Voice of America, 98-01-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] CZECH POL (L ONLY) BY ART CHIMES (PRAGUE)

[02] EDITORIAL: CLINTON ON ADVANCING HUMAN RIGHTS

[03] EURO STOCKS (S-ONLY) BY PAUL FRANCUCH (LONDON)

[04] FRANCE JOBLESS (L-ONLY) BY JULIAN NUNDY (PARIS)

[05] GERMANY / JOBLESS (L) BY KYLE KING (BONN)

[06] FRIDAY'S EDITORIALS BY GARY EDQUIST (WASHINGTON)

[07] ITALY / KURDS (L-ONLY) BY PEGGY POLK (ROME)

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

[09] NORTHERN IRELAND TALKS BY ANDRE DE NESNERA (LONDON)

[10] SPAIN / TERROR (L-ONLY) BY GIL CARBAJAL (MADRID)

[11] TURKEY'S WOES BY PAMELA TAYLOR (WASHINGTON)

[12] TURKEY/EUROPEAN UNION BY AMBERIN ZAMAN (ANKARA)

[13] U-S / KOSOVO UPDATE (S-ONLY) BY RON PEMSTEIN (STATE DEPT.)

[01] CZECH POL (L ONLY) BY ART CHIMES (PRAGUE)

INTRO: FORMER CZECH PRIME MINISTER VACLAV KLAUS SAYS HIS PARTY SUPPORTS EARLY ELECTIONS, SAYING A NEW PARLIAMENT SHOULD BE ELECTED DURING THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ART CHIMES REPORTS FROM PRAGUE.

TEXT: MR. KLAUS TOLD REPORTERS HIS PARTY WOULD SUPPORT EARLY PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS, CALLING THEM THE ONLY ADEQUATE SOLUTION TO THE CURRENT POLITICAL SITUATION.

PROVISIONS OF THE CZECH CONSTITUTION ARE DESIGNED TO DISCOURAGE SUCH EARLY ELECTIONS, BUT MR. KLAUS SAID HIS PARTY LEADERSHIP BELIEVES A WAY CAN BE FOUND TO HAVE EARLY ELECTIONS.

THE GOVERNMENT WHICH WAS LED BY MR. KLAUS COLLAPSED IN NOVEMBER AMID A FUNDING SCANDAL IN HIS PARTY. THE GOVERNMENT CRISIS COMES AS THE COUNTRY FACES CHALLENGING NEGOTIATIONS ON JOINING NATO AND THE EUROPEAN UNION, PLUS DIFFICULT ECONOMIC ISSUES, INCLUDING A WEAKENING CURRENCY AND STALLED PRIVATIZATIONS.

THE CZECH GOVERNMENT IS NOW IN THE HANDS OF A CARETAKER CABINET, HEADED BY JOSEF TOSOVSKY, A NON-POLITICAL APPOINTMENT WHO PREVIOUSLY LED THE COUNTRY'S CENTRAL BANK. SEVERAL OTHER MINISTERS ARE HOLDOVERS FROM THE KLAUS GOVERNMENT. THE ONLY MINISTERS FROM MR. KLAUS'S PARTY ARE MEMBERS OF A BREAKAWAY FACTION.

[02] EDITORIAL: CLINTON ON ADVANCING HUMAN RIGHTS

ANNCR: THE VOICE OF AMERICA PRESENTS DIFFERING POINTS OF VIEW ON A WIDE VARIETY OF ISSUES. NEXT, AN EDITORIAL EXPRESSING THE POLICIES OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT.

VOICE:

FIFTY YEARS AGO, THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTED THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS. OVER THE PAST HALF CENTURY, THE DECLARATION'S THIRTY ARTICLES HAVE ENTERED THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD. THEY HAVE BECOME A STANDARD FOR MANY SOCIETIES AND ARE OFTEN INVOKED IN CONSTITUTIONS AND COURTS.

IN THE YEARS SINCE THE DECLARATION WAS ADOPTED, COMMUNISM HAS BEEN DISCREDITED. YET AS PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON POINTED OUT "THREATS TO FREEDOM AND HUMAN RIGHTS STILL PERSIST. HUMAN RIGHTS ARE STILL AT RISK FROM BURMA TO NIGERIA, FROM BELARUS TO CHINA. ALTHOUGH MORE THAN HALF THE WORLD'S PEOPLE NOW LIVE UNDER GOVERNMENTS OF THEIR OWN CHOOSING, DEMOCRACY'S ROOTS ARE STILL FRAGILE IN SOME COUNTRIES; OTHERS ARE BESIEGED BY FORCES RANGING FROM DRUG CARTELS TO ORGANIZED CRIME. AND EVEN IN DEMOCRACIES, HUMAN RIGHTS, WHICH SO OFTEN MEAN MINORITY RIGHTS, ARE NOT GUARANTEED."

