U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing #68, 97-05-05

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U.S. Department of State
Daily Press Briefing

I N D E X

Monday, May 5, 1997

Briefer: John Dinger

DEPARTMENT
1             Civil Service Recognition Week
ZAIRE
1-2,4-5       South African Initiative: Mobutu/Kabila Shipboard
                Talks/Follow-up Mtg.
2,5-6         Ordered Departure of Non-Essential Personnel/Situation in
                Kinshasa
2-3,5         President Clinton's Letter to Mobutu/Response
3-4           Ambassador Richardson's Travel/Mtgs.
3-4           --Angola
2,5-6         Transition to Democracy/Assistance
ISRAEL
6-12          Immigration Practices in East Jerusalem
9             Prospect of Secretary Albright/FM Levy Mtg.
MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS
9-10,12,16-17 Ross Departure to Region on 5/13
10            Issue of Settlements
12            Israeli-Palestinian Track
NORTH KOREA
12-15         MIA Talks in New York
COSTA RICA
17            International Child Abduction Case
ST. VINCENT
17-19         Fletcher Case/Allegations of Human Rights Abuses
SOUTH KOREA
19            Status of Arrested American Citizens: Kwak/Radcliffe

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
DAILY PRESS BRIEFING

DPB #68

MONDAY, MAY 5, 1997, 1:05 P.M.

(ON THE RECORD UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

MR. DINGER: Good afternoon. Welcome to the State Department briefing. Only one thing I would like to do at the outset, and that is mention that the Department of State and the Agency for International Development are observing this week Public Service Recognition Week, May 5 through 10. That is a worldwide outreach effort to both recognize and stimulate interest in public service careers.

We have a very long calendar of events throughout the week. Some of it is going to influence you here because the Department of State this week gives out its major awards. We will bring down, I think it is on Tuesday and Thursday, some of the recipients to introduce to all of you. But I refer you to an announcement that we issued last week that is in the Press Office for any of those events that you might want to participate in or cover. That is it.

QUESTION: John, on that point? Why are you all trying to stimulate interest in public service, such as jobs in the Foreign Service, when you all are in the process of cutting jobs?

MR. DINGER: Well, actually, we continue to take new members into the Foreign Service. In fact, the cap reduced the State Department workforce by some; and even though you are trying to do more with less, you still need the flow-through. So we last year gave the Foreign Service exam, and I believe -- although we haven't announced it yet, I don't know of any plans not to give the Foreign Service exam this year. Apart from careers in the Foreign Service, we do like to stimulate interest in public service.

QUESTION: So there are fresh opportunities in the State Department for young, eager diplomats-to-be?

MR. DINGER: There continue to be opportunities in the State Department. We are always looking for talented people to join our corps of dedicated public servants. Anything else?

QUESTION: Could you give a rundown on Zaire with respect to evacuations and U.S. mediation efforts?

MR. DINGER: Okay. Let me start by saying the United States applauds the efforts of the Government of South Africa and President Mandela in bringing the Zairian parties together over the weekend. President Mandela's leadership in this peace initiative has been exemplary, and we salute his continued and active engagement in this process.

We think the shipboard talks held yesterday represent an important step forward, although no final agreement was reached. The discussions themselves indicate that both sides are interested in seeking a peaceful settlement. We understand that a follow-up meeting is planned within six to seven days. Since the South Africans are the hosts to this process, we would refer you to the Government of South Africa for details. As we said before Sunday's meeting, we are happy to play a role in the meetings should the South Africans or UN Special Representative Sahnoun request it.

Regarding the status of U.S. Government employees in Kinshasa, I believe you are aware that we ordered the departure of non-essential personnel over the weekend. As a result, nine employees departed Kinshasa over the weekend. They all, I believe, traveled by ferry to Brazzaville. That brings the total number of official Americans in Kinshasa to 39.

The reports we have today are that Kinshasa, nevertheless, remains calm. The airport and ferry are reported to be functioning normally, and the markets are open. I would point out that the nine American officials who left over the weekend did cross the river by commercial means. Anything?

QUESTION: Did they take a commercial flight from Brazzaville?

MR. DINGER: Did they take a commercial flight --

QUESTION: From Brazzaville?

MR. DINGER: I'm not sure whether they have gone on from Brazzaville or not. There are opportunities to stay in Brazzaville, as well. I think there are hotels and things.

QUESTION: They may still be in Brazzaville?

MR. DINGER: They may still be in Brazzaville, but they did leave Kinshasa.

QUESTION: John, has Mobutu offered to resign?

