Voice of America, 98-02-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] BLAIR / BRITAIN (S/L) BY PAUL FRANCUCH (LONDON)

[02] BOSNIA / CROATS (L ONLY) BY LISA SCHLEIN (GENEVA)

[03] BOSNIA / REFUGEES (L) BY ART CHIMES (PRAGUE)

[04] BOSNIA: A PROGRESS REPORT BY PAMELA TAYLOR (WASHINGTON)

[05] BRITAIN / IRAQ BY ANDRE DE NESNERA (LONDON)

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

[07] FRENCH NUCLEAR (L-ONLY) BY JULIAN NUNDY (PARIS)

[08] GERMANY / POLAND (L ONLY) BY KYLE KING (BONN)

[09] N-Y ECON WRAP (S & L) BY BRECK ARDERY (NEW YORK)

[10] TUESDAY'S EDITORIALS BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)

[01] BLAIR / BRITAIN (S/L) BY PAUL FRANCUCH (LONDON)

INTRO: TONY BLAIR MAKES HIS FIRST VISIT TO WASHINGTON AS BRITAIN'S PRIME MINISTER LATER THIS WEEK (WEDNESDAY THRU SATURDAY). HE WILL MEET WITH PRESIDENT CLINTON AND OTHER KEY U-S GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS. BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE, THE BRITISH LEADER TALKED ABOUT HIS TRIP WITH A GROUP OF AMERICAN JOURNALISTS BASED IN LONDON -- INCLUDING V-O-A'S PAUL FRANCUCH.

TEXT: MR. BLAIR FIELDED QUESTIONS FROM THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF THE SINGLE EUROPEAN CURRENCY ON THE U-S DOLLAR TO EFFORTS BY HIS GOVERNMENT TO NEGOTIATE A LASTING PEACE IN NORTHERN IRELAND.

BUT MANY OF THE QUESTIONS FOCUSED ON IRAQ AND BRITAIN'S ALLIANCE WITH THE UNITED STATES IN POSSIBLY LAUNCHING AN ATTACK. THE PRIME MINISTER ECHOED PREVIOUS CHARACTERIZATIONS HE HAS MADE OF IRAQI LEADER SADDAM HUSSEIN AS A MAN RUNNING, WHAT MR. BLAIR CALLED -- AN OPPRESSIVE DICTATORIAL REGIME.

THE BRITISH PRIME MINISTER SAID A SHOW OF FORCE IS SOMETIMES NEEDED WHEN DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS APPEAR FAILING. HE TOLD THE JOURNALISTS PRESIDENT SADDAM MUST REALIZE THIS. MR. BLAIR SAID WE ARE NOT BLUFFING, WE ARE DEADLY SERIOUS.

BRITAIN'S SHOW OF MILITARY HARDWARE IN THE GULF PALES WHEN COMPARED TO THAT OF THE UNITED STATES. BUT MR. BLAIR SAID BRITAIN WILL PROVIDE SUPPORT, AS HE PUT IT -- IN ANY WAY POSSIBLE OR FEASIBLE. HE SAID THE OBJECTIVE OF THE MISSION WOULD BE CLEAR: TO GET SADDAM HUSSEIN TO ALLOW COMPLETE FREEDOM OF ACCESS TO THE U-N WEAPONS INSPECTION TEAM.

THE BRITISH PRIME MINISTER TOLD THE AMERICAN JOURNALISTS -- MANY OF US WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE END OF SADDAM HUSSEIN ALTOGETHER. BUT HE ADDED IN THIS CASE -- THAT IS NOT THE OBJECTIVE.

MR. BLAIR'S WASHINGTON TRIP WAS PLANNED LONG IN ADVANCE, BUT COMES AT AN IMPORTANT TIME FOR PRESIDENT CLINTON. TONY BLAIR ENJOYS A CLOSE FRIENDSHIP WITH MR. CLINTON AND WAS QUICK TO OFFER SUPPORT TO THE PRESIDENT IN THE WAKE OF RECENT ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT.

THE BRITISH LEADER SAID -- I AM PROUD TO CALL BILL CLINTON MY FRIEND. WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS THAT HE IS FOCUSING ON THE BIG ISSUES ... I HONESTLY BELIEVE THAT IS WHAT THE ELECTORATE THINKS IS MOST IMPORTANT. (SIGNED)
NEB/PCF/RAE

[02] BOSNIA / CROATS (L ONLY) BY LISA SCHLEIN (GENEVA)

INTRO: THE U-N REFUGEE AGENCY (U-N-H-C-R) HAS CHARGED THAT THE CROAT AUTHORITIES OF A BOSNIAN TOWN ARE USING TERROR TACTICS AGAINST MUSLIMS. LISA SCHLEIN IN GENEVA REPORTS THE MUSLIMS RETURNED TO THE TOWN, STOLAC, UNDER A PROGRAM SET UP BY THE DAYTON PEACE AGREEMENT.

TEXT: THE U-N REFUGEE AGENCY CALLS THE SITUATION IN STOLAC UNBEARABLE.

U-N-H-C-R SPOKESMAN KRIS JANOWSKI SAYS THE AGENCY IS WORRIED BY THE DETERIORATING SECURITY SITUATION IN THE CROAT-CONTROLLED TOWN. HE SAYS INTIMIDATION OF THE MUSLIM MINORITY BY WHAT HE CALLS CROAT THUGS IS GROWING. AND, HE SAYS MANY OF THE MUSLIMS WHO RETURNED TO HOMES THEY FLED DURING THE WAR ARE NOW THINKING OF LEAVING BECAUSE THEY ARE TERRIFIED.

MR. JANOWSKI SAYS THAT DURING THE PAST TWO WEEKS THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS INCIDENTS OF MUSLIMS BEING BEATEN AND INJURED.

