Voice of America, 97-05-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] ALBANIA ACCORD (L ONLY) BY BARRY WOOD (PRAGUE)

[02] ALBRIGHT-BOSNIA (S) BY RON PEMSTEIN (STATE DEPARTMENT)

[03] E-U SUMMIT (L ONLY) BY JOHN FRASER (BRUSSELS)

[04] EDITORIAL: REFORM MOVES FORWARD IN ROMANIA

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

[06] KURDS / U-N (L ONLY) BY LISA SCHLEIN (GENEVA)

[07] NATO / RUSSIA AGREEMENT BY ANDRE DE NESNERA (LONDON)

[08] NEWTON, CHESS, MICROSOFT, HOME COMPUTERS BY DAN NOBLE (WASHINGTON)

[09] THURSDAY'S EDITORIALS BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)

[10] TURKEY / KURDS (L) BY AMBERIN ZAMAN (ANKARA)

[01] ALBANIA ACCORD (L ONLY) BY BARRY WOOD (PRAGUE)

INTRO: EUROPE'S SPECIAL ENVOY FOR ALBANIA, FORMER AUSTRIAN CHANCELLOR FRANZ VRANITZKY, SAYS THE FEUDING POLITICAL PARTIES IN ALBANIA HAVE AT LAST AGREED TO PARTICIPATE IN A PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 29TH. V-O-A'S BARRY WOOD REPORTS.

TEXT: MR. VRANITZKY SAYS ALL 10 POLITICAL PARTIES IN ALBANIA HAVE AGREED ON RULES FOR THE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT A MEETING OF THE ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE, MR. VRANITZKY SAYS PRIME MINISTER BASHKIM FINO AND THE OTHER PARTIES HAVE AGREED THE ELECTION WILL TAKE PLACE ON JUNE 29TH.

THE O-S-C-E SAYS IT IS PREPARED TO ASSIST IN MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE VOTING AND PROVIDING ELECTION MONITORS. MR. VRANITZKY SAYS THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY WILL DO ALL IT CAN TO ASSURE VOTING IS FAIR. BUT HE SAYS THE ALBANIAN GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE HAVE THE ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY FOR CARRYING OUT THE ELECTION.

THE ALBANIAN PARTIES HAVE BEEN FEUDING FOR WEEKS ABOUT PROCEDURES FOR THE ELECTION, WHICH WAS CALLED TO CHOOSE A GOVERNMENT THAT CAN WIN DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT. DEEP DISTRUST SEPARATES THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF PRESIDENT SALI BERISHA AND OPPOSITION GROUPINGS LED BY THE SOCIALISTS.

THE O-S-C-E DESCRIBED THE ELECTION ONE-YEAR AGO IN WHICH MR. BERISHA'S PARTY SCORED A HUGE VICTORY AS DEEPLY FLAWED.

IT HAS BEEN AGREED 115-SEATS IN THE NEW PARLIAMENT WILL BE SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICTS, WHILE 40-SEATS WILL BE CHOSEN BY PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION. ALL PARTIES ARE TO HAVE ACCESS TO RADIO AND TELEVISION, AND THE PRESIDENT HAS HANDED TO THE PRIME MINISTER, A SOCIALIST, THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR NOMINATING THE HEADS OF THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTION COMMISSIONS.

ALBANIA DESCENDED INTO CHAOS IN MARCH AFTER RIOTS AND PROTESTS OVER THE COLLAPSE OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS THAT WIPED AWAY THE SAVINGS OF THOUSANDS. (SIGNED)
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22-May-97 12:13 PM EDT (1613 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[02] ALBRIGHT-BOSNIA (S) BY RON PEMSTEIN (STATE DEPARTMENT)

INTRO: SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT HAS UNVEILED THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION'S NEW EMPHASIS ON PUSHING THE BOSNIAN PEACE PROCESS IN BOSNIA. RON PEMSTEIN REPORTS FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT, THE SECRETARY OF STATE SEES AN EXPANDED CIVILIAN ROLE FOR THE NATO TROOPS IN BOSNIA.

TEXT: IN A SPEECH IN NEW YORK, THE SECRETARY OF STATE SAYS NATO TROOPS IN BOSNIA SHOULD TAKE ON MORE CIVILIAN ROLES. THESE INCLUDE MAKING A SECURE ENVIRONMENT FOR REFUGEE RETURNS AND FOR RESTORING TELECOMMUNICATIONS. SHE ALSO WANTS RENEWED EFFORTS TO BRING INDICTED WAR CRIMES SUSPECTS TO TRIAL.

MS. ALBRIGHT REPEATED WHAT SHE TOLD A U-S SENATE COMMITTEE EARLIER, THE UNITED STATES WILL SUPPORT THOSE WHO BUILD A UNIFIED BOSNIA.

THE HEART OF OUR MESSAGE IS THAT THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY, INCLUDING BOTH CIVILIAN AND MILITARY COMPONENTS, MUST MAKE CLEAR THAT THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTE TO PEACE IN BOSNIA WILL BE SUPPORTED WHILE THOSE WHO OBSTRUCT PEACE SHOULD PAY A PRICE.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE SAYS THE AMERICAN COMMITMENT TO BOSNIA WILL BE FOR THE LONG TERM WITH U-S DIPLOMATIC OFFICES TO BE OPENED IN BANJA LUKA IN THE NORTHWEST AND IN MOSTAR IN THE SOUTHWEST. (SIGNED)
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22-May-97 6:25 PM EDT (2225 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[03] E-U SUMMIT (L ONLY) BY JOHN FRASER (BRUSSELS)

INTRO: LEADERS FROM THE 15 EUROPEAN UNION NATIONS WILL MEET FRIDAY IN THE NETHERLANDS. AS JOHN FRASER REPORTS FROM BRUSSELS, THE E-U LEADERS WILL BE DISCUSSING PLANS FOR THEIR SUMMIT NEXT MONTH IN AMSTERDAM WHEN THEY HOPE TO APPROVE A NEW TREATY INCLUDING REFORMS AND OTHER STEPS TO STRENGTHEN EUROPEAN UNITY.

