Voice of America, 97-03-27

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From: The Voice of America <gopher://gopher.voa.gov>

CONTENTS

[01] U-S / TURKEY BASE (S-ONLY) BY DAVID GOLLUST (PENTAGON)

[02] ARMENIA/AZERBAIJAN/ RUSSIAN MILITARY BY ABOLFAZL PASHA OGHLU (WASHINGTON)

[03] BOSNIA / REFUGEES (L-ONLY) BY KYLE KING (BONN)

[04] PENTAGON/ BOSNIA (S-ONLY) BY DAVID GOLLUST (PENTAGON)

[05] YUGOSLAVIA / CHEMICAL WEAPONS (L) BY RITA COLORITO (NEW YORK)

[06] EURO STOCKS (S ONLY) BY JACK HUIZENGA (LONDON)

[07] U-N WEEK-IN-REVIEW BY ELAINE JOHANSON (UNITED NATIONS)

[08] THURSDAY'S EDITORIALS BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)

[09] EDUCATION, PRIVACY, AUTOS, CONGRESS, EUROPEAN PIRACY BY DAN NOBLE (WASHINGTON)

[01] U-S / TURKEY BASE (S-ONLY) BY DAVID GOLLUST (PENTAGON)

INTRO: THE UNITED STATES IS SHARPLY CUTTING BACK ITS PRESENCE AT THE STRATEGIC "INCIRLIK" AIR BASE IN SOUTH-CENTRAL TURKEY. DEFENSE OFFICIALS SAY THE MOVE IS BUDGET-RELATED, BUT WILL NOT AFFECT ALLIED ENFORCEMENT FLIGHTS FROM THE NATO FACILITY OF THE "NO-FLY ZONE" OVER NORTHERN IRAQ. V-O-A'S DAVID GOLLUST HAS DETAILS FROM THE PENTAGON.

TEXT: A PENTAGON ANNOUNCEMENT SAID THE 24-HUNDRED-MEMBER PERMANENT U-S AIR FORCE PRESENCE AT INCIRLIK WILL BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS 50 PERCENT BY SEPTEMBER OF NEXT YEAR.

THE DECISION IS THE LATEST IN A SERIES OF BUDGET-RELATED U-S BASE CLOSINGS AND REDUCTIONS IN EUROPE. BUT THE PENTAGON SAID THIS DOES NOT MEAN ANY REDUCTION IN THE U-S COMMITMENT TO TURKEY, WHICH IT TERMED A VITAL U-S ALLY AND KEY REGIONAL PARTNER.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE INCIRLIK CUTBACK COMES LESS THAN TWO MONTHS AFTER THE PENTAGON ANNOUNCED AN END TO U-S OPERATIONS AT THE SMALLER "PIRINCLIK" BASE IN SOUTHEASTERN TURKEY, WHICH HAD BEEN USED FOR YEARS AS A MONITORING POST FOR SOVIET SPACE LAUNCHES.

THE PENTAGON SAYS OPERATION NORTHERN WATCH -- THE ENFORCEMENT OF NO-FLY RESTRICTIONS IN IRAQ NORTH OF THE 36TH PARALLEL -- WILL CONTINUE FROM INCIRLIK DESPITE THE PERSONNEL CUTS. U-S AND BRITISH FIGHTER JETS ARE FLYING THE ENFORCEMENT MISSIONS.

FRANCE DROPPED OUT OF THE OPERATION -- FORMERLY KNOWN AS "PROVIDE COMFORT" -- SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, AFTER SADDAM HUSSEIN'S MILITARY DRIVE INTO THE REGION LAST AUGUST EFFECTIVELY ENDED ITS STATUS AS A "SAFE HAVEN" FOR IRAQI KURDS. (SIGNED)
NEB/DAG/TMS/RRM
27-Mar-97 12:15 PM EST (1715 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[02] ARMENIA/AZERBAIJAN/ RUSSIAN MILITARY BY ABOLFAZL PASHA OGHLU (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: IN SOME REPUBLICS OF THE FORMER SOVIET UNION, A CONTINUED RUSSIAN MILITARY PRESENCE IS CONSIDERED A PROTECTION AGAINST HOSTILE NEIGHBORS. IN THE CASE OF ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN, WHICH ARE INVOLVED IN THE OLDEST ETHNIC CONFLICT IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF INDEPENDENT STATES, THE CONTINUED RUSSIAN PRESENCE IS WELCOMED BY ARMENIA AND OPPOSED BY AZERBAIJAN. VOA'S ABOLFAZL PASHA OGHLU HAS PREPARED THIS REPORT ON A CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON (WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26) THAT DISCUSSED PEACEFUL SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH, THE PREDOMINANTLY ARMENIAN REGION IN AZERBAIJAN THAT IS AT THE HEART OF THE CONFLICT BETWEEN ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN.

TEXT: "CAUCASUS: CHOOSING CONCILIATION OVER CONFRONTATION" WAS THE SUBJECT OF THE CONFERENCE HOSTED BY THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES AND AZERBAIJAN. WHILE THE GOAL OF THE TWO ORGANIZATIONS IS TO PROMOTE AMERICAN INVESTMENT IN AZERBAIJAN, THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONFERENCE WAS TO DISCUSS WAYS TO END THE NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT.

THOUGH THE TERRITORY IS IN AZERBAIJAN, ITS POPULATION IS PREDOMINANTLY ARMENIAN AND IT HAS LONG SOUGHT INDEPENDENCE FROM AZERBAIJAN. IN RECENT YEARS, NAGORNO-KARABAKH FORCES HAVE WON CONTROL OF ABOUT 20 PERCENT OF AZERBAIJAN. THOUGH A FRAGILE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN PLACE, THE REGION IS FAR FROM STABLE. MORE THAN A MILLION PEOPLE HAVE BEEN FORCED TO FLEE THEIR HOMES AND ARE NOW LIVING UNDER TERRIBLE CONDITIONS IN REFUGEE SETTLEMENTS, AND AZERBAIJAN HAS IMPOSED TRADE AND ECONOMIC SANCTIONS AGAINST ARMENIA, ACCUSING IT OF SUPPORTING THE ETHNIC ARMENIANS IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH.