LAST THURSDAY NIGHT, A HAND GRENADE WAS THROWN AT A HOUSE WHICH WAS RECENTLY RECONSTRUCTED BY U-N-H-C-R. THE HOUSE WAS DESTROYED. ON FRIDAY, ANOTHER RECONSTRUCTED HOUSE WAS BLOWN UP. THANK GOD THERE WERE NO CASUALTIES AND THE THREE PEOPLE WHO WERE IN THE HOUSE ESCAPED UNSCATHED, AND LEFT THE HOUSE OF COURSE.

IN ALL CASES, MR. JANOWSKI SAYS THE LOCAL POLICE EITHER RESPONDED TOO LATE OR DID NOT RESPOND AT ALL.

STOLAC IS ONE OF FOUR CITIES IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA WHICH ARE PART OF A PROJECT DESIGNED TO RETURN MINORITIES TO THEIR HOMES. THE PROJECT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR TWO-AND-ONE-HALF YEARS. MR. JANOWSKI SAYS STOLAC IS THE ONLY ONE OF THE FOUR CITIES WHICH HAS NOT FULFILLED ITS OBLIGATIONS.

THE U-N REFUGEE AGENCY HAS LODGED A COMPLAINT WITH THE WESTERN POWERS' REPRESENTATIVE, CARLOS WESTENDORP. MR. JANOWSKI SAYS THE AGENCY HOPES MR. WESTENDORP WILL USE HIS POWERS TO GET CROAT AUTHORITIES IN STOLAC TO HONOR THE AGREEMENT. (SIGNED)
NEB/LS/JWH
03-Feb-98 8:04 AM EST (1304 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[03] BOSNIA / REFUGEES (L) BY ART CHIMES (PRAGUE)

INTRO: WESTERN OFFICIALS TODAY (TUESDAY) STEPPED UP PRESSURE ON BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA TO LET REFUGEES RETURN TO THEIR HOMES. WHILE CROAT AND SERB AUTHORITIES HAVE IN THE PAST BEEN PUSHED TO ACCEPT MINORITY RETURNEES, THIS TIME THE PRESSURE IS ON MUSLIM OFFICIALS IN THE SARAJEVO AREA. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ART CHIMES HAS BEEN MONITORING A ONE-DAY CONFERENCE IN THE BOSNIAN CAPITAL FROM OUR BUREAU IN PRAGUE.

TEXT: THE WESTERN POWERS CONVENED THE MEETING TO PERSUADE AUTHORITIES IN THE SARAJEVO AREA TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF MOSTLY SERB REFUGEES RETURNING TO HOMES THEY ABANDONED DURING THE WAR.

THE CONFERENCE AGREED THAT 20-THOUSAND PRE-WAR MINORITY RESIDENTS OF SARAJEVO SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO RETURN THIS YEAR, AND CALLED FOR CHANGES IN HOUSING LAWS TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE.

A FINAL DOCUMENT ADOPTED BY THE MEETING ALSO STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF REFORMING THE EDUCATION SYSTEM TO TEACH CHILDREN TOLERANCE AND THE VALUE OF DIVERSITY. IT ALSO EMPHASIZED THE NEED FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SO RETURNING REFUGEES WILL BE ABLE TO WORK.

U-S AND EUROPEAN OFFICIALS SAID CONTINUED WESTERN AID WOULD DEPEND ON PROGRESS ON THE REFUGEE ISSUE.

THE MEETING WAS CONVENED BY THE CHIEF INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE CARLOS WESTENDORP, U-S ENVOY ROBERT GELBARD, AND EUROPEAN COMMISSION OFFICIAL HERMAN DE LANGE. BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT LEADERS ALSO TOOK PART, AS DID OFFICIALS OF THE UNITED NATIONS AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS.

MR. GELBARD SAID A MULTI-ETHNIC SARAJEVO IS NOT THE FINAL GOAL. THE REAL OBJECTIVE, HE SAID, IS A UNIFIED, MULTI-ETHNIC BOSNIA. THE DAYTON PEACE AGREEMENT ENVISAGES COMPLETE FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT FOR RESIDENTS OF BOSNIA, BUT THE AGREEMENT ALSO IN EFFECT RATIFIED ETHNIC CLEANSING BY ALLOWING SERBS THEIR OWN ENTITY WITHIN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA.

PREVIOUS WESTERN EFFORTS TO PROMOTE REFUGEE RETURNS HAVE PUT PRESSURE ON SERB AND CROAT OFFICIALS. SOME OF THOSE OFFICIALS HAVE CRITICIZED THE WEST FOR NOT APPLYING EQUAL PRESSURE ON MUSLIM OFFICIALS.

SARAJEVO HAD BEEN CONSIDERED BY MANY A MODEL OF ETHNIC CO-EXISTENCE BEFORE THE WAR. SERBS, MUSLIMS, AND CROATS LIVED SIDE-BY-SIDE. NOW, SERBS WHO WANT TO RETURN TO HOMES THEY LEFT IN SARAJEVO FACE BUREAUCRATIC AND LEGAL OBSTACLES.

LOCAL AUTHORITIES CONSISTENTLY DOWNPLAY THE PROBLEM, SAYING FOR EXAMPLE THAT A HOUSING SHORTAGE CAUSED BY WAR DAMAGE IS MORE OF A PROBLEM THAN OFFICIAL OBSTRUCTION. (SIGNED)
NEB/ART/JWH

[04] BOSNIA: A PROGRESS REPORT BY PAMELA TAYLOR (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: THERE ARE FRAGILE SIGNS OF COOPERATION IN WAR-TORN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. THE BOSNIAN SERB REPUBLIC HAS A MORE MODERATE LEADERSHIP. AUTHORITIES FROM ALL THREE ENTITIES (CROAT, SERB & MUSLIM) HAVE AGREED ON A SINGLE CURRENCY AND LICENSE PLATES. NATO HAS AGREED TO KEEP ITS TROOPS ON THE GROUND FOR THE TIME BEING AND WAR CRIMES SUSPECTS ARE BEING HANDED OVER. V-O-A'S PAMELA TAYLOR HAS THIS PROGRESS REPORT ON THE WAR TORN COUNTRY.

