Voice of America, 97-09-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] BOSNIA / BOYCOTT (S ALT) BY ART CHIMES (SARAJEVO)

[02] BOSNIA / ELECTION (S O/NITER) BY ART CHIMES (SARAJEVO)

[03] BOSNIA BOYCOTT (S-O) BY ART CHIMES (SARAJEVO)

[04] BOSNIA ELECTIONI / SECURITY (S ONLY) BY ART CHIMES (SARAJEVO)

[05] BOSNIA MEDIA (L) BY ART CHIMES (SARAJEVO)

[06] BOSNIA SUSPECTS (L ONLY) BY ART CHIMES (SARAJEVO)

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

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

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

[10] NATO / BOSNIA (S ONLY) (CQ) BY ART CHIMES (SARAJEVO)

[11] SCOTTISH VOTE (L) BY ANDRE DE NESNERA (LONDON)

[12] U-N WEEK-IN-REVIEW BY ELAINE JOHANSON (UNITED NATIONS)

[13] U-S BOSNIA (S-O) BY PAMELA TAYLOR (BANJA LUKA)

[01] BOSNIA / BOYCOTT (S ALT) BY ART CHIMES (SARAJEVO)

INTRO: THE MAIN BOSNIAN CROAT POLITICAL PARTY HAS DECIDED TO CALL OFF A PLANNED BOYCOTT OF BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA'S ELECTION. THE CROAT PARTY MADE THE DECISION AFTER REACHING AN AGREEMENT THAT -- AMONG OTHER THINGS -- WILL GUARANTEE THEY DO NOT LOSE CONTROL OF THE KEY CITY OF MOSTAR, WHICH NOW IS EVENLY DIVIDED BETWEEN CROATS AND MUSLIMS. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ART CHIMES IS COVERING THE BOSNIAN ELECTION FROM SARAJEVO.

TEXT: THE VOTING IS BEING SUPERVISED BY THE ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE (O-S-C-E). THE GROUP'S CHIEF OFFICIAL IN BOSNIA SAID THE DEAL WITH CROATS IS COMPLICATED AND CAME ONLY AFTER WHAT HE CALLS INTENSIVE DISCUSSIONS IN ZAGREB.

VOTING BY ALL PARTIES NOW CAN GET UNDERWAY. BUT BECAUSE DISPLACED PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO VOTE WHERE THEY FORMERLY LIVED, ONE GROUP MAY BE ABLE TO ELECT A MAJORITY OF OFFICIALS WHERE THE CURRENT POPULATION IS DOMINATED BY ANOTHER GROUP.

SO THE O-S-C-E'S ROBERT FROWICK SAYS THE NEXT MAJOR TEST WILL BE MAKING SURE ELECTED OFFICIALS CAN CARRY OUT THEIR DUTIES.

IT WILL BE CHALLENGING. BUT THE CONCEPT IS READY. IT WILL NOW BE UP TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO FOLLOW THROUGH ON IT.

INTERNATIONAL SUPERVISORS WILL OVERSEE THE VOTING SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FOR LOCAL OFFICES IN BOSNIA. (SINGED)
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12-Sep-97 7:44 AM EDT (1144 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[02] BOSNIA / ELECTION (S O/NITER) BY ART CHIMES (SARAJEVO)

INTRO: VOTERS IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA BEGIN CASTING BALLOTS SATURDAY (TODAY) IN TWO DAYS OF CRITICAL MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ART CHIMES IN SARAJEVO REPORTS ALL IS READY FOR THE VOTE.

TEXT: ABOUT TWO-AND-ONE-HALF-MILLION BOSNIANS ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE FOR LOCAL COUNCILS IN THIS DIVIDED COUNTRY. THOUSANDS OF DISPLACED PERSONS ARE EXPECTED TO TRAVEL TO THE HOMETOWNS THEY LEFT DURING THE WAR, AND TENSIONS COULD BE HIGH.

LOCAL POLICE WILL PROVIDE SECURITY FOR VOTERS, AND NATO-LED PEACEKEEPERS WILL GUARD THE BALLOTS AND PROTECT SOME 25-HUNDRED INTERNATIONAL ELECTION OFFICIALS.

THE VOTE IS ONE OF THE MOST CRITICAL TESTS OF THE DAYTON PEACE AGREEMENT AND THE PROCESS OF NORMALIZATION.

NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL JAVIER SOLANA SAID THE ELECTION SHOULD BE A STEP TOWARD RECONCILIATION BETWEEN BOSNIA'S DIVIDED SERB, CROAT AND MUSLIM COMMUNITIES.

BUT THE REAL TEST, SAY MANY OBSERVERS, WILL NOT BE WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE VOTING, BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS TAKE OFFICE AND TRY TO GOVERN. (SIGNED)
NEB/AC/JWH/RRM
12-Sep-97 2:00 PM EDT (1800 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[03] BOSNIA BOYCOTT (S-O) BY ART CHIMES (SARAJEVO)

INTRO: THE MAIN BOSNIAN-CROAT NATIONALIST PARTY HAS CALLED OFF A BOYCOTT IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA'S VOTING SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. AS WE HEAR FROM CORRESPONDENT ART CHIMES IN SARAJEVO, THAT CLEARS THE WAY FOR FULL PARTICIPATION IN THE ELECTIONS.