ONE OF THE SPEAKERS AT THE CONFERENCE, FORMER U-S NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR ZBIGNIEW BRZEZINSKI, SAID THAT EVEN THOUGH THE CEASEFIRE HAS HELD FOR THREE YEARS, THE WHOLE REGION REMAINS EXTREMELY VOLATILE, IN PART BECAUSE SO MANY COUNTRIES HAVE A STAKE IN THE REGION:

IF RUSSIA AND IRAN WERE TO COMBINE IN JOINT PRESSURE AGAINST AZERBAIJAN, AZERBAIJAN'S INDEPENDENCE WOULD BE SEVERELY THREATENED AND WITHOUT A DOUBT AZERBAIJAN IS VULNERABLE TO SUCH PRESSURES. IF RUSSIA WERE TO CONTINUE TO EXPLOIT THE NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT, NOT ONLY WOULD THE VIABILITY OF AZERBAIJAN BE AFFECTED BUT THE EXTENT OF THE TRUE INDEPENDENCE OF ARMENIA WILL BE LIMITED AND ARMENIA THUS, WILL BECOME EVENTUALLY MORE VULNERABLE.

MR. BRZEZINSKI SAID HE FAVORED A COMPROMISE SOLUTION TO THE NAGORNO-KARABAKH ISSUE BY OUTSIDE MEDIATORS. ANY MEDIATION EFFORT, HE SAID, SHOULD GO BEYOND THE BASIC ISSUES OF ENDING THE FIGHTING AND PROPOSE WAYS TO DEVELOP THE REGION'S RICH NATURAL RESOURCES, PARTICULARLY ITS ABUNDANT OIL RESERVES.

MR. BRZEZINSKI PROPOSED ACCESS TO THE REGION THROUGH A VARIETY OF PIPELINES THAT SPAN THE DIFFERENT COUNTRIES AND LINK THEM IN A COOPERATIVE ECONOMIC ARRANGEMENT. THE FORMER U-S NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR THEN SUGGESTED A GREATER INVOLVEMENT OF IRAN IN THE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC COMMUNITY. IF IRAN, A REGIONAL POWER, ISN'T GRANTED GREATER ACCESS TO THE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY, HE SAID, IT WOULD SEEK THAT ACCESS ON ITS OWN, AS IT IS STARTING TO DO WITH TURKEY:

I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO CREATE MORE FLEXIBILITY FOR AN EVOLVING TURKISH-IRANIAN RELATIONSHIP, TO THE EXTENT THAT IF IRAN IS TOTALLY ISOLATED FROM THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AND LINKS, FOR EXAMPLE BETWEEN TURKEY AND IRAN, ARE OPPOSED, IT WOULD CREATE GREATER INCENTIVES FOR IRAN TO ENGAGE IN RELATIONSHIP WITH RUSSIA THAT COULD BE THREATENING TO THE VIABILITY AND INDEPENDENCE OF THE REGION.

BUT THE ARMENIAN REPRESENTATIVE IN THE CONFERENCE, JIRAIR LIBARIDIAN, WHO IS NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR TO THE PRESIDENT OF ARMENIA, MADE CLEAR THAT HIS COUNTRY CONSIDERS RUSSIA A SOURCE OF STABILITY IN THE REGION. HE EMPHASIZED THAT RUSSIAN MILITARY PRESENCE IN THE CAUCASUS IS ESSENTIAL FOR ARMENIAN SECURITY, LIKENING IT TO THE NATO'S PRESENCE IN TURKEY:

I DON'T KNOW IF ANY COUNTRY, PARTICULARLY SMALL COUNTRIES, CAN BUY, IN ANY WAY, SECURITY HUNDRED PERCENT. BUT PRESENCE OF A RUSSIAN BASE IN ARMENIA DOES PROVIDE A DEGREE OF SECURITY FOR ARMENIA. ITS GOVERNMENT THINKS SO. ITS PEOPLE HAVE NO PROBLEM AND IT IS ITS SOVEREIGN RIGHT TO DECIDE. JUST AS TURKEY (ALLOWS) U-S BASES IN TURKEY, RIGHT? DOES TURKEY BELIEVE THAT ITS SECURITY IS ADDED WITH THOSE BASES? YES. DO YOU RAISE THAT QUESTION? NO. IS IT THE SOVEREIGN RIGHT OF TURKEY TO DECIDE? YES. IT IS ALSO THE SOVEREIGN RIGHT OF ARMENIA TO DECIDE.

IN CONTRAST, AZERBAIJAN, THE ONLY MEMBER OF CIS WITH NO RUSSIAN MILITARY ON ITS SOIL, FEELS THREATENED BY THE RUSSIAN PRESENCE IN ARMENIA. VAFA GULIZADEH, FOREIGN AFFAIRS ADVISOR TO THE PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN (HAYDER ALIEV), LINKS ANY RUSSIAN MILITARY PRESENCE IN THE REGION WITH THE RETURN OF SOVIET HEGEMONY. BUT HE HELD OUT THE POSSIBILITY OF HELP FROM RUSSIA:

I HOPE THAT NOW WE WILL HAVE MORE COOPERATION FROM RUSSIA. BECAUSE IT IS MY PERSONAL ANALYSIS THAT THERE ARE SOME CIRCLES WHO ARE INTERESTED IN CONTINUATION OF THIS CONFLICT, DREAMING ABOUT REARRANGING OR REESTABLISHMENT OF A SOVIET UNION ONCE AGAIN. BECAUSE THERE WAS A LOT OF ATTEMPTS ABOUT COMMON DEFENSE OF BORDERS OF CIS AND ABOUT INSTALLATION OF MILITARY BASES IN AZERBAIJAN. NOW WE DON'T HAVE IT. NOW WE HAVE GOOD COOPERATION. LISBON SUMMIT WAS A VERY GOOD EVIDENCE. RUSSIA COOPERATED, SUPPORTED THE WORLD COMMUNITY TO ACCEPT THE LISBON SUMMIT PRINCIPLES.

THE LISBON SUMMIT AGREED ON THREE PRINCIPLES FOR THE RESOLUTION OF THE NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT: 1) ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF AZERBAIJAN AS AN INDEPENDENT COUNTRY, 2) SELF RULE FOR THE ARMENIANS OF NAGORNO KARABAKH, AND 3) A GUARANTEE FOR THE SECURITY OF BOTH ETHNIC GROUPS IN THE REGION.

THOUGH THE AZERBAIJANI GOVERNMENT ACCEPTED ALL THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SUMMIT, THE ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT DIDN'T ACCEPT ALL OF THEM, BRINGING AN END TO THE NEGOTIATIONS OVER NAGORNO-KARABAKH. JIRAIR LIBARIDIAN, THE ARMENIAN REPRESENTATIVE AT THE CONFERENCE, EXPLAINED HIS COUNTRY'S POSITION:

BECAUSE WE KNOW WHAT THE FIRST POINT MEANS; TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY. BUT WE DON'T KNOW WHAT THE OTHER TWO POINTS MEAN. WE DON'T KNOW WHAT SELF RULE MEANS AND WE DON'T KNOW WHAT SECURITY MEANS. YOU EITHER NEGOTIATE SOMETHING OR YOU IMPOSE SOMETHING. LISBON WAS AN ATTEMPT TO IMPOSE (THESE PRINCIPLES ON ARMENIA). WE WANT TO NEGOTIATE.

