Voice of America, 98-05-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] EURO / BRITAIN BY ANDRE DE NESNERA (LONDON)

[02] EURO STOCKS (S-ONLY) BY PAUL FRANCUCH (LONDON)

[03] EURO SUMMIT (L) BY KYLE KING (BRUSSELS)

[04] EURO TURKEY (L-ONLY) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (ISTANBUL)

[05] FRIDAY'S EDITORIALS BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)

[06] KOSOVO - SANCTIONS (S ONLY) BY ART CHIMES (PRISTINA)

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

[08] NORTHERN IRELAND PEACE (PART FOUR) BY ANDRE DE NESNERA (LONDON)

[09] SENATE-NATO (L-UPDATE) BY DAVID SWAN (CAPITOL HILLx)

[01] EURO / BRITAIN BY ANDRE DE NESNERA (LONDON)

INTRO: LEADERS FROM THE 15-NATION EUROPEAN UNION ARE PREPARING TO NAME THE 11 COUNTRIES WHICH WILL JOIN THE SINGLE CURRENCY, COME THE START OF NEXT YEAR. IN THIS REPORT FROM LONDON, V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ANDRE DE NESNERA LOOKS AT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT'S "WAIT AND SEE" POLICY CONCERNING THE NEW CURRENCY KNOWN AS THE "EURO."

TEXT: THE MAIN TASK FACING THE LEADERS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION WHEN THEY MEET FOR THEIR SUMMIT IN BRUSSELS SATURDAY IS TO FINALIZE DETAILS FOR THE LAUNCH OF THE SINGLE CURRENCY AND TO AGREE WHICH 11 COUNTRIES WILL ACTUALLY FORM THE SINGLE CURRENCY ZONE NEXT JANUARY.

THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE CREATION OF A EUROPEAN MONETARY UNION HAS BEEN GERMAN CHANCELLOR HELMUT KOHL AND TO A LESSER DEGREE, FRENCH PRESIDENT JACQUES CHIRAC. BUT IT IS IRONIC THAT THE COUNTRY CURRENTLY PRESIDING OVER THE EUROPEAN UNION -- AND IN EFFECT, LAUNCHING THE SINGLE CURRENCY -- IS BRITAIN, WHICH HAS DECIDED NOT TO BE AMONG THE 11 EMBRACING THE "EURO."

THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO ASSUME A CAUTIOUS "WAIT AND SEE" POLICY, SAYING THE COUNTRY'S ECONOMY RIGHT NOW IS NOT YET READY TO ENTER THE SINGLE CURRENCY. BRITISH OFFICIALS HAVE SAID IT WOULD NOT BE REALISTIC TO MAKE ANY DECISION ABOUT ENTERING A SINGLE EUROPEAN CURRENCY DURING THIS SITTING OF PARLIAMENT -- EFFECTIVELY PUTTING OFF ANY DECISION UNTIL THE YEAR 2002.

GERARD LYONS IS SENIOR ECONOMIST FOR THE JAPANESE BANK D-K-B. HE AGREES WITH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT'S DECISION, SAYING THERE IS NO NEED TO RUSH IN TO JOIN THE SINGLE CURRENCY BECAUSE THERE IS NO GUARANTEE IT WILL SUCCEED.

AS FOR BRITISH BUSINESSES, MR. LYONS DOES NOT BELIEVE THEY WILL SUFFER FROM BEING OUTSIDE THE "EURO" ZONE. HE SAYS BRITISH FIRMS HAVE DONE WELL IN THE UNITED STATES EVEN THOUGH BRITAIN HAS THE POUND AND AMERICA THE DOLLAR.

THOSE BRITISH BUSINESSES THAT HAVE A BIG TIE WITH THE U-S ECONOMY CAN ACCOUNT AND TRADE IN DOLLARS IF THEY WANT. THE SAME PRINCIPLE CAN APPLY TO THE E-U. BRITISH COMPANIES CAN USE THE POUND IF THEY WISH TO -- OR IF THEY WANT TO, THEY CAN ACCOUNT AND TRADE AND USE THE 'EURO.' THERE IS NOTHING TO STOP THEM DOING WHAT IS IN THEIR OWN COMPANY'S BEST INTERESTS. // OPT // THE ONLY CONCERN IS IF BRITAIN IS SUDDENLY PENALIZED FOR BEING OUTSIDE THE SINGLE CURRENCY. I DO NOT SEE WHY IT SHOULD BE. IF POLITICIANS ON THE CONTINENT ARE TRUE TO THEIR WORD, THEN THE SINGLE-CURRENCY AREA SHOULD BE A FREE-TRADE AREA AND THEREFORE THERE SHOULD BE NOTHING TO PENALIZE BRITAIN FOR STAYING OUTSIDE. // END OPT //

ALTHOUGH IT IS CLEAR THAT BRITAIN -- FOR THE TIME BEING -- IS STAYING CLEAR OF THE SINGLE CURRENCY, THE "EURO" IS ALREADY MAKING INROADS IN BRITAIN. MANY DEPARTMENT STORES SAY THEY WILL ACCEPT EUROS WHEN THEY MAKE THEIR APPEARANCE FOUR YEARS FROM NOW, AND MANY LARGE BRITISH FIRMS SAY THEY ARE PREPARED TO PAY THEIR SUPPLIERS IN EUROS.

MR. LYONS SAYS MULTINATIONAL CONGLOMERATES ARE MORE LIKELY TO USE EUROS THAN SMALLER COMPANIES.

SOME COMPANIES THAT HAVE VERY STRONG TIES WITH THE REST OF THE CONTINENT WILL BE VERY KEEN TO USE THE 'EURO.' IT MAKES TRANSACTIONS AND MAKES LIFE SIMPLER FOR THEM. SO IN SOME RESPECTS THERE WILL BE THE "CREEPING USE" OF THE EURO -- A TROJAN HORSE 'EURO' SHALL WE SAY, IN THAT IT COMES IN WITHOUT THE POLICY MAKERS HERE OUTRIGHT CLAMORING FOR IT. BUT SMALL OR MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL STILL BY AND LARGE BE USING THE POUND.

