Voice of America, 96-11-14

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

CONTENTS

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

[02] BOSNIA CONFERENCE (S-UPDATE) BY DAVID GOLLUST (PARIS)

[03] BOSNIA POLICY PROPOSAL (L-O) BY DON HENRY (WASHINGTON)

[04] BOSNIA TALKS (L) BY JULIAN NUNDY (PARIS)

[05] BOSNIA/U-N (L-O) BY DAN ROBINSON (WASHINGTON)

[06] BULGARIA'S FAILING ECONOMY BY BARRY WOOD (PRAGUE)

[07] EURO STOCKS (S ONLY) BY JACK HUIZENGA (LONDON)

[08] NATO/BOSNIA (L) BY LAURA ROZEN (SARAJEVO)

[09] U-S/ BOSNIA (S-O) BY DEBORAH TATE (WHITE HOUSE)

[10] U-S / BOSNIA-ZAIRE (S&L) BY DEBORAH TATE (WHITE HOUSE)

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

INTRO: THE PROSPECT OF U-S TROOPS GOING TO ZAIRE AS PART OF U-N FORCE TO HELP RESCUE UP TO A MILLION REFUGEES IS GIVEN HIGH PRIORITY IN THURSDAY'S NEWSPAPER EDITORIAL COLUMNS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. OTHER SUBJECTS UNDER DISCUSSION INCLUDE: PRESIDENT CLINTON'S MANEUVERING ON A PROPOSED BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT; THE SEXUAL AND RACIAL HARASSMENT AFFAIRS AT TEXACO AND AT SOME U-S ARMY TRAINING BASES, AND STEPPED-UP EFFORTS TO SUPPRESS DEMOCRACY ADVOCATES IN BURMA. NOW, HERE WITH A CLOSER LOOK AND SOME SELECTED QUOTES IS ____________________ AND TODAY'S U-S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

TEXT: SEVERAL U-S DAILIES ARE CALLING FOR QUICK U-S ACTION, ALONG WITH CANADA, TO HELP EASE THE SUFFERING IN EASTERN ZAIRE, WHILE OTHER PAPERS ARE URGING CAUTION. THE LEAD EDITORIAL HEADLINE IN TODAY'S MIAMI HERALD READS: "SEND TROOPS TO ZAIRE; AID IS NEEDED NOW." THE PAPER GOES ON TO NOTE:

VOICE: "PREPARATIONS [FOR THE MILITARY AID MISSION] SHOULD BEGIN IMMEDIATELY FOR QUICK DEPLOYMENT. UNNECESSARY DELAYS COULD UNLEASH STARVATION AND EPIDEMICS OF DREAD PROPORTIONS. HELPING THE REFUGEES IN THE VIOLENCE-RIDDEN LAKE STRIP THAT BORDERS ZAIRE, RWANDA AND BURUNDI IS AN OBLIGATION THAT THE WORLD COMMUNITY MUST SHOULDER, EVEN AS IT RECOGNIZES THE ENORMOUS DIFFICULTIES AND DANGERS INVOLVED... AT THIS MOMENT, A POLITICAL SOLUTION -- URGENT AS IT IS -- MUST TAKE SECOND PLACE TO THE HUMANITARIAN IMPERATIVE AT HAND."

TEXT: AND ON NEW YORK'S LONG ISLAND, NEWSDAY AGREES, SAYING IN ITS LEAD HEADLINE, THERE IS "NO TIME TO LOSE."

VOICE: "PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON HAS TENTATIVELY AGREED TO SEND SEVERAL THOUSAND U-S TROOPS TO TAKE PART IN A UNITED NATIONS EFFORT TO ASSIST HUTU REFUGEES IN ZAIRE -- IF SEVERAL CONDITIONS ARE MET. THE QUESTIONS RAISED BY THE UNITED STATES ARE VALID, BUT DITHERING [INDECISION] OVER DETAILS -- HOWEVER CRUCIAL IN THE END -- WILL ONLY ACCELERATE THE QUICKENING SLIDE TOWARD CATASTROPHE IN CENTRAL AFRICA.

TEXT: NOT SO FAST, WARNS DAVID RIEFF, AUTHOR OF THE BOOK "SLAUGHTERHOUSE: BOSNIA AND THE FAILURE OF THE WEST," WHO HAS JUST RETURNED FROM A TOUR OF CENTRAL AFRICA. HE WRITES ON THE OP ED PAGE OF TODAY'S NEW YORK TIMES:

VOICE: "ANY INTERVENTION IN THE GREAT LAKES REGION OF AFRICA WILL BE AD HOC, ORGANIZED FAR TOO QUICKLY TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THE MISSION GOES WRONG AND IF THE FORCE HAS TO FIGHT, AS IN SOMALIA. MORE DANGEROUS IS THE POTENTIAL POLITICAL EFFECT OF INTERVENTION ON THE REST OF THE REGION. HUMANITARIAN AGENCIES INSIST THAT THE FORCE WILL JUST SAVE LIVES, BUT WHAT IF IT DESTABILIZES OTHER PARTS OF THE AREA? FOR EXAMPLE, LITTLE CONSIDERATION HAS BEEN GIVEN TO HOW THE INSERTION OF THIS FOREIGN ARMY WILL AFFECT THE ONGOING CIVIL WAR IN BURUNDI AND ZAIRE'S SURVIVAL AS A UNIFIED STATE... [OPT] IT IS THIS UNDERSTANDING, NOT HARDHEARTEDNESS, THAT IS BEHIND THE RESERVATIONS OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF ... AND SENIOR MEMBER OF THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION ABOUT INTERVENING IN ZAIRE. YET EVERY TIME THE IMAGE OF A STARVING AFRICAN IS BROADCAST ON C-N-N, [CABLE NEWS NETWORK] AMERICAN INVOLVEMENT BECOMES MORE LIKELY. [END OPT] ... SUCH HUMANITARIAN MOVES ARE RARELY IF EVER QUICK, CLEAN OR EASY."