TEXT: THE CROATIAN DEMOCRATIC UNION CALLED OFF THE BOYCOTT LATE THURSDAY, AFTER TWO-DAYS OF PRESSURE.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIATORS CONVINCED CROATIA'S PRESIDENT FRANJO TUDJMAN TO USE HIS INFLUENCE TO PERSUADE THE PARTY TO TAKE PART IN THE CRITICAL BOSNIAN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

THE CROAT NATIONALIST PARTY HAD SAID THE ELECTION PROCEDURES WERE UNFAIR, AND THEY CHALLENGED REGISTRATION LISTS IN SEVERAL AREAS. THE VOTING IS BEING SUPERVISED BY THE ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE, WHICH SAID IT WILL MAKE SOME ADJUSTMENTS.

SEPARATELY, SERB NATIONALISTS ALSO BACKED DOWN ON THEIR THREAT TO BOYCOTT THE ELECTION. THE VOTING IS SEEN AS A CRITICAL TEST OF THE NORMALIZATION PROCESS IN BOSNIA. (SIGNED)
NEB/RAE
12-Sep-97 3:28 AM EDT (0728 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[04] BOSNIA ELECTIONI / SECURITY (S ONLY) BY ART CHIMES (SARAJEVO)

INTRO: VOTERS IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA GO TO THE POLLS IN LOCAL ELECTIONS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY IN A COUNTRY DIVIDED AMONG MUSLIMS, CROATS, AND SERBS. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ART CHIMES IN SARAJEVO REPORTS INTERNATIONAL OFFICIALS ORGANIZING THE VOTE SAY SECURITY WILL BE CRITICAL.

TEXT: ABOUT 300-THOUSAND DISPLACED PEOPLE SAY THEY WANT TO RETURN TO THEIR HOME COMMUNITIES TO VOTE.

THERE IS A FEAR THAT COULD LEAD TO VIOLENCE AS THE VICTIMS OF ETHNIC CLEANSING RETURN TO AREAS NOW DOMINATED BY THOSE WHO EXPELLED THEM.

LOCAL POLICE AND U-N OFFICIALS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SECURITY AT THE POLLS AND ALONG DESIGNATED ROUTES.

AS FOR THE BALLOTS, THEY WILL BE HANDLED BY INTERNATIONAL ELECTIONS OFFICIALS. BOTH THE OFFICIALS AND THE SENSITIVE DOCUMENTS WILL BE GUARDED BY NATO-LED S-FOR (STABILIZATION FORCE) PEACEKEEPING FORCES.

ELECTION OFFICIAL NICOLE SZULC TOLD REPORTERS HOW THEY WILL BE PROTECTED.

S-FOR WILL CONSIDER SUCH PROPERTY OR PERSONS AS IF THEY WERE S-FOR SOLDIERS OR PROPERTY. AND LETHAL FORCE MAY BE EMPLOYED, IF REQUIRED, IN THE EVENT THAT A THREAT IS ENCOUNTERED.

MORE THAN 24-HUNDRED INTERNATIONAL OFFICIALS WILL OVERSEE THE BOSNIAN ELECTION FOR LOCAL OFFICES. (SIGNED)
NEB/AC/JWH/KL
12-Sep-97 8:12 AM EDT (1212 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[05] BOSNIA MEDIA (L) BY ART CHIMES (SARAJEVO)

INTRO: NATO HAS SENT SPECIALLY EQUIPPED AIRPLANES TO A BASE NEAR BOSNIA THAT COULD BE USED TO JAM BROADCASTS DURING BOSNIA'S LOCAL ELECTIONS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN HEAVILY INFLUENCED BY RADIO, TELEVISION AND THE PRINT MEDIA. AND, V-O-A'S ART CHIMES REPORTS THEIR ROLE HAS BEEN CONTROVERSIAL, AND OBSERVERS SAY IT HAS NOT ALWAYS BEEN CONSTRUCTIVE.

TEXT: THE MILITARY PLANES ACT AS RADIO OR TELEVISION TRANSMITTERS IN THE AIR AND THEY ALSO CARRY EQUIPMENT TO JAM BROADCASTS.

NATO SECRETARY GENERAL JAVIER SOLANA SAID NATO-LED TROOPS STAND READY TO TAKE FIRM ACTION AGAINST MEDIA OPERATING AGAINST EITHER THE SPIRIT OR THE LETTER OF THE DAYTON PEACE AGREEMENT. AND HE SAID NATO'S EUROPEAN COMMANDER, WESLEY CLARK, HAS THE POWER TO ACT AGAINST THE OFFENDERS.

GENERAL CLARK HAS RECEIVED FULL AUTHORITY FROM THE NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL TO TAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS AGAINST THE ABUSE OF MEDIA TO INCITE VIOLENCE OR UNDERMINE DAYTON.

GENERAL CLARK DECLINED TO SPECIFY WHAT ACTION MIGHT BE TAKEN AGAINST OFFENDING MEDIA. BUT HE ACKNOWLEDGED IT MIGHT BE LOGICAL TO ASSUME THE SPECIAL AIRPLANES MIGHT HAVE A ROLE.

MEDIA OBSERVERS SAY THE BOSNIAN SERB TELEVISION IS THE WORST OFFENDER. AND INTERNATIONAL NEGOTIATORS HAVE BEEN IN WHAT IS DESCRIBED AS A "WORKMAN-LIKE" AND "CONSTRUCTIVE" DIALOGUE WITH OFFICIALS OF THE BOSNIAN SERB TELEVISION.