TEXT: DIPLOMATS AND OTHER OFFICIALS ARE CALLING THE RECENT ELECTIONS IN THE BOSNIAN-SERB REPUBLIC THE MOST DRAMATIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA IN RECENT TIMES. THE ELECTIONS EFFECTIVELY REMOVED FROM POWER MOST OF THE HARDLINE FOLLOWERS OF INDICTED WAR CRIMES SUSPECT RADOVAN KARADZIC AND PAVED THE WAY FOR OTHER MODERATES, INCLUDING A NEW MINISTER OF INFORMATION (RAJKO VASIC).

KEMAL KURSPAHIC IS THE WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT FOR THE SARAJEVO DAILY 'OSLOBODJEJNE' AND THE PAPER'S WAR-TIME EDITOR. MR. KURSPAHIC HOPES THAT WITH SERB NATIONALISTS OUT OF POWER, THE PRESSURE WILL NOW BE ON EXTREMISTS WITHIN THE CROAT-MUSLIM FEDERATION:

WE REALLY NEED A PRO-DAYTON GOVERNMENT IN REPUBLIKA SRPSKA. I ALSO BELIEVE WE NEED IT ELSEWHERE IN BOSNIA. I DON'T THINK THE (CROAT-MUSLIM) FEDERATION FUNCTIONS THE BEST (IT COULD) BUT HAVING MILORAD DODIC AS A NEW PRIME MINISTER IN REPUBLIKA SRPSKA MIGHT HELP MOVE THE PEACE PROCESS IN THAT PART OF THE COUNTRY. DODIC NEEDS AND DESERVES SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT.

MR. KURSPAHIC BELIEVES MILORAD DODIC FAVORS INTER-ENTITY CONTACTS AMONG BUSINESSMEN AND OTHERS BECAUSE HE ALREADY HAD CONTACTS WITH MODERATE POLITICIANS IN THE CROAT-MUSLIM FEDERATION DURING THE WAR.

BUT ANOTHER ANALYST, OBRAD KESIC, A SERBIAN-AMERICAN WITH THE IREX RESEARCH GROUP IN WASHINGTON SAYS MR. DODIC, LIKE MOST BUSINESSMEN IN THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA, WILL DEAL WITH ANYONE IF MONEY IS INVOLVED:

YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THAT DODIC HIMSELF IS A VERY CONTROVERSIAL FIGURE AMONGST MOST FIGURES IN THE SERB REPUBLIC. UNLIKE (PRESIDENT) BILJANA PLAVSIC WHO MADE CORRUPTION A KEY COMPONENT OF HER BREAKAWAY FROM THE RULING PARTY (S-D-S). DODIC DOESN'T REALLY STAND WELL ON THAT ISSUE. IF YOU ASK MOST SERBS THEY USUALLY LUMP HIM TOGETHER WITH (MOMCILO KRAJISNIK, SERB MEMBER OF JOINT PRESIDENCY) AND HIS BROTHER IN TERMS OF CORRUPTION.

MR. KESIC SAYS THE PROOF OF MR. DODIC'S INTENTIONS WILL BE HOW HE DISTRIBUTES THE INTERNATIONAL AID MONEY WHICH HAS BEEN RELEASED TO THE SERB REPUBLIC BECAUSE OF ITS MORE MODERATE GOVERNMENT. BUT MR. KESIC SAYS THE WEST SHOULD NOT PLACE HIGH HOPES ON MR. DODIC SINCE HIS SUPPORT COMES FROM SUSPECT QUARTERS:

THIS IS A VERY TENUOUS COALITION THAT DODIC HAS PUT TOGETHER THAT SOONER OR LATER IS GOING TO FACE SOME SERIOUS CHALLENGES AND SERIOUS PROBLEMS BECAUSE HE RELIES HEAVILY ON SUPPORT FROM THE DELEGATES REPRESENTING THE MUSLIM AND CROAT PEOPLES IN THE SERB REPUBLIC

BUT KEMAL KURSPAHIC SEES THIS IN A POSITIVE LIGHT. HE SAYS THE RELIANCE ON OTHER ETHNIC GROUPS FOR MR. DODIC'S MAJORITY IN THE BOSNIAN SERB PARLIAMENT AS WELL HAS HIS CONNECTIONS WITH BUSINESSMEN ACROSS ETHNIC BOUNDARY LINES WILL SERVE AS AN EXAMPLE FOR THE WHOLE COUNTRY. MR. KURSPAHIC POINTS UP THE IRONY HERE:

ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF OPINION OBRAD KESIC, WHO IS SERB, IS NOT AS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT RECENT EVENTS IN THE SERB ENTITY AS KEMAL KURSPAHIC WHO IS MUSLIM. MR. KESIC SAYS THIS IS BECAUSE SERBIAN PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC PULLED THE STRINGS THAT PUT MR. DODIC IN POWER AND HE FEARS THE SERBIAN LEADER WILL ALSO PULL THE STRINGS IN ALL OF MR. DODIC'S DEALINGS WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY. (SIGNED)
NEB/PAM/PT
03-Feb-98 4:48 PM EST (2148 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[05] BRITAIN / IRAQ BY ANDRE DE NESNERA (LONDON)

