Voice of America, 12 July 1996

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From: The Voice of America <gopher://gopher.voa.gov>

CONTENTS

[01] FRIDAY'S EDITORIALS BY DAN NOBLE (WASHINGTON)

[02] BOSNIA / GERMANY (S ONLY) BY KYLE KING (BONN)

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

[04] BOSNIA/NATO SHORT BY DAVID FOLEY (SARAJEVO)

[05] CLINTON / BOSNIA (S ONLY) BY DEBORAH TATE (WHITE HOUSE)

[06] E-U / BEEF (L ONLY) BY JOHN FRASER (BRUSSELS)

[07] E-U / CUBA (L-O) BY JOHN FRASER (BRUSSELS)

[08] ITALY POLITICS (L-ONLY) BY PEGGY POLK (ROME)

[09] PERRY/BOSNIA (L-ONLY) BY DAVID GOLLUST (PENTAGON)

[10] U-N WEEK-IN-REVIEW BY ELAINE JOHANSON (UNITED NATIONS)

[11] YUGO WAR CRIMES (L-ONLY) BY GILLIAN SHARPE (THE HAGUE)

[01] FRIDAY'S EDITORIALS BY DAN NOBLE (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: AMERICAN NEWSPAPER EDITORIAL WRITERS CONTINUE TO COMMENT ON ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU'S VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES. OTHER TOPICS TODAY INCLUDE THE VIOLENCE IN NORTHERN IRELAND AND U-S NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER ANTHONY LAKE'S TRIP TO CHINA. NOW, HERE WITH SOME QUOTES AND A CLOSER LOOK IS _______________ AND TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

TEXT: THE PORTLAND (MAINE) PRESS HERALD COMMENTS THAT IN HIS ADDRESS BEFORE THE MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU "LEFT THE WAY OPEN FOR THE PURSUIT OF PEACE UNDER TERMS OF THE OSLO ACCORD."

VOICE: "THESE INCLUDE CONTINUING THE PROCESS OF RETURNING THE WEST BANK TO PALESTINIAN CONTROL -- AS LONG AS ISRAELI SECURITY IS NOT THREATENED AND MAKING MORE PEACE AGREEMENTS WITH THE ARAB STATES... THE PRIME MINISTER IS RIGHT TO INSIST THE CULTURE OF VIOLENCE MUST BE REPLACED WITH THE CULTURE OF PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST. TERROR HAS NO PLACE AMONG PEOPLES WHO ARE SEEKING PEACE, AS EVEN YASSER ARAFAT, THE P-L-O CHAIRMAN, HAS RECOGNIZED. STILL, PEACE HAS TO BE MORE THAN THE ABSENCE OF WAR. AS SEN. BILL COHEN TOLD THE FIRST AMERICAN-ARAB DIALOGUE IN CAIRO THIS WEEK, A COLD PEACE MAY DIFFER LITTLE FROM A COLD WAR. IT IS TIME FOR A REAL PEACE TO BEGIN, AND THE NEW ISRAELI GOVERNMENT CAN HELP LEAD THE WAY."

TEXT: IN ITS LEAD EDITORIAL FRIDAY, THE NEW YORK DAILY NEWS SAYS THAT MR. NETANYAHU HAS USED HIS VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES "TO REITERATE COMMON SENSE."

VOICE: "TO WIT, THAT ISRAEL CANNOT BE EXPECTED TO WATCH ITS BLOOD BE SHED IN EXCHANGE FOR EMPTY PROMISES OF PEACE. HE DELIVERS THAT MESSAGE IN FLAWLESS AMERICAN ENGLISH, HONED AS A STUDENT AT M-I-T AND THEN AS ISRAELI U-N AMBASSADOR. CONSIDERABLE MEDIA SAVVY ONLY ADDS TO THE SENSE OF A MAN DEEPLY CONVINCED HE'S ON SOUND FOOTING, AS WELL HE SHOULD BE. FOR NETANYAHU IS SIMPLY FULFILLING THE CAMPAIGN PROMISES THAT WON HIM AN ELECTION MANDATE. [OPT] ULTIMATELY, OF COURSE, NETANYAHU MUST DO MORE THAN MAKE DEMANDS OF ARAB LEADERS. HE SAYS HE HAS A PLAN TO MOVE THE PROCESS FORWARD. AFTER HE SPELLS OUT DETAILS, HE WILL FACE THE CHALLENGE OF DEMONSTRATING THE POLITICAL SKILLS TO IMPLEMENT THEM. AN EARLY TEST WILL BE JEWISH SETTLEMENTS ON DISPUTED LAND. HE SAYS THEIR NATURAL GROWTH IS TO BE EXPECTED. BUT WHAT IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS IS THE CALL BY SOME -- INCLUDING MEMBERS OF HIS CABINET -- TO PLANT NEW ONES. FOR NOW, NETANYAHU'S PROMISE TO ABIDE BY THE AGREEMENTS HIS PREDECESSORS SIGNED IS ENCOURAGING. ON THAT SCORE ALONE, ALL AMERICANS HAVE A REASON TO WISH HIM GODSPEED." [END OPT]

TEXT: TRUDY RUBIN, A COLUMNIST FOR THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, SAYS THAT MR. NETANYAHU IS TELLING ARABS THAT "THE BEST THAT PALESTINIANS CAN HOPE FOR IS LIMITED AUTONOMY" -- AND THAT IS NOT GOOD:

VOICE: "THIS LEAVES THEM WITHOUT CIVIC RIGHTS: UNDER AUTONOMY, THEIR ELECTED OFFICIALS CAN MAKE NO LAWS, NOR DO THEY CONTROL COMMERCE OR THE ECONOMY. WHILE NETANYAHU URGES ARAB NATIONS TO ADOPT DEMOCRACY, HE EFFECTIVELY RULES DEMOCRACY OUT FOR THE PALESTINIANS, SUGGESTING THAT THEY REMAIN IN A PERMANENT LIMBO. [OPT] IT WAS THIS PROBLEM -- ISRAEL'S RULE OVER TWO-POINT-TWO MILLION UNWILLING PALESTINIANS -- THAT PUSHED SHIMON PERES INTO NEGOTIATIONS WITH ARAFAT. IT IS A PROBLEM FOR WHICH NETANYAHU HAS YET TO PRODUCE AN ANSWER. [END OPT] OFFERING PALESTINIANS NO HOPE IS LIKE FLASHING A GREEN LIGHT TO TERRORISTS. IT DISMAYS JORDAN, WHICH HAS MADE A FULL AND WARM PEACE WITH ISRAEL AND IS DEVELOPING DEMOCRACY. IT MEANS VIOLENCE AHEAD."

