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Voice of America, 99-02-04Voice of America: Selected Articles Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Voice of America <gopher://gopher.voa.gov>CONTENTS
[01] THE KOSOVO CONFLICT GOES TO THE CONFERENCE TABLE BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)DATE=02/04/99TYPE=WORLD OPINION ROUNDUP NUMBER=6-11131 TELEPHONE=619-3335 EDITOR=ASSIGNMENTS CONTENT= INTRO: THE WESTERN POWERS, BACKED UP BY THE THREAT OF NATO AIR STRIKES, ARE EXPECTING BOTH SIDES IN THE KOSOVO CONFLICT TO SHOW UP FOR A WEEKEND CONFERENCE OUTSIDE PARIS ON HOW TO MEDIATE THE DISPUTE. THE WORLD'S PRESS TEND TO VIEW THE CONFLICT AS RATHER INTRACTABLE AND ARE NOT EXPRESSING MUCH OPTIMISM FOR A POSITIVE OUTCOME TO THE TALKS. FOR A SAMPLING, WE TURN TO ______________ WHO JOINS US NOW WITH THIS WEEK'S WORLD OPINION ROUNDUP. TEXT: ON THE EVE OF THE CONFERENCE AT A VILLA OUTSIDE PARIS, PRESIDENT CLINTON SAYS THE UNITED STATES IS SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING SENDING PEACEKEEPING TROOPS TO KOSOVO IF THE WARRING PARTIES REACH A PEACE AGREEMENT. AND HE URGED THEM TO SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO AT THESE TALKS. MEANWHILE, IN PARIS, FRENCH DEFENSE MINISTER ALAIN RICHARD IS WORKING WITH HIS NATO ALLIES ON THE KOSOVO PEACEKEEPING FORCE THAT WILL NUMBER BETWEEN 25 AND 30-THOUSAND TROOPS. COMPLICATING THE ISSUE IS THE EXTREME REVERENCE WHICH ALMOST ALL SERBS FEEL FOR KOSOVO PROVINCE, SITE OF THE GREATEST BATTLE IN SERBIAN HISTORY, WHEN IN 1389, THE OTTOMAN TURKS DEFEATED THE SERBS AND BEGAN THE REGION'S CONVERSION TO ISLAM. /// OPT /// DESPITE DEFEAT, THE BATTLE CRYSTALIZED SERBIAN NATIONAL PRIDE, AND TO THIS DAY, KOSOVO, AND ESPECIALLY THE BATTLE GROUND, HOLD A MYSTICAL FASCINATION FOR THE SERBIAN PEOPLE. /// END OPT /// IN THE WORLD PRESS, ESPECIALLY IN EUROPE, NEWSPAPERS ARE GIVING RATHER SOBER ASSESSMENTS OF THE MEETING'S POTENTIAL FOR SUCCESS. WE BEGIN IN NEIGHBORING CROATIA, WHERE "VJESNIK" IN ZAGREB NOTES: VOICE: WHEN THE WEST OFFERS THE ALBANIANS ONLY ONE OPTION - - RETURN TO THE STATUS THEY ALREADY HAD BEFORE - - THEN IT MEANS THAT THE RIGHT AND RIGHTEOUS SOLUTION OF THE CRISIS IS IMPOSSIBLE. EVEN TO FORCE THE 'WARRING PARTIES' TO SIT AT A NEGOTIATING TABLE IS JUST AN OSTENSIBLE SOLUTION. KOSOVO ALBANIANS WILL KEEP TRYING TO ACHIEVE THEIR STATEHOOD. WHY SHOULDN'T THEY, IF MACEDONIANS, AND EVEN MONTENEGRINS, HAVE THEIR OWN STATE OR AT LEAST A REPUBLIC? TEXT: TURNING TO WESTERN EUROPE, IN PARIS, "LE FIGARO" IS SHOWING SOME NATIONALIST PRIDE IN THE IMPETUS FOR THE TALKS. VOICE: FOR ONCE THE [PEACE] INITIATIVE DID NOT COME FROM THE UNITED STATES, BUT FROM THE FRANCO-BRITISH COUPLE ... AS THE SITUATION DETERIORATED [IN KOSOVO], THE UNITED STATES WAS INITIALLY TEMPTED WITH AN IRAQI TYPE SCENARIO: THE USE OF AIR STRIKES. SUCH AN INEPT STRATEGY WOULD HAVE DIVIDED THE WEST AND ACCENTUATED THE GAP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND RUSSIA. ... AS AN ALTERNATIVE ... THE ADVANTAGE OF THE FRANCO-BRITISH PROPOSAL HAS BEEN TO GRASP THE SITUATION IN ITS ENTIRETY, REALIZING THAT BOTH THE SERBS AND THE U-C-K [ ALBANIAN LANGUAGE ACRONYM FOR: KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY OR K-L-A] INDEPENDENTS SHOULD BE INVITED TO THE NEGOTIATIONS ... TEXT: ON TO GERMANY WHERE IN MUNICH, "SUEDDEUTSCHE ZEITUNG" RAN THIS IN THURSDAY'S [2/4] EDITIONS: VOICE: NOW IT IS UP TO SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC TO MAKE THE NEXT MOVE, AND IT IS HARDLY POSSIBLE FOR HIM TO RETREAT. THE BELGRADE GOVERNMENT HAS NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO TAKE PART IN THE TALKS ... AT THE TALKS, THE SERBS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH MANY BITTER PILLS TO SWALLOW. ... IT COULD COME BACK TO HAUNT THEM THAT BELGRADE'S PROPAGANDA TURNED KOSOVO INTO A QUESTION OF LIFE OR DEATH FOR THE SERBS. /// OPT /// ... THE BEGINNING OF THIS CONFERENCE BY NO MEANS SIGNALS A POSITIVE OUTCOME, BUT IT IS A BEGINNING, AND THAT IS A GOOD THING. /// END OPT /// TEXT: AS FOR ITALIAN REACTION, IN ROME, "L'UNITA" SUGGESTS: VOICE: IT WILL BE A 'PAINFUL' PARTICIPATION, BUT WHAT REALLY COUNTS IS THAT REPRESENTATIVES OF THE YUGOSLAV FEDERATION WILL ATTEND .... DIPLOMACY SUPPORTED BY MILITARY THREATS HAS THUS ACHIEVED THE FIRST, SIGNIFICANT RESULT... TEXT: IN RUSSIA, WHERE THERE IS A GOOD DEAL OF SYMPATHY FOR THE SERBS WHO ARE ETHNICALLY RELATED TO THE MAJORITY OF RUSSIANS, MOSCOW'S "NEZAVISIMAYA GAZETA" WARNS: "THE SERBS MUST BE SATISFIED." VOICE: THE K-L-A ACCEPTING THE IDEA OF TALKS DOES NOT AT ALL GUARANTEE THEIR SUCCESS ... IN PRINCIPLE, THE SERBS MUST BE SATISFIED WITH THE CONTACT GROUP'S PROPOSAL, HOWEVER, THEY MAY FEEL UNHAPPY ABOUT NUANCES, E.G. HAVING TO DISCUSS THEIR INTERNAL MATTERS OUTSIDE YUGOSLAVIA. TEXT: TO THE ORIENT NOW, WHERE JAPAN'S "SANKEI" IN TOKYO WONDERS: VOICE: WILL THERE BE A MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH IN THE KOSOVO STRIFE? IT IS AN 'ULTIMATUM-LIKE' PROPOSAL MADE BY THE CONTACT. IT IS TIME FOR BOTH SIDES TO REACH AN ACCORD. THE LONGER THE SERBS AND ETHNIC-ALBANIAN REMAIN ANTAGONISTIC, THE MORE LIKELY NATO MILITARY ACTION IS. TEXT: AND LASTLY FROM CANADA, THE FRENCH-LANGUAGE, "LE DEVOIR," IN MONTREAL WONDERS ALSO: VOICE: IS PEACE WITHIN REACH FOR KOSOVO? PERHAPS ... ACCORDING TO THE ... PLAN, THE KOSOVARS WILL BE OFFERED SUBSTANTIAL AUTONOMY WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC... BUT WILL THE PLAN BE ACCEPTED? ... [UNDERSTOOD: "THE TRUTH IS"] NO ONE IN PARIS, OR OTTAWA, OR EVEN MOSCOW, REALLY WISHES TO GET INVOLVED IN THE MIRE OF KOSOVO. TEXT: ON THAT NOTE, WE CONCLUDE THIS SAMPLING OF GLOBAL COMMENT
AS REGARDS THE PENDING CONFERENCE IN FRANCE ON RESOLVING THE
KOSOVO SITUATION.
