Voice of America, 97-09-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] ALBRIGHT / GREECE-TURKEY (S) BY RON PEMSTEIN (NEW YORK)

[02] BOSNIA CONTACT GROUP UPDATE (S) BY RON PEMSTEIN (NEW YORK)

[03] BOSNIA-CONTACT GROUP (S) BY RON PEMSTEIN (NEW YORK)

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

[05] FRANCE BUDGET (L-ONLY) BY JULIAN NUNDY (PARIS)

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

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

[08] SECURITY COUNCIL BIDS (L ONLY) BY ELAINE JOHANSON (UNITED NATIONS)

[09] SHALIKASVILI/BOSNIA (L-ONLY) BY REBECCA MCMENAMIN (PENTAGON)

[10] TURKEY / IRAQ (S ONLY) BY AMBERIN ZAMAN (ANKARA)

[11] UNGA TUESDAY WRAP (L ONLY) BY ELAINE JOHANSON (UNITED NATIONS)

[12] YUGO / BOSNIAN SERBS (S & L) BY PAMELA TAYLOR (BELGRADE)

[13] YUGOSLAV ECONOMY BY PAMELA TAYLOR (BELGRADE)

[01] ALBRIGHT / GREECE-TURKEY (S) BY RON PEMSTEIN (NEW YORK)

INTRO: SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT HAS MET THE FOREIGN MINISTERS OF GREECE, TURKEY AND CYPRUS IN NEW YORK. RON PEMSTEIN REPORTS FROM NEW YORK, SHE MADE NO PROGRESS ON AEGEAN ISSUES.

TEXT: SECRETARY OF STATE ALBRIGHT WANTED TO GET A JOINT STATEMENT FROM GREECE AND TURKEY REFERRING THEIR DISPUTE OVER AN AEGEAN ISLAND TO THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE. HOWEVER, TURKEY OBJECTED TO THE COURT DECIDING THE CASE OF THE ISLAND THAT THE GREEKS CALL "IMIA" AND THE TURKS CALL "KARDAK" WITHOUT REFERRING TO ALL AEGEAN SEA DISAGREEMENTS.

STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN JAMES RUBIN SAYS SECRETARY OF STATE ALBRIGHT COULD NOT GET AGREEMENT ON A JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN GREECE AND TURKEY.

SHE REGRETS THE FACT THAT A BREAKTHROUGH WAS NOT MADE. IT UNDERSCORES THE FACT THERE WAS NOT PROGRESS, UNDERSCORES THE DIFFICULTY OF THESE ISSUES AND THE SENSITIVITY ON BOTH SIDES WITH REGARD TO THE SPECIFIC MECHANISM AVAILIABLE TO RESOLVE THEM.

[02] BOSNIA CONTACT GROUP UPDATE (S) BY RON PEMSTEIN (NEW YORK)

INTRO: FOREIGN MINISTERS FROM THE UNITED STATES, RUSSIA AND WEST EUROPEAN COUNTRIES HAVE THREATENED TO TAKE INCREASINGLY STRONG MEASURES AGAINST THOSE IMPEDING THE BOSNIA PEACE AGREEMENT. RON PEMSTEIN REPORTS FROM NEW YORK ON THE CONTACT GROUP STATEMENT.

TEXT: THE MINISTERS DO NOT SPECIFY THE STRONG MEASURES BUT A SENIOR U-S OFFICIAL SAYS THE STATEMENT REFERS TO THE CONTINUED WITHHOLDING OF ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE FROM ANY PART OF BOSNIA THAT DEFIES THE PEACE AGREEMENT.

FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE FIVE MINISTERS HAVE AGREED ON A STATEMENT EXPRESSING DEEP CONCERN OVER TENSION IN THE SERBIAN PROVINCE OF KOSOVO. SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT SPOKE FOR THE MINISTERS.

WE ARE ALL CONCERNED WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR SERIOUS VIOLENCE IN CONNECTION WITH STUDENT DEMONSTRATIONS SET FOR OCTOBER FIRST AND WE URGE ALL SIDES TO SHOW RESTRAINT.

THE MINISTERS DID NOT DISCUSS THE CONTINUED PRESENCE OF NATO TROOPS IN BOSNIA BUT RUSSIA'S EVGENY PRIMAKOV SAYS HE HAS NO OBJECTION TO EXTENDING THOSE TROOPS PAST NEXT JUNE. SECRETARY OF STATE ALBRIGHT IS TELLING HER FELLOW MINISTERS PRIVATELY THERE HAS BEEN NO DECISION ABOUT EXTENDING AMERICAN NATO TROOPS IN BOSNIA. (SIGNED)
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24-Sep-97 6:56 PM EDT (2256 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[03] BOSNIA-CONTACT GROUP (S) BY RON PEMSTEIN (NEW YORK)

INTRO: FOREIGN MINISTERS FROM THE BOSNIA CONTACT GROUP THAT INCLUDES THE UNITED STATES, RUSSIA, AND WEST EUROPEAN COUNTRIES ARE MEETING IN NEW YORK (3:30PM WED.) TO DISCUSS THE SITUATION IN THE BOSNIAN-SERB REPUBLIC. RON PEMSTEIN REPORTS FROM NEW YORK, THE MINISTERS ARE ALSO THINKING ABOUT HOW LONG AMERICAN NATO TROOPS WILL REMAIN IN BOSNIA.

