Voice of America, 14 September 1995

From: yanni@ix.netcom.com (Ioannis Bousnakis)

Voice of America Directory

CONTENTS

[01] !!! VOA DIGEST - SEPTEMBER 14, 1995 !!!

YUGO / TALKS -- AMERICAN ENVOY RICHARD HOLBROOKE REPORTS PROGRESS IN HIS PEACE EFFORTS IN THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA. HE HAS CHANGED HIS TRAVEL PLANS AND IS GOING FROM BELGRADE TO CROATIA FOR TALKS WITH THE CROATIAN AND BOSNIAN PRESIDENTS. CORRESPONDENT WAYNE COREY REPORTS. (9/14)

GENEVA / TALKS -- A GENEVA MEETING OF THE FIVE-NATION CONTACT GROUP ON THE PEACE PROCESS IN THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA, THE UNITED STATES, RUSSIA, FRANCE, BRITAIN, AND GERMANY, HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL FRIDAY. STRINGER GORDON MARTIN REPORTS FROM THE SWISS CITY. (9/14)

BOSNIA / FIGHTING UPDATE -- BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT AND BOSNIAN CROAT TROOPS, BACKED BY THE CROATIAN ARMY, ARE MAKING LARGE GAINS IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN BOSNIA. THOUSANDS OF BOSNIAN SERB REFUGEES ARE FLEEING THE FIGHTING. UN OFFICIALS SAY THE SERBS HAVE NOW LOST SIX-PERCENT OF BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. STRINGER DAVID FOLEY REPORTS FROM SARAJEVO US OFFICIALS SAY THE ATTACKS PUT THE ONGOING PEACE PROCESS AT RISK. (9/14)

CLINTON / BALKANS -- PRESIDENT CLINTON IS HOLDING OUT HOPES OF PROGRESS IN EFFORTS TO PERSUADE THE BOSNIAN SERBS TO WITHDRAW THEIR HEAVY WEAPONS FROM THE PERIMETER OF SARAJEVO. THE OPTIMISTIC PRESIDENTIAL ASSESSMENT FOLLOWS ANOTHER DEVELOPMENT IN THE BALKANS REGION, THE SIGNING OF AN ACCORD BETWEEN GREECE AND MACEDONIA. CORRESPONDENT GARY THOMAS REPORTS FROM THE WHITE HOUSE. (9/14)

FRANCE / GERMANY / BOSNIA -- GERMANY AND FRANCE HAVE AGREED TO SET UP A SPECIAL WORKING GROUP THAT WILL FOCUS ON HOW TO IMPLEMENT AN EVENTUAL PEACE AGREEMENT IN BOSNIA. THE AGREEMENT WAS ANNOUNCED BY GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER KLAUS KINKEL, FOLLOWING TALKS WITH HIS FRENCH COUNTERPART. CORRESPONDENT KYLE KING REPORTS FROM BONN. (9/14)

CONTACT / POSTPONEMENT -- A MEETING OF THE FIVE-NATION CONTACT GROUP ON THE PEACE PROCESS ON THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA -- THE UNITED STATES, RUSSIA, FRANCE, BRITAIN AND GERMANY, SET FOR TODAY HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL TOMORROW. STRINGER GORDON MARTIN REPORTS FROM GENEVA. (9/14)

RUSSIA / TALBOTT -- US DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE STROBE TALBOTT IS IN MOSCOW FOR A 24-HOUR VISIT. CORRESPONDENT PETER COLLINS REPORTS FROM MOSCOW MR. TALBOTT WILL TRY TO EASE RUSSIAN CONCERNS ABOUT THE NATO BOMBING CAMPAIGN IN BOSNIA. (9/14)

ISLAMIC / BOSNIA -- DEFENSE AND FOREIGN MINISTERS OF ISLAMIC COUNTRIES MEETING IN MALAYSIA HAVE ISSUED STRONG DENUNCIATIONS OF THE BOSNIAN SERBS. AND, THEY HAVE PLEDGED A PLAN OF ACTION LIKELY TO INCLUDE MILITARY ASSISTANCE TO THE BOSNIAN-MUSLIM GOVERNMENT. CORRESPONDENT DAN ROBINSON REPORTS FROM KUALA LUMPUR. (9/14)

US / BOSNIA -- THE UNITED STATES HAS WARNED BOSNIAN CROATS AND MUSLIMS NOT TO MAKE MILITARY ADVANCES ANYWHERE IN BOSNIA TO PROTECT THE US PEACE INITIATIVE. CORRESPONDENT RON PEMSTEIN REPORTS. (9/13)

YUGO / SITREP -- UNITED NATIONS OFFICIALS SAY 40-THOUSAND SERB CIVILIANS ARE BELIEVED FLEEING FROM A MUSLIM AND CROAT ADVANCE IN WESTERN AND CENTRAL BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. SEVERAL SERB-HELD TOWNS, INCLUDING THE KEY TOWN OF JAJCE, ARE SAID TO HAVE FALLEN OR ARE IN DANGER, AND THERE APPEAR TO BE LITTLE SERB RESISTANCE. CORRESPONDENT WAYNE COREY REPORTS. (9/13)

WOMEN'S CONFERENCE / RESOURCES -- THE WORLD'S BIGGEST WOMEN'S CONFERENCE IS ABOUT TO ADOPT A BLUEPRINT FOR ACTIONS TO IMPROVE WOMEN'S LIVES. CORRESPONDENT JANE KUCZYNSKI HAS THE LATEST ON HOW THE PLAN WOULD BE PAID FOR. (9/14)

FUJIMORI / WOMEN -- PERUVIAN PRESIDENT ALBERTO FUJIMORI IS DENYING ACCUSATIONS HE HAS DECLARED WAR ON THE VATICAN BY ADOPTING NEW FAMILY PLANNING POLICIES. CORRESPONDENT STEPHANIE HO CAUGHT UP WITH MR. FUJIMORI THURSDAY IN BEIJING -- WHERE HE IS PREPARING TO ADDRESS THE CLOSING SESSION OF THE UN WORLD CONFERENCE ON WOMEN. (9/14)

FUJIMORI / WOMEN -- THE PRESIDENT OF PERU -- A PREDOMINANTLY-CATHOLIC COUNTRY -- SAYS HIS NEW FAMILY-PLANNING PROGRAM IS NOT MEANT AS AN ATTACK ON THE VATICAN. IN AN INTERVIEW WITH CORRESPONDENT STEPHANIE HO IN BEIJING THURSDAY, ALBERTO FUJIMORI SAID THE PROGRAM IS PART OF EFFORTS TO COMBAT POVERTY IN HIS COUNTRY. (9/14)

CHINA / AMNESTY -- IN BEIJING, THE INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATION AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL ATTEMPTED TO DELIVER A PETITION TO THE CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN TODAY. IT IS CALLING FOR RELEASE OF TWO WOMEN PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE. CORRESPONDENT GIL BUTLER SAYS THE UNUSUAL EVENT OCCURRED AT THE REGULAR THURSDAY FOREIGN MINISTRY NEWS BRIEFING. (9/14)

DALAI LAMA / CHINA -- THE SPIRITUAL AND TEMPORAL LEADER OF TIBET VISITED THE US RECENTLY TO DRAW ATTENTION TO THE PLIGHT OF HIS EXILED PEOPLE AT THE HANDS OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT AND TO ENCOURAGE THE UNITED STATES TO TAKE A STRONG AND PRINCIPLED HUMAN RIGHTS STAND IN ITS DEALINGS WITH BEIJING. CURRENT AFFAIRS' ADAM PHILLIPS INTERVIEWED THE 1989 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WINNER AND DISCUSSED HIS VIEWS ON PEACE, CONFLICT, THE PROPER BUDDHIST VIEW OF CHINA. (9/14)

CHINA / DALAI -- CHINA HAS PROTESTED AGAINST THE MEETING WEDNESDAY BETWEEN PRESIDENT CLINTON AND THE DALAI LAMA IN WASHINGTON. THE VISIT LASTED FIVE MINUTES ACCORDING TO THE THE WHITE HOUSE AND TOOK PLACE AS THE DALAI LAMA WAS MEETING VICE PRESIDENT GORE IN HIS OFFICE. CORRESPONDENT GIL BUTLER HAS A REPORT FROM BEIJING. (9/14)

US / DALAI LAMA -- VICE-PRESIDENT AL GORE, JOINED BRIEFLY BY PRESIDENT CLINTON, MET AT THE WHITE HOUSE WEDNESDAY WITH THE DALAI LAMA, TIBET'S EXILED SPIRITUAL AND POLITICAL LEADER AND WINNER OF THE 1989 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE. CORRESPONDENT DAVID BORGIDA REPORTS THEY PAID TRIBUTE TO THE DALAI LAMA, BUT BECAUSE OF TENSE US/SINO RELATIONS, THEY DID SO IN LOW-KEY FASHION. (9/13)

ASIAN SECURITY -- A TWO-DAY CONFERENCE ON CENTRAL ASIAN SECURITY BEGINS SEPTEMBER 15 IN TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN. CORRESPONDENT DOUGLAS BAKSHIAN REPORTS THE CONFLICTS IN TAJIKISTAN AND AFGHANISTAN ARE TO BE FEATURED PROMINENTLY AT THE MEETING. (9/14)

RUSSIA / RABIN -- ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER YITZHAK RABIN IS IN MOSCOW FOR A BRIEF VISIT. AS CORRESPONDENT PETER COLLINS REPORTS FROM THE RUSSIAN CAPITAL, MR. RABIN IS EXPECTED TO STRESS ISRAEL'S STRONG OPPOSITION TO MOSCOW'S PLAN TO EXPORT NUCLEAR REACTORS TO IRAN. (9/14)

JAPAN / MIDEAST -- JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER TOMIICHI MURAYAMA HELD TALKS IN CAIRO WITH EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT HOSNI MUBARAK THURSDAY ON THE SECOND LEG OF A FIVE-NATION MIDDLE EAST TRIP. JAPAN IS BEGINNING TO ASSUME A MORE VISIBLE ROLE IN MIDEAST REGIONAL DIPLOMACY. CORRESPONDENT DAVID GOLLUST REPORTS FROM THE EGYPTIAN CAPITAL. (9/14)

JAPAN / MIDEAST -- JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER TOMIICHI MURAYAMA HAS MET IN CAIRO WITH EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT HOSNI MUBARAK ON THE SECOND LEG OF A MIDDLE EAST MISSION. THE FIVE-NATION TOUR REFLECTS A GROWING DIPLOMATIC ROLE IN THE REGION BY JAPAN. CORRESPONDENT DAVID GOLLUST REPORTS FROM CAIRO. (9/14)

NORTH KOREA / RELIEF AID -- SOUTH KOREA ANNOUNCED THURSDAY IT WILL ALLOW PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS TO PROVIDE RELIEF AID TO NORTH KOREAN FLOOD VICTIMS. BUT, AS SHIN NA REPORTS FROM SEOUL, THE SOUTH KOREAN GOVERNMENT SAYS IT WILL NOT PROVIDE OFFICIAL AID UNLESS IT RECEIVES A DIRECT REQUEST FROM PYONGYANG. (9/14)

LANKA / PLANE -- SRI LANKAN OFFICIALS SAY A MILITARY PLANE THAT CRASHED WEDNESDAY WITH 75 PEOPLE ABOARD PROBABLY WENT DOWN BECAUSE OF BAD WEATHER OR MECHANICAL PROBLEMS, BUT THEY ARE NOT RULING OUT SABOTAGE. CORRESPONDENT MICHAEL DRUDGE HAS MORE FROM THE SOUTH ASIA BUREAU IN NEW DELHI. (9/14)

BRAZIL / INDEMNITY -- THE LOWER HOUSE OF BRAZIL'S CONGRESS HAS APPROVED A GOVERNMENT BILL ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DISAPPEARANCE AND MURDER OF 136 PEOPLE IN POLICE CUSTODY DURING THE COUNTRY'S MILITARY RULE FROM 1964 TO 1985. THE BILL NOW GOES TO THE SENATE, WHERE APPROVAL IS LIKELY. WE HAVE DETAILS FROM CORRESPONDENT GEORGE MEEK IN RIO DE JANEIRO. (9/14)

BRAZIL / LANDLESS -- HIGHWAY POLICE IN SOUTH-WESTERN BRAZIL HAVE REOPENED A BRIDGE BLOCKED BY LANDLESS FARMERS. CORRESPONDENT GEORGE MEEK REPORTS AT LEAST FOUR PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN A BRIEF GUN BATTLE. (9/14)

FRANCE / TERROR -- THE FRENCH INTERIOR MINISTRY HAS BANNED A BOOK THAT DETAILS ALLEGED ABUSES OF HUMAN RIGHTS BY THE ALGERIAN AUTHORITIES. STRINGER JULIAN NUNDY REPORTS FROM PARIS THE BAN COMES AS FRANCE HAS SUFFERED A SERIES OF BOMB ATTACKS BLAMED ON ALGERIAN DISSIDENTS. (9/14)

FRANCE / NUCLEAR -- AT THE CURRENT SESSION OF THE PERMANENT 38-NATION CONFERENCE ON DISARMAMENT IN GENEVA, FRANCE REPEATED ITS DEFENSE OF THE DECISION TO CARRY OUT FURTHER NUCLEAR TESTS AT MURUROA IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC. STRINGER GORDON MARTIN REPORTS FROM GENEVA. (9/14)

PACIFIC / NUKE -- LEADERS OF 16 SOUTH PACIFIC NATIONS HAVE ISSUED A JOINT STATEMENT EXPRESSING OUTRAGE AT THE RESUMPTION OF FRENCH NUCLEAR TESTING IN THE REGION. FROM OUR ASIA PACIFIC NEWS CENTER, CORRESPONDENT MAX RUSTON REPORTS THE STATEMENT WAS RELEASED THURSDAY IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA, DURING A MEETING OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC FORUM. (9/14)

RWANDA / GOVERNMENT -- RWANDA'S NEW GOVERNMENT IS FACING A CHALLENGE- SUGGESTIONS THAT SOLDIERS OF THE TUTSI-DOMINATED ARMY ENGAGED THIS WEEK IN A MURDEROUS SLAUGHTER OF HUTU VILLAGERS IN THE NORTHWEST NEAR THE BORDER WITH ZAIRE. CORRESPONDENT ALEX BELIDA REPORTS RWANDAN AUTHORITIES ARE WINNING RESPECT FOR DISPATCHING VICE PRESIDENT PAUL KAGAME TO THE LOCATION OF THE RAMPAGE, FOR TREATING THE ALLEGATIONS SERIOUSLY AND FOR COOPERATING WITH UN INVESTIGATORS. BUT THE GOVERNMENT, NAMED ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO, WAS INITIALLY VIEWED WITH SUSPICION. (9/14)

SAF / PARLIAMENT -- SOUTH AFRICA'S 1995 PARLIAMENTARY SESSION ENDS FRIDAY IN THE WAKE OF A RUSH OF LEGISLATION THAT HAS CAUSED ACRIMONY AND POINTED UP PROBLEMS WITHIN THE SYSTEM. CORRESPONDENT MALLORY SALESON REPORTS FROM JOHANNESBURG POLITICIANS ARE LIKELY TO DO SOME SOUL-SEARCHING DURING THE RECESS UNTIL NEXT YEAR (9/14)

LIBERIA / CEASE FIRE -- THE UN OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBERIA SAYS HEAVY FIGHTING IS CONTINUING BETWEEN TWO WARRING FACTIONS IN THE COUNTRY'S WESTERN REGION, BREAKING A CEASE FIRE BEGUN IN LATE AUGUST. CORRESPONDENT PURNELL MURDOCK REPORTS FROM OUR WEST AFRICA BUREAU (9/14).