AN ANALYST WITH THE INDEPENDENT ORGANIZATION, MEDIA PLAN, SAYS COVERAGE OF THE CAMPAIGN HAS GENERALLY NOT BEEN FAIR.

THE ANALYST, DUSAN BABIC, SAID THE LEADING TELEVISION BROADCASTERS AND MANY OTHER NEWS OUTLETS ARE CONTROLLED BY MUSLIM, CROAT, OR SERB NATIONALISTS. THE INDEPENDENT MEDIA ARE MOSTLY NEWER AND SMALLER, STAFFED BY YOUNG AND OFTEN INEXPERIENCED JOURNALISTS, WITH FEWER RESOURCES -- DESPITE THE FUNDING MANY OF THEM GET FROM DONOR NATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS. (SIGNED)
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12-Sep-97 12:28 PM EDT (1628 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[06] BOSNIA SUSPECTS (L ONLY) BY ART CHIMES (SARAJEVO)

INTRO: THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA APPEARS DIVIDED ON THE TREATMENT OF SOME PEOPLE SUSPECTED OF WAR CRIMES WHO MIGHT TRY TO VOTE IN LOCAL ELECTIONS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. V-O-A'S ART CHIMES IN SARAJEVO REPORTS BOSNIA'S PROVISIONAL ELECTION COMMITTEE HAS DECLARED A LIMITED AMNESTY. BUT NATO SAYS TROOPS WILL ARREST ANY SUSPECTS THEY ENCOUNTER.

TEXT: THE ELECTION COMMISSION FOR BOSNIA HAS, IN EFFECT, GRANTED A TEMPORARY AMNESTY TO SOME WAR-CRIMES SUSPECTS DURING THE VOTING, TO ALLOW THEM TO CAST THEIR BALLOTS.

CHANGES TO ELECTION RULES ADOPTED THURSDAY APPEAR TO GIVE SUSPECTS UNDER SEALED INDICTMENTS THE FREEDOM TO VOTE. SPOKESMAN DAVID FOLEY OF THE ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE -- WHICH IS RUNNING THE ELECTION -- EXPLAINED THE RULE.

I AM NOT SUGGESTING IMMUNITY IN ANY WAY. IT IS AGAINST THE RULES OF THE PROVISIONAL ELECTION COMMISSION FOR ANYONE TO BE ARRESTED ON WAR CRIMES CHARGES WHO HAS NOT BEEN OFFICIALLY INDICTED BY THE I-C-T-Y AND IS FAILING TO COMPLY WITH AN ORDER TO APPEAR.

THE I-C-T-Y IS THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL TRIBUNAL FOR THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA IN THE HAGUE.

THE TRIBUNAL, IN FACT, DISAGREES WITH THE ELECTION COMMISSION ON THIS MATTER, AS DOES NATO. IT IS THE NATO-LED PEACEKEEPERS WHO HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO ARREST WAR CRIMES SUSPECTS. AND NATO'S COMMANDER IN EUROPE, WESLEY CLARK, SAYS HIS TROOPS IN BOSNIA STILL ARE COMMITTED TO ARRESTING WAR CRIMES SUSPECTS WHEN THEY FIND THEM.

WE WERE NOT CONSULTED. WE WERE NEVER ASKED. AND OUR INSTRUCTIONS REMAIN EXACTLY THE SAME AS THEY HAVE BEEN. IF WE ENCOUNTER WAR CRIMINALS IN THE COURSE OF OUR DUTY -- AND THE TACTICAL SITUATION PERMITS -- THEY ARE GOING TO BE DETAINED AND TURNED OVER TO ICTY. IT CAN BE NO OTHER WAY.

NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL JAVIER SOLANA ADDED THAT ANY CHANGE IN THE MISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE APPROVED BY THE NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL, WHICH HAS NOT APPROVED ANY CHANGES.

IN ANY EVENT, THE ISSUE MAY NEVER ARISE. DESPITE SOME ARRESTS, THE NATO-LED PEACEKEEPERS REPEATEDLY HAVE BEEN ACCUSED OF FAILING TO GO AFTER WAR CRIMES SUSPECTS -- EVEN THE MOST NOTORIOUS WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE WIDELY KNOWN. (SIGNED)
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12-Sep-97 12:25 PM EDT (1625 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: STOCK PRICES FELL AGAIN IN TRADING FRIDAY ON EUROPEAN EXCHANGES. V-O-A'S JACK HUIZENGA HAS THE CLOSING MARKET REPORT FROM LONDON.

TEXT: STOCK PRICES WERE DOWN IN ALL THREE MAJOR EUROPEAN MARKETS, WITH A MAJOR DROP IN FRANKFURT AND MUCH SMALLER DECLINES ELSEWHERE.

IN FRANKFURT, THE DAX-30 INDEX ENDED THE DAY OFF MORE THAN 117 POINTS, ALMOST THREE PERCENT OF THE FRANKFURT MARKET'S TOTAL VALUE. PRICES DROPPED EVEN MORE IN LATER COMPUTERIZED TRADING. IN PARIS, THE CAC-40 INDEX WAS OFF MORE THAN NINE POINTS, ABOUT THREE-TENTHS PERCENT. AND, IN LONDON, PRICES FELL FOR THE FIFTH DAY THIS WEEK. THE FOOTSIE-100 INDEX CLOSED DOWN MORE THAN SIX POINTS, ABOUT ONE-TENTH PERCENT.