THOUGH FIGHTING HAS STOPPED IN THE REGION, IN ITS PLACE HAS COME A COLD WAR BETWEEN THE TWO TINY CAUCASIAN REPUBLICS. THE RUSSIAN DUMA HAS STARTED AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ILLEGAL SALES OF ARMS TO ARMENIA BY RUSSIA VIA IRAN, AND THE PRESIDENT OF ARMENIA (LEVON TER PETROSIAN) HAS APPOINTED THE PRESIDENT OF SELF-DECLARED REPUBLIC OF KARABAKH (ROBERT KOCHARIAN) AS THE NEW ARMENIAN PRIME MINISTER.

BUT THERE THERE IS ALSO SOME HOPEFUL NEWS: ARMENIA'S MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS RECENTLY ANNOUNCED THAT IT WILL UNILATERALLY RELEASE AZERBAIJANI PRISONERS OF WAR HELD IN ARMENIA. (SIGNED)
NEB/APO/KL
27-Mar-97 2:20 PM EST (1920 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[03] BOSNIA / REFUGEES (L-ONLY) BY KYLE KING (BONN)

INTRO: U-N REFUGEE AGENCY OFFICIALS SAY THEY ARE DISAPPOINTED THAT THE GERMAN GOVERNMENT HAS BEGUN FORCING BOSNIAN REFUGEES TO RETURN HOME, WHERE LITTLE HAS BEEN DONE TO PREPARE FOR THE REPATRIATIONS. V-O-A'S KYLE KING REPORTS FROM BONN.

TEXT: EARLIER THIS WEEK, GERMAN OFFICIALS FORCED A GROUP OF 41 BOSNIAN REFUGEES TO BOARD A PLANE THAT FLEW THEM BACK TO AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE IN SARAJEVO.

IT WAS THE LARGEST GROUP OF REFUGEES TO BE DEPORTED SINCE OFFICIALS DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO START REPATRIATING THE MORE THAN 300-THOUSAND BOSNIANS LIVING IN GERMANY.

ALTHOUGH GERMANY TOOK IN MORE REFUGEES FROM BOSNIA THAN ALL OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES COMBINED, THEIR WELCOME HAS WORN THIN (DISSIPATED) SINCE THE END OF THE WAR.

AFTER SEVERAL DELAYS, OFFICIALS RECENTLY BEGAN SENDING BACK THOSE CONVICTED OF CRIMES. AND THEY NOW PLAN TO START SENDING A LARGER GROUP OF 40-THOUSAND HOME IN MAY.

A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE U-N HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES, JUDITH KUMIN, SAYS SHE IS DISAPPOINTED ABOUT THE WAY THE REFUGEES ARE BEING SENT HOME, BECAUSE FEW WILL HAVE A PLACE TO LIVE.

THE CONCERN IS THAT IF THE NUMBER OF PERSONS WHO ARE REQUIRED TO LEAVE INCREASES AND THESE PEOPLE DON'T HAVE SOMEWHERE TO LIVE IN THE FEDERATION, WE BEGIN TO CREATE A NEW SOCIAL PROBLEM IN THE FEDERATION -- A GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO ARE ESSENTIALLY HOMELESS AND DON'T KNOW HOW OR WHERE THEY CAN INTEGRATE. THAT'S WHY WE HAVE STRONGLY URGED GOVERNMENTS TO BEGIN THEIR RETURN PROGRAMS WITH THOSE PEOPLE FOR WHOM A RETURN TO THEIR PLACE OF ORIGIN IS POSSIBLE. THAT IS TO DIFFERENTIATE, ACCORDING TO ETHNIC ORIGIN AND ACCORDING TO PLACE OF ORIGIN, AND THAT'S WHAT'S ABSENT IN THE GERMAN APPROACH TO RETURNS.

A BOSNIAN WHO COUNCILS REFUGEES LIVING IN GERMANY, FADILA MIMISOVIC, SAYS MANY PEOPLE ARE AFRAID OF BEING DEPORTED.

MRS. MIMISOVIC SAYS THE PEOPLE ARE REALLY HELPLESS AND ALONE, AND THE GERMAN GOVERNMENT IS BEING VERY HARD AND BUREAUCRATIC. SHE SAYS MANY REFUGEES IN GERMANY ARE AFRAID OF GOING BACK BECAUSE THEY ARE MUSLIMS WHO COME FROM AREAS UNDER THE CONTROL OF BOSNIAN SERBS.

HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS AND MEMBERS OF THE OPPOSITION GREENS PARTY IN GERMANY HAVE CRITICIZED THE GOVERNMENT'S DECISION TO FORCE THE REFUGEES HOME, BUT MS. KUMIN SAYS SHE DOES NOT EXPECT ANY CHANGE OF POLICY.

NO, I DON'T THINK THERE IS GOING TO BE ANY CHANGE IN THE GERMAN POLICY. I THINK THE POLICY WILL CONTINUE TO BE TO EXERT A MINIMUM AMOUNT OF PRESSURE ON THE BOSNIAN REFUGEES, INCLUDING THREATENING THEM WITH FORCIBLE REMOVAL IN ORDER TO GET THEM TO PACK THEIR BAGS AND GO ON THEIR OWN.

OFFICIALS SAY ABOUT 30-THOUSAND REFUGEES HAVE ALREADY RETURNED HOME TO BOSNIA ON THEIR OWN. BUT WITH NO PLACE TO LIVE FOR HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF OTHERS NOW LIVING IN EUROPE, THERE IS LITTLE LIKELIHOOD THEY WILL DO SO WITHOUT BEING FORCED. (SIGNED)
NEB/KBK/JWH
27-Mar-97 11:36 AM EST (1636 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[04] PENTAGON/ BOSNIA (S-ONLY) BY DAVID GOLLUST (PENTAGON)

INTRO: PENTAGON OFFICIALS SAY THE UNITED STATES IS TALKING TO ITS NATO ALLIES ABOUT WAYS TO BRING INDICTED WAR CRIMES SUSPECTS IN BOSNIA TO JUSTICE. BUT IT INSISTS NO PLAN OF ACTION TO ACHIEVE THIS HAS BEEN AGREED UPON. VOA'S DAVID GOLLUST HAS DETAILS FROM THE PENTAGON.

