Voice of America, 96-10-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] BULGARIA KILLING / U-N REACT (S & L) BY ELAINE JOHANSON (UNITED NATIONS)

[02] TURKEY/EGYPT (L ONLY) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (CAIRO)

[03] EDITORIAL: PELLETREAU ON IRAQ POLICY

[04] SENATE / BOSNIA TROOPS (L-ONLY) BY DAVID SWAN (SENATE)

[05] U-S/BOSNIA FORCE (L) BY DAVID GOLLUST (PENTAGON)

[06] YUGO SANCTIONS ENDED (S ONLY) BY ELAINE JOHANSON (UNITED NATIONS)

[07] EUROTUNNEL DEBT BY BILL WYATT (WASHINGTON)

[08] FRANCE VOTE (L) BY JULIAN NUNDY (PARIS)

[09] GERMANY/ECON/UNIFICATION BY MEREDITH BUEL (WASHINGTON, D.C.)

[10] INTERVIEW W/ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER BY RACHAEL BAIL (WASHINGTON)

[11] WEDNESDAY'S EDITORIALS BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)

[01] BULGARIA KILLING / U-N REACT (S & L) BY ELAINE JOHANSON (UNITED NATIONS)

INTRO: THE U-N GENERAL ASSEMBLY OBSERVED A MOMENT OF SILENCE TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF ANDREI LUKANOV -- THE FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF BULGARIA WHO WAS SLAIN OUTSIDE HIS HOME IN SOFIA (TODAY / WEDNESDAY). BULGARIA'S FOREIGN MINISTER GEORGI PIRINSKI -- WHO IS IN NEW YORK ATTENDING THE U-N SESSION -- DEPARTED FROM PREPARED REMARKS BRIEFLY TO REMEMBER HIS COMPATRIOT. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ELAINE JOHANSON REPORTS:

TEXT: FOREIGN MINISTER PIRINSKI CALLED MR. LUKANOV'S KILLING A POLITICAL ASSASSINATION. HE DESCRIBED THE FORMER PRIME MINISTER AN EX-COMMUNIST -- AS A LEADING FORCE IN BULGARIA'S MOVE TOWARD DEMOCRACY:

MR. LUKANOV WAS ONE OF THE PRINCIPAL DRIVING FORCES FOR THE DEMOCRATIC CHANGES THAT TOOK PLACE IN BULGARIA AFTER '89. HE STAKED HIS PERSONAL EFFORTS AND FUTURE ON THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE VALUES OF DEMOCRACY, THE PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC REFORM.

THE FOREIGN MINISTER SAID MR. LUKANOV WAS ALSO A CHAMPION OF BULGARIA'S PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE GROUPS, INCLUDING THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION, WHICH BULGARIA JUST JOINED.

MR. PIRINSKI TOLD THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THE BULGARIAN PARLIAMENT IS DETERMINED NOT TO ALLOW MR. LUKANOV'S KILLING TO DESTROY THE POLITICAL ATMOSPHERE FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OCTOBER 27TH.

NOTHING FURTHER HAS BEEN HEARD ON THE ISSUE SINCE THEN, AND MR. PASHOVSKI REMAINS THE U-N AMBASSADOR. (SIGNED)
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02-Oct-96 3:46 PM EDT (1946 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[02] TURKEY/EGYPT (L ONLY) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (CAIRO)

INTRO: TURKISH PRIME MINISTER NECMETTIN ERBEKAN ARRIVES WEDNESDAY IN CAIRO (EDS ARRIVES: 14 HRS UTC) FOR A TWO AND ONE-HALF DAY VISIT BEFORE HEADING TO LIBYA AND NIGERIA. HIS VISIT TO EGYPT INCLUDES STOPS AT SEVERAL MOSQUES AND ISLAMIC SHRINES. BUT IT IS HIS TRIP TO LIBYA THAT IS RAISING EYEBROWS AMONG WESTERN ALLIES WHO FEAR FOREIGN POLICY CHANGES UNDER MR. ERBEKAN'S ISLAMIC LEADERSHIP. CORRESPONDENT LAURIE KASSMAN HAS MORE FROM CAIRO.

TEXT: TURKEY'S PRIME MINISTER WILL HOLD MEETINGS WITH HIS EGYPTIAN COUNTERPART AND OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS DURING HIS STAY. HE IS EXPECTED TO MEET PRESIDENT HOSNI MUBARAK SOMETIME THURSDAY. MR ERBEKAN'S SCHEDULE ALSO INCLUDES TOURS OF SEVERAL MUSLIM MOSQUES, SHRINES AND INSTITUTIONS.

EGYPTIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS HAVE BEEN STRAINED OVER TURKEY'S MILITARY TRAINING AGREEMENTS WITH ISRAEL. EGYPT AND OTHER ARAB STATES HAVE CALLED ON TURKEY TO RETHINK THOSE MILITARY TIES. EGYPT WAS ALSO UPSET BY TURKEY'S PLANS LAST MONTH TO SET UP A SECURITY ZONE INSIDE NORTHERN IRAQ, AND ASKED THE U-N SECURITY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE.

EGYPT AND TURKEY ARE INTERESTED IN IMPROVING TRADE TIES -- ONE OF MR ERBEKAN'S STATED GOALS FOR THE TRIP. HE BRINGS WITH HIM A NUMBER OF MINISTERS AND BUSINESS EXECUTIVES TO DISCUSS INVESTMENT AND BILATERAL VENTURES.

FRIDAY THE TURKISH LEADER WILL PARTICIPATE IN MID-DAY PRAYERS IN CAIRO BEFORE HEADING OVERLAND TO NEIGHBORING LIBYA. A U-N EMBARGO FORBIDS COMMERCIAL AIRLINERS FROM ENTERING LIBYAN AIRSPACE.

THE VISIT TO LIBYA HAS SPARKED CRITICISM IN TURKEY AND CONCERN AMONG WESTERN ALLIES THE ISLAMIST LEADER IS TRYING TO SHIFT TURKEY'S FOREIGN POLICY AWAY FROM ITS TRADITIONAL SECULAR OUTLOOK.