[02] BELGRADE--KOSOVO TALKS (S AND L) BY GIL BUTLER (BELGRADE)DATE=2/4/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-245080 CONTENT= VOICED AT: /// ED'S: USE OPTS FOR LONG C-R ///INTRO: THE SERBIAN PARLIAMENT IS DEBATING WHETHER TO TAKE PART IN PEACE NEGOTIATIONS WITH ETHNIC ALBANIANS OUTSIDE PARIS BEGINNING SATURDAY. VOA'S GIL BUTLER REPORTS FROM BELGRADE THAT FROM REMARKS BY SEVERAL OF THE PARLIAMENTARY PARTIES, IT SEEMS CERTAIN THE SERBS WILL ATTEND THE NEGOTIATIONS. TEXT: WHILE MUCH OF THE RHETORIC CONDEMNED THE PROPOSALS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONTACT GROUP ON KOSOVO, THERE WAS WIDE SUPPORT FOR ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE. /// OPT ///AMERICAN SPECIAL MEDIATOR, AMBASSADOR CHRISTOPHER HILL TOLD REPORTERS THAT AFTER TALKS WITH SERBS AND ALBANIANS, HE THINKS THEY ARE READY FOR A SETTLEMENT. /// OPT/////HILL ACT ///I THINK OVER THE COURSE OF A YEAR, BOTH SIDES HAVE SHOWN TO THE OTHER THAT NEITHER IS CAPABLE OF KNOCKING OUT THE OTHER AND THAT, IN FACT, THERE IS NO MILITARY SOLUTION. SO I DO BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE PREPARED FOR A POLITICAL SETTLEMENT. /// END ACT ///HE SAID THE ALBANIAN SIDE, INCLUDING THE KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY, ALSO UNDERSTANDS THE NEED FOR A POLITICAL SETTLEMENT. ///END OPT/// MR. HILL SAID THE NEGOTIATIONS AT RAMBOUILLET NEAR PARIS WILL PROBABLY BE "PROXIMITY" TALKS -- THAT IS, NOT FACE-TO-FACE -- THOUGH HE SAID IF THEY WANT DIRECT TALKS, THEY ARE FREE TO HAVE THEM. THE CONFERENCE SITE IS TO BE ISOLATED FROM THE PRESS AND PUBLIC AND THE AMERICAN DIPLOMAT EMPHASIZED THAT THERE IS A ONE WEEK DEADLINE FOR PROGRESS TOWARD REACHING A SETTLEMENT, AND THEN A POSSIBLE SECOND WEEK. IN HIS WORDS: THERE WILL BE A VIGOROUS PACE TO THE TALKS. /// REST OPTIONAL ///OF THE POSSIBILITY OF RENEWED VIOLENCE IN KOSOVO DURING THE
RAMBOUILLET TALKS, AMBASSADOR HILL SAID BOTH SIDES HAVE BEEN
CLEARLY TOLD TO EXERCISE ABSOLUTE CONSTRAINT. HE SAID, "WE WILL
NOT LET THESE TALKS BE DERAILED." (SIGNED)
[03] CLINTON / KOSOVO (L) BY NICK SIMEONE (WHITE HOUSE)DATE=2/4/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-245108 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: PRESIDENT CLINTON SAYS PEACE TALKS BETWEEN THE WARRING PARTIES IN (YUGOSLAVIA'S SERBIAN PROVINCE OF) KOSOVO WILL BEGIN IN FRANCE SATURDAY. AND IF A SOLID PEACE AGREEMENT IS REACHED, THE UNITED STATES WILL LIKELY BE SENDING MORE TROOPS TO ANOTHER BALKAN HOTSPOT. CORRESPONDENT NICK SIMEONE HAS DETAILS FROM THE WHITE HOUSE. TEXT: THE YUGOSLAV GOVERNMENT HAD YET TO FORMALLY ANNOUNCE IT WOULD ATTEND SATURDAY'S PEACE TALKS WHEN PRESIDENT CLINTON TOLD A WASHINGTON AUDIENCE THE TALKS WOULD IN FACT GET UNDERWAY SATURDAY AS THE NATO ALLIES ARE DEMANDING. BACKED BY THE THREAT OF AIR STRIKES, THE PRESIDENT SAYS WASHINGTON AND ITS ALLIES WILL PRESENT A STRATEGY DESIGNED TO STOP THE KOSOVO CONFLICT BEFORE IT SPREADS. AND IF THE TALKS DO RESULT IN AGREEMENT, THE UNITED STATES SHOULD BE PREPARED TO DISPATCH PERHAPS AS MANY AS FOUR THOUSAND TROOPS TO THE REGION TO HELP MAINTAIN THE PEACE. // CLINTON ACT //OUR EUROPEAN ALLIES AND PARTNERS WILL HAVE TO CONTRIBUTE A SUBSTANTIAL MAJORITY OF THE TROOPS. BUT NATO IS A PARTNERSHIP AND THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO EXPECT THE UNITED STATES, WHICH HAS BEEN THE LEADER OF NATO FOR 50 YEARS NOW, TO BE A PART OF THAT. // END ACT //BUT THE PRESIDENT EMPHASIZES NO AMERICAN SOLDIER WILL GO TO KOSOVO IF SERB FORCES AND ETHNIC ALBANIAN REBELS DEMANDING INDEPENDENCE HAVE NOT STOPPED FIGHTING. // SECOND CLINTON ACT //IF BOTH PARTIES HAVEN'T COMMITTED TO STOP KILLING EACH OTHER, THERE'S NO POINT IN OUR SENDING AMERICANS AND OTHER NATO FORCES AND OTHER ALLIED FORCES INTO A SITUATION WHERE WE CAN'T SUCCEED. // END ACT //PERHAPS PREPARING AMERICANS FOR ANOTHER U-S MILITARY COMMITMENT
ABROAD, MR. CLINTON SAYS NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT -- FEARING THAT
MORE FIGHTING IN KOSOVO COULD DRAW OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE REGION
INTO THE CONFLICT AND RE-IGNITE TENSIONS IN BOSNIA. BUT (THE
YUGOSLAV GOVERNMENT IN) BELGRADE HAS LONG OPPOSED OUTSIDE
INTERVENTION IN THE KOSOVO MATTER. WHETHER IT WOULD ALLOW
FOREIGN TROOPS TO OCCUPY ITS OWN SOIL IS A QUESTION YET TO BE
ANSWERED. (SIGNED)
[04] KOSOVO / ALBRIGHT (L ONLY) BY KYLE KING (STATE DEPARTMENT)DATE=2/4/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-245125 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT SAYS THE UNITED STATES HAS A KEY ROLE TO PLAY IN THE BALKANS AND COMPELLING REASONS TO SEND TROOPS TO KOSOVO. V-O-A STATE DEPARTMENT CORRESPONDENT KYLE KING REPORTS. TEXT: SECRETARY OF STATE ALBRIGHT SAYS THE PEACE TALKS THAT GET UNDERWAY OUTSIDE PARIS ON SATURDAY WILL NOT BE EASY. BUT SHE SAYS THE PEOPLE OF KOSOVO MUST BE ABLE TO GOVERN THEMSELVES DEMOCRATICALLY AND WITHOUT INTERFERENCE FROM THE SERBS. MS. ALBRIGHT SAYS THE UNITED STATES HAS A FUNDAMENTAL INTEREST IN PEACE AND STABILITY IN SOUTHERN EUROPE. SHE SAYS THE CONFLICT IN KOSOVO THREATENS TO DESTABILIZE THE ENTIRE REGION. /// ALBRIGHT ACT ///WE MUST NEVER FORGET THAT THERE IS NO NATURAL BOUNDARY TO VIOLENCE IN SOUTHERN EUROPE. SPREADING CONFLICT COULD RE-IGNITE FIGHTING IN NEIGHBORING ALBANIA AND DESTABILIZE FRAGILE MACEDONIAN. IT COULD AFFECT OUR NATO ALLIES GREECE AND TURKEY. AND IT COULD FLOOD THE REGION WITH REFUGEES AND CREATE A HAVEN FOR INTERNATIONAL TERRORISTS, DRUG TRAFFICKERS AND CRIMINALS. /// END ACT ///MS. ALBRIGHT SAYS REGIONAL CONFLICT WOULD ALSO UNDERMINE NATO'S CREDIBILITY, AND UNDO EVERYTHING HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED IN BOSNIA. AS SHE LAID OUT THE REASONS THE UNITED STATES HAS OFFERED TO SEND PEACE-KEEPING TROOPS TO KOSOVO, SHE SAID SUCH A STEP COULD ONLY COME IF THERE WAS A STRONG AND EFFECTIVE PEACE AGREEMENT. /// OPT ///MS. ALBRIGHT SAYS U-S TROOPS WOULD NOT BE COMMITTED UNLESS THERE WAS WHAT SHE CALLED A PERMISSIVE ENVIRONMENT. SHE SAYS A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF SERB FORCES WOULD HAVE TO BE WITHDRAWN AND THERE WOULD HAVE TO BE RESTRICTIONS ON PARAMILITARY WEAPONS AND OPERATIONS. /// END OPT /// MS. ALBRIGHT SAYS THE U-S CONTINGENT WOULD ALSO BE RELATIVELY SMALL. /// ALBRIGHT ACT ///WE MUST AGREE WITH OUR NATO ALLIES ON A CLEARLY DEFINED AND ACHIEVABLE MISSION. ONE WHERE OUR CONTRIBUTION WOULD BE NO MORE THAN SEVERAL THOUSAND TROOPS, WHILE OUR EUROPEAN ALLIES PROVIDE THE LIONS SHARE. AT THE SAME TIME WE MUST RECOGNIZE THAT SOME U-S PARTICIPATION IS DESIRED AND EXPECTED BY OUR ALLIES AND MAY BE ESSENTIAL TO SECURITY THE COMPETENCE OF THE PARTIES. /// END ACT ///MS. ALBRIGHT SAYS THE UNITED STATES LEARNED IN BOSNIA THAT ANY
DELAY IN EXERCISING ITS LEADERSHIP WILL ONLY COST MORE LATER, IN
DOLLARS, LOST CREDIBILITY AND HUMAN LIVES. BUT SHE ACKNOWLEDGED
IT WOULD BE UP TO THE PARTIES THEMSELVES TO ACTUALLY BRING ABOUT
A LASTING AGREEMENT. (SIGNED)
[05] KOSOVO PEACE PLAN BY NELSON BROWN (WASHINGTON)DATE=2/4/99TYPE=BACKGROUND REPORT NUMBER=5-42518 CONTENT= VOICED AT: /// EDITORS: THIS PIECE CAN BE USED THROUGH 2/7/99 ///INTRO: NEGOTIATORS AT THE KOSOVO PEACE TALKS OPENING (WHICH OPENED) SATURDAY IN FRANCE HAVE BEFORE THEM PROPOSALS BASED ON A DRAFT BY THE U-S ENVOY TO KOSOVO, AMBASSADOR CHRISTOPHER HILL, AND HIS EUROPEAN COLLEAGUES. AT A FORUM HERE IN WASHINGTON, TWO U-S EXPERTS ON THE BALKANS DISCUSSED SOME ELEMENTS OF THE PROPOSALS. V-O-A'S NELSON BROWN HAS DETAILS. TEXT: THE 20-PAGE "DRAFT KOSOVO INTERIM AGREEMENT" COVERS A RANGE OF SUBJECTS FROM GOVERNANCE TO HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS. IT CALLS FOR EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL KOSOVO CITIZENS, RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS BY ALL AUTHORITIES IN THE PROVINCE AND DEMOCRATIC SELF-GOVERNMENT. PROFESSOR PAUL WILLIAMS IS A FORMER U-S DIPLOMAT NOW TEACHING IN WASHINGTON. MR. WILLIAMS IS A LEGAL ADVISER AT THE KOSOVO TALKS, AND PREVIOUSLY, WAS AT THE DAYTON (OHIO) TALKS ON BOSNIA IN 1995. MR. WILLIAMS SAYS THE PEACE DEAL PROVIDES FOR WHAT HE CALLS A MOCK RETURN TO THE LEVEL OF SELF-GOVERNMENT THE KOSOVO ALBANIANS HELD FROM 1974 UNTIL 1989. /// OPT /// KOSOVO WAS AN AUTONOMOUS PROVINCE OF SERBIA WITHIN THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA, HOLDING ALMOST THE SAME STATUS AS SUCH REPUBLICS AS SLOVENIA, CROATIA, BOSNIA AND MACEDONIA. /// END OPT /// BUT MR. WILLIAMS SAYS THE NEW PROPOSAL HAS AN ESSENTIAL DIFFERENCE: // FIRST WILLIAMS ACT //THE NEW PEACE PLAN, ALTHOUGH IT INDICATES THAT IT WOULD LIKE TO RETURN TO THAT LEVEL OF DEMOCRATIC SELF-GOVERNMENT FOR THE PEOPLE OF KOSOVO, ACTUALLY PUTS FORWARD A PROPOSAL FOR MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT, UNDER THE TERM, 'NATIONAL COMMUNES" AND NATIONAL COMMUNITIES.' // END ACT //MR. WILLIAMS SAYS THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT IN BELGRADE WOULD DOMINATE MONETARY AND FOREIGN POLICY, CUSTOMS, HEALTH CARE AND EDUCATION. HE SAYS WITH STRONGER LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, THE PLAN WEAKENS THE CURRENT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT IN KOSOVO. /// OPT ///MR. WILLIAMS SAID WHILE KOSOVO WILL REMAIN PART OF THE STATE OF YUGOSLAVIA, THE PLAN DOES NOT SAY WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE END OF THE THREE-YEAR INTERIM PERIOD. KOSOVO'S ETHNIC ALBANIANS HAVE PREVIOUSLY SAID AUTONOMY WAS NOT ENOUGH AND HAVE CALLED FOR INDEPENDENCE FROM YUGOSLAVIA. MR. WILLIAMS ALSO HAS ANOTHER CONCERN: // SECOND WILLIAMS ACT //THAT TWO-THOUSAND-500 MINISTRY OF INTERIOR FORCES...WOULD BE PERMITTED TO STAY IN KOSOVO TO PROMOTE LAW AND ORDER. NOW THIS IS SOMEWHAT ANACHRONISTIC [INAPPROPRIATE] IN THAT THESE FORCES ARE COMPOSED PRIMARILY OF THE INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBLE FOR CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY AND THE CRIMES OF GENOCIDE WHICH HAVE OCCURRED IN KOSOVO IN THE LAST EIGHT MONTHS. // END ACT //MR. WILLIAMS SAYS THE ETHNIC ALBANIANS ALSO WANT A FULL WITHDRAWAL OF ALL SERBIAN MILITARY FORCES, INCLUDING THE MINISTRY OF INTERIOR FORCES. HE SAYS THE ALBANIANS FEAR THE SERBIANS WILL DISRUPT HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND INTERFERE WITH WHAT ARE EXPECTED TO BE NATO IMPLEMENTATION FORCES. ANOTHER EXPERT HAS SIMILAR CONCERNS ABOUT SERBIAN FORCES REMAINING IN KOSOVO. JIM HOOPER HEADS THE WASHINGTON-BASED BALKAN ACTION COUNCIL. HE ARGUES FOR STRONG U-S PARTICIPATION IN ANY NATO TROOP PRESENCE, DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC HONORS ANY PEACE AGREEMENT. AND HE SAYS THE PLAN FOR A SERBIAN TROOP PRESENCE HAS DEFINITE RISKS. // HOOPER ACT //THAT [PLAN] INCREASES THE RISKS TO AMERICAN TROOPS AS WELL AS TO THE TROOPS OF OUR ALLIES. IT MEANS WE HAVE TO HAVE MORE [TROOPS] IN ORDER TO KEEP CONTROL; AND IT GIVES MR. MILOSEVIC LEVERAGE WHICH HE CAN USE TO TRY TO UNDERMINE THE IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT. // END ACT //PROFESSOR PAUL WILLIAMS SAYS FOR THEIR PART, THE KOSOVO ALBANIANS HAVE A DETAILED SET OF COUNTER PROPOSALS. HE SAYS THEY WANT TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM WHAT THEY SEE AS A SERBIAN NATIONALIST REGIME DETERMINED TO COMMIT ATROCITIES. HE ADDS THEY WANT TO HAVE DEMOCRATIC SELF-GOVERNMENT AS WELL AS LASTING PEACE. // OPT //// THIRD WILLIAMS ACT //THE POWER TO ENGAGE IN SETTING THE MONETARY POLICY, SETTING THE CUSTOMS POLICY, AND PARTICIPATING IN THE FOREIGN POLICY OF YUGOSLAVIA. AND THEY WANT TO EVOLVE SOME OF THIS AUTHORITY FROM THE NATIONAL COMMUNES UP TO THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT LEVEL. // END ACT // END OPT //BALKAN LEGAL EXPERT PAUL WILLIAMS SAYS THE ETHNIC ALBANIANS ALSO WANT A CLEAR EXIT STRATEGY, INCLUDING A REFERENDUM AT THE END OF THREE YEARS. THE OPTIONS COULD INCLUDE ENHANCED AUTONOMY FOR KOSOVO OR INDEPENDENCE. MR. WILLIAMS SAYS A POLITICAL RESOLUTION OF KOSOVO'S STATUS WOULD