TEXT: THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION SAYS ALLIED TALKS ON THE ISSUE CONTINUE. BUT IT IS DISTANCING ITSELF FROM AN ASSERTION BY BOSNIAN PRESIDENT ALIJA IZETBEGOVIC THAT THERE HAS BEEN A FIRM COMMITMENT TO ACT.

THE BOSNIAN LEADER SAID AFTER MEETING PRESIDENT CLINTON WEDNESDAY THAT HE HAD GOTTEN "CLEAR ASSURANCES" THAT WAR CRIMINALS WILL BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE, AND THAT HE BELIEVES "SPECIAL UNITS" WILL BE FORMED TO APPREHEND THEM.

WHILE INSISTING HE WAS NOT CONTRADICTING MR. IZETBEGOVIC, PENTAGON SPOKESMAN KEN BACON TOLD REPORTERS NO ASSURANCE WAS GIVEN DURING THE MEETING WITH PRESIDENT CLINTON, AND THAT SPECIAL UNITS DID NOT COME UP. THE ALLIED TALKS ON THE ISSUE, HE SAID, CONTINUE:

DAYTON MAKES IT VERY CLEAR THAT THIS IS THE JOB OF THE FORMER WARRING FACTIONS. THEY HAVE NOT DONE THIS. THERE ARE STILL TOO MANY WAR CRIMINALS AT LARGE. THEREFORE THE ALLIES HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING OTHER WAYS TO DO THIS, BUT THOSE TALKS CONTINUE -- THEY'RE NOT COMPLETE.

MR. IZETBEGOVIC SAYS PEACE CANNOT BE INSURED UNTIL INDICTED FORMER BOSNIAN SERB LEADERS RADOVAN KARADZIC AND RATKO MLADIC ARE ARRESTED AND SENT TO THE WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL AT THE HAGUE. (SIGNED)
NEB/DAG/CB/LWM
27-Mar-97 6:12 PM EST (2312 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[05] YUGOSLAVIA / CHEMICAL WEAPONS (L) BY RITA COLORITO (NEW YORK)

INTRO: AN AMERICAN HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP, IN A REPORT RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY), SAYS CHEMICAL WEAPONS PRODUCTION CAPABILITIES IN THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA POSE A THREAT TO THE REGION'S FRAGILE PEACE. V-O-A'S RITA COLORITO REPORTS FROM NEW YORK.

TEXT: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH SAYS IT HAS UNCOVERED EVIDENCE THAT THE YUGOSLAV NATIONAL ARMY HAD AN EXTENSIVE CHEMICAL WEAPONS PROGRAM PRIOR TO THE BREAKUP OF YUGOSLAVIA IN 1991. JOOST (YOST) HILTERMANN, DIRECTOR OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH ARMS PROJECT, SAYS THE ARMY OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA INHERITED MUCH OF THIS PROGRAM.

AT THE MOMENT WE ARE AWARE OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS CAPABILITY IN THE FEDERATION OF YUGOSLAVIA, WHICH IS BASICALLY THE REPUBLICS OF SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO. AND THIS IS A GOVERNMENT THAT HAS BEEN PARTICULARLY ABUSIVE IN THE CONFLICT IN THE BALKANS IN THE PAST, THAT HAS INSTIGATED TO A LARGE EXTENT THE CONFLICT IN THE BALKANS. AND THE EXISTENCE OF THIS CAPABILITY THERE, THIS EXPERTISE, THIS EQUIPMENT, ALL MEAN THAT ONCE A FUTURE CONFLICT BREAKS OUT, OR IF FURTHER CONFLICT THREATENS, THE NEIGHBORING STATES MAY WELL CHOOSE TO DEVELOP SIMILAR CAPABILITIES IN ORDER TO COUNTERACT ANY ATTACK FROM THE SERBIAN SIDE. THIS MAY LEAD TO AN ARMS RACE IN CHEMICAL WEAPONS. AND THAT, IN ITSELF, MAY FURTHER INCREASE THE TENSIONS THAT ALREADY EXIST.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE YUGOSLAV MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS CATEGORICALLY DENIES ALL ALLEGATIONS REGARDING THE USE AND PRODUCTION OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS IN HIS COUNTRY, SUGGESTING THAT THE INFORMATION IN THE HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH REPORT CAME FROM OTHER FORMER REPUBLICS TRYING TO PRESENT A FALSE PICTURE ABOUT THE YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC'S ROLE IN THE CRISIS.

MR. HILTERMANN OF HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH SAYS SOME OF THE CHEMICAL WEAPONS EXPERTS FOR THE FORMER YUGOSLAV ARMY ARE LIVING IN BOSNIA AND CROATIA, ADDING THAT THE POTENTIAL FOR THOSE COUNTRIES TO DEVELOP CHEMICAL WEAPONS CAPABILITIES IS THEREFORE A REAL ISSUE. HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH SAYS IT CANNOT CONFIRM ALLEGATIONS THAT CHEMICAL WEAPONS ARE CURRENTLY BEING PRODUCED.

THE GROUP'S REPORT ALSO CHARGES THAT THE UNITED STATES HAS KNOWN ABOUT CHEMICAL WEAPONS PRODUCTION CAPABILITY IN THE BALKANS SINCE 1993, BUT HAS BEEN RELUCTANT TO RELEASE THE INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC. THE U-S STATE DEPARTMENT SAYS IT HAS NO COMMENT ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH ALLEGATIONS.

THE REPORT -- CALLED "CLOUDS OF WAR: CHEMICAL WEAPONS IN THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA" -- IS BASED ON A YEAR OF RESEARCH, INCLUDING INTERVIEWS WITH PERSONS INVOLVED IN WHAT HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH DESCRIBES AS THE CHEMICAL WEAPONS PROGRAM OF THE FORMER YUGOSLAV ARMY. THE REPORT SAYS THE YUGOSLAV ARMY CONDUCTED RESEARCH DURING THE WAR IN THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA ON A VARIETY OF CHEMICAL AGENTS, INCLUDING THE NERVE AGENT SARIN.

THE USE OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS IN WARFARE HAS BEEN PROHIBITED SINCE THE 1925 GENEVA PROTOCOL. THE POSSESSION OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS IS PROHIBITED UNDER THE 1993 CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION, WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO COME INTO FORCE FOR RATIFYING COUNTRIES ON APRIL 29, 1997.

MR. HILTERMANN SAYS RATIFICATION OF THE CONVENTION BY ALL PARTIES IS NEEDED TO ENSURE A LASTING PEACE IN THE BALKANS.