WASHINGTON SAYS IT IS CONCERNED ABOUT TURKEY'S TIES WITH GOVERNMENTS INCLUDED ON THE STATE DEPARTMENT'S LIST OF TERRORIST-SPONSORING NATIONS. THE LIST INCLUDES LIBYA AND IRAN, WHICH MR. ERBEKAN VISITED IN AUGUST ON HIS FIRST OFFICIAL TRIP OUT OF THE COUNTRY. (SIGNED)
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02-Oct-96 8:34 AM EDT (1234 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[03] EDITORIAL: PELLETREAU ON IRAQ POLICY

ANNCR: THE VOICE OF AMERICA PRESENTS DIFFERING POINTS OF VIEW ON A WIDE VARIETY OF ISSUES. NEXT, AN EDITORIAL EXPRESSING THE POLICIES OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT.

VOICE:

AS ROBERT PELLETREAU, ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE FOR NEAR EASTERN AFFAIRS, SAID RECENTLY, THE U.S. "POLICY OBJECTIVE ON IRAQ IS CONSTANT: TO DETER THE THREAT [WHICH] THE IRAQI REGIME POSES TO THE PEACE AND SECURITY OF A REGION OF VITAL NATIONAL INTEREST TO THE U.S." MR. PELLETREAU SAID THE U.S. "WANTS TO SEE A UNIFIED IRAQ AT PEACE WITH ITS NEIGHBORS AND ITS OWN PEOPLE, AND WE WANT ECONOMIC GROWTH AND NORMAL INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE -- INCLUDING IN OIL. HOWEVER, SADDAM HUSSEIN'S IRAQ USES FORCE AGAINST ITS NEIGHBORS AND ITS PEOPLE; IT REPRESENTS A THREAT TO THE WIDER MIDDLE EAST; AND IT IS PURSUING WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION."

MR. PELLETREAU SAID THE U.S. POLICY IS TO CONTAIN IRAQ, EMPLOYING POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND MILITARY MEASURES. ELEMENTS OF CONTAINMENT INCLUDE UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC SANCTIONS AND MONITORING BY U-N INSPECTORS TO PREVENT IRAQ'S PURSUIT OF NUCLEAR, CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS AND THE MISSILES TO DELIVER THEM. OTHER MEASURES INCLUDE NO-FLY ZONES BELOW THE 33RD PARALLEL AND ABOVE THE 36TH PARALLEL TO PREVENT IRAQ'S USE OF AIR POWER. THERE IS ALSO A NO-DRIVE ZONE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH U-N SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 9-4-9, WHICH PROHIBITS SADDAM FROM REINFORCING HIS GROUND FORCES IN SOUTHERN IRAQ.

IN RESPONSE TO SADDAM'S LATEST AGGRESSION -- HIS AUGUST ATTACK ON IRBIL -- THE U.S. EXPANDED THE SOUTHERN NO-FLY ZONE. THE U.S. ALSO LAUNCHED STRIKES AGAINST AIR DEFENSE SITES TO PROTECT THE AIR CREWS ENFORCING THE NEW ZONE. THE BAGHDAD REGIME INITIALLY REACTED BY THREATENING AIRCRAFT OF THE INTERNATIONAL COALITION, BUT NOW THE REGIME SAYS IT IS CEASING SUCH THREATS. AS MR. PELLETREAU SAID, THE U.S. "WILL JUDGE SADDAM BY HIS ACTIONS, NOT HIS WORDS, AND WE WILL RESPOND BY THE MEANS OF OUR CHOOSING."

LAST MONTH, THE U-N SECURITY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY AGREED TO CONTINUE THE SANCTIONS ON IRAQ. AS ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE PELLETREAU SAID, THE U.S. WILL WORK TO MAINTAIN THE SANCTIONS "UNTIL THE IRAQI REGIME COMPLIES FULLY WITH ALL U-N RESOLUTIONS, INCLUDING THOSE DEALING WITH WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION. SADDAM MUST BE SHOWN THAT HIS REFUSAL TO COOPERATE WITH U-N INSPECTIONS. . .IS UNACCEPTABLE. FINALLY, [THE U.S.] WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH [ITS] ALLIES TO KEEP UP THE VIGILANCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COALITION THAT IS SO VITAL TO CONTAINING IRAQI ADVENTURISM."

ANNCR:

THAT WAS AN EDITORIAL EXPRESSING THE POLICIES OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE HEARD ON THIS ISSUE, PLEASE WRITE TO EDITORIALS, VOICE OF AMERICA, WASHINGTON, D-C, 20547, U-S-A. YOU MAY ALSO SEND US A FAX AT (202) 619-1043. YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE USED ON THE AIR.
02-Oct-96 3:24 PM EDT (1924 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[04] SENATE / BOSNIA TROOPS (L-ONLY) BY DAVID SWAN (SENATE)

INTRO: THE NEWS THAT U-S TROOPS WILL STAY IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA FOR AT LEAST SIX MORE MONTHS HAS DRAWN AN ANGRY REACTION FROM REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS. V-O-A'S DAVID SWAN REPORTS, FIVE-THOUSAND SOLDIERS WILL SOON MOVE IN TO HELP COVER THE DEPARTURE OF THE CURRENT NATO PEACE FORCE, OR I-FOR.

TEXT: AT A SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE HEARING (WEDNESDAY), THE OPPOSITION LAWMAKERS SAID THE ADMINISTRATION ACTED WITHOUT CONSULTING THEM -- AND MAY HAVE A HARD TIME WINNING THEIR SUPPORT. COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN STROM THURMOND POINTEDLY CRITICIZED DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM PERRY FOR DECLINING TO TESTIFY ABOUT THE DECISION IN A PUBLIC SESSION, AS THE PANEL REQUESTED.

I BELIEVE THAT THE PRESIDENT MAY FIND THAT IT WILL BE DIFFICULT FOR THIS COMMITTEE, THE CONGRESS AND, INDEED, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO SUPPORT ANY FOLLOW-ON EFFORTS IN BOSNIA WHEN MEMBERS OF THIS ADMINISTRATION CANNOT FIND THE TIME TO FULLY AND OPENLY EXPLAIN THEIR POLICIES.