TEXT: A FINAL THOUGHT ON ZAIRE FROM THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, WHICH OFFERS YET ANOTHER VIEW OF THE SITUATION:

VOICE: "SENDING AID TO ZAIRE WILL ONLY MAKE MATTERS WORSE; PUT IT IN RWANDA, AND GIVE REFUGEES A WAY HOME... TO SEND AID INTO ZAIRE ONLY PERPETUATES THE PROBLEM, EVEN IF IT SALVES WESTERN CONSCIENCES."

TEXT: PRESIDENT CLINTON IS ONCE AGAIN BEING ACCUSED OF INDECISION REGARDING ABALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION. THE WASHINGTON POST SAYS HE HAS CONTRADICTED HIMSELF:

VOICE: "ON TUESDAY, THE PRESIDENT INDICATED IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION AT A WHITE HOUSE BILL-SIGNING CEREMONY THAT HE WAS ABANDONING HIS PAST OPPOSITION TO A BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION. THE NEW CONGRESS LOOKED AS IF IT WAS GOING TO ADOPT THE THING ANYWAY, SO WHY FIGHT IT? THAT WAS THE MESSAGE. ON WEDNESDAY, SENIOR AIDES THEN WERE SENT OUT TO SAY THAT HE HADN'T MEANT TO CONVEY THAT IMPRESSION, THAT HE REGRETTED HAVING DONE SO AND THIS HIS PAST POSITION WAS UNCHANGED... MR. CLINTON KEEPS TRYING TO INGRATIATE HIMSELF WITH OPPONENTS ON MATTERS OF PRINCIPLE. IT IS A PROCESS THAT CAN ONLY COST HIM IN STATURE."

TEXT: SUGGESTIONS OF SEXUAL AND RACIAL DISCRIMINATION THAT SURFACED AT THE TEXACO CORPORATION, IN A SECRETLY RECORDED MANAGEMENT MEETING, AND THE ESCALATING U-S ARM SEX SCANDAL, CONTINUE TO DRAW EDITORIAL ATTENTION. USA TODAY SAYS -- IN ITS WORDS -- THE "TEXACO TAPES SHOW BIAS IN WORKPLACE FAR FROM GONE," AND GIVES THE EXAMPLE OF YET ANOTHER BIG COMPANY RECENTLY FOUND GUILTY OF DISCRIMINATION.

VOICE: "FORGET ANY NOTION THAT TEXACO IS UNIQUE: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON AGREED LAST MONTH TO PAY 11-POINT-25 MILLION TO AS MANY AS 25-HUNDRED EMPLOYEES WHO WERE VICTIMS OF JOB DISCRIMINATION JUST SINCE 1989. THE BIG UTILITY WAS ACCUSED IN DOCUMENTED DETAIL OF UNFAIRLY UNDERPAYING BLACKS, DENYING THEM PROMOTIONS, FAILING TO PUT A STOP TO RACIAL SLURS AND RETALIATING AGAINST THOSE WHO COMPLAINED OF DISCRIMINATION. ALL THIS AT A COMPANY WHICH HAD ... A REPUTATION AS A LEADER IN SUCCESSFUL WORKPLACE DIVERSITY PROGRAMS."

TEXT: WE GET A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE FROM THE NEW YORK DAILY NEWS, WHICH SAYS TEXACO SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION WITHOUT RECRIMINATIONS FROM THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY:

VOICE: "... THE CHAIRMAN OF TEXACO IS MAKING A GOOD-FAITH EFFORT TO STAMP OUT HIS COMPANY'S RAGING RACIAL FIRE. YET THAT HASN'T STOPPED SOME BLACK LEADERS FROM CALLING FOR A BOYCOTT. THEY'RE MAKING THE WRONG CALL -- FOR NOW. A BOYCOTT AT THIS POINT WILL DO NOTHING TO SOLVE THE CORPORATION'S REAL PROBLEM: A SYSTEMIC CULTURE THAT ALLOWED BLATANT RACISM TO FLOURISH. AND IT WILL HURT INNOCENT PEOPLE, BLACK AND WHITE, WHO HAVE A STAKE IN THE HUGE COMPANY."

TEXT: ABOUT THE REVELATIONS THAT ARMY TRAINERS AT AT LEAST TWO BASES RAPED OR OTHERWISE SEXUALLY MOLESTED FEMALE RECRUITS, THE NEW YORK POST SAYS:

VOICE: "NOBODY WHO'S PAID EVEN PASSING ATTENTION TO THE PENTAGON'S GARGANTUAN EFFORT TO GENDER-INTEGRATE AMERICA'S ARMED FORCES CAN BE SURPRISED BY THE GROWING ARMY SEX SCANDAL. THE STORY IS STILL UNFOLDING. AND BECAUSE VIRTUALLY EVERYONE INVOLVED ... HAS AN AGENDA [THAT IS A BIAS TOWARD A PARTICULAR POINT-OF-VIEW] WHEN IT COMES TO THE WOMEN-IN-COMBAT ISSUE, IT SEEMS UNWISE TO DRAW ANY CONCLUSIONS JUST YET... IN THE ARMED FORCES, AS ELSEWHERE, ONE TENDS TO REAP WHAT ONE SOWS."

TEXT: TURNING QUICKLY OVERSEAS ONCE AGAIN, THE BOSTON GLOBE IS ANGRY ABOUT THE LATEST SUPPRESSION OF THE DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT IN BURMA, BY THE MILITARY DICTATORSHIP KNOWN AS SLORC.