NIGERIA / COUP PLOT -- NIGERIA'S RULING COUNCIL IS EXPECTED TO MEET THURSDAY IN THE CAPITAL, ABUJA, TO DECIDE THE FATE OF 40 PEOPLE CONVICTED BY A SECRET TRIBUNAL OF PLOTTING TO OVERTHROW THE MILITARY GOVERNMENT. THE GOVERNING PROVISIONAL RULING COUNCIL, WHICH IS MADE UP OF THE COUNTRY'S TOP MILITARY OFFICERS, HAS THE FINAL DECISION ON THE FATE OF THE ALLEGED CONSPIRATORS. CORRESPONDENT PURNELL MURDOCK REPORTS. (9/13)

HEBRON / UNREST -- ISRAELI TROOPS BROKE UP A DEMONSTRATION BY SEVERAL-HUNDRED PALESTINIAN STUDENTS THURSDAY IN THE TENSE WEST BANK TOWN OF HEBRON, LEAVING SEVERAL PEOPLE INJURED. CORRESPONDENT AL PESSIN REPORTS FROM HEBRON THE DEMONSTRATION WAS NOT NEAR THE ISRAELI SETTLER COMPOUNDS IN THE CITY, WHERE THERE WAS ALSO TROUBLE THURSDAY FOR THE FIFTH-CONSECUTIVE DAY. (9/14)

LIBYA / EXPULSIONS -- LIBYA IS DEFENDING ITS EXPULSION OF PALESTINIAN AND OTHER FOREIGN WORKERS, AMID A TORRENT OF CRITICISM FROM THE ARAB WORLD. EGYPTIAN AND SUDANESE NATIONALS ARE ALSO BEING FORCED TO LEAVE BY THE GADHAFI REGIME. CORRESPONDENT DAVID GOLLUST REPORTS. (9/14)

SENATE / WELFARE / BUDGET -- REPUBLICAN EFFORTS IN THE US SENATE TO REFORM THE WELFARE SYSTEM SUFFERED A SETBACK WEDNESDAY. MODERATES FROM BOTH PARTIES REJECTED A PROPOSAL TO CUT OFF WELFARE PAYMENTS TO SINGLE MOTHERS WHO CONTINUE TO HAVE CHILDREN WHILE ON WELFARE, A KEY DEMAND OF THE POWERFUL BLOC OF CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICANS IN THE SENATE. SENATE CORRESPONDENT JIM MALONE HAS MORE ON THE WELFARE DEBATE FROM CAPITOL HILL. (9/13)

US / RUSSIA EMBASSY -- THE UNITED STATES SAYS IT EXPECTS RUSSIA'S FULL COOPERATION IN PROTECTING THE SAFETY OF AMERICANS FOLLOWING THE ROCKET PROPELLED GRENADE ATTACK ON THE US EMBASSY IN MOSCOW WEDNESDAY. CORRESPONDENT RON PEMSTEIN REPORTS. (9/13)

US / BELARUS -- THE UNITED STATES HAS FORMALLY PROTESTED TO BELARUS ABOUT THE SHOOTING DOWN OF A HOT-AIR BALLOON IN WHICH TWO AMERICANS WERE KILLED. CORRESPONDENT RON PEMSTEIN REPORTS FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT ABOUT THE PROTEST. (9/13)

CLINTON / CHIRAC / YELTSIN -- FRENCH PRESIDENT JACQUES CHIRAC WILL MAKE HIS FIRST STATE VISIT TO WASHINGTON NOVEMBER THIRD. A WHITE HOUSE STATEMENT SAYS THE FRENCH AND AMERICAN PRESIDENTS WILL DISCUSS A VARIETY OF TOPICS, INCLUDING BOSNIA. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT DAVID BORGIDA REPORTS. (9/13)

IMF / ANNUAL REPORT -- THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND HAS RELEASED ITS ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1995, MARKING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INSTITUTION. REPORTER JILL GATHMANN SAYS IMF'S SUPPORT TO DEVELOPING NATIONS THIS YEAR WAS UP NEARLY FIVE TIMES WITH MEXICO BEING THE MAIN RECIPIENT. (9/13)

DROUGHT / WARNING -- A LACK OF RAIN HAS CAUSED DROUGHT CONDITIONS IN PARTS OF THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES PROMPTING NEW YORK CITY OFFICIALS WEDNESDAY TO OFFICIALLY DECLARE A DROUGHT WARNING. CORRESPONDENT CHRIS SIMKINS HAS MORE. (9/13)

CLINTON / BORGIDA -- PRESIDENT CLINTON AND JAMAICAN PRIME MINISTER PJ PATTERSON MET AT THE WHITE HOUSE WEDNESDAY, PLEDGING TO IMPROVE THEIR BILATERAL TRADE RELATIONSHIP AND ANTI-DRUG TRAFFICKING EFFORTS. CORRESPONDENT DAVID BORGIDA REPORTS. (9/13)

MACEDONIAN ACCORD --GREECE HAS AGREED TO LIFT ITS CRIPPLING TRADE EMBARGO ON NEIGHBORING MACEDONIA IN 30 DAYS. THE COMMITMENT IS PART OF A BROAD AGREEMENT SIGNED BY THE FOREIGN MINISTERS OF GREECE AND MACEDONIA AT THE UNITED NATIONS WEDNESDAY. CORRESPONDENT ELAINE JOHANSON REPORTS. (9/13)

ARGENTINE / MEDIA -- ONE OF ARGENTINA'S LEADING NEWSPAPERS, LA NACION, HAS ACCUSED THE GOVERNMENT OF INTIMIDATION AND CENSORSHIP. THE CHARGES COME FOLLOWING A COURT-ORDERED SEARCH OF THE NEWSPAPER ON TUESDAY. CORRESPONDENT GEORGE MEEK REPORTS. (9/13)

WHITE HOUSE / SCIENCE BUDGET -- THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION IS ASSAILING THE OPPOSITION-LED CONGRESS FOR PROPOSING DEEP CUTS IN WHAT THE US GOVERNMENT SPENDS ON SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. CORRESPONDENT DAVID MCALARY REPORTS THAT THE WHITE HOUSE IS FIGHTING BACK WITH ECONOMIC ARGUMENTS AND THE THREAT OF A PRESIDENTIAL VETO. (9/13)

SHUTTLE / THURSDAY -- THE CREW OF THE -S SPACE SHUTTLE "ENDEAVOUR" HAS RETRIEVED AN ELECTRONICS RESEARCH SATELLITE THAT HAS HAD THREE DAYS OF TROUBLED OPERATIONS. BUT AS SCIENCE CORRESPONDENT DAVID MCALARY REPORTS, RESEARCHERS SAY THE SATELLITE HAS MET ITS MINIMUM OBJECTIVES. (9/14)

SHOULD THERE BE A MISSILE DEFENSE? -- THERE IS GROWING PRESSURE, ESPECIALLY AMONG REPUBLICANS WHO NOW CONTROL THE US CONGRESS, TO BUILD A MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM, ONCE KNOWN AS STAR WARS, BUT OBJECTIONS REMAIN AS STRONG AS EVER. CORRESPONDENT ED WARNER ATTENDED A DEBATE ABOUT THE SUBJECT ARRANGED BY THE ORGANIZATION BUSINESS EXECUTIVES FOR NATIONAL SECURITY (9/14).

US / IRA -- GERRY ADAMS, HEAD OF THE IRISH REPUBLICAN ARMY'S POLITICAL WING, SINN FEIN, SAYS HE HAD A CONSTRUCTIVE DISCUSSION LATE WEDNESDAY WITH VICE-PRESIDENT AL GORE AND CLINTON NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER ANTHONY LAKE ON MOVING THE STALLED NORTHERN IRELAND PEACE PROCESS FORWARD. BUT NO BREAKTHROUGH WAS REPORTED FOLLOWING HIS WHITE HOUSE MEETING. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT DAVID BORGIDA HAS DETAILS. (9/13)

US / RETAIL SALES -- A REBOUND IN SALES OF NEW CARS IN THE UNITED STATES HELPED BOOST RETAIL SALES IN AUGUST. REPORTER JILL GATHMANN HAS DETAILS. (9/14)

NY / ECON WRAP -- STOCK PRICES IN THE UNITED STATES WERE UP WEDNESDAY AS MAJOR INDEXES CLOSED AT RECORD HIGHS FOR THE SECOND DAY IN A ROW. CORRESPONDENT BRECK ARDERY REPORTS. (9/13)

CROATIA / KILLINGS -- CORRESPONDENT KYLE KING RECENTLY VISITED THE KRAJINA AREA OF CROATIA, AND REPORTS THAT THE SERBS THAT REMAINED BEHIND AFTER THE AREA WAS OVERRUN BY CROATIAN TROOPS NOW LIVE IN FEAR OF MARAUDING CROATIAN TROOPS AND CIVILIANS WHO KILL, LOOT AND BURN THEIR HOMES. (9/14) US / CHINA PROBLEMS/ A VIEW FROM DOWN UNDER - AUSTRALIANS SHARE THE CONCERN OF OTHER ASIA-PACIFIC COUNTRIES THAT CONTINUED TENSION BETWEEN THE US AND CHINA, ESPECIALLY OVER TAIWAN, IS NOT GOOD FOR REGIONAL STABILITY. HAVE US/CHINESE RELATIONS BEEN BADLY MANAGED? AND WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT? CURRENT AFFAIRS' STEPHANIE MANN INTERVIEWED AUSTRALIAN POLITICIAN KEVIN RUDD, FORMER AUSTRALIAN AMBASSADOR TO CHINA ROSS GARNAUT, AND AMERICAN ASIA ANALYST FRANK LAVIN. (9/14)

DES MOINES / FILM BUSINESS HELPS TOURISM IN IOWA -- ONE TO THREE MOVIES ARE SHOT IN IOWA EACH YEAR BRINGING MONEY TO THE STATE, CREATING NEW JOBS AND PROMOTING THE MIDWESTERN STATE ALL OVER THE WORLD. CURRENT AFFAIRS' ZLATICA HOKE REPORTS. (9/14)

HACKERS / COMPUTER SUSPENSE FILM -- IN RECENT MONTHS, SEVERAL FILMS ABOUT COMPUTERS HAVE COME TO AMERICAN THEATERS: "JOHNNY MNEMONIC," WHICH CONCERNS A HIGH-TECH COURIER OF THE FUTURE; "THE NET," IN WHICH A COMPUTER EXPERT DISCOVERS A HIGH-TECH CONSPIRACY; AND NOW "HACKERS." THIS LATEST MOVIE IS ABOUT TEENAGERS WHOSE COMPUTER EXPLORATIONS AND PRANKS GET THEM INTO MORE TROUBLE THAN THEY EXPECTED. ALTHOUGH "HACKERS"' HEROES AND SETTING ARE AMERICAN, ITS DIRECTOR IAIN SOFTLEY IS BRITISH. HE SPOKE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS' CHUCK RICH ABOUT WORKING IN BOTH CULTURES, AND ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL CULTURE OF COMPUTERS. (9/14)

SENIOR CITIZENS / RADIO STATION -- IN RECENT YEARS, POLITICIANS HAVE BECOME AWARE OF THE GROWING CLOUT OF SENIOR CITIZENS IN AMERICAN SOCIETY. NOW, THAT INFLUENCE IS MAKING ITSELF FELT IN YET ANOTHER AREA, THE PUBLIC AIRWAVES. IN THE MIDWESTERN CITY OF CINCINNATI, OHIO WHAT'S BELIEVED TO BE THE NATION'S FIRST EDUCATIONAL FM RADIO STATION AIMED AT PEOPLE 60 YEARS OLD OR OLDER HAS RECENTLY GONE ON THE AIR. CORRESPONDENT STEVE HIRSCHBERG HAS A REPORT. (9/14)

GULAG STUDY -- CORRESPONDENT GREG FLAKUS SPOKE RECENTLY WITH A US RESEARCHER WHO JUST RETURNED FROM RUSSIA AFTER STUDYING THE OLD SOVIET PRISON SYSTEM CALLED THE GULAG, AND FILED A REPORT FROM SITKA, ALASKA. (9/14)

HONG KONG / ANTI-CORRUPTION -- HONG KONG'S BRITISH COLONIAL GOVERNMENT HAS FOR THE FIRST TIME APPOINTED A HONG KONG CHINESE CIVIL SERVANT TO HEAD THE TERRITORY'S POWERFUL ANTI-CORRUPTION FORCE. CORRESPONDENT MAX RUSTON REPORTS THE APPOINTMENT OF MICHAEL LEUNG IS SEEN AS A SIGNIFICANT STEP IN THE GOVERNMENT'S EFFORTS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF HONG KONG CHINESE IN SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE POSTS. (9/14) VOA REPORTS IN INDIVIDUAL LANGUAGES:

INSIDE USA:

ATLANTIC CITY / MISS AMERICA -- PREPARATIONS ARE UNDERWAY FOR SELECTION OF MISS AMERICA IN ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY. STAFFER ZULIMA PALACIO REPORTS. (SPANISH 9/13)

OJ SIMPSON / TRIAL -- PROSECUTORS PRESENTED ADDITIONAL DNA EVIDENCE WHICH SEEMS TO INCRIMINATE OJ SIMPSON IN THE KILLING OF HIS ESTRANGED WIFE NICOLE BROWN AND HER FRIEND RONALD GOLDMAN, WHILE LOS ANGELES ATTORNEY GENERAL GIL GARCETTI ACCUSED JUDGE LANCE ITO OF FAVORING THE DEFENSE. CORRESPONDENT HECTOR VELAZQUEZ MEJIA REPORTS. (SPANISH 9/13)

TEMPLETON / RUSSIA FUND -- TEMPLETON FUND IS OFFERING A NEW FUND ON THE NY STOCK EXCHANGE, CALLED TEMPLETON/RUSSIA, REPORTS CORRESPONDENT ALEC BATCHAN. (RUSSIAN 9/13)