MR. PERRY SAYS HE IS WILLING TO APPEAR LATER THIS WEEK. BUT THE LATEST CONTROVERSY HAS FUELED REPUBLICAN CHARGES THAT THE WHITE HOUSE AND PENTAGON HAVE NOT BEEN CANDID ABOUT THEIR BALKANS STRATEGY. WHEN THE FIRST AMERICANS WERE SENT IN, THE ADMINISTRATION SAID THEY WOULD STAY NO LONGER THAN 12 MONTHS. NOW, REPUBLICAN SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN SAYS CONGRESS WILL TAKE A HARD LOOK AT THE NEW DEPLOYMENT.

THE PRESIDENT MUST CONSULT WITH THE CONGRESS ON THIS DIFFICULT FOREIGN POLICY ISSUE AND SEEK AUTHORIZATION FROM THE CONGRESS. THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES MUST SEEK AUTHORIZATION FROM THE CONGRESS IN ORDER TO EXTEND WHAT WAS CLEARLY A 12-MONTH COMMITMENT.

THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT SAYS THE FIVE-THOUSAND-STRONG "COVER FORCE" IS MEANT TO PROTECT THE MAIN BODY OF U-S PEACEKEEPERS AS THEY WITHDRAW FROM BOSNIA. THE UNITED STATES AND ITS ALLIES ARE ALSO CONSIDERING LEAVING SOME KIND OF FOLLOW-ON FORCE IN PLACE AFTER THAT.

RETIRED U-S ADMIRAL LEIGHTON SMITH, THE FORMER NATO COMMANDER IN THE REGION, TESTIFIED (WEDNESDAY) HE FAVORS THE IDEA, TO PROTECT THE GAINS OF THE PAST YEAR.

I WOULD JUST SUGGEST TO YOU, SIR, THAT I DON'T BELIEVE TODAY WE ARE AT A POINT WHERE WE CAN WALK OUT OF BOSNIA AND FEEL COMFORTABLE THAT THEY WON'T FIGHT EACH OTHER AGAIN.

BUT EVEN ADMIRAL SMITH WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE BOSNIAN MISSION INVOLVES VITAL U-S NATIONAL SECURITY INTERESTS.

IF YOU LOOK AT THE CLASSIC DEFINITION OF VITAL INTERESTS, AND THAT IS YOU'RE WILLING TO LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO MAKE SURE IT HAPPENS -- THAT'S A TOUGH CALL, SENATOR.

THE RETIRED COMMANDER ALSO TOLD SENATORS HE DOES NOT BELIEVE THE UNITED STATES HAS A CLEAR STRATEGY FOR BRINGING THE MISSION TO A CLOSE. THE REPUBLICANS SAY THAT STATEMENT CONFIRMS SOME OF THEIR WORST FEARS. (SIGNED)
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02-Oct-96 1:31 PM EDT (1731 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[05] U-S/BOSNIA FORCE (L) BY DAVID GOLLUST (PENTAGON)

INTRO: THE PENTAGON NOW SAYS SIGNIFICANT NUMBERS OF U-S TROOPS WILL REMAIN IN BOSNIA AT LEAST UNTIL NEXT MARCH. SEVERAL THOUSAND MORE SOLDIERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE SENT THERE WITHIN A FEW DAYS WITH THE STATED MISSION OF COVERING THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE NATO-LED IMPLEMENTATION FORCE, I-FOR . V-O-A'S DAVID GOLLUST HAS DETAILS FROM THE PENTAGON.

TEXT: DEFENSE OFFICIALS SAY THE SO-CALLED "COVERING FORCE" WILL BE ORDERED INTO BOSNIA FROM ITS STAGING AREA IN GERMANY WITHIN A MATTER OF DAYS.

AND THEY DO NOT RULE OUT THE POSSIBILITY THAT IT WILL BECOME THE U-S CONTRIBUTION TO A FOLLOW-ON PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN BOSNIA -- IF NATO DECIDES ONE IS NECESSARY.

THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION'S OFFICIAL POSITION UP UNTIL NOW HAD BEEN THAT U-S AND ALLIED FORCES WOULD BE STAYING ON IN BOSNIA ONLY A MATTER OF WEEKS AFTER THE OFFICIAL MANDATE OF I-FOR EXPIRES DECEMBER 20TH. HOWEVER, PENTAGON SPOKESMAN KEN BACON SAYS THE COVERING FORCE, FROM THE U-S FIRST INFANTRY DIVISION, WILL REMAIN THERE INTO MARCH:

WE'LL BE SENDING ABOUT FIVE THOUSAND TROOPS INTO BOSNIA TO HELP THE CURRENT PEOPLE IN I-FOR COME OUT. THAT WHOLE PROCESS WAS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR. THE I-FOR PEOPLE WILL BE OUT. AND THE COVERING FORCE IS SCHEDULED TO DEPART SOMETIME IN MARCH.

THE ADDITION OF THE COVERING FORCE WILL BRIEFLY RAISE THE TOTAL U-S TROOP PRESENCE IN BOSNIA TO A HIGH OF ABOUT 18-THOUSAND IN LATE NOVEMBER -- AT A TIME WHEN INCREASED SECURITY WILL BE REQUIRED FOR BOSNIA'S RESCHEDULED MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

THE NATO-LED IMPLEMENTATION FORCE, WHICH CURRENTLY INCLUDES 52-THOUSAND TROOPS, WILL BE RAPIDLY WITHDRAWN IN THE WEEKS FOLLOWING THE ELECTIONS WHILE THE COVERING FORCE PROVIDES SECURITY.

AT THEIR MEETING IN NORWAY LAST WEEK, NATO DEFENSE MINISTERS BEGAN EXAMINING VARIOUS OPTIONS FOR A SUCCESSOR SECURITY PRESENCE IN BOSNIA IN 1997 -- BUT FINAL DECISIONS ON THE ISSUE ARE NOT EXPECTED UNTIL NOVEMBER.

