Voice of America, 96-11-15

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

CONTENTS

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

[02] EDITORIAL: BELARUS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

[03] EDITORIAL: PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN LITHUANIA

[04] EDITORIAL: PERRY ON NATO

[05] CLINTON-BOSNIA-ZAIRE (L) BY DAVID BORGIDA (WHITE HOUSE)

[06] CONGRESS / BOSNIA / ZAIRE (S) BY PAULA WOLFSON (CONGRESS)

[07] EAST EURO ELECTIONS BY BARRY WOOD (PRAGUE)

[08] EAST EURO MARKETS (S ONLY) BY BARRY WOOD (PRAGUE)

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

[10] NATO'S AGENDA BY ED WARNER (WASHINGTON)

[11] NATO FORCES DETAIN BOSNIA GENERAL (L) BY LAURA KAY ROZEN (SARAJEVO)

[12] PENTAGON / BOSNIA (S&L) BY DAVID SWAN (PENTAGON)

[13] U-S-BOSNIA GOVERNMENT (S ONLY) BY RON PEMSTEIN (STATE DEPARTMENT)

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

INTRO: THE U-S ROLE IN THE UNITED NATIONS RESCUE MISSION IN ZAIRE, CONDITIONALLY ANNOUNCED BY THE WHITE HOUSE ON THURSDAY, TOPS THE EDITORIAL COLUMNS OF MANY OF TODAY'S LEADING NEWSPAPERS. OTHER EDITORIALS TALK ABOUT THE CORRUPTION OF DEMOCRACY IN PAKISTAN; THE DEATH OF A CARDINAL BERNARDIN; FINANCING PRESIDENT CLINTON'S INAUGURATION, AND A SURPRISE FROM SOME U-S ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES. NOW, HERE IS _____________ WITH A FEW QUOTES IN TODAY'S U-S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

TEXT: THERE IS A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION ON THE EFFICACY OF SENDING U-S FORCES TO JOIN THE CANADIAN-LED U-N MILITARY RESCUE MISSION TO ZAIRE. WE BEGIN WITH THIS EXCERPT FROM THE ATLANTA CONSTITUTION'S :

VOICE: "WHAT IS HAPPENING IN EASTERN AFRICA CRIES OUT FOR THE HELP OF MORE POWERFUL AND PROSPEROUS NATIONS. CONDITIONS THERE BEG FOR THOSE NATIONS TO DO ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO STOP THE TRAGEDY UNFOLDING BEFORE THE EYES OF THE WORLD. THE UNITED STATES IS AMONG THOSE MOST CAPABLE OF ANSWERING THE CALL. EVEN SO, PRESIDENT CLINTON HAS WISELY SET STRINGENT CONDITIONS TO LIMIT THE INVOLVEMENT OF UP TO FIVE-THOUSAND AMERICAN MILITARY PERSONNEL WHO WILL TAKE PART IN THE HUMANITARIAN EFFORT. [OPT] ... THE AMERICAN MISSION WOULD BE PURELY FOR THE DELIVERY OF AID AND PROVIDING SECURITY ALONG A ROUTE THAT WOULD ENABLE REFUGEES TO RETURN TO RWANDA ... DISARMING THE WARRING FACTIONS IS A DESIRABLE GOAL. BUT SAVING THE LIVES OF INNOCENTS AND GETTING THEM OUT OF HARM'S WAY MUST BE THE PRIORITY OF U-S TROOPS." [END OPT]

TEXT: TODAY'S WASHINGTON POST ENDORSES SENDING U-S TROOPS TO ZAIRE, BUT FOLLOWS WITH LOTS OF DIFFICULT QUESTIONS THAT SOMEONE SHOULD BE ASKING.

VOICE: "[OPT] THE SOONER THE FORCE GETS MOVING THE BETTER... [HOWEVER] HARSH POLICY QUESTIONS REMAIN. [END OPT] IF THE MISSION RULES OUT THE USE OF FORCE, HOW CAN RELIEF BE BROUGHT TO REFUGEES CAUGHT BETWEEN OR INTIMIDATED BY COMBATANTS? HOW WILL THE REFUGEE CAMPS BE BROKEN UP AND THEIR WRETCHED OCCUPANTS REPATRIATED SAFELY? HOW WILL INNOCENT HUTU REFUGEES IN EASTERN ZAIRE BE SEPARATED FROM WELL ARMED HUTUS WHO TOOK PART IN GENOCIDE IN RWANDA? [OPT] IF REGIONAL KEYSTONE ZAIRE IS TO CRUMBLE, IS IT WORTH TAKING IN FRANCE, LONG A PATROL OF ZAIRE, TO POLICE THE DEBRIS? [END OPT]

TEXT: IN CALIFORNIA, THE LOS ANGELES TIMES OFFERS THE CAUTION: "REMEMBER SOMALIA," ADDING:

VOICE: "SOME CLINTON ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS SAY THEY ANTICIPATE A FOUR-MONTH OPERATION TO PROVIDE HUMANITARIAN CARE TO THE REFUGEES. THE CHANCE OF THAT MUCH TIME PASSING WITHOUT VIOLENCE IS SMALL. SO THE SOMALIA LESSON IS COMMENDED. THE U-N FORCE IS GOING TO EASTERN ZAIRE TO SAVE LIVES, NOT TAKE THEM OR LOSE THEM. [OPT] IF THE COMMITMENT GOES FURTHER, AS IT DID IN SOMALIA, THEN THIS WILL HAVE BEEN A VERY BAD IDEA, WHATEVER THE HUMANITARIAN COMPULSION."

TEXT: A FINAL THOUGHT ON ZAIRE FROM THE NEW YORK POST, WHICH CALLS THE OPERATION "WASHINGTON'S MISGUIDED AFRICAN MISSION."

VOICE: "OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO SUFFERING PEOPLES DISPLACED BY CIVIL WAR. BUT U-S PARTICIPATION IN THIS UNDERTAKING GIVES US PAUSE... THIS CIRCUMSTANCE, IN SHORT, IS NOT A CONSEQUENCE OF NATURAL DISASTER. AT THE HEART OF THE CATASTROPHE IS VIOLENT ETHNIC STRIFE. FEEDING, HOUSING AND PROTECTING THE HUTUS, THEREFORE, MAY WELL BE VIEWED IN RWANDA AS A HOSTILE ACT -- NOTWITHSTANDING THE MISSION'S ESSENTIAL HUMANITARIAN COMPONENT... LONG-TERM TUTSI 'ACQUIESCENCE' SEEMS UNLIKELY."

