Voice of America, 97-05-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] ALBRIGHT / BOSNIA (S ONLY) BY RON PEMSTEIN (STATE DEPARTMENT)

[02] ALBRIGHT TRIP SCENESETTER (L ONLY) BY RON PEMSTEIN (STATE DEPARTMENT)

[03] BOSNIA / DEATHS (S ONLY) BY KYLE KING (BONN)

[04] EAST EURO STOCKS (S ONLY) BY BARRY WOOD (PRAGUE)

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

[06] FRANCE / BASQUE TRIALS (L ONLY) BY JULIAN NUNDY (PARIS)

[07] FRANCE ELECTIONS (L ONLY) BY JULIAN NUNDY (PARIS)

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

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

[10] SERB / WAR CRIMES (L) BY KYLE KING (BONN)

[11] TURKEY / POLITICS (L ONLY) BY AMBERIN ZAMAN (ANKARA)

[01] ALBRIGHT / BOSNIA (S ONLY) BY RON PEMSTEIN (STATE DEPARTMENT)

INTRO: SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT SAYS THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION'S LONG TERM INVOLVEMENT IN BOSNIA IS NOT NECESSARILY DEPENDENT ON EXTENDING THE STAY OF AMERICAN NATO FORCES IN BOSNIA PAST JUNE OF NEXT YEAR. RON PEMSTEIN REPORTS FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT.

TEXT: SECRETARY OF STATE ALBRIGHT HAS AGREED WITH DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM COHEN THAT THERE ARE NO PLANS TO KEEP AMERICAN TROOPS IN BOSNIA PAST JUNE OF 1998. OTHER STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS HAVE SAID NO DECISION HAS BEEN MADE IF ANOTHER FORCE WILL SUCCEED THE CURRENT NATO TROOPS IN BOSNIA.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE TOLD A WASHINGTON NEWS CONFERENCE THAT THE LONG-TERM AMERICAN COMMITMENT REFERS TO CIVILIAN IMPLEMENTATION.

WE ENVISION THAT CIVILIAN ASSISTANCE AND AN INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE WILL BE REQUIRED AFTER JUNE, 1998 BUT THERE ARE NO PLANS FOR ANY AMERICAN FORCES TO BE IN BOSNIA AFTER JUNE, 1998.

SECRETARY ALBRIGHT SAYS SHE WILL MEET BOSNIAN SERB LEADERS IN BANJA LUKA NEXT WEEK TO TRY TO FIND PEOPLE WHO WILL WORK FOR A MULTI-ETHNIC BOSNIA. (SIGNED)
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23-May-97 1:57 PM EDT (1757 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[02] ALBRIGHT TRIP SCENESETTER (L ONLY) BY RON PEMSTEIN (STATE DEPARTMENT)

INTRO: SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT LEAVES WASHINGTON SUNDAY TO DELIVER A COMMENCEMENT SPEECH IN MASSACHUSETTS BEFORE FLYING TO PARIS TO HOLD TALKS BEFORE PRESIDENT CLINTON'S ARRIVAL FOR THE SIGNING OF THE NATO-RUSSIA AGREEMENT. RON PEMSTEIN REPORTS FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT, NATO EXPANSION AND BOSNIA WILL BE ON THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S EXTENDED TRIP.

TEXT: AFTER SHE LEAVES PRESIDENT CLINTON AT THE EUROPEAN UNION SUMMIT IN THE HAGUE, SECRETARY OF STATE ALBRIGHT FLIES TO PORTUGAL FOR THE SPRING MEETING OF NATO FOREIGN MINISTERS. WHILE THIS MEETING WILL NOT MAKE THE FINAL DECISIONS ABOUT WHICH CENTRAL EUROPEAN COUNTRIES WILL BE INVITED TO JOIN NATO, IT WILL DISCUSS THE OPTIONS. WHILE THE CZECH REPUBLIC, HUNGARY AND POLAND ARE UNIVERSALLY AGREED AS THE FIRST NEW CANDIDATES, FRANCE HAS SUGGESTED SLOVENIA AND ROMANIA SHOULD BE AMONG THE FIRST COUNTRIES INVITED AT NEXT JULY'S NATO SUMMIT MEETING.

THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION, MINDFUL OF CONGRESSIONAL CONCERNS ABOUT THE COST OF NATO EXPANSION, HAS BEEN RELUCTANT TO INCREASE THE NUMBER FROM THREE TO FIVE. THE DISCUSSION IN SINTRA, PORTUGAL NEXT THURSDAY MAY LEAD TO A DECISION.

NEXT FRIDAY, SECRETARY OF STATE ALBRIGHT WILL MEET MINISTERS FROM BRITAIN, FRANCE AND GERMANY AS WELL AS RUSSIA TO DISCUSS THE SITUATION IN BOSNIA. SHE HAS UNVEILED A LONG TERM AMERICAN COMMITMENT TO HELP THE LAGGING CIVILIAN IMPLEMENTATION, ESPECIALLY ON THE RETURN OF REFUGEES AND THE ARREST OF ACCUSED WAR CRIMINALS.