TEXT: THE MINISTERS ARE DISCUSSING THE ELECTION CALLED BY BOSNIAN-SERB PRESIDENT BILJANA PLAVSIC FOR A NEW PARLIAMENT TO REPLACE THE HARDLINE BODY SHE HAS DISMISSED.

UNDERLYING THE DISCUSSION IS THE EUROPEAN DESIRE FOR NATO TROOPS TO REMAIN IN BOSNIA BEYOND THEIR SCHEDULED WITHDRAWAL NEXT YEAR.

FORMER BOSNIA NEGOTIATOR, RICHARD HOLBROOKE, SAYS THE U-S CONGRESS IS CONFUSING AN EXIT STRATEGY WITH A DATE CERTAIN FOR THE WITHDRAWAL OF AMERICAN TROOPS.

THOSE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WHO WANT AN ABSOLUTE CUT OFF AND TAKE OUR FORCES FROM THEIR CURRENT LEVELS WHICH ARE QUITE LOW, EIGHT-THOUSAND TROOPS DOWN TO ZERO, WITHOUT THINKING ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES, ARE IN THE POSITION THAT WOULD BE THE SAME AS TAKING OUR TEAM OFF THE FOOTBALL FIELD IN THE FOURTH QUARTER WHEN THE GAME IS GOING WELL FOR US.

THE FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER (HUBERT VEDRINE) SAYS NATO FORCES INCLUDING THE AMERICANS SHOULD REMAIN IN BOSNIA BEYOND NEXT YEAR. (SIGNED)
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24-Sep-97 1:12 PM EDT (1712 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

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

TEXT: STOCK PRICES WERE UP IN ALL THREE MAJOR EUROPEAN MARKETS AFTER A STRONG OPENING ON WALL STREET.

THE BIGGEST GAIN WAS IN LONDON. THE FOOTSIE-100 INDEX ROSE ALMOST 50-POINTS. IN PARIS, THE CAC-40 INDEX CLOSED UP MORE THAN 26-POINTS.

IN FRANKFURT, THE DAX-30 INDEX ENDED THE FLOOR TRADING DAY UP FOUR POINTS. FRANKFURT PRICES ROSE ABOUT ONE-AND-ONE-HALF PERCENT IN LATER COMPUTERIZED TRADING.

ON THE LONDON CURRENCY EXCHANGE, THE U-S DOLLAR WAS DOWN SHARPLY IN VALUE AGAINST THE GERMAN MARK AND THE JAPANESE YEN -- BUT IT MADE A SLIGHT GAIN AGAINST THE BRITISH POUND.
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24-Sep-97 1:30 PM EDT (1730 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[05] FRANCE BUDGET (L-ONLY) BY JULIAN NUNDY (PARIS)

INTRO: IN ITS FINAL BUDGET BEFORE THE DECISION LEADING TO THE CREATION OF THE NEW EUROPEAN SINGLE CURRENCY, THE "EURO," FRANCE HAS CHOSEN TO HOLD DOWN SPENDING AND INCREASE TAXES ON THE MIDDLE CLASSES AND COMMERCIAL COMPANIES. JULIAN NUNDY REPORTS FROM PARIS.

TEXT: STRIVING TO MEET THE CRITERIA FOR JOINING THE EURO, THE SINGLE EUROPEAN CURRENCY, FRANCE'S SOCIALIST-LED GOVERNMENT PROPOSED A BUDGET FOR NEXT YEAR THAT WILL KEEP PUBLIC SPENDING DOWN.

IT AIMS TO COLLECT AN EXTRA 14 BILLION FRANCS -- OR AROUND TWO-POINT-THREE BILLION DOLLARS -- IN NEW REVENUES. ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF THIS WILL COME FROM TAXES ON INDIVIDUALS, MAINLY HITTING THE MIDDLE CLASSES. THE REST WILL COME FROM HIGHER TAXES ON COMPANIES' EARNINGS.

AMONG THE MEASURES HITTING MIDDLE-INCOME FAMILIES WILL BE RESTRICTIONS ON STATE CHILD ALLOWANCES AND NEW TAXES ON THE INTEREST EARNED FROM SAVINGS ACCOUNTS. MINISTERS SAID THE BUDGET SEEKS TO MEET ELECTION PROMISES THAT THERE WILL BE NO NEW AUSTERITY PROGRAMS TO MEET THE CRITERIA FOR EUROPEAN MONETARY UNION.

CATHERINE TRAUTMANN, THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT SPOKESWOMAN, SAID THE FRENCH PUBLIC DEFICIT WOULD BE AROUND THREE-POINT-ONE PERCENT OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT THIS YEAR.

THIS IS ONLY JUST ABOVE THE EUROPEAN MONETARY UNION TARGET OF THREE PERCENT, MEANING THAT THE FRENCH FRANC SHOULD QUALIFY TO JOIN THE NEW CURRENCY WHEN FINAL MEMBERSHIP IS DRAWN UP NEXT MAY.