IN CONGRESSIONAL TESTIMONY TUESDAY, THE FORMER U-S DIPLOMAT WHO ENGINEERED THE BOSNIAN PEACE ACCORDS -- RICHARD HOLBROOKE -- WARNED THAT AN ALLIED WITHDRAWAL FROM BOSNIA AT YEAR'S END WOULD RISK AN WHAT HE CALLED AN "IMPLOSION" OF THE SECURITY SITUATION AND A RESUMPTION OF WARFARE. (SIGNED)
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01-Oct-96 7:12 PM EDT (2312 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[06] YUGO SANCTIONS ENDED (S ONLY) BY ELAINE JOHANSON (UNITED NATIONS)

INTRO: THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL TUESDAY -- WITHOUT FANFARE -- UNANIMOUSLY ENDED SANCTIONS AGAINST SERB-LED YUGOSLAVIA. THE MOVE CAME AFTER THE ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE CERTIFIED THE RECENT ELECTIONS IN BOSNIA. VOA CORRESPONDENT ELAINE JOHANSON REPORTS:

TEXT: BELGRADE IS NOT ENTIRELY IN THE CLEAR. THE SECURITY COUNCIL WARNED IT WOULD CONSIDER RE-IMPOSING SANCTIONS IF THE PEACE ACCORD IS VIOLATED. BUT BRITISH AMBASSADOR JOHN WESTON SAID THE COUNCIL IS COUNTING ON SERBIA'S COOPERATION:

IF AT ANY POINT WE FEEL THAT ONE PARTY OR ANOTHER IS IN SERIOUS DERELICTION OF ITS DUTIES UNDER DAYTON WE'RE OBVIOUSLY GOING TO HAVE TO LOOK AT THAT AGAIN AND THE RESOLUTION CLEARLY BRINGS THAT OUT. BUT LET'S TAKE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TO THIS AND HOPE THAT WON'T PROVE NECESSARY.

U-N SANCTIONS WERE SUSPENDED LAST NOVEMBER AS A FOLLOW-UP TO THE DAYTON PEACE ACCORDS. THEIR TERMINATION TUESDAY WAS A PAYBACK FOR THE BOSNIAN ELECTIONS. IT WAS PART OF THE DEAL THE UNITED STATES NEGOTIATED IN DAYTON. HOWEVER, WASHINGTON IS MAINTAINING ITS OWN PRESSURE ON THE SERBS BY BLOCKING BELGRADE'S CLAIM TO FORMER YUGOSLAVIA'S SEAT AT THE U-N, THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND AND THE WORLD BANK. (SIGNED)
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01-Oct-96 7:17 PM EDT (2317 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[07] EUROTUNNEL DEBT BY BILL WYATT (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: EUROTUNNEL, THE FINANCIALLY TROUBLED COMPANY WHICH OPERATES THE CHANNEL TUNNEL BETWEEN BRITAIN AND FRANCE, HAS REACHED AN AGREEMENT WITH ITS CREDITORS TO RE-FINANCE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN DEBT. BUT ECONOMICS EDITOR BILL WYATT REPORTS FINAL CONFIRMATION OF EUROTUNNEL'S REFINANCING PLAN MAY NOT COME FOR MONTHS.

TEXT: ON FIRST GLANCE, EUROTUNNEL IS NOT A FINANCIALLY EMBATTLED COMPANY. IT HAS MANAGED TO INCREASE ITS TRAFFIC AND SHARE OF TRANSPORTATION BETWEEN FRANCE AND ENGLAND -- AND BREAK EVEN ON OPERATIONS. BUT ITS INTEREST CHARGES ARE COLOSSAL IN RELATION TO TOTAL REVENUES.

EUROTUNNEL OWES BANKS MORE THAN 13-BILLION DOLLARS. IT STOPPED PAYING INTEREST ON THE LOANS A YEAR AGO AND HAS SINCE BEEN NEGOTIATING TO RESCHEDULE THE DEBT.

THE HEAD OF A LONDON-BASED FIRM WHICH SPECIALIZES IN COMPANIES WITH EXCESSIVE DEBT LOADS, GARY KLESCH, SAYS THE EUROTUNNEL AGREEMENT, WHILE DETAILED, STILL HAS A LONG WAY TO GO BEFORE FINAL APPROVAL.

DESPITE OF ALL THE DETAIL THAT HAS BEEN CONCLUDED, THAT CONCLUSION IS ONLY BETWEEN THE BOARD OF EUROTUNNEL AND THE FOUR LEAD BANKS. IT HAS YET TO RECEIVE THE APPROVAL OF ALL 225 BANKS AND THE SHAREHOLDERS. SO IT HAS STILL GOT A LONG WAY TO GO.

MR. KLESCH SAYS THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY THE OTHER BANKS WILL HAVE RESERVATIONS ABOUT THE RE-FINANCING PLAN.

I THINK THAT THE DIFFICULTY WITH THE OTHER BANKS IS THAT THIS VOTE REQUIRES A UNANIMOUS VOTE. SO ONE BANK WHO OBJECTS CAN HOLD UP THE WHOLE PROCESS.

MR. KLESCH SAYS IT IS LIKELY -- WITH THE LARGE NUMBER OF BANKS INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS -- THERE WILL BE AT LEAST ONE OBJECTION. THE QUESTION THEN BECOMES HOW THE OBJECTING BANK CAN BE PERSUADED TO SIGN ON. MR. KLESCH SAYS IT COULD BE THREE TO FIVE-MONTHS BEFORE ACTUAL CONFIRMATION OF THE RESTRUCTURING IS COMPLETE. (SIGNED) NEB/WW/RAE
02-Oct-96 1:58 PM EDT (1758 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[08] FRANCE VOTE (L) BY JULIAN NUNDY (PARIS)

INTRO: FRENCH PRIME MINISTER ALAIN JUPPE, WHO ACCORDING TO OPINION POLLS IS SUFFERING FROM RECORD UNPOPULARITY, PUT HIS GOVERNMENT'S POLICIES TO THE TEST OF A CONFIDENCE VOTE WEDNESDAY IN PARLIAMENT. BUT WITH HIS GOVERNING COALITION HOLDING 80-PERCENT OF PARLIAMENT'S SEATS, HE IS/WAS (EDS: UPDATE AS NECESSARY) SURE OF VICTORY. JULIAN NUNDY REPORTS FROM PARIS ON THE POLITICAL PROBLEMS OF THE FRENCH PREMIER.

TEXT: OFFERING FRANCE WHAT HE CALLED "A NEW DEMOCRACY" WITH RADICAL REFORM OF STATE STRUCTURES BY THE YEAR 2000, FRENCH PRIME MINISTER ALAIN JUPPE TRIED TO RECAPTURE THE PUBLIC'S IMAGINATION AND SUPPORT.