CROATIA HAS RATIFIED. BOSNIA HAS SIGNED BUT NOT YET RATIFIED, AND THE FEDERATION OF YUGOSLAVIA HAS NEITHER SIGNED NOR RATIFIED, AND THIS IS RATHER ALARMING GIVEN THE CAPABILITY THAT EXISTS.

THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION HAS BACKED THE CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION. (SIGNED) NEB/NY/RC/LSF/KL
27-Mar-97 4:05 PM EST (2105 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[06] EURO STOCKS (S ONLY) BY JACK HUIZENGA (LONDON)

INTRO: SHARE PRICES WERE MIXED IN TRADING THURSDAY IN MAJOR EUROPEAN MARKETS. V-O-A'S JACK HUIZENGA HAS THE CLOSING MARKET REPORT FROM LONDON.

TEXT: EUROPEAN STOCKS CONTINUED THEIR UPWARD TREND, WITH GAINS POSTED IN ALL THREE MAJOR MARKETS -- ALTHOUGH ALL THREE CLOSED WELL BELOW THEIR HIGHS FOR THE DAY. IN LONDON, STOCKS WERE UP FOR THE THIRD DAY. THE FOOTSIE-100 INDEX ROSE 11 POINTS, ABOUT THREE-TENTHS PERCENT. IN PARIS, THE CAC-40 INDEX ROSE ALMOST EIGHT POINTS, ALSO THREE-TENTHS PERCENT. AND, IN FRANKFURT, THE DAX-30 INDEX FINISHED THE FLOOR TRADING DAY UP ALMOST 11 POINTS, A RISE OF THREE-TENTHS PERCENT. BUT PRICES IN FRANKFURT FELL BACK SHARPLY IN LATER COMPUTERIZED TRADING.

ON THE LONDON CURRENCY EXCHANGE, THE U-S DOLLAR DROPPED IN VALUE AGAINST THE GERMAN MARK, THE JAPANESE YEN, AND THE BRITISH POUND.

THIS WAS THE LAST DAY OF TRADING IN EUROPE BEFORE THE LONG EASTER HOLIDAY WEEKEND. EUROPEAN TRADING RESUMES ON TUESDAY. (SIGNED)
NEB/JWH/MMK
27-Mar-97 1:20 PM EST (1820 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[07] U-N WEEK-IN-REVIEW BY ELAINE JOHANSON (UNITED NATIONS)

INTRO: U-N SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN ADVISES ANGOLA TO STAY COMMITTED TO A PEACE TREATY ENDING NEARLY 20 YEARS OF WAR; HUMANITARIAN OFFICIALS MOBILIZE SUPPORT FOR AID TO CENTRAL AFRICA AS DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS CONTINUE FOR A CEASEFIRE IN ZAIRE; THE UNITED NATIONS ENCOURAGES LIBERIA TO HOLD FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS IN MAY; AND WASHINGTON'S CHIEF DELEGATE AT THE UNITED NATIONS URGES AMERICAN STUDENTS TO DEVELOP AN ABIDING INTEREST IN THE WORK OF THE ORGANIZATION. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ELAINE JOHANSON REVIEWS THE MAIN DEVELOPMENTS OF THE PAST WEEK.

TEXT: THE U-N SECURITY COUNCIL IS ABOUT TO CONSIDER EXTENDING A PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN ANGOLA FOR ANOTHER TWO WEEKS. SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN RECOMMENDED THE LIMITED RENEWAL BECAUSE OF UNCERTAINTY WHEN A NEW GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL UNITY WILL BE IN PLACE. REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE FORMER REBEL GROUP UNITA HAVE BEEN SLOW TO ARRIVE IN THE CAPITAL.

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL VISITED ANGOLA THIS PAST WEEK. HE REPORTED TO NEW YORK HE IS CONFIDENT THE NEW GOVERNMENT WILL BE INAUGUARATED SOON. THE U-N LEADER APPARENTLY RECEIVED ASSURANCES FROM UNITA LEADER JONAS SAVIMBI.

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL MOVED ON TO TOGO FOR A MEETING ON THE CRISIS IN ZAIRE. MR. ANNAN APPEALED FOR A CEASEFIRE AND URGED THE WARRING FACTIONS TO GO TO THE NEGOTIATING TABLE. ZAIRE HAS BEEN ENGULFED IN DOMESTIC TURMOIL SINCE REBELS SEEKING AN END TO THE LONG RULE OF MOBUTU SESE SEKO STARTED SEIZING TERRITORY IN THE EAST LAST OCTOBER.

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THE EUROPEAN UNION'S COMMISSIONER FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS -- EMMA BONINO -- STOPPED AT U-N HEADQUARTERS THIS PAST WEEK ON A CAMPAIGN AIMED AT PROVIDING EMERGENCY RELIEF TO CENTRAL AFRICA. SHE ALSO FOCUSED CONCERN ON THE BALKAN NATION OF ALBANIA -- WHERE BAD INVESTMENT SCHEMES THAT ROBBED THE SAVINGS OF CITIZENS PROMPTED A REBELLION.

MS. BONINO HAS EARNED A REPUTATION AS A TIRELESS ADVOCATE FOR HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTION. SHE TOLD REPORTERS IN NEW YORK THE RISKS HAVE GOT TO BE TAKEN:

CERTAINLY WHEN YOU DECIDE TO INTERVENE, YOU ALWAYS RUN A RISK. BUT IF YOU DO NOTHING IN SUCH A SITUATION, MAYBE YOU WILL BE FACED VERY SOON WITH A MAJOR PROBLEM THROUGHOUT ALL THE REGION.

THE UNITED NATIONS HAS SENT A SMALL TEAM TO ALBANIA TO ASSESS THE COUNTRY'S IMMEDIATE NEEDS. THE MISSION IS EXPECTED TO COME BACK ALSO WITH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LONGER-TERM SUPPORT.

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LIBERIA'S DOMESTIC TURMOIL MAY BE COMING TO AN END. THE SECURITY COUNCIL THIS PAST WEEK EXTENDED A SMALL U-N OBSERVER FORCE IN THE COUNTRY TO HELP LIBERIA ORGANIZE ELECTIONS SCHEDULED FOR MAY 30TH.

COUNCIL DIPLOMATS EXPRESSED CONCERN, HOWEVER, ABOUT DELAYS IN SETTING UP ELECTION MACHINERY, SUCH AS AN ELECTIONS COMMISSION. U-S AMBASSADOR BILL RICHARDSON URGED THE LIBERIANS NOT TO TAKE THE FUTURE LIGHTLY:

THE LIBERIAN PEOPLE DESERVE THE BEST ELECTION POSSIBLE. AS EACH DAY PASSES, THE MAY 30TH DEADLINE BECOMES MORE CHALLENGING, GIVEN THE CONSIDERABLE LOGISTICAL WORK THAT FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS REQUIRE.