DURING THE CABINET MEETING PUTTING THE FINAL TOUCHES TO THE BUDGET LAW -- THAT NOW HAS TO GO BEFORE PARLIAMENT -- CONSERVATIVE PRESIDENT JACQUES CHIRAC HAD SOME CRITICISM.

HE ASKED THE LEFT-WING GOVERNMENT TO WEIGH CAREFULLY ANY MEASURES THAT COULD HURT THE AVERAGE FRENCH FAMILY. AS THE HEAD OF THE ARMED FORCES, HE ALSO INSISTED THAT ANY CUTS IN DEFENSE SPENDING SHOULD BE ONLY TEMPORARY.

MR. CHIRAC, WHOSE DECISION TO CALL AN EARLY PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION IN JUNE RESULTED IN THE SURPRISE VICTORY OF THE SOCIALISTS AND THEIR ALLIES, PROMISED EARLIER THIS WEEK THAT, WHILE HE SHARES POWER WITH THE LEFT, HE WILL BE THE GUARDIAN OF SOCIAL JUSTICE. (SIGNED)
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24-Sep-97 12:05 PM EDT (1605 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: STOCK PRICES IN THE UNITED STATES WERE DOWN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN ANOTHER VOLATILE SESSION. CORRESPONDENT BRECK ARDERY REPORTS FROM NEW YORK.

TEXT: THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE CLOSED AT 79 HUNDRED SIX, DOWN 63 POINTS. THE LARGER STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 INDEX CLOSED AT 944, DOWN SEVEN POINTS.

STOCKS PRICES WERE UP AND DOWN DURING THE DAY WITH THE INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE RISING MORE THAN 50 POINTS BY LATE MORNING BUT SELLING OFF LATE IN THE SESSION.

A HUGE TAKEOVER WILL AFFECT WALL STREET ITSELF. THE TRAVELERS INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY WILL PAY NINE BILLION DOLLARS FOR SALOMON BROTHERS, A LEADING U-S INVESTMENT BANKING AND BROKERAGE FIRM. WHEN SALOMON'S OPERATIONS ARE COMBINED WITH THOSE OF THE TRAVELERS' SMITH BARNEY BROKERAGE DIVISION IT WILL CREATE A HUGE INVESTMENT FIRM WITH A GLOBAL PRESENCE.

THE DEAL IS JUST THE LATEST IN A WAVE OF CONSOLIDATIONS IN THE U-S INVESTMENT SERVICES INDUSTRY AND ANALYSTS SAY IT WILL NOT BE THE LAST.

NORTHWEST AIRLINES OF THE UNITED STATES HAS CONCLUDED A DEAL TO BUY 50 NEW JETS FROM AIRBUS INDUSTRIES, THE EUROPEAN CONSORTIUM. THE VALUE OF THE PURCHASE IS ESTIMATED AT ABOUT TWO BILLION DOLLARS.

THE SEARS ROEBUCK COMPANY SAYS IT WILL EXPERIMENT WITH SMALL STORES IN SMALL TOWNS. THE GIANT DEPARTMENT STORE CHAIN WILL OPEN TWO SCALED-DOWN STORES IN TWO COMMUNITIES WITH POPULATIONS OF LESS THAN 50 THOUSAND. SEARS SAYS THAT, IF THE TEST STORES SUCCEED, AS MANY AS 100 SIMILAR STORES WILL BE OPENED IN SMALL AMERICAN TOWNS OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

TRADERS WERE ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT THE STOCK OF THE AVIS CAR RENTAL COMPANY ON ITS FIRST DAY OF TRADING ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE. AVIS STOCK GAINED MORE THAN 30 PERCENT.

THE TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION OF JAPAN HAS CONFIRMED THAT IT IS CONSIDERING AN EXPANSION OF ITS NORTH AMERICAN PRODUCTION FACILITIES. TOYOTA SAYS IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE COMPANY WILL BUILD A FIFTH NORTH AMERICAN PLANT IN EITHER THE UNITED STATES OR CANADA. (SIGNED) NEB/NY/BA/LSF/LWM
24-Sep-97 5:13 PM EDT (2113 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: STOCK PRICES IN THE UNITED STATES WERE DOWN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN ANOTHER VOLATILE SESSION. CORRESPONDENT BRECK ARDERY REPORTS FROM NEW YORK.

TEXT: THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE CLOSED AT 79 HUNDRED SIX, DOWN 63 POINTS. THE LARGER STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 INDEX CLOSED AT 944, DOWN SEVEN POINTS.

STOCKS PRICES WERE UP AND DOWN DURING THE DAY WITH THE INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE RISING MORE THAN 50 POINTS BY LATE MORNING BUT SELLING OFF LATE IN THE SESSION.

A HUGE TAKEOVER WILL AFFECT WALL STREET ITSELF. THE TRAVELERS INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY WILL PAY NINE BILLION DOLLARS FOR SALOMON BROTHERS, A LEADING U-S INVESTMENT BANKING AND BROKERAGE FIRM. WHEN SALOMON'S OPERATIONS ARE COMBINED WITH THOSE OF THE TRAVELERS' SMITH BARNEY BROKERAGE DIVISION IT WILL CREATE A HUGE INVESTMENT FIRM WITH A GLOBAL PRESENCE.