ON THE LONDON CURRENCY EXCHANGE, THE U-S DOLLAR GAINED IN VALUE AGAINST THE JAPANESE YEN. BUT IT LOST VALUE AGAINST THE GERMAN MARK AND THE BRITISH POUND. (SIGNED)
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FROM THE V-O-A OFFICE IN THE CITY OF LONDON, I AM JACK HUIZENGA.
12-Sep-97 2:00 PM EDT (1800 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: SCANNING THE EDITORIALS COLUMNS IN FRIDAY'S U-S PAPERS, ONE FINDS A WIDE VARIETY OF TOPICS, INCLUDING THE SENATE HEARINGS ON CAMPAIGN FINANCING VIOLATIONS AND WHAT IT HAS OR HAS NOT ACHIEVED AND THE CANCELLATION BY THE SENATE OF A 50-BILLION DOLLAR TAX RELIEF MEASURE FOR THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY.

OTHER TOPICS UNDER REVIEW INCLUDE THE FIGHT OVER FAST TRACK AUTHORITY FOR TRADE DEALS; THE SCOTTISH ELECTION TO RESUME ITS OWN PARLIAMENT; WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR THE CONGO; AND THE CULPRIT IN THOSE CUBAN TERRORIST BOMBINGS.

NOW, HERE WITH A CLOSER LOOK IS ____________________ AND TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

TEXT: TODAY'S NEW YORK TIMES IS COMMENTING ON THE PROGRESS SO FAR OF THE SENATE INVESTIGATION INTO CAMPAIGN FINANCE VIOLATIONS DURING LAST YEAR'S ELECTION. THE PAPER NOTES THAT THE MOST SENSATIONAL ACCUSATIONS, ABOUT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT BUYING INFLUENCE WITH DONATIONS TO THE CLINTON CAMPAIGN, HAVE NOT BEEN PROVED.

VOICE: "TWO MONTHS AFTER SENATOR FRED THOMPSON BOLDLY DECLARED THAT CHINA HAD DEVELOPED A PLAN TO INFLUENCE THE 1996 AMERICAN ELECTIONS WITH SECRET AND IN SOME CASES ILLEGAL OPERATIONS, HIS SERIOUS ACCUSATION REMAINS UNPROVED BUT ALSO UNIMPEACHED. THAT IS UNNERVING, [OPT] FOR THE CHARGE IS NOT ONLY ONE OF THE MOST EXPLOSIVE ELEMENTS OF THE CAMPAIGN FINANCE SCANDAL BUT ALSO CENTRAL TO THE MANAGEMENT OF WASHINGTON'S RELATIONS WITH BEIJING. BOTH THE SENATE AND THE WHITE HOUSE HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO TELL THE COUNTRY WHAT THEY KNOW AND WHAT THEY MAKE OF IT. [END OPT] ...... WITH CHINA'S PRESIDENT, JIANG ZEMIN, DUE IN WASHINGTON NEXT MONTH, MR. CLINTON, MR. THOMPSON ...... SHOULD SPARE NO EFFORT TO SOLVE THIS PUZZLE."

TEXT: AND SPEAKING OF THE CHINESE PRESIDENT, HE IS BUSY IN BEIJING, WITH THE OPENING SATURDAY [TOMORROW] OF THE CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY CONGRESS, WHERE HE SEEKS TO CLAIM TOTAL AUTHORITY OVER THE NATION. THE WALL STREET JOURNAL CALLS IT "THE MOST IMPORTANT TEST OF HIS CAREER.." ADDING:

VOICE: WHATEVER THE OUTCOME, CHINA'S PRESIDENT SEEMS TO HAVE DECIDED THAT HIS INTERESTS LIE WITH TACKLING TWO OF CHINA'S THREE BIGGEST PROBLEMS: CORRUPTION, AND THE PRIVATIZATION OF THE DECREPIT STATE ENTERPRISES.... THE THIRD ISSUE, OPENING THE POLITICAL PROCESS, IS OF COURSE THE REAL RECKONING, AND ONE THAT MR. JIANG MUST KNOW THAT NEITHER HE NOR ANY OTHER FUTURE LEADER CAN PUT OFF FOREVER. ..... THAT'S WHY THIS PARTICULAR COMMUNIST PARTY CONGRESS, RUNNING THROUGH NEXT WEEK, IS WORTH WATCHING."

TEXT: BACK TO THE U-S SENATE NOW, FOR THE MORNING'S OTHER FAVORITE TOPIC, THE KILLING THIS WEEK OF A SMALL ITEM IN THE BUDGET BILLS THAT RECENTLY PASSED THAT WOULD HAVE GIVEN THE U-S TOBACCO COMPANIES A 50-BILLION DOLLAR TAX BREAK TOWARD THAT SETTLEMENT THEY ARE MAKING OVER THE HEALTH COSTS OF SMOKING. WHEN THE LITTLE-NOTICED ITEM BECAME PUBLIC THERE WAS MUCH OUTRAGE, AND TODAY'S LOS ANGELES TIMES SAYS: "IT TOOK PUBLIC HEAT TO MAKE SENATE TORCH A DIRTY DEAL."

VOICE: "[OPT] A TAX CREDIT WOULD HAVE FORCED TAXPAYERS TO SUBSIDIZE THE PAYOUTS THE CIGARETTE COMPANIES FACE FOLLOWING THE DECADES THEY HAVE SPENT DENYING AND DELIBERATELY HIDING THE TRUTH ABOUT THE TERRIBLE HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF SMOKING. [END OPT] ..... THE SENATE, UNDER PUBLIC PRESSURE, HAS RIGHTED A WRONG IT OUGHT NEVER HAVE COMMITTED IN THE FIRST PLACE. THE HOUSE MUST DO NO LESS."