TEXT: THE BOSTON GLOBE IS CONCERNED ABOUT THIS WEEK'S UPSURGE OF VIOLENCE IN NORTHERN IRELAND. THE NEWSPAPER TELLS READERS THAT "THE VICTORY OF THE PROTESTANT KING WILLIAM OF ORANGE OVER HIS CATHOLIC PREDECESSOR, JAMES II, IN 1690 SHOULD BE A SUBJECT OF HISTORICAL ANALYSIS, NOT SECTARIAN GLOATING." BUT, SAYS THE NEWSPAPER, "PROTESTANTS OF THE ORANGE ORDER IN NORTHERN IRELAND ARE USING THE VICTORY'S ANNIVERSARY TO UNDERMINE A PEACE PROCESS ALREADY DAMAGED BY THE BOMBS OF THE IRISH REPUBLICAN ARMY." MARCHES HELD BY THE GROUP "SHOULD BE FAR FROM ANY NEIGHBORHOODS THAT MIGHT TAKE OFFENSE."

VOICE: "THE ORANGEMEN DEFEND THE MARCH AS A SIMPLE CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM... BUT THE PORTADOWN MARCH AND THE OTHERS THAT PROVOCATIVELY WENT THEIR WAY PAST CATHOLIC AREAS ARE ALSO SYMBOLS OF PROTESTANT DOMINANCE IN NORTHERN IRELAND. IN THE FACE OF A VIRTUAL SHUTDOWN OF THE PROVINCE BY PROTESTANT VIOLENCE, THE POLICE ALLOWED THE MARCH TO PROCEED YESTERDAY DESPITE PROTESTS OF CATHOLIC RESIDENTS. THE CONCESSION WAS INTENDED TO BUY PEACE TODAY, THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE AND THE CLIMAX OF ORANGE CELEBRATIONS. WHATEVER HAPPENS IN THE COMING DAYS, MEMBERS OF THE ORANGE ORDER HAVE SHOWN THAT THEY ARE NOT YET WILLING TO COMMIT THEMSELVES TO THE POLICIES OF TOLERANCE THAT ARE NECESSARY FOR THE ANCIENT CONFLICT TO BE RESOLVED. LIKE THEIR ADVERSARIES IN THE I-R-A, THE ORANGEMEN CLING TO FAMILIAR RITUALS AT THE EXPENSE OF A MORE UNCERTAIN BUT FAR MORE HOPEFUL FUTURE."

TEXT: ANTHONY LAKE, PRESIDENT CLINTON'S NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER, IS MEETING WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS IN BEIJING. THE BALTIMORE SUN EDITORIALIZES THAT "THE U-S AND CHINA HAVE A MUTUAL INTEREST IN MANAGING THEIR RELATIONSHIP IN A MANNER NOT INJURIOUS TO THEIR OWN INTERESTS OR TO THE WORLD..."

VOICE: "THE WORST OBSTACLE TO CORDIALITY HAS BEEN TAIWAN. REPORTEDLY, THE LAKE TRIP BUILT ON PREVIOUS UNDERSTANDINGS PRIVATELY REACHED THAT CHINA WILL NOT INVADE TAIWAN AND THE UNITED STATES WILL NOT RECOGNIZE TAIWAN AS SOVEREIGN. SIGNIFICANTLY, CHINA RENEWED AN OVERTURE TO TAIPEI TO RESUME DIALOGUE -- WHICH BEIJING HAD BROKEN OFF -- WHILE MR. LAKE WAS IN CHINA. CHINA'S BELLICOSE TERRITORIAL DISPUTES WITH SMALLER NEIGHBORS OVER SEABEDS HOLDING OIL RESERVES IS ANOTHER POTENTIAL THREAT TO CIVIL RELATIONS WITH THE WORLD COMMUNITY, THOUGH IT DOES NOT YET LOOM SO LARGE. MORE DAMAGING NOW IS CHINA'S SALE OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY AND STRATEGIC DELIVERY SYSTEMS THAT THREATEN NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION. SIGNIFICANT UNDERSTANDING IN THIS AREA APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN MADE."

TEXT: TURNIING TO THE BOSNIA WAR CRIMES ISSUE, THE HEADLINE OF AN EDITORIAL APPEARING IN TODAY'S NEW YORK TIMES SAYS: "GET SERIOUS ABOUT MR. KARADZIC."

VOICE: "THE MAJOR POWERS AGREED THIS WEEK IN LONDON THAT RADOVAN KARADZIC, THE BOSNIAN SERB POLITICAL LEADER, BELONGS IN THE HAGUE STANDING TRIAL FOR WAR CRIMES, INCLUDING THE MASS KILLING OF CIVILIANS IN SREBRENICA ONE YEAR AGO THIS WEEK. YET THE AMERICAN, BRITISH, FRENCH, GERMAN AND RUSSIAN GOVERNMENTS FAILED TO AGREE ON ANY NEW DIPLOMATIC OR ECONOMIC PRESSURE TO ACHIEVE THIS WORTHY GOAL. IT IS A SADLY FAMILIAR PATTERN. BUT WITH THE ELECTIONS THAT WILL PROBABLY DETERMINE THE ULTIMATE SUCCESS OF THE BOSNIAN PEACE AGREEMENT NOW ONLY TWO MONTHS OFF, THERE IS VERY LITTLE TIME LEFT FOR SUCH EMPTY POSTURING. MUSCULAR DIPLOMACY, INCLUDING ECONOMIC SANCTIONS, AND HIGH-LEVEL ARM-TWISTING, ARE NEEDED -- STARTING AT ONCE."

TEXT: LAST MARCH, THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS PASSED THE CUBAN LIBERTY AND DEMOCRATIC SOLIDARITY ACT. PRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNED IT INTO LAW. KNOWN AS HELMS-BURTON, AFTER ITS SPONSORS, THE LEGISLATION IS DESIGNED TO PENALIZE FOREIGN COMPANIES WHOSE COMMERCIAL DEALINGS WITH CUBA INVOLVE THE USE OF PROPERTIES CONFISCATED BY FIDEL CASTRO FROM AMERICAN FIRMS OR FROM CUBAN EXILES NOW LIVING IN THE UNITED STATES. THE NEW YORK POST NOTES THAT, "NOT SURPRISINGLY, AMERICAN ALLIES ENGAGED IN COMMERCE WITH CUBA HAVEN'T BEEN RETICENT ABOUT EXPRESSING THEIR DISMAY."