TEXT: THE NEGOTIATIONS ON A NEW EUROPEAN UNION TREATY, KNOWN AS THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL CONFERENCE, HAVE BEEN RUNNING FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW.

THERE NAVE BEEN NUMEROUS MEETINGS OF OFFICIALS AND OF MINISTERS. THIS WILL BE THE SECOND SUMMIT MEETING OF E-U HEADS OF GOVERNMENT TO DISCUSS THE NEW TREATY.

THE PLANNED NEW TREATY IS ALREADY BEING CALLED THE TREATY OF AMSTERDAM, IN THE ASSUMPTION IT WILL, INDEED, BE APPROVED AT A FURTHER E-U SUMMIT MEETING IN AMSTERDAM IN MID-JUNE.

IF SUCCESSFUL, THE TREATY WILL IMPROVE E-U DECISION-MAKING PROCEDURES, TO PREPARE THE GROUND FOR THE ADMISSION OF NEW MEMBERS FROM THE FORMER COMMUNIST BLOC.

THE TREATY NEGOTIATIONS ALSO FALL AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF PREPARATIONS FOR THE LAUNCH OF THE E-U'S SINGLE CURRENCY, THE EURO, WHICH IS SET TO START ON JANUARY FIRST, 1999.

IF SOME GET THEIR WAY, THE TREATY WILL ALSO GIVE THE EUROPEAN UNION A NEW DEFENSE ROLE, WILL PROVIDE BETTER COORDINATION OF FOREIGN POLICY, AND WILL SET THE RULES FOR FUTURE INTEGRATIONS. BUT, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF MAJOR DISAGREEMENTS.

SOME MEMBER NATIONS, SUCH AS ITALY AND BELGIUM, WANT TO LIMIT THE POWER OF INDIVIDUAL NATIONS TO VETO E-U DECISIONS. OTHERS, SUCH AS BRITAIN AND DENMARK, OPPOSE THE MOVE.

THIRTEEN OF THE 15 E-U STATES WANT TO ABOLISH BORDER CONTROLS BETWEEN MEMBER NATIONS. BUT, THE BRITISH AND IRISH ARE INSISTING SUCH CONTROLS MUST STAY. BRITAIN ALSO INSISTS ASYLUM AND VISA POLICY MUST REMAIN A MATTER FOR NATIONAL GOVERNMENTS.

THERE ALSO IS A DEBATE ABOUT FUTURE VOTING RULES, WITH SMALLER STATES, SUCH AS DENMARK, FINLAND, AND PORTUGAL, INSISTING THEY MUST NOT BECOME IRRELEVANT TO THE DEBATE.

SOME NATIONS SUPPORT A CONCEPT KNOWN AS FLEXIBILITY -- A MECHANISM THAT WOULD PERMIT THOSE COUNTRIES INTERESTED IN CLOSER COOPERATION TO MOVE AHEAD, WITHOUT BEING HELD BACK BY THEIR E-U PARTNERS.

BUT OTHER MEMBERS ARE WORRIED THIS WOULD PERMIT SMALL COALITIONS LED BY FRANCE AND GERMANY TO SURGE AHEAD INTO NEW AREAS OF ACTION, LEAVING OTHERS BEHIND, BUT STILL FACED WITH A SHARE OF THE BILL FROM THE E-U BUDGET.

ANALYSTS SAY THEY EXPECT A MAJOR CHANGE IN ATMOSPHERE AT THE E-U MEETING, FOLLOWING THE ELECTION OF BRITAIN'S NEW GOVERNMENT LED BY PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR. THE NEW BRITISH GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERED MORE SYMPATHETIC TO THE EUROPEAN UNION, ALTHOUGH IT STILL HAS DIFFERENCES IN SOME KEY AREAS. ALREADY, THE NEW BRITISH ADMINISTRATION HAS INDICATED IT IS PREPARED TO SEE A LOT MORE EUROPEAN LEGISLATION ON REGULATING THE EMPLOYMENT MARKET, AND APPARENTLY WILL BE MORE OPEN TO ARGUMENT IN OTHER AREAS AS WELL.

THE E-U LEADERS HOPE THEIR MEETING FRIDAY WILL HELP NARROW DIFFERENCES BEFORE THEIR THREE-DAY SUMMIT IN AMSTERDAM IN JUNE. (SIGNED)
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22-May-97 9:54 AM EDT (1354 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[04] EDITORIAL: REFORM MOVES FORWARD IN ROMANIA

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:

ECONOMIC REFORMS ARE UNDERWAY IN ROMANIA. RECENTLY, THE PARLIAMENT PASSED A TOUGH BUDGET, A LAW ALLOWING FOREIGNERS TO OWN LAND, AND ANOTHER LAW PAVING THE WAY FOR BANK PRIVATIZATION. OTHER LEGISLATION IN PROGRESS INCLUDES A LAW ON REPATRIATION OF PROFITS ON FOREIGN INVESTMENTS.

PRICES OF ELECTRICITY, OIL PRODUCTS, TRANSPORT, AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS HAVE BEEN PARTLY LIBERALIZED. THE GOVERNMENT CUT SUBSIDIES TO INDUSTRY AND FROZE SOME LOANS TO FARMERS. THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO SEEKING TO MAKE THE CURRENCY FULLY CONVERTIBLE.

ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IS TO PRIVATIZE THE REMAINING THREE-THOUSAND SIX-HUNDRED STATE ENTERPRISES BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR. ROMANIAN PRESIDENT EMIL CONSTANTINESCU SAYS A REVITALIZED STATE OWNERSHIP FUND, UNDER NEW LEADERSHIP, WILL SELL ABOUT FIFTY ENTERPRISES A WEEK.