MR. DINGER: I can't confirm that President Mobutu has offered to resign. There have been reports that President Mobutu sent a response to President Clinton's letter that the President gave to Ambassador Richardson. I can confirm that there was correspondence. But I don't want to get into the details of what was private correspondence between heads of state. Now, whether President Mobutu wants to reveal the contents of his letter to President Clinton is obviously up to him. But I can't do that for you.

QUESTION: Well, all right, without revealing, sort of, specific details, can you say, was Mobutu's response at least encouraging?

MR. DINGER: I don't want to get into the details. You know that we have stressed that we hope that there will be a peaceful transition to an inclusive democracy. That is what President Clinton expressed in his letter, and of course, the cessation of hostilities. But I can't get into what President Mobutu's response consisted of.

QUESTION: Is Ambassador Richardson staying there in this pause?

MR. DINGER: Ambassador Richardson yesterday, on Sunday, traveled from Point Noire to Kigali, where he met with Rwandan Vice President Kagame. He traveled today, I believe, to Lubumbashi, where he expected to meet with rebel alliance leader Kabila. After that he expects to go to Botswana, where he will meet with Ugandan President Museveni.

The purpose of Ambassador Richardson's meetings and travel at the moment is to reinforce the South African peace initiative and to press the parties to the conflict to end hostilities without further violence and agree to an inclusive transitional government leading to elections. Now, in Kigali, he also, of course, brought up the issue of refugees and the need for a smooth repatriation of refugees back to Rwanda.

With President Museveni, with Vice President Kagame of Rwanda, and also with Alliance Leader Kabila, he is stressing the importance of a cessation of hostilities and a peaceful transition to democracy in Zaire.

QUESTION: He is going to hang around till there is some conclusion?

MR. DINGER: Events are obviously moving very quickly in Central Africa. Ambassador Richardson is in the region now. His itinerary is very flexible. As I said, to some extent it depends on the wishes of the South Africans and what they would like him to do, if anything. So Ambassador Richardson is just staying flexible and will decide, I guess from day to day, exactly what his itinerary and what his schedule will be.

QUESTION: John?

MR. DINGER: Yes.

QUESTION: I was not here on Friday. Could you tell me if Ambassador Richardson has been to Angola to discuss with them their part that they are playing on the side of the rebels?

MR. DINGER: That is right. We went through this last week because Ambassador Richardson was in Luanda before he went to Point Noire and making these same points. But in Luanda he was, of course, particularly interested in urging the Government of Rwanda not to be involved in the internal developments in Zaire, stressing that it is not -- absolutely not - - in Angola's interest to contribute to instability in its neighbor.

QUESTION: And did you know - did you reveal the outcome of those talks?

MR. DINGER: We did not reveal the outcome of those talks. No, I'm sorry. I don't have anything for you on the Angolan response. I can say that as of last week, we continued to see reports that Angolan forces remained involved in Zaire.

QUESTION: Can you help us to interpret why you keep saying publicly: We hope to play a role in the meetings between Mobutu and Kabila should South Africa or the U.N. request it? I mean, it sounds to me like maybe the United States would like to play a larger role than it has so far, and those two mediators are keeping you out.

MR. DINGER: No, if I have somehow contributed to that impression, that was an error. No, this is a South African initiative, along with U.N. Special Representative Sahnoun. We are more than pleased with the South African effort. We want to congratulate them on the progress that they did make in arranging the meeting. We are there to be of assistance, as requested. But, no, we are very, very satisfied.

I will also add we are pleased if Ambassador Richardson was able to contribute to the South African effort. But we want to certainly make clear that this was a South Africa effort, and much of the credit belongs to South Africa for the progress that was made over the weekend.

QUESTION: Do you know how involved he was in these talks? Did he offer any solutions or any - was he in the room?

MR. DINGER: As far as I know, he was not in the room. He was onboard the ship. Ambassador Richardson was onboard the ship. I cannot confirm the degree to which he was directly involved in negotiations. Yes, Laura.

QUESTION: You've referred to this window of six to eight days. Did Mr. Kabila give six to eight days period of time to President Mobutu in order to pack up and leave town? Did he issue any kind of ultimatum? And despite the fact that this period of time has been discussed, there have also been reports that the rebels are very close to the outskirts of Kinshasa and could overtake the town within a couple of days. Is there some concern that this could happen before talks could take place again between the two men?

MR. DINGER: It's impossible for me to predict the progress of the rebel advance or the likely outcome or give you any sort of time frame about whatever might develop in Zaire.

