Voice of America, 21 September 1995

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

Voice of America Directory

CONTENTS

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

INTRO: A WIDE VARIETY OF DOMESTIC TOPICS FILLS THE EDITORIAL PAGES OF THE NATION'S MAJOR NEWSPAPERS THIS THURSDAY. THE TOPICS INCLUDE THE MAJOR CHANGES IN THE WELFARE SYSTEM VOTED BY CONGRESS; THE CHANGING NATURE OF THE U-S ECONOMY; THE DECISION TO PRINT THE "UNABOMBER'S" MANIFESTO ;GENERAL COLIN POWELL'S EFFECT ON THE POLITICAL SCENE AND A PROGRESS REPORT ON HAITI. NOW, HERE IS _______________ WITH A CLOSER LOOK IN TODAY'S U-S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

TEXT: THE SENATE VOTED TO REFORM THE WAY THE NATION AIDS ITS POOR THROUGH ITS FEDERAL WELFARE PROGRAM. AMERICA'S NEWSPAPERS ARE COMMENTING UPON THAT DECISION WHICH NOW GOES TO A CONFERENCE COMMITTEE OF HOUSE AND SENATE MEMBERS TO WORK OUT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE BODIES. IN MAINE, "THE PORTLAND PRESS HERALD" SEES THE CHANGE AS REALLY A MILESTONE.

VOICE: "IT IS A MEASURE OF THIS NATION'S DEEP DESPAIR WITH ITS WELFARE SYSTEM, AS IT HAS EXISTED FOR 60 YEARS, THAT THE SENATE HAS AGREED TO SCRAP IT AND TRY SOMETHING ELSE. WILL THAT SOMETHING ELSE, A 'TOUGH LOVE' PROGRAM BASED ON BLOCK GRANTS TO THE STATES, WORK BETTER THAN THE CURRENT ENTITLEMENT PROGRAM? NOBODY KNOWS. .... REVOLUTIONARY WELFARE CHANGE WILL THEN BE UNDER WAY."

TEXT: IN THE NATION'S CAPITAL, "THE WASHINGTON TIMES" IS PLEASED AND CONSIDERS THE CHANGES LONG OVERDUE.

VOICE: "IT'S BEEN 30 YEARS SINCE PRESIDENT JOHNSON DECLARED WAR ON POVERTY - - THAT'S TWO COMPLETE GENERATIONS IN MANY LARGE AND GROWING WELFARE-DEPENDENT ENCLAVES. DURING THAT PERIOD MORE THAN FIVE-POINT-FOUR TRILLION (IN CONSTANT 1993 DOLLARS) HAS BEEN EXPENDED FIGHTING THE WAR - - HALF A TRILLION MORE THAN OUR NATIONAL DEBT. MEANWHILE, THE POVERTY LEVEL HASN'T BUDGED, BUT PATHOLOGIES (ILLEGITIMACY, CRIME, DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE, DE FACTO ILLITERACY) HAVE PROLIFERATED."

TEXT' HOWEVER, "THE BOSTON GLOBE" IS CAUTIOUS ABOUT THE CHANGES, SUGGESTING THAT THE STATES, TO WHICH CONGRESS IS ABOUT TO DELEGATE THE AUTHORITY TO ALLOCATE WELFARE MONIES, NEED TO BE CAREFUL AND ADMINISTER THE FUNDS WISELY.

VOICE: ".... CARE MUST BE TAKEN NOT TO MAKE MORE PEOPLE POOR OR RE-CREATE THE KIND OF INEFFICIENCIES AND INEQUALITIES THAT MADE IT NECESSARY TO GATHER POWER TO THE CENTER IN THE FIRST PLACE. STATES SHOULD BE GIVEN THE FLEXIBILITY TO TAILOR PROGRAMS TO THEIR OWN SPECIFIC NEEDS, BUT NOT WITHOUT MEETING SOME AGREED-UPON PROTECTIVE STANDARDS THAT APPLY FOR ALL AMERICANS."

[BEGIN OPT]

TEXT: "THE MIAMI HERALD" IS DISAPPOINTED WITH THE RESULTS OF THE SENATE VOTE AND SAYS THE WHOLE REFORM WILL HAVE TO BE "RE-REFORMED" SOONER THAN CONGRESS REALIZES.

VOICE: "THE SHEER IRRATIONALITY OF THIS WILL BECOME OBVIOUS ONLY AFTER A FEW YEARS WHEN STATES AND LOCALITIES START GRAPPLING WITH THE TIDE OF DESTITUTE FAMILIES BECOMING INELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE. THE EVICTIONS, MALNOURISHMENT, AND MOUNTING HEALTH PROBLEMS WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR MANY STATES - - PROBABLY INCLUDING FLORIDA - - TO HANDLE." [END OPT]

TEXT: A CLOSELY RELATED ISSUE ALSO UNDER CONGRESSIONAL SCRUTINY IS THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT WHICH HELPS LOW-INCOME WORKERS BY EXEMPTING THEM FROM FEDERAL INCOME TAXES, AND, IN SOME CASES, ACTUALLY RECEIVING FUNDS. TODAY'S "ATLANTA CONSTITUTION" SAYS IN A LENGTHY, LEAD EDITORIAL:

VOICE: "FUNDAMENTAL CHANGES IN THE WORLD ECONOMY HAVE MADE IT INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT FOR MANY WORKING AMERICANS TO AFFORD MARRIAGE, CHILDREN, DECENT FOOD AND HOUSING AND OTHER BASICS OF LIFE. THESE PEOPLE ARE DOING EVERYTHING IN THEIR POWER TO MAKE IT [SUCCEED] , AND THEY'RE STILL FAILING. THE REPUBLICAN CONGRESS SEEMS DETERMINED TO MAKE THEIR STRUGGLE HARDER STILL. ON TUESDAY, THE HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE VOTED ALONG PARTY LINES TO CUT 23-BILLION DOLLARS OVER THE NEXT SEVEN YEARS FROM THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT, A PROGRAM DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE THE WORKING POOR TO STAY ON THE JOB AND OFF THE WELFARE ROLLS. THE SENATE IS CONTEMPLATING AN EVEN MORE DRASTIC CUT IN THE PROGRAM. ..... THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT DOES REDISTRIBUTE INCOME, BUT ONLY TO THOSE AMERICANS WILLING TO HELP THEMSELVES. IT RESTORES A BIT OF THE INCENTIVE TO WORK THAT IS BEING WASHED AWAY BY A CHANGING ECONOMY."