THE DEAL IS JUST THE LATEST IN A WAVE OF CONSOLIDATIONS IN THE U-S INVESTMENT SERVICES INDUSTRY AND ANALYSTS SAY IT WILL NOT BE THE LAST.

NORTHWEST AIRLINES OF THE UNITED STATES HAS CONCLUDED A DEAL TO BUY 50 NEW JETS FROM AIRBUS INDUSTRIES, THE EUROPEAN CONSORTIUM. THE VALUE OF THE PURCHASE IS ESTIMATED AT ABOUT TWO BILLION DOLLARS.

THE SEARS ROEBUCK COMPANY SAYS IT WILL EXPERIMENT WITH SMALL STORES IN SMALL TOWNS. THE GIANT DEPARTMENT STORE CHAIN WILL OPEN TWO SCALED-DOWN STORES IN TWO COMMUNITIES WITH POPULATIONS OF LESS THAN 50 THOUSAND. SEARS SAYS THAT, IF THE TEST STORES SUCCEED, AS MANY AS 100 SIMILAR STORES WILL BE OPENED IN SMALL AMERICAN TOWNS OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

TRADERS WERE ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT THE STOCK OF THE AVIS CAR RENTAL COMPANY ON ITS FIRST DAY OF TRADING ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE. AVIS STOCK GAINED MORE THAN 30 PERCENT.

THE TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION OF JAPAN HAS CONFIRMED THAT IT IS CONSIDERING AN EXPANSION OF ITS NORTH AMERICAN PRODUCTION FACILITIES. TOYOTA SAYS IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE COMPANY WILL BUILD A FIFTH NORTH AMERICAN PLANT IN EITHER THE UNITED STATES OR CANADA. (SIGNED) NEB/NY/BA/LSF/LWM
24-Sep-97 5:42 PM EDT (2142 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[08] SECURITY COUNCIL BIDS (L ONLY) BY ELAINE JOHANSON (UNITED NATIONS)

INTRO: THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA WEDNESDAY URGED THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO SUPPORT ITS BID FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM STARTING JANUARY ON THE SECURITY COUNCIL. MEANWHILE, INDIA AND GERMANY HAVE RE-ASSERTED THEIR INTEREST IN PERMANENT SEATS ON A NEW, REFORMED COUNCIL. VOA CORRESPONDENT ELAINE JOHANSON REPORTS:

TEXT: MACEDONIAN PRESIDENT KIROV GLIGOROV POINTED OUT THE UNITED NATIONS -- IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER -- WILL BE INVOLVED WITH THE BALKANS FOR A LONG TIME. HE SAID IT MAKES SENSE THAT A BALKAN COUNTRY -- HIS OWN, PREFERABLY -- BE GIVEN A SECURITY COUNCIL SEAT.

MACEDONIA IS CONSIDERED A SUCCESS STORY IN THE CONTINUING SAGA OF BALKAN DISORDER. THE YUGOSLAV WARS NEVER SPILLED OVER INTO MACEDONIA. A SMALL PEACEKEEPING FORCE -- MOSTLY AMERICAN AND NORDIC TROOPS -- ARE DEPLOYED THERE PREVENTIVELY TO MAKE SURE.

FIVE OF THE 10 NON-PERMANENT SEATS ON THE SECURITY COUNCIL ARE UP FOR ELECTION EVERY YEAR. FOUR OF THEM ARE VIRTUALLY DECIDED -- WITH BAHRAIN, BRAZIL, GABON AND GAMBIA EITHER UNCONTESTED OR THE FRONT-RUNNERS.

ONLY THE EAST EUROPEAN SEAT IS UNCERTAIN. MACEDONIA IS VYING WITH SLOVENIA AND BELARUS FOR THE PRIVILEGE OF SITTING FOR TWO YEARS ON THE U-N'S MAIN ORGAN FOR PEACE AND SECURITY. MEANWHILE, PRESSURE CONTINUES TO BUILD FOR SPEEDY ACTION TO REFORM THE 15-MEMBER BODY, WHICH HAS FIVE PERMANENT MEMBERS -- THE UNITED STATES, BRITAIN, FRANCE, RUSSIA AND CHINA.

INDIA SAYS -- AS THE WORLD'S LARGEST DEMOCRACY AND A MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR OF PEACEKEEPING TROOPS -- IT DESERVES A PERMANENT SEAT. PRIME MINISTER INDER KUMAR GUJRAL NOTED THE SECURITY COUNCIL'S ACTIONS OFTEN IGNORE THE SENTIMENTS OF THE GENERAL U-N MEMBERSHIP:

IT IS IMPERATIVE AND TIME, THEREFORE, THAT THE SECURITY COUNCIL TAKES ON AS PERMANENT MEMBERS DEVELOPING COUNTRIES EQUIPPED TO MAKE AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION WITH THEIR WORLD VIEWS...SO THAT THE DECISIONS OF THE COUNCIL TRULY REFLECT THE U-N'S WIDER MEMBERSHIP.