Regarding the commitments Rebel Alliance Leader Kabila may have made, it is very, very difficult for us to confirm the contents of their discussions. Probably best, there are many reports from Alliance Leader Kabila's party and from the South Africans. I think we have to leave it to either the South Africans, Mr. Sahnoun, or perhaps Mr. Kabila himself to describe what commitments he may or may not have made, or what commitments he is now making, or what demands is now making. I can't confirm them for you.

QUESTION: Have you been briefed on those commitments? Or are you getting frozen out of that?

MR. DINGER: No, no. Ambassador Richardson was there. But since we are not a direct party in this issue - it is hosted by the South Africans, and we very, very much appreciate the South Africans, and particularly President Mandela's involvement - it is best to leave the details of the discussions, commitments, promises, or lack thereof to those parties.

QUESTION: But if the President of the United States has sent a letter to these parties, and, you know, that is - their response is rather important to the President's influence and prestige.

MR. DINGER: And President Mobutu did send a message to President Clinton which has been relayed. But I don't want to get into a public discussion of what the response was. Nor do I want to get into a public discussion of what took place in talks that were hosted by the South Africans. I think it's best to let the South Africans - whether it is President Mandela or Thabo Mbeki -- describe that, along with Alliance Leader Kabila and President Mobutu.

QUESTION: John, is there a transition assistance package being developed here in light of the fact that it looks like there will be a transition at some point?

MR. DINGER: Well, you know, George, we try to do our best to try to anticipate events and think ahead. But at the same time, we don't usually want to prejudge the outcome, or lead anyone to believe that we have pre- judged the outcome.

I think it is important for everyone to note - the people of Zaire, Alliance Leader Kabila, President Mobutu, and others - to realize that the future of Zaire is going to depend on a transition to an inclusive democracy, to building a stable environment there that will attract international assistance and international business.

I think everybody involved in this issue needs to keep focused on what is in the best interest of Zaire and what is going to lead to hopefully a Zaire that fulfills its promise, both economically and politically. But beyond that, I don't want to get into what contingency planning the United States may be engaged in.

QUESTION: John?

MR. DINGER: Yes.

QUESTION: Without predicting the rebels advance, can you at least confirm that they have resumed their progression towards Kinshasa, contrary to the promises made by Kabila at their summit?

MR. DINGER: I can't. I can't confirm for you. We have certainly seen the reports. I can't say that they are not true. But we are down to our essential personnel only. They are primarily limited to Kinshasa. So beyond the press reports, I can't provide any additional information.

QUESTION: John, there are reports that the rebels have already entered Kinshasa preparing for the eventual arrival of the larger army. Does the U.S. have any knowledge of this?

MR. DINGER: Nothing beyond press reports. There have been reports for at least a week, ten days, or two weeks that rebels were infiltrating into Kinshasa. As of a week ago, we didn't have any particular knowledge of that. I'm not sure that we have any particular insight into that now. It's a big city. It's difficult to know exactly what is happening.

QUESTION: For the duration of this conflict, the Zairian Army basically has looted and pillaged when they retreated. Is the U.S. doing anything to head that possibility off, vis a vis Kinshasa?

MR. DINGER: Well, we are urging all the parties to: One, agree to a cessation of hostilities; and, two, to map out a process by which Zaire can transition to an inclusive democracy. We think both those things would aid towards ensuring that there is no undue violence should the rebels reach Kinshasa. But certainly the whole point of this, or one of the major points of this, is to try to make sure that what happens in Zaire is peaceful, that there is a transition to a democracy that is going to lead to a stable and prosperous Zaire. So, yes, that is a large part of our engagement.

QUESTION: A broad answer to a narrow question. Are you talking to Zairian generals and so forth?

MR. DINGER: I think that there is a broad answer to that narrow question. Yes, we believe that this should be a peaceful process. We have encouraged all sides to do that. I think there is a broad answer to that narrow question. Anything else?

QUESTION: Can I ask about another area?

MR. DINGER: Yes.

QUESTION: Did you see the report in today's Washington Post about the Israeli authorities in Jerusalem taking away the resident permits of more than 1,000 Palestinians?

MR. DINGER: Yes, I did see the report. What I can say is that we are very concerned about that issue. We have been particularly concerned about that issue to the degree that it relates to Palestinian Americans who have been affected by that policy. We have, therefore, repeatedly raised the issue with the Israeli Government, including at the highest levels. Now, there are also reports that the Israeli Government is altering the practice, and we would welcome that development.

QUESTION: What do you mean? Which practice?

MR. DINGER: The practice of the demand that - or the practice of taking away ID cards and the right to reside in East Jerusalem.

QUESTION: And did you get any offer to stop the practice involving Palestinian Americans?

