Anti-independence militias unleash mayhem in East Timor

U.N. officials herd journalists into the temporary safety of the compound

In this story: African journalists support continent's development Rebels challenge Russian forces in Dagestan Turkey's youngest citizens suffer quake aftereffects Malaysia marks independence with a flourish Incan sun ceremony lights up Peruvian highlands A steamy test of willpower in Finland RELATED STORIES, SITES

By Kevin Grieves
CNN World Report

It began as a U.N.-backed referendum on the future of East Timor: On August 30, nearly 80% of Timorese voters cast ballots in favor of independence from Indonesia. But the voice of the voters was soon drowned out by the noise of chaos and violence, as pro-Jakarta militias roamed the streets of Dili and other cities setting fires and terrorizing residents.

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A number of correspondents and camera crews from around the world had been in East Timor to follow the outcome of the referendum. As militia members turned on Timorese citizens, journalists covering the story found themselves in sudden danger as well. CNN World Report viewers saw dramatic footage of the violence, including an attack on BBC correspondent Jonathan Head, in a report from contributor 7 Network of Australia. Several men were shown beating the correspondent with sticks and rifle-butts; Head was fortunate to escape without serious injury.

7 Network's Geof Parry witnessed the violence in East Timor's capital, Dili, firsthand. Parry joined CNN World Report by telephone after having fled to safety in Jakarta. He recounted the tense and frightening climate on the streets of Dili. Parry is no newcomer to risky situations, having reported from the front lines of wars in places such as Somalia and the Balkans. But he says the violent militia members made East Timor one of the biggest challenges of his career.

"In terms of threats to journalists ... it's certainly one of the most dangerous places I've ever been to, and I'm sure that's an experience shared by other journalists," Parry said.

African journalists support continent's development

Strife, warfare, and suffering: That's the prevalent image of the African continent carried on many of the world's airwaves. But many African journalists feel called to promote a more positive view of their homeland. In fact, broadcasters in many African nations see their role in society as actively supporting national development programs, a role most Western journalists would find uncomfortable.

Contributor Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) showed African journalists at work in this role at a recent summit of the Organization of African Unity in Algiers, Algeria. The summit drew a record number of news media representatives from all across the continent. GBC reporter Alex Owusu-Kwakye says the summit drew so many African journalists because they wanted to report on Africa's agenda for the new century.

Rebels challenge Russian forces in Dagestan

A Russian soldier awaits combat action in Dagestan

The unity of what was the Soviet Union continues to splinter, as Islamic militants continue to fight Russian troops in the Caucasus republic of Dagestan. The Chechen-led militants are heavily armed and are more accustomed to the mountainous terrain than are the Russian forces sent to suppress them.

CNN World Report brought viewers several reports from Russian television on the situation in Dagestan. Russia's ORT reported on the challenges facing the Russian military on the ground in Dagestan, as guerrillas take one village after another with little resistance. ORT reporter Vadim Chelokov says many villagers have no hope that Russian soldiers will be able to offer them protection against the rebels. Instead, the Dagestanis are making direct appeals to Moscow for arms so they can attempt to defend themselves.

Russian broadcaster NTV took viewers to Vladivostok, Russia, where reservists were preparing to depart for Dagestan. The 50 men are members of a police force and likely will be deployed to the Dagestan-Chechen border area. One reservist summed up the mood among the group: "We are ready to fight. At the same time, we don't think it will be easy."

Turkey's youngest citizens suffer quake aftereffects

While a tremor rocked neighboring Greece recently, Turkey was still coming to grips with the devastation caused by its earthquake, which resulted in more than 15,000 deaths and widespread damage to buildings. Many Turks remain homeless, and the Turkish government is struggling to restore the country's damaged infrastructure.

CNN World Report contributor NTV of Turkey examined the earthquake's lingering effects on some of the most vulnerable Turkish citizens: children. Youngsters were especially traumatized by the aftershocks that continued to rock Turkish cities for days after the initial disaster. They recalled the terror of that night on August 17 when the quake first shook the ground. NTV spoke with psychologists who were called in to help children cope; those doctors encouraged parents to help their young ones by showing as much affection for them as possible.

Malaysia marks independence with a flourish

Malaysians pull together to celebrate National Day

Forty-two years ago, a new nation was born, emerging from under the shadow of British rule. Malaysia has developed into a leading economic power in southeast Asia, and the annual August 31 commemoration of independence gives Malaysians an opportunity to express pride at all the nation has been able to achieve.

On this year's National Day, that pride towered to new heights, as the world's tallest skyscraper officially opened in Kuala Lumpur. The twin Petronas Towers are a gleaming monument to progress, although critics contend that the building is an ostentatious monument that distracts from greater achievements of Malay culture.

RTM of Malaysia provided coverage of this year's festivities for CNN World Report. Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital, was bedecked with banners and lights, and the national flag could be seen flying from many a building. It was a chance for Malaysians to show off a little ingenuity: One creative version of the flag was crafted out of colored mineral water bottles.

Malaysians also competed in a patriotic song contest and performed plays reenacting Malaysian achievements over the past year. Athletic events punctuated the festivities, giving Malaysians a chance to pull together to show national unity.

Incan sun ceremony lights up Peruvian highlands

An offering to the sun god is part of Incan ritual

Precise calendars, sun rays, and glittering ritual objects made of gold: These are some of the religious elements of the Incas. At its height some 400 years ago, the Incan empire stretched across much of what is now Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador, as well as parts of Chile and Argentina. The empire's downfall came with the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, at which time the Incan domains contained an estimated 12 million people. Religion played an integral part of everyday Incan life, a religion based on worship of a sun god.

Sun worship ceremonies continue to this day in Cuzco, Peru, in the traditional Incan heartland, and Peru's Global Network shared a recent sun worship festival with CNN World Report viewers. In earlier centuries, such ceremonies featured offerings of animal sacrifices, but today's visitors to the festival are treated to worshippers in colorful garments performing symbolic rituals.

The festival draws a number of tourists from all over. Global Network's Josefina Townsend spoke with one visitor who doesn't let the modern-day crowds distract him from the historical mood of the ceremony. "I try to forget about all the rest and try to concentrate on what happened in this place 500 years ago," he said.

A steamy test of willpower in Finland

The sun is plenty hot for most people, but a few Finns have gone the extra mile to put sweat on their brows. Finland's YLE reported on an unusual competition that took place in a sauna, with the winner lasting the longest in the heat.

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Mika Makelainen reports on the heated competition at the sauna contest
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