TEXT: THERE IS STILL PLENTY OF COMMENT ABOUT THE DECISION OF THE "WASHINGTON POST" AND "NEW YORK TIMES" TO PRINT THE EIGHT-PAGE MANIFESTO OF THE SO-CALLED "UNABOMBER", WHO IS ACCUSED OF KILLING THREE AND INJURING DOZENS WITH MAIL BOMBS DURING THE PAST 17 YEARS. LONG ISLAND NEWSDAY SAYS "BECAUSE THE CIRCUMSTANCES ARE UNIQUE, PRINTING THE UNABOMBER'S POLEMICS IS JUSTIFIED...... WHEN PEOPLE'S LIVES ARE AT STAKE." HOWEVER "THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER" DISAGREES, CALLING THE DECISION A "CAVE-IN" AND SUGGESTING:

VOICE: ".... IT IS, FINALLY, A DECISION AS LIKELY TO CREATE NEW PROBLEMS AS TO SOLVE AN EXISTING ONE. IT CAN BE ARGUED JUST AS PERSUASIVELY THAT PUBLISHING MANIFESTOS AT GUNPOINT ENCOURAGES LIKE-MINDED ENDEAVORS. .... IT CAN BE ARGUED - - AND CONVINCINGLY - - THAT PUBLIC SAFETY HAS BEEN COMPROMISED AS MUCH AS PROTECTED."

TEXT: "THE BALTIMORE SUN" IS THANKING FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF, RETIRED GENERAL COLIN POWELL, FOR WHAT HE HAS ALREADY DONE FOR THE COUNTRY BY BEING THE FIRST BLACK MAN TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY POLLS, POLITICAL EXPERTS, AND THE PUBLIC AS A SERIOUS CONTENDER THE PRESIDENCY:

VOICE: "FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, A BLACK AMERICAN IS BEING SIZED UP [CONSIDERED] BY THE NATION AS A POTENTIAL PRESIDENT. THAT COLIN POWELL HAS BROUGHT THIS ABOUT IS, ALONE, REASON FOR THE NATION'S SAYING 'THANK YOU' TO HIM. HE HAS HELPED US GROW UP. ... EVEN IF HE IS NOT A CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY, HIS DEMONSTRATING CROSS-RACIAL APPEAL HAS ALREADY BEEN A BOON TO THIS COUNTRY."

TEXT: "THE NEW YORK TIMES" TODAY IS GIVING READERS A PROGRESS REPORT ON HAITI, ONE YEAR AFTER THE U-S MILITARY INTERVENTION.

VOICE: "A YEAR AFTER AMERICAN TROOPS LANDED IN HAITI TO SECURE THE RETURN OF ITS EXILED PRESIDENT, THE COUNTRY IS CLEARLY IN BETTER SHAPE. DESPITE THE FEARS OF HIS DETRACTORS, JEAN-BERTRAND ARISTIDE HAS NOT INCITED HIS FOLLOWERS AGAINST THEIR FORMER OPPRESSORS, BUT URGED RECONCILIATION. ..... HE HAS MADE A CREDIBLE BEGINNING, BUT THERE IS STILL MUCH TO DO. ... MR. ARISTIDE IS NOT MUCH OF AN ADMINISTRATOR. ..... THE COUNTRY IS STILL CHAOTICALLY GOVERNED. ..... FOR NOW MOST HAITIANS ARE SIMPLY GRATEFUL THAT THEY CAN SLEEP FREE FROM FEAR. BUT THAT GRATITUDE WILL WEAR THIN IF MR. ARISTIDE DOES NOT FIGURE OUT HOW TO TAKE THE NEXT STEPS, WHICH INCLUDE EVERYTHING FROM CREATING JOBS TO COLLECTING THE GARBAGE."

TEXT: [BEGIN OPT] AND FINALLY, SEVERAL PAPERS ARE TAKING NOTE OF THE RESIGNATION OF YET ANOTHER WHITE HOUSE COUNSEL AFTER A RELATIVELY SHORT STAY IN THE JOB. "THE WALL STREET JOURNAL," IN TODAY'S LEAD EDITORIAL, STRONGLY SUGGESTS IT IS THE PRESSURE OF THE WHITEWATER INVESTIGATION, AND AS YET NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION ABOUT WHITE HOUSE INVOLVEMENT, THAT IS CAUSING THE HIGH RATE OF TURNOVER.

VOICE: "I'M RUNNING OUT OF GAS,' WHITE HOUSE COUNSEL ABNER MIKVA TOLD THE ASSOCIATED PRESS AFTER HIS RESIGNATION WAS ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY. 'I FEEL GOOD, BUT THIS IS A GRUELING JOB.' EVIDENTLY SO, SINCE JUDGE MIKVA IS THE THIRD PROMINENT COUNSEL BURNED OUT BY THE CLINTON WHITE HOUSE."

TEXT: AND IN "THE WASHINGTON TIMES," THIS SPECULATION ON REASONS WHY MR. MIKVA MIGHT RESIGN SO SOON.

VOICE: "HE MIGHT HAVE GIVEN A PIECE OF ADVICE TO THE PRESIDENT THAT THE PRESIDENT REFUSED TO ACCEPT AND FELT THEREBY OBLIGED TO RESIGN. HE MIGHT HAVE FOUND OUT ABOUT SOMETHING HE HADN'T KNOWN, AND OF WHICH HE DID NOT APPROVE, AND DECIDED THAT DEPARTURE WAS THE ONLY COURSE. .... IN ANY CASE, MR. CLINTON IS ON HIS FOURTH COUNSEL IN LESS THAN FOUR YEARS. IT SEEMS TO BE A SINGULARLY TOUGH JOB AT THIS WHITE HOUSE." [END OPT]

TEXT: AND ON THAT NOTE, WE CONCLUDE THIS BRIEF SAMPLING OF OPINION FROM AROUND THE NATION ON THIS THURSDAY IN SEPTEMBER.

ANG/NL 21-Sep-95 11:30 AM EDT (1530 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
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[02] BOSNIA/FIGHTING (L) BY WAYNE COREY ( VIENNA )

INTRO: THE UNITED NATIONS SAYS CROATIAN FORCES ARE PULLING OUT OF BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA AFTER SUPPORTING MUSLIM AND ETHNIC CROAT FORCES IN A MAJOR OFFENSIVE AGAINST THE SERBS IN WESTERN BOSNIA. THE OFFENSIVE IS NOW SAID TO HAVE HALTED, APPARENTLY BECAUSE OF STRONG SERB RESISTANCE. V-O-A'S CENTRAL EUROPEAN CORRESPONDENT, WAYNE COREY, REPORTS.

TEXT: AT LEAST SOME OF THE CROATIAN ARMY FORCES IN BOSNIA HAVE STOPPED THEIR ATTACKS AND HAVE WITDRAWN TO CROATIA AFTER SUFFERING HEAVY CASUALTIES FROM BOSNIAN SERB AIR ATTACKS.

