SERBIA: 11 YEARS AFTER NATO BOMBS, SIRENS SOUND IN BELGRADE
(ANSAmed) - BELGRADE, MARCH 24 - To mark the 11th anniversary of the start of the NATO bombing against the Federation of Serbia and Montenegro, the sirens once again sounded in Belgrade today at midday. Public ceremonies are planned in the capital and in other Serbian cities to commemorate the approximate 3,500 people killed (civilians and military personnel) and the over 12,000 people injured by the bombings decided by NATO against the Slobodan Milosevic's regime and his policy of ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. In 78 days of bombing, 2,500 civilians were killed (including 89 children) and 1,031 servicemen and policemen were killed. The injured numbered around 6,000 amongst the civilians (2,700 children) and over 5,000 amongst servicemen and policemen. Material damage was enormous, in particular the destruction of bridges, roads, railways, military installations and public buildings. In the centre of Belgrade, one can still see some buildings - which at the time hosted the Ministry of Defence and the headquarters - completely disembowelled and semi-destroyed by the bombs. The bombing ceased with the agreement signed in Kumanovo (Macedonia) on June 9, 1999, and three days later the Yugoslav forces began to withdraw from Kosovo where, on the basis of UN Resolution 1244 , a contingent of NATO troops (KFOR) were sent, with a total of 37,000 men. This multinational force is being reduced over time and today totals some 10,000 soldiers. On February 17, 2008, Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia, so far recognised by 65 countries (including Italy) but not by Belgrade or Russia. (ANSAmed).
2010-03-24 15:46
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