VOICE: "PRESIDENT CLINTON, WHO IS PREPARING FOR HIS TRIP TO ASIA, SHOULD DELIVER AN UNMISTAKABLE MESSAGE TO THE SLORC. WASHINGTON WILL WORK WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS TO IMPOSE SANCTIONS ON THE SLORC IF THE JUNTA DOES NOT CEASE THREATENING [AUNG SAN] SUU KYI AND REFUSING HER OFFERS FOR POLITICAL DIALOGUE AND ..... RECONCILIATION."

[REST OPT]

TEXT: GOING BACK TO THE WASHINGTON POST, WHICH SALUTES WHAT IT IS CALLING THE "COUNTER-COUNTER-REVOLUTION" VOTE IN LITHUANIA THIS PAST SUNDAY, WHEN VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS, AND HIS ANTI-COMMUNIST PARTY WON A MAJORITY IN THE PARLIAMENT.

VOICE: "... THROUGHOUT THE OLD SOVIET BLOC, MANY DEMOCRATS PROVED THEMSELVES MORE ADEPT AT BATTLING COMMUNISM THAN AT GOVERNING NEWLY BORN STATES. NOW IN LITHUANIA THEY WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO SHOW WHAT THEY HAVE LEARNED DURING FOUR YEARS OF OPPOSITION."

TEXT: LASTLY, THE MIAMI HERALD IS UPSET AT HOW THE PENTAGON IS HANDLING THE ISSUE OF UNEXPLAINED ILLNESS AMONG MANY VETERANS OF THE GULF WAR, A SITUATION THAT IS BEING CALLED GULF WAR SYNDROME. SAYS THE HERALD, DESPITE ASSURANCES FROM PRESIDENT CLINTON FOR A CONTINUED AND ENLARGED INVESTIGATION:

VOICE: "EVEN SO, MANY HAVE LOST CONFIDENCE IN DEFENSE DEPARTMENT EFFORTS, INCLUDING THE PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON GULF WAR VETERANS' ILLNESS. ITS DRAFT REPORT ... SHARPLY CRITICIZED THE PENTAGON'S 'SUPERFICIAL INVESTIGATION OF POSSIBLE CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENT EXPOSURES' AND URGED OUTSIDE INVESTIGATORS BE APPOINTED... IF THE PENTAGON IS TO RECLAIM ITS CREDIBILITY ON THIS ISSUE, IT MUST MOVE EXPEDITIOUSLY TO OPEN ITS FILES AND ESTABLISH A NEW RAPPORT WITH VETERANS."

TEXT: THAT CONCLUDES THIS BRIEF SAMPLING OF EDITORIALS FROM TODAY'S U-S NEWSPAPERS.
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14-Nov-96 10:56 AM EST (1556 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[02] BOSNIA CONFERENCE (S-UPDATE) BY DAVID GOLLUST (PARIS)

INTRO: IN PARIS, THE MEMBERS OF BOSNIA'S JOINT PRESIDENCY AND SENIOR OFFICIALS OF MAJOR WORLD POWERS ARE MEETING TO APPROVE A TWO-YEAR PLAN AIMED AT SHORING UP THE COUNTRY'S FRAGILE PEACE PROCESS. THE BOSNIAN LEADERS ARE BEING URGED TO FULFILL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITMENTS, INCLUDING ALLOWING FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT AND RESETTLEMENT OF REFUGEES. V-O-A'S DAVID GOLLUST HAS MORE FROM PARIS.

TEXT: THE MEETING IS THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL GATHERING ATTENDED BY ALL THREE MEMBERS OF THE BOSNIAN JOINT PRESIDENCY ELECTED IN SEPTEMBER.

IT IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE WHAT IS CALLED A CIVILIAN CONSOLIDATION PLAN COMMITTING THE BOSNIAN MUSLIM, CROAT AND SERB LEADERS TO A 13-POINT PROGRAM FOR FURTHER PROGRESS ON DEMOCRATIZATION AND HUMAN RIGHTS.

IN AN ADDRESS TO THE CONFERENCE, U-S SECRETARY OF STATE, WARREN CHRISTOPHER, STRESSED THE DOCUMENT'S CALL FOR FULL COOPERATION BY ALL THE PARTIES WITH THE INTERNATIONAL WAR-CRIMES TRIBUNAL -- AND FOR GREATER EFFORTS TO ASSURE FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY AND RESETTLEMENT OF REFUGEES.

MR. CHRISTOPHER ALSO CALLED ON THE BOSNIANS TO SET ASIDE PROCEDURAL DISPUTES AND CHOOSE A CABINET TO RUN A NEW GOVERNMENT.

U-S OFFICIALS HAD HOPED FOR A BREAKTHROUGH ON THE CABINET ISSUE IN PARIS, BUT A MIDNIGHT ROUND OF TALKS MEDIATED BY SENIOR U-S DIPLOMAT JOHN KORNBLUM FAILED TO END BICKERING AMONG THE BOSNIAN LEADERS ON THE ETHNIC MAKEUP OF THE CABINET.

SECRETARY CHRISTOPHER ALSO URGED THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO MAKE GOOD ON PLEDGES OF ECONOMIC AID FOR BOSNIA, SAYING ITS PEOPLE MUST BE ABLE TO SEE THE TANGIBLE BENEFITS OF PEACE. (SIGNED)
NEB/DAG/PCF/RRM
14-Nov-96 7:03 AM EST (1203 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[03] BOSNIA POLICY PROPOSAL (L-O) BY DON HENRY (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: (IN WASHINGTON) A TASK FORCE OF AMERICAN EXPERTS ON EASTERN EUROPE (TODAY THURSDAY) HAS RECOMMENDED A SHIFT IN U-S POLICY TOWARD BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. VOA'S DON HENRY REPORTS THE EXPERTS CONSIDER IT WISER TO ABANDON THE CURRENT DAYTON ACCORD-BASED EFFORT TO INTEGRATE BOSNIA INTO ONE MULTI-ETHNIC STATE. INSTEAD THEY FAVOR A CONFEDERATED BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA OF TWO OR EVEN THREE AUTONOMOUS ENTITIES.