NEXT WEEKEND, THE SECRETARY OF STATE FLIES TO BOSNIA, VISITING SARAJEVO AS WELL AS THE NORTHWEST CITY OF BANJA LUKA. SHE SAYS SHE WANTS TO FIND BOSNIAN SERB LEADERS WHO WILL COOPERATE IN BUILDING A MULTI-ETHNIC BOSNIA.

IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR US TO WORK WITH POTENTIAL GROUPS WITHINREPUBLIKA SRBSKA THAT SEE THE VALUE OF RECONCILIATION. I THINK THAT IT IT VERY IMPORTANT FOR US NOT TO TOTALLY READ THEM OUT. THEY ARE A PART OF THE EQUATION AND WE ARE GOING TO BE WORKING TO PERSUADE THEM OF THE VALUE OF WORKING ON COMMUNAL PROJECTS AND WORKING TOGETHER TO INVIGORATE THE CIVILIAN IMPLEMENTATION PART OF OUR PLAN.

THAT AMERICAN PLAN ENVISIONS ECONOMIC SUPPORT FOR THOSE WHO COOPERATE WITH THE BOSNIA PEACE AGREEMENT AND FINANCIAL ISOLATION FOR THOSE IN OPPOSITION. SECRETARY OF STATE ALBRIGHT ALSO PLANS TO VISIT THE SHATTERED TOWN OF BRCKO IN NORTHERN BOSNIA, WHICH SHE HOPES CAN BECOME A SPRINGBOARD FOR RECONCILIATION.

BEFORE THE WAR IN BOSNIA, BRCKO WAS DOMINATED BY MUSLIMS AND CROATS. IT IS NOW MAINLY SERB WITH INTERNATIONAL OFFICIALS HOPING TO BRING SOME OF THE ORIGINAL RESIDENTS BACK WITH MILITARY ASSISTANCE.

THE AMERICAN BALKAN ENVOY ROBERT GELBARD WILL BE VISITING THE REGION NEXT WEEK TO ADVISE MS. ALBRIGHT ABOUT THE PROSPECTS FORVISITING ZAGREB, BELGRADE OR BOTH WHILE SHE IS IN THE BALKANS. (SIGNED)
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23-May-97 2:53 PM EDT (1853 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[03] BOSNIA / DEATHS (S ONLY) BY KYLE KING (BONN)

INTRO: TWO GERMAN SOLDIERS SERVING WITH THE INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN BOSNIA HAVE BEEN KILLED IN WHAT IS BEING DESCRIBED AN ACCIDENT. V-O-A'S KYLE KING REPORTS FROM BONN.

TEXT: OFFICIALS AT THE GERMAN DEFENSE MINISTRY SAY THE SOLDIERS WERE PREPARING TO GO OUT ON A ROUTINE PATROL WHEN THE MACHINE GUN ON AN ARMORED VEHICLE ACCIDENTALLY FIRED SEVERAL SHOTS.

IN ADDITION TO THE TWO SOLDIERS KILLED, ANOTHER WAS WOUNDED IN THE INCIDENT, WHICH TOOK PLACE AT A GERMAN BASE CAMP NEAR SARAJEVO.

OFFICIALS SAY GERMAN TROOPS APPARENTLY WERE INSPECTING THE 20-MILLIMETER CANNON ON AN ARMORED PERSONNEL CARRIER WHEN THE WEAPON FIRED FIVE OR SIX SHOTS INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE.

OFFICIALS SAY THEY ARE INVESTIGATING WHY THE WEAPON DISCHARGED. THE SOLDIERS ARE SERVING WITH THE NATO-LED STABILIZATION FORCE IN BOSNIA. (SIGNED)
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23-May-97 6:55 AM EDT (1055 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[04] EAST EURO STOCKS (S ONLY) BY BARRY WOOD (PRAGUE)

INTRO: IT WAS A VOLATILE WEEK IN EASTERN EUROPEAN STOCK MARKETS, PARTICULARLY IN PRAGUE WHERE SPECULATORS ATTACKED THE CROWN, FORCING MASSIVE CENTRAL BANK INTERVENTION TO SUPPORT IT. V-O-A'S BARRY WOOD REPORTS FROM PRAGUE.

TEXT: THIS IS THE FIRST CURRENCY CRISIS IN POST-COMMUNIST PRAGUE. THE CZECH CENTRAL BANK SPENT NEARLY TWO-BILLION DOLLARS THIS WEEK TO KEEP THE CROWN WITHIN ITS 15 PERCENT FLUCTUATION BAND AGAINST THE GERMAN MARK AND U-S DOLLAR.

THE CROWN STRENGTHENED FRIDAY, BUT ANALYSTS SAY FURTHER SPECULATIVE ASSAULTS ARE LIKELY WHILE THE GOVERNMENT IS WEAKENED BY DISPUTES OVER HOW TO ADDRESS ECONOMIC PROBLEMS.

THE PRAGUE STOCK MARKET WAS DOWN MORE THAN FIVE PERCENT THIS WEEK WITH THE P-X 50 INDEX DOWN 25 POINTS TO 484. IN WARSAW, STOCKS LOST TWO PERCENT IN SLOW TRADING AHEAD OF AN INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING BY POLAND'S BIGGEST BANK. THE WIG INDEX LOST 310 POINTS TO 16-THOUSAND-179.

