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Voice of America, 99-06-21Voice of America: Selected Articles Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Voice of America <gopher://gopher.voa.gov>CONTENTS
[01] CLINTON / KLA (S-O) BY DEBORAH TATE (COLOGNE)DATE=6/21/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-250900 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: PRESIDENT CLINTON HAS CALLED A TOP OFFICIAL OF THE REBEL KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY TO WELCOME HIS DECISION TO DEMILITARIZE THE FORCE. CORRESPONDENT DEBORAH TATE REPORTS FROM COLOGNE, GERMANY, WHERE THE PRESIDENT IS TRAVELING. TEXT: MR. CLINTON'S 15-MINUTE PHONE CALL TO HASIM THACI CAME JUST HOURS AFTER THE K-L-A COMMANDER SIGNED A DEMILITARIZATION PACT WITH NATO GENERAL MICHAEL JACKSON IN PRISTINA SUNDAY. WHITE HOUSE AIDES SAY THE THE PRESIDENT WELCOMED THE MOVE AS AN IMPORTANT STEP, PARTICULARLY AS IT CAME ON THE SAME DAY AS THE LAST SERB FORCES LEFT KOSOVO. MR. CLINTON EXPRESSED HIS COMMITMENT TO WORKING TOWARDS ESTABLISHING SELF-GOVERNMENT FOR THE KOSOVARS, WHILE COMMANDER THACI VOWED TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF ALL MINORITIES IN THE PROVINCE. THE TWO MEN AGREED THEY SHARE A VISION FOR KOSOVO - ONE THAT
EMBRACES DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES AND HUMAN RIGHTS. (SIGNED)
[02] KOSOVO / PLANES RETURN (L) BY PENTAGON (JIM RANDLE)DATE=6/21/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-250929 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: TOP U-S DEFENSE OFFICIALS SAY THEY ARE ORDERING NEARLY HALF OF THE U-S PILOTS WHO HAVE BEEN BATTERING YUGOSLAVIA TO PACK UP AND HEAD HOME OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. THE FIRST OF THE THREE HUNDRED PLANES, CREWS AND PILOTS WILL LEAVE TOMORROW (TUESDAY). V-O-A'S JIM RANDLE REPORTS. TEXT: DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM COHEN SAYS THE PLANES ARE NO LONGER NEEDED BECAUSE 47-THOUSAND SERB TROOPS, AND EIGHT-HUNDRED SERB TANKS, ARMORED PERSONNEL CARRIERS AND CANNONS HAVE LEFT THE SERB PROVINCE OF KOSOVO, RATHER THAN FACE CONTINUED DESTRUCTION FROM NATO BOMBS AND MISSILES WITH THE SERB FORCES OUT OF KOSOVO, NATO OFFICIALLY ENDED THE AIR WAR. THE ALLIANCE ASSEMBLED AN AIR ARMADA OF MORE THAN 11-HUNDRED WAR PLANES AND SUPPORT AIRCRAFT. THE UNITED STATES PROVIDED MORE THAN 700 OF THE PLANES THAT BATTERED SERB TARGETS ALL ACROSS YUGOSLAVIA FOR 78 DAYS. MR. COHEN SAYS NATO HAS WON THE AIR WAR, BUT MUST NOW WORK WITH THE RESIDENTS OF KOSOVO TO WIN THE PEACE. /// COHEN ACT 29 ///BUT OUR TROOPS AND THE PEOPLE OF KOSOVO STILL FACE A VERY DAUNTING TASK IN THE MONTHS AHEAD. NO ONE CAN VISIT KOSOVO WITHOUT BEING APPALLED AT THE DESTRUCTION. I FLEW OVER A MASS GRAVE SITE AT KACINIK (PRONO: KA CHAN IK)THAT THE SERBS HAVE APPARENTLY TRIED TO COVER OVER. THE SCARS OF ETHNIC VIOLENCE WON'T BE EASY TO OBSCURE. /// END ACT ///MR. COHEN SAYS 19-THOUSAND PEACEKEEPERS FROM NATO NATIONS AND OTHER COUNTRIES, INCLUDING RUSSIA, ARE IN KOSOVO, WORKING TO PREVENT FUTURE ETHNIC VIOLENCE. THAT FORCE WILL EVENTUALLY TOTAL 50-THOUSAND TROOPS. NEARLY FIVE-THOUSAND OF THE PLANNED SEVEN THOUSAND MEMBER U-S CONTINGENT ARE ALREADY IN PLACE. IN COMING WEEKS, TANKS AND OTHER HEAVY EQUIPMENT NEEDED BY THE TROOPS WILL ARRIVE BY SHIP FROM U-S BASES IN GERMANY. MR COHEN SAYS THE AIR WAR OVER KOSOVO HAS PUT A STRAIN ON U-S FORCES, AND HE IS EAGER TO GET SOME REST FOR PILOTS, REPAIR FOR WORN AIRCRAFT, AND RELIEF FOR THINLY STRETCHED AMERICAN FORCES FACING IRAQ AND NORTH KOREA. IN KOREA FOR EXAMPLE, AMERICAN FORCES HAVE HAD TO DO WITHOUT THE
AIR CRAFT CARRIER THAT USUALLY HELPS PROTECT THEM. AND THE U-S
FORCES PATROLLING IRAQI SKIES HAD TO REDUCE OPERATIONS FOR A FEW
WEEKS WHEN THEY HAD TOO FEW OF THE SPECIAL PLANES THAT BLIND
IRAQI AIR DEFENSES. (SIGNED)
[03] KOSOVO / PLANES RETURN - S BY PENTAGON (JIM RANDLE)DATE=6/21/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-250932 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: TOP U-S DEFENSE OFFICIALS SAY THEY ARE ORDERING NEARLY HALF OF THE U-S PILOTS WHO HAVE BEEN BATTERING YUGOSLAVIA TO PACK UP AND HEAD HOME OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. THE FIRST OF THOSE THREE HUNDRED PLANES, CREWS AND PILOTS WILL LEAVE TOMORROW (TUESDAY). V-O-A'S JIM RANDLE REPORTS. TEXT: DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM COHEN SAYS THE PLANES ARE NO LONGER NEEDED BECAUSE 47-THOUSAND SERB TROOPS, AND HUNDREDS OF TANKS, HAVE LEFT THE SERB PROVINCE OF KOSOVO. THE UNITED STATES PROVIDED THE BULK OF THE MORE THAN 11-HUNDRED NATO PLANES THAT BLASTED SERB TARGETS FOR 78 DAYS. MR. COHEN SAYS NATO HAS WON THE AIR WAR, BUT MUST NOW WORK WITH THE RESIDENTS OF KOSOVO TO WIN THE PEACE. /// COHEN ACT ///BUT OUR TROOPS AND THE PEOPLE OF KOSOVO STILL FACE A VERY DAUNTING TASK IN THE MONTHS AHEAD. NO ONE CAN VISIT KOSOVO WITHOUT BEING APPALLED AT THE DESTRUCTION. I FLEW OVER A MASS GRAVE SITE AT KACINIK (PRONO: KA CHAN IK) THAT THE SERBS HAVE APPARENTLY TRIED TO COVER OVER. THE SCARS OF ETHNIC VIOLENCE WON'T BE EASY TO OBSCURE. /// END ACT ///MR. COHEN SAYS 19-THOUSAND PEACEKEEPERS FROM NATO NATIONS AND
OTHER COUNTRIES, INCLUDING RUSSIA, ARE IN KOSOVO, WORKING TO
PREVENT FUTURE ETHNIC VIOLENCE. THAT FORCE WILL EVENTUALLY TOTAL
50-THOUSAND TROOPS. (SIGNED)