SOME EXPERTS HAVE INDICATED THAT WITH BRITAIN OUTSIDE THE SINGLE CURRENCY ZONE, LONDON COULD LOSE ITS ROLE AS EUROPE'S LEADING FINANCIAL CENTER, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE NEW EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK WILL BE BASED IN FRANKFURT, GERMANY. MR. LYONS DISAGREES.

BANK ECONOMIST GERARD LYONS SAYS IN THE UNITED STATES, THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE CENTRAL BANK -- THE FEDERAL RESERVE -- IS IN WASHINGTON, WHEREAS THE MAJOR FINANCIAL MARKETS ARE IN CHICAGO AND NEW YORK. SO HE SAYS EVEN IF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK IS BASED IN FRANKFURT, LONDON WILL STILL BE ABLE TO SUSTAIN ITS PREEMINENCE AS EUROPE'S MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTER. (SIGNED)
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01-May-98 7:25 AM EDT (1125 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[02] EURO STOCKS (S-ONLY) BY PAUL FRANCUCH (LONDON)

INTRO: WHILE MOST STOCK MARKETS SUSPENDED TRADING IN WESTERN EUROPE FRIDAY FOR THE MAY DAY HOLIDAY, TRADING WHICH DID TAKE PLACE SENT PRICES MOSTLY HIGHER. MORE FROM VOA'S PAUL FRANCUCH IN LONDON.

TEXT: THE MARKETS IN PARIS AND FRANKFURT WERE CLOSED FRIDAY AFTER POSTING BIG GAINS THE DAY BEFORE. HERE IN LONDON, HOWEVER, TRADING SAW THE KEY "FINANCIAL TIMES" 100 INDEX OF BRITISH STOCKS SOAR ANOTHER 82 POINTS AT THE CLOSE. THAT EQUALED A DAILY VALUE GAIN OF ALMOST ONE-AND-A-HALF PERCENT FOR THE "FOOTSIE." THE ONLY OTHER MARKET TRADING IN WESTERN EUROPE FRIDAY WAS AMSTERDAM, WHERE STOCK PRICES CLOSED HIGHER AS WELL.

ANALYSTS ATTRIBUTED THE GAINS TO GENERALLY FAVORABLE ECONOMIC NEWS AND, AGAIN, THE RELAXATION OF FEARS THAT INTEREST RATES IN THE UNITED STATES WOULD SOON GO HIGHER.

IN CURRENCY TRADING HERE IN LONDON, THE U-S DOLLAR FELL MORE THAN TWO PFENNIG TO THE GERMAN MARK, BUT GAINED A HALF CENT ON THE BRITISH POUND.

LONDON GOLD TRADING FRIDAY SAW THE METAL DROP FOUR DOLLARS AN OUNCE TO SELL AT AROUND 306 DOLLARS. (SIGNED)
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01-May-98 1:52 PM EDT (1752 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[03] EURO SUMMIT (L) BY KYLE KING (BRUSSELS)

INTRO: LEADERS OF THE 15 NATION EUROPEAN UNION HAVE GATHERED IN BRUSSELS FOR A SUMMIT THAT WILL MARK THE LAUNCH THE NEW SINGLE EUROPEAN CURRENCY. BUT AS V-O-A'S KYLE KING REPORTS FROM THE BELGIAN CAPITAL, A BITTER DISPUTE BETWEEN GERMANY AND FRANCE, HAS DAMPENED THE MOOD AT THE GATHERING.

TEXT: THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE TWO-DAY SUMMIT WILL BE A FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF WHICH COUNTRIES WILL BE THE FIRST TO ADOPT THE NEW CURRENCY, CALLED THE EURO.

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT HAS ENDORSED 11 COUNTRIES TO BE THE FIRST TO ADOPT THE N EW CURRENCY -- GERMANY, FRANCE, ITALY, SPAIN, BELGIUM, THE NETHERLANDS, IRELAND, LUXEMBOURG, FINLAND, PORTUGAL AND AUSTRIA. A FORMAL DECISION WILL BE MADE SATURDAY.

BUT WHEN E-U LEADERS FINALLY SIT DOWN TOGETHER (ON SATURDAY), THEY WILL ALSO HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE THORNY QUESTION OF WHO WILL HEAD THE NEW EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK.

FRANCE AND GERMANY CONTINUE TO SUPPORT SEPARATE CANDIDATES FOR CENTRAL BANK CHIEF, WHO WILL BE INSTRUMENTAL IN SETTING INTEREST RATES AND EUROPEAN MONETARY POLICY.

REACTING TO SUGGESTIONS OF A POSSIBLE COMPROMISE THAT WOULD SPLIT THE EIGHT YEAR TERM OF THE BANK CHIEF -- E-U PRESIDENT JACQUES SANTER TOLD REPORTERS IT WAS IMPORTANT TO STICK TO PREVIOUS TREATY AGREEMENTS.

AND THE PROVISIONS OF THE TREATY SAY THE PRESIDENT IS APPOINTED FOR A MANDATE OF EIGHT YEARS TIME... AND I THINK IT WOULD BE VERY DAMAGING FOR THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK, IF THERE WOULD BE A SPLITTING OF THIS MANDATE.

SOME ANALYSTS FEAR THAT BY ALLOWING POLITICAL LEADERS TO TINKER WITH THE BANK CHIEF'S POSITION, IT WILL COMPROMISE HIS OR HER INDEPENDENCE, AND COULD LEAD TO A WEAKENING OF THE NEW CURRENCY, WHICH IS TO BE INTRODUCED IN JANUARY OF NEXT YEAR.