INTRO: BRITAIN IS THE STAUNCHEST ALLY OF THE UNITED STATES WHEN IT COMES TO ADVOCATING THE POSSIBLE USE OF MILITARY FORCE AGAINST IRAQ. THE UNITED STATES -- BACKED BY BRITAIN -- HAS A VIRTUAL ARMADA IN THE GULF, POISED TO ATTACK IF DIPLOMATIC INITIATIVES FAIL. BUT IN LONDON, A MINORITY OF LAWMAKERS ARE OPPOSED TO MILITARY STRIKES. ONE OF THEM IS TONY BENN, A SENIOR LAWMAKER FROM THE RULING LABOUR PARTY AND A MINISTER IN THE FORMER LABOUR CABINET. V-O-A'S ANDRE DE NESNERA SPOKE TO MR. BENN ABOUT THE SITUATION SURROUNDING IRAQ'S DEFIANCE OF U-N RESOLUTIONS -- AND FILED THIS REPORT FROM THE BRITISH CAPITAL.

TEXT: U-S SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT HAS BEEN SPEARHEADING A DRIVE TO GET EUROPEAN AND ARAB CONSENT FOR A POSSIBLE MILITARY STRIKE AGAINST IRAQI LEADER SADDAM HUSSEIN, IF HE DOES NOT RELENT IN HIS OPPOSITION TO LETTING U-N WEAPONS INSPECTORS WORK FREELY IN IRAQ.

AT EVERY STOP DURING HER TOUR OF EUROPEAN AND ARAB STATES, MS. ALBRIGHT HAS WARNED THAT TIME FOR DIPLOMACY IS RUNNING OUT AND -- IF IT HAPPENS -- MILITARY STRIKES ON IRAQ WILL BE "SUBSTANTIAL." SHE HAS CONSISTENTLY STATED THAT IRAQ CANNOT FLAUNT THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AND OPPOSE THE WORK OF U-N WEAPONS INSPECTORS. HOWEVER, TONY BENN -- SENIOR LABOUR PARTY LAWMAKER AND FORMER CABINET MINISTER -- SAYS IN THIS CASE, THE UNITED STATES DOES NOT REPRESENT THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY.

IT DOES NOT REPRESENT THE UNITED NATIONS, BECAUSE THE SECURITY COUNCIL HAS TO HAVE UNANIMITY AMONG THE FIVE PERMANENT MEMBERS -- AND FRANCE, RUSSIA AND CHINA ARE OPPOSED. IT DOES NOT REPRESENT THE EUROPEAN UNION, OF WHICH BRITAIN HAPPENS TO BE PRESIDENT FOR THESE SIX MONTHS. IT IS OPPOSED IN THE ARAB WORLD BECAUSE SANCTIONS HAVE BEEN SO BRUTAL IN THEIR IMPACT. WHATEVER AMERICA DOES, IT IS NOT THE WORLD, NOT THE UNITED NATIONS, NOT EUROPE, NOT THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY, NOT THE ARAB WORLD. YOU HAVE GOT TO BE JUST A BIT CAUTIOUS BEFORE YOU LAUNCH INTO ONE OF THESE GREAT ATTACKS.

MR. BENN SAYS EVERY EFFORT MUST BE MADE TO FIND A DIPLOMATIC SOLUTION, AND HE COMPARES THE CURRENT SABER RATTLING BY THE UNITED STATES TO THE SO-CALLED "GUNBOAT DIPLOMACY" IT USED IN THE 19TH CENTURY. THE BRITISH LAWMAKER IS TOTALLY OPPOSED TO MILITARY FORCE -- BUT HE HAS NO DOUBT IF IT COMES ABOUT, IT WILL BE DEVASTATING.

I HAVE HEARD ALL THE OLD MILITARY JARGON -- "WE WILL TAKE OUT SADDAM'S ASSETS. WE KNOW WHERE THE REPUBLICAN GUARD ARE, WE WILL TAKE THEM OUT." AND ALL THIS NONSENSE ABOUT "SMART BOMBS" WHICH WILL PICK OUT ONE MAN IN ONE CORNER OF THE ROOM AND LEAVE HIS WIFE UNINJURED IN THE OTHER. THAT IS ALL NONSENSE. DURING THE GULF WAR, THE WEIGHT OF THE BOMBS DROPPED ON IRAQ WAS EQUIVALENT TO SEVEN HIROSHIMAS AND ONLY SEVEN PERCENT OF THEM WERE "SMART BOMBS." NINETY-THREE PERCENT OF THE BOMBS DROPPED WERE "FREE-FALL" BOMBS OF THE KIND YOU MIGHT HAVE HAD IN THE FIRST WORLD WAR. SO -- I THINK IT WILL BE A VERY, VERY BIG BOMBARDMENT -- OF THAT I HAVE NO DOUBT. I DO NOT GO MUCH FOR AIRPOWER AS AN ANSWER TO PROBLEMS, AND I AM REALLY A BELIEVER IN NEGOTIATION, BECAUSE THE INNOCENT PEOPLE ARE THE ONES WHO GET KILLED AND IN HUGE NUMBERS.

TONY BENN DOES NOT ELIMINATE THE POSSIBILITY THAT SOME MILITARY PLANNERS WOULD LIKE TO SEE SADDAM HUSSEIN DEAD. BUT IF HE IS KILLED, MR. BENN SAYS THERE IS A CHANCE IRAQ MAY DISINTEGRATE : WITH THE KURDS DECLARING INDEPENDENCE IN THE NORTH AND THE SHI'ITES IN THE SOUTH COMING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF IRAN. HE SAYS THAT WOULD FURTHER DESTABILIZE THE MIDDLE EAST.