[04] KOSOVO /KLA/JACKSON (L-ONLY) BY TIM BELAY (PRISTINA)DATE=6/21/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-250911 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: MILITARY FORCES IN KOSOVO SAY MONDAY MARKS THE TURNING POINT IN THE GROUP'S MISSION. TIM BELAY REPORTS FROM PRISTINA ON THE WORK AHEAD FOR LIEUTENANT COLONEL MICHAEL JACKSON, COMMANDER OF THE NATO FORCES IN KOSOVO, AND HIS TROOPS. TEXT: SUNDAY WAS A VERY BIG DAY FOR THE ALLIANCE WITH THE EARLY DEPARTURE OF THE LAST OF THE YUGOSLAVIAN ARMED FORCES FROM KOSOVO. BUT PROBLEMS RESULTING FROM ETHNIC TENSIONS ARE WIDESPREAD AND SERIOUS. THE COMMANDER SAYS HE REGRETS THE INCIDENT SUNDAY WHERE ETHNIC ALBANIANS BURNED AND LOOTED A VILLAGE NORTH OF PRISTINA WHILE NATO FORCES IN THE AREA DID NOT INTERVENE. IN OFFERING HIS REGRETS MONDAY, LIEUTENANT COLONEL JACKSON SAYS IT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED AND NATO HAS TAKEN STEPS TO MAKE SURE IT DOES NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. ///ACT JACKSON///NO ORGANIZATION IS PERFECT AND ON THAT OCCASION WE FELL SHORT OF WHAT I WOULD HAVE WANTED. THOUGH HAVING GOT THAT OUT OF THE WAY, I WOULD SAY TO ANY SERB OBSERVER, THAT THIS WAS NOT AN INTENTION BY US, FAR FROM IT. ///END ACT///LIEUTENANT COLONEL JACKSON SAYS K-FOR -- THE NAME USED BY NATO FOR ITS MILITARY MISSION IN KOSOVO -- WILL FOCUS ON PREVENTING VIOLENCE BASED ON ETHNIC CONFLICT. ///ACT JACKSON///TODAY MARKS A TURNING POINT IN K-FOR'S MISSION. I EMPHASIZE ONCE AGAIN THAT WE ARE HERE TO CREATE A CLIMATE OF PEACE AND SECURITY FOR ALL THE PEOPLE OF KOSOVO. I HOPE THAT ALL -- AND I WOULD STRESS THAT WORD, ALL, WHO HAVE LEFT IN FEAR WILL RETURN. /// OPT ///END ACT///LIEUTENANT GENERAL JACKSON SAYS ABOUT 2-THOUSAND KOSOVAR SERBS,
WHO HAD RECENTLY FLED THE PROVINCE, HAVE RETURNED TO KOSOVO IN
THE PAST TWO DAYS. HE SAYS IN ONE CASE, NATO TROOPS ACTUALLY
ESCORTED THEM BACK TO THE CAPITOL, PRISTINA, AT THE REQUEST OF
THE GOVERNMENT IN BELGRADE. (SIGNED)
[05] KOSOVO /KLA/JACKSON CQ (L-ONLY) BY TIM BELAY (PRISTINA)DATE=6/21/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-250911 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: MILITARY FORCES IN KOSOVO SAY MONDAY MARKS THE TURNING POINT IN THE GROUP'S MISSION. TIM BELAY REPORTS FROM PRISTINA ON THE WORK AHEAD FOR LIEUTENANT GENERAL MICHAEL JACKSON, COMMANDER OF THE NATO FORCES IN KOSOVO, AND HIS TROOPS. TEXT: SUNDAY WAS A VERY BIG DAY FOR THE ALLIANCE WITH THE EARLY DEPARTURE OF THE LAST OF THE YUGOSLAVIAN ARMED FORCES FROM KOSOVO. BUT PROBLEMS RESULTING FROM ETHNIC TENSIONS ARE WIDESPREAD AND SERIOUS. THE COMMANDER SAYS HE REGRETS THE INCIDENT SUNDAY WHERE ETHNIC ALBANIANS BURNED AND LOOTED A VILLAGE NORTH OF PRISTINA WHILE NATO FORCES IN THE AREA DID NOT INTERVENE. IN OFFERING HIS REGRETS MONDAY, LIEUTENANT GENERAL JACKSON SAYS IT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED AND NATO HAS TAKEN STEPS TO MAKE SURE IT DOES NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. ///ACT JACKSON///NO ORGANIZATION IS PERFECT AND ON THAT OCCASION WE FELL SHORT OF WHAT I WOULD HAVE WANTED. THOUGH HAVING GOT THAT OUT OF THE WAY, I WOULD SAY TO ANY SERB OBSERVER, THAT THIS WAS NOT AN INTENTION BY US, FAR FROM IT. ///END ACT///LIEUTENANT GENERAL JACKSON SAYS K-FOR -- THE NAME USED BY NATO FOR ITS MILITARY MISSION IN KOSOVO -- WILL FOCUS ON PREVENTING VIOLENCE BASED ON ETHNIC CONFLICT. ///ACT JACKSON///TODAY MARKS A TURNING POINT IN K-FOR'S MISSION. I EMPHASIZE ONCE AGAIN THAT WE ARE HERE TO CREATE A CLIMATE OF PEACE AND SECURITY FOR ALL THE PEOPLE OF KOSOVO. I HOPE THAT ALL -- AND I WOULD STRESS THAT WORD, ALL, WHO HAVE LEFT IN FEAR WILL RETURN. /// OPT ///END ACT///LIEUTENANT GENERAL JACKSON SAYS ABOUT TWO-THOUSAND KOSOVAR SERBS,
WHO HAD RECENTLY FLED THE PROVINCE, HAVE RETURNED TO KOSOVO IN
THE PAST TWO DAYS. HE SAYS IN ONE CASE, NATO TROOPS ACTUALLY
ESCORTED THEM BACK TO THE CAPITOL, PRISTINA, AT THE REQUEST OF
THE GOVERNMENT IN BELGRADE. (SIGNED)
NEB/TB/GE/KL/RRM
[06] KOSOVO DE-MINING (L-ONLY) BY LISA SCHLEIN (GENEVA)DATE=6/21/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-250922 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: A TOP U-S OFFICIAL SAYS HE EXPECTS DE-MINING PROJECTS TO GET UNDERWAY IN KOSOVO WITHIN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. LISA SCHLEIN IN GENEVA REPORTS THAT, LATER THIS WEEK, THE UNITED NATIONS PLANS TO SET UP WHAT IT CALLS A "MINE ACTION CENTER" IN THE CITY OF PRISTINA TO COORDINATE MINE AWARENESS AND MINE CLEARANCE ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE SERBIAN PROVINCE. TEXT: THE HEAD OF U-S GLOBAL HUMANITARIAN DE-MINING, AMBASSADOR DONALD STEINBERG, SAYS THE UNITED STATES HAS SIX FULLY TRAINED AND EQUIPPED MINE CLEARANCE TEAMS READY TO BEGIN WORK IN KOSOVO AS SOON AS THEY GET THE GO-AHEAD FROM TOP OFFICERS OF THE K-FOR PEACEKEEPER FORCES. MR. STEINBERG SAYS THE FULL SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM IS NOT YET KNOWN. ALTHOUGH A PRELIMINARY U-N SURVEY HAS UNCOVERED SOME 800 MINED AREAS, MR. STEINBERG SAYS THE PROVINCE IS INFESTED WITH THOUSANDS OF LAND MINES, BOOBY TRAPS AND UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE. HE SAYS THE SERB MILITARY MINED KOSOVO'S BORDERS WITH ALBANIA AND MACEDONIA AND PLANTED SUBSTANTIAL ANTI-TANK MINE FIELDS. ///STEINBERG ACT///BEYOND THAT, IT IS CLEAR THAT THE PARAMILITARY FORCES OF THE SERBS AS WELL AS THE K-L-A (KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY) HAVE USED LAND MINES BOTH AS A MILITARY TOOL (AND) AS A TOOL TO DISRUPT NORMAL LIFE. AND, REGRETTABLY, IN THOSE CASES, VERY FEW MAPS (OF WHERE THE MINES ARE) WOULD HAVE BEEN KEPT, IF ANY. ///END ACT///BEFORE HUMANITARIAN DE-MINING OPERATIONS BEGIN, AMBASSADOR STEINBERG SAYS K-FOR WILL HAVE TO CLEAR LAND MINES FROM ROADS, BRIDGES AND OTHER SITES THE TROOPS WILL OCCUPY. THEN, HE SAYS, SURVEYS WILL HAVE TO BE DONE TO KNOW WHICH AREAS ARE MINE-INFESTED AND WHICH ARE FREE OF MINES. HE