TEXT: THE SCHOLARS FROM SEVERAL MAJOR FOREIGN POLICY CENTERS HAVE STUDIED POLITICAL, MILITARY, ECONOMIC, AND OTHER ASPECTS OF THE DAYTON ACCORD, AND THEY CONCLUDE IT IS NOT WORKING AS HOPED.

MILITARY EXPERT WOLF DIETRICH KUTTER TOLD A WASHINGTON NEWS CONFERENCE THAT AS INTERNATIONAL LEADERS CONSIDER THE SIZE AND TIME FRAME FOR A FOLLOW-ON PEACE FORCE, ONE THING MUST BE REMEMBERED.

NO MILITARY FORCE REGARDLESS OF SIZE OR THE DURATION OF ITS COMMITMENT CAN COMPEL ACCEPTANCE OF A POLITICAL FOUNDATION WHICH THE VARIOUS PARTIES DO NOT SIGN UP TO.

THE EXPERTS DO NOT INDICATE WHAT TYPE OF FORCE WILL BE NEEDED, NOR HOW LONG IT SHOULD SERVE -- MERELY THAT IT BE WHAT THEY CALLED "ROBUST" ENOUGH TO CARRY OUT ITS MISSION.

BUT FORMER YALE PROFESSOR SUSAN WOODWARD SAYS THE PROBLEM WITH CURRENT U-S AND INTERNATIONAL POLICY IS THAT IT DEPENDS LARGELY ON CONTAINMENT -- SEPARATING THE HOSTILE ELEMENTS.

NOW WHY IS THAT A PROBLEM? THAT'S BECAUSE -- AND THIS IS I THINK THE GENERAL MOOD THROUGHOUT THE EUROPEAN CAPITALS THAT I'VE RETURNED FROM -- THAT THIS WILL BE A VERY LONG PROCESS, THAT THE DAYTON PROCESS, TO TRY TO IMPOSE IT ON THE PARTIES, WILL TAKE AT LEAST 10 TO 20 YEARS. AND THAT THE MOST LIKELY SCENARIO, BOTH IN THE (FORMER YUGOSLAVIA) REGION BUT IN BOSNIA IN PARTICULAR, IS A CONTINUATION OF THE FRAGILE SITUATION THAT WE SEE DAILY.

THE EXPERTS FROM THE ATLANTIC COUNCIL, WOODROW WILSON CENTER AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS CONCLUDED AFTER EXTENSIVE RESEARCH THAT THERE ARE THREE WAYS TO GO IN BOSNIA.

ONE IS THE CURRENT PURSUIT OF A SINGLE MULTI-ETHNIC STATE. A SECOND, FAVORED BY THE TASK FORCE, IS TO FOCUS ON RESTORING SECURITY AND BUILDING UP THE ECONOMY THROUGH PEACEFUL COOPERATION BETWEEN BOSNIAN SERBS AND THE MUSLIM-CROAT FEDERATION -- OR EVEN AMONG THE THREE ENTITIES SHOULD THAT FEDERATION WEAKEN.

ANOTHER OPTION WOULD BE TO STOP TRYING TO FORM ANY KIND OF UNIFIED STATE IN BOSNIA ON THE GROUNDS THAT LOCAL POLITICAL LEADERS APPEAR TO FEEL THE PEOPLES' INTERESTS ARE BEST SERVED BY LIVING IN SEPARATE ENTITIES. THE TASK FORCE SAYS THIS COULD BE CHARACTERIZED AS INTERNATIONAL ABANDONMENT.

IN THE OPTION PREFERRED BY THE EXPERTS, THE FOLLOW-ON FORCE WOULD NOT ONLY PROTECT SECURITY AND FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT AMONG ENTITIES, BUT SEEK OUT WAR CRIMINALS AND ENSURE SAFE RETURN OF REFUGEES.

THE INDEPENDENT TASK FORCE ALSO SAYS U-S PARTICIPATION IN WHATEVER FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS OCCUR IS MANDATORY, IF THERE IS TO BE ANY CHANCE OF SUCCESS IN MAINTAINING WHAT ONE EXPERT CALLED A STATE OF NON WAR THAT COULD LEAD TO A STABLE PEACE. (SIGNED)
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14-Nov-96 12:35 PM EST (1735 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[04] BOSNIA TALKS (L) BY JULIAN NUNDY (PARIS)

INTRO: THE THREE CO-PRESIDENTS OF BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA, MEETING IN PARIS, HAVE APPROVED A TWO-YEAR PLAN TO CONSOLIDATE PEACE IN THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC. JULIAN NUNDY IN PARIS REPORTS THAT THE UNITED STATES, MEANWHILE, WARNED BOSNIA COULD FACE INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS IF IT DOES NOT RESTORE FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT.

TEXT: THE LEADERS OF BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA'S CROATIAN, SERBIAN AND MUSLIM COMMUNITIES AGREED IN PARIS ON A PLAN TO CONSOLIDATE THE PRECARIOUS PEACE PROCESS IN THEIR COUNTRY OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS.

THEY MET AS THE NATIONS IN THE INTERNATIONAL PEACE FORCE, CURRENTLY BASED IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA, ARE DISCUSSING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW FOLLOW-UP MILITARY FORCE ONCE THE CURRENT MANDATE RUNS OUT IN JUST OVER ONE MONTH'S TIME.

THE THREE-HOUR PARIS MEETING, INCLUDING MEMBERS OF THE SO-CALLED CONTACT GROUP MONITORING THE PEACE PROCESS, WAS A REGULAR FOLLOWUP SESSION TO REVIEW THE PEACE ACCORDS CONCLUDED IN DAYTON, OHIO, A YEAR AGO. NEXT MONTH, THE SAME PARTICIPANTS WILL MEET AGAIN IN LONDON WITH THE AIM OF DRAWING UP A DETAILED SIX-MONTH PLAN TO STRENGTHEN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA'S NEW INSTITUTIONS.