TEXT: IN YET ANOTHER LEGISLATIVE ISSUE, THE GRANTING BY CONGRESS OF SO-CALLED "FAST TRACK" STATUS TO THE ADMINISTRATION'S PENDING TRADE INITIATIVES, THE WASHINGTON POST SAYS THE WHITE HOUSE WAS NOT FULLY PREPARED AS IT LAUNCHED ITS DRIVE TO WIN CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL.

VOICE: "EMBARRASSINGLY, THE KICKOFF CAME WITHOUT A SPECIFIC LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL, WHICH MR. CLINTON'S TEAM IS STILL REFINING, EVEN THOUGH THE CAMPAIGN HAD BEEN POSTPONED FROM LAST SPRING ON THE THEORY THAT BY NOW THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD REALLY BE READY TO GO. THE ABSENCE OF AN ACTUAL DOCUMENT REFLECTS THE POLITICAL SENSITIVITIES: MOST LEGISLATORS OF MR. CLINTON'S OWN PARTY OPPOSE FAST TRACK. .....[OPT] OVERALL, TRADE IS GOOD FOR U-S WORKERS .... [HOWEVER] INCREASING TRADE DOES HURT SOME AMERICAN WORKERS ..... USUALLY THOSE AT THE LOW END OF THE WAGE SCALE ..... BUT EVEN IF THE UNITED STATES COULD FORCE OTHER NATIONS TO ADOPT BETTER 'LABOR STANDARDS' .... IT WOULDN'T ERASE THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE POOR COUNTRIES ENJOY IN LABOR COSTS." [END OPT]

TEXT: THERE'S CELEBRATING IN SCOTLAND TODAY, AS THAT NATION'S VOTERS HAVE OVERWHELMINGLY CHOSEN TO RE-OPEN THE DORMANT SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT IN EDINBURGH AFTER ALMOST 300 YEARS. THE BOSTON GLOBE NOTES:

VOICE: YESTERDAY WAS AS IMPORTANT A POLITICAL DAY FOR SCOTLAND AS THE DAY IN 1707 WHEN THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT VOTED ITSELF OUT OF EXISTENCE AND JOINED IN A POLITICAL UNION WITH ENGLAND AND WALES, FORMING THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN. ..... IN VOTING TO RESTORE THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT .... THE SCOTS ARE NOT VOTING TO DISSOLVE THE UNITED KINGDOM. BUT, AS IS THE CASE WITH STATE LEGISLATURES IN THE UNITED STATES, THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT WILL ALLOW FOR LOCAL CONTROL OVER LOCAL MATTERS. THIS IS ALL TO THE GOOD."

TEXT: STILL MORE REACTION TO THE DEATH, EARLIER IN THE WEEK OF FORMER CONGOLESE DICTATOR MOBUTU SESE SEKO, FROM THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS. THE PAPER LOOKS TO THE FUTURE, AND SUGGESTS THE "CONGO NEEDS TO JOIN [THE] NEW COMMUNITY OF NATIONS."

VOICE: "... FEW PEOPLE IN MR. MOBUTU'S HOMELAND, NOW KNOWN AS THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, ARE SHEDDING ANY TEARS. HIS LEGACY OF DICTATORIAL RULE, POLITICAL REPRESSION AND HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES APPARENTLY CONTINUES UNDER THE NEW PRESIDENT, LAURENT KABILA. ONE CAN ONLY HOPE THAT MR. MOBUTU'S DEATH WILL SHARPEN THE INTERNATIONAL FOCUS ON AFRICA'S THIRD LARGEST NATION AND PROD IT TO JOIN THE GLOBAL MARCH TOWARD DEMOCRACY."

TEXT: AND LASTLY, THE MIAMI HERALD IS GREETING WITH CONSIDERABLE SKEPTICISM, NEWS THAT CUBAN AUTHORITIES APPEAR TO HAVE CAUGHT THE MAN RESPONSIBLE FOR AT LEAST SOME OF THE CURRENT WAVE OF TERROR BOMBINGS.

VOICE: "CUBA'S ANNOUNCEMENT THAT A FORMER SALVADORAN SOLDIER HAS ADMITTED SETTING OFF SIX RECENT BOMBS AT HAVANA HOTELS AND A RESTAURANT FALLS IN THE CATEGORY OF "IF YOUR MOTHER TELLS YOU THAT SHE LOVES YOU, CHECK IT OUT." THE CASTRO REGIME MIGHT BE TELLING THE TRUTH. OR NOT. .... OFTEN AS NOT, HAVANA'S CLAIMS ARE TEN-TENTHS LIES, OR ONE PART TRUTH, NINE PARTS HOKUM [NONSENSE]."

TEXT: WITH THAT WE CONCLUDE THIS BRIEF SAMPLING OF COMMENTARY FROM THE EDITORIAL PAGES OF SOME OF TODAY'S U-S PRESS.
NEB/ANG/KL
12-Sep-97 11:05 AM EDT (1505 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 TODAY (FRIDAY) AFTER ANOTHER VOLATILE SESSION. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT BRECK ARDERY REPORTS FROM NEW YORK.