A UNITED NATIONS SPOKESMAN IN ZAGREB, ALEXANDER IVANKO, SAYS THE CROATIAN GOVERNMENT'S PLEDGE THAT ITS FORCES WOULD BE WITHDRAWN FROM IS, APPARENTLY, BEING HONORED.

THE UNITED NATIONS HAS REPORTS THAT OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS IN WESTERN BOSNIA HAVE VIRTUALLY CEASED. CROATIAN UNITS HAVE BEEN SEEN WITHDRAWING ACROSS THE INTERNATIONAL BORDER INTO CROATIA. THERE ARE INDICATIONS THAT THE SITUATION ABOUT BANJA LUKA HAS ALSO STABILIZED. THIS WELCOME NEWS ALLOWS AID ORGANIZATIONS BREATHING SPACE TO DEAL WITH THE THOUSANDS OF REFUGEES IN AND AROUND BANJA LUKA.

WITHOUT THE CROATIAN ARMY'S HEAVY ARTILLERY, THE BOSNIAN MUSLIMS AND CROATS WILL BE HARD-PRESSED TO MAKE ANY FURTHER SIGNIFICANT GAINS IN FIGHTING NORTH AND WEST OF THE SERB'S BIGGEST TOWN, BANJA LUKA.

THE SERBS HAVE BEEN COUNTER-ATTACKING TO KEEP THE MUSLIMS AND CROATS AWAY FROM TWO TOWNS (SANSKI MOST AND PRIJEDOR) THAT LIE ON MAIN ROADS LEADING TO BANJA LUKA.

GOVERNMENT-CONTROLLED SARAJEVO RADIO, WHICH REPORTED A SERIES OF BATTLEFIELD SUCCESSES IN NORTHWESTERN BOSNIA OVER THE LAST WEEK, HAS MENTIONED NO FURTHER GAINS FOR TWO DAYS NOW.

THE SITUATION IN BANJA LUKA, WHICH THE SERBS PROMISE TO DEFEND, IS MORE CALM. THERE ARE CONFLICTING REPORTS, THOUGH, OF A CONTINUING INFLUX THERE OF DISPLACED SERBS FROM OUTLYING AREAS. MEANWHILE, THE UNITED NATIONS SAYS THE BOSNIAN ARMY HAS AGAIN FIRED MORTAR ROUNDS INTO A SERB-HELD AREA AROUND SARAJEVO. THE SHELLING VIOLATED GOVERNMENT PROMISES NOT TO ATTACK SERB POSITIONS, AND U-N SPOKESMAN IVANKO CONDEMNS IT.

THE U-N IS NO LONGER INTERESTED IN LAME EXCUSES ABOUT ROGUE ELEMENTS GETTING OUT OF CONTROL AND DEMANDS THAT THE BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT, ONCE AND FOR ALL, ENSURES THAT NO FURTHER SUCH INCIDENTS HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE.

IN CENTRAL BOSNIA, THE SERBS ARE EXPELLING MUSLIM RESIDENTS OF THE SERB-HELD TOWN OF DOBOJ. THE BOSNIAN ARMY HAS BEEN SHELLING SERB POSITIONS THERE, BUT U-N OFFICIALS DO NOT BELIEVE DOBOJ IS IN DANGER OF FALLING TO GOVERNMENT FORCES. (SIGNED)

NEB/WC/MH/MMK
21-Sep-95 9:24 AM EDT (1324 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
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[03] BOSNIA/NATO (L ONLY) BY JOHN FRASER ( BRUSSELS)

INTRO: NATO MILITARY CHIEFS HAVE BEGUN TO DRAW UP PLANS FOR POLICING THE PEACE IN BOSNIA -- IF A PEACE SETTLEMENT CAN BE REACHED. THE OPERATION WOULD BE THE MOST AMBITIOUS EVER UNDERTAKEN BY THE WESTERN ALLIANCE, AND COULD INVOLVE UP TO 70-THOUSAND TROOPS. JOHN FRASER REPORTS FROM NATO HEADQUARTERS IN BRUSSELS.

TEXT: UNTIL RECENTLY, NATO PLANNERS WERE EXPECTING, AND PREPARING FOR, THE WORST. THEY DREW UP A COMPLEX PLAN FOR THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPERS FROM BOSNIA. THIS WAS IN CASE THE PEACE PROCESS WERE TO COLLAPSE, LEADING TO ALL-OUT WAR. NOW, HOWEVER, THERE IS MORE OPTIMISM, AND A FEELING THAT THERE MAY, INDEED, BE PEACE IN BOSNIA. IF SO, NATO TROOPS WILL NOT BE RESCUING THE UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPERS -- THEY WILL BE REPLACING THEM.

PLANNING IS STILL IN ITS EARLY STAGES, BUT THE NATO OPERATION WOULD BE LIKELY TO INVOLVE SETTING UP A BUFFER FORCE ALONG THE BORDER BETWEEN THE TWO PARTS OF WHAT WILL BECOME THE FEDERAL STATE OF BOSNIA.

THERE MIGHT ALSO NEED TO BE EXTRA TROOPS TO MONITOR MILITARY INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENT.

THE NATO BODY, WHICH WOULD BE KNOWN AS AN IMPLEMENTATION FORCE, WOULD BE COMMANDED BY U-S ADMIRAL LEIGHTON SMITH, WHO CURRENTLY HEADS NATO OPERATIONS IN THE REGION.

IT IS EXPECTED TO NUMBER BETWEEN 40-THOUSAND TO 70-THOUSAND TROOPS, WITH THE LARGEST CONTINGENT COMING FROM THE UNITED STATES. THE AMERICAN DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM PERRY, SPEAKING THURSDAY AT A NEWS CONFERENCE IN BUDAPEST, SAYS THAT THE UNITED STATES HAS NOT YET DECIDED HOW MANY TROOPS TO CONTRIBUTE.

IN QUALITATIVE TERMS, WE HAVE TOLD NATO THAT THE UNITED STATES WILL PARTICIPATE IN A LEADERSHIP ROLE. THAT IS: OUR CONTRIBUTION OF FORCES WILL NOT BE TOKEN. WE HAVE NOT SPECIFIED A NUMBER; WE HAVE NOT SPECIFIED A PERCENTAGE. NOW, I BELIEVE THAT THIS FORCE WILL BE A SIZEABLE FORCE -- THE NATO FORCE. WE WILL PROBABLY END UP WITH QUITE A FEW DIVISIONS. SO IT IS NOT A TOKEN FORCE, BY ANY MEANS. AND I BELIEVE THAT THE UNITED STATES WILL SIGNIFICANTLY PARTICIPATE IN THAT FORCE.