IN HUNGARY, THE MARKET WAS MIXED, WITH THE BUX INDEX DOWN EIGHT POINTS TO 58-HUNDRED-73.

ON THE SMALLER EXCHANGES, LJUBLJANA WAS UP TWO PERCENT, BRATISLAVA WAS MIXED, BUCHAREST WAS HIGHER, AND ZAGREB WAS DOWN. (SIGNED)
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23-May-97 1:50 PM EDT (1750 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: STOCK PRICES ROSE IN TRADING FRIDAY IN MAJOR EUROPEAN EXCHANGES. V-O-A'S JACK HUIZENGA HAS THE CLOSING MARKET REPORT FROM THE CITY OF LONDON.

TEXT: STOCK PRICES MADE MODEST GAINS IN ALL THREE MAJOR EUROPEAN MARKETS -- LONDON, PARIS, AND FRANKFURT.

SOME OF THE BEST GAINS WERE IN PARIS. THE CAC-40 INDEX ROSE BY MORE THAN 21 POINTS, ABOUT EIGHT-TENTHS PERCENT OF THE FRENCH MARKET'S TOTAL VALUE.

PRICES ALSO WERE UP IN FRANKFURT. THE DAX-30 INDEX ROSE MORE THAN 22 POINTS, ABOUT SIX-TENTHS PERCENT.

THE RISE WAS SMALLER IN LONDON. THE FOOTSIE-100 INDEX ENDED THE DAY UP TEN POINTS, ABOUT TWO-TENTHS PERCENT.

ON THE LONDON CURRENCY EXCHANGE, THE U-S DOLLAR GAINED IN VALUE AGAINST THE BRITISH POUND, BUT WAS DOWN AGAINST THE JAPANESE YEN AND THE GERMAN MARK.
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23-May-97 1:43 PM EDT (1743 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[06] FRANCE / BASQUE TRIALS (L ONLY) BY JULIAN NUNDY (PARIS)

INTRO: FRENCH COURTS ARE TRYING MORE THAN 40 SUSPECTED BASQUE TERRORISTS THIS MONTH IN ONE OF THE BIGGEST OPERATIONS AGAINST THE BASQUE ORGANIZATION E-T-A EVER CONDUCTED IN FRANCE. JULIAN NUNDY REPORTS FROM PARIS.

TEXT: TWO TRIALS OPENED LAST TUESDAY OF 35 DEFENDANTS ACCUSED OF BEING MEMBERS OF A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION. MOST OF THE ACCUSED ARE SPANIARDS AND EIGHT OF THEM, WHO HAVE ELUDED ARREST, ARE BEING TRIED IN THEIR ABSENCE. ON MONDAY, YET ANOTHER CASE WILL OPEN, AND SEVEN MORE SUSPECTED GUERRILLAS WILL APPEAR IN ANOTHER PARIS COURT.

IN ALL THREE CASES, THE DEFENDANTS ARE APPEARING BEFORE FRANCE'S SPECIAL ANTI-TERRORIST COURTS. IN THESE COURTS, ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE JURY ARE PROFESSIONAL JUDGES WHOSE IDENTITY IS NOT REVEALED. THEY TRAVEL TO AND FROM THE COURT UNDER ARMED GUARD. THIS WAY, FRENCH JUSTICE AUTHORITIES BELIEVE, NO PRESSURE CAN BE BROUGHT TO BEAR ON THE JURY.

THE SYSTEM AROSE FROM A TERRORIST TRIAL IN THE MID-1980'S WHEN THE DEFENDANTS THREATENED REVENGE ON THE JURY. THIS PROMPTED SOME JURORS TO CLAIM THEY WERE SICK AND NOT ABLE TO ATTEND.

THE CURRENT BASQUE TRIALS IN PARIS STARTED WITH CROWDS OF FLAG-WAVING SYMPATHIZERS DEMONSTRATING OUTSIDE THE MAIN PARIS COURTHOUSE. SOME OF THE MOST WANTED MEN IN SPAIN ARE ON TRIAL. THEY INCLUDE FRANCISCO MUGICA GARMENDIA, WHO IS ACCUSED OF A CAR-BOMB ATTACK IN MADRID IN 1991.

ALL THE DEFENDANTS ARE ACCUSED OF PLOTTING ATTACKS ON SPANISH TARGETS FROM BASES INSIDE FRANCE, USUALLY IN THE FRENCH BASQUE COUNTRY.

E-T-A'S BASQUE-LANGUAGE INITIALS STAND FOR BASQUE HOMELAND AND LIBERTY. THE ORGANIZATION IS HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ABOUT 800 DEATHS SINCE ITS BEGAN ITS CAMPAIGN FOR INDEPENDENCE IN 1968.

THERE ARE ALSO FIVE FRENCH NATIONALS ON TRIAL. THEY ARE ACCUSED OF HARBORING KNOWN TERRORISTS. THEY ALL DENY THAT THEY KNEW THE ACTIVITIES OF THEIR GUESTS.