SAYS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO IDENTIFY DANGEROUS AREAS THAT WILL AFFECT THE RETURN OF THE REFUGEES. //OPT// TENS OF THOUSANDS OF REFUGEES HAVE GONE BACK TO KOSOVO DESPITE WARNINGS THAT IT WAS NOT SAFE TO GO HOME. ABOUT TWO DOZEN LAND MINE ACCIDENTS, INCLUDING TWO DEATHS HAVE BEEN REPORTED SO FAR. //END OPT// AMBASSADOR STEINBERG SAYS HE EXPECTS THERE WILL BE, WHAT HE CALLS, "NO-GO" AREAS IN KOSOVO FOR SOME TIME. ///2ND STEINBERG ACT///OUR EMPHASIS IS GOING TO BE ON DE-MINING THOSE AREAS THAT HAVE IMMEDIATE IMPACT ON THE LIVES OF RETURNING REFUGEES. AND, THEREFORE, IF THERE ARE WATER SUPPLIES, IF THERE ARE POWER STATIONS, IF THERE ARE MARKETPLACES THAT HAVE TO BE DE-MINED IN ORDER TO ALLOW THE KOSOVARS TO RETURN TO THEIR NORMAL LIVES, THAT WILL BE AMONG OUR HIGHEST PRIORITIES. ///END ACT///U-S AMBASSADOR DONALD STEINBERG SAYS THE LAND MINE PROBLEM CAN BE
MANAGED. BUT HE BELIEVES IT WILL TAKE THREE TO FIVE YEARS BEFORE
CONDITIONS IN KOSOVO WILL ALLOW PEOPLE TO RESUME THE LIVES THEY
HAD BEFORE THE CONFLICT. UNTIL THEN, HE SAYS LAND MINES, WILL
CONTINUE TO POSE A THREAT. (SIGNED)
[07] KOSOVO-KLA-THACI (L) BY EVE CONANT (PRISTINA)DATE=6/21/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-250914 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: LEADERS OF THE KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY AND NATO-LED PEACEKEEPING FORCES KNOWN AS "K-FOR" HAVE INITIALED WHAT IS DESCRIBED AS AN UNDERTAKING BY THE K-L-A TO FULLY DISARM WITHIN 90 DAYS. VOA'S EVE CONANT REPORTS FROM PRISTINA THAT THE STATEMENT ALSO CALLS FOR THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE K-L-A INTO WHAT WILL BECOME KOSOVO'S NEW ADMINISTRATION AND POLICE FORCES. TEXT: THE SAME NIGHT THAT ALL SERB MILITARY FORCES WITHDREW FROM KOSOVO, THE KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY AGREED TO GIVE UP ALL HEAVY WEAPONS. AT A JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE IN PRISTINA WITH K-L-A LEADERS, U-S STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN JAMES RUBIN CALLED THE UNDERTAKING A DIFFICULT ACT OF WHAT HE CALLS POLITICAL COURAGE. /// RUBIN ACT ///WE THINK THAT THE K-L-A, BY SIGNING THIS UNDERTAKING LAST NIGHT, HAS MADE A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TO PEACE AND DEMOCRACY IN KOSOVO. /// END ACT///ACCORDING TO A SIX-PAGE STATEMENT SIGNED BY K-L-A COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, HASHIM THACI, AND INITIALED BY K-FOR COMMANDER GENERAL MIKE JACKSON, THE K-L-A WILL IMMEDIATELY FREEZE ALL MILITARY ACTIVITY IN KOSOVO AND PROMISES TO STORE ALL HEAVY WEAPONS AND EXPLOSIVE DEVICES AT REGISTERED BASES WITHIN 90 DAYS. MR. RUBIN POINTED OUT THAT THE STATEMENT ALSO CALLS FOR INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE K-L-A INTO BOTH ADMINISTRATIVE AND POLICE FORCES, AS WELL AS FOR THE FORMATION OF A KOSOVO NATIONAL GUARD. /// SECOND RUBIN ACT ///WE DO THINK THAT THE K-L-A AND ITS STRUCTURES DO HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN THE INTERNATIONAL PROVISIONAL ADMINISTRATION AS THAT IS FORMED. PARTICULARLY WITH RESPECT TO THE POLICE, WE DO BELIEVE THAT IN ESTABLISHING THE LOCAL POLICE, THAT THOSE K-L-A INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS WHO ARE PUT THROUGH THE VETTING SYSTEM AND MEET THE NECESSARY TESTS SHOULD HAVE SPECIAL CONSIDERATION FOR PARTICIPATING IN LIGHT OF THE EXPERTISE THEY MAY HAVE DEVELOPED. /// END ACT ///K-L-A COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF THACI STRESSED THAT NOT JUST THE K-L-A BUT THE DEMOCRATIC WORLD HAS WON THE WAR IN KOSOVO. MR. THACI SAYS THE K-L-A WILL BE SURE TO INVESTIGATE ANYONE WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION WHO MAY BE GUILTY OF COMMITTING CRIMES AGAINST SERB FORCES OR CIVILIANS. AND THE K-L-A PROMISES NOT TO COMMIT ANY REPRISALS AGAINST THE SERBS. MR. THACI SAYS HE'S DISCUSSED THE K-L-A'S NEW ROLE WITH PRESIDENT CLINTON AND SECRETARY OF STATE MADELINE ALBRIGHT. /// THACI ACT IN ALBANIAN -- ESTABLISH AND UNDER ///MR. THACI SAYS THE ENTIRE CHAIN OF THE K-L-A COMMAND WILL FULLY
COMPLY WITH ALL AGREEMENTS. HE STRESSED THAT IN THE NEW KOSOVO,
THERE WILL BE FULL RESPECT FOR THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF ALL CIVILIANS
BE THEY ETHNIC ALBANIAN OR SERB. (SIGNED)
[08] KOSOVO-KLA-THACI (S) BY EVE CONANT (PRISTINA)DATE=6/21/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-250912 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: LEADERS OF THE KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY AND NATO-LED PEACEKEEPING FORCES KNOWN AS "K-FOR" HAVE INITIALED WHAT IS DESCRIBED AS AN UNDERTAKING BY THE K-L-A TO FULLY DISARM WITHIN 90 DAYS. DETAILS FROM VOA'S EVE CONANT IN PRISTINA. TEXT: AT A JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE IN PRISTINA WITH K-L-A LEADERS, U-S STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN JAMES RUBIN CALLED THE UNDERTAKING A DIFFICULT BUT IMPORTANT STEP. /// RUBIN ACT ///WE THINK THAT THE K-L-A BY SIGNING THIS UNDERTAKING LAST NIGHT HAS MADE A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TO PEACE AND DEMOCRACY IN KOSOVO. /// END ACT///ACCORDING TO A SIX-PAGE STATEMENT SIGNED BY K-L-A COMMANDER HASHIM THACI AND INITIALED BY K-FOR COMMANDER GENERAL MIKE JACKSON, THE K-L-A WILL IMMEDIATELY FREEZE ALL MILITARY ACTIVITY IN KOSOVO AND PROMISES TO STORE ALL HEAVY WEAPONS AND EXPLOSIVE DEVICES AT REGISTERED BASES WITHIN 90 DAYS. THE STATEMENT ALSO CALLS FOR INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE
TRANSFORMATION OF THE K-L-A INTO BOTH ADMINISTRATIVE AND POLICE
FORCES, AS WELL AS FOR THE FORMATION OF A KOSOVO NATIONAL GUARD.