PROVIDE CERTAINTY TO ITS FUTURE RELATIONSHIP WITH YUGOSLAVIA AND
GIVE NATO A FIRM PLAN FOR THE DEPARTURE OF ITS TROOPS. HE SAYS
THE ALBANIANS ALSO WANT PROVISIONS FOR THE INVESTIGATION,
APPREHENSION AND EXTRADITION OF WAR CRIMINALS IN KOSOVO AND
THROUGHOUT SERBIA. (SIGNED)
[06] KOSOVO VIOLENCE (L ONLY) BY PHILIP SMUCKER (PRISTINA)DATE=2/4/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-245107 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: MORE VIOLENCE HAS BEEN REPORTED IN KOSOVO -- AMID PREPARATIONS FOR PEACE TALKS BEGINNING SATURDAY IN FRANCE. PHILIP SMUCKER REPORTS FROM PRISTINA, KOSOVO. TEXT: FIVE BODIES WERE DISCOVERED THURSDAY IN KOSOVO. SERBIAN OFFICIALS SAID A SERBIAN POLICEMAN WAS GUNNED DOWN EARLY THURSDAY IN DJAKOVICA, A TOWN IN WESTERN KOSOVO. SERBIA'S INTERIOR MINISTRY SAID ATTACKERS OPENED FIRE AT THE POLICEMAN'S CAR WITH AUTOMATIC WEAPONS. IN A SEPARATE INCIDENT, THREE ETHNIC ALBANIANS WERE FOUND DEAD IN A CAR. THE SERBIAN MEDIA CENTER SAID THE THREE WERE KILLED BY AUTOMATIC WEAPONS FIRE. A SERBIAN CIVILIAN WAS ALSO FOUND DEAD THURSDAY. THE MEDIA CENTER SAID HIS CAR WAS HIT BY AN ANTI-TANK LAUNCHER AND BY MACHINE GUN FIRE. MEANWHILE, ETHNIC ALBANIAN OFFICIALS SAID SERBIAN OFFICIALS WERE BLOCKING FRIDAY'S PLANNED MASS FUNERAL FOR 45 VICTIMS OF A BATTLE LAST MONTH IN THE VILLAGE OF RACAK. THE ETHNIC ALBANIANS CHARGED THAT SERBIAN OFFICIALS WANT TO AVOID NEGATIVE PUBLICITY THAT MIGHT COME FROM A MASS FUNERAL FOR THE RACAK VICTIMS -- ONLY ONE DAY BEFORE THE KOSOVO PEACE TALKS OPEN NEAR PARIS. A SERBIAN INVESTIGATIVE JUDGE SAID THAT 29 OF THE 45 CORPSES HAD BEEN OFFERED TO FAMILIES ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS. SHE SAID THAT ALL THE BODIES WOULD BE HANDED OVER AFTER THE REMAINING DEAD ARE IDENTIFIED. THE U-S CHIEF OF THE KOSOVO VERIFICATION MISSION HAS SAID THAT
HALF OF THE RACAK VICTIMS WERE EXECUTED BY SERBIAN SECURITY
FORCES. (SIGNED)
[07] SERBIA / PARIS TALKS (L) BY GIL BUTLER (BELGRADE)DATE=2/4/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-245095 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: IT IS CLEAR NOW THAT THE SERBS WILL ATTEND INTERNATIONALLY DEMANDED NEGOTIATIONS IN FRANCE ABOUT THE FUTURE OF KOSOVO. AS V-O-A'S GIL BUTLER REPORTS FROM BELGRADE, SERBIAN ACCEPTANCE WAS THE FINAL KEY TO THE TALKS GOING AHEAD AT RAMBOUILLET NEAR PARIS. TEXT: A SPECIAL SESSION OF THE SERBIAN ASSEMBLY WAS CALLED TO DEBATE THE PARIS NEGOTIATIONS, AND IT QUICKLY BECAME CLEAR THAT THE ANSWER WOULD BE 'YES.' GORICA GAJEVIC, THE PARLIAMENTARY LEADER OF PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC'S PARTY, MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT, AFTER A LONG CONDEMNATION OF THE THREAT OF NATO FORCE AND A DEFIANT STAND AGAINST STATIONING ANY FOREIGN TROOPS IN KOSOVO. /// GAJEVIC ACT - IN SERBIAN - FADE UNDER ///SHE TOLD THE ASSEMBLY THAT THE SERBIAN SOCIALIST PARTY ACCEPTS FRANCE'S INVITATION AND WILL DEFEND SERBIAN TERRITORY WHEREVER IT IS BEING NEGOTIATED. THE ACCEPTANCE WAS NOT ENTHUSIASTIC. SPEAKER AFTER SPEAKER CONDEMNED THE INTERNATIONAL CONTACT GROUP PROPOSAL FOR KOSOVO, SAYING IT WOULD LEAD TO A SEPARATE STATE WITHIN A STATE. THE CONTACT GROUP PLAN GIVES SELF RULE TO THE KOSOVARS WITHIN SERBIA FOR A THREE-YEAR INTERIM PERIOD AFTER WHICH KOSOVO'S STATUS WILL BE CONSIDERED AGAIN. MANY OF THE SPEAKERS SPECIFICALLY CRITICIZED THE UNITED STATES AS NOT BEING SINCERE IN ITS CONCERN ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS IN KOSOVO. MS. GAJEVIC ACCUSED THE UNITED STATES OF TRYING TO BE THE WORLD'S POLICEMAN. THE SPECIAL AMERICAN MEDIATOR IN THE BALKANS -- CHRISTOPHER HILL TOLD REPORTERS A YEAR OF VIOLENCE HAS SHOWED BOTH SERBS AND ETHNIC ALBANIANS THAT NEITHER CAN WIN MILITARILY AND THAT BOTH ARE READY FOR A POLITICAL SETTLEMENT. THE NEGOTIATIONS PROBABLY WILL BE DONE THROUGH THIRD PARTIES -- NOT FACE TO FACE. BUT AMBASSADOR HILL SAID THERE IS A ONE WEEK DEADLINE, TO MAKE PROGRESS TOWARD A SOLUTION AT THE RURAL RAMBOUILLET CHATEAU. /// HILL ACT ///MY DEADLINE IS JUST AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, AND WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A VERY VIGOROUS PACE THERE. YOU KNOW, THERE ARE NOT A LOT OF OTHER THINGS TO DO (AT RAMBOUILLET), AND I CAN ASSURE YOU NO ONE FEELS LIKE PLAYING VOLLEYBALL OR PING PONG WITH EACH OTHER. SO I THINK WE ARE GOING TO BE ABLE TO PUSH THE PACE VERY HARD. /// END ACT ///MR. HILL SAID THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY WILL NOT ALLOW THE
TALKS TO BE DERAILED BY ANY NEW FIGHTING IN KOSOVO AND HAVE
EMPHASIZED THE NEED FOR ABSOLUTE CONSTRAINT ON BOTH SIDES. AS
FOR THE CONTACT GROUP PLAN, HE SAID MAJOR DEPARTURES FROM ITS
BASIC PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED AT RAMBOUILLET. (SIGNED)