MR. JUPPE ANNOUNCED LAST MONTH HE WOULD PUT HIS GOVERNMENT'S POLICIES TO A CONFIDENCE VOTE WHEN PARLIAMENT RECONVENED THIS WEEK.

BUT THE SURE SUCCESS OF THE CONFIDENCE VOTE AND THE PROMISE OF A NEW DEMOCRACY WERE ONLY COSMETIC ATTEMPTS TO COVER UP A SERIOUS GOVERNMENT IMAGE PROBLEM.

IN AN OPINION POLL PUBLISHED LAST WEEK, 61-PERCENT OF RESPONDENTS SAID THEY WERE NOT HAPPY WITH MR. JUPPE AS PRIME MINISTER. THIS IS THE LOWEST POPULARITY RECORD FOR ANY FRENCH PRIME MINISTER IN 10-YEARS.

IN MID-OCTOBER, FRANCE'S PUBLIC SERVANTS AND RAILROAD WORKERS ARE PLANNING A ONE-DAY STRIKE TO PROTEST AUSTERITY PROGRAMS AND PROPOSED JOB CUTS. THESE ARE THE SAME WORKERS WHO BROUGHT FRANCE TO A VIRTUAL STANDSTILL FOR THREE-WEEKS LAST DECEMBER.

WITH THE PRIME MINISTER UNPOPULAR, AND THE SOCIAL CLIMATE BEGINNING TO LOOK MENACING AGAIN, SOME CONSERVATIVE POLITICIANS ARE SAID TO BE URGING PRESIDENT CHIRAC EITHER TO REPLACE MR. JUPPE OR TO CALL EARLY PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS. THE NEXT ELECTIONS ARE SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 1998 AND THE CONSERVATIVES FEAR THEY FACE A HUMILIATING DEFEAT.

FORMER DEFENSE MINISTER, FRANCOIS LEOTARD, IS THE LEADER OF THE "UNION FOR FRENCH DEMOCRACY" PARTY -- A GOVERNMENT COALITION MEMBER WITH MR. JUPPE'S "GAULLIST" PARTY. MR. LEOTARD TOLD HIS SUPPORTERS THIS WEEK TO PREPARE FOR AN EARLY ELECTION.

INSIDE THE GAULLIST PARTY, SOME OF MR. JUPPE'S DETRACTORS WANT HIM TO BE REPLACED QUICKLY TO GIVE THE GOVERNMENT A NEW START. YET OTHERS ALSO WANT NEW ELECTIONS, ALLOWING THE NEW LEADER TO TAKE THE COALITION TO THE BALLOT BOX. (SIGNED)
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02-Oct-96 10:19 AM EDT (1419 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[09] GERMANY/ECON/UNIFICATION BY MEREDITH BUEL (WASHINGTON, D.C.)

INTRO: AS GERMANS CELEBRATE THE SIXTH ANNIVERSARY THIS WEEK OF UNIFICATION BETWEEN EAST AND WEST, THE COUNTRY'S WELFARE STATE -- CONSIDERED TO BE THE WORLD'S MOST GENEROUS -- IS UNDER ATTACK. HIGH UN-EMPLOYMENT, RECORD BANKRUPTCIES, AND LAGGING FOREIGN INVESTMENT HAVE MANY GERMANS CONCERNED THEIR MANUFACTURING COSTS HAVE BECOME THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD. V-O-A'S MEREDITH BUEL RECENTLY RETURNED FROM GERMANY AND HE REPORTS THE HUGE AND UN-EXPECTED COSTS OF UNIFICATION ARE THREATENING THE WORLD'S THIRD-LARGEST ECONOMY AND THE LIFESTYLE MANY GERMANS HAVE ENJOYED FOR DECADES.

TEXT: SINCE THE FALL OF THE BERLIN WALL AND THE END OF THE COLD WAR, THE GERMAN GOVERNMENT HAS PUMPED MORE THAN 500-BILLION DOLLARS INTO THE FORMER COMMUNIST STATES OF EAST GERMANY. IN (INFLATION ADJUSTED) CONSTANT DOLLARS THIS IS MORE MONEY THAN THE UNITED STATES TRANSFERRED TO ALL OF EUROPE DURING THE MARSHALL PLAN FOLLOWING WORLD WAR TWO.

THIS SUM HAS STAGGERED THE GERMAN ECONOMY AND TRIGGERED A NATIONAL DEBATE OVER WHETHER THE NATION CAN CONTINUE TO AFFORD A SOCIAL WELFARE SYSTEM THAT IS THE ENVY OF WORKERS AROUND THE WORLD.

FRITZ-HEINZ HIMMELREICH IS THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE FEDERAL UNION OF EMPLOYER'S ASSOCIATIONS -- THE LARGEST AND MOST INFLUENTIAL BUSINESS ORGANIZATION IN GERMANY. SPEAKING THROUGH A TRANSLATOR AT HIS OFFICE IN COLOGNE -- MR. HIMMELREICH SAYS GERMAN UNIFICATION HAS BEEN MORE EXTENSIVE AND EXPENSIVE THAN ANYONE IMAGINED.

WELL ACTUALLY IN THE BEGINNING WE THOUGHT THE WHOLE PROCESS WOULD TAKE PLACE IN A MUCH FASTER TIME. BUT THERE ARE DIFFERENT REASONS WHY THE PROCESS IN THE END HAS TURNED OUT TO BE MUCH SLOWER. AND ONE OF THESE REASONS DEFINITELY IS THE MENTALITY -- THE MENTALITY OF THE PEOPLE LIVING IN THE EAST WHO HAVE MAJOR DIFFICULTIES IN GETTING ACCUSTOMED TO THE SORT OF FREE AIR OF A FREE MARKET ECONOMY.