THE ROMANIAN GOVERNMENT KNOWS THAT INCREASED FOREIGN INVESTMENT IS CRUCIAL TO THE COUNTRY'S ECONOMIC PROSPECTS. IN AN EFFORT TO CREATE AN INVESTOR-FRIENDLY CLIMATE, REGULATIONS AND LAWS HAVE BEEN AMENDED AND VARIOUS FINANCIAL INCENTIVES ARE BEING OFFERED, INCLUDING EXEMPTIONS FROM CUSTOMS DUTIES AND LOCAL TAXES. AS A RESULT OF THESE EFFORTS, INVESTOR CONFIDENCE APPEARS TO BE GROWING. ACCORDING TO THE ROMANIAN DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WAS MORE THAN TEN PERCENT OF THE TOTAL FOREIGN INVESTMENT REGISTERED OVER THE PAST SEVEN YEARS.

THE UNITED STATES APPLAUDS THE ROMANIAN GOVERNMENT'S PROGRESS IN MAKING GOOD ON CAMPAIGN PLEDGES TO UNDERTAKE COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC REFORM. STICKING WITH THIS PROGRAM WILL ULTIMATELY RAISE LIVING STANDARDS AND ENCOURAGE MORE FOREIGN INVESTMENT. THE U.S. REMAINS COMMITTED TO HELPING ROMANIA COMPLETE ITS TRANSITION TO DEMOCRACY AND A FREE-MARKET ECONOMY.

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.
22-May-97 4:19 PM EDT (2019 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: STOCK PRICES WERE MIXED IN TRADING THURSDAY ON MAJOR EUROPEAN EXCHANGES. V-O-A'S JACK HUIZENGA HAS THE CLOSING MARKET REPORT FROM LONDON.

TEXT: STOCK PRICES MOVED UP IN LONDON, BUT WERE OFF IN BOTH PARIS AND FRANKFURT.

THE BIG DROP WAS IN PARIS, WITH INVESTORS APPARENTLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE FRENCH PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS SUNDAY. THE CAC-40 INDEX FELL MORE THAN 44-POINTS, ABOUT ONE-POINT-SIX-PERCENT OF THE FRENCH MARKET'S TOTAL VALUE.

THE MARKET ALSO WAS DOWN IN FRANKFURT. THE DAX-30 INDEX CLOSED OFF MORE THAN 16-POINTS, ABOUT ONE-HALF-PERCENT.

BUT PRICES ROSE IN LONDON. THE FOOTSIE-100 INDEX ENDED THE DAY UP ALMOST NINE POINTS, ABOUT TWO-TENTHS PERCENT.

ON THE LONDON CURRENCY EXCHANGE, THE U-S DOLLAR GAINED VALUE AGAINST THE JAPANESE YEN AS WELL AS AGAINST THE GERMAN MARK, THE BRITISH POUND, AND ALL OTHER MAJOR EUROPEAN CURRENCIES.
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22-May-97 1:28 PM EDT (1728 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[06] KURDS / U-N (L ONLY) BY LISA SCHLEIN (GENEVA)

INTRO: ABOUT 200 KURDISH DEMONSTRATORS (THURSDAY) FORCED THEIR WAY INTO THE GENEVA HEADQUARTERS OF THE UNITED NATIONS. THEY DEMANDED U-N ACTION AGAINST TURKEY'S ASSAULT ON KURDISH REBELS IN NORTHERN IRAQ. LISA SCHLEIN IN GENEVA REPORTS THE DEMONSTRATORS SMASHED DOORS AND SAID THEY WOULD NOT LEAVE UNTIL THEIR DEMANDS WERE HEARD.

TEXT:

AFTER THE VIOLENT BEGINNING, THE DEMONSTRATORS SETTLED INTO A NOISY, BUT PEACEFUL PROTEST. THEY OCCUPIED A HALL USED BY THE UNITED NATIONS TO WELCOME HIGH-LEVEL DIGNITARIES.

THE DEMONSTRATORS SANG AND DANCED. THEY CHANTED SLOGANS IN SUPPORT OF KURDISH INDEPENDENCE. THEY DENOUNCED THE TURKS AS TERRORISTS AND DEMANDED TURKISH SOLDIERS LEAVE IRAQI KURDISTAN.

ONE OF THE DEMONSTRATORS, SUNEIMAN KALANDERA SAID HE WAS VERY ANGRY.

TOO MUCH CIVIL PEOPLE KILLED. WE MUST EXACTLY PROTEST BECAUSE OUR PEOPLE ATTACKED, BECAUSE IN CITY ERBIL ABOUT 100 PEOPLE, CIVIL PEOPLE IN HOSPITAL KILLED. (CHANTING -- FADE)

WESTERN ALLIES HAVE CRITICIZED THIS ACTION, AND THE U-N SECRETARY GENERAL CONDEMNED THE ATTACK. BUT, THE KURDISH PROTESTERS WHO CAME FROM ALL OVER SWITZERLAND SAID THEY DID NOT THINK THE U-N WENT FAR ENOUGH.

THEY WERE FINALLY ALLOWED TO PRESENT THEIR DEMANDS FOR STRONGER U-N ACTION TO AN OFFICIAL AT THE U-N HUMAN RIGHTS CENTER. AFTER BEING ASSURED THEIR DEMANDS WOULD BE CONSIDERED, THE DEMONSTRATORS ABANDONED THEIR SIEGE OF THE GENEVA UNITED NATIONS BUILDING AND WENT HOME. (SIGNED)
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22-May-97 12:37 PM EDT (1637 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[07] NATO / RUSSIA AGREEMENT BY ANDRE DE NESNERA (LONDON)

INTRO: THE LEADERS OF NATO COUNTRIES MEET TUESDAY IN PARIS WITH RUSSIA'S PRESIDENT BORIS YELTSIN TO SIGN A HISTORIC AGREEMENT OUTLINING RELATIONS BETWEEN MOSCOW AND THE 16-MEMBER WESTERN ALLIANCE. IN THIS FIRST OF TWO REPORTS, V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ANDRE DE NESNERA LOOKS AT THE MAIN POINTS OF THE AGREEMENT.