ON THE STREETS OF BRUSSELS, WHERE MOST PEOPLE ARE ENJOYING THE MAY FIRST HOLIDAY, THERE IS LITTLE PASSION FOR THE DISPUTE AND MANY PEOPLE ARE READY TO ACCEPT THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW CURRENCY.

THERE IS ALSO OPPOSITION, BUT MANY PEOPLE, LIKE THIS SMALL SHOP OWNER, ARE UNSURE WHAT THE FUTURE OF THE NEW CURRENCY WILL BE.

I DON'T KNOW, I HOPE...BUT REALLY I DON'T KNOW. WE WILL SEE WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE EURO, BUT I THINK IT IS GOOD ... WHY NOT?

ADVOCATES OF THE EURO SAY IT COULD ONE DAY RIVAL THE DOLLAR, AND WILL MAKE IT EASIER TO DO BUSINESS BY ELIMINATING THE EXPENSE OF CURRENCY EXCHANGES.

SUPPORTERS NOTE THE SINGLE CURRENCY PROJECT WILL CREATE THE WORLD'S RICHEST TRADING BLOCK, AND THEY HOPE IT WILL ALSO INCREASE POLITICAL INTEGRATION AMONG MEMBER STATES. BUT AS THE ONGOING DISPUTE OVER THE CENTRAL BANK JOB SHOWS, THAT GOAL IS STILL SOME WAY OFF (STILL FAR AWAY). (SIGNED)
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01-May-98 10:23 AM EDT (1423 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[04] EURO TURKEY (L-ONLY) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (ISTANBUL)

INTRO: ELEVEN EUROPEAN UNION MEMBER NATIONS WILL MEET IN BRUSSELS THIS WEEKEND TO LOCK THEIR EXCHANGE RATES TOGETHER AND LAUNCH THE FIRST STAGE OF MONETARY UNION. THIS SINGLE CURRENCY, KNOWN AS THE "EURO," WILL TAKE EFFECT NEXT YEAR. BUT THOSE COUNTRIES OUTSIDE EUROPE ARE ALREADY TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW IT WILL AFFECT THEM. CORRESPONDENT LAURIE KASSMAN REPORTS FROM ISTANBUL THAT TURKISH BUSINESS EXECUTIVES, AT LEAST, SAY THE "EURO" SHOULD NOT CREATE ANY MAJOR TRADE PROBLEMS.

TEXT: TURKEY IS STILL SEETHING OVER THE EUROPEAN UNION'S REJECTION OF ITS LONG-STANDING BID FOR MEMBERSHIP, BUT MANY EXECUTIVES SAY BEING ON THE OUTSIDE WILL NOT CHANGE THE WAY THEY DO BUSINESS WITH EUROPE -- AT LEAST NOT FOR NOW.

A CUSTOMS UNION AGREEMENT SIGNED MORE THAN TWO YEARS AGO HAS SET THE PACE. AND BUSINESSMEN LIKE EROL YARAR SAY DEALING WITH THE "EURO" SHOULD NOT BE A PROBLEM.

WE ARE SO MUCH "DOLLARIZED," SO I DON'T THINK THE SINGLE CURRENCY IN EUROPE WILL AFFECT THE TURKISH ECONOMY, BECAUSE ALTHOUGH THE D-MARK (DEUTSCHE MARK) IS THE SECOND AFTER THE DOLLAR, "DOLLARIZATION" IS MORE THE ISSUE IN TURKEY ... EVERYBODY IS COUNTING THEIR COSTS BY DOLLARS -- IF THEY ARE EXPORT-ORIENTED.

MR. YARAR RUNS A PRO-ISLAMIST BUSINESSMAN'S GROUP IN TURKEY. HE OPPOSES E-U MEMBERSHIP AND ARGUES THAT TURKEY SHOULD MAKE BETTER USE OF ITS TIES TO THE MUSLIM WORLD.

PRO-EUROPE ADVOCATE ASLAN GUNDUZ OF MARMARA UNIVERSITY'S "EUROPEAN COMMUNITY INSTITUTE" SAY THE E-U ATTITUDE TOWARDS TURKEY HAS CAUSED MORE PSYCHOLOGICAL DAMAGE THAN FINANCIAL. HE INSISTS TURKEY IS STILL AN INTEGRAL PART OF EUROPE.

TURKEY WILL NOT GO AWAY, BECAUSE TURKEY IS PART OF EUROPE. WHETHER PEOPLE ACCEPT IT OR NOT -- IT (TURKEY) IS PART OF IT AND IT BELIEVES THAT IT IS PART OF IT, AND IT WILL REMAIN WITHIN EUROPE, WHATEVER THE LEVEL OF RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER EUROPEAN STATES.

THESE DAYS, TURKISH OFFICIALS APPEARED LESS WORRIED ABOUT THE "EURO" AND MORE CONCERNED ABOUT HOSTILITIES WITH E-U MEMBER GREECE. PRIME MINISTER MESUT YILMAZ THIS WEEK AGAIN WARNED GREECE ABOUT THE DANGERS OF WHAT HE CALLED IT ITS ANTAGONISTIC POLICY TOWARD TURKEY OVER E-U MEMBERSHIP AND OVER CYPRUS.

[05] FRIDAY'S EDITORIALS BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: PRESIDENT CLINTON'S FIRST NEWS CONFERENCE SINCE THE MONICA LEWINSKY SCANDAL BROKE GETS A NEGATIVE REVIEW IN THE "NEW YORK TIMES" EDITORIAL COLUMN THIS FRIDAY. OTHER COMMENTARIES FOCUS ON MS. LEWINSKY'S BEING POSSIBLY FORCED TO TESTIFY BEFORE KENNETH STARR'S GRAND JURY ON HER ALLEGED AFFAIR WITH THE PRESIDENT.