(SIGNED)
[09] LJUBLJANA SERBIA (S ONLY) BY DEBORAH TATE (LJUBLJANA)DATE=6/21/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-250916 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: PRESIDENT CLINTON IS IN LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA AS HE CONTINUES HIS WEEK-LONG TRIP IN EUROPE. CORRESPONDENT DEBORAH TATE REPORTS MR. CLINTON WILL BE MEETING WITH SLOVENE OFFICIALS AT THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE. TEXT: THE PRESIDENT IS EXPECTED TO USE HIS VISIT TO HIGHLIGHT THE DEMOCRATIC AND ECONOMIC REFORMS THIS FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC HAS MADE SINCE ITS INDEPENDENCE IN 1991. IN A SPEECH TO THE SLOVENE PEOPLE LATER IN THE DAY, HE IS EXPECTED TO PORTRAY SLOVENIA AS AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHER NATIONS IN THE BALKANS TO FOLLOW. THIS EVENING AT A DINNER HOSTED BY PRESIDENT MILAN KUCAN, MR. CLINTON WILL ALSO MEET WITH THE PRESIDENT OF MONTENEGRO, MILO DJUKANOVIC. THE REPUBLICS OF MONTENEGO AND SERBIA FORM YUGOSLAVIA. AND ALTHOUGH MR. DJUKANOVIC OPPOSED NATO'S BOMBING CAMPAIGN DURING THE KOSOVO CONFLICT, HE SIDED WITH THE WEST IN HIS OPPOSITION TO YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC'S CAMPAIGN OF ETHNIC CLEANSING. A POINT MR. CLINTON IS EXPECTED TO HIGHLIGHT. ALTHOUGH THE UNITED STATES AND ITS ALLIES OPPOSE SENDING
DEVELOPMENT AIDE TO SERBIA. THEY WOULD LIKE TO ASSIST MONTENEGRO
WITH RECONSTRUCTION ASSISTANCE. (SIGNED)
[10] MONDAY'S EDITORIALS BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)DATE=06/21/99TYPE=U-S EDITORIAL DIGEST NUMBER=6-11344 TELEPHONE=619-3335 EDITOR=ASSIGNMENTS CONTENT= //// EDS: MATERIAL DATED AFTER 10 P-M E-D-T ////INTRO: KEEPING THE PEACE IN YUGOSLAVIA'S KOSOVO PROVINCE AND A FAILED EFFORT AT GUN CONTROL IN CONGRESS ARE THE MAIN TOPICS IN MONDAY'S EDITORIAL PAGES. OTHER COMMENTARIES DISCUSS THE PLIGHT OF A GROUP OF IRANIAN JEWS; /// OPT /// THE HOLDUP IN THE NORTHERN IRELAND PEACE AGREEMENT; /// END OPT /// THE STRAINED SITUATION IN RUSSIA AND DEALING WITH THE PERPLEXING REGIME IN PYONGYANG. NOW, HERE IS _________________ WITH A CLOSER LOOK AND SOME EXCERPTS IN TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST. TEXT: WRITING UNDER THE HEADLINE "THE HORRORS OF KOSOVO," "THE NEW YORK TIMES" TALKS ABOUT THE MASS GRAVES AND OTHER SIGNS OF SERBIAN BRUTALITY COMING TO LIGHT IN KOSOVO. VOICE: THERE WERE NO BATTLES ON THESE KILLING FIELDS. THE VICTIMS WERE CIVILIANS -- LARGELY MEN OF FIGHTING AGE, BUT ALSO YOUNG CHILDREN, WOMEN, OLD PEOPLE AND ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO RAN OUT OF DEUTSCHEMARKS FOR THE MARAUDING SERBIAN PARAMILITARIES OR SPECIAL POLICE. ... THE SCALE OF BRUTALITY WILL COMPLICATE RECONSTRUCTION. ... [HOWEVER] TRIALS OF SERBIAN OFFICIALS, PARAMILITARY AND POLICE COMMANDERS, AND PARTICULARLY BRUTAL TROOPS ARE CRUCIAL ... TEXT: ADDS BOSTON'S "CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR": VOICE: THE TASK [OF RECONSTRUCTION] CAN SEEM OVERWHELMING. BUT THERE IS A PLACE TO START, AND IT WILL HAVE TO BEGIN AT THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL LEVEL. SEEING THE USELESSNESS OF REVENGE, FOR EXAMPLE, AND ACKNOWLEDGING THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF SERBS AS WELL AS OF ALBANIANS IN KOSOVO. TEXT: IN JACKSONVILLE, "THE FLORIDA TIMES-UNION" WORRIES THAT THE U-S SHARE OF REBUILDING KOSOVO WILL EAT UP THE U-S BUDGET SURPLUS. VOICE: .FUTURE (U-S) BUDGET SURPLUSES THAT HAVE BEEN EYED SO HUNGRILY ARE SHRINKING FAST, IN THE WAKE OF THE PRESIDENT'S BALKANS INTERVENTION. HOW MUCH DID THE YUGOSLAV WAR COST, INCLUDING REPLACEMENT OF THOSE ONE MILLION DOLLAR CRUISE MISSILES? HOW MUCH WILL THE U-S GOVERNMENT SPEND ON PEACEKEEPING THE REST OF THIS YEAR? HOW MUCH WILL BE SPENT IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS? ... NOBODY KNOWS YET ... TEXT: TURNING NOW TO PRESS COMMENT ON THE FAILURE OF THE CONGRESS TO PASS NEW GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION, THE "SAN JOSE (CALIFORNIA) MERCURY NEWS" WAS UPSET AT THE WAY THE VOTES WERE HANDLED. VOICE: LAST WEEK'S DEBATE OVER GUN CONTROL IN THE U-S HOUSE BROUGHT OUT THE WORST OF PLACARD