TEXT: TURNING TO ANOTHER PART OF THE WORLD, THE BOSTON GLOBE TODAY EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT WHAT IT DESCRIBES AS THE "CORRUPTION" OF DEMOCRACY IN PAKISTAN.

VOICE: "THE POLITICAL CRISIS PROVOKED IN PAKISTAN BY THE PRESIDENT'S REMOVAL OF PRIME MINISTER BENAZIR BHUTTO IS FIRST AND FOREMOST AN ILLUSTRATION OF THAT COUNTRY'S UNIQUE INTERNAL CONFLICTS. THE POLITICAL FORCES AT WORK IN [MS.] BHUTTO'S DOWNFALL, THE FEUDAL FACTOR AND THE CLASH OF PERSONALITIES ARE ALL PARTICULAR TO PAKISTAN. NONETHELESS, SOME ASPECTS OF THE BHUTTO AFFAIR DO SEEM TO REPLICATE THE TRAVAILS OF INCOMPLETE DEMOCRACIES ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD... IT MAY BE THAT THE PRIMARY DANGER TO THE FOUNDATIONS OF DEMOCRACY WILL HENCEFORTH COME FROM THE TERMITES OF CORRUPTION..."

TEXT: MILLIONS OF AMERICAN CATHOLICS TODAY ARE MOURNING THE DEATH FROM CANCER OF CARDINAL JOSEPH BERNARDIN OF CHICAGO, WHO'S VERY PUBLIC, BUT GRACEFUL, STRUGGLE AGAINST THE DISEASE HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF MUCH ATTENTION. SAYS THE SUN IN BALTIMORE:

VOICE: "...CARDINAL BERNARDIN ... WHO DIED ... AT AGE 68 ... WAS NOT ONLY THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH'S LONGEST SERVING AMERICAN PRELATE, BUT A MAN SO RENOWNED FOR HIS COMPASSION, TOLERANCE AND SKILL AT THE ART OF PEACEMAKING THAT MANY REGARD HIM AS THE GREATEST AMERICAN CATHOLIC OF HIS GENERATION... SINCE ... AUGUST ... CARDINAL BERNARDIN'S LIFE HAD ITSELF BECOME A SERMON, AN EXTENDED LESSON THAT IN FACING DEATH ONE CAN TRULY EMBRACE THE FULLNESS OF LIFE."

TEXT: TODAY'S WASHINGTON TIMES OFFERS SOME SARCASTIC CRITICISM OF PRESIDENT CLINTON'S APPARENT INDECISION OVER SUPPORT OF A BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION. IT WRITES:

VOICE: "LESS THAN 24 HOURS AFTER PRESIDENT CLINTON CLEARLY STATED HIS INTENTION TO SOFTEN HIS OPPOSITION TO A BALANCED-BUDGET CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT, NUMEROUS MEMBERS OF HIS ADMINISTRATION WERE CALLING REPORTERS AND GRANTING INTERVIEWS TO ASSERT THAT NO SUCH POLICY CHANGE HAD TAKEN PLACE. EVEN BY THE REMARKABLE STANDARDS THE ADMINISTRATION ESTABLISHED BEFORE THE PRESIDENT WAS RE-ELECTED, IT WAS AN AMAZING ACROBATIC FEAT -- A DOUBLE FLIP-FLOP, ACCOMPLISHED IN RECORD TIME."

TEXT: THE NEW YORK DAILY NEWS IS OF THE SAME MIND, SAYING IN PART:

VOICE: "BIG MISTAKE. THE FLIP-FLOP SUGGESTS THE REELECTION HARMONY [MR.] CLINTON TALKED ABOUT IS ALREADY VANISHING."

TEXT: STILL WITH THE PRESIDENT, THE NEW YORK TIMES IS PLEASED THAT MR. CLINTON'S NEXT INAUGURATION WILL NOT BE AS OPULENT AS THE FIRST ONE, NOR WILL ITS COST.

VOICE: "SEEMINGLY CHASTENED BY THE CONTROVERSY OVER DUBIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS THAT DOMINATED THE CLOSING WEEKS OF THE CAMPAIGN, PRESIDENT CLINTON HAS ANNOUNCED NEW CURBS ON SPECIAL INTEREST FUND-RAISING FOR HIS SECOND INAUGURATION. HE HAS PROMISED TO LIMIT INDIVIDUAL AND CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS TO 100 DOLLARS AND REQUIRE BROAD DISCLOSURE OF LOANS AND GIFTS. THIS IS A LAUDABLE PLEDGE. IT SUGGESTS THAT MR. CLINTON DOES NOT INTEND TO REPEAT 1992'S BINGE, WHEN HIS INAUGURAL COMMITTEE RAISED 42-MILLION FOR A GLITZY [EXCESSIVE] EXTRAVAGANZA..."

TEXT: AND FINALLY, A CONSCIENCE-DRIVEN REVOLT IN THE U-S ADVERTISING INDUSTRY, IN WHICH STAFFERS FROM SEVERAL FIRMS HAVE PLEDGED TO FIGHT TOBACCO MARKETING TOWARD CHILDREN, RECEIVES APPLAUSE FROM THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR.

VOICE: "... A GROUP CALLED THE INITIATIVE ON TOBACCO MARKETING AND CHILDREN, COMPRISED OF ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES FROM SMALL AND MID-SIZED AGENCIES, UNVEILED A NEW AD CAMPAIGN DESIGNED TO SPARK DEBATE WITHIN THE INDUSTRY. ITS SLOGAN: 'WE CAN'T CLOSE THEIR EYES. CAN WE OPEN OURS?' ... THEIR GOAL: TO PERSUADE THE AD INDUSTRY TO DEVELOP VOLUNTARY GUIDELINES TO STOP MARKETING CIGARETTES TO YOUNG PEOPLE. ... IT WILL, WE HOPE, HELP OPEN THE AD INDUSTRY'S EYES."