MR. DINGER: That is an issue still under discussion. I would say that we have not resolved the issue yet. We have repeatedly expressed our concern to the Israeli authorities, and it is an issue that must be addressed.

QUESTION: What is it that concerns you?

MR. DINGER: What has happened is that Palestinian Americans have, on occasion, been told that if they wish to keep their ID cards to reside in East Jerusalem, that they must give up their American passports. There are two points we make: One is that is a foreign government cannot ask or order an American citizen to abandon his citizenship; and, two, the fact that an American citizen has another nationality does not have an impact on his or her American citizenship. Nevertheless, this is an issue. It has been a problem. We have been concerned about it for some time and we have raised it on many occasions with the Israeli authorities.

QUESTION: But as it relates to Palestinians in general, leaving out the Americans, do you have a problem with that?

MR. DINGER: We think it is an issue that has to be addressed.

QUESTION: The issue of just Palestinians?

MR. DINGER: That is correct.

QUESTION: And what is there about it, in dealing with just Palestinians, that bothers you?

MR. DINGER: I don't have anything to add to the press report, which was quite detailed in how it described that Palestinians are encountering problems with their status or their permission to reside in East Jerusalem.

QUESTION: Well what, you know, besides Bart Gellman's story, does the United States think about it?

MR. DINGER: We are concerned about the issue. We think it must be addressed. We have raised it.

QUESTION: How do you want it addressed? What is your solution?

MR. DINGER: We suggest that the Israeli Government either alter - well, alter its practice of canceling Palestinian residency permits for Jerusalem. Now, I have to say that there are reports that the government decided yesterday to stop that practice.

QUESTION: Has the United States been told that?

MR. DINGER: I'm not aware that we have been directly told that. I'm telling you there are reports that the Israeli Government has agreed to alter the practice. But I don't want to speak for the Israeli Government. I would suggest that you --

QUESTION: Apart from, you know, how this affects individuals, what do you see as the long-term impact if this policy is continued and not altered?

MR. DINGER: I don't think I want to speculate about what the long-term impact is going to be. We have been most concerned about the impact on Palestinian Americans, and that is what we have been most involved in.

QUESTION: Have they talked to the U.S. Government about their concerns?

MR. DINGER: Has who talked to the - the American citizens?

QUESTION: Palestinian U.S. citizens?

MR. DINGER: Oh, yes, absolutely.

QUESTION: I'm trying to get to the bottom of whether the practice has been changed or not.

MR. DINGER: To the best of my -

QUESTION: Are you hearing from them even as we speak or have they stopped complaining? If they have stopped complaining, that might mean the practice has stopped.

MR. DINGER: I don't think this is the sort of thing that we got a daily inquiry about.

QUESTION: But you would go out and look for that stuff, too. You look for oppression of Palestinians and you probably find it.

MR. DINGER: Our major concern and our major involvement and interest has been the Palestinian Americans. These have most often, if not always, come to our attention when the Palestinian Americans came to our Consulate in Jerusalem to complaint that they had encountered this problem. That is when we became involved.

QUESTION: No, I just mean that is the primary function of that office in East Jerusalem, is to look after the well-being or, you know, day-to-day problems of Palestinians who are U.S. citizens. I am just trying to determine - you know, you're concerned about a thing but, if the thing has changed, you've got it your way.

MR. DINGER: I can't confirm that it has been changed. We have seen reports that the Israeli Government is going to alter the practice. As I say, we deal with these issues in a broader case and we have raised the entire issue with the Israeli Government. Our day-to-day involvement though is on a case-by-case basis when Palestinian Americans enter the Consulate after encountering this problem. So I can't get more specific for you than that.

QUESTION: Have you said anything about Levy or Ross so far today?

MR. DINGER: Have I?

QUESTION: Yes.

MR. DINGER: No.

QUESTION: You know, there was a false report or misguided report or the U.S. had somehow sent the wrong signal that he ought to come here and see Albright. There wasn't time to do that, it's something that could be done later on. Have you found a window to do that yet?

MR. DINGER: I don't think we've set anything up. There was confusion, I think, is the best word because I don't know whether the foreign minister was in the United States last Friday, but I believe he did have an opportunity to come on a private visit. Secretary Albright was gone. I don't need to go over that issue again.

QUESTION: Sure.

MR. DINGER: But the Secretary is very pleased with the prospect of meeting with Foreign Minister Levy. They are still trying to work out a mutually convenient date, but she is certainly pleased with the idea of seeing the foreign minister.

Dennis Ross, meanwhile, expects to depart for the region tomorrow. As is our practice, I will be unable to give you any details about his itinerary, any scheduled meetings, etc.