POLITICS. IT TURNED ANY HOPE OF A SERIOUS RESPONSE TO GUN VIOLENCE INTO A TARGET SHOOT FOR THE 2000 CONGRESSIONAL ELECTIONS. ... THE LOW POINT CAME WHEN, IN A NARROW, LARGELY PARTISAN VOTE, THE HOUSE DILUTED A FEDERAL LAW REQUIRING BACKGROUND CHECKS OF BUYERS AT GUN SHOWS. TEXT: HOWEVER ON NEW YORK'S LONG ISLAND, "NEWSDAY" IS STILL HOPEFUL OF REFORM. VOICE: .THE MATTER DOESN'T END THERE. IN CONGRESS, NOTHING IS OVER UNTIL IT'S REALLY OVER -- AND SOMETIMES NOT EVEN THEN. ... THE BEST HOPE FOR A DECENT COMPROMISE IS AN UPSURGE OF PUBLIC SUPPORT LIKE THE ONE THAT TURNED THE SENATE AROUND AFTER IT TRIED TO BLOW OFF [EDITORS: IGNORE] THE GUN-CONTROL ISSUE. TEXT: "THE NEW YORK POST" EXPRESSES ITS CONCERN ABOUT THE FATE OF 13 IRANIAN JEWS. VOICE: THE IRANIAN GOVERNMENT HAS HELD AT LEAST 13 JEWS, INCLUDING COMMUNITY LEADERS AND THE CHIEF RABBI OF THE CITY OF SHIRAZ, INCOMMUNICADO FOR MONTHS IN A HIGH-SECURITY PRISON. EARLIER THIS MONTH, IRAN ANNOUNCED THAT THE JEWISH PRISONERS ARE CHARGED WITH SPYING FOR THE U-S AND ISRAEL -- AND WILL BE EXECUTED IF FOUND GUILTY. DESPITE A WORLDWIDE PUBLIC OUTCRY ... TEHRAN STUBBORNLY INSISTS IT WILL MAKE NO DEALS TO FREE THE IMPRISONED JEWS. /// OPT ///TEXT: "THE WASHINGTON POST" WORRIES THAT THE NORTHERN IRELAND PEACE DEAL, SO PAINSTAKINGLY BROKERED LAST YEAR, IS FALLING APART AND DECRIES THE LATEST "DEADLINE" FROM BRITISH AND IRISH LEADERS. VOICE: IF BY JUNE 30TH THE CATHOLIC REPUBLICAN AND PROTESTANT UNIONISTS OF NORTHERN IRELAND HAVE NOT IMPLEMENTED THE AGREEMENT, SAYS MR. BLAIR, THEN 'WE WILL HAVE TO LOOK FOR ANOTHER WAY FORWARD.' A LIMP DEADLINE THAT. BUT WHAT ELSE CAN WELL-INTENDING FRIENDS OF PEACE DO EXCEPT TO EXHORT THE PARTIES AND NUDGE THEM ALONG THE WAY. /// END OPT ///TEXT: TURNING TO THE ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL TROUBLES IN RUSSIA, "THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE" COMMENTS: VOICE: TEN MONTHS AFTER THE COUNTRY AND ITS BURGEONING MIDDLE CLASS WERE HURLED INTO ECONOMIC CHAOS BY THE COLLAPSE OF THE RUBLE, RUSSIA IS A NATION DISILLUSIONED, WAITING YET AGAIN FOR ITS BETTER FUTURE. IT IS IN A STATE OF BECOMING -- BUT WHAT IS UNCLEAR. ... THERE IS A NEARLY PALPABLE SENSE THAT, INTERNALLY, NOTHING MUCH WILL CHANGE FOR THE BETTER OR WORSE UNTIL AFTER DECEMBER'S STATE DUMA ELECTIONS AND NEXT SUMMER'S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. TEXT: PENNSYLVANIA'S "GREENSBURG TRIBUNE-REVIEW" IS CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT IT CALLS THE U-S GUNBOAT DIPLOMACY IN KOREA YELLOW SEA FOLLOWING CLASHES BETWEEN THE NORTH AND THE SOUTH. VOICE: THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION IS AGAIN RESORTING TO GUNBOAT DIPLOMACY, THIS TIME IN THE YELLOW SEA, ACTING AS AN INTERMEDIARY IN THE CONFLICT BETWEEN NORTH AND SOUTH KOREA. LAST WEEK A SOUTH KOREAN VESSEL, RESPONDING TO NORTH KOREAN SHIPS DRIFTING BELOW THE NORTHERN LIMIT LINE (N-L-L), SANK ONE SHIP, CAUSING A REPORTED 30 DEATHS. ... NOW TWO U-S NAVY SHIPS HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED TO THE AREA TO MONITOR THE SITUATION AND THE U-S HAS STEPPED UP AIR SURVEILLANCE. BUT ALREADY, THE SITUATION MAY HAVE ESCALATED BEYOND THE STAGE WHERE THIS MODEST RESPONSE IS ENOUGH. ... THIS LATEST HEIGHTENING OF TENSIONS SEEM TO HAVE CAUGHT WASHINGTON WITH ITS ATTENTION ELSEWHERE. /// OPT ///TEXT: AND LASTLY, REACTION TO SOME GOOD NEWS ABOUT THE NATION'S NATIONAL SYMBOL, THE BALD EAGLE. CLOSE TO EXTINCTION SOME YEARS AGO BECAUSE OF PESTICIDES IN THE FOOD CHAIN, THE BIRD HAS BEEN TAKEN OFF THE ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST. THAT ELICITS THIS COMMENT FROM "THE DENVER POST." VOICE: FREE AT LAST, THE BALD EAGLE IS SOARING OUT OF ITS ENDANGERED STATUS AND JOINING THE RANKS OF SPECIES WITH HEALTHY, ROBUST POPULATIONS. THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT, WHICH HAS COME UNDER INCREASING FIRE [CRITICISM] IN RECENT YEARS, IS LARGELY TO THANK FOR THIS SUCCESS STORY. TEXT: THAT IS AN OPINION WITH WHICH TODAY'S "AKRON [OHIO] BEACON JOURNAL" HEARTILY AGREES. /// END OPT ///AND THAT CONCLUDES THIS SAMPLING OF COMMENT FROM THE EDITORIAL
PAGES OF THE NATION'S DAILY PAPERS.