VOICE: "FROM THE OUTSET, CANADA HAS BEEN ESPECIALLY OUTSPOKEN IN ITS PROTESTS. AND NOW, OTTAWA HAS GENUINE REASON TO BE DISTRESSED. ON WEDNESDAY, THE STATE DEPARTMENT INFORMED TOP EXECUTIVES OF THE CALGARY-BASED SHERRITT INTERNATIONAL CORP. -- A MINING COMPANY THAT OPERATES PROPERTIES SEIZED FROM THE FIRM NOW KNOWN AS FREEPORT-MCMORAN -- THAT THEY WILL BE BARRED FROM ENTERING THE U.S.... IN OUR VIEW, THE BILL IS AN EMINENTLY REASONABLE PIECE OF LEGISLATION. IN ADDITION TO OFFERING CASTRO'S ECONOMIC VICTIMS A MODICUM OF JUSTICE, IT WILL LIKELY STRIKE YET ANOTHER BLOW AT THE TEETERING CUBAN POLICE STATE. THE DAYS OF THIS HEMISPHERE'S LAST STALINIST ARE NUMBERED. IF HELMS-BURTON HASTENS FIDEL'S COLLAPSE, IT WILL HAVE PERFORMED A SINGULAR SERVICE. MEANWHILE, IF CANADA OR ITALY OR ANY OTHER DEMOCRACY WANTS TO RETALIATE AGAINST WASHINGTON FOR FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT, SO BE IT."

TEXT: AND WITH THAT EDITORIAL FROM THE NEW YORK POST, WE CONCLUDE THIS BRIEF SAMPLING OF EDITORIALS FROM TODAY'S U-S PRESS.
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12-Jul-96 11:04 AM EDT (1504 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[02] BOSNIA / GERMANY (S ONLY) BY KYLE KING (BONN)

INTRO: A MEMBER OF THE GERMAN PARLIAMENT SAYS NATO PEACEKEEPING TROOPS IN BOSNIA SHOULD ARREST BOSNIAN SERB LEADER RADOVAN KARADZIC. AS V-O-A'S KYLE KING REPORTS FROM BONN, THE INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL'S DECISION TO ISSUE ARREST WARRANTS FOR MR. KARADZIC AND HIS MILITARY CHIEF RATKO MLADIC, HAS TOUCHED OFF A LIVELY DEBATE IN GERMANY.

TEXT: PARLIAMENTARY DEPUTY CHRISTIAN SCHWARZ-SCHILLING SAYS IT WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE TO HAVE DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS IN BOSNIA IF BOSNIAN SERB LEADER RADOVAN KARADZIC IS NOT ARRESTED.

TO SEE HOW ABSURD IT IS TO ALLOW MR. KARADZIC TO REMAIN IN POWER, MR. SCHWARZ-SCHILLING SAYS, ONE ONLY NEEDS TO IMAGINE FORMER NAZI S-S LEADER HEINRICH HIMMLER TAKING PART IN GERMANY'S FIRST POST WAR ELECTIONS.

ALTHOUGH SOME OTHER MEMBERS OF THE GERMAN PARLIAMENT HAVE BACKED MR. SCHWARZ-SCHILLING'S CALL FOR THE ARREST OF MR. KARADZIC, GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER KLAUS KINKEL SAYS HE IS OPPOSED TO THE IDEA.

MR. KINKEL SAYS THE INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL'S DECISION TO ISSUE ARREST WARRANTS FOR MR. KARADZIC AND HIS MILITARY CHIEF RATKO MLADIC HAVE NOT CHANGED THE MISSION OF NATO PEACEKEEPING TROOPS IN BOSNIA.

MR. KINKEL, INSTEAD, URGED SERBIAN PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC TO DELIVER THE TWO WAR CRIMES SUSPECTS TO THE HAGUE. UNLESS MR. MILOSEVIC LIVES UP TO HIS PLEDGE TO DO SO, HE SAYS, THE WEST SHOULD MAKE IT CLEAR THAT ECONOMIC SANCTIONS COULD BE REIMPOSED. (SIGNED)
NEB/KBK/JWH/MMK
12-Jul-96 8:44 AM EDT (1244 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: A SENIOR UNITED NATIONS OFFICIAL HAS CRITICIZED NATO COMMANDERS IN BOSNIA FOR FAILING TO PROVIDE SECURITY FOR A TEAM OF INVESTIGATORS RECOVERING MUSLIM BODIES FROM AROUND SREBRENICA. AS DAVID FOLEY REPORTS FROM SARAJEVO, THE TEAM OF EXPERTS LEFT BOSNIA EARLIER THIS WEEK AFTER ONLY ONE DAY OF WORK.

TEXT: EARLIER THIS WEEK, THE TEAM OF FINNISH EXPERTS ENDED ITS MISSION TO RECOVER MUSLIM BODIES STILL LYING ON THE HILLS AROUND SREBRENICA, BECAUSE, THEY SAID, BOSNIAN SERB OFFICIALS REFUSED TO GUARANTEE THE TEAM'S SAFETY.

THE U-N OFFICIAL RESPONSIBLE FOR MISSING PERSONS, MANFRED NOWAK, SAYS THE MISSION ALSO COLLAPSED BECAUSE NATO COMMANDERS REFUSED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT SECURITY.

WE HAD REQUESTED FOR MANY MONTHS THAT THIS IS AN IMPORTANT PILOT PROJECT, AND WE WOULD NEED INDIVIDUAL SECURITY.

AT THE SAME PRESS CONFERENCE NATO SPOKESMAN LIEUTENANT COLONEL MAX MARRINER REJECTED MR. NOWAK'S CRITICISM.

WHAT WE HAVE IS A GENERAL SECURITY POLICY. WE WILL PROVIDE GENERAL SECURITY IN AN AREA. WE ARE NOT IN THE BUSINESS OF INDIVIDUAL SECURITY.