THERE IS ALSO COMMENT ON WHAT THE PAPERS SEE AS A MEAN-SPIRITED EFFORT IN CONGRESS TO DENY PUBLIC FOOD ASSISTANCE TO LEGAL IMMIGRANTS; SOME THOUGHTS ON DISARMAMENT -- OR LACK OF IT -- IN IRAQ; ISRAEL'S 50TH BIRTHDAY, AND THE THREAT OF BIOLOGICAL TERRORISM. NOW, HERE WITH A CLOSER LOOK, AND SOME QUOTES, IS _______________AND TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

TEXT: "THE NEW YORK TIMES" LEADS IT COMMENTARY COLUMN WITH AN EDITORIAL ENTITLED "MR. CLINTON'S AWKWARD ANSWERS," NOTING:

VOICE: IN HIS FIRST SOLO NEWS CONFERENCE SINCE DECEMBER, PRESIDENT CLINTON GAVE HIS USUAL FLUID PERFORMANCE, BUT IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT HE HAS PAID A HIGH PRICE FOR HIS SILENCE ON THE ALLEGATIONS ABOUT MONICA LEWINSKY. MOST OF MR. CLINTON'S FEELINGS CAME ACROSS THROUGH INNUENDO AND BODY LANGUAGE. HIS REPEATED DUCKING [EVADING] OF QUESTIONS SEEMED DEFENSIVE, ARGUMENTATIVE AND YET UNCHARACTERISTICALLY PASSIVE. // OPT /// .... THE PRESIDENT'S LAWYERS HAVE NO DOUBT ADVISED HIM TO MAINTAIN HIS SILENCE, JUST AS LAWYERS MIGHT DO FOR ANY TARGET OF A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION. BUT A NARROW LEGAL STRATEGY WILL NOT HELP MR. CLINTON RESTORE AMERICANS' FAITH IN HIS CHARACTER, EVEN IF THEY APPROVE THE WAY HE HAS HANDLED THE ECONOMY. /// END /// ..... BY DODGING [EVADING] QUESTIONS AND ENCOURAGING DISRESPECT FOR A DULY APPOINTED INDEPENDENT COUNSEL, [KENNETH STARR] MR. CLINTON IS DOING HIS OWN BIT TO PROLONG THE INVESTIGATION AND DRIVE DOWN THE POLLS RATING HIS CHARACTER.

TEXT: IN A RELATED DEVELOPMENT, THE NEWS FROM KENNETH STARR'S INVESTIGATION THAT MONICA LEWINSKY WILL N O T BE GRANTED IMMUNITY FROM PROSECUTION, DRAWS A COMMENT FROM "THE WASHINGTON POST." MS LEWINSKY IS THE FORMER WHITE HOUSE INTERN WHO HAS TOLD FRIENDS SHE HAD A SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PRESIDENT. SAYS "THE POST," WHILE MS. LEWINSKY'S TESTIMONY IS CRUCIAL TO DETERMINING WHETHER PRESIDENT CLINTON COMMITTED PERJURY AND OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE, HER INDICTMENT IS NOT INCONSEQUENTIAL.

VOICE: THE PROVOCATIVE CONDUCT AND STATEMENTS OF MS. LEWINSKY'S LAWYER, WILLIAM GINSBURG, HAVE ALL BUT INVITED CHARGES AGAINST MS. LEWINSKY. [HOWEVER] ....THERE IS ... ONLY ONE SITUATION IN WHICH MR. STARR SHOULD CONTEMPLATE INDICTING HER. THAT CIRCUMSTANCE IS IF MR. STARR BECOMES CONVINCED THAT -- EVEN IMMUNIZED -- MS. LEWINSKY WILL NOT GIVE HIM CREDIBLE AND COMPLETE ANSWERS BUT THAT SHE MIGHT DO SO UNDER THE PRESSURE OF CRIMINAL CHARGES. THIS IS NOT, HOWEVER, A STEP TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY. IT IS A MOVE OF LAST RESORT.

TEXT: THERE IS A BATTLE IN CONGRESS TO RESTORE FEDERAL FOOD ASSISTANCE, CALLED FOOD STAMPS, TO LEGAL IMMIGRANTS, A BENEFIT TAKEN AWAY WHEN THE FEDERAL WELFARE LAWS WERE REVISED TWO YEARS AGO. IT IS DRAWING CONSIDERABLE COMMENT, LIKE THIS FROM "THE BOSTON GLOBE."

VOICE: /// OPT /// MARIE ANTOINETTE MIGHT HAVE TOSSED OFF A HAUGHTY 'LET THEM EAT CAKE.' BUT FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, THE WORD ON LEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND GOOD STAMPS IS A COOLLY BUREAUCRATIC 'MOST NONCITIZENS ARE INELIGIBLE.' /// END OPT /// THIS IS DISTRESSING, ESPECIALLY SINCE LEGAL IMMIGRANTS AWAITING CITIZENSHIP WERE ENTITLED TO FOOD STAMPS BEFORE 1996, AN INTELLIGENT STAND AGAINST HUNGER. THEN WELFARE REFORM HIT. AND IN THE PROCESS, CONGRESS TACKED ON [ADDED] A PROVISION STRIPPING LEGAL IMMIGRANTS ...... OF THEIR ELIGIBILITY. PARTICULARLY HARD HIT WERE CHILDREN AND THE ELDERLY. .... CONGRESS SHOULD PUSH FORWARD WITH THE SPENDING BILL, [WHICH REVERSES THE CHANGE] BECAUSE HUNGER CRIPPLES PEOPLE BY UNDERMINING EVERYTHING THEY DO, FROM SCHOOL TO WORK TO RAISING FAMILIES -- TO WORKING THEIR WAY OFF .... PUBLIC SUPPORT.

TEXT: IN FLORIDA, "THE MIAMI HERALD" IS PARTICULARLY OUTRAGED, BECAUSE THE FLORIDA STATE LEGISLATURE HAS ALSO CUT FUNDS THAT HELP SPEED UP THE CITIZENSHIP PROCESS FOR THESE SAME LEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO ARE BEING DEPRIVED OF FEDERAL FOOD STAMPS.