GERMANY ALSO WANTS IN. FOREIGN MINISTER KLAUS KINKEL COMPLAINED TO THE ASSEMBLY THAT THE DEBATE OVER EXPANSION HAS BECOME ARTIFICIAL, TOO PROTRACTED. HE WARNED AGAINST TALKING THE ISSUE INTO THE GROUND, SO TO SPEAK, AND LOSING MOMENTUM FOR CHANGE.

SECURITY COUNCIL EXPANSION IS CONSIDERED BY MANY AS THE MOST POLITICALLY CHARGED STRUCTURAL REFORM ISSUE FACING THE ORGANIZATON. SEATS FOR GERMANY AND JAPAN ARE ALMOST TAKEN FOR GRANTED. BUT DEVELOPING COUNTRIES REFUSE TO ALLOW IT UNTIL THEY ARE INCLUDED. HOW MANY ADDITIONAL SEATS, WHO WOULD REPRESENT LATIN AMERICA, AFRICA AND ASIA AND WOULD THE NEW MEMBERS HAVE VETO POWER ARE THE THORNIEST PROBLEMS BLOCKING PROGRESS.

GOVERNMENTS HOPE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WILL AT LEAST AGREE ON A FORMULA FOR EXPANSION DURING ITS CURRENT SESSION -- AND LEAVE THE DETAILS UNTIL LATER. SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM WOULD HAVE TO BE APPROVED BY TWO-THIRDS OF THE ENTIRE U-N MEMBERSHIP AND RATIFIED BY PARLIAMENTS, SINCE IT INVOLVES AMENDING THE U-N CHARTER. (SIGNED)
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24-Sep-97 12:58 PM EDT (1658 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[09] SHALIKASVILI/BOSNIA (L-ONLY) BY REBECCA MCMENAMIN (PENTAGON)

INTRO: THE OUTGOING CHAIRMAN OF THE U-S MILITARY JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF HAS ADDED HIS VOICE TO A CHORUS OF CLINTON ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS SIGNALLING THAT SOME U-S TROOPS WILL REMAIN IN BOSNIA -- AFTER THE MANDATE OF THE NATO STABILIZATION FORCE EXPIRES NEXT JUNE. V-O-A'S REBECCA MCMENAMIN REPORTS ARMY GENERAL JOHN SHALIKASHVILI ALSO ISSUED YET ANOTHER WARNING TO INDICTED WAR CRIMINALS IN THE BALKANS.

TEXT: THE UNITED STATES' TOP MILITARY OFFICER, GENERAL JOHN SHALIKASHVILI, SAYS IT IS TOO EARLY TO MAKE A FINAL DECISION ON WHETHER U-S AND OTHER NATO TROOPS WILL LEAVE BOSNIA NEXT JUNE.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS IN WASHINGTON A WEEK BEFORE HE RETIRES, GENERAL SHALIKASHVILI SAID THE NATO FORCE HAS PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN BRINGING PEACE TO THE BALKANS. ECHOING COMMENTS MADE TUESDAY BY NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR SANDY BERGER -- HE SAID MILITARY FORCES SHOULD REMAIN ENGAGED IF CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT.

AS SANDGY BERGER SAID YESTERDAY AT GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY, THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY'S ENGAGEMENT IN BOSNIA WILL SURELY CONTINUE. HE WENT ON TO SAY WHETHER AN INTERNATIONAL MILITARY PRESENCE WOULD BE A PART OF THAT ENGAGEMENT AND WHAT ROLE THE UNITED STATES MIGHT PLAY IN THAT ENGAGEMENT REMAINS TO BE DECIDED. BUT ONE THING IS CLEAR, WHILE THE U-S, AND NATO AND OUR PARTNERS CAN HELP, THE PEOPLE OF BOSNIA -- MUSLIMS, CROATS, SERBS -- WILL ULTIMATELY HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THE PATH TO PEACE AND THE ROAD BACK TO WAR. AS LONG AS THEY CHOOSE PEACE, THEY DESERVE OUR CONTINUED HELP.

GENERAL SHALIKASHVILI SPOKE OUT AGAINST EFFORTS BY SOME MEMBERS OF THE U-S CONGRESS TO SET A FIRM DEADLINE FOR AN AMERICAN TROOP PULLOUT FROM BOSNIA. HE SAYS THIS WOULD ONLY PLAY INTO THE HANDS OF POTENTIAL TROUBLEMAKERS IN THE REGION.

THE JOINT CHIEFS CHAIRMAN ALSO ISSUED A WARNING TO INDICATED WAR CRIMES SUSPECTS, AND IN PARTICULAR, FORMER BOSNIAN SERB LEADER RADOVAN KARADZIC.

I WANT TO MAKE CLEAR, OUR POSITION IS THAT MR. KARADZIC BELONGS IN THE HAGUE AND SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE AND SECONDLY THAT HE SHOULD TAKE ABSOLUTELY NO COMFORT FROM THE FACT THAT SO FAR NO MILITARY OPERATION HAS BEEN MOUNTED AGAINST HIM. EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE DONE AND I BELIEVE IN THE END WILL BE DONE TO ENSURE THAT HE IS BROUGHT TO JUSTICE.