TEXT: THAT CONCLUDES THIS BRIEF SAMPLING OF EDITORIALS TO BE FOUND IN TODAY'S U-S PRESS.
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15-Nov-96 10:52 AM EST (1552 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[02] EDITORIAL: BELARUS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

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: "THERE IS NO TOPIC OF GREATER IMPORTANCE TO ANY COUNTRY THAN RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS." THESE ARE THE WORDS OF U.S. AMBASSADOR TO BELARUS KENNETH YALOWITZ, WHO RECENTLY ADDRESSED A CONFERENCE ON JUDICIAL PROTECTION OF BASIC RIGHTS. IT IS A PRIMARY GOAL OF AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY TO ASSIST COUNTRIES IN DEVELOPING DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS AND A FREE-MARKET ECONOMY. BUT NEITHER CAN BE ACHIEVED IN AN ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH BASIC RIGHTS ARE NOT RESPECTED.

THE U.S. WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A NORMAL COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH A DEMOCRATIC, MARKET-ORIENTED BELARUS. THAT IS WHY THE U.S. IS CONCERNED BY THE GOVERNMENT'S FAILURE TO RESPECT FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY, AND THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE AND IMPART INFORMATION. THE PEOPLE OF BELARUS SHOULD BE FREE TO CHOOSE THE KIND OF GOVERNMENT OR ECONOMY THEY WANT. BUT A FAIR CHOICE COMES ONLY WITH UNFETTERED ACCESS TO THE PRESS AND TELEVISION FOR ALL POLITICAL GROUPS. THERE MUST ALSO BE A TOLERANT POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT THAT PERMITS DIALOGUE AND EXCLUDES HARASSMENT AGAINST ANYONE WISHING TO EXERCISE HIS OR HER RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION.

THE U.S. BELIEVES THAT ANY REFERENDUM MUST BE HELD WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE EXISTING CONSTITUTION AND WITH FULL RESPECT FOR JUDICIAL BRANCH DECISIONS. IT IS THE JUDICIARY THAT MUST BE THE ULTIMATE WATCHDOG, ENSURING THAT THE RIGHTS OF EVERY PERSON ARE RESPECTED. AS AMBASSADOR YALOWITZ SAID, THE JUDICIARY IN BELARUS IS OBLIGATED TO DEMONSTRATE THE MORAL COURAGE TO RULE BY PRINCIPLE AND LAW, NOT BY POLITICS, IN DEFENSE OF DEMOCRACY.

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.
15-Nov-96 4:19 PM EST (2119 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[03] EDITORIAL: PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN LITHUANIA

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:

LITHUANIA RECENTLY COMPLETED ITS SECOND ROUND OF PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS. THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY, LED BY FORMER HEAD OF STATE VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS, GAINED SEVENTY OUT OF ONE-HUNDRED FORTY-ONE SEATS. SIXTEEN SEATS WENT TO THE CONSERVATIVES' COALITION PARTNER, THE CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATS. THE FORMER COMMUNISTS WON ONLY TWELVE SEATS. MR. LANDSBERGIS IS EXPECTED TO BECOME SPEAKER OF THE NEW PARLIAMENT. HIS PARTY CAMPAIGNED IN FAVOR OF NATO AND EUROPEAN UNION MEMBERSHIP AND STRONGER TIES WITH POLAND.

MR. LANDSBERGIS WAS ONE OF THE LEADERS OF LITHUANIA'S FIGHT TO WIN BACK ITS INDEPENDENCE FROM THE SOVIET UNION. HE AND THOUSANDS OF LITHUANIANS REFUSED TO BACK DOWN EVEN AFTER THIRTEEN PEOPLE WERE KILLED IN A SOVIET ARMY ASSAULT ON A VILNIUS TELEVISION TOWER IN JANUARY 1991. LITHUANIA'S INDEPENDENCE WAS SECURED SHORTLY THEREAFTER. IN 1992 ELECTIONS, THE FORMER COMMUNISTS SWEPT INTO POWER. IN 1993, FORMER COMMUNIST PARTY CHIEF ALGIRDAS BRAZAUSKAS WAS ELECTED PRESIDENT.

SINCE REGAINING INDEPENDENCE, LITHUANIA HAS MOVED TOWARD A MARKET ECONOMY. MORE THAN FORTY PERCENT OF STATE PROPERTY, INCLUDING MOST HOUSING AND SMALL BUSINESSES, HAS BEEN PRIVATIZED. TRADE IS BEING DIVERSIFIED, WITH A GRADUAL SHIFT TO WESTERN MARKETS. BUT INFLATION REMAINS HIGH AND THE BANKING SYSTEM IS STILL WEAK. THE U.S. PLANS TO HELP LITHUANIA TO PURSUE ECONOMIC REFORMS, CONTINUING ALONG THE SAME PATH BEGUN IN 1991.

THE UNITED STATES CONGRATULATES THE PEOPLE OF LITHUANIA FOR ONCE AGAIN DEMONSTRATING THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY AND EXPRESSING THEIR POLITICAL WILL THROUGH FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS. THE U.S. LOOKS FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE NEW LITHUANIAN GOVERNMENT AND HOPES IT CONTINUES ITS COMMITMENT TO MARKET REFORM.

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.
15-Nov-96 2:43 PM EST (1943 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[04] EDITORIAL: PERRY ON NATO

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 SECRETARY OF DEFENSE WILLIAM PERRY SAID IN A RECENT SPEECH, THE TRANSATLANTIC COMMUNITY FACES THE CHALLENGE OF CREATING A NEW SECURITY STRUCTURE FOR EUROPE. TO ACCOMPLISH THIS, HE SAID, NATO MUST BE RESTRUCTURED; THE PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE MUST BE STRENGTHENED; AND RUSSIA SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN ANY NEW SECURITY STRUCTURE.

MR. PERRY STRESSED THAT THERE ARE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF NATO THAT MUST BE PRESERVED. FIRST OF ALL, NATO IS A MILITARY ALLIANCE AND IT MUST REMAIN STRONG SO THAT IT CAN DEFEND ANY MEMBER AGAINST ATTACK. NATO MUST ALSO BE FLEXIBLE SO THAT IT CAN PERFORM OUT-OF-AREA OPERATIONS IN THE INTEREST OF SECURITY AND STABILITY IN EUROPE. AND FINALLY, NATO MUST BE OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED MEMBERS. PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON HAS SAID THAT THE FIRST NEW MEMBERS SHOULD BE ACCEPTED BY 1999 -- THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATO ALLIANCE.