NATO OFFICIALS SAY THE FORCE COULD ALSO INCLUDE TROOPS FROM NON-ALLIANCE COUNTRIES, POSSIBLY INCLUDING RUSSIA. HOWEVER, THE RUSSIANS HAVE INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD BE WARY OF PARTICIPATING IN AN OPERATION IN BOSNIA WHICH IS COMMANDED AND RUN BY NATO. (SIGNED)

NEB/JF/MH/MMK
21-Sep-95 9:19 AM EDT (1319 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
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[04] BOSNIA/PRESIDENT (S ONLY) BY WAYNE COREY (VIENNA)

INTRO: BOSNIAN PRESIDENT ALIJA IZETBEGOVIC SAYS HE WILL ONLY ACCEPT A CEASEFIRE IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA IF CERTAIN CONDITIONS ARE MET. HE SAYS THEY INCLUDE THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE SERB ARMY FROM MAIN SERB TOWN OF BANJA LUKA. V-O-A'S WAYNE COREY REPORTS FROM VIENNA.

TEXT: MR. IZETBEGOVIC SAYS HE COULD ACCEPT A 60-DAY CEASEFIRE IN BOSNIA IF IT IS FOLLOWED BY A PEACE AGREEMENT.

DURING A VERY BRIEF VISIT TO VIENNA, THE BOSNIAN PRESIDENT ALSO LAYS DOWN OTHER TOUGH CONDITIONS FOR THE MUSLIM-LED BOSNIAN ARMY TO STOP FIGHTING.

THEY INCLUDE A SERB MILITARY WITHDRAWAL FROM THE SERBS' BIGGEST TOWN, BANJA LUKA, FREE GOVERNMENT ACCESS TO THE MUSLIM ENCLAVE OF GORAZDE IN EASTERN BOSNIA AND THE COMPLETE LIFTING OF THE SERB SIEGE OF SARAJEVO.

THE SERBS HAVE ALREADY RULED OUT ANY MORE TEMPORARY CEASEFIRES. THEY ARE ALSO NOT LIKELY TO LEAVE BANJA LUKA UNDEFENDED EVEN THOUGH THE BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT HAS SAID ITS FORCES WILL NOT ATTACK IT. STILL, PRESIDENT IZETBEGOVIC SAYS HE BELIEVES BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA IS ON THE ROAD TO PEACE. HE ATTRIBUTES THIS TO A GREATER BALANCE OF POWER ON THE GROUND FOLLOWING MAJOR MUSLIM AND CROAT ADVANCES IN WESTERN AND CENTRAL BOSNIA. (SIGNED)

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21-Sep-95 5:16 PM EDT (2116 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
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[05] BOSNIA/SARAJEVO (L) BY DAVID FOLEY ( SARAJEVO )

INTRO: U-N OFFICIALS HAVE WARNED BOSNIAN-SERB ATTACKS ON U-N DECLARED SAFE AREAS OR INTERFERENCE WITH AID DELIVERIES TO SARAJEVO WILL LEAD TO A RESUMPTION OF NATO AIRSTRIKES. THE WARNING FOLLOWED THE BOSNIAN-SERB WITHDRAWAL OF HEAVY WEAPONS FROM AROUND THE BOSNIAN CAPITAL. DAVID FOLEY REPORTS FROM SARAJEVO U-N OFFICIALS SAY THE SIEGE OF SARAJEVO IS NOT LIFTED, BUT SOME UTILITIES SHOULD BE RESTORED NEXT WEEK.

TEXT: THE U-N MILITARY SPOKESMAN, LIEUTENANT COLONEL CHRIS VERNON, SPELLED OUT THE THREAT TO THE BOSNIAN SERBS IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS.

ANY SUBSEQUENT ATTACK ON SARAJEVO OR ANY OTHER SAFE AREA, ANY NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE EXCLUSION ZONE DEMANDS, OR ANY REDUCTION ON OUR FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT INTO AND AROUND SARAJEVO WOULD BE SUBJECT TO FURTHER AIRSTRIKES.

U-N OFFICIALS CONTINUE EFFORTS TO NEGOTIATE A CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT FOR THE SARAJEVO AREA. THE BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT SAYS FIRST THE BOSNIAN SERBS MUST RESTORE UTILITIES TO THE CITY AND ALLOW THE FREE PASSAGE OF CIVILIAN AND COMMERCIAL TRAFFIC IN AND OUT OF SARAJEVO.

THE U-N OFFICIAL IN CHARGE OF RESTORING UTILITIES, JOHN FAWCETT, SAYS HE IS MAKING GOOD PROGRESS.

WELL, I THINK WE ARE MUCH CLOSER THAN WE WERE LAST WEEK. GAS WILL BE THE FIRST ONE. WITHOUT GOING INTO ALL THE DETAILS, I THINK WE HAVE A GOOD CHANCE THAT WITHIN ABOUT A WEEK WE HAVE GAS INTO THE CITY. ELECTRICITY, THERE IS MORE DAMAGE, IT IS A MORE COMPLEX NETWORK, THAT IF EVERYTHING GOES REASONABLY WELL, WE ARE PROBABLY ABOUT TWO WEEKS AWAY, MAYBE THREE.

WATER SUPPLIES REQUIRE ELECTRICITY FOR THE PUMPS SO THE TWO GO TOGETHER. MR. FAWCETT SAYS THE BOSNIAN SERBS HAVE AGREED TO THE PLAN, BUT HE SAYS THE ROADS MUST BE OPEN TO ALLOW COMMERCIAL SHIPMENTS OF WOOD AND COAL INTO SARAJEVO. HE SAYS IN THE BEST-CASE SCENARIO THERE WILL ONLY BE GAS, ELECTRICITY, AND WATER FOR A FEW HOURS EACH DAY DURING THE COMING WINTER.

U-N OFFICIALS SAY THEY HOPE TO ESTABLISH SUFFICIENT SECURITY ON THE ROADS THROUGH BOSNIAN-SERB TERRITORY TO ALLOW CIVILIAN CARS AND TRUCKS TO USE THE ROUTES. U-N SOURCES SAY THE MULTINATIONAL RAPID REACTION FORCE MAY BE USED TO FORCE THIS CONCESSION FROM THE BOSNIAN SERBS. WHILE THE BOSNIAN CAPITAL IS STILL UNDER SIEGE, DRAMATIC PROGRESS IS BEING MADE TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS HERE. (SIGNED)

NEB/DF/MH/RAE
21-Sep-95 11:00 AM EDT (1500 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
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[06] BOSNIAN OFFICIALS REJECT GENEVA PLAN BY PAMELA TAYLOR (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: THE FOUR NON-MUSLIM MEMBERS OF BOSNIA'S-HERZEGOVINA'S MULTI-ETHNIC COLLECTIVE PRESIDENCY ARE ON AN UNOFFICIAL VISIT TO WASHINGTON TO PERSUADE THE U-S ADMINISTRATION TO ALTER A KEY PROVISION OF THE GENEVA PEACE PLAN -- THE CREATION OF A SEPARATE SERB REPUBLIC (REPUBLIKA SRPSKA). THE BOSNIAN PRESIDENCY IS COMPOSED OF TWO SERBS, TWO CROATS AND THREE MUSLIMS. V-O-A'S PAMELA TAYLOR REPORTS.