THE SECURITY COUNCIL ALSO URGED THE RIVAL FACTIONS TO CONTINUE DISARMING THEIR FIGHTERS. MANY OF THE COMBATANTS STILL HAVE WEAPONS.

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TRAPPED IN THE PRESENT BUT REACHING FOR THE FUTURE -- U-S AMBASSADOR RICHARDSON MET WITH SOME TWO-THOUSAND AMERICAN COLLEGE STUDENTS GATHERED AT U-N HEADQUARTERS THIS PAST WEEK AND ENLISTED THEIR SUPPORT. HE ASKED THEM TO WRITE THEIR LEGISLATORS IN WASHINGTON TO PAY OFF THE U-N DEBT. THE UNITED STATES OWES AT LEAST ONE-BILLION DOLLARS IN PAST DUES.

YOU HAVE SENATORS AND CONGRESSMEN THAT I HOPE YOU TALK TO AND TELL THEM ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE HERE AT THE U-N, THAT YOU FOUND THAT THE U-N IS DEALING WITH ISSUES THAT WORK, THAT YOU MET SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE IMPRESSIVE AND YOU THINK THAT AS A MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY, UNDER TREATY OBLIGATIONS, WE SHOULD RECOGNIZE THAT AMERICA'S INTERESTS ARE BEING HURT BY NOT PAYING THOSE BILLS.

SOME ON CAPITOL HILL ARE TRYING TO REGULATE U-N REFORM AND ATTACH STRICT CONDITIONS FOR PAYMENT.

IN HIS FIRST FEW WEEKS AS U-S ENVOY TO THE ORGANIZATION, AMBASSADOR RICHARDSON HAS REPORTED TO WASHINGTON THAT U-S INFLUENCE IS GREATLY DIMINISHED BECAUSE OF THE DEBT. (SIGNED)
NEB/EJ/RRM
27-Mar-97 4:15 PM EST (2115 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[08] THURSDAY'S EDITORIALS BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: U-S NEWSPAPERS ARE COMMENTING ON VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE'S VISIT TO CHINA THIS THURSDAY WHILE OTHERS ARE RESPONDING TO THE LATEST VIOLENCE IN ISRAEL.

THE ISSUE OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM AND ENDING MEDICARE FRAUD ARE ALSO POPULAR, AND ONE DAILY TAKES NOTE OF CHELSEA CLINTON'S FIRST FORAY INTO PUBLIC SPEAKING - - IN AFRICA.

NOW, HERE WITH SOME QUOTES IS ___________________ AND TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

TEXT: THE VICE PRESIDENT'S TRIP TO CHINA WAS MADE MORE DIFFICULT BY RECENT ALLEGATIONS THAT CHINA HAD TRIED TO INFLUENCE LAST YEAR'S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WITH CAMPAIGN DONATIONS. THE CHARGES ARE STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION. THIS LED TO SUCH HEADLINES AS THE ONE IN TODAY'S NEW YORK TIMES EDITORIAL COLUMN WHICH READS: "AL GORE'S AWKWARD CHINA TRIP."

VOICE: "AL GORE DID NOT LOOK LIKE A HAPPY MAN IN BEIJING THIS WEEK. AT EVERY TURN MR. GORE SEEMED TO RUN INTO THE WHITE HOUSE'S 1996 FUND-RAISING ABUSES, AND HE SEEMED UNCERTAIN WHETHER TO FLEE THE CONNECTION OR CONFRONT IT. IN THE END HE AWKWARDLY DID SOME OF BOTH, MAKING CLEAR THAT THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION WAS NOT SURE EXACTLY HOW TO CONDUCT RELATIONS WITH CHINA IN THE SHADOW OF THE SCANDAL. THIS IS CAUSE FOR WORRY IN A YEAR WHEN CHINA FIGURES TO BE AT THE CENTER OF AMERICAN DIPLOMATIC ACTIVITIES. [OPT] ... AS A DRESS REHEARSAL FOR THE MEETINGS PLANNED BETWEEN PRESIDENT CLINTON AND PRESIDENT JIANG ZEMIN OF CHINA, MR. GORE'S VISIT WAS NOT A PROMISING SIGN." [END OPT]

TEXT: THE WALL STREET JOURNAL IS EQUALLY CRITICAL, NOTING HOW THE VICE PRESIDENT SEEMED TO BE AVOIDING U-S REPORTERS COVERING HIS VISIT.

VOICE: "[OPT] IN TOKYO, MR. GORE'S PRESS SECRETARY, INCREDIBLY, BARRED REPORTERS FROM COVERING MR. GORE'S SPEECH TO THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE..... ONCE IN BEIJING, THE STAFFERS CONTINUED TO BANISH JOURNALISTS - - AND SHIFT THE BLAME TO THE CHINESE, WHICH IS IMPLAUSIBLE CONSIDERING THE USUAL URGE OF CHINESE LEADERS TO BOLSTER THEIR LEGITIMACY IN THE WORLD'S EYES BY APPEARING NEXT TO VISITING DIGNITARIES. [END OPT] ..... THE MOMENT OF MAXIMUM DISCOMFORT ARRIVED DURING AN OBLIGATORY CHAMPAGNE TOAST WITH CHINESE PREMIER LI PENG ..... AS MR. GORE HALF-HEARTEDLY RAISED HIS GLASS, HIS MIND MIGHT HAVE BEEN SWIMMING WITH [MENTALLY CREATING IMMAGES OF] CAMPAIGN-2000 TV COMMERCIALS BY THE OPPOSITION, JUXTAPOSING FOOTAGE OF THIS TOAST WITH A VOICE-OVER [NARRATION] OF CHARGES ABOUT CHINESE-DIRECTED CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS."

TEXT: TURNING TO THE MIDDLE EAST, THE SUN IN BALTIMORE DEPLORES THE RESUMPTION OF HAMAS TERRORISM, NOTING THAT MAKING PEACE IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BOTH SIDES.