THE SPANISH DEFENDANTS ALL FACE PRISON TERMS OF UP TO 10 YEARS IN FRENCH JAILS. THEY WILL HAVE TO SERVE WHATEVER FRENCH SENTENCES MAY BE PASSED ON THEM BEFORE SPAIN, WHICH HAS APPLIED FOR THEIR EXTRADITION TO FACE FURTHER CHARGES, CAN TRY THEM TOO.

IN ALL CASES, FRENCH COURTS HAVE ALREADY RULED THAT, WHATEVER THE FINAL VERDICTS IN PARIS, THEY SHOULD EVENTUALLY BE DEPORTED TO SPAIN. (SIGNED)
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23-May-97 8:14 AM EDT (1214 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[07] FRANCE ELECTIONS (L ONLY) BY JULIAN NUNDY (PARIS)

INTRO: FRANCE VOTES IN THE FIRST ROUND OF A PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION SUNDAY. JULIAN NUNDY IN PARIS REPORTS THAT AFTER A THREE-WEEK CAMPAIGN FAILED TO AROUSE MUCH PUBLIC ENTHUSIASM, POLITICIANS ARE WORRIED THAT MANY VOTERS WILL ABSTAIN.

TEXT: EVEN FRANCE'S MAIN LEFT-WING DAILY LIBERATION DID NOT PUT FRANCE'S ELECTION ON ITS FRONT PAGE FRIDAY, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS THE LAST DAY OF CAMPAIGNING.

AND ONE OF FRANCE'S TOP POLITICAL RADIO COMMENTATORS SUMMED UP THE PAST MONTH OF MEETINGS, SPEECHES, AND TELEVISION DEBATES AS "A SYMPHONY IN GRAY." THE ELECTION STARTS SUNDAY WITH A FIRST ROUND OF VOTING. THIS WILL BE CONCLUDED WITH A FINAL AND DECISIVE VOTE A WEEK LATER.

ONE OF THE MAIN ISSUES OF THE CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN THE LIKELY FATE OF FRENCH PRIME MINISTER ALAIN JUPPE. EVEN IF THE RIGHT DOES WIN, MANY OF HIS CONSERVATIVE SUPPORTERS THINK PRESIDENT JACQUES CHIRAC WILL REPLACE HIM TO GIVE HIS GOVERNMENT A NEW LOOK.

THE FIGHT FOR THE 577 SEATS IN FRANCE'S NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IS BASICALLY BETWEEN MR. CHIRAC'S CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT COALITION, SEEKING A NEW MANDATE TO PUSH THROUGH ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL REFORMS, AND A LEFT-WING OPPOSITION PROMISING NO MORE AUSTERITY MEASURES AND THE CREATION OF THOUSANDS OF JOBS FOR THE YOUNG.

PRESIDENT CHIRAC DISSOLVED FRANCE'S PARLIAMENT IN APRIL AND CALLED ELECTIONS NINE MONTHS EARLY BECAUSE, HE SAID, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN RISKY TO HEAD INTO THE NORMAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN AS A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT DECISIONS WERE BEING TAKEN.

CHIEF AMONG THESE IS THE CREATION NEXT APRIL OF THE SINGLE EUROPEAN CURRENCY. ON THIS POINT, DESPITE DIFFERENCES OF STYLE, THE CONSERVATIVES AND THE LEFT, LED BY THE SOCIALIST PARTY LEADER LIONEL JOSPIN, AGREE. BOTH SIDES WANT FRANCE TO BE A FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE CURRENCY THAT WILL FULLY REPLACE THE FRENCH FRANC AND OTHER PARTICIPATING CURRENCIES IN FOUR YEARS' TIME.

THE PUBLICATION OF OPINION POLLS IS BANNED IN FRANCE IN THE LAST WEEK OF ANY ELECTION CAMPAIGN, MEANING THAT NO RECENT SOUNDINGS ARE AVAILABLE. HOWEVER, DURING THE CAMPAIGN, ALL THE POLLS POINTED TO A CONSERVATIVE VICTORY, USUALLY WITH A COMFORTABLE LEAD OF AT LEAST 50 SEATS.

BUT ONE-THIRD OF VOTERS CLAIMED UP TO THE END THAT THEY HAD NOT MADE UP THEIR MINDS. NORMALLY, AROUND 70 PERCENT OF THE FRENCH CAN ALWAYS BE EXPECTED TO VOTE. THIS TIME, THE MAIN POLITICAL PARTIES FEAR THAT THE ABSTENTION RATE WILL BE MUCH HIGHER. THIS COULD FAVOR SMALLER PARTIES, LIKE THE EXTREME-RIGHT NATIONAL FRONT, AND BRING SOME SURPRISES. (SIGNED)
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23-May-97 8:05 AM EDT (1205 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: THE PENTAGON FIGURES PROMINENTLY IN TWO SEPARATE STORIES THAT ARE EDITORIAL TOPICS THIS FRIDAY AS THE NATION HEADS INTO THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, TRADITIONALLY HERALDING SUMMER. ONE IS THE FOUR YEAR DEFENSE UPDATE ANNOUNCED BY THE PENTAGON THIS WEEK, WHICH CALLS FOR SOME FORCE REDUCTIONS; THE OTHER, THE AGREEMENT TO GIVE A GENERAL DISCHARGE TO THE WOMAN AIR FORCE BOMBER PILOT FACING A COURT-MARTIAL FOR ADULTERY AND DISOBEYING AN ORDER.

