NATO BOMBS HIT MATERNITY HOSPITAL Radio Havana

NATO BOMBS HIT MATERNITY HOSPITAL
Radio Havana - May 20, 1999

NATO bombs made a direct hit on a maternity hospital Wednesday evening in the Yugoslav capital of Belgrade, killing at least four patients as they lay in their hospital beds. Two pregnant women giving birth were wounded, along with three babies, one child and medical personnel in what has become the tenth case of so-called 'collateral damage.' According to eyewitness reports, the scene at the hospital was one of panic and horror.

NATO bombardments also damaged Sweden's embassy in Belgrade, Angola's embassy in the Yugoslav capital and the residence of Spain's ambassador. Swedish Foreign Relations Minister Anna Lindh charged that the launching of missiles and bombs in the center of a large and heavily-populated city was "totally unacceptable" -- demanding an explanation. She said the bombardment of the hospital in Belgrade once again reaffirms the need to search for a political solution to the conflict in Kosovo.

With respect to the three new 'mistakes,' NATO spokesman Jamie Shea limited himself to saying that of seven bombs launched, one missed its target by more than 500 yards -- one-third of a mile -- although he didn't say where it fell.

According to Serb authorities, Wednesday evening's attacks killed six civilians and wounded more than 30 others. In Pristina, the Kosovo capital, news reports cite the bombing of an administrative building that had nothing to do with military or police installations.