RUSSIAN AMERICANS -- ERIC CHILUTYAN, WHO IMMIGRATED TO THE US FROM UKRAINE 17 YEARS AGO AND NOW WORKS AT AN ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TALKED TO STAFFER AVIVA LEKUCH ABOUT CAR SALES IN THE US. (RUSSIAN 9/13)

HAMMERED DULCIMER -- FARSI STAFFER ABBAS MALAYERI REPORTS ON A MEETING OF AMERICAN DULCIMER PLAYERS IN WEST VIRGINIA. THE PROGRAM INCLUDES INTERVIEWS WITH PARTICIPANTS ABOUT THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE DULCIMER AND THE TRADITIONAL IRANIAN INSTRUMENT, THE SANTOUR. (FARSI 9/13)

IRANIAN-AMERICAN SINGER -- STAFFER HOSSEIN KANGARLOO INTERVIEWED NASSER, AN IRANIAN SINGER BASED IN LOS ANGELES, WHO TALKED ABOUT HIS MUSIC. (FARSI 9/13)

INSIDE AFRICA:

CHINA / WOMEN -- DELEGATES TO THE UN WOMEN'S CONFERENCE ARE PUTTING THE FINISHING TOUCHES ON THEIR DRAFT PLATFORM FOR ACTION. REPORTER LUISA PIETTE SPOKE WITH THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE FOURTH WORLD CONFERENCE ON WOMEN, GERTRUDE MANGELLA. (ENGLISH TO AFRICA 9/14)

MALAWI / BANDA TRIAL -- A HIGH COURT HAS ORDERED NINE FORMER POLICEMEN TO TESTIFY AGAINST FORMER PRESIDENT KAMUZU BANDA. THE COURT OVERTURNED AN EARLIER DECISION BARRING THEIR TESTIMONY. MR. BANDA AND HIS TOP AIDES ARE ACCUSED OF MURDERING FOUR POLITICIANS IN 1983. REPORTER JULIUS KALIYA HAS DETAILS FROM BLANTYRE. (ENGLISH TO AFRICA 9/14) NIGERIA / TEACHERS' STRIKE-- STRINGER AHMED MOHAMMED KWALAM REPORTS FROM LAGOS, ON THE ULTIMATUM GIVEN TO THE MILITARY GOVERNMENT BY THE UNIVERSITY AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS TEACHERS UNION TO ADJUST THEIR WAGES OR FACE STRIKE ACTION. (HAUSA 9/13)

NIGERIA / WOMEN'S POLITICS -- THE ONLY NIGERIAN WOMAN WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE 1991 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES AND LOST, SARAH JIBRIL, CALLS ON WOMEN TO BECOME ACTIVE IN POLITICS. MRS. JIBRIL, WHO IS ATTENDING THE BEIJING CONFERENCE ON WOMEN AS AN INDEPENDENT DELEGATE, IN AN INTERVIEW WITH STAFFER HADIZA WADA SAID, PARTICIPATION OF NIGERIAN WOMEN IN POLITICS IS VITAL. (HAUSA 9/13)

NIGERIA / FAWEHINMI -- A LEADING NIGERIAN OPPOSITION FIGURE SAYS THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING A CRACKDOWN ON PRO-DEMOCRACY ACTIVISTS BEFORE ANNOUNCING ITS PLANS FOR A TRANSITION TO CIVILIAN RULE. REPORTER WILLIAM EAGLE SPOKE WITH CHIEF GANI FAWEHINMI OF THE NATIONAL CONSCIENCE PARTY IN LAGOS; AND WITH A LONDON-BASED SPOKESMAN FOR THE OPPOSITION NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC COALITION, AIR COMMODORE DAN SULEIMAN. (ENGLISH TO AFRICA 9/12)

UGANDA / AMIN -- THE UGANDAN REBEL WEST NILE BANK FRONT SAYS IT WANTS TO BRING IDI AMIN BACK TO POWER. AND IT'S PLANNING TO CAPTURE HIS HOMETOWN AS A FIRST STEP. THE FRONT MADE ITS THREAT IN A TELEPHONE CALL TO REPORTER EDMOND KIZITO. REPORTER SCOTT STEARNS HAS DETAILS. (ENGLISH TO AFRICA 9/13)

TANZANIA / POLITICS -- ASIAN TRADERS IN TANZANIA ARE REPORTED READY TO FLEE THE COUNTRY IF OPPOSITION LEADER AUGUSTINE MREMA WINS IN THE COMING PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS. PASCAL SHIJA REPORTS FROM DAR-ES-SALAAM. (SWAHILI 9/14)

ZANZIBAR / TENSIONS -- THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN ZANZIBAR IS TENSE LEADING UP TO THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN OCTOBER AS FOLLOWERS OF THE RULING PARTY CCM CLASH WITH THE OPPOSITION. ABDUL MALIK REPORTS FROM ZANZIBAR. (SWAHILI 9/14)

KENYA / POLITICS -- A LEADERSHIP CONFLICT IS BREWING WITHIN THE RULING KANU PARTY WITH THE POSSIBILITY THAT SECRETARY GENERAL JOSEPH KAMOTHO MAY BE EXPELLED TO TAKE THE BLAME FOR A POOR SHOWING OF THE RULING PARTY IN RECENT BY ELECTIONS. REPORTER M G JOEL HAS DETAILS FROM NAIROBI. (SWAHILI 9/14)

ALGERIA / STRIKE -- INTERN GAEDIG BONABESSE INTERVIEWED MR. SOUISSI, DIRECTOR OF THE ALGERIAN NEWSPAPER LE SOIR AND SPOKESMAN FOR THE INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS' UNION. THE UNION IS ORGANIZING A STRIKE TO PROTEST THE TREATMENT OF JOURNALISTS BY ISLAMIC MILITANTS AND THE LACK OF PROTECTION FOR THE JOURNALISTS' SAFETY BY THE GOVERNMENT. (FRENCH 9/13)

CONFERENCE ON WOMEN / ZAIRE -- MARTINE NOLE, PRESIDENT OF THE ZAIREAN NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC RALLY OPPOSITION PARTY HAS CRITICIZED THE PLATFORM OF THE BEIJING CONFERENCE ON WOMEN. MRS. NOLE, WHO IS ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE, TOLD STAFFER LUISA PIETTE THE PRIORITIES FOR THE FUTURE OF WOMEN ARE NOT WELL REPRESENTED. (FRENCH 9/13)

ANGOLA / MEDIA -- STAFFER SAMUEL KIENDREBEOGO INTERVIEWED TITO ALBINO GONSALVES, DIRECTOR OF A PRIVATE ANGOLAN NEWS AGENCY, IMPARCIAL FAX, WHO SPOKE OF THE PRESS SITUATION IN ANGOLA. MR. GONCALVES SAID THE CIVIL WAR HAS TAKEN ITS TOLL BUT THE CONSTITUTION HAS A PROVISION FOR FREEDOM OF THE PRESS AND THE RESPECT OF CIVIL LIBERTIES. BUT THE KILLING OF IMPARCIAL FAX STAFFER RICARDO DE MELO IS STILL UNRESOLVED. (FRENCH 9/13)

ISRAEL / PLO / ANNIVERSARY -- STAFFER PIERRE POUILLON REPORTS ON THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF THE PEACE AGREEMENT BETWEEN ISRAEL AND THE PALESTINIAN LIBERATION ORGANIZATION -- THE ACCORD THAT LAUNCHED THE CURRENT PEACE PROCESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST. STAFFER ROGER-GUY FOLLY AND JERUSALEM STRINGER PASCALE ZONSZAIN REPORT. (FRENCH 9/13)

EAST TIMOR -- AN INVESTIGATION IS UNDERWAY INTO THE DEATHS OF TWO PEOPLE SHOT BY THE INDONESIAN ARMY. MEANWHILE, PORTUGUESE INTERNATIONAL RADIO ANNOUNCED IT WILL BROADCAST IN PORTUGUESE TO EAST TIMOR. EAST TIMOR GOVERNOR ABILIO OSORIO SAYS HE SEES NO PROBLEM IN SUCH BROADCASTS. HOWEVER, THE INDONESIAN AUTHORITIES HAVE FILED A PROTEST. STAFFER ANA GUEDES REPORTS. (PORTUGUESE TO AFRICA 9/14)

INSIDE MIDEAST:

JAPAN / SAUDI ARABIA -- JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER CONCLUDED AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO SAUDI ARABIA WHERE HE MET WITH KING FAHD AND STARTED AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO EGYPT CORRESPONDENT MAHMOUD ZAWAWI REPORTS. (ARABIC 9/14)

MURAYAMA / PEACE PROCESS -- THE VISITING JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER EXPLAINED HIS COUNTRY'S ASSESSMENT OF THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS IN AN INTERVIEW WITH THE SEMI-OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER AL--AHRAM. STAFFER IMAN RAFI REPORTS FROM CAIRO. (ARABIC 9/14)

LEBANON / PRISONERS -- LEBANESE MILITIA OF SOUTHERN LEBANON'S ARMY RELEASED FOUR PRISONERS. CORRESPONDENT MAHMOUD ZAWAWI REPORTS. (ARABIC 9/14)

LEBANON / BUDGET -- A SENIOR LEBANESE OFFICIAL ANNOUNCED A POTENTIAL PLAN FOR SEVERE BUDGET CUT TO DEAL WITH THE DEFICIT IN THE CURRENT BUDGET. STAFFER JUMANA TAMIMI REPORTS. (ARABIC 9/14)

IRAQ / ARCHEOLOGY -- IRAQI ARCHEOLOGISTS DISCOVERED AN ANCIENT VILLAGE THAT DATES BACK TO ELEVEN THOUSAND YEARS. CORRESPONDENT MAHMOUD ZAWAWI REPORTS. (ARABIC 9/14)

IRAQ / UN / KURDS -- THE INTERNATIONAL AGENCY FOR REFUGEES PROTESTED THE INSPECTION BY IRAQI KURDS OF A TURKISH REFUGEE CAMP WHERE SEVEN UN EMPLOYEES ARE BEING HELD AS HUMAN SHIELDS. STAFFER JUMANA TAMIMI REPORTS. (ARABIC 9/14)

EGYPT / JAPAN -- JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER STARTED AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO EGYPT BY MEETING PRESIDENT MUBARAK. CORRESPONDENT IBRAHIM ABDIN REPORTS FROM CAIRO. (ARABIC 9/14)

EGYPT / VIOLENCE -- SUSPECTED MILITANTS GUNNED DOWN A MAN IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF EGYPT ASSUMING HE WAS COLLABORATING WITH SECURITY AGENCIES. STAFFER USAMA FARAG REPORTS FROM CAIRO. (ARABIC 9/14)

EGYPT / ISRAELI AMBASSADOR / POWS -- ISRAELI AMBASSADOR COMMENTED ON SOME EGYPTIAN ACCUSATIONS OF COMMITTING A WAR CRIME OF KILLING EGYPTIAN PRISONERS OF WAR. THE AMBASSADOR WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER POST. CORRESPONDENT IBRAHIM ABDIN REPORTS FROM FROM CAIRO. (ARABIC 9/14].

SUDAN / UNREST -- SUDANESE STUDENTS CONTINUED THEIR ANTI-GOVERNMENT DEMONSTRATIONS. STAFFER USAMA FARAG REPORTS. (ARABIC 9/14)

LIBYA / WORKERS -- LIBYA ANNOUNCED THAT SOME WORKERS FROM OTHER NATIONS WERE EXPELLED FROM LIBYA BECAUSE THEY HAD HIV AND EBIOLA VIRUS AMONG OTHER THINGS. STAFFER USAMA FARAG REPORTS. (ARABIC 9/14)

ARAB LEAGUE / LIBYA / PALESTINIANS -- SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE ARAB LEAGUE DR. ESMAT ABDELMAGID APPEALED TO LIBYAN PRESIDENT MOAMER GADDAFI TO STOP EXPELLING THE PALESTINIAN WORKERS. DR.ESMAT ABDEL MAJID WAS INTERVIEWED BY STAFFER ZEINAB ABDELRAHMAN. (ARABIC 9/14)

ALGERIA / UNREST -- SECRETARY GENERAL OF PARTY OF ALGERIAN RENEWAL, SUFIAN JELALI WAS INTERVIEWED ON ALGERIA UNREST BY STAFFER ZEINAB ABDELRAHMAN. (ARABIC 9/14)

US / KURDS / DUBLIN TALKS -- THE SECOND ROUND OF US SPONSORED TALKS BETWEEN THE RIVAL IRAQI KURDISH GROUPS CONTINUE IN DUBLIN. US STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN, NICHOLAS BURNS, COMMENTS ON THE INCLUSION OF A BRITISH REPRESENTATIVE IN THE TALKS AND CONTINUING US-TURKISH COOPERATION ON SECURITY ISSUES IN NORTHERN IRAQ. STAFFER TANJU AKERSON REPORTS. (TURKISH 9/14)

RUSSIA / IRAN INTELLIGENCE GATHERING -- STAFFER IRAJ ARIANPOUR INTERVIEWED JOURNALIST KEN TIMMERMAN ABOUT REPORTS OF RUSSIAN/IRANIAN INTELLIGENCE COOPERATION. THE AMERICAN JOURNALIST DISCUSSED THE ALLEGED COOPERATION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR GLOBAL AND REGIONAL SECURITY. TIMMERMAN ALSO TALKED ABOUT COMMENTS MADE EARLIER TODAY BY ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER RABIN, EXPRESSING GRAVE CONCERN OVER RUSSIA/IRAN NUCLEAR COOPERATION. (FARSI 9/14)

ISLAM / WOMEN -- THE HEAD OF THE EGYPTIAN DELEGATION TO BEIJING TOLD A NEWS CONFERENCE THAT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN MUST BE STOPPED. WASSILA BELDI REPORTS FROM THE CHINESE CAPITAL. (ARABIC 9/13)

SPAIN / LEBANON -- SPANISH PRIME MINISTER GONZALES HAVE CONCLUDED A TOUR IN THE MIDDLE EAST WITH VISITS TO SYRIA AND LEBANON. MAHMOUD ZAWAWI IN AMMAN AND STRINGER THABET SALEM IN DAMASCUS REPORT THAT HE CALLED FOR A PEACEFUL SOLUTION IN THE MIDDLE EAST. (ARABIC 9/13)

KUWAIT / LOANS --THE ARAB DEVELOPMENT FUND IN KUWAIT GRANTED SYRIA LOANS AMOUNTING TO 142 MILLION DOLLARS. CORRESPONDENT MAHMOUD ZAWAWI REPORTS FROM AMMAN. (ARABIC 9/13)

OMAN / ARAB VISITORS -- SEVERAL ARAB LEADERS HAVE ARRIVED IN SALALA TO VISIT SULTAN QABOOS WHO RECENTLY SURVIVED A CAR ACCIDENT. MAHMOUD ZAWAWI REPORTS FROM AMMAN. (ARABIC 9/13)