TEXT: AT A NEWS CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON (TODAY/THURSDAY), THE FOUR NON-MUSLIM MEMBER'S OF THE BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT'S SEVEN-MEMBER PRESIDENCY DISAGREED WITH MUSLIM PRESIDENT ALIJA IZETBEGOVIC'S ACCEPTANCE OF THE U-S BACKED PEACE PLAN. IVO KOMSIC [EE-VOH KOHM-SITCH] IS A BOSNIAN CROAT REPRESENTING THE CROAT NATIONAL COUNCIL. HE SPOKE THROUGH A TRANSLATOR:

LATER MR. KOMSIC SAID THE FOUR, WHO ARE IN THE UNITED STATES REPRESENTING THEIR RESPECTIVE CIVIC COUNCILS, WOULD SIGN NO PLAN TO DIVIDE BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. HE SAID RECOGNITION OF A SERB REPUBLIC IS TANTAMOUNT TO RECOGNIZING -- IN HIS WORDS -- A SYMBOL OF CRIME AND AGGRESSION.

HIS SERB COUNTERPART, MIRKO PEJANOVIC [MEER-KOH PAY-AHN-OH-VITCH] AGREED, SAYING A SERB REPUBLIC DOES NOT REPRESENT THE MAJORITY OF SERBS IN BOSNIA, NOR THOSE WHO HAVE FLED ABROAD. HE INDICATED HE SUPPORTS A DIPLOMATIC SOLUTION INSTEAD OF CONTINUED MILITARY ACTION TO RESOLVE THE TERRITORIAL DISPUTE.

MR. PEJANOVIC SAID IT IS IMPORTANT A PEACE ARRANGEMENT FINDS A WAY TO SEPARATE THE BOSNIAN-SERB POPULATION FROM THE LEADERS OF THE SERB NATIONALIST HEADQUARTERS IN PALE.

ALTHOUGH MR. PEJANOVIC AND MR. KOMSIC WERE THE KEY SPEAKERS, THERE WERE SEVERAL OTHERS REPRESENTING BOSNIA'S SERB AND CROAT CIVIC COUNCILS, INCLUDING RETIRED GENERAL JOVAN DEVJAK -- A SERB -- WHO WAS THE SECOND IN COMMAND OF THE BOSNIAN ARMY.

THE GROUP SAID THEY HAVE COME TO THE UNITED STATES ON THEIR OWN, NOT AS GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES, TO PERSUADE THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION TO STAND BY AMERICA'S MULTI-ETHNIC PRINCIPLES AND TO ALTER THE GENEVA PEACE PLAN ACCORDINGLY. (SIGNED)

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21-Sep-95 1:16 PM EDT (1716 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
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[07] CLINTON/ BOSNIA (S ONLY) BY DAVID BORGIDA (DENVER, COLORADO)

INTRO: PRESIDENT CLINTON IS ENCOURAGED BY THE DECISION BY NATO AND THE UNITED NATIONS TO DISCONTINUE AIRSTRIKES AGAINST THE BOSNIAN SERBS, SAYING THE TIME HAS COME FOR FIGHTING IN BOSNIA TO END AND RECONCILIATION TO BEGIN. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT DAVID BORGIDA IS TRAVELING WITH THE PRESIDENT ON A POLITICAL SWING IN DENVER, COLORADO.

TEXT: IN A WRITTEN STATEMENT RELEASED TO REPORTERS HERE, THE PRESIDENT WELCOMES THE DECISION. BUT HE REPEATS HIS WARNING THAT ANY RENEWED ATTACKS ON SARAJEVO OR ON ANY OTHER SAFE AREAS BY THE BOSNIAN SERBS WILL TRIGGER RESUMPTION OF THE STRIKES.

PRESIDENT CLINTON SAYS ALL PARTIES SHOULD NOW TURN FROM THE BATTLEFIELD TO THE BARGAINING TABLE TO COMPLETE A POLITICAL SETTLEMENT. HE SAYS FIRMNESS BY THE WEST IS PAYING OFF, AND HE COMMENDS AMERICAN AND ALLIED AIR CREWS WHO CONDUCTED NATO OPERATIONS FOR THEIR BRAVERY AND SKILL.

FROM DENVER, IT'S ON TO CALIFORNIA, WHERE HE WILL SEEK VOTES AND MONEY FOR HIS 1996 REELECTION CAMPAIGN. SINCE MONDAY, HE HAS COMBINED POLITICAL APPEARANCES, AT WHICH HE DENOUNCED REPUBLICAN BUDGET CUTS, WITH SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING APPEARANCES.

THIS WILL BE THE PRESIDENT'S TWENTIETH VISIT TO CALIFORNIA -- A POLITICALLY-VITAL STATE FOR THE PRESIDENT'S RE-ELECTION. (SIGNED)

NEB/BORG/LWM
20-Sep-95 9:06 PM EDT (0106 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
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[08] CROATIA/REFUGEES (L) BY KYLE KING ( ZAGREB )

INTRO: THE UNITED NATIONS HAS ACCUSED THE CROATIAN AND BOSNIAN GOVERNMENTS OF FORCIBLY RELOCATING REFUGEES FROM CROATIA TO AREAS OF BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. V-O-A'S KYLE KING REPORTS FROM ZAGREB U-N MONITORS ARE ALSO INVESTIGATING REPORTS OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AGAINST CROATIAN SERBS.

TEXT: U-N REFUGEE COMMISSION OFFICIALS SAY THE CROATIAN GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY EXPELLED SEVERAL GROUPS OF BOSNIANS WHO HAD TRIED TO TAKE REFUGEE IN CROATIA. MUSLIM REFUGEES WERE SENT TO THE BOSNIAN-MUSLIM TOWN OF BIHAC, WHILE HUNDREDS OF BOSNIAN-CROAT REFUGEES WERE REPORTEDLY SHIPPED OFF TO THE TOWN OF GLAMOC. U-N-H-C-R SPOKESMAN MANS NYBERG EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE REPATRIATIONS, WHICH HE SAYS ARE PART OF AN AGREEMENT REACHED WITH THE BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT.