QUESTION: What are the topics? Two sides, or four or six?

MR. DINGER: No, at the very least, he is looking forward to speaking with Palestinian and Israeli officials. Beyond that, I can't give you any details.

QUESTION: In this trip is he going to make some effort to ignite the Syrian front again?

MR. DINGER: Well, Ambassador Ross has a very flexible schedule when he takes these trips. I don't want to rule out anything on the Syrian track, but certainly I have no reason to let you expect that he will be pursuing the Syrian track on this trip.

QUESTION: Two things. Is he in a listening mode? Is he in a proposing mode? And could you address a report in the Egyptian newspaper that he is carrying a demand that Israel freeze all settlement activity?

MR. DINGER: He is continuing the process that has been going on for perhaps about the last month, trying in particular to see what the parties are willing to do to get the process going. Now, that does not mean that he doesn't also have some ideas that he takes with him, but he is acting as a mediator. A mediator's prime function is always to get the parties to find room for agreement, and that is his primary purpose. But, yes, he does carry ideas with him, certainly.

QUESTION: What about the Egyptian report?

MR. DINGER: I don't have anything for you on the Egyptian report. Of course, we virtually never review the details of our own proposals, nor do we comment on the reports of what the other parties may be proposing or demanding or conditions they may be putting on it.

QUESTION: But you still oppose settlement expansion?

MR. DINGER: Our position on settlements remains unchanged. They are a - what is the last -

QUESTION: (Inaudible)?

MR. DINGER: No, that wasn't it. They are unhelpful.

QUESTION: The (inaudible) population.

MR. DINGER: They are unhelpful.

QUESTION: Is Har Homa a settlement?

MR. DINGER: Har Homa is housing in East Jerusalem.

QUESTION: You say it's in East Jerusalem.

MR. DINGER: That's correct.

QUESTION: Okay.

QUESTION: Weeks and weeks ago -

QUESTION: (Inaudible) residence permits at one point. We keep using the word "alter" that the Israelis are reported to have - are going to be altering. What do you mean by "alter"? Do you mean stop?

MR. DINGER: Jim, that's not for me to determine. That is for the Israelis. This is a press report that they are considering altering their procedures, so I will let you go to the Israelis for how they may be addressing this issue.

QUESTION: Well, what are they telling you?

MR. DINGER: I'm afraid I'm not going to get into what they may be telling us on issues.

QUESTION: You want it stopped, not just to alter the process?

MR. DINGER: We have been particularly concerned about the issue of Palestinian Americans who are required to give up their passports. That is something a foreign government cannot do.

QUESTION: So you want it stopped.

MR. DINGER: Well, we would like them to stop that practice.

QUESTION: Regarding the Americans?

MR. DINGER: Yes. But, in fact, the point is it is a practice that has no standing under U.S. law. A foreign government cannot ask American citizens to give up their passports.

QUESTION: And how about cases past? Is the United States asking that the passports either be returned or that resident's right be restored?

MR. DINGER: I can't confirm for you that any American citizen has given up their passport under these conditions. I don't know that to be the case. I think our advice to American citizens who find themselves in these circumstances would be just what I have said: That the Israeli Government cannot ask them to give up their citizenship.

QUESTION: How many have found themselves in this circumstance?

MR. DINGER: I don't have a number for you.

QUESTION: Would you say a handful?

MR. DINGER: I don't know.

QUESTION: Has any? Have any?

MR. DINGER: Have any what? Given up -

QUESTION: Palestinian U.S. citizens found themselves in a situation where the Israelis are insisting that they give up their passport?

MR. DINGER: How many? I don't have a good feeling for how many there might be. It would just be pure speculation for me to guess whether we are talking a handful, dozens, hundreds. I just don't know.

QUESTION: But you know -

QUESTION: Can you describe the state of the Israeli-Palestinian track now?

MR. DINGER: There has been a loss of confidence between the parties. What we are trying to do now is rebuild that trust and confidence, try to build an environment that will allow the peace process to get back on track. That is what the President has been involved in in Washington. That is what the Secretary has been involved in. That is what Dennis Ross is involved in and that is the purpose of his trip to the region on this occasion.

QUESTION: You know, I thank you but -- and that is helpful. One reason I ask is because two trips back, the wonderful thing about Ross trips is, if you forget to ask a question on one trip, there will always be another trip where you can ask the question. The last time he went out on his peace mission, I neglected to ask and I don't think anyone else did, if there was still an impasse. You see, Nick Burns at that podium spoke, you know, very unhappily about the situation being at an impasse.