[11] N-Y ECON WRAP (S & L) BY BRECK ARDERY (NEW YORK)DATE=6/21/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-250933 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: STOCK PRICES IN THE UNITED STATES WERE MIXED TODAY (MONDAY). V-O-A BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT BRECK ARDERY REPORTS FROM NEW YORK. TEXT: THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE CLOSED AT 10-THOUSAND-816, DOWN 39 POINTS. THE STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 INDEX CLOSED AT 13-HUNDRED-49, UP SIX POINTS. THE NASDAQ INDEX GAINED MORE THAN TWO PERCENT. WEAKNESS IN OIL STOCKS PULLED DOWN THE INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE BUT STRENGTH IN TECHNOLOGY ISSUES PUSHED THE NASDAQ TO WITHIN 23 POINTS OF A RECORD HIGH CLOSE. THERE WAS NO ECONOMIC NEWS TO MOVE STOCKS AND MANY TRADERS WERE STILL SPECULATING ABOUT CORPORATE PROFITS AND INTEREST RATES. ///BEGIN OPT///OPT///ACKERMAN ACT/// MY SENSE IS THAT SECOND QUARTER EARNINGS WILL BE STRONG INDEED. IF WE ONLY HAVE ONE INTEREST RATE RISE BY THE "FED" (CENTRAL BANK) THEN I THINK THE STOCK MARKET WILL DO BETTER. ///END ACT///THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION SAYS IT WILL INVESTIGATE CHARGES OF UNFAIR COMPETITION INVOLVING STEEL IMPORTS FROM 12 NATIONS. ANALYSTS SAY THE MOVE IS AN EFFORT TO DISCOURAGE THE U-S CONGRESS FROM IMPOSING FORMAL QUOTAS ON INTERNATIONAL STEEL. ///REST OPT///THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND IS EXPANDING ITS PRESENCE IN THE UNITED STATES. THE SCOTTISH BANK WILL PAY ONE POINT FOUR BILLION DOLLARS IN CASH FOR THE U-S TRUST CORPORATION OF BOSTON. WEYERHAEUSER, THE U-S FOREST PRODUCTS COMPANY, WILL PAY TWO AND ONE-HALF BILLION DOLLARS FOR MACMILLAN BLOEDEL OF CANADA, A MAJOR PRODUCER OF LUMBER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY. THE M-C-I WORLDCOM CORPORATION AND FINANCIER PAUL ALLEN WILL INVEST A TOTAL OF 600 MILLION DOLLARS IN THE METRICOM COMPANY. THE MONEY WILL BE USED TO DEVELOP AND PROMOTE METRICOM'S WIRELESS INTERNET CONNECTION SERVICE. AMERICA ONLINE WILL INVEST ONE AND ONE-HALF BILLION DOLLARS IN THE HUGHES ELECTRONICS CORPORATION TO ACCELERATE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH SPEED INTERNET CONNECTIONS BY SATELLITE. THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY WILL BUILD A 150-MILLION-DOLLAR AUTO PLANT
NEAR SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA. THE PLANT, WITH A POTENTIAL
CAPACITY OF 100 THOUSAND CARS A YEAR, WILL BE READY FOR OPERATION
IN ABOUT 18 MONTHS. (SIGNED)
[12] NATO / KOSOVO (L-ONLY) BY JOHN FRASER (LUXEMBOURG)DATE=6/21/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-250923 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: THE E-U'S (EUROPEAN UNION'S) EXECUTIVE COMMISSION HAS ANNOUNCED THAT IT WILL PLEDGE AROUND 158-MILLION DOLLARS IN AID THIS YEAR FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF KOSOVO AND FOR THE RETURN OF THE REFUGEES. JOHN FRASER REPORTS FROM LUXEMBOURG THAT THIS AMOUNT IS ADDITION TO AROUND 198-MILLION DOLLARS ALREADY PLEDGED FOR HUMANITARIAN AID. TEXT: A DONORS' CONFERENCE WILL BE CONVENED IN ONE MONTH'S TIME TO DISCUSS WORLDWIDE ASSISTANCE FOR KOSOVO. EUROPE HAS ALREADY ANNOUNCED THAT IT WILL ACCEPT THE LARGEST BURDEN, AND THE E-U'S PLEDGES FOR THIS YEAR, WHICH TOTAL MORE THAN A QUARTER OF A BILLION DOLLARS, ARE DESIGNED TO UNDERPIN EUROPEAN COMMITMENT TO HELPING KOSOVO. THE 15 E-U FOREIGN MINISTERS, WHO HAVE BEEN MEETING IN LUXEMBOURG, HAVE ISSUED A DECLARATION IN WHICH THEY SAY THAT EUROPE WILL NEED TO COME UP WITH ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR SOME YEARS TO COME. THEY HAVE CALLED ON ALL PARTIES ASSISTING IN KOSOVO TO HELP CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE CREATION OF A DEMOCRATIC, MULTI-ETHNIC KOSOVO. THEY WANT ALL THE REFUGEES TO RETURN TO THEIR HOMES, IN A CLIMATE OF SECURITY, AND THEY INSIST THAT IT MUST BE A HIGH PRIORITY FOR THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO BRING TO JUSTICE ALL PERPETRATORS OF ATROCITIES. THE E-U FOREIGN MINISTERS HAVE GIVEN THEIR BACKING TO A BROAD STRATEGY TO ASSIST NOT JUST KOSOVO, BUT ALL THE COUNTRIES IN THE REGION. THIS HOLDS OUT THE PROSPECT OF EVENTUAL E-U MEMBERSHIP, ONCE THE COUNTRIES HAVE COMPLETED ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL REFORMS. HOWEVER, THE E-U MINISTERS HAVE MADE IT CLEAR THAT SERBIA CAN EXPECT NO HELP AS LONG AS PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC, WHO IS AN INDICTED WAR CRIMINAL, REMAINS IN POWER. GERMANY'S MINISTER FOR EUROPE, GUNTER VERHEUGEN, SAYS THAT THE E-U IS DETERMINED TO ENSURE THAT THE FUTURE OF KOSOVO MUST BE BETTER THAN ITS PAST. HE ADDS THAT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT SOMEONE IS PUT IN CHARGE IN KOSOVO WHO CAN ENSURE THAT MONEY IS SPENT ON REBUILDING THE PROVINCE IN A QUICK AND UN-BUREAUCRATIC WAY. THE 15 E-U FOREIGN MINISTERS HAVE AGREED ON THREE NOMINEES FOR THE JOB OF SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE U-N SECRETARY GENERAL IN KOSOVO. EUROPE'S CANDIDATES ARE E-U HUMANITARIAN AID COMMISSIONER, EMMA BONINO, WHO IS ITALIAN; FRANCE'S HEALTH MINISTER, BERNARD KOUCHNER; AND THE FORMER LEADER OF BRITIAN'S LIBERAL PARTY, PADDY ASHDOWN. IT WILL BE UP TO U-N SECRETARY GENERAL KOFI ANNAN TO MAKE THE FINAL CHOICE, BASED ON THE E-U'S LIST OF CANDIDATES. MR VERHEUGEN SAYS THAT IT IS NOW A RACE AGAINST TIME IN KOSOVO,
IN ENSURING THAT THE RETURNING REFUGEES WILL HAVE ACCOMMODATION,
FOOD AND MEDICINE BEFORE THE WINTER SETS IN. (SIGNED)
