USIA - State Department Report, 97-07-23

U.S. State Department: Daily Press Briefings Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The United States Information Agency (USIA) Home Page at <http://www.usia.gov>

STATE DEPARTMENT REPORT, WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 1997

(Canada, Serbia, Albania, Russia, Honduras) (480)

CANADA -- Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott met with Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy this morning, as both governments felt it was "imperative" to meet at high levels to defuse tensions over the stalled salmon talks and the blockade of a U.S. ferry in British Columbia this past weekend. The meeting was a good one, Jim Foley, the new deputy spokesman, said. Both sides "agreed on the importance of the stakeholder process." Involving people from the salmon fishing region in the negotiations -- stakeholders -- has been a central tenet of the U.S. position.

The United States declined a Canadian invitation to submit the dispute to binding arbitration, precisely because such a move would have bypassed the stakeholders. The U.S. wants the negotiations to resume, Foley stated.

SERBIA -- The United States is "disturbed by reports that a number of TV and radio stations" in Serbia have been closed recently, Foley said. "The practice of restricting the operation of radio and television stations is a step backward in the process of democratization and further delays Serbia- Montenegro's integration into the international community."

ALBANIA -- Foley noted that Albania President Sali Berisha had resigned earlier in the day and that the country's new parliament was convening. "The Albanian people have reason to be proud of the smooth transition which they have achieved since the recent parliamentary elections," Foley said, citing the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Italian-led Multinational Protection Force for their "indispensable" assistance in the process.

The United States "stands ready to assist Albania" as it takes on the "serious challenges (of) restoring public order and building a sound economy," Foley stated. "Our cooperation with Albania will continue to be based on its commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and advancing the process of reconciliation."

RUSSIA -- Foley noted that Russian President Boris Yeltsin had vetoed a proposed bill which would have restricted religious freedom for many faiths. "We welcome Yeltsin's decision," he said. It was "a victory for democracy and religious freedom ... It's very encouraging that he did reject the bill."

HONDURAS -- "The United States Government is deeply disappointed with the decision made yesterday by the Honduran Supreme Court to deny our request for the extradition of Michel Francois. Francois, a former top official of the military junta that ruled Haiti prior to the restoration of democracy, is wanted in Florida on charges that he used his official position in the junta to ship tons of cocaine into the United States," Foley said. "If Francois is allowed to enjoy impunity, it will be a signal that the Honduran Government is ready to serve as a haven for drug criminals."

From the United States Information Agency (USIA) Home Page at http://www.usia.gov

U.S. State Department: Daily Press Briefings Directory - Previous Article - Next Article