Since then, we have been told again and again that the negotiations are being done by telephone, people have come here, Albright makes so many phone calls, people talk to people and you're just busy as bees. So I'm trying to get a measure of what all that activity has produced.

Now, if you are saying they are not at an impasse anymore but they don't like each other a lot, that would indicate some progress. Would you still call it an impasse after all of this? After one Ross trip, 43 phone calls, the visits of four leaders, and what else? A lot of other paperwork and Martin Indyk at that end, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.

MR. DINGER: I cannot report any progress to you thus far. So probably I have to leave it at that.

QUESTION: Thus far? (Inaudible.)

QUESTION: North Korea.

MR. DINGER: Yes, ma'am.

QUESTION: Do you have anything on the MIA talks?

MR. DINGER: Well, talks led by the Department of Defense began Sunday in New York regarding Missing In Action and the accounting of missing U.S. servicemen from the Korean War. Today is the second day of those meetings. They are expected to continue through the week. I would refer you to the Department of Defense, though, for details.

What I do want to point out, and there has been a little bit of confusion about this, is that these talks are not connected to the talks that took place in New York just two or three weeks ago. Those talks between the U.S., South Korea, and North Korea, at which the Four Party Peace Talks Proposal was discussed.

They are also not connected to the U.S./DPRK missile talks that will take place a week from now in New York. Although these talks currently going on in New York are DOD talks, I can say that they are covering the areas critical to making progress toward the fullest possible accounting of missing U.S. servicemen from the Korean War.

There are three broad subject areas that the talks are addressing: One is the reported sightings of alleged Americans currently living in North Korea; another is access to military archives to recover North Korean data about Americans held as POWs during the war; and, finally, the final point is the establishment of a schedule for resuming joint excavations to recover American remains buried in North Korean cemeteries and at specific loss sights.

From the U.S. perspective, the meeting is moving in a productive direction. The DPRK delegation has agreed to a meeting on Friday, for example, with family members of Korean MIAs. That meeting will not be opened to the public to protect the privacy of the American families participating.

I would like to point out, though, that this is the first time that the North Koreans have ever agreed to such a meeting, and we view this as a positive sign of North Korea's interest in making progress on this humanitarian issue. A State Department official is a member of this delegation, but it is led by DOD Deputy Assistant Secretary for Defense for POW/Missing Personnel Affairs James Wold.

QUESTION: How many sightings have there been in recent years?

MR. DINGER: I don't know the number of actual sightings. What I can say is that we, the State Department, definitely supports the Defense Department's efforts to take all sightings seriously and to investigate them to the fullest extent possible. At the same time, I do have to point out that we have no reason to believe, based on confirmed sightings, that there are any POWs alive in North Korea.

QUESTION: Can you tell me if the meeting (inaudible) if North Korea --

MR. DINGER: Yes, the meeting is between - let me just make sure I've got it. It's between North Korea, the DPRK delegation, and family members of Korean MIAs.

QUESTION: So (inaudible.)

MR. DINGER: Right. No, no, that's - I'm sorry. MIAs in Korea. American families. These are American families that are participating.

QUESTION: So American families will be traveling. Well, where are they - where is this meeting taking place?

MR. DINGER: New York.

QUESTION: In New York?

MR. DINGER: Yes.

QUESTION: So American families (inaudible) a meeting with North Korea?

MR. DINGER: Correct, correct.

QUESTION: And when is it?

MR. DINGER: There have been discussions over the details of resuming. Let's see, I think have it. The returning remains - I'm sorry, here it is. Joint excavations to recover American remains buried in North Korean cemeteries. I think that some of those issues are still outstanding. That is part of what will be addressed.

And I really would suggest that you talk to DOD for the details of these discussions. They have the lead in the talks and are the experts. Yes.

QUESTION: (Inaudible) of family members to meet with the North Korean delegation (inaudible)?

MR. DINGER: There are privacy issues involved here. At the moment, we are keeping the privacy of the American families in mind. At least the State Department is not going to be able to give you any details on the American families who will be meeting with the DPRK.

QUESTION: How many?

MR. DINGER: I don't know.

QUESTION: Can you give (inaudible)?

MR. DINGER: I would suggest DOD as a possible source for that information.

QUESTION: That's this Friday?

MR. DINGER: Friday.

QUESTION: Do you know how many Americans are currently living in North Korea?

MR. DINGER: No. Very, very, very few.

QUESTION: Back to the Ross briefing.

MR. DINGER: Yes.

QUESTION: Do we have a time or a date when he returns?

