New peace proposal would give Kosovo status of republic

PRISTINA, Yugoslavia -- Ethnic Albanian leaders released a peace proposal yesterday for Kosovo that would give the troubled province its own legislature and make it equal to Yugoslavia's two republics.

The plan, published in the Kosovo daily Koha Ditore, was released amid reports that the government had launched a fresh offensive against a rebel stronghold in the southern Serbian province.

Ferry's shifting cargo may have caused sinking

MANILA, Philippines

MANILA, Philippines -- A ferry that sank Friday with 454 people on board was carrying heavy cargo that may have shifted in heavy waves, causing the ship to tilt and then sink, the chief investigator said Sunday.

Seventeen more people were rescued Sunday after spending more than a day in chilly, storm-whipped waters. At least 39 people were dead.

British workers held captive in Chechnya are released

MOSCOW

MOSCOW -- Two British charity workers have been released after being held in breakaway Chechnya for 14 months, British officials said yesterday.

Camilla Carr and John James were kidnapped in July 1997 while on a charitable mission in Chechnya for a Quaker relief organization.

The Foreign Office in London confirmed that the two Britons have been released and "are understood to be in good health."

Pub Date: 9/21/98