ALL OF THESE ARE ADDED REASONS WHY MR. BENN BELIEVES MILITARY STRIKES AGAINST IRAQ ARE -- IN HIS WORDS -- "DANGEROUS, VERY FOOLISH AND QUITE UNNECESSARY." (SIGNED)
NEB/ADEN/JWH
03-Feb-98 9:37 AM EST (1437 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: STOCK PRICES WERE UP IN TRADING TUESDAY ON EUROPEAN MARKETS. V-O-A'S JACK HUIZENGA HAS THE CLOSING MARKET REPORT FROM LONDON.

TEXT: PRICES ROSE TO RECORD CLOSING HIGHS ON ALL THREE MAJOR EUROPEAN EXCHANGES -- DESPITE EARLY PROFIT TAKING AND WEAKNESS ON WALL STREET.

PRICES IN LONDON ENDED WITH THEIR FIFTH CONSECUTIVE RECORD CLOSE. THE FOOTSIE-100 INDEX WAS UP ALMOST 14 POINTS, ABOUT ONE-QUARTER PERCENT.

IN FRANKFURT, THE DAX-30 INDEX ENDED THE FLOOR-TRADING DAY UP ALMOST 10 POINTS, ABOUT TWO-TENTHS PERCENT. BUT THE GERMAN MARKET WAS OFF IN LATER COMPUTERIZED TRADING. IN PARIS, THE CAC-40 INDEX ROSE FRACTIONALLY, JUST ABOUT ONE POINT.

ON THE LONDON CURRENCY EXCHANGE, THE VALUE OF THE U-S DOLLAR ROSE AGAINST THE GERMAN MARK. BUT IT WAS DOWN AGAINST THE JAPANESE YEN AND THE BRITISH POUND.
NEB/JWH/KL
03-Feb-98 1:14 PM EST (1814 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[07] FRENCH NUCLEAR (L-ONLY) BY JULIAN NUNDY (PARIS)

INTRO: FRANCE'S LEFT-WING GOVERNMENT, FULFILLING A PROMISE MADE TO THE ECOLOGIST "GREENS" PARTY, HAS DECIDED TO CLOSE DOWN A CONTROVERSIAL FAST-BREEDER REACTOR. IT WILL ALSO INCREASE FUNDING FOR RESEARCH INTO ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY WIND AND SOLAR ENERGY. JULIAN NUNDY REPORTS FROM PARIS.

TEXT: FOR THE PAST 24 YEARS, SINCE THE FIRST OIL SHOCK AFTER THE 1973 MIDDLE EAST WAR SENT OIL PRICES SOARING, FRANCE HAS CONCENTRATED ON NUCLEAR POWER AS ITS MAIN SOURCE OF ELECTRICITY. TODAY, THE BULK OF FRENCH ELECTRICITY IS PRODUCED BY NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS AND THEIR COOLER TOWERS ARE A COMMON SIGHT IN THE FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE. BUT THE "SUPERPHENIX" FAST-BREEDER REACTOR NEAR THE CITY OF LYON, INTENDED BOTH AS A RESEARCH STATION AND AS A CENTER FOR RECYCLING NUCLEAR WASTE, HAS ALWAYS BEEN ESPECIALLY CONTROVERSIAL. IN 1977, BEFORE SUPERPHENIX WAS BUILT, RIOTS NEAR THE CONSTRUCTION SITE RESULTED IN THE DEATH OF ONE PROTESTER. ALTHOUGH THE REACTOR WAS COMMISSIONED IN THE EARLY 1980S, IT HAS NEVER FUNCTIONED AT FULL CAPACITY. LAST YEAR, WHEN FRANCE'S SOCIALIST PRIME MINISTER LIONEL JOSPIN WANTED TO INCLUDE ECOLOGIST GREENS IN HIS GOVERNMENT, THE GREENS INSISTED THAT THE PRICE FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION WAS THAT SUPERPHENIX SHOULD BE CLOSED DOWN. NOW, THE GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED. THE EXERCISE WILL COST MORE THAN 10 BILLION FRANCS -- OR ABOUT ONE-POINT-SEVEN BILLION DOLLARS, AND TAKE 20 YEARS TO COMPLETE.

BUT THE NEWS IS NOT ALL GOOD FOR FRENCH ENVIRONMENT MINISTER DOMINIQUE VOYNET, WHO IS ALSO THE LEADER OF THE GREENS PARTY.

TO PLACATE SCIENTISTS WHO BELIEVE NUCLEAR ENERGY IS FRANCE'S MAIN OPTION, THE GOVERNMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT IT WILL REOPEN THE PHENIX REACTOR IN SOUTHERN FRANCE -- THE PREDECESSOR OF SUPERPHENIX. IN HER FIRST COMMENT ON THE AGREEMENT, MRS. VOYNET SAID SHE HAS RESERVATIONS ABOUT RECOMMISSIONING THE OLDER REACTOR IN EXCHANGE FOR CLOSING THE COSTLY SUPERPHENIX.

THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT SAYS IT WILL INTRODUCE LEGISLATION THIS YEAR TO SET UP AN INDEPENDENT AUTHORITY ON NUCLEAR SECURITY WITH THE BRIEF OF GIVING THE PUBLIC MORE INFORMATION AND OF HEARING ALL OPINIONS.

THE GOVERNMENT ALSO SAYS IT WILL DOUBLE RESEARCH FUNDS FROM NEXT YEAR INTO CLEAN AND UNCONTROVERSIAL WAYS OF PRODUCING ELECTRICITY BY HARNESSING THE WIND AND THE SUN. (SIGNED)
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03-Feb-98 10:05 AM EST (1505 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[08] GERMANY / POLAND (L ONLY) BY KYLE KING (BONN)

INTRO: POLISH PRIME MINISTER JERZY BUZEK SAYS HE EXPECTS THE NEGOTIATIONS ON POLISH ENTRY INTO THE EUROPEAN UNION TO BE DIFFICULT. BUT FOLLOWING TALKS WITH GERMAN CHANCELLOR HELMUT KOHL IN BONN TUESDAY, THE POLISH LEADER SAID HE WAS COUNTING ON GERMAN SUPPORT. VOA'S KYLE KING REPORTS.