MR. DINGER: No, he does not have a specific date to return but, at the same time, his visit is not open-ended.

QUESTION: Not having a date of return (inaudible).

MR. DINGER: Pardon me?

QUESTION: Not having a date of return, how do you define open-ended?

MR. DINGER: We'll expect him to be there for a --

QUESTION: He's not going to be there for a long time?

MR. DINGER: We do not anticipate him being there a long time, but he does not have a specific date for return.

QUESTION: Okay. Will he participate, observe, be at the ready, stand alone? I'm trying to cover every possibility. You have to do that with Dennis Ross trips. A three-way meeting?

MR. DINGER: I don't have any details on his --

QUESTION: You won't rule out him participating in a three-way meeting?

MR. DINGER: I'm not going to rule in or rule out anything regarding his schedule. He remains very flexible when he travels on these visits.

QUESTION: No, I mean (inaudible) what he's doing, what his purpose is.

MR. DINGER: His purpose is --

QUESTION: You know, I know you don't want to say at 9 o'clock he'll be here, or at 10 o'clock he'll be there. But like every Ross trip, you haven't given us the slightest notion what he is doing.

MR. DINGER: I think the important element there is that this is like every Ross trip. We have found Barry, as you know --

QUESTION: We know.

MR. DINGER: As you know, that we have found, we are most effective when we do not reveal many details.

QUESTION: I don't think you want to talk about effectiveness right away. I think you ought to wait for three to four more trips.

MR. DINGER: Well, in all fairness, what you might want me to do then is to go back and explain all the progress that has been made over the last few years.

QUESTION: No, no, you just said - you said you can't find any progress.

MR. DINGER: Over the last two or three weeks.

QUESTION: Yes.

MR. DINGER: But of course, over the last three, or four, or five, or six years, I might take you back --

QUESTION: The peace agreement.

MR. DINGER: -- to the Oslo Accords, which --

QUESTION: No, which were worked out by Norway, Israel, and the Palestinians. The U.S. had almost nothing to do with the Oslo Accords, the Jordan Peace Treaty, or any of the recent agreements, so -

MR. DINGER: Oh, no, I would definitely take issue --

QUESTION: They are signed at the White House, but they are not negotiated by the U.S.

MR. DINGER: A major, major example for you is the Hebron Agreement.

QUESTION: (Inaudible.)

(Laughter.)

MR. DINGER: I rest my case.

QUESTION: No, you got to do better than Hebron. The Hebron Agreement is part of the Oslo.

QUESTION: It's part of the Oslo.

MR. DINGER: Okay, yes.

QUESTION: I'm sorry, I have to ask the indulgence of my colleagues. I have to ask you about two separate cases involving American citizens abroad. The first one has to do with an American woman named Theresa Dantzler who is living in Costa Rica, and she is wanted by the FBI on kidnapping charges. Can you say whether the U.S. Embassy is in contact with the Costa Rican Government about Mrs. Dantzler and what steps the Embassy is taking?

MR. DINGER: This is regarding an international child abduction case. What I can confirm, much of this particular case and every case like this, is covered by our Privacy Act. However, I can tell you what is in the public record. The public record does show that the American Embassy in San Jose received on April 1 notice that American citizen Theresa Dantzler is the subject of an outstanding warrant of arrest for a felony, including a warrant issued under the Federal Fugitive Felon Act, that is, 18 U.S. Code 1073.

It is correct that such warrants can provide a legal basis for revocation of a U.S. passport. Now, what I want to stress is that international child abduction cases are some of the most important and also some of the most emotional cases with which the Department of State deals. While each abduction is different, I can assure you that the Department of State and American embassies around the world pursue every case aggressively and take all actions necessary and appropriate. That is certainly true of our embassy in San Jose.

At the same time, as much as we would often like to detail the excellent work of our embassies overseas, the Privacy Act does prohibit releasing information regarding American citizens without their permission. All of the people involved in this case are American citizens and, in this case, as in so many others, it is impossible to provide any details on this particular case.

QUESTION: Generally speaking, would the United States seek the extradition of an American who is a fugitive from justice if they know where that individual is? Depending upon what country - I mean, if you could seek extradition from a certain country?

MR. DINGER: Although the State Department is a gateway for extraditions in a case like this, the request is originated from the Department of Justice. Additionally, we generally do not comment on extradition cases. So I really can't go beyond the fact that obviously extradition is an option in the pursuit of criminals overseas. But I can't give any details in this particular case.