NATO TROOPS HAVE RECENTLY STEPPED UP ACTIVITIES AGAINST HARDLINE SUPPORTERS OF MR. KARADZIC. THERE ARE INCREASING SIGNS THE ALLIANCE IS PREPARING TO GO A STEP FURTHER AND ARREST INDICTED WAR CRIMINALS -- ALTHOUGH AS YET, NO OFFICIALS WILL PUBLICLY SAY SO. (SIGNED)
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24-Sep-97 4:26 PM EDT (2026 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[10] TURKEY / IRAQ (S ONLY) BY AMBERIN ZAMAN (ANKARA)

INTRO: HUNDREDS OF TURKISH TANKS AND ARMORED PERSONNEL CARRIERS ARE REPORTED TO HAVE CROSSED INTO NORTHERN IRAQ IN PURSUIT OF TURKISH KURD REBELS FROM THE SEPARATIST KURDISTAN WORKERS PARTY, OR P-K-K. AMBERIN ZAMAN REPORTS FROM ANKARA.

TEXT: A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IRAQ NATIONAL CONGRESS -- A GROUP COMPOSED OF IRAQ'S MAIN OPPOSITION PARTIES -- SAYS THE CROSS-BORDER OPERATION BEGAN TUESDAY.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID HUNDREDS OF TURKISH TANKS HAD CROSSED INTO NORTHERN IRAQ THROUGH THE IRAQI KURDISH BORDER TOWN OF ZAKHO. TURKISH MILITARY OFFICIALS DECLINED TO CONFIRM THE REPORTS AND DETAILS OF THE OPERATION REMAIN SKETCHY.

THE CROSS BORDER OPERATION FOLLOWS SEVERAL ATTACKS BY THE P-K-K AGAINST TURKISH TROOPS IN THE MAINLY KURDISH PROVINCES OF VAN AND HAKKARI IN THE SOUTHEAST REGION. ABOUT 11 TURKISH SECURITY PERSONNEL WERE REPORTED KILLED IN THE ATTACKS WHICH OCCURRED OVER THE PAST TWO DAYS.

THE P-K-K HAS BEEN FIGHTING FOR AN INDEPENDENT KURDISH STATE FOR THE PAST 13 YEARS. CLOSE TO 30-THOUSAND PEOPLE HAVE DIED IN THE FIGHTING, WHICH REMAINS CONCENTRATED IN TURKEY'S MAINLY KURDISH SOUTHEAST PROVINCES. THE REBELS ALSO HAVE BASES IN NORTHERN IRAQ WHICH ARE ATTACKED BY TURKISH FORCES IN ROUTINE SWEEPS ACROSS THE BORDER. (SIGNED)
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24-Sep-97 11:52 AM EDT (1552 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[11] UNGA TUESDAY WRAP (L ONLY) BY ELAINE JOHANSON (UNITED NATIONS)

INTRO: HIGH-LEVEL SPEECH-MAKING AT THE NEW SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY MOVES INTO ITS THIRD DAY. ON TUESDAY, U-N REFORM CLEARLY EMERGED AS THE CENTRAL PRE-OCCUPATION OF NATIONAL LEADERS. CORRESPONDENT ELAINE JOHANSON REPORTS:

TEXT: REFORM, REFORM AND MORE REFORM -- THAT CONCEPT REVERBERATED IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY CHAMBER. WHETHER IT WAS THE PRESIDENT OF PARAGUAY ENDORSING BRAZIL'S BID FOR PERMANENT MEMBERSHIP IN A LARGER SECURITY COUNCIL OR JAPAN'S WARNING THAT ITS FINANCIAL GENEROSITY TO THE U-N IS LIMITED -- GOVERNMENTS MADE CLEAR THEY EXPECT CHANGE AT THE UNITED NATIONS. IT WAS ALSO APPARENT NATIONAL INTERESTS WILL COME INTO PLAY DURING THE COMING DEBATES ON REFORM.

THE KEY ISSUE SPURRING FINANCIAL REFORMS IS WASHINGTON'S DEMAND FOR REDUCING ITS YEARLY CONTRIBUTION. MEANWHILE, THE U-S CONGRESS IS HOLDING BACK ON PAYING OVER A BILLION DOLLARS IN ARREARS.

JAPANESE FOREIGN MINISTER KEIZO OBUCHI -- SPEAKING THROUGH AN INTERPRETER -- SAID JAPAN CANNOT POSSIBLY CONSIDER PAYING MORE, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY IS STALLING ON MAKING IT A PERMANENT SECURITY COUNCIL MEMBER. MINISTER OBUCHI SAYS JAPAN, ANYWAY, IS ALREADY PAYING MORE THAN ALMOST EVERYONE:

IF JAPAN'S ASSESSMENT WERE TO INCREASE FURTHER OUT OF PROPORTION, WITH REFORM OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL NOT YET REALIZED, I MUST SAY THERE WOULD BE A PROBLEM WITH RESPECT TO THE FAIRNESS OF SUCH A SITUATION.