JORDAN / QATAR -- EMIR OF QATAR HAMAD BIN KHALIFA PAID A SHORT VISIT TO JORDAN TO DISCUSS ISSUES OF MUTUAL INTEREST WITH KING HUSSEIN. JUMANA TAMIMI REPORTS FROM AMMAN. (ARABIC 9/13)

SAUDI ARABIA / JAPAN -- KING FAHD OF SAUDI ARABIA ASSURED THE VISITING JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER THAT HIS COUNTRY WOULD LIKE TO EXPAND COOPERATION IN ECONOMICS AND OIL FIELDS. JUMANA TAMIMI REPORTS FROM AMMAN. (ARABIC 9/13)

LEBANON / PALESTINIANS / LIBYA -- PALESTINIAN REFUGEES IN AIN EL HILWEH CAMP IN LEBANON WENT ON STRIKE TO PROTEST LIBYA EXPELLING PALESTINIANS. JUMANA TAMIMI REPORTS FROM AMMAN. (ARABIC 9/13)

EGYPT REPORT / WOMEN -- EGYPT HAS PREPARED A SPECIAL REPORT ON THE SITUATION OF WOMEN. REPORTER AMINA BISHLAWI INTERVIEWED AMINA AL GINDI, THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE EGYPTIAN NATIONAL COUNCIL ON MOTHERHOOD AND CHILDHOOD. (ARABIC 9/13)

EGYPT / MILITANTS -- UNIDENTIFIED ARMED MEN KILLED CIVILIANS IN MALLAWI, UPPER EGYPT AND STOLE JEWELRY. USAMA FARAG REPORTS FROM CAIRO. (ARABIC 9/13)

EGYPT / MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD -- THE EGYPTIAN CABINET HAS REVIEWED A REPORT ON SECURITY MEASURES AGAINST THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD MOVEMENT. USAMA FARAG HAS DETAILS FROM CAIRO. (ARABIC 9/13)

ARAFAT / EGYPT / LIBYA -- PLO CHIEF YASSER ARAFAT APPEALED TO EGYPT TO INTERVENE WITH LIBYA TO STOP EXPELLING PALESTINIAN WORKERS. STAFFER HAYAT ALKHATEEB INTERVIEWS MR. ARAFAT'S SPECIAL ADVISER NABEEL ABU RDAINEH IN GAZA. (ARABIC 913)

EGYPT / SUDAN -- THE SUDANESE FOREIGN MINISTRY ISSUED A STRONG STATEMENT IN REPLY TO ACCUSATIONS THAT SUDAN WAS INVOLVED IN THE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AGAINST EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT HOSNI MUBARAK. IBRAHIM ABDIN IN CAIRO REPORTS. (ARABIC 9/13)

LIBYA / DEPORTEES -- EGYPTIAN BORDER SECURITY SOURCES SAY LIBYA INFORMED EGYPT THAT A NEW GROUP OF PALESTINIAN EXILES WILL ARRIVE SOON ON THE WAY TO GAZA. USAMA FARAG REPORTS FROM CAIRO. (ARABIC 9/13)

ARABIC LEAGUE / ISRAEL -- THE ARAB LEAGUE SECRETARY GENERAL SAYS ARAB ECONOMIC COOPERATION WITH ISRAEL CANNOT BE ACHIEVED BEFORE COMPREHENSIVE PEACE. IBRAHIM ABDIN REPORTS FROM CAIRO. (ARABIC 9/13)

WOMEN CONFERENCE -- NGOS MEETING IN BEIJING TACKLED ISSUES PREVENTING EQUALITY BETWEEN MAN AND WOMAN, INCLUDING VIOLENCE AND DISCRIMINATION. WASSILA BELDI REPORTS FROM BEIJING. (ARABIC 9/13)

NGOS / BEIJING -- NGO DELEGATIONS DISCUSSED THEIR ISSUES IN SPEECHES AT THE BEIJING CONFERENCE. REPORTER WASSILA BELDI IN BEIJING REPORTS. (ARABIC 9/13)

WOMAN / SUDAN WAR -- WOMEN IN SOUTHERN SUDAN ARE REPORTEDLY BEING VICTIMIZED IN THE CIVIL WAR. REPORTER WASSILA BELDI IN BEIJING INTERVIEWS AZIZA RAJAB, THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE MUSLIM WOMEN'S LEAGUE IN SOUTHERN SUDAN. (ARABIC 9/13)

WHO / WOMEN -- THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION IS URGING THE BEIJING CONFERENCE TO RECOMMEND MEASURES TO IMPROVE WOMEN'S HEALTH AROUND THE WORLD. REPORTER WASSILA BELDI IN BEIJING INTERVIEWS WHO EXECUTIVE ALIA HAMAN AL BANDARI. (ARABIC 9/13)

RUSSIA BOSNIA -- ABDEL MALIK KHALIL, AN EGYPTIAN ANALYST IN MOSCOW COMMENTS ON RUSSIA'S OBJECTIONS TO NATO ACTIONS IN BOSNIA. REPORTER MOHAMED SETOUHI HAS DETAILS. (ARABIC (9/13)

SPAIN / MIDDLE EAST -- SPANISH PRIME MINISTER PHILLIPPE GONZALEZ CONCLUDED A TOUR OF THE MIDDLE EAST WITH A NEWS CONFERENCE IN BEIRUT AND UNDERLINED THE ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY IN THE PEACE PROCESS. CORRESPONDENT MAHMOUD ZAWAWI IN AMMAN REPORTS. (ARABIC 9/13)

JAPAN / UNRWA -- JAPAN HAS DONATED 10 MILLION DOLLARS TO THE UNRWA TO FINANCE SEVERAL PALESTINIAN PROJECTS. MOHAMED ATTIA REPORTS FROM NEW YORK (ARABIC 9/13)

UNESCO / PALESTINIAN EDUCATION -- UNESCO SAID IT WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE ASSISTANCE TO PALESTINIAN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS UNTIL THE PALESTINIAN SELF-RULE AUTHORITY TAKES OVER. MOHAMED ATTIA REPORTS FROM NEW YORK. (ARABIC 9/13)

INSIDE CENTRAL ASIA:

AZERBAIJAN / POLITICS -- IN BAKU, STRINGER RAFAEL HUSAINOV, TALKED WITH TOFIQ ZULFIQAROV THE AZERI REPRESENTATIVE TO THE MINSK GROUP CONFERENCE, WHICH JUST ENDED IN MOSCOW. THE MEMBERS OF THE GROUP WILL TRAVEL TO BAKU AND YEREVAN FOR FURTHER TALKS. MR. ZULFIQAROV TALKS ABOUT THE OUTCOME OF THE TALKS. (AZERI 9/14)

INSIDE SOUTH ASIA:

INDIA / CABINET -- INDIAN PRIME MINISTER PV NARASIMHA RAO EXPANDED HIS CABINET BY ADDING 15 NEW MINISTERS OF STATE, IN AN EFFORT TO STRIKE A REGIONAL AND COMMUNAL BALANCE PRIOR TO ELECTIONS DUE BEFORE MAY NEXT YEAR. STRINGER KL NANDAN PROVIDES DETAILS, NOTING THAT AMONG THE NEW MINISTERS, THREE ARE MUSLIMS, ONE CLOSE TO THE INFLUENTIAL WIDOW OF RAJIV GANDHI, AND ANOTHER ONE A CLOSE ASSOCIATE OF FORMER PRIME MINISTER INDIRA GANDHI. (HINDI 9/13)

INDIAN FILM AND TV STAR -- STAFFER ASHOK SARIN INTERVIEWS SUDHA CHOPRA, A WELL KNOWN FILM STAR WHOSE CHARACTER ROLES IN POPULAR HINDI TELEVISION SERIALS HAVE WON WIDE ACCLAIM. (HINDI 9/13)

INDIA / POLITICS -- REPORTER SUSAN YACKEE SPEAKS WITH ATUL KOHLI, A PROFESSOR OF POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AT PRINCETON UNIVERSITY, ABOUT THE INDIAN PRIME MINISTER'S THIRD SHAKE UP OF HIS CABINET. MR. KOHLI SAYS THE PRIME MINISTER FACES STIFF COMPETITION IN THE UP-COMING ELECTIONS. (ENGLISH NEWS PROGRAMS 9/13)

PAKISTAN / MQM -- A NEW ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS HAS STARTED BETWEEN THE PAKISTANI GOVERNMENT AND MOHAJIR QAUMI MOVEMENT (MQM) AIMED AT ENDING THE CRIPPLING VIOLENCE IN THE SINDH PROVINCE INCLUDING PAKISTAN'S FINANCIAL CENTER, KARACHI. STAFFER BHAGWAN PRAKASH INTERVIEWED MQM LEADER, ALTAF HUSSEIN IN LONDON AND THE CHIEF MINISTER OF SINDH IN KARACHI. (HINDI 9/13)

WEST BENGAL BUDGET / FOREIGN ASSISTANCE -- IN INDIA, THE LEFT FRONT GOVERNMENT LED BY CHIEF MINISTER JYOTI BASU IS BECOMING MORE DEPENDENT ON FOREIGN ASSISTANCE. FROM CALCUTTA, STRINGER GAUTAM GUPTA REPORTS. (BANGLA 9/12)

BANGLA / POLITICS -- MAJOR OPPOSITION PARTIES IN BANGLADESH SUCH AS THE AWAMI LEAGUE, JATIYA PARTY AND JAMAAT ISLAMI OBSERVED PROTEST DAY THROUGHOUT BANGLADESH WEDNESDAY. THE OPPOSITION PARTIES HAVE ALREADY ANNOUNCED A 72 HOURS CONTINUOUS STRIKE BEGINNING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1995. THE OPPOSITION GROUPS ARE DEMANDING THAT THE BNP GOVERNMENT MUST RESIGN AND A NEUTRAL, CARETAKER GOVERNMENT MUST ARRANGE THE ELECTIONS. THE GOVERNMENT OF PRIME MINISTER KHALIDA ZIA MAY ANNOUNCE BEFORE SATURDAY, A NEW FORMULA TO DEAL WITH THE CRISIS. ZAHURUL ALAM REPORTS FROM DHAKA. (BANGLA 9/13)

INSIDE EAST ASIA:

BEIJING CONFERENCE / TURKEY -- REPORTER, SPOZHMAI MAIWANDI INTERVIEWS GUL AYKOR, GENERAL DIRECTOR OF TURKEY'S MINISTRY FOR WOMEN'S AFFAIRS AND THE DEPUTY HEAD OF TURKISH DELEGATION AT THE WOMEN'S CONFERENCE IN BEIJING. THEY DISCUSS SPECIFIC ISSUES THAT THE TURKISH DELEGATES FOCUSED ON DURING THE PREPARATION OF THE ACTION PLAN INCLUDING PREVENTION OF UNDER AGE MARRIAGES AND DOMESTIC AND SOCIETAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN. (TURKISH 9/14)

BEIJING CONFERENCE / ISLAM -- ISLAMIC COUNTRIES' OFFICIAL DELEGATES TO THE WORLD WOMEN CONFERENCE IN BEIJING DEMAND THAT ISLAMIC INTERPRETATION OF WOMEN RIGHTS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE FINAL DOCUMENT OF THE MEETING. FROM THE CHINESE CAPITAL, SPOZHMAI MAIWANDI REPORTS THAT THE HEAD OF IRANIAN DELEGATION, SHAHLA HABIBI, TOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE THAT ISLAMIC PRINCIPLES PROVIDE WHAT SHE CALLED HONORABLE CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN SOCIAL ACTIVITIES. (DARI 9/13)

WOMEN'S CONFERENCE / PLATFORM / STALEMATE -- STAFFER CHOU YUNTING IN BEIJING REPORTS ON THE DISAGREEMENT BETWEEN DELEGATES FROM WESTERN AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION IN THE DRAFT PLATFORM. WESTERN DELEGATES SAY THE DOCUMENT SHOULD CONDEMN DISCRIMINATION BASED ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION; OTHER DELEGATES SAY FAR MORE SERIOUS PROBLEMS EXIST. COMMENTS FROM UN SPOKESPERSON TERESE GASTAUT AND DELEGATES FROM US, CANADA, INDIA AND THE PHILIPPINES. (MANDARIN, 9/14)

BEIJING / FOURTH UN WORLD WOMEN CONFERENCE -- STAFFER LUBA CVIKULA REPORTS ON THE FIRST LADY, HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON ADDRESSING THE NGO FORUM AT HUAIROU, AS WELL AS THE CLOSING SESSION. (UKRAINIAN 9/8 & 9/9 )

WOMEN / BEIJING -- STAFFER LUBA CVIKULA REPORTS ON THE EFFORTS OF VARIOUS DELEGATIONS TO RESOLVE THE KEY ISSUES OF THIS CONFERENCE. (UKRAINIAN 9/11 )

WOMEN'S CONFERENCE / BEIJING -- STAFFER LUBA CVIKULA INTERVIEWS ANATOLY PLIUSHKO, UKRAINE'S AMBASSADOR TO THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON UKRAINE'S PARTICIPATION IN THE CONFERENCE. (UKRAINIAN 9/12 )

WOMEN / IN BEIJING -- LUBA CVIKULA INTERVIEWS OKSANA SOKOLYK, A CANADIAN-UKRAINIAN, WHO AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF UKRAINIAN WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTS WOMEN OF UKRAINIAN ETHNIC ORIGIN FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES OF THE WEST AT THE CONFERENCE. (UKRAINIAN 9/13)

CONFERENCE / BEIJING -- STAFFER LUBA CVIKULA REPORTS ON THE EFFORTS OF DELEGATES TO COMPLETE THE FINAL DRAFT OF THE BEIJING ACCORD. (UKRAINIAN 9/14)

FOURTH UN WORLD WOMEN'S CONFERENCE / BEIJING -- UKRAINIAN STAFFER LUBA CVIKULA INTERVIEWS ANATOLY PLIUSHKO, UKRAINE'S AMBASSADOR TO THE PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA, WHO DISCUSSES UKRAINIAN-CHINESE TRADE RELATIONS. (UKRAINIAN 9/14 )

HONG KONG / LEGCO ELECTION -- HONG KONG IS GEARING UP FOR THE LAST MAJOR DEMOCRATIC ELECTION BEFORE THE CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997. ANALYSTS SAY THIS ELECTION WILL GREATLY INFLUENCE CHINA'S POLICY AS IT PREPARES FOR THE TRANSFER, AND TURNOUT IS EXPECTED TO BE THE HIGHEST EVER. STAFFER HE PING INTERVIEWS PROFESSOR OWEN WONG OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY AND JIN ZHONG, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF OPEN MAGAZINE. (MANDARIN,9/14)