VOICE: WHY CARE? FOR THE SAME REASON THAT THE MONEY WAS APPROPRIATED. BECAUSE OF FEDERAL WELFARE REFORMS, TENS OF THOUSANDS OF **LEGAL** [ITALICS FOR EMPHASIS] IMMIGRANTS, MOSTLY IN SOUTH FLORIDA, LOST FOOD STAMPS AND OTHER FEDERAL BENEFITS. THE LOSS HAS CAUSED UNTOLD HARDSHIP FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T WORK; THE ELDERLY, DISABLED, AND CHILDREN. EVEN THOUGH CONGRESS SHOULD, AND MAY WELL, RESTORE AT LEAST SOME FOOD-STAMP BENEFITS, CITIZENSHIP IS THE BEST SAFETY NET.

TEXT: TO THE MIDDLE EAST NOW, AND NEW FEARS THAT IRAQ IS STILL TRYING TO HIDE RE-ARMAMENT EFFORTS FROM THE U-N, WHILE ITS PEOPLE CONTINUE TO SUFFER FROM THE TRADE EMBARGO. SAYS "THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR:"

VOICE: THE HEAD OF THE U-N SPECIAL COMMISSION TRACKING DISARMAMENT IN IRAQ IS RIGHT. THE REGIME IN BAGHDAD, ITSELF, HOLDS THE KEYS TO ENDING ECONOMIC SANCTIONS. RICHARD BUTLER NOTED THAT HIS ... INSPECTORS WERE STILL NOT GETTING THE DATA THEY NEED TO VERIFY PROGRESS TOWARD ELIMINATING CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS, IN PARTICULAR. ..... THUS THE U-N SECURITY COUNCIL WAS RIGHT THIS WEEK TO RETAIN THE SANCTIONS THAT SO TIGHTLY RESTRICT IRAQ'S ECONOMY. .... THAT SAID, THERE HAS TO BE HONEST ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF POSITIVE STEPS TAKEN BY IRAQ. THE COUNTRY'S NUCLEAR WEAPONS PROGRAM HAS BEEN LARGELY DISMANTLED. AND, THANKS TO DILIGENT DIPLOMACY BY U-N SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN, SADDAM HAS AGREED TO OPEN SO-CALLED 'PRESIDENTIAL SITES' TO ARMS INSPECTORS.

TEXT: "THE MONITOR" CONCLUDES THAT SINCE THERE HAS BEEN SOME PROGRESS, THE TIME FOR AT LEAST EASING THE SANCTIONS MAY BE COMING, AND THE HARDSHIPS OF IRAQ'S PEOPLE MUST BE "PART OF THE POLICY CALCULUS."

VOICE: IN THE LATEST SECURITY COUNCIL REVIEW, EVEN RUSSIA, FRANCE AND CHINA WERE COMPELLED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IRAQ IS CHEATING ON ITS DISARMAMENT OBLIGATIONS. ..... EVIDENCE OF ITS NONCOMPLIANCE WAS PROVIDED NOT JUST BY THE U-N INSPECTORS WHOSE GOOD FAITH SADDAM HUSSEIN HAS (UNCONVINCINGLY) CHALLENGED BUT ALSO BY AN ALTERNATIVE INSPECTION TEAM SPONSORED BY, AMONG OTHERS, RUSSIA, FRANCE AND CHINA. ..... SADDAM HUSSEIN PRESUMABLY INTENDS TO WIN THE LIFTING OF THE INTERNATIONAL EMBARGO AT LITTLE OR NOT COST TO HIS ARMS AMBITIONS.

TEXT: ISRAEL'S 50TH BIRTHDAY DRAWS THIS COMMENT FROM MAINE, AND "THE PORTLAND PRESS HERALD" WHICH NOTES THE DRAMATIC BEGINNING OF MODERN ISRAEL, AND ITS ALMOST MIRACULOUS SURVIVAL, BEFORE ASSESSING THE CURRENT SCENE.

VOICE: AFTER TWO-THOUSAND YEARS, THEY [THE JEWS] ONCE AGAIN HAD A COUNTRY. ... AND THE NATION THRIVED. .... [TODAY] TO BE CERTAIN, THERE PROBLEMS. .... STILL, ISRAEL IS AN OASIS IN THE MIDDLE EAST, AND ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY IS REASON FOR CELEBRATIONS AS WELL AS REFLECTION. THE NATION HAS ACCOMPLISHED MUCH IN 50 YEARS.

TEXT: NEWLY PRIVATIZED RUSSIAN ARMS MERCHANTS ARE DRAWING THE IRE OF "THE NEW YORK TIMES" THIS FRIDAY, FOR WHAT THE PAPER CALLS "PROVOCATIVE ARMS SALES."

VOICE: NO LONGER SUSTAINED BY CAPTIVE MARKETS AND CLIENT STATES, RUSSIAN ARMS DESIGNERS AND MANUFACTURERS ARE SELLING THEIR WARES TO ANYONE WILLING TO PAY. RECENT DAYS HAVE BROUGHT WORD THAT RUSSIAN ENTERPRISES ARE HELPING IRAN, INDIA AND THE GREEK CYPRIOT GOVERNMENT DEVELOP OR BUY NEW MISSILES. IN EACH CASE, THE MISSILES COULD ALTER THE BALANCE OF MILITARY POWER IN A HIGHLY VOLATILE REGION WHERE ARMED CONFLICT BETWEEN NEIGHBORS HAS OCCURRED IN THE PAST AND COULD AGAIN. THE RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT, WHILE ASSURING WASHINGTON OF ITS CONCERN, HAS NOT DONE ENOUGH TO CURB THESE DEALS. ..... EXACERBATING TENSIONS BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN, ARMING IRAN OR GIVING GREEK CYPRIOTS A MILITARY ADVANTAGE OVER THEIR TURKISH COUNTERPARTS CAN ONLY LEAD TO TROUBLE.