THE PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE HAS BEEN A SUCCESS IN ESTABLISHING COOPERATION BETWEEN NATO AND THE FORMER WARSAW PACT. BUT MR. PERRY SAID IT SHOULD BE ENHANCED SO THAT EVERY MEMBER HAS THE POSSIBILITY OF PERFORMING MOST OF THE FUNCTIONS THAT NATO MEMBERS PERFORM. ANY COUNTRY THAT IS WILLING AND ABLE CAN JOIN THE PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE, WHETHER OR NOT IT WISHES EVENTUALLY TO JOIN NATO. TO FACILITATE PLANNING AND THE CARRYING OUT OF NATO MISSIONS, SECRETARY OF STATE WARREN CHRISTOPHER PROPOSED THE ATLANTIC PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL. IT WOULD GIVE PARTNERSHIP MEMBERS A STRONGER VOICE IN NATO ACTIVITIES.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PERRY SAID RUSSIA SHOULD VIEW THE PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE AS SOMETHING THAT IS IN ITS SECURITY INTEREST. THE U.S. HOPES THAT RUSSIA WILL ASSUME A ROLE IN THE PARTNERSHIP COMMENSURATE WITH ITS STATUS AS A GREAT POWER. RUSSIA HAS ALREADY MADE AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TOWARD EUROPEAN SECURITY BY PARTICIPATING IN THE INTERNATIONAL FORCE IN BOSNIA.

THE UNITED STATES IS COMMITTED TO WORKING WITH ITS ALLIES TO CREATE A NEW SECURITY STRUCTURE IN EUROPE THAT WILL HELP ENSURE PEACE AND STABILITY ON THE CONTINENT.

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.
15-Nov-96 2:43 PM EST (1943 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[05] CLINTON-BOSNIA-ZAIRE (L) BY DAVID BORGIDA (WHITE HOUSE)

INTRO: PRESIDENT CLINTON HAS DECIDED IN PRINCIPLE THAT THE UNITED STATES WILL TAKE PART IN A NEW INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING FORCE FOR BOSNIA TO REPLACE THE ONE HE SAYS SUCCESSFULLY BROUGHT PEACE TO THE WAR-TORN REGION. THE NEW FORCE WILL HAVE A LIMITED MISSION AND INVOLVE FEWER U-S TROOPS THAN THE FIRST. HE MADE HIS DECISION PUBLIC AS HE LEFT WASHINGTON FOR A BRIEF WEEKEND OF REST IN HAWAII BEFORE TRAVELING ON TO AUSTRALIA, THE PHILIPPINES, AND THAILAND. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT DAVID BORGIDA REPORTS.

TEXT: AFTER MEETING WITH DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM PERRY AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF, GENERAL JOHN SHALIKASHVILI, THE PRESIDENT WHO HAD SAID HE WOULD BRING U-S TROOPS HOME FROM BOSNIA BY THE END OF THIS YEAR DECIDED THE UNITED STATES HAD A RESPONSIBILITY TO TAKE PART IN A SUCCESSOR INTERNATIONAL FORCE. SERVING IN THAT FORCE WOULD KEEP U-S TROOPS IN BOSNIA FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER YEAR.

THE UNITED STATES CANNOT AND SHOULD NOT TRY TO SOLVE EVERY PROBLEM IN THE WORLD, BUT WHERE OUR INTERESTS ARE CLEAR AND OUR VALUES ARE AT STAKE -- WHERE WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE -- WE MUST ACT AND WE MUST LEAD. CLEARLY BOSNIA IS SUCH AN EXAMPLE. EVERY AMERICAN SHOULD BE PROUD OF THE DIFFERENCE THE UNITED STATES HAS ALREADY MADE IN BOSNIA, ENDING A TERRIBLE SLAUGHTER, SAVING THOUSANDS OF LIVES, SECURING COUNTLESS FUTURES. WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO SEE THAT COMMITMENT THROUGH.

DURING A BRIEF APPEARANCE IN THE WHITE HOUSE BRIEFING ROOM, THE PRESIDENT SAID THE NEW FORCE COULD INCLUDE UP TO EIGHTY-FIVE HUNDRED AMERICANS, ABOUT HALF THOSE CURRENTLY SERVING. HOWEVER, U-S OFFICIALS SAY IT COULD BE A MATTER OF WEEKS BEFORE THE EXACT NUMBER OF U-S TROOPS IS DETERMINED.

PRESIDENT CLINTON UNDERSCORED THAT U-S TROOPS TAKING PART IN THE NEW BOSNIA FORCE AS WELL AS THE CANADIAN-LED INTERNATIONAL FORCE TO BRING RELIEF AID TO RWANDAN REFUGEES WOULD MAINTAIN ROBUST RULES OF ENGAGEMENT. IN OTHER WORDS, THEY WOULD DEFEND THEMSELVES WITH ADEQUATE FORCE.

BUT HE WARNED AMERICANS THERE ARE RISKS. . .

NEITHER THE NEW SECURITY FORCE IN BOSNIA NOR THE HUMANITARIAN RELIEF EFFORT IN ZAIRE WILL BE FREE OF RISK. BUT I WILL DO EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO MINIMIZE THE RISKS BY MAKING SURE BOTH MISSIONS ARE CLEAR AND ACHIEVABLE BEFORE I GIVE THE GREEN LIGHT. (MAKE THE FINAL AUTHORIZATION)

THE PRESIDENT WAS ASKED WHY HIS DECISION ON A NEW U-S ROLE IN BOSNIA WAS MADE AFTER THE AMERICAN ELECTION, AND HE REPLIED BY SAYING HE WAS COMPLYING WITH A NATO TIMETABLE.

AS FOR REPORTS OF HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF REFUGEES LEAVING CAMPS AND SURGING TOWARD THE ZAIRE-RWANDA BORDER, THE PRESIDENT CALLED THAT A HOPEFUL SIGN. BUT SO FAR, HE SAID, IT'S TOO EARLY TO REASSESS WHETHER SUCH A RELIEF MISSION IS NEEDED.