[13] RUSSIA / KOSOVO (L-ONLY) BY ANDRE DE NESNERA (MOSCOW)DATE=6/21/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-250915 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: RUSSIAN TROOPS ARE PREPARING TO LEAVE FOR KOSOVO AS A SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL SAYS THEIR PRESENCE THERE WILL HELP STEM THE EXODUS OF SERBS FROM THE PROVINCE. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ANDRE DE NESNERA REPORTS FROM MOSCOW. TEXT: RUSSIAN TROOPS ARE GETTING READY TO BE SENT TO KOSOVO AS PART OF NATO'S PEACEKEEPING FORCE -- BUT IT IS STILL UNCLEAR WHEN THE FULL CONTINGENT WILL ARRIVE IN THE SERB PROVINCE. UNDER TERMS OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN WASHINGTON AND MOSCOW, 36-HUNDRED RUSSIAN SOLDIERS WILL BE DISPATCHED TO SECTORS IN KOSOVO RUN BY THE UNITED STATES, GERMANY AND FRANCE. THE RUSSIAN SOLDIERS WILL ALSO PROVIDE MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT OPERATIONS AT THE AIRFIELD IN KOSOVO'S CAPITAL -- PRISTINA. SOME 200 RUSSIAN TROOPS ARE ALREADY STATIONED AT THE AIRPORT. THEY WERE PART OF NATO'S PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN BOSNIA BUT ARRIVED UNEXPECTEDLY IN PRISTINA MORE THAN A WEEK AGO. RUSSIA'S DEFENSE MINISTER, IGOR SERGEYEV, TOLD THE "ITAR-TASS" NEWS AGENCY THAT WITHIN THE NEXT FEW DAYS, ALL THE NECESSARY LEGAL PAPERWORK WILL BE READY TO DISPATCH RUSSIAN PEACEKEEPERS TO KOSOVO. PARLIAMENT'S UPPER HOUSE -- THE FEDERATION COUNCIL -- MUST APPROVE THE SENDING OF ANY MILITARY CONTINGENT ABROAD. THAT IS EXPECTED TO BE JUST A FORMALITY. THE COUNCIL'S NEXT MEETING IS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE JUNE 30TH. BUT DEFENSE MINISTER SERGEYEV DID NOT RULE OUT THE POSSIBILITY THAT MEMBERS OF THE FEDERATION COUNCIL WILL REACH A DECISION BEFORE THEIR OFFICIALLY SCHEDULED MEETING. MEANWHILE IN KOSOVO, TENS OF THOUSANDS OF SERBS HAVE FLED THE PROVINCE IN THE PAST WEEK FEARING REPRISALS FROM RETURNING ETHNIC ALBANIANS. IN MOSCOW, RUSSIAN PRIME MINISTER SERGEI STEPASHIN TOLD REPORTERS HE BELIEVES THE PRESENCE OF RUSSIAN TROOPS WILL HELP STEM THE SERB EXODUS. // STEPASHIN ACT IN RUSSIAN, THEN FADE //BUT THIS WILL BE VERY DIFFICULT -- SAID MR. STEPASHIN -- DUE TO
YEARS OF DISTRUST WHICH MANIFESTED ITSELF RECENTLY IN VICIOUS
EXAMPLES OF BLOODLETTING. THE RUSSIAN PRIME MINISTER SAID YOU
CAN NOT HAVE A DOUBLE STANDARD: ON THE ONE HAND DEFENDING THE
RIGHTS OF ETHNIC ALBANIANS IN KOSOVO WHILE -- ON THE OTHER HAND
FORGETTING ABOUT THE SERBS. MR. STEPASHIN SAID ONE HAS TO
DEFEND THE RIGHTS OF EVERY PERSON -- IRRESPECTIVE OF HIS OR HER
NATIONALITY. (SIGNED)
[14] SERBIA REFUGEE AID (L-ONLY) BY LISA SCHLEIN (GENEVA)DATE=6/21/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-250909 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: THE UNITED NATIONS REFUGEE AGENCY, THE U-N-H-C-R, SAYS IT MADE ITS FIRST DELIVERY OF AID THIS WEEKEND TO THOUSANDS OF SERBS WHO FLED FROM KOSOVO IN THE WAKE OF THE AGREEMENT ENDING THE WAR. LISA SCHLEIN IN GENEVA REPORTS THE AGENCY SAYS THE REFUGEES ARE FACING A TOUGH TIME. TEXT: THE U-N REFUGEE AGENCY SAYS IT DELIVERED 140 METRIC TONS OF AID TO 10 DIFFERENT AREAS IN CENTRAL SERBIA WHERE THERE ARE CONCENTRATIONS OF DISPLACED SERBS WHO HAVE ARRIVED FROM KOSOVO. U-N-H-C-R FIELD TEAMS VISITED 20 MUNICIPALITIES. JUDITH KUMIN OF THE U-N-H-C-R SAYS THE AID WORKERS SPOKE TO THE YUGOSLAV RED CROSS, THE CRISIS COMMITTEES IN EACH MUNICIPALITY, LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND TO THE DISPLACED PEOPLE THEMSELVES TO ASSESS THE SITUATION. SHE SAYS THE GENERAL PICTURE WHICH EMERGES IS VERY GRIM. SHE SAYS THINGS ARE PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF KRALJEVO, NIS AND KRAGUJEVAC, WHICH HAVE THE LARGEST CONCENTRATIONS OF DISPLACED PEOPLE. /// KUMIN ACT ///THESE ARE AREAS WHERE UNEMPLOYMENT IS EXTREMELY HIGH, WHERE FOOD STOCKS ARE LOW AND WHERE ACCOMMODATION FOR THE DISPLACED IS VIRTUALLY NON-EXISTENT. IT'S DIFFICULT STILL TO KNOW THE NUMBERS WITH ANY CERTAINTY BECAUSE WE DON'T KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE JUST MOVED INTO SERBIA AND GONE ON THEIR OWN TO RELATIVES, FRIENDS OR OTHER CONTACTS. BUT, IT WAS CLEAR TO OUR FIELD TEAM THAT AT LEAST 50-THOUSAND HAD ARRIVED IN, OR TRANSITED THROUGH, THE AREA OF CENTRAL SERBIA THAT THEY VISITED. ///END ACT///MS KUMIN SAYS SHE IS UNABLE TO CONFIRM REPORTS THAT A FIRST GROUP OF SERBS HAVE RETURNED TO KOSOVO. THE K-FOR PEACEKEEPING TROOPS HAVE BEEN URGING THE SERBS WHO FLED KOSOVO TO RETURN HOME. THEY HAVE PROMISED THEY WOULD PROTECT THE SERBS AGAINST REPRISALS FROM ETHNIC ALBANIANS. MS. KUMIN SAYS THERE ARE INDICATIONS THAT A GROUP OF SERB DISPLACED PEOPLE FROM MONTENEGRO MAY RETURN LATER ON MONDAY TO THE KOSOVAR TOWN OF PEC. SHE SAYS THE U-N AGENCY ALSO HAS UNCONFIRMED INDICATIONS THAT
ANOTHER GROUP OF REFUGEES MAY RETURN FROM THE SERBIAN CITY OF
KRALJEVO WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF AUTHORITIES THERE. (SIGNED)
[15] SOLDIER KILLED (S-UPDATE) BY TIM BELAY (PRISTINA)DATE=6/21/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-250927 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: FOUR PEOPLE, INCLUDING TWO BRITISH SOLDIERS, WERE KILLED IN AN EXPLOSION MONDAY AFTERNOON IN KOSOVO. TIM BELAY REPORTS, THESE ARE THE FIRST CASUALTIES AMONG ALLIANCE FORCES IN KOSOVO SINCE THEIR PEACE KEEPING MISSION BEGAN JUNE 12TH. TEXT: THE TWO BRITISH SOLDIERS WERE FROM A GURKHA ENGINEERING REGIMENT WORKING TO CLEAR MUNITIONS FROM A SCHOOL HOUSE. TWO CIVILIANS WERE ALSO KILLED AND ONE CIVILIAN WAS WOUNDED BUT IN STABLE CONDITION. THE EXPLOSION APPARENTLY CAME FORM A BOOBY-TRAP -- SOMETHING THE MILITARY CALLS AN IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED IN THE VILLAGE OF NEGROVCE -- THIRTY KILOMETERS WEST OF PRISTINA. ACCORDING TO A STATEMENT RELEASED BY THE LOCAL BRITISH MILITARY
HEADQUARTERS, THE ACCIDENT UNDERLINES THE DANGERS THAT FACE NATO
TROOPS AS THEY WORK TO CREATE A SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT FOR
THE RETURN OF REFUGEES TO KOSOVO. (SIGNED)