[08] SERBIA / PARIS TALKS (S / UPDATE) BY GIL BUTLER (BELGRADE)DATE=2/4/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-245110 CONTENT= VOICED AT: /// EDS: THIS REPORT UPDATES CR 2-245096 ///INTRO: IN YUGOSLAVIA, SERBIA'S PARLIAMENT HAS AGREED TO NEGOTIATIONS WITH ETHNIC ALBANIANS ON THE KOSOVO CONFLICT BEGINNING SATURDAY NEAR PARIS. V-O-A'S GIL BUTLER IN BELGRADE REPORTS THE ACCEPTANCE WAS HARDLY ENTHUSIASTIC AND PUBLICLY, AT LEAST, SERBS EXPRESSED SERIOUS RESERVATIONS. AND AN OFFICIAL DELEGATION STILL HAS NOT BEEN ANNOUNCED. TEXT: DIPLOMATIC SOURCES SAY BOTH THE FEDERAL YUGOSLAV GOVERNMENT AND THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA WILL FORM A DELEGATION TO GO TO RAMBOUILLET, NEAR PARIS. THE SERB ASSEMBLY HAD OVERWHELMINGLY APPROVED TAKING PART IN THE NEGOTIATIONS. BUT JUDGING BY THE STATEMENTS MADE DURING THE DEBATE, SERBS HAVE SERIOUS RESERVATIONS ABOUT THE PROCEDURE. THEY OBJECT TO THE PROSPECT OF INTERNATIONAL TROOPS GUARANTEEING THE SETTLEMENT AND, MORE BASICALLY, TO THE INTERNATIONAL PLAN FOR KOSOVO ITSELF. SERB POLITICIANS COMPLAINED THAT THE PLAN IS DESIGNED TO LEAD TO SEPARATE STATE WITHIN A STATE. BUT DESPITE THE RESERVATIONS, SERBS WILL BE IN RAMBOUILLET,
ALTHOUGH THEY ARE NOT LIKELY TO MEET ACROSS THE TABLE WITH
ETHNIC ALBANIAN GUERRILLAS THEY CALL TERRORISTS. (SIGNED)
[09] WAR CRIMES / APPEAL (L ONLY) BY LAUREN COMITEAU (THE HAGUE)DATE=2/4/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-245090 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: JUDGES AT THE YUGOSLAV WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL ARE CONSIDERING A REQUEST BY A CONVICTED BOSNIAN CROAT FOR A NEW TRIAL. LAUREN COMITEAU AT THE HAGUE REPORTS THE MAN'S LAWYERS SAY THE JUDGE IN THE CASE MAY HAVE BEEN BIASED. TEXT: WHEN BOSNIAN CROAT ANTO FURUNDZIJA WAS SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN JAIL IN DECEMBER FOR FAILING TO STOP THE RAPE OF A MUSLIM WOMAN, THE RULING WAS HAILED AS A VICTORY FOR TRIBUNAL PROSECUTORS. THEY HAD BEEN TRYING TO GET RAPE CONSIDERED AS A WAR CRIME. FURUNDZIJA WAS NEVER ACCUSED OF RAPING THE WOMAN HIMSELF. BUT JUDGES RULED THAT BY INTERROGATING THE WOMAN AND DOING NOTHING TO STOP HER SEXUAL ASSAULT, FURUNDZIJA PLAYED A ROLE EVERY BIT AS GRAVE AS THE PERSON INFLICTING THE PAIN. NOW FURUNDZIJA'S LAWYERS ARE SAYING THAT THE JUDGE WHO MADE THAT RULING SHOULD BE DISQUALIFIED AND THEIR CLIENT SHOULD BE GIVEN A NEW TRIAL. DEFENSE LAWYER LUKA MISETIC SAYS THE PRESIDING JUDGE, FLORENCE MUMBA, WAS A MEMBER OF A U-N COMMISSION ON WOMEN AND HAD ADVOCATED THAT RAPE BE TREATED AND PROSECUTED AS A WAR CRIME. THE LAWYER SAYS THAT MEANT JUDGE MUMBA HAD A PERSONAL INTEREST IN THE CASE AGAINST HIS CLIENT AND AN APPEARANCE OF IMPARTIALITY -- BOTH WHICH VIOLATE THE TRIBUNAL'S RULES. MR. MISETIC SAID HE BASED HIS ARGUMENTS ON A RECENT RULING IN THE EXTRADITION BATTLE OF FORMER CHILEAN LEADER AUGUSTO PINOCHET. IN THAT CASE, BRITAIN'S HOUSE OF LORDS OVERTURNED A RULING THAT MR. PINOCHET COULD BE EXTRADITED TO SPAIN AFTER LEARNING THAT ONE OF THE JUDGES IN THE CASE DID NOT REVEAL HIS CLOSE TIES WITH A HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP PUSHING FOR THE EXTRADITION. LAWYER MISETIC SAYS JUDGE MUMBA, TOO, WAS OBLIGATED TO DISCLOSE HER PAST ASSOCIATIONS. /// MISETIC ACT ///I FIND IT A DIFFICULT CONCEPT THAT TWO PEOPLE ARE CHARGED WITH INTERNATIONAL CRIMES -- AUGUSTO PINOCHET AND ANTO FURUNDZIJA -- AND THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE RIGHTS THEY GET IN THE HEARING OF ALLEGED INTERNATIONAL WAR CRIMES IS THE 150 MILES BETWEEN LONDON AND THE HAGUE. /// END ACT ///LAWYER MISETIC SAYS JUDGE MUMBA SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO SERVE AS A JUDGE IN A CASE THAT ADVANCED A PROPOSAL SHE WAS ADVOCATING. A PANEL OF TRIBUNAL JUDGES WILL NOW CONSIDER HIS REQUEST FOR A NEW TRIAL. TRIBUNAL OFFICIALS HAVE NOT YET MADE ANY COMMENTS. (SIGNED)
[10] EDITORIAL: NATO TO WELCOME NEW MEMBERSDATE= 02/ 05/99TYPE= EDITORIAL NUMBER= 0-08180 CONTENT=THIS IS THE ONLY EDITORIAL BEING RELEASED FOR BROADCAST 02/05/99. ANNCR: THE VOICE OF AMERICA PRESENTS DIFFERING POINTS OF VIEW ON A WIDE VARIETY OF ISSUES. NEXT, AN EDITORIAL EXPRESSING THE POLICIES OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT. VOICE: NEARLY A DECADE HAS PASSED SINCE THE PEACEFUL OVERTHROW OF COMMUNISM IN POLAND, HUNGARY AND THE FORMER CZECHOSLOVAKIA. NOW POLAND, HUNGARY AND THE CZECH REPUBLIC ARE READY TO JOIN NATO. A NATO SUMMIT IN APRIL WILL MARK BOTH THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ALLIANCE AND THE ENTRY OF THESE THREE NEW MEMBERS. THE NEW NATO MEMBERS WILL ENJOY THE PROTECTION AND ASSUME THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF NATO'S COMMITMENT TO COLLECTIVE DEFENSE. COLLECTIVE DEFENSE MEANS THAT AN ATTACK AGAINST ONE NATO ALLY IS CONSIDERED AN ATTACK AGAINST ALL. THIS IS THE GOVERNING PRINCIPLE OF NATO AND IT HAS NOT CHANGED SINCE THE ALLIANCE WAS FOUNDED HALF A CENTURY AGO. THE FACT THAT THE CZECH REPUBLIC, HUNGARY AND POLAND ONCE LABORED UNDER THE YOKE OF SOVIET-CONTROLLED COMMUNIST REGIMES TODAY SEEMS A DISTANT MEMORY. BUT THE SECURITY SYSTEM THAT KEPT MUCH OF EUROPE FREE AND PROSPEROUS DURING THE COLD WAR -- NATO -- REMAINS NO LESS VITAL NOW THAN IT WAS THEN. AS SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT SAID, "WE WANT AN ALLIANCE STRENGTHENED BY NEW MEMBERS. . .AND ACTING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHERS TO ENSURE STABILITY, FREEDOM, AND PEACE IN AND FOR THE ENTIRE TRANSATLANTIC AREA." ANNCR: THAT WAS AN EDITORIAL EXPRESSING THE POLICIES OF THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT. IF YOU HAVE A COMMENT, PLEASE WRITE TO EDITORIALS,
V-O-A, WASHINGTON, D-C, 20547, U-S-A. YOU MAY ALSO COMMENT AT
WWW-DOT-VOA-DOT-GOV-SLASH-EDITORIALS, OR FAX US AT (202)
619-1043.
