Chernobyl reactor's deterioration could lead to another disaster
Ukraine-The concrete shield surrounding the destroyed reactor at Chernobyl is deteriorating and could cause another release of radioactive dust, Ukrainian scientists say. Water is leaking into the ruins and coming into contact with the hardened fuel, and could possibly cause fission of uranium atoms. This would result in a vapor explosion, bursting the sarcophagus and showering radioactive dust onto the surrounding areas.

Dead Rwandan civilians finally receive proper burial
Rwanda-The bodies of approximately 6,000 Rwandans were buried at the top of the highest hill in Kigali, the capital. The bodies were recently exhumed from one of the many mass graves in the area.

Inmates killed by overcrowding in Rwandan prisons
Rwanda-In Gitarama, site of Rwanda's most crowded prison, prisoners are packed so close together that there is no room to lie down. Last week, about 50 died. Although the United Nations recently began transferring some inmates to less crowded locations, the prison receives about 50 new prisoners a day.

Islamic extremists destroy schools
Algeria-The Armed Islamic Group has destroyed 100 schools during the last 3 years, and damaged over 700 others, because the schools failed to follow Islamic precepts. 142 teachers were killed last year, according to authorities.

Rally turns violent; 9 Americans held
India-9 members of a Texas-based evangelical group, Gospel to the Unreached Millions, were arrested in a remote part of India after the rally they had organized went out of control.

Peace negotiations continue in Northern Ireland
N. Ireland-The European Union is preparing to launch a $386 million aid package to back peace and reconciliation in the area.

Iraq restricts media coverage of Americans' ordeal
Journalists were banned from having any contact with the lawyer defending two Americans arrested and jailed for illegal entry into the country. Reporters will also be prevented from covering the appeals trial.

Russia warned against reactor construction
The Clinton administration has warned Russia that if it continues with plans to build nuclear reactors in Iran, the United States will not give the nuclear cooperation that Russia wants.