WHAT HAPPENED ON 23th December 1996?

22nd December 1996

REBELS KILL NINE SOLDIERS IN SRI LANKA

Nine government soldiers have been killed in an ambush by Tamil Tiger rebels in Sri Lanka the army said. The soldiers were on a routine patrol near the eastern port of Trincomalee when they were ambushed by gunmen. The guerrillas opened fire on a military vehicle killing nine & injuring one other. There have been no reports of rebel casualties. Ten soldiers & a civilian were killed two days ago in a grenade attack.

23th December 1996

MAYHEW PRAISES LOYALIST BOMB RESPONSE

Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Patrick Mayhew has called on loyalists not to engage in "tit-for-tat violence". Speaking on BBC Radio he praised loyalist parties linked with paramilitaries for condemning the bomb attack on republican Eddie Copeland. This was in "marked contrast" to Sinn Fein he claimed. Gerry Adams merely expressed regret over an IRA attack on a unionist's police bodyguard at a hospital he said

23th December 1996

MURDER CHARGE FIANCEE RELEASED ON BAIL

Tracie Andrews the former model accused of murdering her fiance Lee Harvey is to be allowed home on bail to spend Christmas with her family The 27-year-old had been held at Eastwood Park women's prison near Gloucester pending a prosecution appeal But the prosecution failed to get last Friday's decision by magistrates to grant her bail overruled. Miss Andrews claims her fiance was stabbed to death in a road rage attack.

22nd December 1996

TheStock Market Panelassembles

professional expertise in an effort to illustrate the pros & cons of investment in UK stocks & shares. While this form of investment can bring rewards there are risks too. It should only be considered if you are ready to lose the sum invested. Selections made & opinions given are those of the panellists & are not necessarily shared by the BBC. *Investors are recommended always to seek professional advice.

23th December 1996

MAYHEW PRAISES LOYALIST BOMB RESPONSE

Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Patrick Mayhew has called on loyalists not to engage in "tit-for-tat violence". Speaking on BBC Radio he praised loyalist parties linked with paramilitaries for condemning the bomb attack on republican Eddie Copeland. This was in "marked contrast" to Sinn Fein he claimed. Gerry Adams merely expressed regret over an IRA attack on a unionist's police bodyguard at a hospital he said

23th December 1996

ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES WINS RATINGS WAR

The BBC says Only Fools & Horses topped the Christmas TV ratings with 18.7m viewers. David Jason & Nicolas Lyndhurst were reunited for a special Christmas edition of the popular comedy series. The BBC is claiming eight out of the top ten Christmas shows on the basis of provi{ional figures. EastEnders was second with 15.9m viewers & the film Jurassic Park third with 14.5m.

22nd December 1996

WORLD CITIES REPORT FOR 21 Dec

23th December 1996

MAYHEW PRAISES LOYALIST BOMB RESPONSE

Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Patrick Mayhew has called on loyalists not to engage in "tit-for-tat violence". Speaking on BBC Radio he praised loyalist parties linked with paramilitaries for condemning the bomb attack on republican Eddie Copeland. This was in "marked contrast" to Sinn Fein he claimed. Gerry Adams merely expressed regret over an IRA attack on a unionist's police bodyguard at a hospital he said

23th December 1996

THREE KILLED AS CAR BOMB ROCKS ALGIERS

At least three people have died & 70 others injured in a car bomb attack in the Algerian capital. The bomb went off shortly before midday outside a crowded coffee house in the centre of Algiers. There was no immediate word on who was responsible but it is thought to be the work of Muslim fundamentalists. Some 60 000 people have died in clashes between the armed forces & extremists since elections were cancelled in 1992.

22nd December 1996

BELFAST CAR BOMB SIGNALS TERROR SPIRAL

A Unionist politician has said the Belfast car bomb blast may be the "beginning of a spiral of violence". David Ervine leader of the PUP said he was unhappy about the blast which left republican activist Eddie Copeland in hospital. But he added there was little he could do to prevent renewed loyalist activity The SDLP's Dr Joe Hendron has also condemned the attack & has called on the IRA to announce a new ceasefire.

23th December 1996

MAYHEW PRAISES LOYALIST BOMB RESPONSE

Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Patrick Mayhew has called on loyalists not to engage in "tit-for-tat violence". Speaking on BBC Radio he praised loyalist parties linked with paramilitaries for condemning the bomb attack on republican Eddie Copeland. This was in "marked contrast" to Sinn Fein he claimed. Gerry Adams merely expressed regret over an IRA attack on a unionist's police bodyguard at a hospital he said

23th December 1996

FOREIGN OFFICE SEEKS ACTION OVER NURSES

Britain has failed to pressure the Saudi Arabian authorities to disclose the fate of two British nurses being held over the murder of a colleague. The nurses in their 30s are being kept in a Dhahran prison & have been denied access to the British consul. The Foreign Office wanted to know if any charges would be brought but no information was forthcoming. An Australian nurse was murdered in a hospital in Dhahran on December 11.