TEXT: MR. BUZEK TOLD REPORTERS AFTER HIS TALKS WITH THE GERMAN CHANCELLOR THAT MR. KOHL IS A GREAT FRIEND OF POLAND AND A GREAT SUPPORTER OF POLISH ENTRY INTO THE EUROPEAN UNION AND NATO.

MR. BUZEK SAID HE UNDERSTOOD THAT TALKS ON MEMBERSHIP INTO THE 15-NATION E-U WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT. BUT HE SAID HE DID NOT EXPECT ONGOING EFFORTS TO RESTRUCTURE THE E-U WOULD GET IN THE WAY OF QUICK ENTRY FOR NEW MEMBERS.

LATER IN THE DAY, IN A SPEECH TO FOREIGN POLISH EXPERTS IN BONN, MR. BUZEK SAID POLAND WAS COUNTING ON EUROPEAN SUPPORT TO HELP IT PREPARE FOR E-U MEMBERSHIP.

CHANCELLOR KOHL, WHO HAS LONG CHAMPIONED THE EASTWARD EXPANSION OF BOTH NATO AND THE EUROPEAN UNION, SAID HE BELIEVED POLAND WAS WELL ON THE WAY TO MEMBERSHIP IN BOTH.

[09] N-Y ECON WRAP (S & L) BY BRECK ARDERY (NEW YORK)

INTRO: STOCK PRICES IN THE UNITED STATES WERE UP TODAY (TUESDAY) AFTER PROFIT-TAKING VANISHED LATE IN THE SESSION. VOA CORRESPONDENT BRECK ARDERY REPORTS FROM NEW YORK.

TEXT: THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE CLOSED AT EIGHTY ONE HUNDRED 60, UP 52 POINTS. THE STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 INDEX CLOSED AT ONE THOUSAND SIX, UP FOUR POINTS AND A RECORD HIGH FOR THE SECOND DAY IN A ROW.

STOCK PRICES WERE DOWN FOR MOST OF THE SESSION AS SOME TRADERS TOOK PROFITS AFTER MONDAY'S BIG RALLY BUT PRICES REVERSED LATE IN THE DAY.

ANALYSTS SAY MANY INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS SUCH AS PENSION AND MUTUAL FUND MANAGERS DO NOT WANT TO BE LEFT BEHIND IN WHAT SEEMS TO BE A VERY STRONG UPWARD TREND IN STOCK PRICES AT THE MOMENT.

THERE IS ALMOST UNANIMOUS AGREEMENT ON WALL STREET THAT GOVERNORS OF THE U-S CENTRAL BANK WILL END A TWO-DAY MEETING WEDNESDAY WITH NO INCREASE IN SHORT-TERM INTEREST RATES. AN INDEX OF LEADING ECONOMIC INDICATORS WAS UNCHANGED IN DECEMBER, SIGNALING A POSSIBLE SLOWDOWN IN THE RATE OF U-S ECONOMIC GROWTH.

MANY COMPANIES CONTINUE TO REPORT STRONG PROFIT INCREASES FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF LAST YEAR. COLGATE-PALMOLIVE, THE CONSUMER PRODUCTS FIRM, REPORTED RECORD QUARTERLY EARNINGS OF 206 MILLION DOLLARS. THE MATTEL TOY COMPANY SAID ITS PROFITS JUMPED 82 PERCENT, FUELED BY STRONG DEMAND FOR BARBIE DOLLS "HOT WHEELS" TOYS.

BUT THE STOCK OF PEPSICO, THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE COMPANY, DROPPED AFTER ITS EARNINGS FELL SHORT OF ANALYSTS' EXPECTATIONS.

COCA-COLA SAYS ITS NEW CITRUS SOFT DRINK NAMED "CITRA" HAS DONE WELL IN AMERICAN TEST MARKETS. COKE SAYS THE NEW BRAND WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE.

BILL GATES, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MICROSOFT COMPUTER SOFTWARE COMPANY, HAS DENIED RUMORS THAT MICROSOFT IS INTERESTED IN ACQUIRING BRITISH TELECOM. IN FACT, MR. GATES SAYS HE HAS NO INTEREST IN BUYING ANY TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY. (SIGNED) NEB/NY/BA/LSF/WFR
03-Feb-98 4:57 PM EST (2157 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[10] TUESDAY'S EDITORIALS BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: THE MAJORITY OF AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS THIS TUESDAY ARE DEALING WITH THE PRESIDENT'S BUDGET WHICH WAS PRESENTED YESTERDAY ... THE FIRST U-S FEDERAL BUDGET TO BE IN BALANCE IN THREE DECADES. IT IS CONSIDERED A MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT, ALTHOUGH AT LEAST ONE PAPER SAYS THE FIGURES DO NOT ADD UP CORRECTLY.