ELECTIONS / HONG KONG -- IN THE FINAL SEGMENT OF A 4-PART SERIES, STAFFERS LAWRENCE NG AND SHEILA TANG EXAMINE THE REASONS WHY MANY EX-CIVIL SERVANTS ARE RUNNING FOR SEATS IN THE LAST LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AND THEIR APPEAL AMONG VOTERS AND FORMER CO-WORKERS. THEY ALSO INTERVIEW ANTHONY HO, POLITICAL COMMENTATOR. (CANTONESE, 9/14)

SOUTH / NORTH KOREA / FLOOD AID -- THE SOUTH KOREAN GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO ALLOW PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS TO PROVIDE RELIEF AID TO NORTH KOREAN FLOOD VICTIMS. THE GOVERNMENT ORIGINALLY WANTED TO SEND TWO MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF OFFICIAL AID TO NORTH KOREA, BUT THE RULING PARTY LEADERS WERE REPORTEDLY OPPOSED TO THE IDEA, CITING THAT THE NORTH HAS NOT BEEN COOPERATIVE IN RESOLVING SEVERAL CONTENTIOUS ISSUES INCLUDING NORTH-SOUTH DIALOGUE AND REPATRIATION OF A SOUTH KOREAN FISHING BOAT KIDNAPPED BY NORTH KOREANS. THE SOUTH KOREAN RED CROSS WILL PROVIDE 50-THOUSAND DOLLARS WORTH OF MEDICINE AND BLANKETS TO NORTH KOREAN FLOOD VICTIMS. IT WILL ALSO COLLECT FOOD, MONEY AND OTHER RELIEF AIDS FROM PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS TO DELIVER TO NORTH KOREANS. CORRESPONDENT YONG KYUN LIM REPORTS FROM SEOUL. (KOREAN 9/14)

SOUTH KOREA / US MISSILES -- THE SOUTH KOREAN DEFENSE MINISTRY ANNOUNCED THAT IT WILL PURCHASE AND DEPLOY US-MADE GROUND-TO-GROUND MISSILES ATA-CMS BY 1999. SOUTH KOREAN OFFICIALS SAY THAT THE SOPHISTICATED MISSILE HAS A FIRING RANGE OF 150 KILOMETERS WITH ABOUT 1,000 WARHEADS THAT CAN DESTROY SUCH A LARGE AREA AS FOUR TIMES A FOOTBALL STADIUM. KOREAN STAFFER YONG KYUN LIM QUOTED KOREAN DEFENSE OFFICIALS AS SAYING THAT IT WOULD BE FIRST TIME SOUTH KOREA HAS EVER PURCHASED GROUND-TO-GROUND MISSILES FROM OTHER COUNTRIES. (KOREAN 9/14)DALAI LAMA / CLINTON -- THE DALAI LAMA MET WITH VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE, WHO WAS LATER JOINED BRIEFLY BY PRESIDENT CLINTON. THE DALAI LAMA ALSO MET WITH MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY. STAFFER WANG ZE REPORTS. (MANDARIN 9/14)

DALAI LAMA / INTERVIEW -- IN THE SECOND PART OF THIS INTERVIEW WITH STAFFER WANG ZE, THE DALAI LAMA EXPLAINS HIS TIBETAN POLICY AND COMMENTS ON SOME RELATED ISSUES. (MANDARIN 9/14)

CHINA / MEXICO -- REPORTER TOM CROSBY TALKED WITH ALEJANDRO VELAS, THE DIRECTOR OF LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES AT SAINT MARY'S UNIVERSITY IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS WHO RECENTLY RETURNED FROM CHINA WHERE HE TRAVELLED AND TOOK PART IN SEMINARS UNDER THE FULBRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. (ENGLISH NEWS PROGRAMS 9/13)

UN WOMEN'S CONFERENCE / CONSERVATIVES -- REPRESENTATIVES OF CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIAN AND MUSLIM ORGANIZATIONS PARTICIPATED IN A DIALOGUE ON THE WOMEN'S CONFERENCE MONDAY IN WASHINGTON, DC. ALI ALTIMIMEE, HEAD OF THE ISLAMIC ASSEMBLY OF NORTH AMERICA DELEGATION TO THE NGO FORUM IN HUAIROU, CHRISTINE O'DONALD, PRESS SECRETARY OF CONCERNED WOMEN FOR AMERICA, ANISA ABD FATTAH, CHAIRWOMAN OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MUSLIM WOMEN, AND FEMINISTS FOR LIFE OF AMERICA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SERRIN FOSTER SPOKE AT THE MEETING. STAFFER QI FENG REPORTS. (MANDARIN 9/14)

INSIDE EUROPE:

BOSNIA / NATO -- NATO HAS ANNOUNCED A "FEW HOURS" BREAK IN AIR STRIKES IN BOSNIA IN EXPECTATION OF A POSITIVE OUTCOME FROM DIPLOMATIC INITIATIVES. SOURCES IN BRUSSELS SAY US ENVOY RICHARD HOLBROOKE MAY HAVE A STATEMENT AFTER THE TALKS WITH BOSNIAN PRESIDENT IZETBEGOVIC IN MOSTAR. STRINGER DRAGAN BLAGOJEVIC REPORTS FROM BRUSSELS. (SERBIAN 9/14)

UN / NATO / BOSNIA -- THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL CALLS ON ALL WARRING SIDES IN BOSNIA TO STOP OFFENSIVE MILITARY ACTIONS. AT THE SAME TIME, A RUSSIAN DRAFT OF A RESOLUTION TO STOP NATO AIR STRIKES AGAINST BOSNIAN SERBS RECEIVES LITTLE SUPPORT BY COUNCIL MEMBERS. STRINGER DRAGISA BOSKOVIC REPORTS FROM NEW YORK. (SERBIAN 9/14)

CROATIA / HOLBROOKE -- US ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE RICHARD HOLBROOKE MET IN ZAGREB WITH CROATIAN PRESIDENT TUDJMAN BRINGING A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC CONCERNING AN AGREEMENT ABOUT THE SARAJEVO AIRPORT. MEANWHILE, MILITARY COMMANDERS OF CROATIAN AND REBEL SERB FORCES IN EASTERN SLAVONIA SAY THE CEASE-FIRE AGREEMENT IS HOLDING. STRINGER STEVICA SUSA REPORTS. (SERBIAN 9/14)

IUNHCR / ZAGREB -- THE UNHCR IS SENDING 15 THOUSAND METRIC TONS OF FOOD AND OTHER SUPPLIES TO BANJALUKA. STAFFER DJORDJE PUTIC REPORTS. (SERBIAN 9/14)

MACEDONIA / GREECE -- AFTER MACEDONIA SIGNED A FRIENDSHIP TREATY WITH GREECE, PUBLIC REACTIONS IN MACEDONIA ARE MIXED. BUT THE DEAL IS SWEETENED BY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FULL DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH THE US. STRINGER ZELJKO BAJIC REPORTS. (SERBIAN 9/14)

BOSNIA / UN -- BOSNIAN SERBS SUBMITTED TO UNITED NATIONS A FRAMEWORK FOR A CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES WITHIN THE SARAJEVO REGION. STRINGER IVICA PULJIC REPORTS THAT THE BOSNIAN SERB LEADERSHIP ASKED NATO TO SUSPEND BOMBING FOR 72 HOURS TO FACILITATE THE INITIATION OF CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES. IN THE DOCUMENT BOSNIAN SERBS ARE PROMISING THAT THEY WILL RELOCATE HEAVY WEAPONS FROM THE REGION IN SIX DAYS. (CROATIAN 9/14)

SARAJEVO / AIR STRIKES -- STRINGER VLADO BILIC REPORTS SARAJEVO HARDLY NOTICES THAT THE AIR STRIKES HAVE STOPPED, BEING PREOCCUPIED WITH THE LATEST SUCCESS OF THE JOINT MUSLIM-CROATIAN OFFENSIVE IN WEST AND CENTRAL BOSNIA. THERE WERE RUMORS ABOUT BOSNIAN SERB ACCEPTANCE TO WITHDRAW HEAVY WEAPONS FROM THE EXCLUSION ZONE AROUND SARAJEVO. (CROATIAN 9/14)

LATEST OFFENSIVE IN BOSNIA /ANALYSIS -- RETIRED CROATIAN GENERAL KARLO GORINSEK SAYS THE BOSNIAN SERB ARMY IS IN A DIFFICULT SITUATION AFTER NATO AIR STRIKES AND THE LATEST GAINS OF GOVERNMENT AND CROAT FORCES. IN AN INTERVIEW WITH STRINGER ZELJKO MATIC, GENERAL GORINSEK ANTICIPATES THAT THE MAJOR SERBIAN STRONGHOLD IN WESTERN BOSNIA, BANJA LUKA, MAY FALL WITHIN THE NEXT THREE MONTHS. (CROATIAN 9/14)

BOSNIAN GAINS / NATO -- BOSNIAN ARMY DENIES THAT RECENT MILITARY GAINS IN CENTRAL BOSNIA ARE DUE TO NATO BOMBINGS OF BOSNIAN SERB TARGETS IN THE AREA. MEANWHILE, BOSNIAN SERB SOURCES REPORT THERE WERE NO NATO BOMBINGS TODAY. STRINGER BORO KONTIC REPORTS FROM SARAJEVO. (SERBIAN 9/14)

CROATIAN FOREIGN MINISTER / PRESS CONFERENCE -- AT THE END OF HIS VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES, CROATIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MATE GRANI?C HELD A PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB MR. GRANI?C SAID THAT HE IS "MODERATELY OPTIMISTIC"REGARDING THE LATEST AMERICAN PEACE INITIATIVE. HE DISCUSSED THE STATUS OF THE SERB-HELD EASTERN SLAVONIA REGION IN CROATIA AND SAID THAT CROATIAN GOVERNMENT IS READY TO WAIT FOR PEACEFUL REINTEGRATION OF THAT TERRITORY BUT ONLY IF SERBIA RECOGNIZES CURRENT CROATIAN BORDERS. STAFFER BOJAN KLIMA REPORTS. (CROATIAN 9/13)

UN / BOSNIA / RUSSIA -- UN STRINGER IVICA PULJIC REPORTS ON THE CONTINUING DISCUSSION ON THE RUSSIAN DRAFT RESOLUTION ON THE SITUATION IN BOSNIA. THE CHINESE DELEGATION WAS THE ONLY ONE TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL, WHILE VERY FEW OTHER DIPLOMATS BELIEVE THE RESOLUTION WILL GAIN CONSENSUS. (CROATIAN 9/13)

SERBIA / EAST SLAVONIA DISPUTE -- SERBIA HAS RENAMED CROATIAN EASTERN SLAVONIA, WHICH IS CURRENTLY CONTROLLED BY THE SERBS, INTO SREM-BARANJA REGION CLAIMING HISTORICAL REASONS. MEANWHILE, EU MEDIATOR FOR THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA CARL BILDT MET WITH SERBIAN PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC, WHO IS SCHEDULED TO MEET WITH RICHARD HOLBROOKE. STRINGER JADRANKA KRONJA REPORTS FROM BELGRADE. (CROATIAN 9/13)

NATO AIR STRIKES / ANALYSIS -- GENERAL ANTON TUS, CHIEF MILITARY ADVISOR TO THE CROATIAN PRESIDENT SAYS THAT SERBIAN CONTROL OVER THE AIR-SPACE IN BOSNIA IS ALMOST COMPLETELY DISABLED. IN AN INTERVIEW WITH STRINGER ZELJKO MATIC GENERAL TUS SAID THAT MOST OF THE BOSNIAN SERBS ANTI-AIRCRAFT CAPABILITY IS DESTROYED AS WELL. (CROATIAN 9/13)

US ENVOY / SERBIA -- ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE RICHARD HOLBROOKE MEETS WITH SERBIAN PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC. STRINGER JADRANKA KRONJA REPORTS THAT THERE WERE NO DETAILS AVAILABLE ABOUT THE TALKS, BUT SAYS THAT MR. HOLBROOK SAID BEFORE HIS MEETING WITH SERBIAN PRESIDENT THAT HE WOULD CONVEY THE MESSAGE OF AMERICAN PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON THAT PEACE PROCESS MUST GO ON, DESPITE THE WAR IN BOSNIA. (CROATIAN 9/13)

NATO / RUSSIA / BOSNIA -- LEOPOLD UNGER, A CORRESPONDENT FOR THE BELGIAN DAILY "LE SOIR", AND AN EXPERT ON EUROPEAN SECURITY, DISCUSSED THE RISING TENSIONS BETWEEN EAST AND WEST WITH STAFFER MACIEJ WIERZYNSKI. UNGER BELIEVES THAT MOSCOW'S REACTION IS MOSTLY RHETORIC, BUT WARNS AGAINST ISOLATING RUSSIA FROM EUROPEAN POLICY. (POLISH 9/13)

BALKAN'S MILITARY DEVELOPMENTS -- ARAB CORRESPONDENT IN ZAGREB YASSIN RAWASHDA DISCUSSED THE ADVANCES BY BOSNIAN ARMY AGAINST BOSNIAN SERBS IN AN INTERVIEW WITH STAFFER MOHAMED ELSETOUHI. (ARABIC 9/14)

SARAJEVO / CROATIAN-MUSLIM FORCES ADVANCE -- SARAJEVO STRINGER VLADO BILIC REPORTS THAT UN SPOKESMAN SAID THERE IS A GREAT POSSIBILITY THAT TOWN OF DONJI VAKUF WAS RECAPTURED BY BOSNIAN ARMY. HE ADDED THAT NATO CONTINUES BOMBING AROUND SARAJEVO AND DOBOJ. MR. BILIC REPORTS THAT BOSNIAN OPPOSITION IS AGAINST THE GENEVA STATEMENT. (CROATIAN 9/13)

HOLBROOKE / MILOSEVIC -- US ENVOY FOR BOSNIA RICHARD HOLBROOKE AND PRESIDENT OF SERBIA MILOSEVIC HELD UNUSUALLY LONG TALKS AT A MILITARY COMPLEX OUTSIDE BELGRADE. MEANWHILE, BOSNIAN SERBS CHARGE THAT NATO IS COORDINATING ITS ATTACKS WITH BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT OFFENSIVE IN CENTRAL BOSNIA. STRINGER MILICA KUBUROVIC REPORTS FROM BELGRADE. (SERBIAN 9/13)

UN / BOSNIA -- HIGH UN OFFICIALS IN YUGOSLAVIA WILL MEET WITH SECRETARY GENERAL BOUTROS BOUTROS-GHALI DURING THE WEEKEND TO EXAMINE THE ROLE OF THE WORLD ORGANIZATION IN THE BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA CRISIS. CORRESPONDENT LUIS TAMAYO REPORTS FROM NEW YORK. (SPANISH 9/13)

NORWAY / ELECTIONS / TURKS -- TURKISH CITIZENS LIVING IN NORWAY, PARTICIPATED IN THE LOCAL ELECTIONS, FOR THE FOURTH TIME. FIVE OUT OF SEVEN TURKISH CANDIDATES, WON ELECTIONS FROM THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY LIST. STRINGER NUSRET OZGUL REPORTS. (TURKISH 9/14)