TEXT: THE DOCUMENT TO BE SIGNED IN PARIS IS SIMPLY KNOWN AS THE "FOUNDING ACT" AND REPRESENTS THE CULMINATION OF MONTHS OF HARD BARGAINING BETWEEN NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL JAVIER SOLANA AND RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER YEVGENI PRIMAKOV.

THE NEW SECURITY PARTNERSHIP GETS RUSSIA MORE INVOLVED IN DECISIONS WITHIN THE WESTERN MILITARY ALLIANCE WHILE AT THE SAME TIME ALLEVIATING ITS APPREHENSIONS ABOUT NATO'S EASTWARD EXPANSION.

A MAIN PROVISION OF THE ACCORD ESTABLISHES A NATO-RUSSIA PERMANENT JOINT COUNCIL. SENIOR NATO SPOKESMAN JAMIE SHEA SAYS THIS NEWLY-CREATED FORUM WILL HAVE THREE FUNCTIONS. FIRST , IT WILL BRING NATO AND RUSSIAN OFFICIALS TOGETHER AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH TO DISCUSS VARIOUS TOPICS -- THUS ALLOWING EACH SIDE TO SHARE INFORMATION AND OVERCOME MISTRUST ACCUMULATED OVER DECADES OF COLD-WAR ANIMOSITY.

THE SECOND ASPECT WILL BE THAT WE WILL TRY TO IDENTIFY COMMON POSITIONS. THERE ARE MANY SUBJECTS -- FOR EXAMPLE NON-PROLIFERATION, DRUGS, TERRORISM, WHERE WE HAVE A COMMON AGENDA. AND ONCE WE CAN ESTABLISH COMMON POSITIONS, THEN WE CAN GO TO THE THIRD MAJOR ACTIVITY OF THIS COUNCIL WHICH IS TO TRY TO DEVELOP COMMON ACTIONS -- THINGS THAT NATO AND RUSSIA CAN JOINTLY DO SUCH AS PEACEKEEPING. NOT SIMPLY TO TALK ABOUT PROBLEMS, BUT ACTUALLY TO PROMOTE SOLUTIONS AND WHERE NECESSARY, INTERVENTIONS.

THE NEED TO COME UP WITH SOME SORT OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN NATO AND RUSSIA STEMMED FROM MOSCOW'S STRONG OPPOSITION TO THE WESTERN ALLIANCE'S EASTWARD EXPANSION. AT A SPECIAL NATO SUMMIT IN JULY, SEVERAL EASTERN AND CENTRAL EUROPEAN COUNTRIES WILL BE INVITED TO BEGIN NEGOTIATIONS LEADING TO THEIR NATO MEMBERSHIP IN 1999. RUSSIA VEHEMENTLY ARGUED SUCH EXPANSION THREATENED ITS SECURITY.

TO ALLEVIATE THOSE CONCERNS, THE NEW PACT GIVES RUSSIA WHAT IS COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS "THE FOUR NO'S." IT SAYS NATO HAS NO PLANS TO STATION NUCLEAR WEAPONS ON THE TERRITORIES OF NEW MEMBER STATES -- WILL NOT PERMANENTLY STATION COMBAT TROOPS, WILL NOT DEVELOP NEW MILITARY FACILITIES, AND DOES NOT PLAN TO CREATE ANY NUCLEAR INFRASTRUCTURE. BUT, NATO SPOKESMAN SHEA SAYS RUSSIA UNDERSTANDS THOSE CONDITIONS MAY CHANGE.

ALL OF THESE UNDERTAKINGS HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE ALLIANCE ON A UNILATERAL BASIS WHICH MEANS THEY APPLY AS LONG AS THE BENIGN SECURITY ENVIRONMENT APPLIES. NOW OF COURSE, WE IN THE ALLIANCE ARE OPTIMISTIC AND WE BELIEVE THAT EUROPE IS GOING TO STAY PEACEFUL. BUT SHOULD THE CIRCUMSTANCES NONETHELESS CHANGE, SHOULD THERE BE SECURITY THREATS TO NATO OF AN IMMEDIATE KIND, ONCE AGAIN IN THE FUTURE -- THEN OF COURSE WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THAT POSTURE.

THE NATO SPOKESMAN SAYS IT WAS MADE CLEAR TO RUSSIA THE WESTERN MILITARY ALLIANCE COULD SEND TROOPS TO THE NEW MEMBER STATES -- BUT ONLY UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIC CONDITIONS.

FOR EXAMPLE IN A CRISIS SITUATION -- WERE A NATO MEMBER TO BE THREATENED, THEN OF COURSE WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO SEND REINFORCEMENTS TO THAT COUNTRY. SECONDLY, WE WILL BE ABLE TO SEND TROOPS TO OUR NEW MEMBER STATES FOR THE PURPOSE OF EXERCISES AND TRAINING. AND THIRDLY, WE WILL BE ABLE TO SEND MILITARY FORCES TO THE NEW MEMBER STATES IF THEY ARE GOING TO BE INVOLVED IN SOME KIND OF PEACE-KEEPING OPERATION, FOR INSTANCE UNDER THE UNITED NATIONS CHARTER.

THE NEW DOCUMENT DOES SAY NATO AND RUSSIA WILL NO LONGER REGARD EACH OTHER AS ADVERSARIES. AND IN AN EFFORT TO FURTHER ALLEVIATE MOSCOW'S SECURITY CONCERNS, MR. SHEA SAYS NATO HAS AGREED TO PUSH FOR ADDITIONAL ARMS CUTS IN EUROPE.