[11] EURO POLITICS BY RON PEMSTEIN (BRUSSELS)DATE=2/4/99TYPE=BACKGROUND REPORT NUMBER=5-42514 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: EUROPE'S TWO MAJOR PARTY BLOCS, THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATS AND THE CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATS, ARE PREPARING THEIR CAMPAIGNS FOR THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS TO BE HELD IN JUNE IN THE 15 COUNTRIES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT RON PEMSTEIN IN BRUSSELS REPORTS THE LEFT HOPES TO KEEP ITS DOMINANCE WHILE THE RIGHT IS TRYING TO HOLD ON TO ITS THEMES. TEXT: THE PARTY OF EUROPEAN SOCIALISTS MAKES 21 PLEDGES FOR THE 21ST CENTURY. THE FIRST SIX PLEDGES MENTION JOBS. THE EUROPEAN PEOPLES PARTY OF CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATS HAS FOUR PLEDGES. THE FIRST PLEDGE ON THE CENTER-RIGHT'S SO CALLED "ENTRANCE TO THE 21ST CENTURY" IS JOBS. EUROPE'S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE REMAINS STEADY AT NINE-POINT-EIGHT- PERCENT OF THE WORK FORCE. SO, BOTH MAJOR PARTY GROUPS SEE JOBS AS THE BEST WAY TO ATTRACT SUPPORT WHEN EUROPEANS VOTE IN JUNE FOR A NEW 626-SEAT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT. IN THE PAST, NOT MANY EUROPEANS BOTHERED TO VOTE. THE PARLIAMENT MAY BE THE ONLY EUROPEAN INSTITUTION THEY CAN VOTE FOR, BUT ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE HAVE MADE THE EFFORT. AUTHOR MARIE-ANNE LUCHTMYER HAS WRITTEN A BOOK URGING EUROPEANS TO TAKE CHARGE OF THEIR LIVES. /// LUCHTMYER ACT ///YOU CAN'T PUT 370-MILLION EUROPEANS IN PRISON -- OR HAVE SANCTIONS AGAINST THEM -- JUST BECAUSE THEY DON'T VOTE. IT'S HIGH TIME THAT THE CITIZEN ASSERTED HIMSELF. THE ONLY REASON WHY THERE IS SO MUCH IMBALANCE IN THE WHOLE EUROPEAN SITUATION IS BECAUSE THE CITIZEN IS NOT AWARE. I WON'T BE DISPARAGING. BUT HE IS SO INVOLVED IN EVERYDAY AFFAIRS, HIS CAREER, HIS FAMILY, ETC., HE HAS NO TIME TO THINK. /// OPT /// HE JUST SAYS OK FINE, YOU WANT SOME TAXES, I'LL PAY THAT. THAT'S NO WAY TO GO ABOUT IT AT ALL. /// END ACT ///THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT DOES NOT IMPOSE TAXES. INDIVIDUAL EUROPEAN GOVERNMENTS DO THAT. /// END OPT /// THE PARLIAMENT RECENTLY USED ITS ONE ULTIMATE POWER AND THREATENED TO THROW OUT THE 20 APPOINTED COMMISSIONERS WHO EXERCISE EXECUTIVE POWER IN THE EUROPEAN UNION. THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATS AND THE CENTER-RIGHT PEOPLES PARTY BLOCS IN PARLIAMENT DECIDED TO SUPPORT THE COMMISSION. THAT WAS ONLY AFTER EXTRACTING THE COMMISSION'S PROMISE TO END FRAUD AND CRONYISM AND TO ALLOW AN UNRESTRICTED PARLIAMENTARY INVESTIGATION. THE SOCIALISTS ARE THE LARGEST GROUP WITH 214 MEMBERS IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT. THE PARTIES OF THE LEFT LEAD 11 OF THE EUROPEAN UNION'S 15 GOVERNMENTS. THEY HAVE MINISTERS IN 13 OF THEM. BRITAIN'S FOREIGN SECRETARY ROBIN COOK DIRECTED THE GROUP THAT DRAFTED THE SOCIALISTS' ELECTION PLATFORM. /// COOK ACT ///I CHALLENGE THE RIGHT TO COME UP WITH AGREEMENT ON AN EQUALLY CLEAR AND BROAD SET OF PRINCIPLES. IT IS A CHALLENGE THEY CANNOT MEET BECAUSE THEY ARE WEAK AND DIVIDED BETWEEN THEIR PARTIES. AND THOSE PARTIES ARE OUT OF POWER BECAUSE THEY ARE OUT OF IDEAS. /// END ACT ///THE PEOPLES PARTY HAS JUST HELD ITS CONGRESS. SPAIN IS THE ONLY COUNTRY IN THE EUROPEAN UNION COMPLETELY RUN BY A CENTER-RIGHT GOVERNMENT. PARLIAMENTARY LEADER, FORMER BELGIAN PRIME MINISTER WILFRIED MARTENS, ACCUSES THE LEFT OF STEALING CENTER-RIGHT IDEAS IN TAKING POWER IN BRITAIN, FRANCE, AND GERMANY. SPEAKING THROUGH AN INTERPRETER, MR. MARTENS SAYS CENTRAL EUROPEANS KNOW BETTER. //// MARTENS ACT W/ INTERPRETER ///ARE WE THEN THE VICTIMS OF OUR OWN SUCCESS TODAY? THE PEOPLE OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE HAVE FAITH IN THE PEOPLES PARTIES. WHEN ARE PEOPLE GOING TO REALIZE THAT THE CITIZENS OF THE NEW DEMOCRACIES IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE HAVE ALSO REJECTED THESE RECENT CONVERTS TO SOCIALISM? WHEN WILL WE HAVE A CHANCE TO READ THAT OF THE 12 GOVERNMENTS OF THE APPLICANT COUNTRIES, PARTICULARLY IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE, ONLY ONE IS STILL IN THE HANDS OF SOCIALISTS? /// END ACT ///BOTH MAJOR EUROPEAN PARTY BLOCS ARE TRUMPETING THEIR PAST
SUCCESS. BOTH ARE PROMISING MORE JOBS TO CITIZENS IN THE 15
EUROPEAN UNION COUNTRIES. ALL THIS IN THE HOPE THAT THOSE PEOPLE
WHO BOTHER TO VOTE FOR THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT IN JUNE WILL
SUPPORT THEIR CANDIDATES. (SIGNED)