TEXT: STILL IN NEW ENGLAND, "THE BOSTON GLOBE" WARNS THAT THIS NATION IS STILL NOT READY TO FACE A BIOLOGICAL TERRORIST ATTACK.

VOICE: SCIENTISTS, DOCTORS, LAW ENFORCEMENT AND INTELLIGENCE OFFICIALS, AND PUBLIC AUTHORITIES FROM LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES ARE BEGINNING TO WORRY ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF A TERRORIST ATTACK WITH BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS. THEY ARE RIGHT TO WORRY. THESE ARE THE ULTIMATE TERROR WEAPONS. ...... A TERRORIST WITH A GENETICALLY ENGINEERED BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS COMBINING SMALLPOX WITH THE MARBURG OR EBOLA VIRUS COULD RELEASE HIS GERMS IN THIS COUNTRY AND FLEE ELSEWHERE BEFORE .....ANYONE REALIZED .... THE UNITED STATES HAD BEEN THE VICTIM OF A TERRORIST ATTACK. ..... THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO ESTABLISH A CLEAR COMMAND SYSTEM TO COPE WITH A CATASTROPHE THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE UTMOST IN COOPERATION BETWEEN LOCAL AND FEDERAL AUTHORITIES. AT THE END OF THE 20TH CENTURY, THERE ARE FEW COMPARABLE THREATS TO U-S SECURITY.

TEXT: ON THAT NOTE, WE CONCLUDE THIS SAMPLING OF EDITORIAL COMMENTS FROM FRIDAY'S U-S PRESS.
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01-May-98 10:55 AM EDT (1455 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[06] KOSOVO - SANCTIONS (S ONLY) BY ART CHIMES (PRISTINA)

INTRO: IN SERBIA'S TROUBLED KOSOVO PROVINCE, THE MODERATE LEADER OF THE (EDS: 90-PERCENT) ETHNIC ALBANIAN MAJORITY HAS WELCOMED SANCTIONS IMPOSED BY WESTERN DIPLOMATS MEETING IN ROME WEDNESDAY. BUT AS WE HEAR FROM V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ART CHIMES IN KOSOVO, THE LEADER SAID MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO STABILIZE THE SITUATION.

TEXT: ETHNIC ALBANIAN LEADER IBRIHIM RUGOVA TOLD REPORTERS THE SITUATION IN KOSOVO REMAINS "GRAVE AND TENSE." HE SAYS THEY EXPECTED MORE FROM THIS WEEK'S "CONTACT GROUP" MEETING, WHICH OFFERED SERBIA INCENTIVES TO OPEN TALKS ON KOSOVO, AND SANCTIONS IF THEY DON'T.

MR. RUGOVA WELCOMED THE PRESSURE, BUT AT THE SAME TIME URGED RUSSIA -- WHICH DID NOT JOIN IN THE SANCTIONS -- TO DEMONSTRATE WHAT HE CALLED A MORE CONSTRUCTIVE APPROACH.

THE MAJOR OBSTACLE TO NEGOTIATIONS IS THIRD-PARTY MEDIATION, WHICH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AND THE ALBANIANS WANT, BUT WHICH BELGRADE REFUSES, SAYING KOSOVO IS STRICTLY AN INTERNAL MATTER.

MR. RUGOVA ALSO CALLED FOR EFFORTS TO PREVENT AN ESCALATION OF THE VIOLENCE IN KOSOVO, WHICH HAS INCLUDED FREQUENT DEADLY CLASHES BETWEEN SERBIAN FORCES AND ALBANIAN SEPARATIST GUERRILLAS. (SIGNED)
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01-May-98 8:41 AM EDT (1241 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: STOCK PRICES IN THE UNITED STATES WERE UP TODAY (FRIDAY) AS THE LATEST ECONOMIC STATISTICS FUELED NEW CONFIDENCE ON WALL STREET. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT BRECK ARDERY REPORTS FROM NEW YORK.

TEXT: THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE CLOSED AT 91-HUNDRED-47, UP 83 POINTS. FOR THE WEEK, THE INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE GAINED THE SAME AMOUNT, 83 POINTS. THE STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 INDEX CLOSED FRIDAY AT 11-HUNDRED-21, UP NINE POINTS.

ANALYSTS SAY OPTIMISM CONTINUED ON WALL STREET AFTER TRADERS REVIEWED THE LATEST BATCH OF ECONOMIC STATISTICS. THE FIGURES SHOW A KEY MANUFACTURING INDEX DOWN AND A DROP IN CONSTRUCTION SPENDING IN THE UNITED STATES. ON WALL STREET, THAT IS GOOD NEWS BECAUSE BOTH STATISTICS INDICATE A SLOWING OF THE RATE OF ECONOMIC GROWTH, MEANING INFLATIONARY PRESSURES SEEM EVEN LESS LIKELY TO DEVELOP.

BANK STOCKS WERE STRONG FRIDAY AFTER A REPORT (BOSTON GLOBE) THAT THE FLEET BANK AND THE BANK OF BOSTON ARE CLOSE TO A MERGER AGREEMENT.

B-A-T INDUSTRIES, THE BRITISH-BASED TOBACCO AND FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY, REPORTED SURPRISINGLY STRONG QUARTERLY EARNINGS LARGELY BECAUSE OF STRENGTH IN ITS INSURANCE BUSINESS. UNILEVER, THE ANGLO-DUTCH CONSUMER PRODUCTS COMPANY, REPORTED A SPECTACULAR 56-PERCENT PROFIT INCREASE FOR THE FIRST QUARTER. THE COMPANY'S STOCK JUMPED MORE THAN FIVE PERCENT.