WE AGREED TO MODERNIZE THE (1992) TREATY ON CONVENTIONAL ARMED FORCES IN EUROPE -- THE C-F-E TREATY -- AND WITHIN THAT CONTEXT ALSO TO ACCEPT ON BEHALF OF THE ALLIANCE, FURTHER REDUCTIONS IN TANKS AND ARMORED PERSONNEL CARRIERS AND THINGS SUCH AS THIS IN EUROPE. THAT TREATY, OF COURSE, IS STILL GOING TO BE NEGOTIATED. BUT WHEN IT IS CONCLUDED, I THINK IT IS GOING TO GIVE RUSSIA ADDITIONAL ASSURANCES AS WELL.

THE NEW PACT BETWEEN RUSSIA AND NATO COULD ONLY HAVE BEEN DREAMED OF JUST SEVERAL YEARS AGO. AND NOW IT IS TO BECOME A REALITY IN A MATTER OF DAYS. MANY WESTERN DEFENSE EXPERTS SAY IF THE NEW RELATIONSHIP BLOSSOMS, THEN NATO COULD BECOME THE PRINCIPAL GUARANTOR OF EUROPEAN SECURITY AND STABILITY IN THE NEXT CENTURY. (SIGNED)
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22-May-97 11:33 AM EDT (1533 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[08] NEWTON, CHESS, MICROSOFT, HOME COMPUTERS BY DAN NOBLE (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: ON THIS EDITION OF COMPUTER DIGEST:

APPLE'S DECISION ABOUT A SMALL COMPUTER,

A HUMAN CHESS CHAMPION WANTS A RE-MATCH WITH THE COMPUTER THAT BEAT HIM,

MICROSOFT HOPES TO PROVE TO SKEPTICS THAT PERSONAL COMPUTERS CAN HANDLE THE LARGEST CORPORATE COMPUTING JOBS,

AND, MORE PERSONAL COMPUTERS IN AMERICAN HOMES. *****

NEWTON

TEXT: THE USA TODAY NEWSPAPER REPORTS THAT FINANCIALLY TROUBLED APPLE COMPUTER INTENDS TO CONTINUE TO MANUFACTURE ITS HAND-HELD NEWTON MODEL AS A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY. THE NEWSPAPER SAYS THAT THE CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA-BASED COMPANY "HAS DECIDED THAT AS A SEPARATE DIVISION NEWTON COULD BENEFIT FROM RENEWED FOCUS, MORE EASILY ATTRACT OUTSIDE INVESTORS AND WOULDN'T BE DISTRACTED BY APPLE'S PROBLEMS." USA TODAY ADDS, THAT DESPITE THE DEVICE'S UNPROFITABLE PAST, CURRENT MODELS ARE SELLING WELL. DEMAND GREW NEARLY 30-PERCENT LAST YEAR. *****

CHESS

TEXT: EARLIER THIS MONTH (FYI - MAY), A COMPUTER DESIGNED BY IBM DEFEATED CHESS CHAMPION GARRY KASPAROV. IT WAS THE FIRST CHESS CONTEST THAT MR. KASPAROV HAD EVER LOST. NOW, HE'S ASKING FOR A RE-MATCH. WRITING IN TIME MAGAZINE, GARRY KASPAROV SAYS THAT HE HAS A CHANCE TO WIN IF HE PREPARES HIMSELF PROPERLY. HE SAYS THAT "THE IBM TEAM WAS AT ONCE A PLAYER, ORGANIZER, ARBITRATOR AND SPONSOR OF THE EVENT," WHICH LEFT HIM -- IN HIS WORDS -- "AT A TERRIBLE DISADVANTAGE." MR. KASPAROV ADDS THAT HE NEEDS "PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL STABILITY, A GREAT DEAL OF CONCENTRATION AND A MIND FREE OF OTHER DISTRACTIONS TO CALCULATE, CALCULATE AND CALCULATE." THERE IS NO WORD YET IF THERE WILL BE ANOTHER CHESS BATTLE BETWEEN MAN AND MACHINE. *****

MICROSOFT

TEXT: THE MICROSOFT CORPORATION WOULD LIKE MORE COMPANIES TO USE ITS WINDOWS NT OPERATING SYSTEM. JIM ALLCHIN, A COMPANY EXECUTIVE, SAYS THAT "PCS AND PC SOFTWARE CAN OUTRUN MAINFRAMES." BUT, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL SAYS, "NOT QUITE." SOME EXPERTS TOLD THE NEWSPAPER, "COMPUTERS RUNNING UNIX(-BASED COMPUTERS), FOR EXAMPLE, CAN USE AS MANY AS 64 PROCESSING UNITS TO ATTACK A SINGLE PROBLEM LIKE SEARCHING A DATABASE." HOWEVER, WINDOWS NT CAN ONLY "WORK WITH A MAXIMUM OF FOUR PROCESSORS AND IS JUST MOVING TO EIGHT OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS." *****

HOME COMPUTERS

TEXT: A RECENTLY RELEASED STUDY CONDUCTED BY COMPUTER INTELLIGENCE, A MARKET RESEARCH FIRM, SHOWS THAT "AMERICANS -- ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE WELL-OFF -- ARE BUYING PCS IN UNPRECEDENTED NUMBERS." THE RESEARCHERS REPORT THAT, AS OF LAST YEAR, MORE THAN 40-PERCENT OF HOUSEHOLDS IN THE UNITED STATES NOW HAVE PERSONAL COMPUTERS. PC MAGAZINE ADDS THAT WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF LOWER-PRICED MODELS, AND A DEMAND FOR USED ONES, MORE LOWER-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS WILL ALSO ACQUIRE HIGH-TECH DEVICES. THOSE MOST LIKELY TO BUY HOME COMPUTERS: PEOPLE WITH CHILDREN. *****
22-May-97 4:49 PM EDT (2049 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[09] THURSDAY'S EDITORIALS BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: THE TALE OF A YOUNG FEMALE NUCLEAR BOMBER PILOT, AIR FORCE FIRST LIEUTENANT KELLY FLINN, ACCUSED OF ADULTERY, AND FACING A COURTS-MARTIAL, HAS CAPTURED THE IMAGINATION OF THE NATION'S EDITORIAL WRITERS, AS THE CASE APPEARS DAILY ON THE FRONT PAGES OF MANY NEWSPAPERS.