[12] N-Y ECON WRAP (S & L) BY BRECK ARDERY (NEW YORK)DATE=2/4/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-245123 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: STOCK PRICES IN THE UNITED STATES WERE DOWN TODAY (THURSDAY), AND MANY TECHNOLOGY STOCKS WERE ESPECIALLY HARD HIT. V-O-A BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT BRECK ARDERY REPORTS FROM NEW YORK. TEXT: THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE CLOSED AT 93-HUNDRED-FOUR, DOWN 62 POINTS, LESS THAN ONE PERCENT. THE STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 INDEX CLOSED AT 12-HUNDRED-48, DOWN 23 POINTS. AND THE NASDAQ INDEX LOST 83 POINTS, MORE THAN THREE PERCENT. THE DROP IN THE NASDAQ REFLECTED HEAVY SELLING OF MANY HIGH-TECHNOLOGY STOCKS. ANALYSTS SAY SOME STOCK TRADERS SEEM UNDECIDED ABOUT WHETHER TO FOCUS ON THE POSSIBILITY OF HIGHER U-S INTEREST RATES LATER THIS YEAR, OR HIGHER CORPORATE PROFITS AHEAD. // OPT ///// STOECKLE ACT ///I THINK THERE WERE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO WERE WORRIED HOW THE FOURTH QUARTER WAS GOING TO PLAY OUT. WE HAVE GOTTEN THAT BEHIND US, AND IT HAS ACTUALLY BEEN ROBUST. /// END ACT ////// END OPT ///THE GOVERNMENT REPORTS U-S FACTORY ORDERS ROSE MORE THAN TWO PERCENT IN DECEMBER, THE BIGGEST INCREASE IN TWO YEARS. MAJOR U-S RETAILERS REPORTED STRONG SALES IN JANUARY WITH ESPECIALLY BRISK ACTIVITY AT APPAREL STORES AND DISCOUNT OUTLETS. /// REST OPT ///THE HASBRO TOY COMPANY REPORTED RECORD FOURTH-QUARTER PROFITS, LARGELY FUELED BY "FURBY," A TALKING DOLL WHICH WAS A BIG HIT DURING THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SEASON. COLGATE-PALMOLIVE, THE CONSUMER PRODUCTS COMPANY, REPORTED A 13 PERCENT PROFIT GROWTH DESPITE LOWER SALES. THE COMPANY SAYS IT WAS ABLE TO INCREASE ITS EARNINGS THROUGH A STRICT COST CONTROL PROGRAM. LUBRIZOL, THE WORLD'S LARGEST MAKER OF ENGINE LUBRICANTS AND FUEL ADDITIVES, REPORTED A 62 PERCENT DROP IN QUARTERLY EARNINGS. THE COMPANY SAYS WEAK ASIAN AND LATIN AMERICAN MARKETS CAUSED THE PROFIT DROP. BUT AVON, THE WORLD'S LARGEST DIRECT SELLER OF COSMETICS PRODUCTS, SAYS IT OVERCAME TROUBLES ABROAD TO REPORT AN 11 PERCENT PROFIT INCREASE. THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAYS HE PLANS TO INVESTIGATE THE ON-LINE STOCK BROKERAGE INDUSTRY. ELOIT SPITZER SAYS HIS OFFICE HAS RECEIVED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT DELAYS AND IMPROPER EXECUTIONS OF ON-LINE STOCK TRADES. THE WORLD JEWISH CONGRESS PLANS TO MEET WITH OFFICIALS OF
DEUTSCHE BANK OF GERMANY IN AN EFFORT TO SETTLE CLAIMS OF
HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS AND THEIR HEIRS. THE BANK HAS ADMITTED IT
DID HELP FINANCE CONSTRUCTION OF AUSCHWITZ, THE NOTORIOUS NAZI
DEATH CAMP IN POLAND. ANALYSTS SAY THE REVELATION MAY DELAY, BUT
NOT END, DEUTSCHE BANK'S PLANS TO ACQUIRE THE BANKERS TRUST
COMPANY OF THE UNITED STATES. (SIGNED)
NEB/NY/BA/LSF/WTW
[13] THURSDAY'S EDITORIALS BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)DATE=02/04/99TYPE=U-S EDITORIAL DIGEST NUMBER=6-11129 TELEPHONE=619-3335 EDITOR=ASSIGNMENTS CONTENT= ////////INTRO: AS THE SENATE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL OF PRESIDENT CLINTON REACHES ITS CLIMAX, THERE IS NEW COMMENT ABOUT IT IN THE EDITORIAL PAGES. ONE THEME IS THAT THE FINAL DELIBERATIONS AND VOTE SHOULD BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE A CHANGE OF SENATE RULES. OTHER TOPICS BEING DISCUSSED INCLUDE: THE SITUATION IN KOSOVO; NEW HOPE FOR EAST TIMOR; A BORDER TREATY CELEBRATION FOR LATIN AMERICA; AND A CONTROVERSIAL COURT DECISION ON ABORTION DOCTORS. JOINING US AT THE MICROPHONE NOW IS _________________ WITH SOME EXCERPTS IN TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST. TEXT: THE SENATE IS SCHEDULED TO RESUME/HAS RESUMED PRESIDENT CLINTON'S IMPEACHMENT TRIAL TODAY, AND LIKELY WILL VOTE ON WHETHER TO ALLOW THE VIDEOTAPED TESTIMONY OF THE THREE WITNESSES DEPOSED EARLIER IN THE WEEK, INCLUDING MONICA LEWINSKY. IT MAY ALSO DEAL WITH THE ISSUE OF WHETHER THE FINAL DELIBERATIONS AND THE IMPEACHMENT VOTE SHOULD BE PUBLIC OR PRIVATE. "NEWSDAY" ON NEW YORK'S LONG ISLAND SAYS IN ITS HEADLINE: "SENATE SHOULD LET CAMERAS IN FOR TRIAL DEBATE." VOICE: DOES IT REALLY MATTER WHETHER THE AMERICAN PEOPLE CAN WATCH THE UNITED STATES SENATE DEBATE WHETHER TO REMOVE THEIR PRESIDENT FROM OFFICE? AFTER A YEAR OF MEDIA HUBBUB, PROSECUTORIAL MANEUVER AND CONGRESSIONAL EXPLOITATION, HOW MANY OF US ACTUALLY HAVE THE STOMACH [SLANG: IN THIS CASE "TEMPERAMENT" / OR POSSIBLY "PATIENCE"] FOR ANY MORE OF THE SORRY IMPEACHMENT SPECTACLE? /// OPT /// STILL C-N-N [CABLE NEWS NETWORK] WAS RIGHT TO ASK THE SENATORS TO OPEN THEIR DELIBERATIONS /// END OPT /// ... IT'S TRUE THAT OPENNESS IN GOVERNMENT SOMETIMES HAS ITS DRAWBACKS. BUT THE SENATE IS A REPRESENTATIVE BODY, AND IT'S JUST WRONG TO SEND THE PEOPLE A MESSAGE THAT ITS DELIBERATIONS ARE NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS. TEXT: "THE MIAMI HERALD," HEADLINING THEIR EDITORIAL, "IT'S ABOUT SEX, SENATORS," OFFERS THIS ADVICE: VOICE: BY THEIR COLLECTIVE JUDGMENT, AMERICANS ARE SAYING: SEEN ENOUGH, HEARD ENOUGH, HAD ENOUGH. GET THIS THING OVER AND GET ON WITH RUNNING THE COUNTRY. THIS TIME, THERE'S THIS CAVEAT: IGNORE THIS DIRECTIVE AT YOUR OWN PERIL. /// OPT ///... THE SENATE SHOULD MOVE WITH ALL DELIBERATE SPEED TO END THIS EMBARRASSING NIGHTMARE BY VOTING DOWN IMPEACHMENT. TEXT: AND AS REGARDS A PLAN TO HAVE T W O VOTES, THE FIRST A FINDING OF FACT, STATING THAT THE PRESIDENT DID ILLEGAL THINGS, AND A SECOND, IMPEACHMENT VOTE, THAT WOULD FAIL TO REMOVE HIM FROM OFFICE, "THE LOS ANGELES TIMES" WARNS: VOICE: ... THE NOTION ... IS A BRAZEN EFFORT TO CIRCUMVENT THE LETTER AND SPIRIT OF THE