National Radio Bulletin

GROZNY: Russian tanks have advanced into the city of Grozny and there are reports of heavy casualties with reports that up to 100 Russian soldiers are dead and seven tanks destroyed. Details are sketchy.

GREENS: The Greens are to negotiate a formal agreement with the government – it will not enter the coalition but will clarify their role and the processes to follow.

RE-COUNT: Judge Barry Morris of Auckland will supervise the Rangitikei re-count which ACT requested at the last minute. It is expected to take until at least Saturday.

TROOPS: Kiwi troops in Timor are continuing to patch up their obsolete gear and equipment – especially their radio equipment and armoured personal carriers which are breaking down in the heat.

FINANCE: The Minister of Finance says the old government was dishonest in it’s defence budget. Michael Cullen says defence is underfunded.

APPEAL: The Court of Appeal has dismissed all appeals of the five family members who were convicted of the manslaughter of Angelina Edwards. The mother’s 13 year sentence stands.

FPA: The Family Planning Association is launching a safe sex campaign as it fears the New Year period will be a disaster for STDs.

DAIRY: Dairy farmers are voting today on the future of their industry and the mega-merger proposal.

CONSERVATION: Conservation Minister Sandra Lee has declared the Hectors Dolphin an endangered species which gives her more power to protect them.

PEACE: President Clinton has opened two days of peace talks between Syria and Israel, warning that hard talks and even harder decisions lay ahead.

NEW LAW: A new law in South Africa has increased the help that police and the courts can give to victims of domestic and sexual violence. Protection orders can be given for free and around the clock and suspects can be arrested without a warrant. A woman is killed as a result of domestic violence every six days in South Africa.

CRICKET: The West Indies have won the toss and will bat first in the first test in Hamilton today.

ends

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