IN OTHER THURSDAY EDITORIALS, AMERICANS CAN READ ABOUT TROUBLES IN ISRAEL AND ADJOINING PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY LANDS; WHAT TO DO ABOUT DEPOSED ZAIRIAN PRESIDENT MOBUTU SESE SEKO'S MILLIONS; THE NEW U-S IMMIGRATION LAW; EXPANDING NATO, A KINDER U-S FEDERAL TAX POLICY; AND FINALLY A NEW NORSE SHIP, BUILT IN MAINE, PREPARES TO SET SAIL, IN AN ATTEMPT TO DUPLICATE HISTORY.

NOW FOR A CLOSER LOOK AT THESE COMMENTARIES, HERE'S ______________________ AND TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

TEXT: THE NATION'S FIRST FEMALE B-52 BOMBER PILOT, LIEUTENANT KELLY FLINN, IS ALLEGED BY THE AIR FORCE TO HAVE CARRIED ON ADULTEROUS AFFAIR, THEN LIED ABOUT IT TO INVESTIGATORS. IN ADDITION, SHE DISOBEYED AN ORDER TO END HER RELATIONSHIP.

AS A RESULT OF ALL THIS, LIEUTENANT FLINN FACES A COURT-MARTIAL. BUT SOME MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, INCLUDING SENATE MAJORITY LEADER TRENT LOTT [R-MISS.], WANT THE AIR FORCE TO HONOR HER REQUEST THAT SHE BE ALLOWED TO RESIGN FROM THE SERVICE WITH AN HONORABLE DISCHARGE. THAT DECISION MAY COME SOON.

THE ENTIRE EPISODE COMES IN FOR MORE COMMENTARY TODAY, WITH THE LOS ANGELES TIMES LAMENTING THAT WHATEVER THE OUTCOME OF HER CASE, "MANY AMERICANS WILL BE UNSATISFIED."

VOICE: "THERE ARE NO HEROES IN THE CASE OF .... KELLY FLINN,..... THERE IS MORE TO THIS INCREASINGLY EMBARRASSING STORY THAN THE SENSE ... [LT.] FLINN IS BEING UNFAIRLY PROSECUTED FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT THAT IN OTHERS MIGHT BE OVERLOOKED. ..... AS SHE ADMITS, SHE LIED TO HER SUPERIORS ABOUT THE NATURE OF HER RELATIONSHIP WITH A MARRIED MAN AND SHE DISOBEYED A DIRECT ORDER TO STAY AWAY FROM HER LOVER. IT'S POSSIBLE .... THE ADULTERY CHARGE MIGHT HAVE BEEN QUIETLY FINESSED; CERTAINLY THAT HAS HAPPENED OFTEN ...IN OTHER CASES. BUT LYING TO SUPERIORS AND DISOBEYING A DIRECT ORDER ARE - - IN THE AIR FORCE'S VIEW - - SINS OF A FAR GREATER MAGNITUDE...... NO MATTER HOW IT IS DECIDED, THIS IS NOT A CASE THAT WILL HAVE A SATISFACTORY OUTCOME."

TEXT: THE WALL STREET JOURNAL SUGGESTS UNDERSTANDING IS NEEDED FOR THE MILITARY IN HAVING TO ADJUDICATE AN EXTRAORDINARY COMPLEX SITUATION, NOT JUST IN THIS CASE, BUT IN OTHER SITUATIONS ARISING FROM THE INTEGRATION OF WOMEN INTO THE ARMED FORCES.

VOICE: "THE FLINN CASE IS ONLY THE LATEST IN THE ONGOING CHRONICLE OF SEX AND SCANDAL IN THE GENDER-INTEGRATED MILITARY - - NOW AWASH [FLOODED WITH] IN CHARGES OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ALSO A GOOD DEAL OF CONSENSUAL SEX. THERE WAS ONCE A TIME, LONG AGO IN A LESS POLITICAL AGE, WHEN EVERYONE KNEW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO. NOT SO IN THE SERVICES TODAY - - OR ANYWHERE ELSE, FOR THAT MATTER - - WHERE CONSENSUAL SEX ONE DAY CAN LEAD TO CHARGES OF SEXUAL ASSAULT THE NEXT. ..... IT IS HARD ... NOT TO FEEL SYMPATHY FOR LIEUTENANT FLINN - - A YOUNG WOMAN BETRAYED AND ABOUT TO LOSE A HARD-EARNED, IF PERHAPS TOO HIGHLY PUBLICIZED, AIR FORCE CAREER. NONETHELESS, TO GIVE LIEUTENANT FLINN UNPRECEDENTED SPECIAL TREATMENT WOULD DO NO SMALL DISSERVICE TO WOMEN IN THE ARMED SERVICES HOPING TO BE TREATED AS EQUALS.

TEXT: THERE ARE TWO EDITORIALS POINTING OUT PROBLEMS IN ISRAEL AND IN P-L-O-ADMINISTERED LANDS. FIRST, THE BOSTON GLOBE OFFERS SOME SHARP CRITICISM OF ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU AFTER A U-S SATELLITE SURVEY FINDS MUCH OF THE JEWISH HOUSING STOCK IN THE WEST BANK IS ACTUALLY VACANT. THIS CALLS INTO QUESTION THE ISRAELI LEADER'S POLICIES CREATING HOUSING PROJECTS FOR JEWS IN THE WEST BANK.