CONSTITUTION. /// END OPT ///TEXT: TURNING TO THE BALKAN TROUBLE SPOT OF SERBIA'S KOSOVO PROVINCE, BOSTON'S "CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR" IS HOPEFUL THAT: VOICE: A LOGICAL FIRST STEP OUT OF THE KOSOVO CRISIS IS IN SIGHT. THE DIPLOMATIC CONFERENCE SET FOR THIS WEEKEND ... OUTSIDE PARIS SHOULD DRAW BOTH SIDES ... TOGETHER FOR NEGOTIATIONS. THE PROSPECT FOR USEFUL TALKS IS HEIGHTENED BY A FIRM DEADLINE AND THE THREAT OF NATO AIR ATTACKS AND BLOCKADES OF COOPERATION ISN'T APPARENT. /// OPT ///TEXT: IN THE HISTORIC SOUTHERN PORT OF SAVANNAH, "THE SAVANNAH, GEORGIA MORNING NEWS" QUESTIONS THE FAIRNESS OF ADDING U-S FORCES TO THE PEACEKEEPERS. VOICE: THE CONSENSUS AMONG THE WESTERN POWERS IS THAT LARGE-SCALE GROUND FORCES WILL BE NEEDED. THAT IS A REASONABLE PRESUMPTION: THE BRUTAL BOSNIANS CANNOT SEEM TO REFRAIN FROM SLAUGHTERING INNOCENT ALBANIANS. ... AN AMERICAN-DOMINATED MONITORING FORCE WOULD PROBABLY DO THE BEST JOB, BUT KOSOVO, AND THE WHOLE YUGOSLAV IMBROGLIO THAT IS NOW EIGHT YEARS OLD IS A EUROPEAN PROBLEM. FOR AMERICA'S NATO PARTNERS TO SIDESTEP THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES BY URGING AMERICANS TO RISK THEIR LIVES IN KOSOVO SEEMS PATENTLY UNJUST. /// END OPT ///TEXT: AND NOW, HALF WAY ROUND THE WORLD, TO YET ANOTHER FESTERING STRUGGLE FOR PERSONAL RIGHTS, ON THE ISLAND OF EAST TIMOR, WHERE INDONESIA, FOR THE FIRST TIME IS TALKING ABOUT GRANTING THE FORMER PORTUGESE COLONY INDEPENDENCE. "THE NEW YORK TIMES" SEES "NEW HOPE FOR EAST TIMOR" BUT ADDS: VOICE; ... THE TIMING AND MANNER OF ANY INDONESIAN EXIT MUST BE CAREFULLY PLANNED. AFTER NEARLY A QUARTER-CENTURY OF REPRESSION, EAST TIMOR NEEDS A CHANCE TO REGAIN ITS BALANCE AND DISARM THE WARRING PARTIES. /// OPT /// EAST TIMOR'S PEOPLE SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO DETERMINE THEIR OWN FUTURE THROUGH AN INTERNATIONALLY MONITORED REFERENDUM ... HELD AFTER INDONESIAN-BACKED PARAMILITARY FIGHTERS AS WELL AS PRO-INDEPENDENCE GUERRILLAS HAVE BEEN DISARMED ... AND MOST INDONESIAN TROOPS WITHDRAWN. /// END OPT ///TEXT: TURNING TO AFFAIRS IN THIS HEMISPHERE, "THE WASHINGTON POST" IS PLEASED ABOUT A CEREMONY DUE THIS WEEK IN WASHINGTON TO CELEBRATE A BORDER TREATY BETWEEN PERU AND ECUADOR THAT ENDS DECADES OF ENMITY. THE PAPER SAYS IT IS: VOICE: ... A LOT MORE THAN A BORDER TREATY. IT ENABLES THEM TO ASK AMERICANS NOT JUST TO RECOGNIZE THEIR DIPLOMACY BUT ALSO TO INVEST IN THEIR GROWTH AND STABILITY. THE TWO COUNTRIES NEED DEVELOPMENT AS WELL AS FRIENDSHIP. /// BORDER DISPUTES COME FROM MORE THAN THE LAPSES OF SURVEYORS. THIS ONE CAME FROM HISTORICAL AND EMOTIONAL ROOTS DEEP ENOUGH TO TOUCH BASIC SOURCES OF IDENTITY AS WELL AS INTEREST ON BOTH SIDES. THE TENACITY OF NATIONALISTIC FEELINGS MADE IT RISKY BUT ESSENTIAL FOR ECUADOR'S PRESIDENT, JAMIL MAHUAD, AND PERU'S ALBERTO FUJIMORE TO GRASP THE NETTLE. [THE NETTLE IS A WEED WITH THORNS WHICH IS OFTEN THE METAPHOR FOR "A DIFFICULT DECISION." IF GRASPED QUICKLY AND HARD THE THORNS COLLAPSE, BUT IF GRASPED DELICATELY, TENTATIVELY, THE THORNS PIERCE THE SKIN AND CAUSE A SHORT LIVED BUT INTENSE ITCH] ... THE AGREEMENT ALSO PROVIDES A PLAN TO DEVELOP AND INTEGRATE THE TWO ECONOMIES, ESPECIALLY IN THE IMPOVERISHED BORDER REGION. /// END OPT ///TEXT: A CONTROVERSIAL COURT DECISION IN OREGON REGARDING A COMPUTER INTERNET SITE THAT PORTRAYS DOCTORS WHO PERFORM ABORTIONS AS CRIMINALS, DRAWS THIS RESPONSE FROM "THE ATLANTA CONSTITUTION." VOICE: A FEDERAL JURY IN OREGON MADE THE RIGHT DECISION IN ... [ORDERING] ANTI-ABORTION ACTIVISTS WHO DISTRIBUTED 'WANTED' POSTERS AND CONTRIBUTED TO THE 'NUREMBERG FILES' WEB [COMPUTER INTERNET] SITE TO PAY 107-MILLION DOLLARS IN DAMAGES, MOSTLY PUNITIVE, TO THE PLAINTIFFS. THE DEFENDANTS AND SOME FIRST AMENDMENT ADVOCATES CONTEND THIS RULING IS AN UNWARRANTED ABRIDGEMENT OF FREE SPEECH. THAT'S NOT SO. ABORTION OPPONENTS ARE FREE TO CALL THE PROCEDURE AND ITS PROVIDERS ANYTHING THEY WISH - - MURDERERS, BUTCHERS, ETC. WHAT THEY MUSTN'T DO IS TO GOAD THE GULLIBLE INTO THINKING THAT SHOOTING ABORTIONISTS IS GOD'S WORK. /// OPT ///TEXT: LASTLY, IN BALTIMORE, "THE SUN" LOOKS TOWARD THE SUBCONTINENT, AND TALKS ABOUT "CALMING SOUTH ASIA." VOICE: THE PURPOSE OF ECONOMIC SANCTIONS ON INDIA AND PAKISTAN IS NOT TO PUNISH THEM FOR DETONATING NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS LAST MAY BUT TO PERSUADE THEM TO SIGN THE COMPREHENSIVE TEST BAN TREATY, RENOUNCING FURTHER NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS. THERE WERE GOOD REASONS TO IMPOSE SANCTIONS, AFTER BOTH COUNTRIES DETONATED UNDERGROUND NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS TO TEST WEAPONS THEY ARE CAPABLE OF INFLICTING ON EACH OTHER. ... THERE ARE EQUALLY GOOD REASONS TO WANT SANCTIONS LIFTED. THEY COULD PROPEL EITHER NATION INTO THE ASIAN RECESSION. THEY PUNISH ORDINARY PEOPLE WHO HAVE NO SAY IN NUCLEAR POLICIES. THEY PERPETUATE POVERTY IN COUNTRIES THAT ARE ALREADY, ON AVERAGE, VERY POOR. /// END OPT ///TEXT: ON THAT NOTE, WE CONCLUDE THIS SAMPLING OF COMMENTS FROM
THE EDITORIAL PAGES OF THURSDAY U-S PRESS.
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