The headlines
1. Pinochet verdict due on March 24
2. Way clear for sell-off by end of next year
3. Renault’s offer fails to inspire market
4. N Korea sets no terms for hostage’s release
5. Thai facing Swiss trial
6. United fans cause trouble in Milan
The leads
a. Pyongyang yesterday officially expressed its regret over the bungled kidnap attempt of a diplomat and his family in Thailand and denied there was any pre-condition for the release of the diplomat’s son.
b. The offer by French automaker Renault SA to buy a 35% stake in Nissan Motor Co. may provide the debt-ridden Japanese giant and analysts fret any alliance may soon be gasping for air.
c. Milan—Three Manchester United fans were jailed, seven others charged and released and two ended up in hospital as trouble broke out overnight here ahead of yesterday’s game against Inter Milan.
d. The Finance Ministry and the Bank of Thailand have formally approved a restructuring plan for Krung Thai Bank, clearing the way for the eventual privatization of the stationed bank by the end of 2000.
e. A Swiss regional Criminal court will soon begin trial proceedings in connection with one of the most serious organized international crimes committed by Thai nationals, the Swiss Embassy in Bangkok said.
f. London—Britain’s top court said yesterday it would announce in a week’s time whether former Chilean dictator Augustio Pinochet, arrested in London five months ago on a Spanish warrant, must face extradition proceedings.