BUT DESPITE SUCH DENIALS, NATO IS CURRENTLY PROVIDING WHAT IS CLEARLY INDIVIDUAL SECURITY FOR A TEAM OF WAR CRIMES INVESTIGATORS NOW EXHUMING BODIES FROM A MASS GRAVE NEAR SREBRENICA. NATO OFFICERS SAY THAT AFTER THE COLLAPSE OF THE FINNISH EFFORT, THEY WILL REVIEW THEIR POLICY ON PROVIDING SECURITY SUPPORT TO HUMANITARIAN MISSIONS.

ALSO ON FRIDAY, INTERNATIONAL ELECTION OFFICIALS IN BOSNIA CONDEMNED THE RULING MUSLIM POLITICAL PARTY, KNOWN AS THE S-D-A, FOR AN ATTACK LAST MONTH AGAINST FORMER PRIME MINISTER HARIS SILAJDZIC.

MR. SILAJDZIC, NOW THE LEADER OF THE MAIN OPPOSITION POLITICAL PARTY, WAS INJURED WHEN HE WAS STRUCK ON THE HEAD WITH AN IRON BAR DURING WHAT ELECTION OFFICIALS SAY WAS A RIOT BY S-D-A MEMBERS TRYING TO DISRUPT A CAMPAIGN APPEARANCE IN CAZIN IN NORTHWESTERN BOSNIA.

JOANNA VAN VLIET, THE SPOKESWOMAN FOR THE ELECTION ORGANIZERS, ANNOUNCED THE PUNISHMENT IMPOSED BY THE ELECTION APPEALS SUB-COMMISSION.

AS A PENALTY, THE SUB-COMMISSION HAS ORDERED THAT THE FIRST SEVEN NAMES ON THE PARTY LIST OF THE S-D-A FOR MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS IN CAZIN BE REMOVED AND THEIR CANDIDACIES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE TERMINATED.

THE DECISION IS CERTAIN TO INFURIATE THE BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT, BUT THE DECISION IS FINAL. OBSERVERS SAY THAT WITH CAMPAIGNING JUST BEGINNING HERE, THE MOVE DEMONSTRATES TO THE PARTIES THAT THERE IS PRICE FOR POLITICAL DIRTY TRICKS. (SIGNED)
NEB/DF/JWH/MMK
12-Jul-96 10:35 AM EDT (1435 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[04] BOSNIA/NATO SHORT BY DAVID FOLEY (SARAJEVO)

INTRO: UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICIALS IN BOSNIA HAVE CRITICIZED NATO COMMANDERS FOR FAILING TO PROVIDE SECURITY FOR INVESTIGATORS RECOVERING MUSLIM BODIES FROM MAKESHIFT GRAVES AROUND SREBRENICA. A TEAM OF FINNISH EXPERTS HAD TO LEAVE BOSNIA EARLIER THIS WEEK AFTER ONLY ONE DAY OF WORK, AND NATO OFFICERS SAYS THEY ARE RE-EVALUATING THE POLICY ON NATO SUPPORT FOR HUMANITARIAN AGENCIES. DAVID FOLEY REPORTS FROM SARAJEVO.

TEXT: EARLIER THIS WEEK THE TEAM OF FINNISH EXPERTS ENDED THEIR MISSION TO RECOVER MUSLIM BODIES STILL LYING ON THE HILLS AROUND SREBRENICA, BECAUSE BOSNIAN SERBS OFFICIALS REFUSED TO GUARANTEE THE TEAM'S SAFETY.

NOW THE U-N OFFICIAL RESPONSIBLE FOR MISSING PERSONS, MANFRED NOWAK, SAYS THE MISSION ALSO COLLAPSED BECAUSE NATO COMMANDERS REFUSED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT SECURITY.

WE HAD REQUESTED, FOR MANY MONTHS, THAT THIS IS AN IMPORTANT PILOT PROJECT AND WE WOULD NEED INDIVIDUAL SECURITY.

AT THE SAME PRESS CONFERENCE, NATO SPOKESMEN REJECTED MR. NOWAK'S CRITICISM, INSISTING NATO WOULD ONLY PROVIDE GENERAL SECURITY IN AN AREA. DESPITE SUCH CLAIMS, NATO TROOPS ARE CLEARLY GUARDING WAR CRIMES INVESTIGATORS WHO ARE EXHUMING A MASS GRAVE NEAR SREBRENICA. UNDER THE DAYTON AGREEMENT, NATO COMMANDERS CAN, IF THEY WANT, PROVIDE ANY LEVEL OF SECURITY TO HUMANITARIAN PROJECTS.

NATO OFFICERS SAY THEY ARE NOW REVIEWING THEIR POLICY, BUT THE COLLAPSE OF THE FINNISH EFFORT IS CERTAIN TO LEAD TO INCREASED PRESSURE FOR NATO TO TAKE A LESS TIMID POSTURE IN BOSNIA. (SIGNED)
NEB/DF/PCF/CF
12-Jul-96 9:34 AM EDT (1334 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[05] CLINTON / BOSNIA (S ONLY) BY DEBORAH TATE (WHITE HOUSE)

INTRO: PRESIDENT CLINTON HAS WRITTEN A LETTER TO THE WOMEN OF THE BOSNIAN TOWN OF SREBRENICA, WHO MARKED THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY THURSDAY OF THE FALL OF THE FORMER MUSLIM ENCLAVE TO BOSNIAN SERBS. MR. CLINTON PAID TRIBUTE TO THE COURAGE AND STRENGTH OF THE WOMEN, MANY OF WHOM LOST LOVED ONES IN THE TAKE-OVER OF THE TOWN. UP TO SEVEN-THOUSAND MOSTLY MUSLIM MEN WERE KILLED. V-O-A WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT DEBORAH TATE REPORTS ON THE CONTENTS OF THE PRESIDENT'S LETTER.

TEXT: PRESIDENT CLINTON SAYS HE AND HIS WIFE, HILLARY, STAND WITH THE WOMEN OF SREBRENICA, TELLING THEM THEY ARE NOT ALONE.

MR. CLINTON TOLD THE WOMEN THERE CAN BE NO JUSTIFICATION FOR WHAT HE DESCRIBES AS THE BARBARIC TERROR THEY AND THEIR LOVED ONES HAVE ENDURED, OR FOR THE LOSSES THEY CONTINUE TO SUFFER.