THE OTHER MAJOR TOPIC IS THE PLANNED EXECUTION IN TEXAS OF CARLA FAYE TUCKER, AN ADMITTED MURDERER, WHO HAS HAD A RELIGIOUS CONVERSION WHILE IN PRISON. HER CASE HAS BECOME AN INTERNATIONAL ISSUE. OTHER TOPICS INCLUDE THE SHOWDOWN WITH IRAQ; THE NEW AIRLINE AGREEMENT WITH JAPAN; AND SOME NEW CRITICISM OF THE PRESIDENT IN THE MONICA LEWINSKY AFFAIR. NOW, JOINING US IN THE STUDIO IS __________________ WITH A CLOSER LOOK AND SOME QUOTES IN TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

TEXT: PRESIDENT CLINTON HAS PRESENTED TO CONGRESS AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE A BUDGET SUGGESTING EXPENDITURES OF ONE-TRILLION-SEVEN-HUNDRED BILLION DOLLARS, BUT CLAIMS IT WILL BE OFFSET BY INCOME EQUAL TO THAT AMOUNT. FURTHER, THE PRESIDENT PROJECTS A DECADE'S WORTH OF SURPLUSES, BEGINNING WITH A NINE-AND- ONE-HALF-BILLION DOLLAR BUDGET SURPLUS FOR FISCAL 1999, WHICH BEGINS OCTOBER FIRST OF THIS YEAR. THAT IS REALLY SOME ACHIEVEMENT, ACCORDING TO "THE LOS ANGELES TIMES."

VOICE: ZERO. THINK OF IT: A BALANCED BUDGET WITHOUT A DEFICIT. ... THE FISCAL GOOD NEWS IS DAZZLING. THIS IS A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT, ONE THAT MANY AMERICANS THOUGHT THEY WOULD NEVER SEE AGAIN. IT IS THE RESULT OF COMMENDABLE EFFORTS BY BOTH THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS AND A CONJUNCTION OF A BUOYANT ECONOMY AND THE END OF THE COLD WAR.

TEXT: ACROSS THE NATION, "THE BOSTON GLOBE" COUNSELS CAUTION AND POINTS OUT THE BUDGET MAY NOT REALLY BE BALANCED BY SOME ACCOUNTING METHODS.

VOICE: .... THE BUDGET IS ONLY BALANCED IF ONE IGNORES ... THE USE OF A 100-BILLION-DOLLAR SURPLUS IN SOCIAL SECURITY TAXES TO MASK THE FACT THAT WASHINGTON WOULD OTHERWISE SPEND SOME 90-BILLION DOLLARS MORE THAN IT IS TAKING IN UNDER THE CLINTON BUDGET. ... HAVING ASKED THAT ALL 'SURPLUSES' BE HELD IN RESERVE TO 'SAVE SOCIAL SECURITY FIRST,' [MR.] CLINTON SHOULD PHASE OUT USE OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUND TO OFFSET A REAL DEFICIT IN THE OPERATING BUDGET.

TEXT: IN BALTIMORE, "THE SUN" WONDERS -- WHAT TO DO WITH THOSE SURPLUSES? -- AND THEN OFFERS SOME ADVICE FOR THE NATION.

VOICE: HERE'S WHAT WE SHOULD NOT DO WITH THE BUDGET SURPLUS, ESTIMATED AT 218-BILLION OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS: WE SHOULD NOT ADD A WIDE ARRAY OF SOCIAL PROGRAMS UNTIL WE KNOW THIS REVENUE BOOST IS NOT TEMPORARY. WE SHOULD NOT INCREASE CURRENT PROGRAM DRAMATICALLY UNTIL THEN, EITHER. AND WE SHOULD AVOID THE TEMPTATION TO CUT FEDERAL TAXES UNTIL WE KNOW IT WILL NOT CRIMP FUTURE REVENUE GROWTH SO MUCH THAT IT PLUNGES THE GOVERNMENT BACK INTO DEFICIT SPENDING. HERE IS WHAT CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENT OUGHT TO DO WITH THIS EXTRA CASH: BOLSTER THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM WHILE A MORE PERMANENT SOLUTION IS DEVISED. ... LAUNCH A DEBT-REPAYMENT PLAN. THE NATION HAS FIVE-POINT-SIX-TRILLION [ITALICS FOR EMPHASIS] DOLLARS IN I-O-U'S. [THE FEDERAL DEBT].

TEXT: TURNING TO THE SECOND MOST POPULAR TOPIC IN THE DAYS EDITORIAL, A SPIRITED DEBATE OVER WHETHER THE STATE OF TEXAS SHOULD EXECUTE KARLA FAYE TUCKER, A FORMER PROSTITUTE WHO CONFESSED TO MURDERING A SLEEPING COUPLE WITH A PICKAX 14-YEARS AGO, BUT HAS UNDERGONE A CHRISTIAN CONVERSION IN PRISON. IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST, "THE OREGONIAN" SAYS IT IS NOT FAIR TO SPARE HER LIFE JUST BECAUSE SHE IS A WOMAN.

VOICE: IF REHABILITATION WERE THE SOLE AIM OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, [MS.] TUCKER WOULD SEEM TO BE YOUR GAL. BUT MOST CRIMINAL SENTENCES AND PARTICULARLY THE DEATH PENALTY ARE ABOUT MORE THAN REHABILITATION. THEY ARE ABOUT PUNISHMENT. THEY ARE ABOUT ESTABLISHING -- AND PAYING -- A PRICE FOR WRONGDOING. THE DEATH PENALTY IS THE ULTIMATE PRICE FOR THE ULTIMATE CRIME. IT REFLECTS THE UTTER GRAVITY SOCIETY PLACES ON WIPING OUT INNOCENT LIFE. ...TWO THINGS NEED TO BE SAID. ONE, MANY MALE CONVICTS HAVE HAD SIMILAR SPIRITUAL AWAKENINGS YET RECEIVED NEITHER LENIENCY NOR, FOR THAT MATTER, PUBLICITY. TWO, THERE'S STILL THE MATTER OF THE SENTENCE A JURY OF HER PEERS HANDED DOWN FAR TOO MANY YEARS AGO. JUST BECAUSE THE APPEALS PROCESS IN CAPITAL CASES IS SCANDALOUSLY LONG DOES NOT MEAN THE SENTENCE IS ANY LESS VALID.