FOLLOWING UNIFICATION, ABOUT HALF THE WORKERS IN THE FORMER EAST GERMANY LOST THEIR JOBS. BUT, THANKS TO THE COUNTRY'S GENEROUS WELFARE BENEFITS, EVEN THE UN-EMPLOYED ENJOY A HIGH STANDARD OF LIVING. ACCORDING TO A GERMAN GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN THE AVERAGE PURCHASING POWER OF AN EMPLOYED PERSON IN ENGLAND EQUALS THE PURCHASING POWER OF AN UN-EMPLOYED WORKER IN GERMANY.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOW INTRODUCED A SERIES OF AUSTERITY MEASURES THAT WOULD REDUCE UN-EMPLOYMENT PAYMENTS AND NUMEROUS OTHER BENEFITS GERMAN WORKERS HAVE COME TO COUNT ON. THIS HAS LED TO MASSIVE DEMONSTRATIONS IN THE STREETS OF BONN AND BERLIN AND EROSION IN SUPPORT FOR CHANCELLOR HELMUT KOHL.

STILL BUSINESS LEADERS LIKE FRITZ-HEINZ HIMMELREICH ARGUE THAT AUSTERITY MEASURES ARE NEEDED TO KEEP GERMAN BUSINESSES FROM MOVING TO NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES.

WE HAVE THESE CHEAP WAGE -- THESE CHEAP LABOR COUNTRIES IN THE CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES -- PARTICULARLY THE CZECH REPUBLIC AND POLAND -- AND THEY HAVE REALLY BECOME MAJOR INVESTMENT LOCATIONS FOR GERMAN COMPANIES. THIS ONLY MEANS WE HAVE TO CURTAIL A LITTLE BIT AND THAT WE HAVE TO MAKE DO WITH LESS THAN WE HAD BEFORE AND THIS IS WHERE THE TRADE UNIONS ARE REALLY GRINDING THEIR TEETH. THEY DO NOT WANT TO GIVE AWAY ANYTHING THAT THEY HAVE BARGAINED AND NEGOTIATED FOR.

A TOP UNION OFFICIAL IN GERMANY, URSULA ENGELEN-KEFER, TOLD REPORTERS IN BONN UNIFICATION HAS FOREVER CHANGED THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND LABOR.

WE HAVE, OF COURSE, A MUCH HARSHER SITUATION SINCE COMMUNISM IS NOT HERE ANY MORE. EMPLOYERS APPARENTLY DO NOT HAVE TO TAKE CARE AND DO NOT MAKE AS MUCH CONCILIATIONS TO THE SOCIAL ISSUE AS THEY DID BEFORE BECAUSE THEY FEARED THE COMMUNISTS. SO THAT IS A REAL CHANGE AND THEREFORE THE FIGHTS ARE GETTING HARSHER -- MUCH HARSHER -- THAN THEY HAVE BEEN BEFORE.

MORE THAN NINE-MILLION GERMANS ARE MEMBERS OF TRADE UNIONS AND EIGHTY PERCENT OF ALL WORKERS IN GERMANY ARE COVERED BY COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS. MS. ENGELEN-KEFER PREDICTS MORE SOCIAL UNREST -- ESPECIALLY LABOR STRIKES -- ARE IN GERMANY'S FUTURE.

WE CAN NOT STRIKE AGAINST GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND WE ARE NOT GOING TO DO SO. BUT IF COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT IS AT STAKE -- COLLECTIVE BARGAINING -- THEN IT IS A POSSIBILITY TO STRIKE. TRADE UNIONS -- IF THEY ARE FORCED TO -- THEY WILL STRIKE AND WILL USE ALL THE STRENGTH THEY HAVE AND NOT LEAVE THE SMALLER TRADE UNIONS AS FOOD FOR THE EMPLOYERS.

GERMANY SPENDS ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF ITS GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT ON SOCIAL BENEFITS. OPPOSITION LEADERS CRITICIZE THE CUTS AS SOCIALLY UNJUST. BUT THE GOVERNMENT DEFENDS THE REDUCTIONS AS NECESSARY TO SECURE THE FUTURE OF THE UNIFIED GERMANY. (SIGNED)
NEB/RAE
02-Oct-96 9:31 AM EDT (1331 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[10] INTERVIEW W/ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER BY RACHAEL BAIL (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER LAMBERTO DINI, IN A WIDE-RANGING INTERVIEW WITH VOICE OF AMERICA, HAS DISCUSSED FREE TRADE, THE EUROPEAN CURRENCY UNION AND MIDDLE EAST PEACE. V-O-A'S RACHAEL BAIL HAS THIS REPORT.

TEXT: LAMBERTO DINI SAYS THE UNITED STATES AND THE EUROPEAN UNION MUST MAKE A DETERMINED EFFORT TO SET UP A JOINT FREE-TRADE ZONE. HE SAYS THIS IS THE FINAL OBJECTIVE OF TRANS-ATLANTIC COOPERATION.

SPEAKING OF ITALY, HE SAID ROME WANTS TO BE PART OF THE EUROPEAN MONETARY UNION THAT IS MOST LIKELY TO BE CREATED BEGINNING IN 1999. THIS, HE SAYS, WILL REQUIRE GREAT EFFORTS. HOWEVER, HE SAYS THERE IS A GREAT DETERMINATION ON THE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT AND ESPECIALLY OF THE ITALIAN PEOPLE FOR THIS.

MR. DINI DISMISSED THE ATTEMPTS OF UMBERTO BOSSI TO SET UP A SEPARATE REPUBLIC IN NORTHERN ITALY. HE SAYS THERE IS AN OBJECTION IN THE NORTH TO BUREAUCRACY AND TAXES ON SMALL AND GROWING COMPANIES. HOWEVER, HE SAYS THE ITALIAN PEOPLE DO NOT WANT SECESSION, AND THAT WAS SHOWN BY THE FAILURE OF THE RECENT PROTEST STAGED BY MR. BOSSI.

HE HAS TRIED, THEREFORE, TO CAPITALIZE ON THOSE SENTIMENTS AND MOUNT A CAMPAIGN ON SOMETHING THAT THE ITALIAN PEOPLE DO NOT WANT TO HEAR -- AND THAT IS SECESSION. INDEED, HE MOUNTED A BIG SHOW, AS I SAID, AND DEMONSTRATIONS, WHICH, HOWEVER, WERE A BIG FAILURE. VERY FEW WERE THOSE THAT ATTENDED AND I THINK NOW THAT HE IS LICKING HIS WOUNDS.

ON THE MIDDLE EAST, MR. DINI SAID SAID THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE TO PEACE AND THE PEACE ACCORDS. HE SAID THESE AGREEMENTS MUST BE CARRIED OUT.