THE PRESIDENT SAYS THE UNITED STATES AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ARE COMMITTED TO HELPING FIND THE MISSING BOYS AND MEN OF SREBRENICA.

HE ALSO NOTES INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS TO REBUILD BOSNIA AND REUNITE THE COUNTRY. BUT HE SAYS THE JOB CANNOT BE DONE WITHOUT THE BOSNIANS THEMSELVES, TO HELP -- IN HIS WORDS -- REPAIR THE FABRIC OF LIFE THAT HAS BEEN RIPPED INTO SHREDS BY AGGRESSION AND HATE.

MR. CLINTON PRAISED THE WOMEN OF SREBRENICA FOR THEIR EFFORTS TO REACH OUT TO WOMEN ACROSS BOSNIA TO CREATE A BETTER FUTURE FOR THEIR COUNTRY -- A FUTURE, HE SAYS -- OF COMPASSION AND HOPE.
NEB/DAT/KL
11-Jul-96 7:41 PM EDT (2341 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[06] E-U / BEEF (L ONLY) BY JOHN FRASER (BRUSSELS)

INTRO: THE EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE HAS RULED THAT THE EUROPEAN UNION'S BAN ON BRITISH BEEF EXPORTS MUST STAY. JOHN FRASER REPORTS FROM BRUSSELS.

TEXT: THE EUROPEAN COURT RULING MEANS THE BEEF BAN IS LIKELY TO REMAIN IN PLACE FOR MONTHS, WHILE BRITAIN IS FORCED TO MEET A LIST OF EUROPEAN DEMANDS FOR TOUGH MEASURES TO DEAL WITH THE MAD COW DISEASE -- B-S-E.

THESE INCLUDE TIGHTER CONTROLS ON SLAUGHTER HOUSES AND THE KILLING OF MILLIONS OF CATTLE.

THE EUROPEAN JUDGES WHO HEARD THE CASE STRESSED THE PRIMARY IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC HEALTH, AND THEY SAID THAT WHILE THEY RECOGNISE THE DAMAGE THE BAN IS DOING TO THE BRITISH ECONOMY, IT IS NONETHELESS JUSTIFIED.

THEY SAID THAT WHILE DOUBTS REMAIN THAT MAD COW DISEASE MAY BE TRANSMISSIBLE TO HUMANS, THE BAN IS JUSTIFIED TO CONTAIN B-S-E WHILE ERADICATION MEASURES ARE BEING INTRODUCED.

THEY CONCLUDED THAT THEY HAD NO HESITATION IN RULING AGAINST THE SUSPENSION OF THE BEEF BAN.

THE RULING MEANS THAT BRITISH BEEF EXPORTS TO THE REST OF EUROPE ARE BANNED -- WITH THE EXCEPTIONS OF BULL SEMEN, TALLOW, AND GELATIN -- WHICH ARE REGARDED BY THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION AS SAFE, PROVIDING THAT TOUGH RULES ARE FOLLOWED IN THE PREPARATION OF GELATIN AND TALLOW.

THE RULING ALSO MEANS THAT IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR THE BRITISH TO EXPORT THEIR BEEF ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD.

IT HAD BEEN THOUGHT THAT THE OTHER E-U NATIONS AGREED TO EASE THE WORLDWIDE BAN ON EXPORTS DURING LAST MONTH'S E-U SUMMIT IN FLORENCE. HOWEVER, THE E-U COMMISSION SAID TODAY THIS IS NOT THE CASE. IT SAID THERE IS NO OBLIGATION ON E-U OFFICIALS TO APPROVE REQUESTS FOR THE TRADE TO RESUME.

SOME COUNTRIES, INCLUDING SOUTH AFRICA, HAVE INDICATED THEY MIGHT BE WILLING TO RESUME THE BEEF TRADE WITH BRITAIN. HOWEVER, OBSERVERS SAY THE E-U COURT RULING AND THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION STATEMENT MAKE IT APPEAR IT WILL BE SOME TIME BEFORE THERE WILL BE ANY FURTHER RELAXATION OF THE BEEF BAN. (SIGNED)
NEB/JF/JWH/MMK
12-Jul-96 10:08 AM EDT (1408 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[07] E-U / CUBA (L-O) BY JOHN FRASER (BRUSSELS)

INTRO: E-U COMMISSION PRESIDENT JACQUES SANTER FRIDAY LODGED A FRESH PROTEST WITH WASHINGTON OVER A NEW AMERICAN LAW WHICH PUNISHES BUSINESSMEN OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES FOR DEALING WITH CUBA. THE ISSUE IS EXPECTED TO DOMINATE A MEETING OF EUROPEAN FOREIGN MINISTERS IN BRUSSELS NEXT WEEK. FROM BRUSSELS, JOHN FRASER REPORTS.

TEXT: THE LEGISLATION, KNOWN AS THE HELMS-BURTON ACT, WAS INTRODUCED IN THE UNITED STATES TO TIGHTEN PRESSURE ON CUBA AFTER THE AUTHORITIES IN HAVANA ALLOWED TWO LIGHT AIRCRAFT TO BE SHOT DOWN.

THE LEGISLATION ENABLES SANCTIONS TO BE SLAPPED ON FIRMS AND INDIVIDUALS INVESTING IN CUBA, EVEN IF THEY'RE NOT BASED IN AMERICA. THUS, RECENT SANCTIONS AGAINST NINE EXECUTIVES OF A CANADIAN MINING FIRM, SHERRITT INTERNATIONAL, INVOLVED THE REMOVAL OF THE RIGHT TO ENTER THE UNITED STATES.

EUROPEAN UNION FOREIGN MINISTERS MEET IN BRUSSELS NEXT WEEK TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE RETALIATION AGAINST THE U-S TRADE LAW. THIS COULD INVOLVE TRADE SANCTIONS, VISA CONTROLS, A COMPLAINT TO THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION, OR ACTION AGAINST AMERICAN FIRMS OPERATING IN EUROPE.

IN ADVANCE OF MONDAY'S MEETING OF EUROPEAN FOREIGN MINISTERS, E-U COMMISSION PRESIDENT JACQUES SANTER HAS SENT A FRESH PROTEST TO PRESIDENT CLINTON.

MR. SANTER CALLED ON THE PRESIDENT TO ORDER A SIX-MONTH SUSPENSION OF SOME KEY ELEMENTS OF THE LEGISLATION WHICH WILL ENABLE ANYONE IN THE U-S TO TAKE COURT ACTION AGAINST EUROPEANS WHO DEAL WITH CUBA.