US DEFENSE SECRETARY / CZECH REPUBLIC -- STRINGER PETR MAREK IN PRAGUE INTERVIEWED AN ADVISOR TO THE CZECH DEFENSE MINISTER, ALES DOLEZAL, ABOUT THE UPCOMING VISIT OF US DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM PERRY TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC. MR. DOLEZAL STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF PERRY'S VISIT, IN VIEW OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC'S INTEREST IN JOINING NATO. (CZECH 9/13)

US ENERGY SECRETARY / PRAGUE -- ENERGY SECRETARY HAZEL O'LEARY HELD A PRESS CONFERENCE PRIOR TO HER DEPARTURE FOR PRAGUE. MS. O'LEARY ANNOUNCED A CLEAN AIR PROJECT FOR THE CZECH TOWN OF DECIN, WHICH INVOLVES CONVERSION OF DECIN UTILITIES FROM COAL TO NATURAL GAS. THE MAIN PARTICIPANTS IN THE PROJECT ARE THREE US COMPANIES AND THE ROCKEFELLER FOUNDATION. THE ENERGY SECRETARY ALSO SAID THE US WOULD APPROVE OF THE COMPLETION OF NUCLEAR REACTORS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC AND SLOVAKIA, IF THE RUSSIAN CONSTRUCTION CAN BE RETROFITTED WITH WESTERN SAFETY FEATURES. (CZECH 9/14)

POLAND / PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN -- THE LEADING PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES, WALESA AND KWASNIEWSKI, HELD PRESS CONFERENCES YESTERDAY. WALESA ACCUSED KWASNIEWKI, A FORMER COMMUNIST, OF CORRUPTION, WHILE KWASNIEWSKI ATTACKED WALESA FOR USING HIS PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE FOR CAMPAIGN PURPOSES. STRINGER MARIA BNINSKA REPORTS FROM WARSAW. (POLISH 9/13)

POLAND / POLITICS -- IN AN INTERVIEW WITH STRINGER WOJTEK MINICZ IN WARSAW LECH KACZYNSKI, THE RIGHTIST PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, PREDICTED THE FAILURE OF POLISH PRESIDENT WALESA'S BID FOR REELECTION. (POLISH 9/13)

US / CHANGES IN LABOR MARKET -- ANTONI MOSKWA, A PROFESSOR OF ECONOMICS AT ALLEGHENY COLLEGE, IN AN INTERVIEW WITH STAFFER ANDRZEJ ZWANIECKI DISCUSSED RECENT CHANGES IN THE AMERICAN LABOR MARKET. MOSKWA STRESSED THAT CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF, THE RECENT MAJOR CHANGES IN THE LABOR MARKET, HAVE HISTORICAL PRECEDENTS, I.E. THE MASSIVE SHIFT FROM FARM LABOR TO INDUSTRY EARLY IN THIS CENTURY. (POLISH 9/13)

SLOVAK / OPPOSITION FIGURE ATTACKED -- THE FORMER SPEAKER OF THE SLOVAK PARLIAMENT AND LEADING OPPOSITION PARLIAMENTARY DEPUTY, FRANTISEK MIKLOSKO, WAS ASSAULTED LATE TUESDAY NIGHT OUTSIDE HIS HOME. WHEN STAFFER ERIC STRAZAN TALKED TO MR. MIKLOSKO AFTER THE ASSAULT, HE SAID THAT HE HAS BEEN FOLLOWED SINCE MONDAY AND WAS ATTACKED LATE TUESDAY NIGHT. HE WAS KICKED IN HEAD, THE CHEST AND OTHER PARTS OF HIS BODY. MIKLOSKO SAID HE BELIEVES THAT THE ATTACK WAS POLITICAL INTIMIDATION. (SLOVAK 9/13)

INSIDE EURASIA:

US / RUSSIA / ANALYSIS -- AN EXPERT FOR RUSSIAN ISSUES AT CSIS, STEPHEN FOYE, SAID THAT RUSSIAN THREATS TO WITHDRAW FROM PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE AND TO UNILATERALLY LIFT SANCTIONS AGAINST SERBIA ARE VERY SERIOUS THIS TIME. NATIONALISTS ARE SAID TO BE PUTTING A LOT OF PRESSURE ON PRESIDENT YELTSIN BEFORE THE ELECTIONS. MR. FOYE SAYS MR.YELTSIN IS NOT ABLE TO FIGHT THEM AND IS READY TO RISK WESTERN HELP TO RUSSIA TO PLEASE NATIONALISTS BEFORE THE ELECTIONS. INTERVIEW BY STAFFER DZ PECANIN. (CROATIAN 9/14)

UN / RUSSIA / BOSNIA -- THE RUSSIAN DELEGATION IN THE UN CONTINUES ITS PRESSURE FOR TERMINATION OF NATO AIR STRIKES ON BOSNIAN SERB MILITARY SITES. STRINGER IVICA PULJIC REPORTS FROM NEW YORK THAT RUSSIANS TRIED TO USE THE NEW GOVERNMENT-CROAT OFFENSIVE IN BOSNIA AS AN ADDITIONAL ARGUMENT IN THEIR EFFORTS TO ARGUE THEIR POINT. (CROATIAN 9/14)

US EMBASSY / MOSCOW -- SCOTT BRUCKNER,WHO WORKS FOR THE CARNEGIE FOUNDATION IN MOSCOW CONFIRMED IN A TELEPHONE INTERVIEW WITH CORRESPONDENT ALEC BATCHAN THAT THERE WERE NO CASUALTIES IN THE GRENADE ATTACK ON THE US EMBASSY IN MOSCOW. POSSIBLE REASON FOR THE ATTACK COULD HAVE BEEN THE NATO AIR STRIKES ON THE BOSNIAN SERBS, OPINED BRUCKNER. (RUSSIAN 9/13)

US EMBASSY MOSCOW / GRENADE ATTACK -- VLADIMIR AVERCHEV, SECRETARY OF THE INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE DUMA DOUBTS THAT THE NATO AIR STRIKES WERE THE CAUSE OF THE ATTACK ON THE US EMBASSY IN MOSCOW. HE TOLD CORRESPONDENT ALEC BATCHAN THAT IT WAS PROBABLY THE WORK OF EITHER HOODLUMS, THE MAFIA ,OR SOMEONE UNHAPPY ABOUT NOT GETTING A US VISA. (RUSSIAN 9/13)

GRENADE ATTACK / REACTION -- LEON ARON OF THE AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE AND DIMITRY SIMES, PRESIDENT OF THE NIXON CENTER FOR PEACE AND FREEDOM TALKED ABOUT THE POSSIBLE EFFECT OF THE ATTACK ON THE US EMBASSY IN MOSCOW ON US-RUSSIAN RELATIONS IN INTERVIEWS WITH VLADIMIR MATLIN. (RUSSIAN 9/13)

INSIDE LATIN AMERICA:

EUROPE / MERCOSUR TALKS -- TALKS BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY AND SOUTH AMERICA'S MERCOSUR BEGIN IN BRUSSELS, LOOKING FOR AGREEMENT TO CREATE A NEW TRADE BLOCK BEFORE THE NEXT CENTURY. STRINGER HUMBERTO CASTELLANOS REPORTS. (SPANISH 9/14)

POLITICAL TENSION / ARGENTINA -- POLITICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PRESIDENT CARLOS MENEM AND ECONOMY MINISTER DOMINGO CAVALLO AFFECTED BUENOS AIRES STOCK MARKETS. STRINGER GUSTAVO LEVENE REPORTS FROM THE ARGENTINE CAPITAL. (SPANISH 9/14)

LATIN AMERICAN WOMEN / AID -- A NUMEROUS DELEGATION OF LATIN AMERICAN WOMEN DEMANDED AN INCREASE IN AID FOR DEVELOPING NATIONS DURING THE UN WORLD CONFERENCE ON WOMEN IN BEIJING. CORRESPONDENT LUIS TAMAYO REPORTS FROM NEW YORK. (SPANISH 9/13)

UNITED NATIONS / FINANCIAL PROBLEMS -- THE FINANCIAL SITUATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS TOOK A TURN FOR THE WORST AND SOME OFFICIALS ARE CRITICIZING COUNTRIES LATE WITH THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS. CORRESPONDENT LUIS TAMAYO REPORTS FROM NEW YORK. (SPANISH 9/13) 14-Sep-95 7:03 PM EDT (2303 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: THE NATO AIR ATTACKS ON BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA'S REBEL SERB FORCES CONTINUE TO HOLD A HIGH PLACE IN U-S EDITORIAL COLUMNS THIS THURSDAY. OTHER TOPICS BEING ANALYZED BY THE AMERICAN PRESS INCLUDE FRENCH NUCLEAR TESTING; THE DEBATE OVER WELFARE REFORM IN CONGRESS; THE GROWING POLITICAL POWER OF CHRISTIAN CONSERVATIVES; AND CRITICISM OF RADICAL FEMINISTS AT THE BEIJING WOMEN'S CONFERENCE. NOW, HERE IS ________________ WITH A CLOSER LOOK IN TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

TEXT: TODAY'S LEAD EDITORIAL IN THE "BOSTON GLOBE" TALKS ABOUT THE "BALANCING ACT IN BOSNIA," AND WORRIES WHETHER NATO'S MEANS MAY DEFEAT ITS ENDS.

VOICE: "THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF U-S INTERVENTION IN THE BALKANS, WHETHER MILITARY OR DIPLOMATIC, MUST BE TO END THE WAR AND INDUCE A NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENT. [OPT] IN LIGHT OF THAT AIM, NATO'S BOMBING OF BOSNIAN SERB TARGETS ENGENDERS TWO PRINCIPAL RISKS. THE FIRST IS THAT WASHINGTON AND ITS ALLIES WILL REPEAT THEIR SELF-DEFEATING PATTERN OF BEGINNING TO BACK DIPLOMACY WITH FORCE AND THEN FAILING TO CARRY THROUGH. ..... CONVERSELY, [END OPT] THERE IS A DANGER THAT IF NATO'S BOMBING CAMPAIGN IS CARRIED TOO FAR, THE MILITARY BALANCE OF POWER COULD BE SO ALTERED THAT THE BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT AND CROATIAN LEADERS WOULD BE TEMPTED TO SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ACHIEVE MILITARY THEIR MAXIMALIST GOALS. THE CONSEQUENCE WOULD BE A PROLONGATION OF THE WAR."

TEXT: "THE NEW YORK TIMES" IS ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF "MISSION CREEP" IN THE NATO ATTACKS.

VOICE: "NATO'S BOMBING CAMPAIGN IN BOSNIA HAS TWO LEGITIMATE AND NARROW PURPOSES - - TO GET THE DEADLY BOSNIAN SERB SIEGE GUNS PULLED BACK FROM SARAJEVO AND TO ENCOURAGE ALL SIDES TO NEGOTIATE SERIOUSLY ABOUT A COMPROMISE PEACE. PRESIDENT CLINTON SHOULD RESIST PRESSURE TO TERMINATE THE BOMBING BEFORE IT ACHIEVES THOSE GOALS, BUT HE MUST ALSO AVOID THE TEMPTATION TO ESCALATE THE ATTACKS INTO AN OPEN-ENDED NATO INTERVENTION. [OPT] ..... THE BEST COURSE IS TO PURSUE LIMITED BOMBING FOR NOW TO KEEP SARAJEVO SAFE AND THE NEGOTIATIONS ON TRACK." [END OPT]

TEXT: AND RESPONDING TO MOSCOW'S INCREASING ANGER AT THE CONTINUING NATO ATTACKS, "THE ATLANTA CONSTITUTION" DISCUSSES U.S.-RUSSIAN RELATIONS IN LIGHT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA.

VOICE: "... THE UNITED STATES NEEDS TO REBUKE [MR.] YELTSIN FOR HIS GOVERNMENT LATEST MISREPRESENTATION CONCERNING THE WAR IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. AS A CONSEQUENCE OF NATO AIR AND MISSILE ATTACKS ON BOSNIAN SERB POSITIONS, THE RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT SAID, [OPT] INNOCENT CIVILIANS, INCLUDING CHILDREN, HAVE BEEN KILLED. [END OPT] 'THE VERY SURVIVAL OF THE CURRENT GENERATION OF BOSNIAN SERBS ... IS CALLED INTO QUESTION...' A WITLESS ACCUSATION LIKE THAT IS IRRESPONSIBLE AND SERVES ONLY TO INCITE MANIACS. [OPT] IN FACT, 'MANIAC' WAS JUST THE TERM USED BY RUSSIAN POLICE TO DESCRIBE THE TERRORISTS WHO FIRED A ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADE INTO THE U-S EMBASSY ON WEDNESDAY. [END OPT]"

TEXT: IN CALIFORNIA, "THE LOS ANGELES TIMES" ALSO COUNSELS TO "IGNORE MOSCOW'S EXPLOSIONS, "ADDING "NATO MUST PRESS [THE] MILITARY EFFORT IN BOSNIA, DESPITE RUSSIAN PROTESTS." ELSEWHERE, WHEN IT COMES TO FRANCE'S RENEWED NUCLEAR TESTING IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC AND THE FIRESTORM OF CRITICISM IT HAS GENERATED, "THE ORLANDO SENTINEL" SAYS "FRANCE [HAS] NOWHERE TO HIDE".

VOICE: "FRANCE IS OUT OF SYNC WITH WORLD OPINION ON THIS ONE - - AND IT KNOWS IT. THAT'S WHY MR. CHIRAC AND OTHER FRENCH OFFICIALS AR KICKING UP SO MUCH POLITICAL DUST. IT'S A LAME ATTEMPT TO DISTRACT ATTENTION FROM THEIR UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR. NO ONE SHOULD BE FOOLED. THE FRENCH NUCLEAR TEST WASN'T NEEDED."

TEXT: THE SENATE IS DEBATING WELFARE REFORM AND HAS JUST VOTED NOT TO CUT FUNDS TO WOMEN WHO HAVE ADDITIONAL CHILDREN WHILE ON WELFARE. "USA TODAY" THINKS THAT IS A GOOD IDEA.

VOICE: "SCORE A RARE VICTORY FOR COMMON SENSE. THE SENATE WEDNESDAY REFUSED TO CUT BACK AID TO WOMEN WHO BEAR CHILDREN WHILE ON WELFARE. THE GOAL, AN IMPORTANT ONE, IS TO CUT BIRTHS TO UNWED MOTHERS. ... BUT THE SENATE PROPOSAL - - PUSHED BY REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES PHIL GRAMM AND BOB DOLE - - IS AS MINDLESS AS IT IS SIMPLE, APPEALING MORE TO ANTI-WELFARE SENTIMENT THAN TO REASON."