OTHER TOPICS INCLUDE THE OKLAHOMA CITY BOMBING TRIAL: PRESS FREEDOM ASSAULTED BY THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY IN THE WEST BANK; RUSSIA'S BUDGET CRUNCH AND THIS COUNTRY'S BUDGET AGREEMENT. NOW, HERE IS _______________WITH A CLOSER LOOK IN TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

TEXT: SECRETARY OF DEFENSE WILLIAM COHEN THIS WEEK DELIVERED TO CONGRESS THE PENTAGON'S LATEST PLAN FOR REDUCING THE ARMED SERVICES IN THE WAKE OF THE COLD WAR, INCLUDING MILITARY BASE CLOSINGS. SUCH PLANS ALWAYS CAUSE AN UPROAR AND THIS TIME WAS NO EXCEPTION. SAYS NEWSDAY:

VOICE: "THIS QUADRENNIAL DEFENSE REVIEW THAT'S SUPPOSED TO USHER THE U-S MILITARY ESTABLISHMENT INTO THE NEXT MILLENNIUM IS AN UNIMAGINATIVE BLUEPRINT THAT AIMS TO OFFEND AS FEW INTERESTS AS POSSIBLE. SUCH TEMPORIZING IS EXPENSIVE, AND IT WILL BECOME DANGEROUS IF THE UNITED STATES EVER AGAIN FACES A SERIOUS MILITARY THREAT FROM A GREAT-POWER RIVAL. [OPT] TO MOVE INTO THE 21ST CENTURY, THE PENTAGON IS STICKING WITH A FORCE STRUCTURE OF TEN COMBAT-READY DIVISIONS FOR THE ARMY,. 12 CARRIER GROUPS FOR THE NAVY AND 12 ACTIVE-DUTY FIGHTER WINGS FOR THE AIR FORCE. [END OPT] ..... THE PENTAGON ALSO PLANS TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF ACTIVE-DUTY BODIES IN ALL SERVICE BRANCHES, AS WELL AS THE RESERVES AND THE NATIONAL GUARD. THIS IS SURE TO RAISE CRIES IN CONGRESS .... THAT THE U-S MILITARY WILL BE A 'HOLLOW FORCE.' DON'T BELIEVE IT."

TEXT: THE DENVER POST CALLS THE ASSESSMENT "A REASONABLE EFFORT TO TRIM NONCOMBAT SUPPORT SYSTEMS WITHOUT REDUCING THE COMBAT TEETH," AND SUMS UP ITS VIEW THIS WAY:

VOICE: "WHAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE SHOULD REMEMBER IN THE COMING DEBATE IS THIS: IF CONGRESSIONAL PORK-BARRELING WASTES MONEY ON NEEDLESS BASES AND SUPERFLUOUS WEAPONS SYSTEMS, AMERICAN FORCES IN A FUTURE CONFLICT WILL BE FORCED TO FIGHT WITH INFERIOR WEAPONS OR INADEQUATE TRAINING. THUS, [SECRETARY] COHEN'S PROPOSALS ..... DESERVE TO BE APPROVED."

TEXT: IN GEORGIA, HOWEVER, THE ATLANTA CONSTITUTION IS NOT IMPRESSED WITH THE PLAN.

VOICE: "... THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT RELEASED WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN AN HONEST ASSESSMENT OF FUTURE MILITARY THREATS TO AMERICA'S SECURITY, AS WELL AS A FOUR-YEAR PLAN FOR THWARTING THOSE THREATS. INSTEAD, IT HAS PRODUCED A PLAN MORE CONCERNED ABOUT PROTECTING THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY THAN AMERICAN CITIZENS AND TAXPAYERS. [OPT] THE U-S MILITARY ALREADY SPENDS FAR MORE THAN ALL OUR POTENTIAL ENEMIES COMBINED." [END OPT]

TEXT: THE OTHER BIG MILITARY STORY OF THE DAY IS THE GENERAL DISCHARGE GRANTED YESTERDAY TO THE FIRST FEMALE B-52 BOMBER PILOT KELLY FLYNN, WHO WAS FACING A COURT-MARTIAL ON CHARGES OF ADULTERY AND DISOBEYING A DIRECT ORDER. SAYS THE NEW YORK TIMES:

VOICE: "AIR FORCE SECRETARY SHEILA WIDNALL BOWED TO RISING PUBLIC ANGER AND RIDICULE YESTERDAY AND CALLED OFF THE COURT-MARTIAL ..... THE GENERAL DISCHARGE GRANTED TO LIEUTENANT FLINN IS LESS THAN THE HONORABLE DISCHARGE WE HAD RECOMMENDED. BUT IT AT LEAST PROVIDES A WAY OUT OF THIS MESS FOR A PROMISING OFFICER WHO SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN DRIVEN TO THIS POINT, AND FOR AN EMBATTLED MILITARY CULTURE THAT HAS A LOT TO LEARN ABOUT HANDLING SENSITIVE PERSONAL MATTERS.