MR. CLINTON HAS TO DECIDE EARLY NEXT WEEK WHETHER OR NOT TO AGREE TO WAIVE SOME PROVISIONS OF THE CONTROVERSIAL TRADE BILL.

MR. SANTER REMINDED THE AMERICAN LEADER THE PROTESTS WERE MADE AGAINST THE TRADE LAW. BUT BOTH THE RECENT G-7 SUMMIT IN LION AND THE E-U SUMMIT IN FLORENCE.

EUROPEAN OFFICIALS ARGUE THAT IT IS ABSURD FOR THE UNITED STATES TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST ITS ENEMY, CUBA, BY PUNISHING ITS FRIENDS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION.

THEY ARE ALSO WORRIED THAT SIMILAR U-S LEGISLATION IS IN THE PIPELINE TO INFLICT SANCTIONS ON E-U FIRMS WHICH DO BUSINESS WITH LIBYA AND WITH IRAN, AND THAT THE LEGISLATION WITH CUBA WITH SET A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT. (SIGNED)
NEB / JF / BD-T / KL
12-Jul-96 4:56 PM EDT (2056 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[08] ITALY POLITICS (L-ONLY) BY PEGGY POLK (ROME)

INTRO: FORMER ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER SILVIO BERLUSCONI HAS BEEN ORDERED TO STAND TRIAL ON CHARGES OF MAKING ILLEGAL PAYMENTS TO A POLITICAL PARTY. PEGGY POLK REPORTS FROM ROME MR. BERLUSCONI WAS INDICTED ALONG WITH ABOUT 10 OTHERS, INCLUDING ANOTHER EX-PRIME MINISTER -- SOCIALIST BETTINO CRAXI -- WHO IS NOW A FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE.

TEXT: THE INDICTMENT ACCUSES MR. BERLUSCONI OF ACQUIESCING IN PAYMENTS OF SIX-AND-A-HALF MILLION DOLLARS TO THE SOCIALIST PARTY THEN HEADED BY MR. CRAXI. THE PAYMENTS WERE ALLEGEDLY CHANNELED BACK IN 1991 FROM MR. BERLUSCONI'S "FININVEST" HOLDING COMPANY TO MR. CRAXI. IT WAS CHANNELED THROUGH ANOTHER COMPANY, LINKED TO FININVEST AND ACCOUNTS IN TWO SWISS BANKS.

MR. BERLUSCONI'S LAWYER, ENNIO AMODIO, DISMISSED THE CHARGES AGAINST HIM AS "TOTALLY WITHOUT FOUNDATION." MR. BERLUSCONI AND MR. CRAXI WERE CLOSE FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES BEFORE THE SO-CALLED "CLEAN HANDS" INVESTIGATION INTO POLITICAL CORRUPTION BROUGHT DOWN ITALY'S POLITICAL "OLD GUARD" -- MR. CRAXI AMONG THEM. MR. CRAXI, WHO TOOK REFUGE IN HIS SEASIDE VILLA IN TUNISIA, HAS SINCE BEEN SENTENCED IN ABSENTIA TO 25 YEARS IN PRISON IN TRIALS GROWING OUT OF 20 INVESTIGATIONS INTO HIS ACTIVITIES. IT WAS DURING MR. CRAXI'S TIME AS PRIME MINISTER -- FROM 1983 TO 1987 -- THAT MR. BERLUSCONI, A SELF-MADE MILLIONAIRE, BUILT-UP WHAT IS NOW ITALY'S BIGGEST MEDIA EMPIRE -- AND ONE OF THE BIGGEST IN EUROPE.

MR. BERLUSCONI, WHO LED A CENTER-RIGHT GOVERNMENT FOR SEVEN MONTHS IN 1994 AND NOW HEADS THE OPPOSITION IN THE ITALIAN PARLIAMENT, IS ALREADY ON TRIAL ON CHARGES OF PAYING BRIBES TO TAX OFFICIALS. HE HAS REPEATEDLY ASSERTED THAT HE IS INNOCENT OF ANY CORRUPTION AND THAT THE CHARGES AGAINST HIM ARE POLITICALLY MOTIVATED.

RULING ON THE NEW CHARGES AT A COMMITTAL HEARING IN MILAN FRIDAY, EXAMINING MAGISTRATE MAURICIO GRIGO ORDERED MR. BERLUSCONI AND MR. CRAXI TO STAND TRIAL NOVEMBER 21ST, ALONG WITH BUSINESS ASSOCIATES OF MR. BERLUSCONI -- ACCUSED OF FALSIFYING COMPANY BOOKS (ACCOUNTING RECORDS) -- TWO FORMER AIDES TO MR. CRAXI, AND HIS BROTHER AND SISTER-IN-LAW, ACCUSED OF RECEIVING THE ILLEGAL FUNDS.

[09] PERRY/BOSNIA (L-ONLY) BY DAVID GOLLUST (PENTAGON)

INTRO: U-S DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM PERRY SAYS THE NATO-LED PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN BOSNIA IS BEING RECONFIGURED FOR A GREATER POLICING -- RATHER THAN COMBAT -- ROLE. BUT HE SAYS THERE WILL BE NO REDUCTION IN THE OVERALL STRENGTH OF I-FOR UNTIL AFTER THE BOSNIAN ELECTION. V-O-A'S DAVID GOLLUST REPORTS FROM THE PENTAGON.

TEXT: MR. PERRY SAYS THAT WITH THE MAJOR MILITARY TASKS OF I-FOR NOW COMPLETED, THE PEACEKEEPING FORCE IS BEING RESTRUCTURED TO BETTER ASSIST IN CIVIL FUNCTIONS IN BOSNIA, INCLUDING SUPPORT FOR THE WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL, REFUGEE RESETLEMENT AND THE SEPTEMBER ELECTIONS.

IN A WASHINGTON ADDRESS FRIDAY, MR. PERRY SAID 12-HUNDRED MEMBERS OF U-S ARMORED UNITS ARE BEING ROTATED OUT OF BOSNIA AND REPLACED BY MILITARY POLICE. HE SAID THERE WILL BE MORE CHANGES OF THE SAME NATURE IN THE COMING WEEKS -- BUT THAT THE NATO-LED FORCE WILL RETAIN THE FIREPOWER TO COPE WITH ANY CONCEIVABLE THREAT.