THE PRESIDENT WILL CONTINUE TO BE BRIEFED ON DEVELOPMENTS IN BOSNIA AND REGARDING THE RWANDAN REFUGEE SITUATION AS HE TAKES SOME BRIEF BUT POST-ELECTION REST THIS WEEKEND IN HAWAII. HE STOPS THERE BEFORE VISITING AUSTRALIA, ATTENDING THE ASIAN PACIFIC ECONOMIC CONFERENCE IN MANILA, AND THEN STOPPING IN THAILAND.

HE ACKNOWLEDGED DURING HIS SESSION WITH REPORTERS FRIDAY HIS EFFORTS TO ASSEMBLE HIS SECOND TERM FOREIGN POLICY TEAM -- TO REPLACE OUTGOING SECRETARY OF STATE WARREN CHRISTOPHER AND DEFENSE SECRETARY (WIILIAM) PERRY -- WILL TAKE SOME MORE TIME. AIDES SAY HE DOES NOT EXPECT TO MAKE ANY OF THOSE KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS OR SO. (SIGNED)
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15-Nov-96 1:25 PM EST (1825 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[06] CONGRESS / BOSNIA / ZAIRE (S) BY PAULA WOLFSON (CONGRESS)

INTRO: NEWS THAT PRESIDENT CLINTON WILL KEEP U-S TROOPS IN BOSNIA FOR MANY MORE MONTHS CAME WHILE THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS WAS OUT OF SESSION. BUT SEVERAL MEMBERS CAME BACK FOR A BRIEFING WITH SECRETARY OF DEFENSE WILLIAM PERRY AND STAYED FOR MR. CLINTON'S ANNOUNCEMENT. V-O-A'S PAULA WOLFSON REPORTS THEY MAKE CLEAR THE LEGISLATURE WILL NOT STAND IN THE PRESIDENT'S WAY.

TEXT: THE INITIAL RESPONSE FROM CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS CAN BEST BE DESCRIBED AS BEGRUDGING SUPPORT.

SENATOR DAN COATS OF INDIANA SAYS THERE WILL BE A LOT OF DISCUSSION ON CAPITOL HILL, BUT IN THE END, CONGRESS WILL BACK THE EXTENDED MISSION.

I THINK AT THIS POINT WE HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO REMAIN PART OF A MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE.

BUT MR. COATS QUESTIONS THE PRESIDENT'S CANDOR.

IT APPEARS THAT THIS FALL THE ONLY PERSON IN THE COUNTRY WHO DIDN'T ACKNOWLEDGE THAT OUR TROOPS NEEDED TO STAY LONGER THAN A YEAR WAS THE PRESIDENT.

THE CIRCUMSTANCE WE HAVE TODAY IS SUBSTANTIALLY SUPERIOR TO WHAT WE WOULD HAVE HAD HAD WE NOT PARTICIPATED IN THIS NATO FORCE THAT IS THERE NOW.

MR. BINGAMAN ALSO VOICES CAUTIOUS SUPPORT FOR A POSSIBLE DEPLOYMENT IN CENTRAL AFRICA. BUT HE SAYS THE SITUATION IS FLUID AND THE MISSION MAY NOT PROVE NECESSARY. (SIGNED)
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15-Nov-96 2:26 PM EST (1926 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[07] EAST EURO ELECTIONS BY BARRY WOOD (PRAGUE)

INTRO: VOTING IS UNDERWAY TODAY (FRIDAY) AND SATURDAY FOR AN UPPER HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC. AND ON SUNDAY, ROMANIANS CHOOSE A NEW PRESIDENT. V-O-A'S BARRY WOOD REPORTS FROM PRAGUE.

TEXT: HERE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC, THE FIRST EVER ELECTIONS TO CHOOSE A SENATE REPRESENT A CRITICAL FIRST TEST OF VOTER SENTIMENT SINCE PRIME MINISTER VACLAV KLAUS LOST HIS LOWER HOUSE MAJORITY IN JUNE.

THE CENTER-RIGHT COALITION THAT HAS RULED THE CZECH REPUBLIC FOR FOUR YEARS CONTINUES TO GOVERN. BUT ANALYSTS CALL THE SENATE ELECTION A REFERENDUM ON MR. KLAUS' STYLE OF GOVERNANCE AND HIS PRESCRIPTION FOR BUILDING A MARKET ECONOMY.

EIGHTY-ONE SENATORS WILL BE CHOSEN IN SINGLE MEMBER CONSTITUENCIES. IN ONLY TWO CONSTITUENCIES IS IT THOUGHT LIKELY THAT CANDIDATES COULD RECEIVE MAJORITIES IN THE FIRST ROUND.

MOST OPINION SURVEYS SUGGEST THAT THE CIVIC DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF PRIME MINISTER KLAUS WILL DO WELL. THE OPPOSITION SOCIAL DEMOCRATS WHO SCORED SURPRISING GAINS IN THE JUNE ELECTION HAVE NOT RUN AN IMPRESSIVE CAMPAIGN. VOTER TURNOUT IS EXPECTED TO BE PERHAPS AS LOW AS 57 PERCENT. IN JUNE, VOTER TURNOUT WAS 76 PERCENT.

CZECH PRESIDENT VACLAV HAVEL CAST HIS BALLOT IN A PRAGUE SUBURB FRIDAY AFTERNOON. HE URGED CITIZENS TO VOTE AND TAKE THE SENATE SERIOUSLY. ON SUNDAY, ROMANIA WILL CHOOSE A NEW PRESIDENT. THE CONTEST MATCHES THE SAME TWO OPPONENTS AS FOUR YEARS AGO. IN PUBLIC OPINION POLLS, INCUMBENT PRESIDENT ION ILIESCU THIS TIME IS TRAILING EMIL CONSTANTINESCU, THE ACADEMIC HE EASILY DEFEATED IN 1992.

MR. CONSTANTINESCU'S DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION EMERGED AS THE BIGGEST WINNER IN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS TWO WEEKS AGO. THE CONVENTION HAS REACHED A COALITION AGREEMENT WITH THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATS AND EXPECTS TO FORM A GOVERNMENT LATER THIS MONTH.

