posts as deputy prime minister and finance minister , saying he was morally unfit for office. The party leaders, who have been conducting a national campaign to explain to Malaysians why the popular Anwar was fired Sept. 2 , will also confer on what to do now that the High Court judge has banned all comments on Anwar's guilt or innocence. But he fired his protege from his posts as deputy prime minister and finance minister on grounds he was morally unfit to lead. Anwar was sacked on Sept. 2 from his posts as deputy prime minister and finance minister , after he had differed with Mahathir on policy for escaping economic recession. Anwar mounted a nationwide campaign against the prime minister before being detained as a national security risk and charged with illegal homosexual acts and corruption in connection with those allegations. It also welcomed the release of seven youth leaders, including Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the head of the youth wing of the ruling United Malays National Organization and a former ally of Anwar, who were arrested last week in connection with demonstrations in favor of the ousted deputy-premier. Anwar mounted a nationwide campaign against the prime minister before being detained as a national security risk and charged with illegal homosexual acts and corruption in connection with those allegations. Anwar was also dumped from the ruling party, and after two weeks of nationwide rallies at which he called for government reform and Mahathir's resignation, he was arrested under a law that allows police to hold him indefinitely, and prevent him from seeing his family and lawyers. He told the magistrate's courts he was beaten by police on Sept. 20 , the night of his arrest. In a court appearance last week, Anwar's face was bruised and he said he had been beaten by police, heightening international attention to his case. Anwar said police beat him in custody. Anwar said police beat him in custody. BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) - The European Union on Friday expressed its ``deep concern'' over reports of physical abuse of Malaysia's former deputy-prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, who was arrested last month. They're so skewed,'' said Michael Chan, a lawyer who upgraded his computer with a high-speed modem the day after Anwar was arrested on Sept. 20. Anwar , 51, was arrested Sept. 20 under the Internal Security Act , which allows indefinite detention without trial, after two weeks of rallies around Malaysia at which he called for government reform and Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's resignation. Holbrooke said he will explain the ``extreme gravity of the situation'' when he meets Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic later Monday. ``We hope to make clear to president Milosevic and the people of Yugoslavia the extreme gravity of the situation ,'' he said. ``We hope to make clear to President Milosevic and the people of Yugoslavia the extreme gravity of the situation. '' Holbrooke said he would tell Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic of ``the extreme gravity of the situation. '' Holbrooke said he planned to drive home to Milosevic ``the extreme gravity of the situation. '' Holbrooke said he planned to drive home to Milosevic ``the extreme gravity of the situation. '' Holbrooke said he planned to drive home to Milosevic ``the extreme gravity of the situation. '' The Russians are against using NATO force in Kosovo. The Russians are against using NATO force in Kosovo. The Russians are against using NATO force in Kosovo. The Russians are against using NATO force in Kosovo. The Russians are against using NATO force in Kosovo. The Russians are against using NATO force in Kosovo. The United States and Russia are ratcheting up the pressure on President Slobodan Milosevic, warning that NATO airstrikes are inevitable unless he takes decisive action soon to end the humanitarian crisis in the southern Serbian province. The United States and Russia are ratcheting up the pressure on President Slobodan Milosevic, warning that NATO airstrikes are inevitable unless he takes decisive action soon to end the humanitarian crisis in the southern Serbian province. The United States and Russia are ratcheting up the pressure on President Slobodan Milosevic, warning that NATO airstrikes are inevitable unless he takes decisive action soon to end the humanitarian crisis in the southern Serbian province. The United States and Russia are ratcheting up the pressure on President Slobodan Milosevic, warning that NATO airstrikes are inevitable unless he takes decisive action soon to end the humanitarian crisis in the southern Serbian province. The United States and Russia are ratcheting up the pressure on Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic, warning that NATO airstrikes are inevitable unless he takes decisive action to end the crisis in Kosovo province. Holbrooke said he will explain the ``extreme gravity of the situation'' when he meets Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic later Monday. Holbrooke is en route to Belgrade for a meeting with Milosevic. Holbrooke is en route to Belgrade for a meeting with Milosevic. The American envoy Richard Holbrooke met with President Slobodan Milosevic of Yugoslavia Monday night and according to American diplomats told him that he had to take further steps to pull back his military in Kosovo Province or face a NATO attack. Holbrooke spoke in Brussels, Belgium, en route to Belgrade to meet with Milosevic. In