TEXT: THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE CLOSED AT 77-HUNDRED-42, UP 82 POINTS. FOR THE WEEK, THE INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE LOST 80 POINTS. THE LARGER STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 INDEX CLOSED FRIDAY AT 923, UP 11 POINTS.

IT WAS ANOTHER DAY OF BIG SWINGS ON WALL STREET, WITH STOCK PRICES UP IN THE MORNING, DOWN IN MID-DAY AND THEN RECOVERING STRONGLY LATE IN THE SESSION.

THE GOVERNMENT REPORTED WHOLESALE PRICES IN THE UNITED STATES WERE UP THREE-TENTHS OF ONE PERCENT IN AUGUST, THE FIRST INCREASE IN EIGHT MONTHS. RISING ENERGY PRICES FUELED THE INCREASE.

IN A SEPARATE REPORT, THE COMMERCE DEPARTMENT SAID RETAIL SALES ROSE FOUR-TENTHS OF A PERCENT LAST MONTH, THE THIRD STRAIGHT MONTHLY INCREASE.

THE STOCK OF THE "MOTOROLA" ELECTRONICS COMPANY FELL SHARPLY AFTER THE FIRM ANNOUNCED IT EXPECTS ITS QUARTERLY PROFITS WILL BE ABOUT 25 PERCENT BELOW ESTIMATES. MOTOROLA SAYS THE TELEPHONE PAGER MARKET IS WEAKER THAN EXPECTED, ESPECIALLY IN CHINA. THE COMPANY ALSO SAID IT WILL TAKE AN ALMOST 100-MILLION-DOLLAR CHARGE (LOSS) IN CONNECTION WITH DISCONTINUING ITS MANUFACTURE OF "CLONES" OF APPLE COMPUTERS. THE "AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY" SAYS IT WILL BUY THE 55 PERCENT OF THE "WESTERN NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY" THAT AMERICAN GENERAL DOES NOT ALREADY OWN. THE PRICE IS ONE-POINT-TWO-BILLION DOLLARS.

IN NEW YORK, FIVE MEN HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH ENGAGING IN FRAUDULENT FOREIGN CURRENCY TRADING. THE FIVE ARE ACCUSED OF TAKING INVESTORS' FUNDS MEANT FOR CURRENCY TRADING AND THEN KEEPING MUCH OF THE MONEY FOR THEMSELVES. (SIGNED)
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12-Sep-97 5:22 PM EDT (2122 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[10] NATO / BOSNIA (S ONLY) (CQ) BY ART CHIMES (SARAJEVO)

INTRO: NATO'S TOP GENERAL IN EUROPE HAS ISSUED A STERN WARNING TO GROUPS THAT MIGHT BE PLANNING MISCHIEF IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. V-O-A'S ART CHIMES IN SARAJEVO REPORTS THE GENERAL SAID HIS TROOPS WILL NOT TOLERATE VIOLENCE DURING BOSNIA'S LOCAL ELECTIONS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.

TEXT: NATO GENERAL WESLEY CLARK EMPHASIZED HIS FORCES CAN AND WILL DO WHATEVER IS NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN THE PEACE DURING ELECTIONS, AND AS LONG AS THE TROOPS REMAIN IN BOSNIA.

IT HAS THE AUTHORITY AND THE CAPABILITY TO USE LETHAL FORCE SHOULD IT BE SO THREATENED. AND IT WILL USE THAT FORCE.

HIS COMMENTS CAME DAYS AFTER A VIOLENT INCIDENT IN BANJA LUKA, IN WHAT SOME CHARACTERIZED AS AN ATTEMPTED COUP BY HARDLINERS AGAINST THE ELECTED PRESIDENT OF BOSNIA'S SERB REPUBLIC.

THOUSANDS OF DISPLACED PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO CROSS ETHNIC LINES TO VOTE IN THEIR HOME TOWNS, WHICH SOME FEAR COULD PROMPT VIOLENT RESPONSES. NATO-LED PEACEKEEPING TROOPS ARE MORE VISIBLE THAN USUAL ON THE STREETS OF SARAJEVO, APPARENTLY TO DISCOURAGE ANY ATTEMPT TO DISRUPT THE VOTING. (SIGNED)
NEB/AC/JWH/KL
12-Sep-97 2:30 PM EDT (1830 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[11] SCOTTISH VOTE (L) BY ANDRE DE NESNERA (LONDON)

INTRO: SCOTTISH VOTERS HAVE DECIDED THEY WANT A DEGREE OF AUTONOMY FROM LONDON AND A SAY IN RUNNING THEIR OWN GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS. V-O-A'S ANDRE DE NESNERA REPORTS FROM LONDON.

TEXT: SCOTTISH VOTERS BY AN OVERWHELMING THREE-TO-ONE MARGIN SAID THEY SUPPORT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SEPARATE PARLIAMENT IN EDINBURGH. THEY ALSO APPROVED A PROPOSAL TO GIVE THAT PARLIAMENT POWERS TO LEVY TAXES.

THE PROPOSALS WERE PRESENTED -- AND SUPPORTED -- BY BRITISH PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR AS PART OF HIS LABOUR PARTY'S COMMITMENT TO MODERNIZE THE COUNTRY'S INSTITUTIONS. NEXT WEEK, VOTERS IN WALES GO TO THE POLLS IN A REFERENDUM ON A WELSH ASSEMBLY. MR. BLAIR HAS ALSO CALLED FOR REFORM OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND AN ELECTED MAYOR FOR LONDON.