JAPAN IS THE U-N'S SECOND LARGEST CONTRIBUTOR AFTER THE UNITED STATES. BY CONTRAST, CHINA -- A KEY SECURITY COUNCIL MEMBER -- PAYS LESS THAN ONE PERCENT OF THE U-N BUDGET. MEANWHILE, DUTCH FOREIGN MINISTER HANS VAN MIERLO RECALLED HIS HIGH EXPECTATIONS WHEN THE U-N WAS FOUNDED IN 1945. HE WAS A YOUTH THEN. HIS HOPES ARE GROUNDED IN REALITY TODAY:

THE U-N HAS NEITHER THE MANDATE, NOR THE RESOURCES, NOR THE POWER TO BE THE WORLD'S KEEPER. THE QUESTION IS RATHER HOW WE CAN MAKE THE U-N PLAY THE ROLE THAT ONLY THE U-N CAN PLAY AND HOW WE CAN BETTER EQUIP THE ORGANIZATION TO DO MORE BY DOING WHAT IT DOES BETTER.

DEVELOPED NATIONS WANT THE U-N STREAMLINED, ITS DEPARTMENTS CONSOLIDATED. DEVELOPING COUNTRIES WANT ASSURANCES THAT ASSISTANCE WILL BE AVAILABLE WHEN THEY NEED IT. HARD BARGAINING LIES AHEAD. BUT GOVERNMENTS ARE SHOWING SIGNS OF COMMITMENT. (SIGNED)
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23-Sep-97 7:23 PM EDT (2323 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[12] YUGO / BOSNIAN SERBS (S & L) BY PAMELA TAYLOR (BELGRADE)

INTRO: YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC MET FOR FIVE-HOURS WEDNESDAY IN BELGRADE WITH RIVAL BOSNIAN-SERB LEADERS. V-O-A'S PAMELA TAYLOR IN THE YUGOSLAV CAPITAL REPORTS A STATEMENT FOLLOWING THE CLOSED-DOOR MEETINGS ANNOUNCED NEW ELECTIONS FOR PARLIAMENT AND PRESIDENT LATER THIS YEAR IN THE BOSNIAN-SERB REPUBLIC.

TEXT: DURING THE FIVE-HOUR MEETING AT HIS PRIVATE RESIDENCE, PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC MET FIRST WITH BOSNIAN-SERB PRESIDENT BILJANA PLAVSIC -- THEN SEPARATELY WITH THE SERB MEMBER OF THE JOINT PRESIDENCY OF BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA, MOMCILO KRAJISNIK.

LOCAL MEDIA REPORTS SAY MS. PLAVSIC REFUSED TO MEET WITH MR. KRAJISNIK. SO PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC HAD SEPARATE MEETINGS. AFTERWARDS, STATE TELEVISION SHOWED A SMILING MR. MILOSEVIC SHAKING HANDS WITH BOTH BOSNIAN-SERB LEADERS, BUT NOT AT THE SAME TIME.

THE TWO BOSNIAN-SERB LEADERS HAVE BEEN AT ODDS SINCE MS. PLAVSIC PUBLICLY ACCUSED MR. KRAJISNIK AND OTHER SUPPORTERS OF INDICTED WAR CRIMES SUSPECT RADOVAN KARADZIC OF PROFITEERING.

THE INDEPENDENT NEWS AGENCY "BETA" SAYS FOLLOWING THEIR MEETING WITH PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC, THE RIVAL LEADERS AGREED TO HOLD ELECTIONS FOR THE BOSNIAN-SERB PARLIAMENT IN NOVEMBER AND PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN DECEMBER.

THE DECEMBER ELECTIONS WILL BE FOR BOTH PRESIDENT OF THE SERB REPUBLIC AND FOR THE SERB MEMBER OF BOSNIA'S JOINT PRESIDENCY, WHICH INCLUDES ONE MUSLIM, ONE CROAT, AND ONE SERB.

DURING THE ELECTION PERIOD, THE TWO RIVALS ALSO AGREED TO TRANSMIT CAMPAIGN INFORMATION FROM MS. PLAVSIC'S HEADQUARTERS IN BANJA LUKA IN WESTERN BOSNIA, AND THEN FROM MR. KRAJISNIK'S HEADQUARTERS IN PALE. (SIGNED)
NEB/PAM/JWH/RAE
24-Sep-97 1:08 PM EDT (1708 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[13] YUGOSLAV ECONOMY BY PAMELA TAYLOR (BELGRADE)

INTRO: THE DIRE STATE OF SERBIA'S ECONOMY APPEARS TO HAVE HAD LITTLE INFLUENCE ON THE MAJORITY OF VOTERS -- IF ELECTION GAINS BY ULTRA NATIONALISTS ARE ANY INDICATION. A SECOND ROUND RUNOFF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER FIFTH. BUT OBSERVERS PREDICT WHATEVER THE OUTCOME, SERBIA HAS TAKEN A TURN TOWARD GREATER AUTHORITARIAN CONTROL AND AWAY FROM ECONOMIC INTEGRATION WITH EUROPE. V-O-A'S PAMELA TAYLOR REPORTS FROM BELGRADE.