THE CONTACT GROUP EXPRESSED ITS CONCERN THAT THE PROGRESS TOWARD A REAL PEACE IS SLOW. FOR EXAMPLE, THE BOSNIAN SERBS BOYCOTTED THE INAUGURAL SESSION OF THE REPUBLIC'S NEW PARLIAMENT. THE CONTACT GROUP ALSO URGED THE BOSNIAN LEADERS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SOME OF THE FUNCTIONS NOW ASSUMED BY THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY.

U-S SECRETARY OF STATE WARREN CHRISTOPHER TOLD THE BOSNIAN LEADERS THAT THEY COULD FACE INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS UNLESS THEY TAKE POSITIVE STEPS TOWARD ENSURING FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT. UNTIL NOW, FEW REFUGEES HAVE BEEN ABLE TO RETURN TO THEIR HOME VILLAGES.

MR. CHRISTOPHER SAID THE PEACE PROCESS IS AT WHAT HE CALLED "A VERY CRITICAL STAGE" AFTER A CLASH IN A BOSNIAN VILLAGE ON TUESDAY IN WHICH TWO MUSLIM REFUGEES DIED AND TWO BOSNIAN SERB POLICE OFFICERS WERE WOUNDED.

THE CONTACT GROUP IS ALSO FRUSTRATED BECAUSE THE NEW BOSNIAN TRIPARTITE LEADERSHIP HAS BEEN SLOW FORMING A GOVERNMENT. DIPLOMATS SAID THEY HOPED A FULL GOVERNMENT WOULD BE IN PLACE BEFORE NEXT MONTH'S LONDON TALKS. IN A 13-POINT STATEMENT DRAWN UP AT THE PARIS MEETING, THE BOSNIAN LEADERSHIP AGREED TO TAKE MEASURES TO CONTROL ARMS, TO RESETTLE REFUGEES, AND TO HOLD LOCAL ELECTIONS NEXT YEAR FOLLOWED BY GENERAL, PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN 1998. (SIGNED)
NEB/JWN/JWH/LWM
14-Nov-96 12:04 PM EST (1704 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[05] BOSNIA/U-N (L-O) BY DAN ROBINSON (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: IN REMARKS IN WASHINGTON, THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA FOR THE U-N COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS HAS EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT CONTINUING HUMAN RIGHTS AND OTHER PROBLEMS. V-O-A'S DAN ROBINSON REPORTS, ELISABETH REHN BRIEFED REPORTERS ONE DAY BEFORE DELIVERING A REPORT (EDS: 10 A-M EST) TO THE U-N GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN NEW YORK:

TEXT: IN HER REMARKS, THE U-N RAPPORTEUR SAID HER CONCERNS CENTER NOT ONLY ON PROBLEMS IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA BUT ALSO IN YUGOSLAVIA, SERBIA-MONTENEGRO AND CROATIA.

AT THE TOP OF HER LIST IS KOSOVO -- THE ETHNIC ALBANIAN REGION OF SERBIA. THE U-N SPECIAL RAPPORTUER DESCRIBES THE SITUATION THERE, IN WHICH SHE SAYS POLICE CONTINUE TO HARASS ETHNIC ALBANIANS, AS "VERY EXPLOSIVE."

I CANNOT ACCEPT THAT POLICE ARE MAKING HOME SEARCHES IN SCHOOLS, HARASSING TREACHERS, EVEN BEATING THEM IN FRONT OF THE PUPILS. ALL OF THIS IS STILL GOING ON. KOSOVO COULD LEAD TO SOMETHING VERY DIFFICULT AND VERY COMPLICATED IF WE ARE NOT ABLE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS IN TIME.

IN THE KRAJINA REGION OF CROATIA, THE U-N RAPPORTUER SAYS SERBS ARE HARRASSED AND THEIR BELONGINGS LOOTED. DESPITE GOVERNMENT DENIALS, SHE SAYS A FORM OF ETHNIC CLEANSING APPEARS TO BE CONTINUING. MEANWHILE, MS. REHN DESCRIBES WHAT SHE CALLS AN ATMOSPHERE OF HATE IN EASTERN SLAVONIA BETWEEN SERBS AND CROATS. IN BOSNIA, THE U-N RAPPORTUER SAYS THE SEPTEMBER ELECTIONS WERE CLEARLY NOT FREE OR FAIR -- LACKING FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT, ASSOCIATION OR POLITICAL EXPRESSION.

MS. REHN SAYS INDICTED WAR CRIMINALS -- SUCH AS GENERAL RATKO MLADIC -- MUST BE APPREHENDED AND BROUGHT TO THE HAGUE FOR TRIAL BEFORE THE INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL. SHE SAYS RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACCOMPLISHING THIS MUST BE PART OF THE MANDATE OF A FOLLOW-ON INTERNATIONAL FORCE:

IT IS AN OBLIGATION FOR ALL THE GOVERNMENTS TO REALLY DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. AND I REALLY HOPE THAT WHATEVER WILL BE THE POST-"I-FOR" DECISION THAT WILL COME VERY SOON, AND I REALLY HOPE TOO THAT AMERICAN GROUND TROOPS WILL BE PRESENT, THAT IT WILL BE CLEARLY OUTSPOKEN IN THE MANDATE THAT THEY HAVE TO ARREST INDICTED WAR CRIMINALS. OTHERWISE, IT IS NOT WORKING WITH THE TRIBUNAL.