MR. BLAIR TOLD SUPPORTERS IN EDINBURGH THE STRONG VOTE IN FAVOR OF A SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT WILL PROVIDE MOMENTUM FOR CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE IN OTHER BRITISH REGIONS.

WE SAID TRUST THE PEOPLE. WE DID TRUST THE PEOPLE AND THE PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE COURAGE AND THE CONFIDENCE TO TRUST THEMSELVES. I BELIEVE THAT THIS STEP THAT SCOTLAND HAS TAKEN IS A STEP FORWARD IN MODERNIZING THE UNITED KINGDOM, IN BRINGING GOVERNMENT CLOSER TO THE PEOPLE AND CLOSER TO THE PEOPLE'S PRIORITIES.

THE LABOUR PARTY CAMPAIGNED FOR A SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT, SAYING IT WILL CEMENT TIES BETWEEN ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND. IRONICALLY, THE SCOTTISH NATIONALS ALSO SUPPORTED THE IDEA -- BUT THEY SAW IT AS A FIRST STEP TOWARD INDEPENDENCE.

THE BIG LOSER IN THIS DEBATE WAS THE MAIN OPPOSITION CONSERVATIVE PARTY WHICH SAID ESTABLISHING A SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARD THE BREAK-UP OF THE UNITED KINGDOM.

CONSERVATIVE PARTY LEADER WILLIAM HAGUE TOLD REPORTERS HE HAS NOT CHANGED HIS VIEWS ON THE MATTER -- DESPITE THE OVERWHELMING SCOTTISH VOTE.

WE RESPECT THE VIEWS OF THE PEOPLE OF SCOTLAND. BUT THERE IS NOTHING EVER EMBARRASSING ABOUT STANDING UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE. AND THAT IS WHAT WE HAVE DONE IN THE REFERENDUM CAMPAIGN, AND THAT IS WHAT WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO IN THE WELSH REFERENDUM CAMPAIGN. WE FEAR FOR THE FUTURE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. IT IS RIGHT THAT WE SHOULD SAY THAT. IT IS RIGHT THAT WE SHOULD POINT THAT OUT TO PEOPLE. THAT IS OUR DUTY TO DO SO.

WHAT IS CLEAR IS THAT ELECTIONS FOR A SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT WILL NOW BE HELD IN EARLY 1999 AND LAWMAKERS WILL TAKE THEIR SEATS IN EDINBURGH IN JANUARY 2000.

WHAT IS NOT CLEAR IS WHETHER THE SCOTTISH VOTE THURSDAY WILL ULTIMATELY BRING SCOTLAND AND ENGLAND CLOSER -- AS THE LABOUR PARTY BELIEVES -- OR DOES IT BEGIN THE SLOW PROCESS TO FULL INDEPENDENCE AS ADVOCATED BY THE SCOTTISH NATIONALS. (SIGNED)
NEB/ADEN/KL
12-Sep-97 9:48 AM EDT (1348 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[12] U-N WEEK-IN-REVIEW BY ELAINE JOHANSON (UNITED NATIONS)

INTRO: THE U-N REFUGEE AGENCY SUSPENDS OPERATIONS IN CONGO-KINSHASA; THE KABILA GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO RAISE OBSTACLES TO A U-N HUMAN RIGHTS INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGED MASSACRES; THE SECURITY COUNCIL POSTPONES ENLARGING A PEACEKEEPING MISSION IN THE FORMER SOVIET REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN; AND A NEW SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY GETS READY TO OPEN, WITH U-N REFORM A PRIORITY ON THE THREE-MONTH AGENDA. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ELAINE JOHANSON REVIEWS THE MAIN DEVELOPMENTS OF THE PAST WEEK.

TEXT: THE UNITED NATIONS' TROUBLED RELATIONSHIP WITH THE NEW GOVERNMENT OF THE FORMER ZAIRE HAS RECEIVED ANOTHER BLOW. THE U-N HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES -- SADAKO OGATA -- SUSPENDED OPERATIONS IN THE EASTERN PART OF THE COUNTRY AFTER PRESIDENT LAURENT KABILA'S TROOPS ROUTED SOME 800 RWANDAN HUTU REFUGEES FROM A TRANSIT CENTER AT KISANGANI.

THERE ARE NO MORE REFUGEES IN THE TRANSIT CENTER. AND THIS KIND OF SITUATION OBLIGES US TO SUSPEND THE OPERATION. WE HAVE NO MORE PEOPLE TO PROTECT.

MRS. OGATA SAID THE UNITED NATIONS IS FACING A CRISIS IN PROTECTION THROUGHOUT THE GREAT LAKES REGION BECAUSE GOVERNMENTS ARE NOT FOLLOWING INTERNATIONAL RULES. SHE SAID HER STAFF IS ENTITLED TO DETERMINE FIRST WHETHER REFUGEES REFUSING TO GO BACK HOME HAVE LEGITIMATE REASONS FOR NOT DOING SO. MEANWHILE, A HUMAN RIGHTS TEAM IS STILL WAITING FOR CLEARANCE TO BEGIN ITS INVESTIGATION OF MASSACRES OF REFUGEES LAST YEAR IN AREAS CONTROLLED BY THE KABILA ARMY WHEN IT WAS STILL A REBEL FORCE. PRESIDENT KABILA DENIES HIS TROOPS WERE INVOLVED.

SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN SAYS HE WILL NOT HESITATE TO PULL HIS TEAM OUT IF KINSHASA REFUSES TO PROVIDE THE SECURITY HIS INVESTIGATORS REQUIRE OR PUTS NEW CONDITIONS ON THE INQUIRY.

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THE CONTROVERSIAL LONGTIME LEADER OF THE FORMER ZAIRE -- MOBUTU SESE SEKO -- DIED IN MOROCCO LAST SUNDAY AFTER A LONG BATTLE WITH CANCER. U-N OFFICIALS TOOK NOTE OF HIS PASSING. BUT SPOKESMAN FRED ECKHARD QUICKLY MOVED ON TO THE PRESENT.

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL, OF COURSE, SENDS HIS CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. AND THE ATTENTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY MUST NOW FOCUS ON HELPING THE NEW GOVERNMENT OF THE CONGO DEAL WITH THE STAGGERING CHALLENGES THAT IT HAS INHERITED.

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THE SECURITY COUNCIL THIS PAST WEEK DECIDED TO CONTINUE MONITORING A PEACE AGREEMENT IN TAJIKISTAN BEFORE IT CONSIDERS EXPANDING ITS INVOLVEMENT THERE. THE COUNCIL RENEWED A SMALL OBSERVER MISSION IN THE FORMER SOVIET REPUBLIC FOR TWO MONTHS WHILE IT SEES HOW THE SITUATION DEVELOPS.

SECRETARY-GENERAL ANNAN HAD SUGGESTED A LARGER FORCE TO HELP THE TAJIK NATION, WHICH HAS BEEN TORN BY CIVIL WAR, CEMENT ITS PEACE ACCORD. RUSSIA -- WHICH HELPED BROKER IT -- RELUCTANTLY AGREED TO THE DELAY. MOSCOW HAS LONG BEEN IRKED BY THE COUNCIL'S WARINESS OVER COMMITTING PEACEKEEPING TROOPS TO FORMER SOVIET REPUBLICS.

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A NEW SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS DUE TO START ON TUESDAY. U-N REFORM IS AT THE TOP OF THE AGENDA.

SECRETARY-GENERAL ANNAN HAS ALREADY TAKEN STEPS TO OVERHAUL HIS BUREAUCRACY. BUT NEW, TOUGHER DECISIONS ARE LIKELY COMING TO CUT PROGRAMS AND TRIM THE FAT OF U-N OPERATIONS. MR. ANNAN HAS REASSURED U-N STAFF THAT REFORM -- WHILE HE STRONGLY BACKS IT -- SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO WEAKEN THE UNITED NATIONS:

I WELCOME THIS PROCESS. I HAVE BEEN AN AGENT OF IT. AND I BELIEVE IN IT. AT THE SAME TIME, I MUST STRESS THAT REFORM IS NOT AN END IN ITSELF. IT SHOULD COMPLEMENT, NOT ECLIPSE, OUR SUBSTANTIVE WORK.

HOW THE REFORM PROCESS UNFOLDS OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS WILL BE WATCHED CLOSELY BY THE U-S CONGRESS, WHICH HAS ITS OWN IDEAS ON WHAT THE UNITED NATIONS NEEDS. THE CONGRESS IS STALLING ON PAYMENT OF HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN U-S ARREARS TO THE ORGANIZATION. (SIGNED)
NEB/EJ/RRM
12-Sep-97 2:21 PM EDT (1821 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[13] U-S BOSNIA (S-O) BY PAMELA TAYLOR (BANJA LUKA)

INTRO: THE U-S ENVOY FOR BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA MET FRIDAY WITH BILJANA PLAVSIC, THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOSNIAN SERB REPUBLIC, ON THE EVE OF NATION-WIDE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT PAMELA TAYLOR REPORTS FROM BANJA LUKA.

TEXT: AFTER AN HOUR LONG MEETING, ROBERT GELBARD TOLD REPORTERS HE IS CONFIDENT BOSNIA'S MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN A SECURE, FREE AND FAIR MANNER THROUGHOUT THE ETHNICALLY DIVIDED COUNTRY.

MR. GELBARD SAID HIS ONLY CONCERN WAS THAT THE CROAT NATIONALIST PARTY, THE H-D-Z, CONTINUES TO POSE OBSTACLES DESPITE AN EARLIER AGREEMENT TO END AN ELECTION BOYCOTT.

MR. GELBARD ALSO SAID THE UNITED STATES FULLY SUPPORTS PRESIDENT PLAVSIC'S CALL FOR NEW PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS ON OCTOBER 12TH. MRS. PLAVSIC DISSOLVED PARLIAMENT IN AUGUST AFTER IT OPPOSED HER DENUNCIATION OF SEVERAL PARTY OFFICIALS. SHE ACCUSED THE OFFICIALS WHO REMAIN LOYAL TO WAR CRIMES SUSPECT RADOVAN KARADZIC OF PROFITEERING AND STEALING FROM THE STATE.

FOR HER PART, MRS. PLAVSIC TOLD REPORTERS THE TWO ALSO DISCUSSED INCREASED U-S INVESTMENT IN THE SERB REPUBLIC FOR MUCH NEEDED INFRA-STRUCTURE PROJECTS SUCH AS BUILDING NEW BRIDGES. (SIGNED)
NEB/PT/GKT-T /MMK
12-Sep-97 2:33 PM EDT (1833 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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