THE FACT THAT THESE REFUGEES WERE NOT GIVEN A CHOICE TO REMAIN IN CROATIA UPON THEIR ARRIVAL THERE AND INSTEAD WERE RETURNED TO BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA, WITHOUT THEIR FULL CONSENT, IS TANTAMOUNT TO A VIOLATION OF FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPAL OF NON REFUSAL, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 33 OF THE 1951 GENEVA CONVENTION ON THE STATUS OF REFUGEES, TO WHICH CROATIA IS A PARTY.

U-N OFFICIALS SAY THEY HAVE PROTESTED THE CROATIAN ACTIONS, BUT THEY SAY AT LEAST TWO FURTHER INSTANCES OF REFUGEES FORCED BACK INTO BOSNIA HAVE BEEN REPORTED SINCE FOREIGN MINISTER MATE GRANIC PROMISED THEY WOULD BE STOPPED. U-N OFFICIALS SAY THEY ARE CONCERNED THE REFUGEES ARE BEING SENT BACK TO AREAS THAT ARE NOT SAFE AND WHERE CONDITIONS ARE VERY DIFFICULT. MEANWHILE, U-N OFFICIALS HAVE AGAIN ACCUSED THE CROATIAN GOVERNMENT OF MISTREATING THE FEW REMAINING SERBS WHO STAYED BEHIND WHEN THE ARMY RE-TOOK THE KRAJINA REGION IN AUGUST. SPOKESMAN ALEXANDER IVANKO SAYS CROATIAN AUTHORITIES ARE ALSO HINDERING U-N MONITORS TRYING TO OBSERVE WHAT IS HAPPENING.

THESE WORRYING REPORTS OF HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES OFTEN COME FROM VILLAGES WHERE MONITORS HAVE NO FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT AND SUBSEQUENTLY ARE UNABLE TO CLARIFY THE SITUATION ON THE GROUND. THE UNITED NATIONS URGES THE CROATIAN GOVERNMENT TO ALLOW IT FULL FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT IN SECTORS NORTH AND SOUTH, SO AS TO MONITOR THE SITUATION IN THE AREA.

CROATIAN AUTHORITIES HAVE REPEATEDLY DENIED REPORTS THEIR TROOPS ARE TRYING TO DRIVE ALL THE REMAINING SERBS OUT OF THE KRAJINA. DESPITE THEIR LIMITED ACCESS, U-N MONITORS AND WESTERN REPORTERS HAVE WITNESSED INSTANCES OF TROOPS BURNING AND LOOTING CROATIAN-SERB HOMES, AND CROATIAN SERBS HAVE DESCRIBED BEING THREATENED BY TROOPS AND CIVILIANS. THE INTERNATIONAL WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL IN THE HAGUE IS EXPECTED TO INVESTIGATE AT LEAST ONE INSTANCE OF CROAT TROOPS KILLING FIVE ELDERLY-SERB VILLAGERS IN THE PLEVNO VALLEY REGION, NEAR KNIN. (SIGNED)

NEB/KBK/MH/RAE
21-Sep-95 10:35 AM EDT (1435 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
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[09] PERRY/EUROPE (L ONLY) BY WAYNE COREY ( VIENNA )

INTRO: DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM PERRY HAS ENDED A VISIT TO CENTRAL EUROPE. HE SAYS THREE OF THE FOUR COUNTRIES HE VISITED ARE PRIME CANDIDATES FOR FUTURE MEMBERSHIP IN NATO. V-O-A'S CENTRAL EUROPEAN CORRESPONDENT, WAYNE COREY, REPORTS FROM VIENNA.

TEXT: SECRETARY PERRY'S LAST STOP ON HIS TRIP TO CENTRAL EUROPE WAS HUNGARY. DURING A NEWS CONFERENCE IN BUDAPEST, MR. PERRY TOLD HUNGARIANS THEIR COUNTRY SHOULD BE HIGH ON THE LIST OF CANDIDATES TO JOIN NATO.

IF YOU CAN CONTINUE TO MAKE THE PROGRESS YOU ARE MAKING, BY THE TIME NATO IS READY TO RECEIVE NEW MEMBERS, HUNGARY WILL BE READY TO JOIN AND WILL, THEREFORE, BE AMONG THE FIRST NATIONS TO JOIN AN EXPANDED NATO.

MR. PERRY PRAISES HUNGARY AS A VERY ACTIVE MEMBER OF NATO'S PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE PROGRAM. HE SAYS HE RECOGNIZES HUNGARY IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ITS TRANSITION TOWARD DEMOCRACY AND A MARKET ECONOMY. HE SAYS THE UNITED STATES IS WILLING TO HELP HUNGARY.

I UNDERSTAND IT IS DIFFICULT TO CONTINUE THIS PROGRESS, DIFFICULT IN THE AREA OF ECONOMIC REFORM IN PARTICULAR. IN MY MEETINGS WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, I HAVE URGED THEM TO STAY THE COURSE.

DURING EARLIER VISITS TO PRAGUE AND LJUBJLANA, MR. PERRY SAID THE CZECH REPUBLIC AND SLOVENIA ARE CLEARLY ENTITLED TO NATO MEMBERSHIP. HE PRAISED SLOVENIA, A FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC, AS A MODEL FOR OTHER COUNTRIES IN CENTRAL EUROPE. IN BRATISLAVA, THE U-S DEFENSE SECRETARY MADE IT CLEAR THAT SLOVAKIA MUST BE MORE DEMOCRATIC IF IT IS TO JOIN NATO. THE WESTERN ALLIANCE HAS PREPARED A BLUEPRINT FOR ITS EASTWARD EXPANSION AND FOR NEW MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS, BUT IN THE FACE OF RUSSIAN OPPOSITION THERE IS NO FIRM TIMETABLE FOR NATO'S ENLARGEMENT. (SIGNED)

NEB/WC/MH/RAE
21-Sep-95 10:45 AM EDT (1445 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
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[10] TURKEY / U-S JOURNALIST BY JOHN PITMAN (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: TURKEY HAS CHARGED AN AMERICAN JOURNALIST WITH PROVOKING RACIAL HATRED IN AN ARTICLE SHE WROTE ABOUT TURKEY'S MILITARY CAMPAIGN AGAINST KURDISH SEPARATISTS. ALIZA MARCUS OF THE REUTER NEWS AGENCY HAS BEEN ORDERED TO APPEAR BEFORE A STATE SECURITY COURT ON OCTOBER 12TH. SHE FACES UP TO THREE YEARS IN JAIL IF CONVICTED. THE CHARGES HAVE PROVOKED A STERN PROTEST FROM INTERNATIONAL JOURNALIST'S GROUPS. V-O-A'S JOHN PITMAN HAS THIS REPORT ON THE CHARGES AND THE PROTEST LETTER BEING SENT TO THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT.