THE DEFENSE SECRETARY WARNED AGAINST COMPLACENCY DESPITE THE LOW CASUALTY TOLL THUS FAR, AND SAID THE SECOND SIX MONTHS OF THE NATO MISSION WILL BE MORE COMPLEX AND DIFFICULT.

HE REITERATED THERE WILL BE NO REDUCTION IN THE OVERALL SIZE OF THE NEARLY 60-THOUSAND MEMBER FORCE UNTIL AFTER THE MID-SEPTEMBER ELECTION -- AND SAID THERE WILL STILL BE WHAT HE CALLED A "HIGHLY CAPABLE" NATO PRESENCE IN BOSNIA DECEMBER 20TH WHEN ITS MANDATE OFFICIALLY ENDS.

MR. PERRY -- WHO GOES TO MOSCOW SUNDAY FOR TALKS WITH SENIOR RUSSIAN OFFICIALS ON BOSNIA AND OTHER ISSUES -- SAID RUSSIA'S DECISION TO JOIN IN THE PEACEKEEPING MISSION HAS HAD BENEFITS GOING FAR BEYOND BOSNIA ITSELF

A REMARKABLE WARMTH AND A SEAMLESS COOPERATION HAS DEVELOPED BETWEEN OUR BRIGADES AND THEIR BRIGADE, BETWEEN THE COMMANDERS THERE AND THE TROOPS THERE. A WARMTH AND COOPERATION THAT IS GOOD NOT ONLY FOR U.S. / RUSSIAN AND EAST-WEST RELATIONS, BUT ALSO GOOD FOR THE MISSION IN BOSNIA. THE RUSSIAN BRIGADE COMMANDER -- GENERAL LENTSOV -- TOLD ME THAY BY TEAMING UP, WE HAVE RELAXED THE TRADITIONAL SERB DISTRUST OF AMERICANS, AND THE TRADITIONAL BOSNIAN DISTRUST OF THE RUSSIANS. AND THIS U.S. / RUSSIAN COOPERATION AND UNITY OF PURPOSE HAS PLAYED A CRITICAL ROLE IN MAKING THE I-FOR MISSION A SUCCESS.

MR. PERRY WILL JOIN IN MOSCOW SESSIONS OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRED BY VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE AND RUSSIAN PRIME MINISTER VIKTOR CHENOMYRDIN, WHICH HOLDS ITS REGULAR SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING NEXT WEEK.

IT WILL BE HIS FIRST VISIT TO THE RUSSIAN CAPITAL SINCE THE DISMISSAL OF RUSSIAN DEFENSE MINISTER PAVEL GRACHEV, WITH WHOM MR. PERRY HAD ESTABLISHED A CLOSE WORKING RELATIONSHIP. (SIGNED)
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12-Jul-96 2:17 PM EDT (1817 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[10] U-N WEEK-IN-REVIEW BY ELAINE JOHANSON (UNITED NATIONS)

INTRO: UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL BOUTROS BOUTROS-GHALI GETS A BOOST FOR HIS RE-ELECTION HOPES FROM THE ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN UNITY; THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE HANDS A QUALIFIED VICTORY TO ANTI-NUCLEAR ADVOCATES; THE WORLD FOOD PROGRAM APPEALS TO SUDAN TO ALLOW LARGE AIRCRAFT TO DROP FOOD INTO NEEDY REBEL-HELD AREAS; AND, ANGOLA RETAINS OVER SEVEN-THOUSAND U-N PEACEKEEPERS FOR AN ADDITIONAL THREE MONTHS. V-O-A'S CORRESPONDENT ELAINE JOHANSON REVIEWS THE MAIN DEVELOPMENTS OF THE PAST WEEK:

TEXT: SECRETARY-GENERAL BOUTROS-GHALI RETURNED TO NEW YORK FRIDAY AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS ABROAD. HE WAS GREETED IN THE U-N LOBBY WITH A ROUND OF APPLAUSE BY LOYAL STAFF MEMBERS.

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- UNDER THREAT OF A U-S VETO TO BLOCK HIS RE-ELECTION THIS YEAR -- WON WHAT HIS OFFICE CALLS A MAJOR VICTORY IN CAMEROON THIS PAST WEEK WITH AN ENDORSEMENT BY THE ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN UNITY. MR. BOUTROS-GHALI ASSUMED OFFICE IN 1992 AS AN AFRICAN CANDIDATE AND CONSIDERS AFRICAN SUPPORT A KEY INGREDIENT OF HIS CAMPAIGN FOR A SECOND FIVE-YEAR TERM.

BUT UNITED STATES OFFICIALS QUICKLY DAMPENED THE HIGH SPIRITS. THEY DESCRIBED THE OAU DECLARATION AS TEPID -- AT BEST, QUALIFIED BACKING FOR MR. BOUTROS-GHALI. THEY SAID WASHINGTON DOES NOT SEE IT AS A FORMAL RECOMMENDATION, LET ALONE AN ENDORSEMENT. MEANWHILE, NEW ELEMENTS HAVE ENTERED THE FRAY. FRANCE EXPRESSED SUPPORT FOR MR. BOUTROS-GHALI, WHO SPEAKS FRENCH FLUENTLY. AND CHINA -- A KEY PLAYER -- GAVE HIM A NOD INDIRECTLY BY AFFIRMING THE OAU DECLARATION.

ELECTIONS FOR THE TOP U-N POST ARE NOT EXPECTED UNTIL AFTER THE U-S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN NOVEMBER.

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THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE -- ALSO KNOWN AS THE WORLD COURT -- RULED THIS PAST WEEK THAT THE USE OF OR THREAT TO USE NUCLEAR WEAPONS IS ILLEGAL, EXCEPT PERHAPS IN EXTREME CASES OF SELF-DEFENSE. IT WAS ONLY AN ADVISORY OPINION. BUT ADVOCATES OF COMPLETE NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT REJOICED AND URGED THE MAJOR POWERS TO START NEGOTIATIONS TO ELIMINATE THEIR NUCLEAR ARSENALS.

THE COURT ACCEPTED THE CASE AT THE REQUEST OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. AT LEAST 45 GOVERNMENTS AND SOME 700 NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS PRESENTED DECLARATIONS TO THE COURT.