..... THE CASE PUTS THE AIR FORCE, AND ITS SISTER SERVICES .... ON NOTICE THAT THEY NEED TO REVIEW THEIR ANTIQUATED ADULTERY RULES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT TRAINING."

TEXT: WHILE IN FLORIDA, THE MIAMI HERALD CALLS THE RESULT "THE BEST ALTERNATIVE POSSIBLE, NEITHER HONORABLE NOR DISHONORABLE, BUT ONE THAT ALLOWS ALL TO MOVE ON." IT ADDS:

VOICE: ".... A COURT-MARTIAL IN THIS OVERWROUGHT DRAMA WOULD HAVE SERVED NO GOOD END. IN GIVING A GENERAL DISCHARGE, THE AIR FORCE DOES ITSELF, LT. FLINN, AND THE COUNTRY A FAVOR."

TEXT: ANOTHER MAJOR STORY IS THE TRIAL OF OKLAHOMA BOMBING SUSPECT TIMOTHY MCVEIGH. THE PROSECUTION HAS RESTED ITS FAST-PACED CASE, AND THE DEFENSE HAS BEGUN ITS CASE. MAINE'S PORTLAND PRESS HERALD SAYS DESPITE THE SPEED OF THE TRIAL, THE JURY SHOULD TAKES ITS TIME MAKING A DECISION.

VOICE: "FEDERAL PROSECUTORS PRESENTED 137 WITNESSES IN ONLY 18 DAYS OF TESTIMONY, AND DEFENSE ATTORNEYS SAY THEY WILL TAKE EVEN LESS TIME TO MAKE THEIR CASE. AT THIS RATE, THE CASE COULD GO TO THE JURY, WHICH IS NOT BEING SEQUESTERED, IN JUST TWO OR THREE WEEKS. JUSTICE SHOULD BE SWIFT, BUT IT MUST BE THOROUGH. ..... A CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF ALL THE EVIDENCE IS NOT OUT OF PLACE WHEN WHAT IS BEING DEBATED IS THE WORST INCIDENT OF TERRORISM EVER TO TAKE PLACE ON AMERICAN SOIL. . . THE JURY ROOM IS A PLACE FOR CALM, COOL EVALUATION OF ALL THE EVIDENCE. THAT IS THE COURSE THAT WILL LEAD TO JUSTICE FOR THE ACCUSED . . . "

TEXT: TURNING TO THE MIDDLE EAST, SEVERAL PAPERS ARE UPSET WITH THE ARRERST BY YASSER ARAFAT'S PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY, OF AN ARAB-AMERICAN TELEVISION EXECUTIVE, DAOUD KUTTAB. HE PRODUCES BROADCASTS OF PALESTINIAN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSIONS, WHICH ARE OFTEN CRITICAL OF THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY. THE LOS ANGELES TIMES COMMENTS:

VOICE: "[MR.] ARAFAT CLEARLY DID NOT WANT PALESTINIANS TO HEAR THE ACCUSATIONS RAISED AGAINST HIM. HE COULD NOT SHUT DOWN THE FREELY ELECTED COUNCIL, BUT HE COULD TRY TO HALT DISSEMINATION OF ITS DEBATES. THE KUTTAB CASE IS ONLY THE LATEST ENTRY IN A LENGTHENING CATALOG OF ABUSES OF POWER SINCE THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY CAME INTO BEING IN 1994. .... IF THE DREAM OF A DEMOCRATIC PALESTINE IS TO BECAME A REALITY, IT WILL NOT BE BECAUSE OF THE FEARFUL INTOLERANCE BY [MR.] ARAFAT .... BUT BECAUSE OF THE COURAGE AND DEDICATION OF PEOPLE LIKE DAOUD KUTTAB."

TEXT: REGARDING RUSSIA'S INCREASINGLY SERIOUS GOVERNMENT MONEY SHORTAGE , TODAY'S NEW YORK TIMES OPINES:

VOICE: "NOT LONG AFTER BORIS YELTSIN RESUMED HIS DUTIES AS PRESIDENT EARLY THIS YEAR, HE PROMISED TO OVERHAUL RUSSIA'S DYSFUNCTIONAL TAX SYSTEM. THAT EFFORT HAS SO FAR ACCOMPLISHED NOTHING, AND RUSSIA MUST NOW PAY THE PRICE OF TRYING TO OPERATE A GOVERNMENT REELING FROM A FREE FALL IN REVENUES. THE GOVERNMENT'S NEW AUSTERITY PLAN IS A PAINFUL BUT APPROPRIATE RESPONSE. .... BUT BUDGET CUTS ARE NO SUBSTITUTE FOR FIXING A TAX SYSTEM THAT IS NUMBINGLY COMPLEX, INEQUITABLE AND INEFFECTUAL."