MOVING TO NATO, MR. DINI SAID THE ALLIANCE IS BEING ADAPTED TO THE NEW REALITIES OF THE POST-COLD WAR ERA. HE NOTED THE REPUBLICS OF FORMER YUGOSLAVIA AND SOME COUNTRIES OF THE MEDITERRANEAN WANT TO JOIN NATO, AS WELL AS THE EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES.

HE EMPHASIZED THAT NATO IS NOT ONLY A DEFENSIVE ALLIANCE BUT ALSO AN ALLIANCE OF SHARED VALUES. HE SAID NATO ENLARGEMENT IS CERTAINLY NOT DIRECTED AGAINST RUSSIA.

MR. DINI SAID HE HAD VERY FOND MEMORIES OF THE VOICE OF AMERICA DURING AND AFTER WORLD WAR TWO. HE SAID IT WAS THE VOICE OF FREEDOM, THE VOICE OF THE FREE WORLD HEARD ALL OVER EUROPE. (SIGNED)
NEB/RB/RRM
02-Oct-96 5:01 PM EDT (2101 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[11] WEDNESDAY'S EDITORIALS BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: NO PARTICULAR SUBJECT DOMINATES THE EDITORIAL PAGES OF THE MAJOR U-S NEWSPAPERS THIS WEDNESDAY. AMONG THOSE UNDER DISCUSSION ARE: U-S IMMIGRATION REFORM; THE MIDDLE EAST SUMMIT IN WASHINGTON; THE GAP BETWEN THE WORLD'S RICH AND POOR; THE NEW POWER IN AFGHANISTAN, AND REPRESSION OF THE POLITICAL OPPOSITION IN BURMA. NOW, HERE WITH A CLOSER LOOK IS ___________________AND TODAY'S U-S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

TEXT: THE NEW IMMIGRATION REFORM BILL SIGNED INTO LAW MONDAY NIGHT COMES IN FOR CRITICIM BY NEWSDAY ON NEW YORK'S LONG ISLAND. THE PAPER NOTES SOME IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FINAL VERSION OF THE LAW, BUT SAYS "IT OVERTURNS LONGSTANDING PRACTICE ... OF OFFERING A SAFE HAVEN TO REFUGEES FROM TYRANNY AND VIOLENCE."

VOICE: "IN THE END -- THANKS IN PART TO WHITE HOUSE PRESSURE -- CONGRESSIONAL SURGEONS REMOVED THE MOST SPECTACULAR GROTESQUERIES FROM THE IMMIGRATION REFORM BILL. GONE IS AN INSANE PROVISION TO PROHIBIT FEDERALLY FUNDED AIDS AND HIV TREATMENT FOR LEGAL ALIENS. GONE IS AN UGLY PROPOSAL TO DENY PUBLIC SCHOOLING TO CHILDREN OF ILLEGALS. GONE IS A FOOLISH MEASURE TO DEPART ANY LEGAL IMMIGRANT WHO USES MORE THAN 12 MONTHS' WORTH OF FEDERAL BENEFITS IN SEVEN YEARS. THE LEGISLATION ... IS MERELY ODIOUS AND ILL-ADVISED."

TEXT: THE NEW YORK POST HAS A VERY DIFFERENT VIEW, AND FEELS THAT THE FINAL BILL WAS WEAKENED BY PRESIDENTIAL PRESSURE BEFORE IT WAS SIGNED.

VOICE: "IN ORDER TO SECURE THE PRESIDENT'S SIGNATURE, HOUSE REPUBLICANS LAST WEEK DROPPED ONE MEASURE THAT WOULD HAVE BARRED SOME ILLEGAL ALIENS FROM ATTENDING PUBLIC SCHOOLS. THE WHITE HOUSE, HOWEVER, PROMPTLY BEGAN TO ATTACK OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE BILL. SEVERAL ADDITIONAL CHANGES WERE SECURED; IN SUM, THEY MAKE THE BILL LITTLE MORE THAN A SHELL... NO ONE SHOULD MISTAKE THIS EFFORT FOR MEANINGFUL IMMIGRATION REFORM."

TEXT: THE NEW YORK TIMES LAUDS NEW YORK'S MAYOR RUDOLPH GIULIANI FOR CRITICIZING THE NEW FEDERAL WELFARE LAW WHICH, THE NEWSPAPER SAYS, "CRUELLY CUTS OFF BASIC SOCIAL SERVICES EVEN TO LEGAL IMMIGRANTS..." THE TIMES WRITES:

VOICE: "MR. GIULIANI RIGHTLY ARGUES THAT PUNISHING IMMIGRANTS IS SELF-DEFEATING. IT VIOLATES BASIC CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLES AND OVERLOOKS THE VALUABLE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CONTRIBUTION THAT IMMIGRANTS MAKE EVERY DAY."

TEXT: REGARDING THE MIDDLE EAST SUMMIT HURRIEDLY CALLED BY PRESIDENT CLINTON AFTER THE LATEST ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CLASHES IN AND AROUND JERUSALEM, THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR SAYS:

VOICE: "...REPAIR IS POSSIBLE -- IF DETERMINED, EVEN-HANDED DIPLOMACY IS UNDERTAKEN BY THE UNITED STATES AS MEDIATOR, AND IF ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU IS READY TO PROVE THAT HE MEANS IT WHEN HE SAYS HIS GOVERNMENT WILL HONOR THE PEACE COMMITMENTS OF ITS PREDECESSOR... DESPITE ITS HARD LINE, [MR.] NETANYAHU'S LIKUD PARTY HAS IN THE PAST SHOWN ITSELF CAPABLE OF DOING SOMETHING REMARKABLE FOR PEACE. NOW THE PARTNERS ARE THE PALESTINIANS AND [MR.] ARAFAT, NOT EGYPT AND ANWAR SADAT. BUT IF THIS OPPORTUNITY IS LOST, EVEN THAT EARLIER TRIUMPH COULD BEGIN TO CRUMBLE."

TEXT: THE WASHINGTON POST, COMMENTING ON THE GAP BETWEEN THE WORLD'S RICH AND POOR, ASKS "WHY DO SOME DEVELOPING COUNTRIES PROSPER WHILE OTHERS LANGUISH?".