THE WORLD COURT BASED IN THE HAGUE IS THE U-N'S MAIN JUDICIAL BODY.

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A U-N FOOD AGENCY SAYS HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE IN SOUTHERN SUDAN WILL PROBABLY STARVE TO DEATH OR DEVELOP SERIOUS DISEASES UNLESS THEY RECEIVE MASSIVE FOOD DROPS.

THE WORLD FOOD PROGRAM COMPLAINED THIS PAST WEEK THAT SUDAN HAD BANNED THE USE OF LARGE AIRCRAFT FOR DELIVERIES, SUSPECTING THAT THE PLANES HAD BEEN SUPPLYING WEAPONS TO SUDANESE REBELS. THE ISLAMIC GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN WAGING WAR AGAINST MOSTLY CHRISTIAN AND ANIMIST MILITIAS IN THE SOUTH FOR THE PAST 13 YEARS.

WORLD FOOD PROGRAM DIRECTOR, CATHERINE BERTINI, DENIED THE CHARGES OF ARMS SMUGGLING -- FOR WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAS NEVER OFFERED PROOF -- AND URGED KHARTOUM TO RESCIND THE BANNING ORDER. SHE SAID FOOD DROPS BY LARGE PLANES ARE THE ONLY MEANS OF DELIVERING AID SINCE THE MOST NEEDY AREAS CANNOT ACCOMMODATE SMALL AIRCRAFT LANDING AND ARE INACCESSIBLE BY ROAD.

FOOD STOCKS IN SUDAN ARE AT THEIR LOWEST LEVEL AT THIS TIME OF YEAR.

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THE SECURITY COUNCIL HAS EXTENDED ITS PEACEKEEPING MISSION IN ANGOLA FOR ANOTHER THREE MONTHS. BUT MEMBERS URGED THE ANGOLAN GOVERNMENT AND ESPECIALLY THE FORMER UNITA REBELS TO DISARM AND DEMOBILIZE FASTER AS REQUIRED UNDER A PEACE AGREEMENT SIGNED IN 1994 TO END NEARLY 20 YEARS OF WAR.

THE GOVERNMENT OF ANGOLA COMPLAINED TO THE COUNCIL THAT UNITA IS NOT SURRENDERING TO U-N PEACEKEEPERS ITS BEST WEAPONS AND TROOPS. ALSO, THOUSANDS OF UNITA SOLDIERS ARE SAID TO HAVE FLED U-N QUARTERING SITES.

THE COUNCIL HOPES TO DISENGAGE MILITARILY FROM ANGOLA BY NEXT FEBRUARY. SECRETARY-GENERAL BOUTROS-GHALI SAYS HE HAS ALREADY ORDERED CONTINGENCY PLANNING FOR A PHASED REDUCTION OF THE U-N FORCE. (SIGNED)
NEB/PT
12-Jul-96 4:25 PM EDT (2025 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[11] YUGO WAR CRIMES (L-ONLY) BY GILLIAN SHARPE (THE HAGUE)

INTRO: THE PRESIDENT OF THE YUGOSLAV WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL HAS CHALLENGED THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO FULFILL WHAT HE CALLED ITS MORAL DUTY -- AND ARREST BOSNIAN SERB LEADERS RADOVAN KARADZIC AND RATKO MLADIC. GILLIAN SHARPE IN THE HAGUE REPORTS THE TRIBUNAL PRESIDENT, ANTONIO CASSESE, SAID THE CREDIBILITY OF THE UNITED NATIONS AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS IS AT STAKE.

TEXT: ANTONIO CASSESE TOLD REPORTERS HE HOPES THE WORLD WILL BE SHAMED INTO ARRESTING MEN LIKE MR. KARADZIC AND GENERAL MLADIC, WHO HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH WAR CRIMES BUT REMAIN FREE.

MR. CASSESE SAID INACTION SENDS A MESSAGE THAT THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY IS IMPOTENT. HE SAID THE VERY CREDIBILITY OF THE UNITED NATIONS AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS IS AT STAKE. WHY SET UP A WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL, HE ASKED, AND THEN LEAVE IT UNABLE TO FULFILL ITS MANDATE?

THE SIGNAL SENT TO ALL STATES AND INDIVIDUALS AND DICTATORS AND MILITARY LEADERS WHO LIKE WAGING WAR WOULD BE A VERY BAD SIGNAL. YOU MAY ENJOY FULL IMPUNITY. GO AHEAD -- KILL, TORTURE, MAIM, COMMIT ACTS OF GENOCIDE. THIS WOULD BE A VERY BAD, AND WE DON'T WANT THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO SEND SUCH A SIGNAL. THIS IS A MORAL ISSUE FOR ME.

LATE THURSDAY, MR CASSESE SENT A LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE U-N SECURITY COUNCIL, CRITICIZING AUTHORITIES IN YUGOSLAVIA, WHICH HE SAID HAD SHOWN AN ABSOLUTE FAILURE TO COOPERATE WITH THE TRIBUNAL. HE ASKED THAT -- WHAT HE CALLED -- THE APPROPRIATE MEASURES BE TAKEN. WHAT THOSE MEASURES MIGHT BE, HE SAID, WAS UP TO OTHERS. HE HAD THIS MESSAGE FOR THE U-N SECURITY COUNCIL.

WE HAVE DONE OUR JOB, WE HAVE EXHAUSTED THE AVENUES OPEN TO US, ALL THE JUDICIAL REMEDIES. WE ISSUED INDICTMENTS. THE INDICTMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EXECUTED. WE DECIDED TO TRIGGER RULE 61 (HOLD A SPECIAL HEARING), AND RULE 61 HAS EVENTUALLY LED TO THE ISSUANCE OF INTERNATIONAL ARREST WARRANTS, AND SO ON. NOW IT IS FOR YOU AS A POLITICAL BODY, AS MEMBERS OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL, TO DECIDE HOW TO RESPOND.

MR CASSESE ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT HE HAS WRITTEN TO CROATIAN PRESIDENT, FRANJO TUDJMAN. HE SAID HE ASKED FOR CLARIFICATION OF MEDIA REPORTS THAT BOSNIAN CROAT LEADER DARIO KORDIC -- WHO HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY -- IS LIVING IN ZAGREB. (SIGNED)
NEB/GS/JWH/MMK
12-Jul-96 9:49 AM EDT (1349 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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