TEXT: WRITING ON THE SAME DEBATE, TODAY'S "WASHINGTON POST" ADDS:

VOICE: ".... COLUMNIST GEORGE WILL MUSTERS THE MOST POWERFUL ARGUMENT AGAINST THE WELFARE BILL NOW ON THE SENATE FLOOR. THE BILL PURPORTS TO BE A WAY OF SENDING STRONG MESSAGES TO WELFARE RECIPIENTS THAT IT IS TIME FOR THEM TO MEND THEIR WAYS. BUT AS MR. WILL NOTES, 'NO CHILD IS GOING TO BE SPIRITUALLY IMPROVED BY BEING COLLATERAL DAMAGE IN A BOMBARDMENT OF SEVERITIES TARGETED AT ADULTS WHO MAY OR MAY NOT DESERVE MORE SEVERE TREATMENT FROM THE WELFARE SYSTEM.'

TEXT: TODAY'S "WALL STREET JOURNAL" COMMENTS ON THE SURPRISINGLY RAPID GROWTH OF THE POLITICAL POWER OF CHRISTIAN CONSERVATIVES. THIS MOVEMENT IS LED BY THE GROUP CALLED THE CHRISTIAN COALITION. THE PAPER POINTS OUT THE COALITION HAS GROWN FROM A TINY OPERATION IN 1990 TO ONE THAT RECENTLY FIELDED A WASHINGTON CONVENTION WITH 44-HUNDRED DELEGATES COMING FROM ALMOST EVERY STATE. ALSO ATTENDING WERE 7 OF THE 10 DECLARED PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES.

VOICE: " [OPT] THE CHRISTIAN COALITION'S IMAGE HAS CERTAINLY IMPROVED SINCE 1993, WHEN THE WASHINGTON POST DESCRIBED RELIGIOUS CONSERVATIVES AS 'LARGELY POOR, UNEDUCATED AND EASY TO COMMAND.' THE POST CORRECTED THAT STATEMENT, BUT IT WAS TYPICAL OF MUCH MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE COALITION. ..... THE [WASHINGTON] CONVENTION ALSO INCLUDED SIGNS THAT THE CHRISTIAN COALITION IS EXPANDING ITS APPEAL. A SMALL BUT SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF HISPANICS, BLACKS AND CANADIANS ATTENDED THE CONFERENCE. TWO ORTHODOX JEWISH RABBIS ADDRESSED THE DELEGATES. [END OPT] ....THE PHENOMENAL GROWTH OF THE CHRISTIAN COALITION ... HAS TAKEN PLACE IN THE SAME PERIOD IN WHICH THE GROWTH OF AMERICA'S SOCIAL PATHOLOGIES IS ALSO AN ACKNOWLEDGED FACT. .... THE GROWING SOPHISTICATION EVIDENT AT THE ... CONVENTION SUGGESTS THAT THEIR FULL IMPACT HAS YET TO BE FELT IN AMERICAN POLITICS."

TEXT: AND FINALLY, "THE NEW YORK POST" CRITICIZED WHAT IT CALLS RADICAL FEMINISTS AT THE FOURTH WORLD CONFERENCE ON WOMEN IN BEIJING. THE PAPER SUGGESTS THESE FEMINISTS ARE THE ONES GUILTY OF THE CENSORSHIP AND EVEN PHYSICAL INTIMIDATION THAT HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH CHINESE POLICE.

VOICE: "NO, BLAME DOESN'T REST WITH THE HEAVY-HANDED CHINESE SECURITY FORCES. THIS TIME, THE GUILTY PARTIES ARE LESBIAN ACTIVISTS WHO MANAGED TO DISRUPT A PANEL DISCUSSION ORGANIZED BY A GROUP OF CONSERVATIVE WOMEN. [OPT] THE LATTER .... WANTED TO REGISTER THEIR OBJECTIONS TO THE RADICAL FEMINIST AGENDA THAT'S OVERTAKEN THE EVENT. BUT [END OPT] THE LESBIAN DELEGATES ... INTERRUPTED SPEAKER AFTER SPEAKER WITH TAUNTS OF 'LIES, ALL LIES;' THEY THEN GRABBED THE MICROPHONE - - PHYSICALLY - - AND REFUSED TO RELINQUISH IT. IN OUR VIEW, THIS ENTIRE U-N-SPONSORED AFFAIR IS A COLOSSAL WASTE OF TIME - - NOT TO MENTION MONEY."

TEXT: AND ON THAT NOTE, WE CONCLUDE THIS BRIEF SAMPLING OF U-S EDITORIAL COMMENT FROM AROUND THE NATION FOR THURSDAY, THE 14TH OF SEPTEMBER.

ANG/NL 14-Sep-95 11:15 AM EDT (1515 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[03] BOSNIA/FIGHTING (L) BY DAVID FOLEY (SARAJEVO)

INTRO: BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT AND CROAT TROOPS, BACKED BY THE CROATIAN ARMY, ARE CONTINUING TO MAKE LARGE GAINS IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN BOSNIA. A NUMBER OF SERB TOWNS HAVE NOW FALLEN TO THE ATTACKING FORCES, AND THOUSANDS OF SERB REFUGEES ARE FLEEING THE FIGHTING. U-N OFFICIALS SAY THE SERBS HAVE NOW LOST SIX PERCENT OF BOSNIA. DAVID FOLEY REPORTS FROM SARAJEVO.

TEXT: BOSNIAN ARMY AND CROAT TROOPS ARE ADVANCING ACROSS WESTERN AND CENTRAL BOSNIA AS SERB HELD TOWNS CONTINUE TO FALL.

CROATIAN TELEVISION HAS SHOWN PICTURES OF THE CROAT FLAG FLYING OVER THE FORTRESS ABOVE THE TOWN OF JAJCE, A KEY OBJECTIVE OF THE JOINT MUSLIM-CROAT ATTACK -- AND BOSNIAN ARMY OFFICIALS SAY DONJI VAKUF, SOUTH OF JAJCE, HAS ALSO FALLEN. FROM JAJCE, CROAT AND GOVERNMENT TROOPS COULD THREATEN BANJA LUKA, THE LARGEST CITY CONTROLLED BY THE SERBS.

IN WESTERN BOSNIA, THE TOWN OF DRVAR HAS REPORTEDLY BEEN TAKEN BY CROAT FORCES AND BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SAY TROOPS FROM BIHAC ARE NOW ON THE NORTHERN OUTSKIRTS OF PETROVAC, THE LAST MAJOR SERB HELD TOWN IN WESTERN BOSNIA -- AND THERE ARE UNCONFIRMED REPORTS BOSNIAN TROOPS HAVE ALREADY ENTERED THE TOWN. CROAT FORCES ARE REPORTEDLY ALSO ATTACKING PETROVAC FROM THE SOUTH.

CROAT MILITARY OFFICIALS CLAIM TO HAVE CAPTURED TWO THOUSAND SQUARE KILOMETERS OF SERB TERRITORY. THE OPERATION APPEARS AIMED AT SEIZING ALL THE MAJOR TOWNS ALONG A ROAD BETWEEN THE NORTHWESTERN BIHAC POCKET AND GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED AREAS OF CENTRAL BOSNIA.

FIGHTING IS ALSO CONTINUING IN NORTHERN BOSNIA AROUND SERB HELD DOBOJ. GOVERNMENT TROOPS CAPTURED THE NEARBY TOWN OF VOZUCA ON WEDNESDAY, AND BOSNIAN ARMY OFFICIALS SAY THEIR TROOPS ARE NOW PUSHING NORTHWARDS TOWARDS DOBOJ.

U-N MILITARY OFFICIALS SAY THE SERBS SEEM TO BE PUTTING UP ONLY LIGHT RESISTANCE TO THE ATTACKS AND THEY SUGGEST THE SERBS MAY BE CONDUCTING A TACTICAL WITHDRAWAL FROM AREAS THAT WILL BE AWARDED TO THE MUSLIM-CROAT ALLIANCE UNDER THE CONTACT GROUP PEACE PLAN. BUT SOME AREAS LOST BY THE SERBS IN WESTERN BOSNIA ARE BELIEVED TO BE DESTINED FOR SERB CONTROL UNDER THE PLAN. U-N OFFICIALS SAY THE CROAT FORCES, BACKED BY ARTILLERY OF THE CROATIAN ARMY, MAY BE TRYING TO CREATE A BUFFER ZONE ALONG CROATIA'S EASTERN BORDER WITH BOSNIA, AND THE SERBS ARE SIMPLY OUTGUNNED.

U-N REFUGEE OFFICIALS SAY AT LEAST 45-THOUSAND SERB CIVILIANS ARE FLEEING TOWARD BANJA LUKA TO ESCAPE THE FIGHTING, AND THE OFFICIALS SAY THEY ARE DEEPLY DISTURBED BY THE NEW HUMANITARIAN CRISIS.

U-N MILITARY OFFICIALS CONTINUE TO INSIST THE NATO BOMBING CAMPAIGN HAS HAD LITTLE TO DO WITH THE SERB LOSSES, BUT THEY ADMIT THE BOSNIAN SERB'S ABILITY TO REINFORCE THEIR POSITIONS HAS BEEN DAMAGED. BUT THE OFFICIALS INSIST THE NATO BOMBING SHOULD CONTINUE UNTIL THE BOSNIAN SERBS COMPLY WITH NATO AND U-N DEMANDS TO WITH DRAW THEIR HEAVY WEAPONS FROM AROUND THE BOSNIAN CAPITAL. (SIGNED)

NEB/DF/ADEN/BG
14-Sep-95 11:07 AM EDT (1507 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[04] CLINTON / BALKANS (S) BY GARY THOMAS (WHITE HOUSE)

INTRO: PRESIDENT CLINTON IS HOLDING OUT HOPES OF PROGRESS IN EFFORTS TO PERSUADE THE BOSNIAN SERBS TO WITHDRAW THEIR HEAVY WEAPONS FROM THE PERIMETER OF SARAJEVO. THE OPTIMISTIC PRESIDENTIAL ASSESSMENT FOLLOWS ANOTHER DEVELOPMENT IN THE BALKANS REGION -- THE SIGNING OF AN ACCORD BETWEEN GREECE AND MACEDONIA. VOA'S GARY THOMAS REPORTS FROM THE WHITE HOUSE.

TEXT: PRESIDENT CLINTON CONGRATULATED REPRESENTATIVES OF GREECE AND MACEDONIA --AS WELL AS U-S INTERMEDIARIES -- FOR ARRANGING A PRELIMINARY AGREEMENT EASING RELATIONS BETWEEN GREECE AND MACEDONIA. MR. CLINTON CALLED THE PACT AN "ENORMOUS STEP FORWARD" IN FINDING A COMPREHENSIVE PEACE IN THE BALKANS.

EVEN AS HE OFFERED CONGRATULATIONS, THE PRESIDENT ALSO OFFERED A GLIMMER OF HOPE ELSEWHERE IN THAT TROUBLED REGION. HE SAID DEVELOPMENTS IN THE PAST FEW HOURS GIVE REASON TO BELIEVE THE BOSNIAN SERBS MIGHT BE PREPARED TO WITHDRAW THEIR HEAVY WEAPONS FROM AROUND SARAJEVO.

WE HAVE SOME REASON TO HOPE WE ARE MAKING PROGRESS, THANKS TO THE DETERMINATION OF NATO AND THE UNITED NATIONS IN SECURING BOSNIAN SERB COMPLIANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS U-N AND NATO HAVE SET FORTH -- THE CESSATION OF THE BOMBING CAMPAIGN.

U-N AND NATO OFFICIALS HAVE VOWED TO PRESS THEIR AIR CAMPAIGN UNTIL THE BOSNIAN SERBS PULL BACK THE HEAVY ARTILLERY FROM SARAJEVO'S PERIMETER. (SIGNED) NEB/GPTCF 14-Sep-95 11:51 AM EDT (1551 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[05] E-U STATISTICS (L-ONLY) BY JOHN FRASER (BRUSSELS)

INTRO: HOLLAND IS THE EUROPEAN COUNTRY WHERE YOU ARE MOST LIKELY TO BE MURDERED OR SEXUALLY ASSAULTED. IN BRITAIN, YOU ARE MOST LIKELY TO HAVE YOUR CAR STOLEN -- WHEREAS IN FINLAND YOU WOULD BE MOST LIKELY TO COMMIT SUICIDE. ALL THIS USEFUL INFORMATION IS TO BE FOUND IN EUROPE'S MOST COMPREHENSIVE STATISTICAL SURVEY. JOHN FRASER REPORTS THE SURVEY WAS PUBLISHED (THURSDAY) IN BRUSSELS.

TEXT: THE NEW EUROPEAN UNION PUBLICATION, CALLED "EUROSTAT YEARBOOK '95," IS A MINE OF USEFUL INFORMATION FOR VISITORS TO THE 15-NATION BLOC. IF YOUR FIRST STOP IS LONDON, THE GOOD NEWS IS THE BRITISH ARE THE SAFEST DRIVERS IN EUROPE -- BUT THEY ARE ALSO THE MOST LIKELY TO HAVE THEIR CARS STOLEN.

IN CONTRAST, THE PORTUGESE AND THE GREEKS HAVE THE MOST FATAL ROAD ACCIDENTS. BEWARE. IF YOU CROSS THE CHANNEL FROM BRITAIN TO HOLLAND, YOU WILL DISCOVER THE DUTCH ARE THE EUROPEANS WHO COMMIT THE MOST SEX OFFENSES -- AND THE MOST MURDERS. FURTHER NORTH, IT IS THE SWEDES WHO COMMIT THE MOST DRUGS OFFENSES.

PORTUGAL HAS INCREASED CONSUMPTION OF TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL THE MOST OF ANY E-U COUNTRY DURING THE PAST DECADE -- WHICH MAY EXPLAIN WHY THEY ALSO HAVE THE MOST ROAD ACCIDENTS. IN ABSOLUTE TERMS, THE FRENCH AND LUXEMBOURGERS DRINK THE MOST, WHILE BRITONS AND SWEDES DRINK THE LEAST.

THE HEAVIEST SMOKERS ARE THE GREEKS, WITH THE FINNS, AND SWEDES LIGHTING UP THE LEAST. FINLAND HAS THE HIGHEST SUICIDE RATE IN EUROPE, WITH GREECE REGISTERING THE LOWEST.

THE SURVEY INDICATES WHEN IT COMES TO FAMILY LIFE, THE SWEDES AND THE DANES TEND TO HAVE THE MOST ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN, WHEREAS ALMOST ALL GREEK WOMEN WALK UP THE AISLE BEFORE NEEDING THE MATERNITY UNIT. THE GERMANS HAVE THE MOST HOLIDAYS, WHILE THE IRISH HAVE THE FEWEST DAYS OFF. A YEAR.