TEXT: IN GEORGIA, "THE ATLANTA CONSTITUTION" CALLS -- THE DEATH PENALTY: CRUEL AND CAPRICIOUS, ADDING:

VOICE: KARLA FAYE TUCKER'S ... FATE, LIKE THE FATE OF ANYONE WHO COMMITS A CAPITAL CRIME IN THIS COUNTRY WILL BE DETERMINED BY CAPRICE. THE UNITED STATES FAILS TO SEE WHAT MOST OF THE CIVILIZED WORLD SEES, THAT CAPITAL PUNISHMENT IS MORALLY WRONG. AMERICA ALSO DELUDES ITSELF INTO BELIEVING THAT EXECUTIONS ARE CARRIED OUT THROUGH A CAREFULLY BALANCED AND ENTIRELY FAIR SYSTEM. IN TRUTH, A CRIMINAL HAS TO BE VERY UNLUCKY TO BE EXECUTED IN THIS COUNTRY. AMONG THE MISFORTUNES THAT INCREASE SOMEONE'S CHANCES FOR CAPITAL PUNISHMENT ARE BEING POOR, BEING BLACK, BEING UNEDUCATED, AND COMMITTING A CAPITAL CRIME IN THE SOUTH, ESPECIALLY EXECUTION-HAPPY TEXAS.

TEXT: TURNING TO INTERNATIONAL TOPICS, "NEWSDAY" PRAISES PRESIDENT CLINTON'S STAND ON IRAQ.

VOICE: IT IS ALMOST TIME FOR THE PERSIAN GULF SHOWDOWN. UNLESS IRAQI PRESIDENT SADDAM HUSSEIN CAVES [GIVES] IN AND, AGAINST ALL EXPECTATION, ALLOWS UNRESTRICTED ACCESS TO UNITED NATIONS ARMS INSPECTORS, PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON WILL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO BOMB IRAQ. ... BUT A PUNISHING STRIKE AGAINST BAGHDAD, POSSIBLY WITHIN TWO WEEKS, WILL HARDLY RESOLVE THE DILEMMA. ... NO MATTER HOW PUNISHING THE FIRST STRIKE, HUSSEIN IS UNLIKELY TO GIVE UP IMMEDIATELY. ... ON THE CONTRARY, HE MIGHT WELCOME THE CHANCE TO DISPLAY BLOODY CORPSES OF IRAQI WOMEN AND CHILDREN TO WESTERN TV CAMERAS -- EVEN IF HE MUST PLACE CIVILIANS AROUND MILITARY TARGETS TO ENSURE SUCH COVERAGE.

TEXT: "THE NEW YORK TIMES" ADDS:

VOICE: MR. HUSSEIN SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT AMERICA IS NOT SPOILING [ANXIOUS] FOR A FIGHT, BUT IS UNITED IN ITS BELIEF THAT IRAQ MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO MAINTAIN AN ARSENAL OF CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS. THERE IS STILL TIME TO AVOID A CLASH. BOTH MR. CLINTON AND MR. HUSSEIN SHOULD MAKE THE MOST OF IT.

TEXT: BRIEFLY, ON THE NEW AIRLINE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE U-S AND JAPAN WHICH FURTHER OPENS THE JAPANESE MARKET FOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION, "THE LOS ANGELES TIMES" REMARKS:

VOICE: FOR AIR TRAVELERS CROSSING THE PACIFIC, CHANGES IN THE U-S-JAPAN AIR AGREEMENT WILL MEAN GREATER CHOICE OF FLIGHTS AND AIRLINES AND COULD LEAD TO LOWER FARES IN THE LONG TERM. IT HAS TAKEN FOUR YEARS TO REACH THIS NEW ACCORD, AND WHILE THE AGREEMENT FALLS SHORT OF THE 'OPEN-SKIES' FORMULA THAT WOULD HAVE ALLOWED UNFETTERED COMPETITION, IT FIRMLY OPENS UP THE 10-BILLION TRANSPACIFIC PASSENGER MARKET.

TEXT: LASTLY, SOME ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ON THE WHITE HOUSE SEX SCANDAL STORY FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE'S "MANCHESTER UNION LEADER" WHICH IS UPSET WITH THE WAY PRESIDENT CLINTON IS HANDLING HIMSELF.

VOICE: MISSOURI'S SENATOR JOHN ASHCROFT SAID IT: 'MR. PRESIDENT, YOU CANNOT PLEAD THE FIFTH AMENDMENT [WHICH ALLOWS PEOPLE TO REFUSE TO TESTIFY AND THEREBY INCRIMINATE THEMSELVES] TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. MR. PRESIDENT, AMERICA NEEDS A LEADER, NOT A LAWYER.' BUT OF COURSE, THIS IS PRECISELY WHAT OUR COWARDLY PRESIDENT DOES. BILL CLINTON HIDES BEHIND THE ADVICE OF HIS LAWYERS AND SENDS FORTH HIS WIFE TO FIGHT HIS BATTLES. INSTEAD OF STANDING UP LIKE A MAN AND ANSWERING QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH FORMER WHITE HOUSE INTERN MONICA LEWINSKY, INSTEAD OF CONFRONTING DIRECTLY THE ALLEGATIONS ... THIS UNMANLY PRESIDENT LETS HIS WIFE DO HIS FIGHTING FOR HIM. ... THIS HILLARY-LED EXCURSION INTO ...FANTASY SHOULD NOT DIVERT ATTENTION FROM THE APPALLINGLY UNETHICAL CONDUCT OF THIS PRESIDENT.

TEXT: ON THAT CRITICAL NOTE, WE CONCLUDE THIS BRIEF SAMPLING OF COMMENTS FROM TODAY'S U-S PRESS.
NEB/ANG/RAE
03-Feb-98 10:42 AM EST (1542 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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