AMONG OTHER PROBLEMS RAISED BY THE U-N SPECIAL RAPPORTUER IS WHAT SHE CALLS A "SILENT EMERGENCY." IN THIS CATEGORY, SHE LISTS MISSING PERSONS, ORPHANED CHILDREN, AND CHILDREN BORN AS A RESULT OF RAPE. SHE SAYS ONE OF THE MAIN HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES ADDRESSED BY THE DAYTON AGREEMENT -- GUARANTEES FOR RETURN OF ALL REFUGEES AND DISPLACED PERSONS -- REMAINS FAR FROM BEING REALIZED.

[06] BULGARIA'S FAILING ECONOMY BY BARRY WOOD (PRAGUE)

INTRO: UNEMPLOYMENT ROSE SHARPLY LAST MONTH IN BULGARIA WITH BUSINESS ACTIVITY SLOWING TO A NEAR HALT AS THE COUNTRY FLOUNDERS AMID ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL TURMOIL. V-O-A'S BARRY WOOD TAKES A CLOSER LOOK AT BULGARIA'S SIX MONTHS OF ECONOMIC DISTRESS.

TEXT:

BULGARIA'S CAPITAL, SOFIA, PUT ON AN IMPRESSIVE SHOW SIX MONTHS AGO FOR SEVERAL THOUSAND VISITING BANKERS AND FOREIGN BUSINESS LEADERS. BUT AFTER THE MUSIC CEASED, AND THE STRONG RAKIA BRANDY STOPPED FLOWING, CONVERSATIONS GOT SERIOUS. BANKERS FROM LONDON AND NEW YORK WARNED THEIR HOSTS THAT ACTION NEEDED TO BE TAKEN IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT THE COLLAPSE OF SEVERAL BULGARIAN BANKS. UNLESS THESE BANKS, MANY WITH CRIMINAL OWNERS, WERE CLOSED -- THEY WARNED -- THERE COULD BE A COLLAPSE OF BUSINESS CONFIDENCE, AND WORSE YET, A COLLAPSE OF THE CURRENCY.

AT THAT APRIL MEETING OF THE EUROPEAN BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT, CHARLES DALLARA OF THE INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL FINANCE -- AN ASSOCIATION OF INTERNATIONAL BANKS -- WAS QUITE SPECIFIC ABOUT WHAT THE BULGARIANS NEEDED TO DO.

IT SEEMS TO ME THE BULGARIANS REALLY HAVE A MAJOR CHALLENGE TO ADDRESS FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEMS IN THEIR BANKING SYSTEM. IT REQUIRES NEW CAPITALIZATION. IT REQUIRES SOME PRIVATIZATION IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR. IT REQUIRES MAJOR OVERHAUL, CONSOLIDATION AND OVERHAUL OF THE BANKING SYSTEM. IT IS A MAJOR CHALLENGE AND IT IS ONE THEY SHOULD TACKLE IMMEDIATELY.

LESS THAN A MONTH LATER, THE CURRENCY DID COLLAPSE, GOING FROM 70 LEVA TO THE U-S DOLLAR TO 250. INFLATION GREATLY ACCELERATED. PEOPLE LOST CONFIDENCE IN THE MONEY, DRIVING THE EXCHANGE EVEN LOWER AS THEY HURRIED TO EXCHANGE THEIR LEVA FOR MARKS AND DOLLARS. SHORTAGES OF BREAD OCCURRED IN SEVERAL CITIES. LONG LINES, REMINISCENT OF COMMUNIST TIMES, REAPPEARED OUTSIDE SHOPS.

THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND OFFERED A LIFE LINE, PROMISING 350-MILLIION DOLLARS OF LOANS IF BULGARIA GOT SERIOUS ABOUT FINANCIAL STABILIZATION. THE GOVERNMENT SEEMED TO CHANGE COURSE. IT SAID ITS 134 STATE ENTERPRISES WOULD BE RESTRUCTURED. FROM THAT TOTAL, 64 MONEY LOSING FIRMS WOULD BE CLOSED, THE OTHERS WOULD BE SOLD AT AUCTION. BUT THROUGH THE SUMMER MONTHS THERE WAS LITTLE ACTION ON THE PRIVATIZATION. THE I-M-F LOST PATIENCE AND TWICE WITHHELD PROMISED LOAN INSTALLMENTS. NOW, AN I-M-F MISSION, IS BACK IN SOFIA, ASSESSING THE SITUATION. BERND KLETT OF DEUTSCHE BANK IN FRANKFURT SAYS THIS IS IT. THE BULGARIAN GOVERNMENT EITHER MAKES GOOD ON ITS PROMISES OR SLIPS INTO FINANCIAL CHAOS.

WE HAVE NOW AN ECONOMIC AND CURRENCY CRISIS IN BULGARIA AND THE PRESSURE ON THE GOVERNMENT IS VERY HIGH. THIS COULD FORCE THE SOCIALIST GOVERNMENT TO IMPLEMENT LONG DELAYED STRUCTURAL REFORMS.

BANKERS SAY THE WORSE-CASE SCENARIO IS THAT THE GOVERNMENT HESITATES, CLINGING TO THE IDEOLOGY THAT STATE ASSETS ARE BEING SOLD ON THE CHEAP TO GREEDY FOREIGN CAPITALISTS.

PARVOLETA SHTEREVA OF ING-BARINGS BANK IN LONDON SAYS SHE BELIEVES THE GOVERNMENT IS DESPERATE AND WILL MAKE GOOD ON ITS COMMITMENTS. SHE SAYS THE GOVERNMENT WILL SELL OFF OR CLOSE THE 134 COMPANIES, EARNING BADLY NEEDED MONEY IN THE PROCESS. SHE PREDICTS THE I-M-F WILL SOON DISBURSE ITS LOAN. BUT, SHOULD ALL OF THAT NOT HAPPEN, THE OUTLOOK FOR BULGARIA IS VERY GRIM INDEED. (SIGNED)
NEB/BDW/JWH/SP
14-Nov-96 12:28 PM EST (1728 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[07] EURO STOCKS (S ONLY) BY JACK HUIZENGA (LONDON)

INTRO: SHARE PRICES WERE MIXED IN TRADING THURSDAY ON MAJOR EUROPEAN MARKETS. V-O-A'S JACK HUIZENGA HAS THE CLOSING MARKET REPORT FROM OUR BUREAU IN LONDON.