VOICE: "FOR .... PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, THE IMPLICATIONS OF A LEADED U-S REPORT ON HOUSING VACANCIES IN ISRAELI SETTLEMENTS COULD HARDLY BE MORE DAMAGING. ..... THE SURVEY INDICATES THAT [MR.] NETANYAHU IS PLAYING FAST AND LOOSE WITH THE TRUTH WHEN HE SAYS HE MUST EXPAND SETTLEMENTS TO SATISFY DEMAND FOR NEW HOUSING IN THE WEST BANK (NOT INCLUDING EAST JERUSALEM ....) .... [MR.] NETANYAHU IMMEDIATELY WENT BEFORE CAMERAS TO CONTRADICT THE SURVEY FINDINGS. BUT HIS INDULGENCE OF A POLITICAL REFLEX ONLY MADE MATTERS WORSE, PROVOKING AN AMERICAN RIPOSTE THAT REVEALED TO THE ISRAELI PUBLIC THE REALITY OF [MR.] NETANYAHU'S DETERIORATING RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES."

TEXT: NOW, ON THE PALESTINIAN SIDE OF THE FENCE, THE WASHINGTON POST CHIDES THE PALESTINIANS FOR A LACK OF PRESS FREEDOM. THE PALESTRINIAN AUTHORITY RECENTLY ARRESTED A MAN WHO TRIED TO TELECAST UNEDITED DEBATES FROM THE AUTHORITY'S PARLIAMENT, WHERE SOME SPEAKERS CRITICIZE LEADER YASSER ARAFAT.

VOICE: "THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY HAS FOUND MANY WAYS TO HARM ITS OWN CAUSE DURING ITS BRIEF EXISTENCE, BUT FEW MORE DAMAGING THAT YESTERDAY'S ARREST OF PALESTINIAN-AMERICAN JOURNALIST DAOUD KUTTAB .... A U-S CITIZEN RUNNING A U-S- FUNDED TELEVISION STATION ON THE WEST BANK. HIS DETENTION, AND THE AUTHORITY'S JAMMING OF HIS NETWORK'S BROADCASTS, ARE CERTAIN TO PUT YASSER ARAFAT'S INCREASING DESPOTISM SQUARELY IN THE AMERICAN PUBLIC EYE."

TEXT: TODAY'S ATLANTA CONSTITUTION TAKES ON THE QUESTION OF THE MILLIONS - - PERHAPS BILLIONS-- OF DOLLARS STASHED AWAY OVERSEAS BY ZAIRE'S DEPOSED PRESIDENT MOBUTU SESE SEKO, AND TO WHOM THAT MONEY LEGITIMATELY BELONGS.

VOICE: "THE UNITED STATES AND LEADING EUROPEAN POWERS BEAR A SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PEOPLE OF CONGO, HAVING SUPPORTED [PRESIDENT] MOBUTU IN THE 1960S AS A BULWARK AGAINST COMMUNIST PENETRATION OF AFRICA AND TOLERATING HIS CONSPICUOUS CORRUPTION EVER SINCE. ONE IMMEDIATE WAY TO MAKE AMENDS IS TO DEPRIVE [MR.] MOBUTU OF HIS ILL-GOTTEN OVERSEAS ASSETS. ALREADY, SWITZERLAND HAS SEIZED A PALATIAL VILLA THERE AND IS COMBING ITS BANKS FOR [MR.] MOBUTU ACCOUNTS. ... BY RIGHTS, THESE AND OTHER CACHES OF HIS LOOT BELONG TO THE PEOPLE OF CONGO AND SHOULD BE APPLIED TO THE REHABILITATION OF THEIR COUNTRY. ..... HE MAY HAVE GOTTEN AWAY, BUT HE DOESN'T DESERVE TO LIVE OUT ... HIS LIFE IN LUXURY."

TEXT: TURNING TO DOMESTIC POLITICS, AND SPECIFICALLY THE NEW IMMIGRATION REFORM LAW, TODAY'S MIAMI HERALD HAS MORE CRITICISM OF THE MEASURE INTENDED TO FIX PREVIOUS PROBLEMS.

VOICE: "IT'S BAD ENOUGH THAT CONGRESS PASSED THE IMMORAL ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION REFORM AND IMMIGRANT RESPONSIBILITY ACT, NOW IN EFFECT. IT'S WORSE THAT THE U-S IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICE IS INCAPABLE OF ENFORCING THIS LAW WITH ANY MEASURE OF COMMON SENSE OR CONSISTENCY . IT'S WORSE STILL THAT THE HIGHEST IMMIGRATION COURT MISINTERPRETED .... THE LAW SO THAT [,] OVERNIGHT [,] TENS OF THOUSANDS OF NICARAGUANS AND OTHER LONGTIME IMMIGRANTS BECAME DEPORTABLE ALIENS. BUT WORST OF ALL, WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW IN U-S DISTRICT COURT IN MIAMI IS SIMPLY REPREHENSIBLE: THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS USING ITS FULL WEIGHT TO TRY TO KEEP THOSE IMMIGRANTS FROM HAVING THEIR DESERVED SAY IN COURT."

TEXT: STILL IN FLORIDA, TODAY'S ORLANDO SENTINEL IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE PROPOSED EXPANSION OF NATO, SUGGESTING "IT MAKES NO SENSE TO TREAT RUSSIA AS THE ENEMY THE SOVIET UNION ONCE WAS. THE RAPID EXPANSION OF NATO IS BLATANTLY PROVOCATIVE." AND ON THE TOPIC OF A MORE FRIENDLY, MORE COMMON-SENSE-BASED INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, THE SENTINEL CHIDES THE FEDERAL TAX AGENCY ON ITS LATEST FAUX PAS [MISTAKE].

VOICE: "..... THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION IS AIMING TO MAKE THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE MORE FRIENDLY AND EFFICIENT. THAT'S THE SAME AGENCY THAT RECENTLY THREATENED TO SEIZE A [NON PROFIT, ALL VOLUNTEER] GIRLS' SOFTBALL TEAM'S ASSETS TO COLLECT NEARLY 10-THOUSAND DOLLARS IN BACK TAXES. WHAT COULD BE FRIENDLIER THAN THAT? .... IT TOOK NATIONAL PUBLICITY, THE INTERVENTION OF A PRIVATE TAX-RESOLUTION SERVICE AND THE OFFER OF HELP FROM A SENATE FINANCE .... SUBCOMMITTEE TO GET THE AGENCY'S ATTENTION."