MR. ILIESCU, A FORMER COMMUNIST AND ROMANIA'S PRESIDENT SINCE THE 1989 REVOLUTION, HAS TOLD VOTERS THAT HE WILL SAFEGUARD WORKERS AND FARMERS WHO HE SAYS ARE VULNERABLE TO THE FREE MARKET POLICIES LIKELY TO BE PURSUED BY THE INCOMING CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT. (SIGNED)
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15-Nov-96 12:47 PM EST (1747 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[08] EAST EURO MARKETS (S ONLY) BY BARRY WOOD (PRAGUE)

INTRO: SHARE PRICES WERE DOWN RATHER SHARPLY THIS WEEK IN EASTERN EUROPE. V-O-A'S BARRY WOOD REPORTS THE BIGGEST LOSERS WERE THE MARKETS IN PRAGUE AND WARSAW.

TEXT: THE PRAGUE STOCK EXCHANGE IS DOWN WELL OVER 15 PERCENT IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS. THE DOWN TREND CONTINUED UNTIL FRIDAY WHEN THE P-X-50 INDEX POSTED ITS FIRST GAIN IN SEVEN SESSIONS, ENDING ABOVE 480. THE INDEX WAS DOWN MORE THAN THREE PERCENT ON THE WEEK. ANALYSTS SAY THE PRAGUE MARKET IS LOOKING FOR A STRONG PERFORMANCE FROM THE RULING CENTER-RIGHT COALITION IN CZECH SENATE ELECTIONS THAT CONCLUDE IN ONE WEEK'S TIME. IN WARSAW, SHARE PRICES WERE ALSO DOWN ABOUT THREE-AND-ONE-HALF PERCENT ON THE WEEK. THE WIG INDEX LOST MORE 450 POINTS TO 13-THOUSAND-300. INVESTORS WORRY ABOUT POSSIBLE TAX INCREASES IN POLAND.

IN BUDAPEST, TRADING VOLUME WAS LOW. THE BUX INDEX LOST 45 POINTS ON THE WEEK TO 35-HUNDRED-62.

IN BRATISLAVA, SHARE PRICES WERE ALSO LOWER, BUT STEELMAKER V-S-Z DID REGISTER IMPRESSIVE GAINS.

LJUBLJANA WAS SHARPLY LOWER ON POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY. AND THERE WAS LITTLE ACTION IN BUCHAREST AND SOFIA. (SIGNED)
NEB/BDW/JWH/KL
15-Nov-96 12:55 PM EST (1755 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

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

TEXT: TRADERS SAID EUROPEAN INVESTORS SHOOK OFF CONCERNS ABOUT POSSIBLE INCREASES IN INTEREST RATES. INSTEAD, THEY WERE BOLSTERED BY ENCOURAGING ECONOMIC REPORTS FROM THE UNITED STATES. IN LONDON, PRICES ENDED THE DAY NEAR THE WEEK'S HIGHEST LEVELS. THE FOOTSIE-100 INDEX ENDED THE WEEK UP MORE THAN 47 POINTS -- ABOUT ONE-AND-TWO-TENTHS PERCENT.

IN FRANKFURT, PRICES HIT NEW RECORD HIGHS. THE DAX-30 INDEX ENDED THE WEEK UP ABOUT TWO PERCENT AFTER FLOOR TRADING, AND THEN ROSE ANOTHER ONE-HALF PERCENT IN LATER ELECTRONIC TRADING.

THE PARIS MARKET ALSO WAS AT NEW HIGHS. THE CAC-40 INDEX CLOSED UP MORE THAN ONE-AND-ONE-HALF PERCENT ON THE WEEK.

ON THE LONDON CURRENCY MARKET, THE U-S DOLLAR CONTINUED TO LOSE VALUE AGAINST THE BRITISH POUND. BUT IT GAINED A LITTLE IN VALUE AGAINST BOTH THE GERMAN MARK AND THE JAPANESE YEN.
NEB/JWH/KL
15-Nov-96 1:52 PM EST (1852 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[10] NATO'S AGENDA BY ED WARNER (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: NATO'S PAST ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND FUTURE PLANS WERE DESCRIBED BY ITS SECRETARY GENERAL, JAVIER SOLANA, AT A MEETING OF THE CENTER FOR STRATEGIC AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES IN WASHINGTON. VOA'S ED WARNER ATTENDED AND HAS THIS REPORT.

TEXT: NATO HAS ACCOMPLISHED WHAT WAS ASKED OF IT IN BOSNIA, SAID ITS SECRETARY GENERAL, JAVIER SOLANA, IN A SPEECH IN WASHINGTON (FRIDAY). HE CONTENDED NATO TROOPS HAVE BROUGHT PEACE TO THE AREA:

YOU REMEMBER FROM THE VERY BEGINNING WE WERE ABLE TO SEPARATE THOSE WHO WERE FIGHTING. WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTROL THE LEVEL OF ARMAMENTS IN THE COUNTRY. PROBABLY IF WE LOOK BACK AT THE MONTH OF DECEMBER, 1995, NOBODY WOULD HAVE DREAMED THAT IN A YEAR SO MANY THINGS COULD HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED WITHOUT A SINGLE CASUALTY DUE TO WAR.

MR. SOLANA WENT ON TO SAY THAT NATO MUST CHANGE WITH THE TIMES. SO IT IS NOW REMAKING ITSELF INTO A SMALLER, MORE STREAMLINED, MORE FLEXIBLE AND CHEAPER ORGANIZATION.

YET IT WILL ALSO EXPAND WITH NEW MEMBERS FROM CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE:

THEY ARE KNOCKING AT THE DOOR OF THIS INSTITUTION BECAUSE THEY THINK THAT THEY CAN DEVELOP THEMSELVES BETTER, BECAUSE THEY THINK THEY CAN BETTER GUARANTEE THEIR SECURITY, BECAUSE THEY THINK WE CAN BETTER GUARANTEE THEIR STABILITY. AND IT SEEMS TO ME IT WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT TO SAY "NO" AND TO CLOSE THE DOOR TO THIS ASPIRATION.

MR. SOLANA SAID NEW NATO MEMBERS WILL BE NAMED NEXT YEAR.

AT THE SAME TIME, HE WANTS TO ENHANCE THE PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE PROGRAM, INCREASING CONSULTATION WITH MEMBER NATIONS AND THEIR PARTICIPATION IN JOINT OPERATIONS WITH NATO.

