German Chancellor Schröder explained the deployment of its combat troops for the first time since 1945, when the Third Nazi Reich was defeated in the Second World War, as Germany’s duty to oppose oppression, expulsions and the use of violence. According to Schröder, this stance also atones for Germany’s past. P. 13

“We accept foreign troops, but under UN command” Attack ready from Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Hungary P. 13

Late-breaking news, 23:45 Yugoslav President Slobodan Milošević told Russian envoy Chernomyrdin yesterday that he was ready to accept an “international presence”, but only under the supervision of the United Nations. US President Bill Clinton said the proposal represented steps forward and was the first, albeit unclear, sign of a promise since NATO’s air war over Yugoslavia began 30 nights ago. NATO, which is about to begin its 50th-anniversary celebrations in Washington, has blown up his residence in Belgrade and is preparing to send ground troops in. Nevertheless, the bombs did not stop in Belgrade yesterday either, a fact showing that NATO’s campaign will continue for some time. According to the Russian news agency TASS, “an international presence” in Kosovo under the supervision of the United Nations and with Russia’s participation was secured following a joint document signed after talks between Viktor Chernomyrdin and Slobodan Milošević. “The status of the international forces or the countries that will take part in them—that is an issue to be discussed. But the main thing is that Russia will participate,” TASS quoted Chernomyrdin, the former Russian prime minister, as saying. After leaving Belgrade for Moscow, Chernomyrdin was quoted as saying that he expected to meet representatives of NATO member states in Moscow no later than today. He also said he might fly to Europe without delay to meet NATO leaders if necessary. Clinton made the following remarks at a Rose Garden press conference at the White House while with Javier Solana: “If this really is a proposal for genuine security forces, this would be the first time Mr. Milošević has done this, and if he provides evidence, I see this as a few steps forward.”

Russian planes transport NATO weapons to Kosovo page 13 Solana speaks on the 50th anniversary: “Victory in Kosovo is our prestige” page 12 NATO bombings destroy Milošević’s residence page 3 Fighting in Has: Albanian officer wounded, army uses armoured vehicles page 4 Total chaos in Kukës: Helicopters return empty, Kosovars do not leave page 8 Prices shake the economy: Apartments now 100 percent more expensive page 22 Cup Winners’ Cup: Lazio and Mallorca in the final page 22

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