AMONG CHILDREN, THE GREEKS SET THE HIGHEST STORE BY GOOD MANNERS, THE GERMANS DEMAND SELF-RELIANCE, AND THE BRITISH VALUE TOLERANCE. WHEN ASKED WHAT THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS IN LIFE ARE, MOST EUROPEANS PUT THE FAMILY HIGHEST, WHILE POLITICS COMES WELL DOWN THE LIST. EUROPE'S MOST WIDELY-SPOKEN LANGUAGE IS ENGLISH, FOLLOWED BY FRENCH. (SIGNED)

NEB/JF/ADEN/RAE
14-Sep-95 1:30 PM EDT (1730 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[06] ISLAMIC / BOSNIA (L UPDATE) BY DAN ROBINSON (KUALA LUMPUR)

INTRO: WITH HARSH NEW DENUNCIATIONS OF THE BOSNIAN SERBS, MEMBERS OF THE ISLAMIC CONFERENCE ORGANIZATION CONTACT GROUP ARE PLEDGING NEW COORDINATED EFFORTS TO SEND MILITARY AS WELL AS ECONOMIC AID TO THE BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT. V-O-A'S DAN ROBINSON REPORTS, ISLAMIC OFFICIALS ENDED A SPECIAL MEETING IN KUALA LUMPUR A DAY EARLY DECLARING THAT THEY ARE OF ONE MIND ON THE QUESTION OF SUCH ASSISTANCE:

TEXT: IN A JOINT NEWS CONFERENCE, OFFICIALS FROM FIFTEEN COUNTRIES AND THE O-I-C SECRETARY GENERAL ISSUED AN 18-POINT STATEMENT REAFFIRMING THEIR NON-RECOGNITION OF THE U-N ARMS EMBARGO ON THE BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT.

REFERRING TO THE U-N CHARTER, THE STATEMENT REAFFIRMS THE RIGHT OF BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA TO INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE SELF-DEFENSE, AND THE OBLIGATION OF ALL STATES TO PROVIDE NECESSARY MEANS FOR THIS DEFENSE.

THE MAIN OUTCOME IS CREATION OF WHAT IS CALLED AN ASSISTANCE MOBILIZATION GROUP. WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT, IT WILL COORDINATE ECONOMIC, HUMANITARIAN AND -- MOST SIGNIFICANTLY -- MILITARY AID FROM ISLAMIC COUNTRIES.

BOSNIAN FOREIGN MINISTER, MUHAMED SACIRBEY, SAYS BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT FORCES WILL NEED HELP WHETHER OR NOT THE CURRENT U-S LED WESTERN INITIATIVE IS SUCCESSFUL:

IN THE EVENT THE PEACE PLAN IS TURNED DOWN BY THE SERBIAN SIDE, ONCE AGAIN IT IS ENVISIONED THAT THE BOSNIAN ARMY WOULD HAVE TO BE BUILT UP, BOTH IN TERMS OF EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING, IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO LIBERATE ITS TERRITORY AND DEFEND THE COUNTRY. IN ANY OF THESE INSTANCES, WHAT THE O-I-C CONTACT GROUP IS DOING, WHAT THE ASSISTANCE MOBILIZATION GROUP WOULD BE DOING, WOULD BE ACTING IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PEACE EFFORT, RATHER THAN CONTRARY TO IT.

THE BOSNIAN FOREIGN MINISTER SAID ISLAMIC ASSISTANCE WILL BE COORDINATED WITH THE BOSNIAN ARMY. EARLIER IN THE DAY, MALAYSIA AND IRAN REFERRED TO A DRAFT ACTION PLAN FOR PROCURING AND DELIVERING WEAPON SYSTEMS TO THE BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT.

THE ISLAMIC DECLARATION ALSO URGES INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION TO HELP WITH THE RECONSTRUCTION IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. ASKED BY REPORTERS HOW MUCH THAT MIGHT COST, THE BOSNIAN FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTERS GAVE AN ESTIMATE OF AT LEAST EIGHT-BILLION DOLLARS.

NEB/DR/MMK
14-Sep-95 8:56 AM EDT (1256 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[07] NATO/CLAES CORRECTED (L-O) BY JOHN FRASER (BRUSSELS)

INTRO: NATO (THURSDAY) SUSPENDED AIR STRIKES AGAINST THE BOSNIAN SERBS FOR A 12-HOUR PERIOD. THIS WAS IN THE HOPE OF IMPROVING THE CHANCES FOR PROGRESS IN THE DIPLOMATIC TALKS, WHICH ARE AIMED AT SECURING A PERMANENT PEACE IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. JOHN FRASER REPORTS FROM BRUSSELS.

TEXT: THE NEWS OF THE 12-HOUR SUSPENSION OF AIR STRIKES -- WHICH COULD BE EXTENDED FURTHER -- WAS GIVEN TO A CLOSED MEETING OF NATO AMBASSADORS IN BRUSSELS BY ALLIANCE SECRETARY GENERAL WILLY CLAES.

THE NATO ATTACKS ARE AIMED AT LIFTING THE STRANGLEHOLD ON SARAJEVO -- BY FORCING THE BOSNIAN SERBS TO REMOVE THEIR HEAVY WEAPONS ENCIRCLING THE CITY.

NATO ALSO WANTS SARAJEVO AIRPORT TO BE OPENED FULLY, AND ALSO WANTS HUMANITARIAN CONVOYS TO MOVE FREELY IN AND OUT OF SARAJEVO. THE BOSNIAN SERBS HAVE BEEN RELUCTANT TO GIVE IN TO NATO DEMANDS, AND INSTEAD HAVE CLAIMED THE AIRSTRIKES, CRUISE MISSILE ATTACKS, AND THE USE OF BRITISH AND FRENCH ARTILLERY HAVE CLAIMED INNOCENT CIVILIAN LIVES.

THE RUSSIANS HAVE ALSO CRITICIZED THE NATO CAMPAIGN, CLAIMING THE ALLIANCE HAS BEEN GUILTY OF GENOCIDE. NATO OFFICIALS SAY IT IS USEFUL TO HAVE A PAUSE IN THE AIR CAMPAIGN TO SEE WHETHER THERE IS ANY PROSPECT FOR MOVEMENT IN THE DIPLOMATIC FIELD.

ALLIANCE OFFICIALS WARN IF THERE IS NO MOVEMENT FROM THE BOSNIAN SERBS, THE AIR CAMPAIGN COULD BE RESUMED AND INTENSIFIED. THEY SAY THE CREDIBILITY OF NATO IS ON THE LINE AND UNTIL THE STRANGLEHOLD ON SARAJEVO IS LIFTED, THE AIR OPERATION WILL CONTINUE. MEANWHILE, THERE IS CONCERN INSIDE NATO HEADQUARTERS AT THE ADVERSE REACTION FROM MOSCOW TO THE AIR STRIKES. NATO WOULD LIKE TO SEE A SWIFT DIPLOMATIC BREAKTHROUGH SO IT CAN CALL A PERMANENT HALT TO THE AIR STRIKES -- THEN THE DIFFICULT TASK OF RE-BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN NATO AND RUSSIA WILL BEGIN. (SIGNED)

NEB/JF/ADEN/RAE
14-Sep-95 2:08 PM EDT (1808 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[08] NATO / BOSNIA (L) BY DAVID SWAN (PENTAGON)

INTRO: NATO WARPLANES HAVE STOPPED BOMBING THE BOSNIAN SERBS FOR AT LEAST 12 HOURS, WHILE U-S ENVOY RICHARD HOLBROOKE TRIES TO BROKER A CEASEFIRE IN SARAJEVO. THOUGH NO AGREEMENT HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED, ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS SAY THERE IS SOME CAUSE FOR HOPE. PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT DAVID SWAN HAS DETAILS.

TEXT: DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM PERRY SAYS HE IS CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE PROSPECTS FOR PEACE -- AND EXPECTS THE SIEGE OF SARAJEVO TO BE LIFTED IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE. OFFICIALS SAY THE FINAL ACCORD REQUIRES THE SERBS TO MOVE HEAVY WEAPONS AWAY FROM THE CAPITAL, THUS ACHIEVING THE GOAL OF THE TWO-WEEK ALLIED AIR CAMPAIGN. THE PAUSE IN BOMBING ANNOUNCED THURSDAY WOULD CONTINUE FOR 72 HOURS TO GIVE THE SERBS A CHANCE TO COMPLY. OFFICIALS SAY THE RAIDS COULD RESUME IF THE TANKS AND ARTILLERY REMAIN IN PLACE.

THE AIR AND CRUISE MISSILE ATTACKS BROUGHT AN OUTRAGED REACTION FROM RUSSIA. SOME WESTERN OFFICIALS RECENTLY RAISED DOUBTS ABOUT WHETHER THE STRIKES WERE HAVING ANY IMPACT. HOWEVER, PENTAGON SPOKESMAN KEN BACON SAYS THEY DID HELP BRING THE SERBS TO THE NEGOTIATING TABLE.

THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE BOMBING RAIDS HAVE PUT A LOT OF PRESSURE ON THE BOSNIAN SERB MILITARY FORCE, AND THEY HAVE BASICALLY PREVENTED IT FROM ENGAGING IN THE TYPE OF MANEUVERS IT WAS ABLE TO CARRY OUT BACK IN JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST.

U-S OFFICIALS HOPE THE CEASEFIRE IN SARAJEVO LEADS TO A COMPREHENSIVE, COUNTRY-WIDE SETTLEMENT. NATO HAS PLEDGED TO SEND PEACEKEEPING TROOPS TO ENFORCE ANY SUCH AGREEMENT.

SECRETARY PERRY SAYS THE FORCE WOULD INCLUDE TWO OR THREE DIVISIONS, OR 40-THOUSAND TO 50-THOUSAND SOLDIERS, ROUGHLY ONE-THIRD AMERICAN. MR. PERRY SAYS RUSSIA WOULD ALSO BE INVITED TO TAKE PART, THOUGH HE ADDS, MOSCOW MAY BE RELUCTANT TO COMMIT TROOPS TO A NATO MISSION. (SIGNED)

NEB/DS/CB/LWM
14-Sep-95 6:43 PM EDT (2243 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[09] U-S-BOSNIAN SERBS (S ONLY) BY RON PEMSTEIN (STATE DEPARTMENT)

INTRO: AMERICAN NEGOTIATOR RICHARD HOLBROOKE HAS BRIEFED THE UNITED NATIONS, CROATIA AND THE BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT ON THE IDEAS PRESENTED BY SERBIAN PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC TO BREAK THE DEADLOCK BETWEEN NATO AND THE BOSNIAN SERBS. V-O-A'S RON PEMSTEIN REPORTS FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT, THE BOSNIAN SERB LEADERSHIP ENDORSED THE PROPOSALS.

TEXT: RICHARD HOLBROOKE RECEIVED THE IDEAS IN THE COURSE OF AN 11-HOUR MEETING WITH SERBIAN PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC IN BELGRADE. THE STATE DEPARTMENT SAYS TO MR. HOLBROOKE'S SURPRISE, BOSNIAN SERB LEADER RADOVAN KARADZIC AND HIS MILITARY CHIEF, GENERAL RATKO MLADIC, WERE INTRODUCED TO THE AMERICAN DIPLOMAT. THEY INDICATED THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE SERBIAN PLAN TO STOP NATO AIR STRIKES IN RETURN FOR THE WITHDRAWAL OF BOSNIAN SERB HEAVY WEAPONS AWAY FROM SARAJEVO.

THIS WAS MR. HOLBROOKE'S FIRST MEETING WITH THE TWO BOSNIAN SERB LEADERS WHO HAVE BEEN INDICTED AS WAR CRIMINALS BY THE INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL IN THE HAGUE. HOWEVER, THE STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN NICHOLAS BURNS SAYS THEIR PRESENCE IN BELGRADE LENT AUTHORITY TO THE SERBIAN IDEAS MR. HOLBROOKE CONVEYED TO THE BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT AND THE UNITED NATIONS.

WE WOULD NOT HAVE CONVEYED THESE IDEAS IN THE WAY THAT WE HAVE, POSTPONING A MEETING IN GENEVA TODAY OF THE CONTACT GROUP, HAVING DICK (RICHARD HOLBROOKE) TRAVEL TO THREE CITIES IN EUROPE IF WE DIDN'T THINK THESE IDEAS HAD PROMISE.

SECRETARY OF STATE WARREN CHRISTOPHER BRIEFED BOSNIAN PRESIDENT ALIJA IZETBEGOVIC ON THE PROPOSALS BEFORE MR. IZETBEGOVIC WENT TO MOSTAR TO MEET WITH MR. HOLBROOKE. (SIGNED) NEB/PT 14-Sep-95 3:43 PM EDT (1943 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[10] YUGO TALKS (S ONLY) 3RD UPDATE BY WAYNE COREY (VIENNA)

INTRO: THE UNITED NATIONS EXPECTS TO ANNOUNCE TODAY (FRIDAY) AN AGREEMENT FOR A NEW CEASEFIRE IN SARAJEVO AND FOR THE BOSNIAN SERBS TO EFFECTIVELY LIFT THEIR SIEGE OF THE CITY. NATO HAS ALREADY SUSPENDED ITS AIR ATTACKS ON THE SERBS IN ANTICIPATION OF THE AGREEMENT. V-O-A'S CENTRAL EUROPEAN CORRESPONDENT, WAYNE COREY,REPORTS.

TEXT: UNITED NATIONS SOURCES IN ZAGREB SAY THE TENTATIVE AGREEMENT REQUIRES THE BOSNIAN SERBS TO WITHDRAW THEIR HEAVY WEAPONS FROM SARAJEVO, TO ALLOW THE AIRPORT THERE TO BE REOPENED AND TO OPEN THE MAIN ROAD INTO THE CITY. IN RETURN, THE SOURCES SAY THE UNITED NATIONS WILL MONITOR BOSNIAN ARMY HEAVY WEAPONS IN SARAJEVO SO THEY COULD NOT ATTACK SERB-HELD AREAS AROUND THE CAPITAL.

NATO HAS ALREADY SUSPENDED ITS AIR ATTACKS ON THE SERBS IN ANTICIPATION THAT THE SERBS WILL SOON BEGIN TO WITHDRAW THEIR HEAVY WEAPONS FROM SARAJEVO.

AMERICAN PEACE ENVOY RICHARD HOLBROOKE ENDED A MEETING ON THE DEAL WITH THE BOSNIAN PRESIDENT, ALIJA IZETBEGOVIC. FURTHER DISCUSSIONS WERE POSSIBLE. THE PLAN TO END THE MILITARY CONFRONTATION BETWEEN NATO AND THE BOSNIAN SERBS EMERGED FROM EARLIER TALKS IN BELGRADE. MR. HOLBROOKE MET THERE WITH SERBIAN PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC AND WITH THE BOSNIAN SERB POLITICAL AND MILITARY LEADERS. (SIGNED)

NEB/WC/PT
14-Sep-95 7:31 PM EDT (2331 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America