TEXT: AND LASTLY, THE PORTLAND [MAINE] PRESS HERALD SALUTES AN EFFORT BY A GROUP OF AMERICAN ADVENTURERS AND SCIENTISTS, TO SAIL A REPLICA OF A VIKING LONG-BOAT BUILT RECENTLY IN MAINE BACK TO NEWFOUNDLAND, CANADA, FROM GREENLAND LATER THIS YEAR.

THE TRIP, LED BY AMERICAN HODDING CARTER, WILL TRACE THE ROUTE BELIEVED TO HAVE BROUGHT LEIF ERICSSON TO THE NEW WORLD LONG BEFORE COLUMBUS. SAYS THE PRESS HERALD: "THE IMAGINATIONS OF ANOTHER GENERATION AWAIT HIS SUCCESS." AND ON THAT NOTE, WE CONCLUDE THIS BRIEF SAMPLING OF COMMENTARY FROM THURSDAY'S U-S PRESS.
NEB/ANG/NL
22-May-97 10:59 AM EDT (1459 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[10] TURKEY / KURDS (L) BY AMBERIN ZAMAN (ANKARA)

INTRO: TURKISH OFFICIALS SAY TURKEY WILL KEEP UP ITS OFFENSIVE AGAINST REBELS OF THE SEPARATIST KURDISTAN WORKERS' PARTY, THE P-K-K, IN NORTHERN IRAQ. AMBERIN ZAMAN IN ANKARA REPORTS THE OFFICIALS SAID TURKEY WOULD NOT BE DETERRED BY SYRIAN AND IRANIAN TROOP BUILDUPS ALONG THE IRAQI BORDER.

TEXT: THE TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY OFFICIALS QUOTED BY THE SEMI-OFFICIAL ANATOLIAN NEWS AGENCY SAID TURKISH TROOPS WOULD STAY IN THE WESTERN-PROTECTED KURDISH ENCLAVE UNTIL THEIR TASK WAS ACCOMPLISHED.

THEIR REMARKS FOLLOW WIDESPREAD REPORTS THAT SYRIAN AND IRANIAN TROOPS ARE MASSING ALONG THEIR RESPECTIVE BORDERS WITH IRAQ IN WHAT SOME ANALYSTS DESCRIBE AS A SHOW OF FORCE DIRECTED AT TURKEY.

SYRIA HAS ACCUSED TURKEY OF SEEKING TO ESTABLISH A PERMANENT MILITARY PRESENCE IN THE REGION. IRAN, DESPITE MASSING ITS TROOPS ALONG THE IRAQI BORDER, HAS MAINTAINED ITS OFFICIAL SILENCE ON THE TURKISH INCURSION. IRAQ, FOR ITS PART, HAS STEPPED UP ITS CALLS FOR TURKEY TO WITHDRAW ITS TROOPS IMMEDIATELY.

THE IRAQI GOVERNMENT SAYS THE TURKISH OPERATION IN ITS TERRITORY VIOLATES INTERNATIONAL LAW AND HAS ASKED THE UNITED NATIONS TO INTERVENE WITH TURKEY TO SECURE A WITHDRAWAL. THE PRO-GOVERNMENT IRAQI PRESS HAS ACCUSED TURKISH TROOPS OF KILLING IRAQI KURDISH CIVILIANS.

TURKISH MEDIA REPORTS SAY TURKISH TROOPS ARE LIKELY TO STAY ON FOR SEVERAL MONTHS UNTIL THE P-K-K PRESENCE IN NORTHERN IRAQ IS PERMANENTLY ELIMINATED.

AN IRAQI KURDISH GROUP, THE KURDISTAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY, THE K-D-P, IS ALSO TAKING PART IN THE OFFENSIVE. THE KURDISH GROUP CONTROLS NEARLY HALF OF NORTHERN IRAQ, INCLUDING THE MOUNTAINOUS REGION BORDERING TURKEY.

SOME MILITARY ANALYSTS REMAIN SKEPTICAL ABOUT THE SUCCESS OF THE TURKISH OPERATION. THEY POINT OUT THAT MANY OF THE REBELS HAVE ALREADY FLED TO NEIGHBORING SYRIA AND IRAN. TURKEY ACCUSES BOTH COUNTRIES OF SUPPORTING THE P-K-K IN ORDER TO TO DESTABILIZE TURKEY.

THE TURKISH KURD REBELS HAVE BEEN USING NORTHERN IRAQ AS THEIR MAIN OPERATIONAL BASE SINCE THE END OF THE GULF WHEN THE ALLIES LED BY THE UNITED STATES SET UP A NO-FLY ZONE OVER THE KURDISH REGION. MEANWHILE, PRO P-K-K "MED T-V" REPORTED ONE OF ITS CORRESPONDENTS COVERING THE FIGHTING HAD DISAPPEARED UNDER MYSTERIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES. IT SAID THE REPORTER HAD BECOME A TARGET FOR THE TURKISH MILITARY BECAUSE -- IN ITS WORDS -- HE HAD BEEN DOING HIS JOB.

MED T-V ALSO ACCUSED TURKISH AND K-D-P FORCES OF LAUNCHING ATTACKS AGAINST WHAT IT DESCRIBED AS KURDISH INSTITUTIONS IN THE MAIN IRAQI KURDISH CITY OF ARBIL. THE PRO-KURDISH CHANNEL SAID THE KURDISH RED CROSS HOSPITAL HAD BEEN HIT IN A ROCKET ATTACK KILLING NINE PATIENTS.

JOURNALISTS CONTINUE TO BE BARRED FROM THE AREA BY TURKISH AUTHORITIES, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO INDEPENDENTLY CONFIRM SUCH REPORTS. (SIGNED)
NEB/AZ/JWH/RAE
22-May-97 12:06 PM EDT (1606 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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