Brussels, Belgium, however , U.S. special envoy Richard Holbrooke told reporters Monday that the situation in Kosovo is as bad now as two weeks ago. In Brussels, Belgium, however , U.S. special envoy Richard Holbrooke told reporters Monday that the situation in Kosovo has not improved. However, U.S. envoy Richard Holbrooke said Monday that the Kosovo situation remains critical despite a lull in fighting and the removal of some Yugoslav tanks and troops. But U.S. special envoy Richard Holbrooke said the situation in the southern Serbian province was as bad now as two weeks ago. Following a meeting with Solana in Brussels , Belgium , U.S. special envoy Richard Holbrooke said the situation in the southern Serbian province was as bad now as two weeks ago. ``While the level of fighting (in Kosovo) may have abated temporarily, the capacity for its resumption is there,'' Holbrooke said after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Javier Solana and Supreme Allied Commander Europe Wesley K. Clark. ``While the level of fighting (in Kosovo) may have abated temporarily, the capacity for its resumption is there,'' Holbrooke said after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Javier Solana and Supreme Allied Commander Europe Wesley K. Clark. ``We hope to make clear to president Milosevic and the people of Yugoslavia the extreme gravity of the situation,'' Holbrooke said after a meeting with NATO leaders. ``While the level of fighting may have abated temporarily, the capacity for its resumption is there,'' Holbrooke said after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Javier Solana and Supreme Allied Commander Europe Wesley K. Clark. Holbrooke, the U.S. ambassador-designate to the United Nations, met with Milosevic for several hours late Monday after arriving from Brussels , Belgium, where he conferred with senior NATO officials. NATO's decision may depend on a report U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan is scheduled to present to the Security Council Monday on whether Yugoslavia is meeting U.N. demands. NATO's decision may depend on a report U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan is scheduled to present to the Security Council Monday on whether Yugoslavia is meeting U.N. demands. NATO's decision may depend on a report U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan is scheduled to present Monday to the Security Council on whether Yugoslavia is meeting U.N. demands. NATO's decision may depend on a report U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan is scheduled to present Monday to the Security Council on whether Yugoslavia is meeting U.N. demands. NATO's decision may depend on a report U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan is scheduled to present Monday to the Security Council on whether Yugoslavia is meeting U.N. demands. Before boarding a plane for Belgrade, however, Holbrooke said conditions in the southern Serbian province had not improved since the alliance started two weeks ago to finalize plans for air raids to force Milosevic to halt his offensive against Kosovo Albanian separatists. With NATO attacks said to be only days away, top U.S. envoy Richard Holbrooke delivered an 11th-hour warning Monday to Yugoslavia's president to halt his crackdown on ethnic Albanians in Kosovo or face airstrikes. Before boarding a plane for the Yugoslav capital, Belgrade, however, Holbrooke said conditions in the southern Serbian province had not improved since the alliance started two weeks ago to finalize plans for air raids to force Milosevic to halt his offensive against Kosovo Albanian separatists. With NATO attacks said to be only days away, top U.S. envoy Richard Holbrooke delivered a last-minute warning Monday to Yugoslavia's president to halt his crackdown on ethnic Albanians in Kosovo or face airstrikes. In New York , U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said ``systematic terror'' had been inflicted on Kosovo civilians within recent days and that Yugoslav forces were mostly responsible. In New York, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said ``systematic terror'' had been inflicted on Kosovo civilians within recent days and that Yugoslav forces were mostly responsible. In New York , U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said ``systematic terror'' had been inflicted on Kosovo civilians within recent days and that Yugoslav forces were mostly responsible. In New York, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said ``systematic terror'' had been inflicted on Kosovo civilians within recent days and that Yugoslav forces were mostly responsible. To avoid such an attack, Yugoslavia must end the hostilities, withdraw army and security forces, take urgent measures to overcome the humanitarian crisis, ensure that refugees can return home and take part in peace talks , he said. To avoid such an attack, Yugoslavia must end the hostilities, withdraw army and security forces, take urgent measures to overcome the humanitarian crisis, ensure that refugees can return home and take part in peace talks , he said. Milosevic was also told, the diplomats said, that he had to insure that the roughly 250,000 ethnic Albanian refugees who have been forced to flee their homes in the fighting in the last six months be allowed to return home. To avoid such an attack, Yugoslavia must end the hostilities, withdraw army and security forces, take urgent measures to overcome the humanitarian crisis, ensure that refugees can return home and take part in peace talks , he said.