HE EXPRESSED SPECIAL CONCERN FOR RUSSIA:

WE DO NOT WANT TO ISOLATE RUSSIA, AND WE VERY MUCH HOPE THAT RUSSIA WILL NOT WANT TO ISOLATE ITSELF. THEREFORE, WE ARE OFFERING TO OUR RUSSIAN FRIENDS THE POSSIBILITY OF CONSTRUCTING THAT RELATIONSHIP ON A SOUND AND SOLID BASIS. WE ARE ALREADY DOING MANY THINGS TOGETHER. IN BOSNIA WE HAVE DEPLOYED TROOPS FROM THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION THAT TOGETHER WITH TROOPS FROM NATO ARE DOING THE SAME WORK ON THE GROUND.

REMEBER THAT NATO CANNOT EXCEED ITS MANDATE, CAUTIONED MR. SOLANA. WAR CRIMINALS IN BOSNIA SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE, BUT NATO DOES NOT HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO TRACK THEM DOWN. IT IS NOT A POLICE FORCE. (SIGNED)
NEB/EW/CF
15-Nov-96 2:34 PM EST (1934 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[11] NATO FORCES DETAIN BOSNIA GENERAL (L) BY LAURA KAY ROZEN (SARAJEVO)

INTRO: NATO FORCES INADVERTENTLY DETAINED THE COMMANDER OF THE BOSNIAN ARMY, GENERAL RAFIN DELIC, FOR ALMOST AN HOUR ON THURSDAY, BEFORE DISCOVERING WHO HE WAS AND RELEASING HIM. NATO COMMAND HEADQUARTERS RECEIVED TELEPHONE CALLS FROM THE BOSNIAN ARMY DURING THE GENERAL'S DETENTION, THREATENING TO LAUNCH A RAID TO RELEASE HIM. THE DETENTION CAME AMID SIGNS OF INCREASING TENSION BETWEEN THE BOSNIAN ARMY AND NATO FORCES. LAURA ROZEN REPORTS FROM SARAJEVO.

TEXT: BOSNIAN ARMY COMMANDER GENERAL DELIC AND SEVERAL ARMED BODY GUARDS WERE STOPPED IN THEIR BLACK ARMORED LIMOUSINE AT A CHECKPOINT BY FRENCH NATO OFFICERS NEAR THE SOUTHWESTERN BOSNIAN CITY OF JABLONICE, ABOUT FIFTY KILOMETERS SOUTHWEST OF SARAJEVO.

THE FRENCH NATO SOLDIERS DID NOT RECOGNIZE GENERAL DELIC, AND HELD HIM AND HIS BODY GUARDS FOR FORTY-FIVE MINUTES, BEFORE DETERMINING THEY HAD AUTHORIZATION FOR THE WEAPONS THEY WERE CARRYING, AND RELEASING THEM.

NATO SPOKESMAN MAJOR SIMON HASELOCK SAYS BOSNIAN ARMY STAFF TELEPHONED NATO COMMANDER GENERAL MICHAEL WALKER IN ILIDZE DURING GENERAL DELIC'S DETENTION, AND THREATENED TO LAUNCH A COMMANDO RAID TO RELEASE THEIR GENERAL.

THERE WAS PERHAPS AN OVERZEALOUS FRENCH SOLDIER WHO PERHAPS HELD HIM THERE LONGER THAN HE SHOULD HAVE DONE... THE A B-I-H (ARMY OF BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA) STAFF WERE PRETTY ANIMATED ABOUT WHAT WAS GOING ON. AND WHAT GENERAL WALKER WAS PARTICULARLY CONCERNED ABOUT WAS THE LESS-THAN-VEILED THREATS THAT WERE COMING FROM A B-I-H (ARMY OF BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA). THERE WAS A NUMBER OF PHONE CALLS MADE TO ILIDZE BY OFFICES IN THE A B-I-H ARMY THREATENING THE MOBILIZATION OF VARIOUS PARTS OF THE A B-I-H ARMY WHO WERE GOING TO GO AND RESCUE GENERAL DELIC FROM THE SITUATION IN HADZICI.

NATO SPOKESMAN MAJOR HASELOCK WAS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS IN SARAJEVO.

NATO HAS OFFICIALLY APOLOGIZED TO GENERAL DELIC, WHO HAS ACCEPTED THE APOLOGY.

GENERAL DELIC QUESTIONED WHY NATO FORCES WERE ABLE TO DETAIN HIM AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DETAIN SOME OF BOSNIA'S 67 INDICTED WAR CRIMINALS, INCLUDING BOSNIAN SERB GENERAL RATKO MLADIC AND BOSNIAN SERB LEADER RADOVAN KARADZIC, IF THEY ARE ABLE TO DETAIN HIM.

THE SITUATION BETWEEN THE BOSNIAN ARMY AND NATO FORCES IN BOSNIA HAS GROWN MORE TENSE OVER THE PAST 24 HOURS.

U-S FORCES SERVING WITH NATO ON THURSDAY CLOSED DOWN A BOSNIAN ARMY BRIGADE IN NORTHEASTERN BOSNIA, AND CONFISCATED AND DESTROYED ALL OF THEIR WEAPONS. MUSLIM REFUGEES IN THE AREA SPAT AT AND THREW STONES AT THE NATO SOLDIERS, AND LAID DOWN IN FRONT OF THEIR TANKS.

THE MUSLIM REFUGEES ARE ANGRY THAT NATO HAS PREVENTED THEM FROM RETURNING TO THE SERB-HELD VILLAGE OF GAJEVI, WHICH THEY FLED DURING THE WAR. ONE MUSLIM MAN WAS KILLED AND SEVERAL PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN GAJEVI ON TUESDAY WHEN 500 MUSLIM REFUGEES AND SEVERAL HUNDRED BOSNIAN SERB POLICE EXCHANGED GUN FIRE AND GRENADES AS MUSLIMS TRIED TO RETURN TO THE VILLAGE. (SIGNED) NEB/LR/GKT/T/KL
15-Nov-96 12:36 PM EST (1736 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[12] PENTAGON / BOSNIA (S&L) BY DAVID SWAN (PENTAGON)

INTRO: THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION HAS AGREED TO KEEP TROOPS IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA NEXT YEAR AND BEYOND AS PART OF A NEW NATO-LED PEACEKEEPING ARMY. THOUGH THE WHITE HOUSE ORIGINALLY PLEDGED TO BRING THE AMERICANS OUT BY THIS DECEMBER, MORE WILL NOW GO IN TO HELP REPLACE THE IMPLEMENTATION FORCE, OR I-FOR. V-O-A'S DAVID SWAN HAS DETAILS.