TEXT: ALTHOUGH NO SINGLE PARTY OR CANDIDATE EMERGED FROM SERBIA'S ELECTIONS WITH A PARLIAMENTARY MAJORITY, POLITICAL ANALYSTS FULLY EXPECT A COALITION TO BE FORMED BY THE TWO MAIN NATIONALIST PARTIES -- THE SOCIALIST PARTY OF YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC AND THE ULTRA-NATIONALIST PARTY OF FORMER PARAMILITARY LEADER VOIJSLAV SESEJL.

THE OPPOSITION PARTIES WHICH LED SERBIA'S MASS ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTESTS EARLIER THIS YEAR WERE NOT ONLY DIVIDED DURING THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN, BUT THEIR MESSAGE APPARENTLY WAS LOST ON ORDINARY VOTERS. ANALYSTS SAY MOST SERBS, ALREADY LIVING NEAR THE POVERTY LINE, WERE MORE IMPRESSED BY CALLS FOR STRONG SERBIAN UNITY THAN FOR INTEGRATION INTO EUROPEAN MARKETS.

ONE OF YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC'S CLOSEST ADVISORS, INFORMATION MINISTER RADMILLA MILENTIJEVIC, SAYS THE ELECTION RESULTS SHOULD SEND A MESSAGE TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY WASHINGTON:

I HOPE THE UNITED STATES REALIZES THE MORE PRESSURE THEY EXERT ON PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC, THE MORE THEY'RE GOING TO BE STRENGTHENING THE MORE NATIONALISTIC POSITIONS WHICH IS THE ORIENTATION OF THE RADICAL PARTY OF MR. SESEJL.

MS. MILENTIJEVIC SAYS ORDINARY SERBS SEE COOPERATION WITH WESTERN DEMANDS AS A BETRAYAL OF SERB NATIONALIST IDEALS. OTHERS SAY IT WAS THE BITTER DIVISIONS WITHIN SERBIA'S OPPOSITION COALITION WHICH THREW THE ELECTION IN FAVOR OF MORE RADICAL POLITICIANS.

ZORAN DJINDJIC, OF SERBIA'S DEMOCRATIC PARTY WHICH BOYCOTTED THE ELECTION, SAYS SERBIA HAS FAR TO GO BEFORE THE MAJORITY WILL EMBRACE DEMOCRATIC VALUES. HE SAYS SERBIA IS STILL SICK FROM TWO DISEASES LEFT BY MORE THAN 40 YEARS OF COMMUNISM AND A STATE-CONTROLLED ECONOMY:

HE SAYS THE FIRST IS THE ATTRACTION TO AUTHORITARIAN POWER, AND THE SECOND IS THE INCLINATION TOWARD CORRUPTION, AND THAT THE THREE MAIN PARTIES WHICH WILL NOW BE IN PARLIAMENT ARE STRONGLY INFECTED WITH BOTH. MR. DJINDJIC AND VESNA PESIC, HIS OPPOSITION PARTNER, FEAR SERBIA WILL NOW SLIDE EVEN FARTHER BACKWARD INTO ISOLATION AND ECONOMIC DEPRIVATION.

VESNA KOSTIC, A LEADING ECONOMICS JOURNALIST, AGREES. SHE SAYS THE PICTURE ONE GETS TRAVELLING AROUND SERBIA TODAY -- THAT THERE IS PLENTY OF FOOD AND GOODS IN THE MARKET -- IS A DANGEROUSLY FALSE PICTURE:

IT LOOKS STABLE AND GOOD AND NICE ONLY ON THE SURFACE. UNDERNEATH YOU HAVE A LOT OF DEFICIT. YOU HAVE A BUDGET DEFICIT, YOU HAVE A TRADE DEFICIT, YOU HAVE UNEMPLOYMENT, AND FOREIGN DEBTS ARE NOT BEING REPAID. SO THERE IS HUGE POTENTIAL FOR INSTABILITY IN THIS COUNTRY.

VESNA KOSTIC SAYS THE ONLY BRIGHT SPOT IN THIS OTHERWISE BLEAK PICTURE IS THAT SERBS ARE LEARNING THE BASICS OF HOW A FREE MARKET ECONOMY WORKS IN WHAT SHE CALLS THE 'GRAY ECONOMY':

I AM GLAD WE HAVE THIS GRAY ECONOMY BECAUSE I THINK ITS A VERY GOOD THING FOR PEOPLE TO SEE HOW THE MARKET ACTUALLY WORKS. AND THAT'S THE ONLY PLACE WHERE THEY CAN CAN SEE IT.

VESNA KOSTIC SAYS WITH AN EVEN MORE NATIONALISTIC LEADERSHIP, THERE IS LITTLE CHANCE THE SO-CALLED OUTER WALL OF SANCTIONS WILL BE ENDED. THESE ARE THE SANCTIONS WHICH PROHIBIT INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FROM DEALING WITH YUGOSLAVIA UNTIL IT HAS FULLY COMPLIED WITH THE DAYTON PEACE ACCORD FOR BOSNIA. AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT MEANS COOPERATING WITH THE HAGUE TRIBUNAL IN TURNING OVER PEOPLE INDICTED FOR WAR CRIMES. (SIGNED)
NEB/PAM/KL
24-Sep-97 3:24 PM EDT (1924 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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