22nd December 1996

OZONE 6pm Sun 22 Dec

Wales Scotland & N.Ireland

23th December 1996

MAYHEW PRAISES LOYALIST BOMB RESPONSE

Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Patrick Mayhew has called on loyalists not to engage in "tit-for-tat violence". Speaking on BBC Radio he praised loyalist parties linked with paramilitaries for condemning the bomb attack on republican Eddie Copeland. This was in "marked contrast" to Sinn Fein he claimed. Gerry Adams merely expressed regret over an IRA attack on a unionist's police bodyguard at a hospital he said

23th December 1996

OZONE 6pm Mon 23 Dec

Wales Scotland & N.Ireland

22nd December 1996

J R Catlin thinks we should make the

country safe for future generations by giving the police authority to search without warning any building suspected of holding firearms. Two points. Firstly the Gestapo had similar powers. Secondly police gun hadling is such that they represent a far greater danger to themselves & the public than licensed firearm owners P F Hicks Woking Surrey

23th December 1996

MAYHEW PRAISES LOYALIST BOMB RESPONSE

Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Patrick Mayhew has called on loyalists not to engage in "tit-for-tat violence". Speaking on BBC Radio he praised loyalist parties linked with paramilitaries for condemning the bomb attack on republican Eddie Copeland. This was in "marked contrast" to Sinn Fein he claimed. Gerry Adams merely expressed regret over an IRA attack on a unionist's police bodyguard at a hospital he said

23th December 1996

OFFICERS OFFER SPECIAL BRANCH FOR XMAS

Police are offering to give away a stolen Christmas tree ` after it was left cluttering up the station. The 12ft tree was seized by officers when they arrested three men staggering along a street late at night in Lymington Hants. Officers are convinced the tree is stolen but have been unable to trace its owner. A spokesman said: "Anyone who still needs one is welcome to ring us."

22nd December 1996

BELFAST CAR BOMB SIGNALS TERROR SPIRAL

A Unionist politician has said the Belfast car bomb blast may be the "beginning of a spiral of violence". David Ervine leader of the PUP said he was unhappy about the blast which left republican activist Eddie Copeland in hospital. But he added there was little he could do to prevent renewed loyalist activity The SDLP's Dr Joe Hendron has also condemned the attack & has called on the IRA to announce a new ceasefire.

23th December 1996

MAYHEW PRAISES LOYALIST BOMB RESPONSE

Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Patrick Mayhew has called on loyalists not to engage in "tit-for-tat violence". Speaking on BBC Radio he praised loyalist parties linked with paramilitaries for condemning the bomb attack on republican Eddie Copeland. This was in "marked contrast" to Sinn Fein he claimed. Gerry Adams merely expressed regret over an IRA attack on a unionist's police bodyguard at a hospital he said

23th December 1996

TRIMBLE RULES OUT FORMAL GOLDSMITH LINK

The Ulster Unionists have struck a deal with Sir James Goldsmith's party over a referendum on Europe. Jim Nicholson the Ulster Unionists' only European MP will join the grouping of MEPs at the European parliament headed by Sir James. But UUP leader David Trimble said there will be no change in the party's voting policy at Westminster. UUP votes are crucial to the Government's survival in the Commons.

22nd December 1996

BELFAST CAR BOMB SIGNALS TERROR SPIRAL

A Unionist politician has said the Belfast car bomb blast may be the "beginning of a spiral of violence". David Ervine leader of the PUP said he was unhappy about the blast which left republican activist Eddie Copeland in hospital. But he added there was little he could do to prevent renewed loyalist activity The SDLP's Dr Joe Hendron has also condemned the attack & has called on the IRA to announce a new ceasefire.

23th December 1996

MAYHEW PRAISES LOYALIST BOMB RESPONSE

Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Patrick Mayhew has called on loyalists not to engage in "tit-for-tat violence". Speaking on BBC Radio he praised loyalist parties linked with paramilitaries for condemning the bomb attack on republican Eddie Copeland. This was in "marked contrast" to Sinn Fein he claimed. Gerry Adams merely expressed regret over an IRA attack on a unionist's police bodyguard at a hospital he said

23th December 1996

TRIMBLE RULES OUT FORMAL GOLDSMITH LINK

The Ulster Unionists have struck a deal with Sir James Goldsmith's party over a referendum on Europe. Jim Nicholson the Ulster Unionists' only European MP will join the grouping of MEPs at the European parliament headed by Sir James. But UUP leader David Trimble said there will be no change in the party's voting policy at Westminster. UUP votes are crucial to the Government's survival in the Commons.