TEXT: AFTER A LONG INTERNAL DEBATE, THE UNITED STATES HAS JOINED THE EUROPEAN ALLIES IN DECIDING TO STAY IN THE BALKANS FOR ANOTHER YEAR AND A HALF. DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM PERRY CONCEDES THE CONDITIONS FOR PEACE DO NOT YET EXIST, THOUGH HE SAYS I-FOR HAS ACHIEVED ITS MAIN GOALS.

I WAS WRONG, IN PARTICULAR, IN MY BELIEF THAT HAVING DONE THOSE TASKS, WE WOULD HAVE ESTABLISHED THE CONDITIONS WHICH WOULD HAVE ALLOWED US TO LEAVE BOSNIA. THAT WAS AN ERROR IN JUDGMENT. IT WAS MY ERROR IN JUDGEMENT.

OFFICIALS FEAR WAR COULD FLARE UP AGAIN IF THE BOSNIANS CAN NOT REBUILD THEIR ECONOMY AND SOCIETY. IN HOPES OF PROVIDING A STABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PROCESS, NATO PLANS TO DEPLOY A NEW PEACE FORCE. IT WILL HAVE 31-THOUSAND SOLDIERS -- JUST OVER HALF THE SIZE OF I-FOR AT ITS PEAK. ABOUT 85-HUNDRED OF THEM WILL BE AMERICAN.

THE ALLIES PLAN TO CUT BACK THE TROOP LEVELS IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS AND PULL OUT COMPLETELY BY MID-1998. MEANWHILE, OFFICIALS SAY THE MISSION WILL BE MORE NARROW THAN THE ONE GIVEN I-FOR.

FOR INSTANCE HE WILL NOT BE TOLD TO GO AND PUSH ONE OR THE OTHER OF THE FACTIONS OUT OF THE ZONE OF SEPARATION BECAUSE THEY HAVE DONE THAT ALREADY. HE WILL NOT BE TOLD TO GO AND COLLECT, INSURE THAT WEAPONS ARE COLLECTED IN CANTONEMENT AREAS (SECURE STORAGE AREAS) BECAUSE THAT'S ALREADY DONE.

THE PLAN DOES INCLUDE DETERRING VIOLENCE AND LENDING SOME SUPPORT TO CIVILIAN AUTHORITIES. HOWEVER, THE GENERAL SAYS TROOPS WILL NOT RESETTLE REFUGEES OR TRACK DOWN WANTED WAR CRIMINALS. THE PENTAGON DOES NOT WANT THE OPERATION TO EXPAND AND PUT SOLDIERS' LIVES IN TOO MUCH DANGER, AS THE SOMALIAN MISSION DID THREE YEARS AGO.

THE EFFORT ALSO CARRIES POLITICAL RISKS FOR PRESIDENT CLINTON AS HE STARTS HIS SECOND TERM. MANY REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS OPPOSED SENDING TROOPS TO I-FOR. SOME SAY HE DELIBERATELY PUT OFF ANNOUNCING THE NEW DEPLOYMENT UNTIL AFTER THE ELECTION. WHILE MR. CLINTON DENIES THE CHARGE, HE AND HIS AIDES MUST STILL DEFEND THEIR POLICY TO SKEPTICAL LAWMAKERS IN THE MONTHS AHEAD. (SIGNED)
NEB/DS/CF
15-Nov-96 4:42 PM EST (2142 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[13] U-S-BOSNIA GOVERNMENT (S ONLY) BY RON PEMSTEIN (STATE DEPARTMENT)

INTRO: THE UNITED STATES IS FOCUSSING ITS PRESSURE ON THE CROAT PRESIDENT OF THE BOSNIAN FEDERATION TO AGREE TO THE REMOVAL OF TWO DEFENSE OFFICIALS FROM THE BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT. V-O-A'S CORRESPONDENT RON PEMSTEIN REPORTS FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT.

TEXT: BOSNIAN PRESIDENT ALIJA IZETBEGOVIC AND THE MUSLIM VICE PRESIDENT OF THE MUSLIM-CROAT FEDERATION EJUP GANIC HAVE TOLD THE UNITED STATES THEY ARE NOW WILLING TO DISMISS TWO SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIALS AS THE AMERICANS HAVE BEEN DEMANDING.

THE UNITED STATESHAS HELD UP DELIVERY OF 100 MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF MILITARY EQUIPMENT FOR THE MUSLIM-CROAT FEDERATION BECAUSE IT FEARS THE OFFICIALS OPPOSE A UNIFIED BOSNIAN ARMY. HOWEVER, BEFORE THE EQUIPMENT CAN BE DELIVERED TO THE FEDERATION,ACTION MUST ALSO BE TAKEN BY THE BOSNIAN CROAT PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERATION, KRESIMIR ZUBAK.

STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN NICHOLAS BURNS TURNED THE PRESSURE ON THE RELUCTANT MR. ZUBAK.

NOW THAT PRESIDENT IZETBEGOVIC, AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS OF DELIBERATIONS HAS COME FORWARD AND HAS SAID THAT HE WANTS THE TWO REMOVED, HIS PRIME MINISTER WANTS THE TWO REMOVED, HIS VICE PRESIDENT WANTS THE TWO REMOVED, IT NOW ONLY RESTS FOR MR. ZUBAK TO AGREE WITH THIS DECISION AND IT CAN BE DONE BY EXECUTIVE ACTION, NOT JUST BY PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY.

THE UNITED STATES ACCUSES DEFENSE MINISTER VLADIMIR SOLJIC, ABOSNIAN CROAT, OF OPPOSING A UNIFIED ARMY AND DEPUTY DEFENSE MINISTER HASAN CENGIC, A MUSLIM, OF MAINTAINING CLOSE TIES TO IRAN.(SIGNED)
NEB/PT
15-Nov-96 3:01 PM EST (2001 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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