[16] SOLDIERS KILLED (S) BY TIM BELAY (PRISTINA)DATE=6/21/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-250924 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: TWO BRITISH SOLDIERS AND TWO CIVILIANS HAVE BEEN KILLED IN KOSOVO WEST OF PRISTINA. IT IS NATO'S FIRST CASUALTIES SINCE IT BEGAN THE PEACEKEEPING MISSION IN KOSOVO JUNE 12TH. TIM BELAY REPORTS. TEXT: TWO BRITISH SOLDIERS AND TWO CIVILIANS WERE KILLED IN AN EXPLOSION MONDAY AFTERNOON WHILE THEY WERE WORKING TO CLEAR MUNITIONS FROM A SCHOOLHOUSE 30 KILOMETERS WEST OF PRISTINA. ACCORDING TO THE OFFICE OF NATO OPERATIONS IN KOSOVO, ONE CIVILIAN WAS ALSO INJURED. A BOOBY-TRAP OR 'IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE,' IN MILITARY TERMS, WAS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN THE SOURCE OF THE EXPLOSION. ACCORDING TO A STATEMENT FROM THE NATO PRESS OFFICE IN PRISTINA,
THE EVENT UNDERLINES THE DANGERS THAT FACE TROOPS AS NATO WORKS
TO SECURE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT IN KOSOVO. (SIGNED)
[17] TURKEY CLASHES (S) BY SCOTT BOBB (ISTANBUL)DATE=6/21/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-250919 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: TURKISH SECURITY FORCES HAVE REPORTEDLY KILLED SEVEN KURDISH REBELS IN SOUTHEASTERN TURKEY, WHILE SUSPECTED KURDISH REBELS HAVE ATTACKED THE HOME OF A LOCAL OFFICIAL IN THE REGION, INJURING EIGHT OF HIS GUARDS. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT SCOTT BOBB REPORTS FROM ISTANBUL THAT CLASHES BETWEEN THE REBELS AND SECURITY FORCES HAVE INTENSIFIED DURING THE TRIAL OF KURDISH REBEL LEADER ABDULLAH OCALAN, WHICH IS DUE TO RESUME WEDNESDAY. TEXT: AUTHORITIES IN SOUTHEASTERN TURKEY MONDAY SAID THE CLASHES TOOK PLACE OVER THE WEEKEND IN THE PROVINCES OF MUS, SIRNAK AND MARDIN. THEY DID NOT SAY WHETHER THERE WERE ANY GOVERNMENT CASUALTIES. AT THE SAME TIME, GUNMEN BELIEVED TO BE KURDISH REBELS ATTACKED THE RESIDENCE OF THE LOCAL GOVERNOR IN KIZILTEPE, NEAR THE BORDER WITH SYRIA. THE ATTACKERS REPORTEDLY FIRED REPEATEDLY AT THE OFFICIAL'S HOME BEFORE FLEEING. CLASHES HAVE INTENSIFIED SINCE THE TRIAL BEGAN THREE WEEKS AGO OF KURDISH REBEL LEADER ABDULLAH OCALAN. THE TRIAL IS DUE TO RESUME ON WEDNESDAY AFTER A TWO-WEEK RECESS, AND THE DEFENSE IS TO PRESENT ITS FINAL ARGUMENTS. THE TURKISH PARLIAMENT LAST FRIDAY AMENDED THE CONSTITUTION TO
REMOVE A MILITARY JUDGE FROM THE TRIAL AFTER CRITICISM BY
INTERNATIONAL LEGAL GROUPS. (SIGNED)
[18] TURKEY CLASHES (S) BY SCOTT BOBB (ISTANBUL)DATE=6/21/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-250919 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: TURKISH SECURITY FORCES HAVE REPORTEDLY KILLED SEVEN KURDISH REBELS IN SOUTHEASTERN TURKEY, WHILE SUSPECTED KURDISH REBELS HAVE ATTACKED THE HOME OF A LOCAL OFFICIAL IN THE REGION, INJURING EIGHT OF HIS GUARDS. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT SCOTT BOBB REPORTS FROM ISTANBUL THAT CLASHES BETWEEN THE REBELS AND SECURITY FORCES HAVE INTENSIFIED DURING THE TRIAL OF KURDISH REBEL LEADER ABDULLAH OCALAN, WHICH IS DUE TO RESUME WEDNESDAY. TEXT: AUTHORITIES IN SOUTHEASTERN TURKEY MONDAY SAID THE CLASHES TOOK PLACE OVER THE WEEKEND IN THE PROVINCES OF MUS, SIRNAK AND MARDIN. THEY DID NOT SAY WHETHER THERE WERE ANY GOVERNMENT CASUALTIES. AT THE SAME TIME, GUNMEN BELIEVED TO BE KURDISH REBELS ATTACKED THE RESIDENCE OF THE LOCAL GOVERNOR IN KIZILTEPE, NEAR THE BORDER WITH SYRIA. THE ATTACKERS REPORTEDLY FIRED REPEATEDLY AT THE OFFICIAL'S HOME BEFORE FLEEING. CLASHES HAVE INTENSIFIED SINCE THE TRIAL BEGAN THREE WEEKS AGO OF KURDISH REBEL LEADER ABDULLAH OCALAN. THE TRIAL IS DUE TO RESUME ON WEDNESDAY AFTER A TWO-WEEK RECESS, AND THE DEFENSE IS TO PRESENT ITS FINAL ARGUMENTS. THE TURKISH PARLIAMENT LAST FRIDAY AMENDED THE CONSTITUTION TO
REMOVE A MILITARY JUDGE FROM THE TRIAL AFTER CRITICISM BY
INTERNATIONAL LEGAL GROUPS. (SIGNED)
[19] U-N / KOSOVO / SPECIAL REPS (L - ONLY) BY MAX RUSTON (UNITED NATIONS)DATE=6/21/99TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-250926 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN NAMED TWO SPECIAL ADMINISTRATORS TODAY (MONDAY) TO OVERSEE THE RESTORATION OF YUGOSLAVIA'S KOSOVO PROVINCE. THEY WILL BE PART OF A TEAM OF FIVE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATORS WORKING IN THE PROVINCE. V-O-A'S U-N CORRESPONDENT MAX RUSTON REPORTS. TEXT: THE TWO NEW APPOINTEES ARE THE FIRST DEPUTY SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ASSIGNED TO THE RESTORATION OF KOSOVO. THEY WILL WORK UNDER ACTING SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE SERGIO VIEIRA DE MELLO, WHO ARRIVED IN KOSOVO EARLIER THIS MONTH. U-N SPOKESMAN FRED ECKHARD: /// ECKHARD ACT ///THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ANNOUNCED TODAY THE APPOINTMENT OF DOMINIQUE VIAN, PREFECT OF [FRENCH] GUYANA, AS DEPUTY SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR THE INTERIM CIVIL ADMINISTRATION OF KOSOVO. THIS IS ONE OF THE FOUR LEGS OF THE CIVILIAN SIDE OF THE MISSION. HE IS ALSO PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE APPOINTMENT OF DENNIS MCNAMARA, U-N-H-C-R'S SPECIAL ENVOY FOR THE REGION AS DEPUTY SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL IN CHARGE OF REFUGEE RETURN AND HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE. /// END ACT ///TWO MORE DEPUTY SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVES ARE EXPECTED TO BE ANNOUNCED IN COMING DAYS. ONE WILL OVERSEE THE BUILDING OF DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS. THAT WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY THE ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE, THE O-S-C-E. THE OTHER, UNDER THE EUROPEAN UNION, WILL REBUILD KOSOVO'S PHYSICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE. U-N SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN HAS YET TO ANNOUNCE HIS CHOICE
FOR A PERMANENT SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO OVERSEE THE FOUR DEPUTY
ADMINISTRATORS. THE NAMES OF SEVERAL PUBLIC OFFICIALS EUROPE
HAVE BEEN PUT FORWARD FOR THE POST. THE MOST PROMINENT TO DATE
IS BRITISH POLITICIAN PADDY ASHDOWN. BRITISH OFFICIALS SAY MR.
ASHDOWN STANDS OUT BECAUSE OF HIS EXPERIENCE AS A FORMER OFFICER
IN THE ROYAL MARINES AND HIS LONGSTANDING INTEREST IN YUGOSLAVIA.
(SIGNED)
NEB/UN/MPR/LSF/KL
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