TEXT: ACCORDING TO THE COMMITTEE TO PROTECT JOURNALISTS, THIS IS THE FIRST TIME A FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT WORKING IN TURKEY HAS BEEN CHARGED UNDER THE COUNTRY'S TOUGH CENSORSHIP LAWS.

MORE THAN 170 TURKISH JOURNALISTS AND WRITERS ARE SERVING PRISON SENTENCES FOR VIOLATING SECTION EIGHT OF TURKEY'S SO-CALLED ANTI-TERRORISM LAW. THAT SECTION PROHIBITS THE PUBLICATION OF KURDISH SEPARATIST PROPAGANDA.

MS. MARCUS WAS NOT CHARGED UNDER SECTION EIGHT, BUT UNDER ANOTHER ARTICLE IN THE PENAL CODE WHICH HAS ALSO BEEN USED TO PUNISH WRITERS. ARTICLE 312, PROHIBITS WORKS WHICH, IN ITS WORDS, "PROVOKE ENMITY AND HARTRED AMONG THE PEOPLE BY SHOWING RACIAL OR REGIONAL DIFFERENCES."

THE ARTICLE IN QUESTION DEALT WITH TURKEY'S MILITARY CAMPAIGN AGAINST KURDISH SEPARATISTS IN THE SOUTHEASTERN PART OF THE COUNTRY.

SPECIFICALLY, MS. MARCUS IS BEING CHARGED FOR ONE PARAGRAPH IN WHICH SHE WROTE THAT THE TURKISH ARMY REGULARLY EVACUATES AND DESTROYS KURDISH VILLAGES IN ITS HUNT FOR KURDISH GUERRILLAS. IN THE ARTICLE, WHICH WAS PUBLISHED BY REUTER ON NOVEMBER 25TH, 1994, SHE SUBSTANTIATED THE CLAIM WITH STATEMENTS FROM TURKISH HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS.

THE ARTICLE DID NOT ATTRACT MUCH ATTENTION, HOWEVER, UNTIL TWO DAYS LATER, WHEN IT WAS TRANSLATED INTO TURKISH AND PUBLISHED IN THE PRO-KURDISH NEWSPAPER, OZGUR ULKE. THAT PAPER HAS SINCE BEEN SHUT DOWN.

THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT HAS REFUSED TO COMMENT ON THE CHARGES AGAINST MS. MARCUS, SAYING A FULL EXPLANATION WILL BE DELIVERED IN COURT ON OCTOBER 12TH.

WILLIAM ORME (PRON: ORM, AS IN STORM) IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COMMITTEE TO PROTECT JOURNALISTS, WHICH HAS SENT A PROTEST LETTER TO ANKARA. HE SAYS THE CHARGES VIOLATE TURKEY'S OWN LAWS, WHICH STATE SUCH CHARGES MUST BE MADE WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF PUBLICATION. IT HAS NOW BEEN EIGHT MONTHS.

SECONDLY, IT IS A CONTRAVENTION OF INTERNATIONAL AND BILATERAL COVENANTS TO WHICH TURKEY IS A SIGNATORY. CLEARLY, THE RULES GOVERNING THE EXCHANGE OF FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS -- WHICH ARE BILATERAL CONSULAR AGREEMENTS -- EXPLICITLY PERMIT THOSE JOURNALISTS TO OPERATE FREELY. AND IF YOU FACE CRIMINAL PROSECUTION FOR SIMPLY REPORTING THE NEWS, YOU OBVIOUSLY CANNOT OPERATE FREELY.

FOR ITS PART, REUTER SAYS IT WILL ANSWER THE CHARGES WHEN THEY ARE MADE IN COURT. MS. MARCUS, MEANWHILE, CONTINUES TO WORK. ON THURSDAY, SHE FILED A STORY ABOUT THE TURKISH STOCK MARKET FROM ISTANBUL. (SIGNED)

NEB/JP/MMK
21-Sep-95 3:38 PM EDT (1938 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
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[11] U-S-BOSNIA-DIPLOMACY (L) BY RON PEMSTEIN (STATE DEPARTMENT)

INTRO: U-S DIPLOMAT RICHARD HOLBROOKE HAS BRIEFED TOP U-S FOREIGN POLICY ADVISERS AT THE WHITE HOUSE AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT ON THE CHANCES FOR GETTING PEACE TALKS STARTED IN THE BALKANS. V-O-A'S RON PEMSTEIN REPORTS FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT ON WHAT IS BEING DISCUSSED.

TEXT: RICHARD HOLBROOKE UNROLLED MAPS OF BOSNIA IN FRONT OF SECRETARY OF STATE WARREN CHRISTOPHER TO DEMONSTRATE THE CHANGES BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE MILITARY OFFENSIVE OF THE CROATIAN AND BOSNIAN GOVERNMENTS IN NORTHWEST BOSNIA. THE UNITED STATES IS HOPING THE NEW SITUATION ON THE GROUND WILL PERMIT THE FOCUS TO SHIFT TO DIPLOMACY AND BRING BOSNIA, CROATIA AND SERBIAN DOMINATED YUGOSLAVIA BACK TOGETHER TO DISCUSS THE AGENDA FOR PEACE TALKS.

STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN NICHOLAS BURNS SAYS THE UNITED STATES WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE INTERMEDIARY FOR THREE SIDES THAT REFUSE TO NEGOTIATE DIRECTLY.

NOW WE'VE GOT TO WORK TOWARD A PEACE CONFERENCE. WE'VE GOT TO WORK TOWARD A SITUATION WHERE THE PARTIES ELECT TO SIT DOWN TOGETHER AND TALK ABOUT THEIR DIFFERENCES AND TALK ABOUT HOW THEY CAN RESOLVE THOSE DIFFERENCES AND FORM A PERMANENT PEACE. TO DATE, UNTIL TODAY, THE PARTIES CROATIA AND BOSNIA AND SERBIA, THE BOSNIAN SERBS, HAVE BEEN TALKING THROUGH THE UNITED STATES AND TO THE UNITED STATES TO OUR NEGOTIATING TEAM ABOUT THE CONTACT GROUP MAP AND PLAN, ABOUT THE CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGES THAT WILL FACE A FUTURE BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA THAT WE HOPE WILL RESULT FROM A PEACE CONFERENCE AND I THINK THISPHASE WILL CONTINUE FOR SOME TIME.