RAYMOND SMITH, CHAIRMAN OF THE BELL ATLANTIC REGIONAL TELEPHONE COMPANY, WILL RETIRE ON JUNE FIRST. MR. SMITH LED BELL ATLANTIC THROUGH A PERIOD OF STRONG GROWTH AND THE HUGE MERGER WITH NYNEX, ANOTHER REGIONAL TELEPHONE COMPANY IN THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES.(SIGNED) NEB/NY/BA/LSF/JO
01-May-98 5:35 PM EDT (2135 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[08] NORTHERN IRELAND PEACE (PART FOUR) BY ANDRE DE NESNERA (LONDON)

INTRO: NORTHERN IRELAND'S LARGEST POLITICAL PARTY -- THE "ULSTER UNIONISTS" -- HAS COME OUT IN FAVOR OF THE PEACE AGREEMENT REACHED APRIL 10TH AFTER ALMOST TWO YEARS OF NEGOTIATIONS. BUT AS V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ANDRE DE NESNERA REPORTS FROM LONDON, SOME OF THE "ULSTER UNIONISTS" ARE OPENLY DEFYING THE PARTY LINE.

TEXT: MOST POLITICIANS INVOLVED IN NEGOTIATING THE AGREEMENT, GIVING NORTHERN IRELAND MORE AUTONOMY FROM LONDON IN RUNNING ITS AFFAIRS, SAY THE ACCORD IS NOT PERFECT. BUT AT THE SAME TIME, THEY SAY, GIVEN THE DIVERGENT VIEWS OF THE PARTIES INVOLVED IN THE TALKS, THE FINAL DOCUMENT IS AN HONORABLE COMPROMISE -- AND COULD PROVIDE THE BASIS FOR POSITIVE POLITICAL CHANGE IN THE BRITISH PROVINCE.

ONE OF THOSE PARTIES URGING A 'YES' VOTE IN THE MAY 22ND REFERENDUM IS THE PRO-BRITISH "ULSTER UNIONISTS" -- NORTHERN IRELAND'S LARGEST POLITICAL ENTITY. //OPT// THE PARTY'S 850-MAN COUNCIL OVERWHELMINGLY APPROVED THE ACCORD -- AND THE PARTY LEADERSHIP IS NOW TRAVELLING THROUGHOUT NORTHERN IRELAND URGING VOTERS TO DO THE SAME THING. //END OPT//

HOWEVER NOT EVERYONE IN THE "ULSTER UNIONIST" PARTY IS HAPPY WITH THE ACCORD -- AND SOME ARE TOTALLY OPPOSED TO IT. ONE OF THEM IS WILLIAM ROSS, A MEMBER OF THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT REPRESENTING A CONSTITUENCY IN THE NORTHERN IRELAND CITY OF LONDONDERRY. FOR HIM, ONE OF THE MOST UNPALATABLE (DISTASTEFUL OR UPSETTING) ASPECTS OF THE AGREEMENT IS THAT POLITICAL PARTIES -- SUCH AS THE OUTLAWED IRISH REPUBLICAN ARMY'S POLITICAL WING, SINN FEIN -- CAN BE ELECTED TO THE NEW NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY AND PLAY A ROLE IN GOVERNING THE PROVINCE.

IN HIS MESSAGE AS HE CRISS-CROSSES NORTHERN IRELAND, MR. ROSS WARNS PEOPLE OF THAT POSSIBILITY.

DO YOU REALLY THINK THAT YOUR COUNTRY SHOULD BE RULED BY PEOPLE WHO ARE SPOKESMEN FOR ORGANIZATIONS WHO HAVE COMMITTED MANY ACTS OF MURDER, AS A RESULT OF WHOSE ACTIVITY SOME THREE-THOUSAND PEOPLE HAVE DIED IN NORTHERN IRELAND OVER THE LAST 30 YEARS? DO YOU REALLY WANT TO PUT PEOPLE LIKE THAT INTO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY, SO THAT THEY CAN USE THEIR ENHANCED POSITION TO CARRY ON WITH THEIR POLITICAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL OBJECTIVE, WHICH IS TO TAKE NORTHERN IRELAND OUT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND INTO AN ALL-IRELAND REPUBLIC?

MR. ROSS BELIEVES IF IMPLEMENTED, THE NORTHERN IRELAND PEACE AGREEMENT WILL LEAD TO A UNITED IRELAND -- DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE IRISH GOVERNMENT WILL INTRODUCE LEGISLATION DROPPING FROM ITS CONSTITUTION REFERENCE TO A TERRITORIAL CLAIM ON NORTHERN IRELAND.

THEY ARE GOING TO CHANGE THE CONSTITUTION, BUT THEY ARE NOT GOING TO CHANGE THEIR ASPIRATION. AND BY CHANGING THE CONSTITUTION IN THEIR COUNTRY, THEY DO NOT -- IN MY VIEW -- GIVE ANYTHING UP, BECAUSE THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE IN THE NORTHERN IRELAND EXECUTIVE PEOPLE WHO ARE IN FAVOR OF A UNITED IRELAND AND WILL CERTAINLY WORK TOWARDS IT FROM WITHIN. AND I THINK THAT IS THE MOST INSIDIOUS POINT OF BETRAYAL OF THE DEMOCRATIC WILL OF THE POPULATION.

MR. ROSS FEELS SO STRONGLY THAT THE NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF THE ACCORD FAR OUTWEIGH THE POSITIVE, THAT HE HAS DEFIED HIS PARTY LEADERSHIP AND IS URGING VOTERS TO REJECT THE AGREEMENT. //OPT// HE -- AND SEVERAL OF HIS COLLEAGUES -- HAVE GONE SO FAR AS TO APPEAR ON THE SAME PLATFORM WITH THE REVEREND IAN PAISLEY -- HEAD OF THE HARDLINE "DEMOCRATIC UNIONIST PARTY" WHICH IS SPEARHEADING THE "NO" CAMPAIGN.