TEXT: MAJOR STOCK MARKETS IN WESTERN EUROPE WERE MIXED THURSDAY, WITH BOTH FRANKFURT AND PARIS SHOWING GAINS. BUT LONDON WAS DOWN.

TRADERS IN LONDON SAY INVESTORS STILL ARE WORRIED ABOUT POSSIBLE INCREASES IN BRITISH INTEREST RATES. BUT A MORNING ADVANCE ON WALL STREET HELPED BOOST THE LONDON MARKET. AND THE FOOTSIE-100 ENDED THE DAY DOWN ONLY FRACTIONALLY -- LESS THAN ONE POINT.

IN FRANKFURT, PRICES WERE BOOSTED BY GAINS IN THE BANKING SECTOR. THE DAX-30 INDEX ENDED THE DAY UP ABOUT FOUR-TENTHS OF ONE PERCENT AFTER FLOOR TRADING, AND CONTINUED WITH ANOTHER SMALL INCREASE IN LATER ELECTRONIC TRADING.

THE PARIS MARKET ALSO WAS UP IN A DAY OF VERY HEAVY ACTIVITY. THE CAC-40 INDEX CLOSED UP LESS THAN ONE POINT.

ON EUROPEAN CURRENCY MARKETS, THE U-S DOLLAR CONTINUED TO LOSE VALUE AGAINST THE BRITISH POUND. THE DOLLAR ALSO WAS DOWN AGAINST THE JAPANESE YEN. BUT IT GAINED A LITTLE AGAINST THE GERMAN MARK.
NEB/JWH/CF
14-Nov-96 2:08 PM EST (1908 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[08] NATO/BOSNIA (L) BY LAURA ROZEN (SARAJEVO)

INTRO: NATO TROOPS ON THURSDAY CLOSED DOWN A BOSNIAN ARMY UNIT IN NORTHEASTERN BOSNIA, WHICH THEY BELIEVE INCITED 500 MUSLIM REFUGEES TO ENTER A NEARBY SERB-HELD VILLAGE. NATO HAS TAKEN A HARD LINE AGAINST THE MUSLIMS SINCE VIOLENCE FLARED UP BETWEEN MUSLIM REFUGEES AND SERB POLICE IN THE AREA. LAURA ROZEN REPORTS FROM SARAJEVO.

TEXT: NATO FORCES HAVE CONFISCATED WEAPONS FROM THE MOSTLY MUSLIM ARMY UNIT NEAR THE VILLAGE OF CELIC.

NATO SAYS IT HAS CLEAR AND COMPELLING EVIDENCE THAT THE BOSNIAN ARMY UNIT IT CLOSED DOWN THURSDAY ORGANIZED AND ARMED THE MUSLIM REFUGEES WITH AUTOMATIC WEAPONS AND GRENADES.

ONE MUSLIM PERSON WAS KILLED AND SEVERAL WERE INJURED AFTER THE TWO GROUPS EXCHANGED FIRE ON TUESDAY, IN THE WORST VIOLENCE IN BOSNIA SINCE WAR ENDED HERE ONE YEAR AGO.

NATO SPOKESMAN MAJOR BRETT BOUDREAU SAYS THE BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT MAY HAVE WANTED TO PROVOKE THE SERB POLICE TO VIOLENCE, IN ORDER TO MAKE THE SERBS LOOK BAD, HEADING INTO BOSNIA PEACE TALKS TAKING PLACE ON THURSDAY IN PARIS.

CLEARLY THERE IS EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT ABIH (ARMY OF BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA) WAS INVOLVED IN PROVOKING AN INCIDENT WITH THE INTENT TO HAVING THE POLICE IN THE REPUBLIC SRPSKA REACT IN THE FASHION THEY DID. UNFORTUNATELY, THE POLICE DECIDED TO TAKE ACTIONS WHICH WERE UNACCEPTABLE AND ILLEGAL. BY THE SAME TOKEN THE MUSLIM SEPARATISTS, MANY MORE THAN HAD REGISTERED TO GO BACK TO THOSE HOMES WERE PROVOKED AND INCITED BY MEMBERS OF THE ABIH, AND THAT IS CLEARLY UNACCEPTABLE AND THAT IS WHY WE HAVE TAKEN ROBUST AND STRONG MEASURES TO INSURE THAT THREAT TO THE SECURITY IN THAT AREA IS REMOVED.

MAJOR BOUDREAU WAS SPEAKING TO REPORTS IN SARAJEVO.

CLINTON ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS HAVE SIGNALED THIS WEEK A WILLINGNESS TO COMMIT FROM FIVE-THOUSAND TO 10-THOUSAND U-S TROOPS TO REMAIN IN BOSNIA IN 1997 AS PART OF A FOLLOW ON NATO PEACEKEEPING MISSION TO BOSNIA. A TOTAL FOLLOW-ON FORCE IS EXPECTED TO INCLUDE BETWEEN 20-THOUSAND AND 30-THOUSAND SOLDIERS.

NATO OFFICIALS ARE CONCERNED THAT NATO TROOPS WHO STAY ON IN BOSNIA NEXT YEAR ARE LIKELY TO INCREASINGLY FACE SITUATION LIKE THE ONE IN GAJEVI. THE U-N REFUGEE AGENCY IS HOPING TO REPATRIATE MANY OF BOSNIA'S TWO MILLION REFUGEES NEXT SUMMER. SUCH REPATRIATION EFFORTS ARE WIDELY EXPECTED TO RAISE TENSION HERE AND CAUSE INCREASED VIOLENCE. (SIGNED)
NEB/LR/FAX-BP/CF
14-Nov-96 3:07 PM EST (2007 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[09] U-S/ BOSNIA (S-O) BY DEBORAH TATE (WHITE HOUSE)

INTRO: THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION IS SIGNALING ITS READINESS TO TAKE PART IN A FOLLOW-ON PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA, TO REPLACE THE U-S -- LED FORCE THAT IS SCHEDULED TO WITHDRAW NEXT MONTH. V-O-A WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT DEBORAH TATE REPORTS.