QUESTION: Okay, and very quickly, the second case is a couple, the Fletchers, and they are in jail on the island of St. Vincent and they are being charged with murder. There have been serious allegations brought by their family and their lawyer that they have suffered human rights abuses while being taken into custody and while in custody. Can you say whether or not the U.S. has had consular access to this couple and whether or not they are investigating the allegations of human rights abuses?

MR. DINGER: Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher were arrested on October 29, 1996 on suspicion of murder. They were held, pending a hearing, on whether enough evidence existed for them to stand trial. That hearing took place March 11th, and the magistrate in St. Vincent determined that there was sufficient evidence to bind the Fletchers over for trial. That trial is expected to occur in June.

We, of course, need to point out that American citizens overseas are subject to the laws of the country in which they are visitors or residents. Our Consular Information Sheet on St. Vincent makes that point. We understand the Fletchers are represented by attorneys, both in St. Vincent and elsewhere.

As in the case of any American citizen arrested overseas, U.S. consular officers have stayed in close contact with the Fletchers during their detention. The U.S. Embassy has inquired into allegations the Fletchers have made of mistreatment and we have strongly cautioned the Government of St. Vincent that the Fletchers must be treated fairly and in accordance with St. Vincent's constitution and legal system.

In this particular case, our Ambassador, Jeanette Hyde, in a March 3rd, meeting with the Prime Minister of St. Vincent reiterated our interest in the fair outcome of the judicial proceedings and the welfare of the Fletchers during their pre-trial detention.

QUESTION: John, the lawyer for the Fletchers has indicated that the government sought a payment for the release of the couple, and a number of individuals associated with this case have alleged that it is impossible to get a fair trial in St. Vincent. And in fact, documents that we obtained through the Freedom of Information Act indicated that a State Department official who observed the preliminary hearing also felt that it was impossible to get a fair trial there. Are you considering issuing a travel advisory for Americans in light of the Fletcher case?

MR. DINGER: I am unaware of any plan to issue any additional advisory to Americans traveling to St. Vincent. As I say, the Consular Information Sheet that we already have, of course, makes it clear that Americans traveling overseas, as is true in every country, are subject to the laws of that country. I can assure you that the welfare and well-being of American citizens overseas is one of, if not the top priority, of every embassy and every American official overseas.

We have monitored the Fletchers case very, very closely. We are making every effort to insure that they receive a fair trial in accordance with St. Vincent's constitutional legal system. I am not going to prejudge the outcome of that trial, but I can just assure you that beginning with Ambassador Hyde, we are making every effort to insure that this case proceeds in accordance with St. Vincent law. In this case as well, I also have to add that we have not received a Privacy Act waiver for the Fletchers that allows us to release many details to the media.

QUESTION: John, on another case overseas, do you have any reaction to the Canadian decision, the court case this morning?

MR. DINGER: No, our State Department's position remains the same; that this is a legal judicial process that we will let the Department of Justice respond to.

QUESTION: Back on the Fletcher case, you implied but didn't say so outright that they had been mistreated while in custody.

MR. DINGER: I didn't mean to imply that, but it is true and certainly accurate that the Fletchers have alleged mistreatment. I don't have a Privacy Act waiver from them that allows me to go into details of their charges or of what the Fletchers have said in that regard.

But I really do just want to reiterate both in the Fletcher case and in the previous case, Mrs. Dantzler and Mr. Britt, how serious the Department of State takes the issues involving American citizens overseas. That is true in every case. Child abduction cases are particularly true. We, in fact, established a Special Office of Children's Issues in our Bureau of Consular Affairs in 1994. We are a very active member of the Hague Convention, all in an effort to try to assist any resolution of child abduction cases in accordance with U.S. law. It is something that we take very, very seriously and make every effort everywhere in the world to assist with. They are terrible cases.

QUESTION: A consular issue. Have you met with the two Americans arrested in South Korea and have you gotten Privacy Act waivers from those individuals?

MR. DINGER: Well, we had met with Mr. Kwak last week and provided our initial consular visit. Today, May 5th, in Seoul consular officers visited Mr. Ratcliffe to check on his health and welfare. We understand that he is being held by the National Security Planning Agency for questioning. That questioning takes place during the day. He returns to a police station where he spends the night.

Mr. Ratcliffe does not claim any mistreatment. We learned that he is represented by a Korean law firm, a very prominent law firm, I understand. As in all these other cases, the two cases that we just discussed, we are doing everything possible to make sure that we are protecting the interests of American citizens in this case.

QUESTION: Did he sign a Privacy Act -

MR. DINGER: Mr. Kwak did not sign a Privacy Act waiver; however, Mr. Ratcliffe has provided us with a Privacy Act waiver.

(The briefing concluded at 1:52 p.m.)

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