MR. HOLBROOKE'S AIDES, CHRISTOPHER HILL AND ROBERTS OWEN, WILL RETURN TO THE BALKANS THIS WEEKEND TO CONTINUE THE DETAILED DISCUSSIONS ON THE MAP AND THE FUTURE CONSTITUTION. THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND MR. HOLBROOKE WILL CONTINUE THE NEGOTIATIONS NEXT WEEK IN NEW YORK DURING THE OPENING OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY DEBATE. THE SECRETARY OF STATE EXPECTS TO MEET ALL THREE SIDES SEPARATELY IN NEW YORK AND AN EFFORT IS BEING MADE TO BRING THE THREE TOGETHER FORTHE FIRST TIME SINCE SEPTEMBER 8TH WHEN THEY AGREED ON THE PRINCIPLES FOR PEACE TALKS IN GENEVA. THERE IS ALSO EXPECTED TO BE AMINISTERIAL MEETING OF THE FIVE-NATION BOSNIA CONTACT GROUP.

MR. BURNS SAYS THE UNITED STATES WILL NOT PUT THE CONTACT GROUP'S POLITICAL WEIGHT BEHIND A PEACE CONFERENCE UNTIL BOSNIA, CROATIA AND SERBIA AGREE ON A COMMON AGENDA BEYOND THE GENEVA FRAMEWORK. THE SPOKESMAN SAYS A GENERAL CEASEFIRE IS NOT A PRE-CONDITION FOR APEACE CONFERENCE.

IS IT AN ABSOLUTE PRE-CONDITION FOR A PEACE CONFERENCE, WE'VE NEVER SET THAT DOWN AS A CONDITION. IN FACT, I WOULD JUST REMIND YOU WE HAD A GENEVA MEETING WHILE NATO WAS BOMBING THE BOSNIAN SERBS. WE HAD A VERY SUCCESSFUL ROUND OF SHUTTLE DIPLOMACY WHILE THAT WAS HAPPENING. SO WE'LL TAKE A PEACE CONFERENCE WHENEVER WE CAN GET IT,WHENEVER THE PARTIES ARE READY FOR IT AND THE TIME IS RIGHT.

THE TIME MAY NEVER BE RIGHT ON THE BOSNIAN BATTLEFIELD BUT THE STATE DEPARTMENT FEELS THIS IS THE BEST TIME TO PUSH FOR PEACE TALKS.(SIGNED) NEB/PT 21-Sep-95 4:52 PM EDT (2052 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
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[12] U-S / NATO / BOSNIA (L-ONLY) BY DAVID SWAN (PENTAGON)

INTRO: THE TOP U-S MILITARY OFFICER SAYS RUSSIA SHOULD PLAY A KEY PART IN A PEACEKEEPING FORCE FOR BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA, ONCE THE WARRING FACTIONS AGREE ON A SETTLEMENT. GENERAL JOHN SHALIKASHVILI TESTIFIED AT A SENATE HEARING (THURSDAY), THE DAY AFTER BOSNIAN SERBS FINISHED WITHDRAWING HEAVY WEAPONS FROM SARAJEVO. PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT DAVID SWAN HAS DETAILS.

TEXT: THOUGH FIGHTING CONTINUES, AND THE SERBS ARE STILL UNDER THREAT OF NATO AIR STRIKES, THE ALLIES ARE MAKING PLANS TO ENFORCE AN EVENTUAL PEACE ACCORD. AMONG THE MANY UNANSWERED QUESTIONS IS WHETHER RUSSIAN TROOPS WILL JOIN THE MISSION. GENERAL SHALIKASHVILI, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF, SAYS THE WEST IS HOPING TO FIND A WAY TO BRING THE RUSSIANS IN.

WE HAVE, I THINK WITH THE DYNAMICS IN THE REGION, A SITUATION WHERE IT WOULD BE TO EVERYBODY'S ADVANTAGE IF THE RUSSIANS PLAYED A CONSTRUCTIVE, ACTIVE ROLE IN THE PEACE IMPLEMENTATION. IT IS OF COURSE A VERY DIFFICULT ISSUE.

THE PROBLEM LIES IN THE CHAIN OF COMMAND. THE UNITED STATES AND ITS ALLIES INSIST THE OPERATION BE UNDER THEIR CONTROL. RUSSIA'S ENVOY TO NATO, VITALY CHURKIN, SAYS MOSCOW IS NOT LIKELY TO ACCEPT SUCH A SYSTEM.

THE SIZE OF THE PEACEKEEPING ARMY AND THE NUMBER OF AMERICAN TROOPS INVOLVED ARE ALSO UNCLEAR. THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION SAYS IT IS READY TO PROVIDE UP TO HALF THE TOTAL PERSONNEL BUT NO MORE THAN 25-THOUSAND. SOME OFFICIALS SAY THE U-S CONTINGENT COULD BE CLOSER TO 15-THOUSAND. GENERAL SHALIKASHVILI SAYS THE FORCE MUST BE BIG ENOUGH AND WELL-ARMED ENOUGH TO HANDLE ANY THREAT -- UNLIKE THE U-N TROOPS IN BOSNIA NOW.

SO THAT WHEN THEY HAVE TO GO IN THEY ARE ROBUST ENOUGH TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS AND TO ENSURE THE FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT SO THAT THEY DON'T GET PUSHED AROUND LIKE UNPROFOR HAS BEEN PUSHED AROUND.

THE GENERAL AND OTHER OFFICIALS ARGUE THE PEACEKEEPING EFFORT CANNOT SUCCEED WITHOUT AMERICAN LEADERSHIP. HOWEVER, REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS ARE ALREADY CONCERNED ABOUT DEEPER INVOLVEMENT IN THE WAR.

AT THURSDAY'S HEARING, SEVERAL SENATORS SAID BOSNIA COULD BE LIKE SOMALIA, WHERE U-S SOLDIERS DIED AND A U-N MISSION FAILED. REPUBLICAN JOHN MCCAIN ASKED WHY AMERICAN TROOPS SHOULD BE IN BOSNIA AT ALL.

WHY CAN'T THE EUROPEANS CARRY OUT THESE PEACEKEEPING DUTIES THEMSELVES? WHY IS IT THAT A UNITED STATES PRESENCE IS REQUIRED?

THE LAWMAKERS SAY CONGRESS MUST APPROVE ANY COMMITMENT OF U-S PEACEKEEPERS. THE ADMINISTRATION HAS PLEDGED TO CONSULT THE HOUSE AND SENATE BUT REPUBLICANS SAY CONSULTATION IS NOT ENOUGH. (SIGNED)

NEB/DS/LTJ/MMK
21-Sep-95 2:48 PM EDT (1848 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America