DR. PAISLEY IN NORTHERN IRELAND IS EITHER LOATHED OR LOVED, AND THE PROBLEMS OF APPEARING WITH HIM ARE QUITE OBVIOUS TO ANYONE. BUT I TAKE THE VIEW THAT IF I FIND MYSELF ON THE SAME SIDE AS MR. PAISLEY ON THIS ISSUE -- AND INDEED WITH OTHER POLITICIANS -- THEN I AM HAPPY TO GO ALONG WITH IT. THE UNITED STATES DID NOT PARTICULARLY LIKE MR. STALIN ANY MORE THAN MR. CHURCHILL DID. BUT WE HAD TO GO ALONG WITH HIM AND MAKE USE OF HIS FORCES DURING WORLD WAR TWO TO WIN AGAINST A MORE FEROCIOUS ENEMY.

WILLIE ROSS FROM THE "ULSTER UNIONIST PARTY" FIRMLY BELIEVES THERE IS A STRONG CHANCE THE ACCORD ON PEACE IN NORTHERN IRELAND WILL BE REJECTED BY THE VOTERS COME MAY 22ND. HE SAYS THE MORE PEOPLE READ THE AGREEMENT, THE MORE THEY ARE LIKELY TO VOTE AGAINST IT -- AND HE SENSES A STEADY DRIFT IN THE DIRECTION OF SAYING "NO." (SIGNED)
NEB/ADEN/PCF/JO
01-May-98 11:33 AM EDT (1533 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[09] SENATE-NATO (L-UPDATE) BY DAVID SWAN (CAPITOL HILLx)

INTRO: THE U-S SENATE HAS RATIFIED THE HISTORIC EASTWARD EXPANSION OF NATO, OPENING THE ALLIANCE TO THREE OF ITS FORMER WARSAW PACT ENEMIES. SENATORS ALSO TURNED DOWN ATTEMPTS TO HOLD UP A POSSIBLE NEXT PHASE OF ENLARGEMENT AFTER NATO ACCEPTS THE CZECH REPUBLIC, HUNGARY AND POLAND. V-O-A'S DAVID SWAN REPORTS.

TEXT: NATO EXPANSION PREVAILED AS EXPECTED, WINNING THE NEEDED TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY WITH VOTES TO SPARE (80 TO 19). THE FOUR-DAY DEBATE WAS LIVELY -- AND FOR AT LEAST ONE SENATOR IT WAS ALSO PERSONAL. DEMOCRAT BARBARA MIKULSKI RECOUNTED THE STRUGGLES OF POLAND AND THE LIFE OF HER POLISH-AMERICAN FAMILY.

I'M ONLY SORRY THAT MY GREAT-GRANDMOTHER ISN'T ALIVE TO SEE THIS BECAUSE WHEN WE VOTE TO RATIFY THIS TREATY, WE WILL THEN UNDO THE HISTORIC TRAGEDY THAT HAS OFTEN ENGULFED THESE NATIONS. AND FOREVER AND EVER IN THE NEXT CENTURY, ENSURE NOT ONLY THEIR PROTECTION BUT ALSO BE SURE THAT DESPICABLE PRACTICES LIKE THE HOLOCAUST WILL NEVER HAPPEN (AGAIN).

CRITICS OF EXPANSION SAY THE THREE NEW MEMBERS ARE FACING NO IMMINENT THREAT, BUT THEY AND MANY OTHER NATIONS WILL BE IN DANGER IF THE MOVE ANGERS RUSSIA. DEMOCRATIC SENATOR DANIEL PATRICK MOYNIHAN WARNS THE WEST CAN NOT AFFORD SUCH A CRISIS.

IF WE WERE TO HAVE THEIR HOSTILITY, THEIR OPPOSITION, IT COULD BE RUINOUS TO THE WORLD. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT NUCLEAR WAR, AND BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL WAR. THAT IN MY VIEW IS WHAT IS AT ISSUE IN THIS DECISION WE ARE ABOUT TO MAKE.

THE SENATE DEFEATED SEVERAL AMENDMENTS THAT WOULD HAVE SLOWED OR HANDICAPPED ENLARGEMENT. THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL PROPOSAL DEMANDED A THREE-YEAR HOLD ON THE NEXT ROUND OF EXPANSION. ITS SPONSOR, REPUBLICAN JOHN WARNER, CALLS IT REASONABLE FOR NATO TO PAUSE AND ASSESS THE COST OF ITS DECISION.

THINK OF THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER, THINK OF THE PARENTS OF THE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WHO WILL TODAY, TOMORROW AND IN THE FUTURE WEAR THE UNIFORM OF OUR COUNTRY AS A PART OF THE NATO FORCE.

BUT SUPPORTERS OF EXPANSION CHARGED THE MORATORIUM IS NOT NEEDED, SINCE THE SENATE WOULD HAVE TO AGREE TO THE SECOND ROUND ANYWAY. SENATOR JOSEPH BIDEN ARGUES THE FREEZE WOULD BE UNFAIR TO PROSPECTIVE NEW MEMBERS ACROSS EUROPE.

IT IS ABSOLUTELY SUPERFLUOUS AND I WOULD ARGUE IT IS DANGEROUS IN THAT IT WILL SEND A SIGNAL THAT THERE'S AN ARTIFICIAL PAUSE, THAT REALLY MEANS NO ONE ELSE WILL BE CONSIDERED.

THE SENATE OVERWHELMINGLY REJECTED ANOTHER AMENDMENT, WHICH WOULD HAVE REQUIRED NEW NATO MEMBERS TO JOIN THE EUROPEAN UNION FIRST.

THE RATIFICATION MARKS A VICTORY FOR THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION, WHICH WORKED HARD TO PUSH THE EXPANSION PLAN THROUGH THE SENATE. AS THE PRESIDENT NOTED (THURSDAY) THE VOTE WAS BIPARTISAN, WHICH IN MODERN-DAY WASHINGTON MAKES IT A RARE OCCURRENCE. (SIGNED)
NEB/DS/TM/WTW
30-Apr-98 11:37 PM EDT (0337 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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