VOICE: "ONE-QUARTER OF THE WORLD'S POPULATION LIVES IN POVERTY. SOME ONE-POINT-TWO BILLION HAVE NO ACCESS TO DRINKABLE WATER, TWO-BILLION LIVE WITHOUT ELECTRICITY, TWO-POINT-FIVE BILLION WITHOUT TELEPHONES (NEVER MIND THE WORLD WIDE WEB). THIS IS NOT JUST AN ISSUE OF CONSCIENCE. UNLESS THE DEVELOPING WORLD DOES BETTER, THE DEVELOPED WORLD CANNOT IN THE LONG RUN EXPECT TO PROSPER; NOR CAN ISSUES RELATING TO DISEASE, THE ENVIRONMENT OR IMMIGRATION BE FOREVER QUARANTINED."

TEXT: THE POST DIRECTS ITS COMMENTS TO THE MEETING OF THE WORLD BANK AND INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND, GETTING UNDERWAY IN WASHINGTON.

CONTINUING ON THE SAME SUBJECT, THE POST LOOKS AT THE JUST-RELEASED U-S CENSUS BUREAU REPORT SHOWING DECLINING LEVELS OF POVERTY IN THIS COUNTRY:

VOICE: "THE POVERTY RATES, WHILE DOWN, ARE ALSO STILL HIGH. MORE THAN 20 PERCENT OF CHILDREN CONTINUE TO LIVE BELOW THE OFFICIAL POVERTY CUTOFFS [THE LINE IN FAMILY INCOME BELOW WHICH, A FAMILY IS CONSIDERED TO BE IN POVERTY] , AND JUST UNDER 30 PERCENT OF BLACKS... THE NEWS WAS GOOD AS FAR AS IT WENT; IT DIDN'T GO FAR ENOUGH."

TEXT: CONCERNING EVENTS IN AFGHANISTAN, AND THE VICTORIOUS TALIBAN ISLAMIC FUNDAMENTALIST WHO LAST WEEK CAPTURED KABUL, THE WASHINGTON POST HAS THIS TO SAY:

VOICE: "AMERICANS MAY HAVE A CERTAIN CONFUSION ABOUT THIS RESULT. IT IS DEEPLY SATISFYING THAT THE CARNAGE THAT OVERTOOK AFGHANISTAN AS AND AFTER THE SOVIET UNION INVADED AND THE UNITED STATES CAME COVERTLY TO THE AID OF THE MUJAHEDDIN MAY BE NEARING AN END. BUT IT IS ANYTHING BUT INSPIRING TO SEE A REGIME OF RAW ISLAMIC FUNDAMENTALISM BEING IMPOSED FORCIBLY UPON SURVIVORS WHOSE STRONGEST WISH PRESUMABLY IS TO GET ON WITH THE SECULAR RECOVERY OF THEIR COUNTRY."

TEXT: TODAY'S BOSTON GLOBE HAS HARSH WORDS FOR BURMA'S RULING MILITARY JUNTA THAT RECENTLY ARRESTED SOME 500 PRO-DEMOCRACY DEMONSTRATORS TRYING TO MEET WITH THEIR LEADER, AUNG SAN SUU KYI.

VOICE: "THE UNIFORMED THUGS WHO RULE BURMA ... ARE FINDING OUT THAT THERE IS A PRICE TO PAY FOR THEIR CONTINUING ABUSE OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND THEIR CRUDE ATTEMPTS TO SUPPRESS THE DEMOCRATIC WILL OF THE PEOPLES UNDER THEIR BOOT... THIS TIME SLORC HAS GONE TOO FAR... PRESIDENT CLINTON SIGNED BURMESE SANCTIONS LEGISLATION THIS WEEK. TO MAKE SLORC END ITS CURRENT REPRESSION, [MR.] CLINTON WILL SOON FORGO THE ISSUING OF VISAS TO MEMBERS OR ACCOMPLICES OF THE JUNTA."

TEXT: ANOTHER BOSTON DAILY, THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR, IS CONCERNED ABOUT COMMUNIST REVISIONISM EMERGING IN BELARUS, WHICH GAINED INDEPENDENCE AFTER THE BREAKUP OF THE SOVIET UNION.

VOICE: "BELARUSSIAN PRESIDENT ALEXANDER LUKASHENKO ... DOESN'T HIDE THE FACT THAT HE'D LIKE TO RETURN TO [THE] OLD DAYS. IN FACT, HE BRAGS ABOUT VOTING AGAINST THE BREAKUP OF THE SOVIET UNION IN 1991. [MR.] LUKASHENKO HAS DISASTROUSLY ROLLED BACK BELARUS'S PALTRY ECONOMIC REFORMS AND TRIED TO RETURN TO A CENTRAL-PLANNING SYSTEM... BELARUS WILL ONLY GO DOWNHILL UNTIL A MARKET ECONOMY AND DEMOCRACY ARE ADOPTED. TIME IS RUNNING OUT."

TEXT: LASTLY, SEVERAL PAPERS ARE COMMENTING ON THE INCIDENT LAST WEEK IN PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL WHEN BALTIMORE ORIOLES STAR SECOND-BASEMAN ROBERTO ALOMAR SPIT IN THE FACE OF AN UMPIRE WHILE DISPUTING A DECISION. THE BOSTON GLOBE SUMS UP THE REACTION OF OTHER PAPERS IN WRITING:

VOICE: "ALOMAR'S BEHAVIOR VIOLATES A CODE OF CONDUCT BUILT UP OVER GENERATIONS TO GOVERN RELATIONS BETWEEN UMPIRES AND PLAYERS. AN UMPIRE'S DECISIONS MAY BE VIGOROUSLY, EVEN PROFANELY, QUESTIONED, BUT HIS PERSON MUST NOT BE VIOLATED... ROBERTO ALOMAR DESERVES SUSPENSION FROM THE PLAYOFFS ... NO MATTER WHAT HARM IT MAY DO TO HIS TEAM."

TEXT: THAT CONCLUDES THIS BRIEF SAMPLING OF EDITORIAL COMMENT CULLED FROM SOME OF THE LEADING U-S NEWSPAPERS.
NEB/ANG/PCH
02-Oct-96 11:14 AM EDT (1514 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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