VOICE: "THE HAPPY FESTIVAL OF PURIM WAS MARRED IN ISRAEL BY TWO ATROCITIES THAT ARE ALL TOO FAMILIAR. THEY DO NOT JUSTIFY A RELAXATION IN THE SEARCH FOR PEACE. NOR DO THEY VINDICATE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ISRAELI HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT HAR HOMA, EXTENDING JERUSALEM. THEY DO SERVE TO REMIND THE WORLD OF ATTACKS THAT ISRAELIS HAVE HAD TO ENDURE. ..... THERE IS SYNERGY BETWEEN MR. ARAFAT'S WINK AT TERRORISM AND MR. NETANYAHU'S APPEASEMENT OF INTRANSIGENT HAWKS, EACH FUELING THE OTHER. COMPLETING THE ACCOMMODATION BETWEEN RIVAL NATIONALISMS IN A CROWDED LAND IS SO IMPORTANT AND HAS MADE SO MUCH PROGRESS THAT NO EXCUSE REMAINS FOR EITHER PARTY TO PRETEND IT IS THE OBLIGATION SOLELY OF THE OTHER."

TEXT: THE WASHINGTON TIMES SEES A BASIC FLAW IN CURRENT U-S POLICY TOWARD THE REGION AS PARTLY TO BLAME.

VOICE: "AT PRESENT THERE IS NO BETTER EXAMPLE OF MISTAKEN, WRONGHEADED, AND ULTIMATELY DESTRUCTIVE FOREIGN POLICY THAN THE ONE THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN PURSUING TOWARD ISRAEL AND THE 'PEACE PROCESS.' EVER SINCE THE REDEPLOYMENT FROM HEBRON IN JANUARY, THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION HAS MADE A POINT OF LAYING THE BLAME FOR EVERY FRUSTRATING TURN OF THE PEACE PROCESS AT ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU'S FEET. THIS WEEKEND, THE PRESIDENT'S REWARD WAS THE REEMERGENCE OF THE SUICIDE BOMBER IN CENTRAL ISRAEL."

TEXT: TODAY'S NEW YORK POST ADDS:

VOICE: "THIS [PALESTINIAN] PATTERN OF BEHAVIOR VIOLATES BOTH THE SPIRIT AND THE ACTUAL PROVISIONS OF THE OSLO ACCORDS. THE PEACE PROCESS IS UTTERLY INCONSISTENT WITH A POLICY OF GIVING PEOPLE A WINK AND NOD TO GO OFF AND KILL ISRAELI CIVILIANS."

TEXT: BACK TO DOMESTIC ISSUES AND THE QUESTION OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM, WHICH DRAWS THIS REACTION FROM THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER. THE INQUIRER HAS BEEN RUNNING A SERIES OF EDITORIALS UNDER THE COLLECTIVE TITLE "DRAINING THE SWAMP."

VOICE: "IF AMERICANS MERELY GRUMP ABOUT THE BIG MONEY IN POLITICS, THEY'LL KEEP TAKING THE BACKSEAT TO THE SPECIAL INTERESTS WHOSE CONTRIBUTIONS MAKE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS ALMOST UNBEATABLE. COZY [SECURE] INCUMBENTS AREN'T GOING TO END THIS SCAM - - WHICH THE TOP REPUBLICAN IN THE SENATE CALLS 'THE AMERICAN WAY '- - UNTIL FOLKS ON BROAD STREET AND MAIN STREET DEMAND IT. THAT'S WHAT REFORMERS DARED THE PUBLIC TO DO YESTERDAY AT THE LIBERTY BELL. HELP US GET ONE-MILLION-776-THOUSAND SIGNATURES ON A PETITION DEMANDING A CAMPAIGN CLEANUP, THEY SAID, TO MAKE LAWMAKERS GIVE UP THIS INCUMBENT-PROTECTION RACKET."

TEXT: STILL WITH CORRUPT GOVERNMENT PRACTICES, THE ATLANTA CONSTITUTION IS CONCERNED WITH MEDICARE FRAUD, URGING:

VOICE: "THE UNITED STATES SPENDS FEWER PUBLIC DOLLARS PER PERSON ON THE HEALTH OF ITS CITIZENS THAN OTHER INDUSTRALIZED NATIONS. THAT'S REASON ENOUGH TO MAKE SURE THAT WHAT WE DO SPEND ISN'T WASTED. SO PRESIDENT CLINTON'S PROPOSAL TO WEED OUT FRAUD IN THE MEDICARE AND MEDICAID PROGRAMS OUT TO GET BROAD SUPPORT. UNFORTUNATELY, THERE'S ALREADY BEEN A BIT OF PARTISAN SNIPING AT THE PLAN. REPUBLICANS SAY IT'S NOTHING NEW AND, IN ANY CASE, TOO MODEST TO GET AT THE 60-BILLION-DOLLAR SHORTFALL THE MEDICARE TRUST FUND FACES BY 2002. HOWEVER, WHEN THE PRESIDENT SAYS HE HAS A PLAN TO SAVE UP TO 10-BILLION DOLLARS IN MONEY THAT SHOULD BE GOING TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF THE POOR, THE DISABLED AND THE ELDERLY BUT INSTEAD WINDS UP LINING THE POCKETS OF CROOKS, OLD FEUDS SHOULD BE SET ASIDE."

TEXT: AND LASTLY, THE NEW YORK POST HAS SOME COMMENTS ON CHELSEA CLINTON'S FIRST FORAY INTO PUBLIC SPEAKING, IN WHICH, DURING HER MOTHER'S TWO-WEEK GOODWILL TOUR OF AFRICA, SHE TOLD SOME TANZANIAN TEENAGERS THAT U-S TEENS ARE IN A STATE OF MALAISE.

VOICE: " 'THERE'S A LOT OF HOPELESSNESS', THE 17-YEAR-OLD TOLD A GROUP OF TANZANIAN YOUNGSTERS ABOUT THEIR AMERICAN PEERS. ..... WE CANNOT BUT BE STRUCK BY THE INCONGRUOUS SETTING: FOR CHILDREN IN A COUNTRY WHERE MALNUTRITION IS RAMPANT AND FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION ROUTINE, THE ALIENATION OF AMERICAN MIDDLE-CLASS KIDS MUST APPEAR DOWNRIGHT ENVIABLE. STILL, YOUNG CHELSEA IS ON TO [HAS NOTICED] SOMETHING. SHE LAMENTS THE RAMPANT CYNICISM OF AMERICAN TEEN-AGERS AND THEIR LACK OF CONCERN ABOUT THE FUTURE. IT'S CERTAINLY TRUE THAT KIDS GROWING UP TODAY SEEM LESS LIKELY TO BELIEVE IN ANYTHING .... THAN PREVIOUS GENERATIONS."