TEXT: CLINTON AIDES SAY VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE CONVEYED THE ADMINISTRATION'S POSITION TO NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL JAVIER SOLANA AT A WHITE HOUSE MEETING ON WEDNESDAY.

REPORTS QUOTE SECRETARY SOLANA AS SAYING THE UNITED STATES WOULD CONTRIBUTE BETWEEN FIVE-THOUSAND AND TEN-THOUSAND TROOPS TO A NEW FORCE THAT WOULD NUMBER UP TO 30-THOUSAND SOLDIERS FOR WHAT IS LIKELY TO BE A YEAR-LONG MISSION.

THE CURRENT U-S -- LED MISSION IN BOSNIA, MADE UP OF SOME 50-THOUSAND TROOPS, IS SCHEDULED TO END DECEMBER 20TH.

PRESIDENT CLINTON IS EXPECTED TO DISCUSS CONTINUING THE U-S MILITARY PRESENCE IN BOSNIA WITH HIS SENIOR ADVISORS LATER THURSDAY.

ON WEDNESDAY, MR. CLINTON TENTATIVELY AGREED TO SEND U-S TROOPS TO ZAIRE FOR A HUMANITARIAN MISSION.

WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN MIKE MCCURRY SAYS MR. CLINTON WILL LIKELY ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF AMERICAN TROOP DEPLOYMENT IN BOSNIA AND ZAIRE ON FRIDAY BEFORE DEPARTING FOR A WEEKEND VACATION IN HAWAII AND THEN A NINE-DAY VISIT TO ASIA. (SIGNED)
NEB/DAT/BD/LWM
14-Nov-96 12:33 PM EST (1733 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[10] U-S / BOSNIA-ZAIRE (S&L) BY DEBORAH TATE (WHITE HOUSE)

INTRO: PRESIDENT CLINTON IS TO MEET WITH HIS FOREIGN POLICY ADVISORS LATE THURSDAY TO DISCUSS THE DEPLOYMENT OF U-S TROOPS IN ZAIRE AND A POSSIBLE U-S ROLE IN A FOLLOW-ON PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. MR. CLINTON IS TO PUBLICLY ADDRESS BOTH ISSUES FRIDAY BEFORE LEAVING FOR A TRIP TO HAWAII AND ASIA. V-O-A WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT DEBORAH TATE REPORTS.

TEXT: ON THE ISSUE OF U-S TROOP DEPLOYMENT IN ZAIRE, WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN MIKE MCCURRY SAYS PRESIDENT CLINTON IS EXPECTED TO MAKE CLEAR TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THAT SUCH A MISSION WOULD BE LIMITED.

HE WILL TALK ABOUT THE VERY PRUDENT WAY THAT HE HAS EVALUATED THE NEEDS THERE, AND WHAT HE AS COMMANDER IN CHIEF HAS DETERMINED TO DO WITH RESPECT TO U-S FORCES TO MAKE CLEAR WE HAVE A VERY FIRM HANDLE ON THE NATURE OF ANY DEPLOYMENT, WHAT THE MISSION WOULD BE, WHAT THE PRIORITIES FOR U-S FORCES WOULD BE, WHAT THE OVERALL GOALS OF THE MISSION ITSELF WOULD BE.

MR. CLINTON WEDNESDAY TENTATIVELY AGREED TO SEND TROOPS TO ZAIRE TO HELP FACILITATE HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS. HE PLACED SEVERAL CONDITIONS ON SUCH A MISSION, INCLUDING THAT IT BE LIMITED TO FOUR MONTHS, AND THAT LOCAL COMBATANTS ALLOW THE TROOPS TO ARRIVE PEACEFULLY.

ON THE ISSUE OF CONTINUED U-S MILITARY PRESENCE IN BOSNIA BEYOND THE DECEMBER 20TH WITHDRAWAL DATE FOR THE CURRENT PEACE-KEEPING MISSION, THE PRESIDENT FRIDAY WILL ADDRESS THE NEED TO PREVENT A RESUMPTION OF HOSTILITIES THERE, ACCORDING TO SPOKESMAN MCCURRY.

I THINK HE WILL TALK ABOUT THE SUCCESS OF THE MISSION THAT IS WINDING DOWN, AND WHAT THE NEEDS STILL ARE IN BOSNIA AS WE ATTEMPT TO HELP THE PARTIES PRESERVE THE PEACE. IT IS A FRAGILE PEACE. WE KNEW THAT WOULD BE THE CASE FOR A LONG TIME, GIVEN THE HATRED, GIVEN THE KILLING, GIVEN THE ETHNIC CLEANSING, IT WAS NOT LIKELY TO BE A SITUATION IN WHICH THE PARTIES WOULD EASILY RECONCILE.

VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE DISCUSSED THE ISSUE WITH NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL JAVIER SOLANA AT THE WHITE HOUSE WEDNESDAY.

SECRETARY SOLANA TOLD REPORTERS THE UNITED STATES WOULD LIKELY CONTRIBUTE UP TO A THIRD OF THE TROOPS TO A FORCE THAT WOULD NUMBER ABOUT 30-THOUSAND. HE SAYS THE MISSION WOULD STAY IN BOSNIA FOR ABOUT A YEAR. (SIGNED)
NEB/DAT/GKT/CF
14-Nov-96 4:11 PM EST (2111 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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