TEXT: AND SPEAKING OF BUDGETS, THE U-S BALANCED BUDGET DEAL BETWEEN PRESIDENT CLINTON AND CONGRESS HAS BEEN GETTING PLENTY OF EDITORIAL COMMENT. TODAY'S WASHINGTON POST CALLS IT "A MISSHAPEN BUDGET" AND ADDS:

VOICE: "THE WEAK BUDGET DEAL THAT CONGRESS IS ABOUT TO ENDORSE, PRETENDING IT IS STRONG, IS BASED ON A CONTRADICTION. IT SEEKS TO PROPITIATE THE GREAT MASS OF THE PUBLIC AND BALANCE THE BUDGET AT THE SAME TIME. THE RESULT IS A MISSHAPEN DOCUMENT THAT LIKELY WON'T ENDURE BECAUSE, TO PROTECT SOME PROGRAMS, IT PUTS MORE PRESSURE ON OTHERS THAN THEY EITHER CAN OR OUGHT TO BE MADE TO ENDURE. .....THE SPENDING LIMITS IT DOES IMPOSE WILL TURN OUT TO BE EITHER DAMAGING OR FAKE OR SOME OF BOTH. IT'S A BAD FRAMEWORK, AND IT IS ALREADY PRODUCING BAD RESULTS."

TEXT: LASTLY, IN A CULTURAL NOTE, THE OMAHA [NEBRASKA] WORLD-HERALD APPLAUDS PRESIDENT CLINTON'S ATTACK ON THE FASHION INDUSTRY IN THIS COUNTRY FOR GLAMORIZING HEROIN IN ITS SO-CALLED "HEROIN CHIC" PICTURES OF MODELS. QUOTING THE PRESIDENT, THE WORLD-HERALD AGREES:

VOICE: "'THE GLORIFICATION OF HEROIN IS NOT CREATIVE; IT'S DESTRUCTIVE ..... IT'S NOT BEAUTIFUL; IT IS UGLY. AND THIS IS NOT ABOUT ART; IT'S ABOUT LIFE AND DEATH. AND GLORIFYING DEATH IS NOT GOOD FOR ANY SOCIETY. YOU DO NOT NEED TO GLAMORIZE ADDICTION TO SELL CLOTHES.'"

TEXT: THAT CONCLUDES THIS BRIEF SAMPLING OF EDITORIALS FROM TODAY'S U-S PRESS.
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23-May-97 11:39 AM EDT (1539 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: STOCK PRICES IN THE UNITED STATES WERE UP STRONGLY TODAY (FRIDAY) WITH MAJOR INDEXES AT RECORD HIGHS. V-O-A'S CORRESPONDENT BRECK ARDERY REPORTS FROM NEW YORK.

TEXT: THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE REACHED ITS 20TH RECORD HIGH THIS YEAR, CLOSING AT 73 HUNDRED 45, UP 87 POINTS. FOR THE WEEK, THE INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE GAINED 151 POINTS. THE BROADER AND MORE REPRESENTATIVE STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 INDEX CLOSED FRIDAY AT 847, UP 11 POINTS AND ALSO A RECORD HIGH.

ANALYSTS SAY THURSDAY'S INFLATION AND INTEREST RATE CONCERNS SEEMED TO EVAPORATE AS THE INTEREST YIELD ON THE 30-YEAR U-S GOVERNMENT BOND STAYED BELOW SEVEN PERCENT.

A SURVEY BY THE U-S CENTRAL BANK SHOWS MOST AMERICAN COMMERCIAL BANKS EXPECT INCREASES IN DEFAULTS ON CONSUMER LOANS. THE BANKS ARE SCALING BACK LENDING TO INDIVIDUALS. BUT THE BANKERS SAY THEY ARE STILL EAGER TO LEND TO BUSINESSES.

GENERAL MOTORS CHAIRMAN JACK SMITH SAYS THE COMPANY HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO TAKE STRIKES LAST YEAR, STRIKES WHICH COST G-M AN ESTIMATED ONE POINT TWO BILLION DOLLARS IN LOST PROFITS. SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS MEETING, MR. SMITH SAID G-M CAN NOT REMAIN COMPETITIVE IF IT MEETS ALL DEMANDS MADE BY THE AUTO WORKERS UNION.

PETER LUND HAS RESIGNED AS PRESIDENT OF THE C-B-S TELEVISION NETWORK IN AN APPARENT DISPUTE OVER MANAGEMENT REORGANIZATION. THE WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORPORATION, WHICH OWNS C-B-S, SAYS MEL KARMAZIN, WHO HAD BEEN HEAD OF THE COMPANIES RADIO STATIONS, WILL NOW ALSO BE IN CHARGE OF THE TELEVISION PROPERTIES.

ONE OF THE CHIEF NEGOTIATORS IN TALKS AIMED AT ENDING TOBACCO LITIGATION IN THE UNITED STATES SAYS REPORTS OF AN IMMINENT SETTLEMENT ARE NOT TRUE. HOWEVER, MIKE MOORE, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, SAYS IT SHOULD BE CLEAR IN A FEW WEEKS IF A DEAL IS POSSIBLE.(SIGNED)
NEB/NY/BA/PT
23-May-97 5:24 PM EDT (2124 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[10] SERB / WAR CRIMES (L) BY KYLE KING (BONN)

INTRO: A GERMAN COURT HAS CONVICTED A BOSNIAN SERB MAN OF TAKING PART IN THE MASS KILLING OF MUSLIMS DURING THE WAR IN BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA. V-O-A'S KYLE KING REPORTS FROM BONN.