TEXT: THAT CONCLUDES THIS BRIEF SAMPLING OF EDITORIALS FROM TODAY'S U-S DAILY PAPERS.
NEB/ANG/NL
27-Mar-97 10:28 AM EST (1528 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[09] EDUCATION, PRIVACY, AUTOS, CONGRESS, EUROPEAN PIRACY BY DAN NOBLE (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: ON THIS EDITION OF COMPUTER DIGEST;

A CONFERENCE LOOKS AT THE ROLE OF HIGH-TECH IN EDUCATION,

INTERNET USERS WORRY ABOUT PRIVACY,

CONNECTING CARS TO COMPUTER NETWORKS,

CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES HEARS ABOUT THE YEAR 2000 PROBLEM,

AND, SOFTWARE PIRACY IN EUROPE. *****

EDUCATION

TEXT: EARLIER THIS MONTH (FYI - MARCH), THE 600-PARTICIPANTS WHO ATTENDED THE ANNUAL PC FORUM IN TUCSON, ARIZONA, DISCUSSED WHAT THE INDUSTRY "CAN DO WITH COMPUTERS AND THE INTERNET TO IMPROVE EDUCATION." MICHAEL CRICHTON, AUTHOR OF THE NOVEL "JURASSIC PARK," AND ONE OF THE SPEAKERS, ARGUED THAT "THE REAL REASON OF EDUCATION IS TO TEACH YOUNG PEOPLE THE VALUE AND BEHAVIOR OF SOCIETY. AND THAT," HE SAYS, "IS BEST DONE BY PEOPLE, NOT TECHNOLOGY." BUT, REPORTS THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, REED HUNDT, CHAIRMAN OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION, OFFERED A RESPONSE TO MR. CRICHTON. MR. HUNDT LIKENED MR. CRICHTON'S SPEECH TO THE AUTHOR'S BEST-SELLING FANTASY OF DINOSAUR CLONING. MR. HUNDT SAID THAT MR. CRICHTON'S SPEECH WAS -- IN HIS WORDS -- "COMPLETELY FALSE, BUT A GREAT STORY." THE COMMISSIONER ASKED THE TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES TO GET MORE INVOLVED IN WIRING SCHOOLS TO THE INTERNET, SAYING THAT COMPUTER-ASSISTED INSTRUCTION "RESULTS IN A 30% INCREASE IN STUDENT PERFORMANCE IN READING, MATH AND SCIENCE." *****

PRIVACY

TEXT: A RECENT STUDY, REPORTED IN THE USA TODAY NEWSPAPER, SUGGESTS THAT "INTERNET USERS ARE SO CONCERNED THAT MARKETERS WILL MISUSE THEIR PERSONAL INFORMATION THAT MANY SURFERS HAVE SHIED AWAY FROM COMMERCIAL INTERACTIONS ON LINE." THE REPORT, PREPARED FOR THE ELECTRONIC FRONTIER FOUNDATION AND COMMERCENET, INDICATES THAT IF PRIVACY WERE ASSURED, "RESPONDENTS WOULD BE 40% TO 50% MORE LIKELY TO UNDERTAKE A TRANSACTION." COMPUTER EXPERTS TOLD THE NEWSPAPER THAT "AS MUCH AS $6 BILLION IN ADDITIONAL ELECTRONIC COMMERCE IS POSSIBLE BY THE YEAR 2000" IF THE CONCERN OVER CONFIDENTIALITY IS ADDRESSED. *****

AUTOS

TEXT: THE GERMAN AUTOMAKER, MERCEDES-BENZ, AND THE AMERICAN HIGH-TECH COMPANY, IBM, ARE JOINING FORCES "TO DEVELOP A NEW GENERATION OF AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS." ACCORDING TO PC MAGAZINE, "PLANS INCLUDE OUTFITTING CARS WITH GLOBAL POSITIONING SATELLITE RECEIVERS TO MAKE NAVIGATING CONGESTED CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS LESS OF A NIGHTMARE." LOUIS GERSTNER, IBM'S CHAIRMAN, DESCRIBES THE CAR OF THE FUTURE AS "A CONTINUOUSLY MODIFYING DEVICE," AND AS A "MOBILE AREA NETWORK" THAT WILL RESPOND "TO DOZENS OF SENSORS PLACED THROUGHOUT IT." THE MAGAZINE ADDS THAT "IN THE FUTURE, DRIVERS MAY LINK TO THE INTERNET FOR BUSINESS INFORMATION, DIRECTIONS, TRAFFIC REPORTS, AND E-MAIL." *****

CONGRESS

TEXT: LAST WEEK, THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SUBCOMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY AND THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT, INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY, CONDUCTED A JOINT HEARING TO DISCUSS "YEAR 2000 RISKS: WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FAILURE." THE PURPOSE WAS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT A POTENTIAL PROBLEM: HOW TO CORRECT COMPUTERS THAT ARE PRESENTLY UNABLE TO HANDLE PROGRAMS FROM ONE CENTURY TO THE NEXT. HARRIS MILLER, HEAD OF THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, ONE OF THE SPEAKERS, SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD WARN THE PRIVATE SECTOR ABOUT THE COSTS OF FAILURE, BUT HE ALSO NOTED THAT MANY OF THE STATUTORY AND REGULATORY TOOLS ARE ALREADY IN PLACE TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC IN AREAS LIKE CONSUMER FRAUD AND PRODUCT LIABILITY." *****

PIRACY

TEXT: ILLEGALLY COPIED AND COUNTERFEIT SOFTWARE IS COSTING THE EUROPEAN SOFTWARE INDUSTRY MORE THAN $3 BILLION ANNUALLY. DEREK GRAY, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE EUROPEAN DIVISION OF ADOBE SYSTEMS, AND A SPOKESPERSON FOR THE BUSINESS SOFTWARE ALLIANCE, SAYS THAT PIRACY IS AN ENDEMIC PROBLEM. MR. GRAY WAS ATTENDING THE FIRST-EVER JOINT NEWS CONFERENCE OF THE EUROPEAN PRESIDENTS OF THE EIGHT SOFTWARE COMPANIES COMPRISING THE ALLIANCE. HE SAID THAT "EUROPE HAS THE IGNOMINIOUS DISTINCTION OF LEADING THE INDUSTRIALIZED WORLD IN PIRACY." MR. GRAY ALSO POINTED TO A PRIVATE REPORT ISSUED LAST MONTH (FYI - FEBRUARY) FOR THE EUROPEAN UNION COUNCIL OF MINISTERS THAT WARNED OF STAGNATION IN THE EUROPEAN INFORMATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY." GROWTH IN THE INDUSTRY, HE SAID "IS ONLY ONE-FIFTH OF THAT IN THE U.S. AND JAPAN." *****
27-Mar-97 3:33 PM EST (2033 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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