TEXT: THIRTY-FOUR-YEAR OLD NOVISLAV DJAJIC WAS SENTENCED TO A FIVE-YEAR PRISON TERM AFTER THE COURT CONVICTED HIM OF INVOLVEMENT IN THE MURDER OF 14 MUSLIM MEN FROM HIS HOME TOWN IN 1992.

THE SOLE SURVIVOR OF THE INCIDENT, AND FORMER FRIEND OF DJAJIC, TESTIFIED THE 14 VICTIMS WERE TAKEN TO A BRIDGE AND SHOT BY BOSNIAN SERB TROOPS.

SEVERAL OTHERS ALLEGEDLY ROUNDED UP BY THE SERBS WERE NEVER SEEN AGAIN. DJAJIC, A FORMER BOSNIAN SERB SOLDIER, ADMITTED HE WAS A MEMBER OF THE UNIT THAT CARRIED OUT THE KILLINGS. BUT HE DENIED TAKING PART.

THE COURT CONVICTED HIM OF BEING AN ACCOMPLICE TO THE MURDERS AND THE ATTEMPTED MURDER OF THE WITNESS WHO ESCAPED THE KILLINGS.

THE CASE IS ONE OF TWO INTERNATIONAL WAR CRIMES TRIALS BEING PROSECUTED IN GERMANY, WHERE THE SUSPECTS WERE ARRESTED.

THE CASES ARE THE FIRST INTERNATIONALLY SANCTIONED WAR CRIMES TRIALS TO TAKE PLACE IN GERMANY SINCE TOP NAZIS WERE PUT ON TRIAL IN 1945.

PROSECUTORS ARE ALSO INVESTIGATING MORE THAN 40 OTHER INDIVIDUALS SUSPECTED OF INVOLVEMENT IN WAR CRIMES IN THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA.

UNDER INTERNATIONAL LAW, SUSPECTS IN CASES OF GENOCIDE CAN BE TRIED ABROAD AND ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE GIVEN SHELTER BY ANY COUNTRY. (SIGNED)
NEB/KBK/JWH
23-May-97 7:11 AM EDT (1111 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[11] TURKEY / POLITICS (L ONLY) BY AMBERIN ZAMAN (ANKARA)

INTRO: TURKEY'S ISLAMIST-LED COALITION HAS BEEN FURTHER WEAKENED BY THE RESIGNATION FRIDAY OF TWO DEPUTIES FROM THE SECULARIST WING OF THE GOVERNMENT. AMBERIN ZAMAN REPORTS FROM ANKARA.

TEXT: THE DEPUTIES FROM DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER TANSU CILLER'S CONSERVATIVE TRUE PATH PARTY OR D-Y-P CITED THE GOVERNMENT'S ANTI-SECULAR POLICIES AS THE REASON FOR THEIR RESIGNATION.

ANALYSTS SAY THE RESIGNATIONS WILL LIKELY INCREASE PRESSURE ON MRS. CILLER TO END HER COALITION AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTRY'S FIRST ISLAMIST PRIME MINISTER, NECMETTIN ERBAKAN.

MRS. CILLER, WHO AS MR. ERBAKAN'S PREDECESSOR WAS TURKEY'S FIRST WOMAN PRIME MINISTER, HAS FACED HARSH CRITICISM FROM TURKEY'S PRO-SECULAR MAJORITY OVER HER DECISION TO FORM A GOVERNMENT WITH THE ISLAMISTS LAST YEAR.

SUCH CRITICISM HAS INTENSIFIED IN RECENT MONTHS AS MR. ERBAKAN CONTINUES TO PROMOTE HIS PARTY'S PRO-ISLAMIC AGENDA IN DEFIANCE OF STIFF WARNINGS ISSUED BY THE TURKEY'S STAUNCHLY PRO-SECULAR MILITARY.

TURKEY'S TOP GENERALS HAVE BEEN OPENLY LOBBYING FOR MR. ERBAKAN TO STEP DOWN. BUT MOVES BY THE MAIN OPPOSITION PARTIES TO PROVIDE A CREDIBLE ALTERNATIVE TO THE RULING COALITION HAVE PROVED EMPTY SO FAR. A CENSURE MOTION PRESENTED BY FOUR OPPOSITION PARTIES IN THE TURKISH PARLIAMENT AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT WAS VOTED DOWN -- ALBEIT NARROWLY -- EARLIER THIS WEEK.

MRS. CILLER SUGGESTED FRIDAY THAT THE BEST WAY OUT OF THE CURRENT DEADLOCK WAS TO HOLD EARLY GENERAL ELECTIONS. BUT POLITICAL COMMENTATORS POINT OUT THAT FRESH ELECTIONS ARE NOT LIKELY TO DELIVER AN OUTRIGHT MAJORITY FOR ANY SINGLE PARTY.

RECENT OPINION POLLS INDICATE THAT THE ISLAMISTS WHO CAME FIRST IN THE 1995 ELECTIONS -- ALTHOUGH WITH ONLY 21 PERCENT OF THE VOTE -- WOULD EMERGE FROM THE BALLOT BOX STRONGER THAN BEFORE. (SIGNED)
NEB/AZ/JWH
23-May-97 10:08 AM EDT (1408 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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