AS PRESIDENT CLINTON STRESSED, "SUPPORTING THE SPREAD OF DEMOCRACY, WITH RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, ADVANCES THE VALUES THAT MAKE LIFE WORTH LIVING. IT ALSO HELPS NATIONS IN THE INFORMATION AGE TO ACHIEVE THEIR TRUE WEALTH. . . . FULLY DEVELOPING. . .HUMAN RESOURCES REQUIRES PEOPLE WHO ARE FREE TO SPEAK, FREE TO ASSOCIATE, FREE TO WORSHIP, AND [WHO] FEEL FREE TO DO THOSE THINGS. IT REQUIRES, THEREFORE, ACCOUNTABLE, OPEN, CONSISTENT GOVERNMENTS THAT EARN PEOPLE'S TRUST."

FOR ALL THESE REASONS, THE UNITED STATES WILL KEEP FAITH WITH THOSE WORKING FOR PEACEFUL DEMOCRATIC CHANGE WITHIN THEIR OWN SOCIETIES -- OFTEN AT TREMENDOUS PERSONAL RISK. AS PRESIDENT CLINTON SAID, "ADVANCING HUMAN RIGHTS MUST ALWAYS BE A CENTRAL PILLAR OF AMERICA'S FOREIGN POLICY."

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.
09-Jan-98 3:56 PM EST (2056 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[03] EURO STOCKS (S-ONLY) BY PAUL FRANCUCH (LONDON)

INTRO: CONTINUED FINANCIAL PROBLEMS IN ASIA WAS CITED AS THE KEY REASON FOR PRICE DECLINES ON EUROPEAN STOCK MARKETS FRIDAY. PAUL FRANCUCH HAS THE CLOSING NUMBERS FROM OUR OFFICES IN LONDON.

TEXT: THE GLOOMY SCENARIO ON THE ASIAN MARKETS CAUSED EUROPEAN INVESTORS TO SELL SHARES. EACH OF WESTERN EUROPE'S BIG MARKETS IN FRANKFURT, LONDON AND PARIS REGISTERED ONE DAY DECLINES OF BETWEEN ONE AND TWO PERCENTAGE POINTS.

THE GERMAN "DAX 30" WAS OFF 110 POINTS AT THE CLOSE. IN PARIS, THE "CAC 40" INDEX DECLINED BY 35 POINTS. AND HERE IN LONDON -- EUROPE'S BIGGEST STOCK MARKET -- THE KEY "FINANCIAL TIMES" 100 INDEX CLOSED DOWN 99 POINTS.

ON THE CURRENCY MARKETS, THE U-S DOLLAR SHOWED LITTLE SIGN OF MOVEMENT IN TRADE WITH THE GERMAN MARK OR BRITISH POUND.

GOLD IN LONDON WAS PRICED AT 279-DOLLARS-45 CENTS AN OUNCE -- VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED FROM THURSDAY. (SIGNED)
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09-Jan-98 1:37 PM EST (1837 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[04] FRANCE JOBLESS (L-ONLY) BY JULIAN NUNDY (PARIS)

INTRO: AFTER A MONTH OF PROTESTS BY GROUPS REPRESENTING THE JOBLESS, FRENCH PRIME MINISTER LIONEL JOSPIN HAS CREATED A NEW EMERGENCY FUND TO HELP UNEMPLOYED WORKERS WHO ARE ON THE POVERTY LINE. HOWEVER, SOME OF THESE ORGANIZATIONS ARE ALREADY CALLING FOR NEW DEMONSTRATIONS. JULIAN NUNDY REPORTS FROM PARIS.

TEXT: THE PROTESTS BY FRANCE'S JOBLESS GREW OVER THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.

EARLIER THIS WEEK, THEY STAGED DEMONSTRATIONS IN PARIS AND OTHER TOWNS TO BACK DEMANDS FOR A BONUS FOR THE MOST NEEDY CASES. IN THE 20 YEARS SINCE UNEMPLOYMENT BECAME A MAJOR FRENCH SOCIAL PROBLEM, SUCCESSIVE GOVERNMENTS HAVE EARMARKED JOB CREATION AS THEIR PRIORITY. MORE THAN 12 PERCENT OF THE FRENCH WORK FORCE IS CURRENTLY UNEMPLOYED. UNEMPLOYMENT HAS CONTINUED TO GROW IN FRANCE, WHILE IT HAS DROPPED IN MANY OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES, AS IN NEIGHBORING BRITAIN.

FRANCE'S SOCIALIST PRIME MINISTER, LIONEL JOSPIN, PROMISED FRIDAY TO OPEN UP A NEW "SOCIAL EMERGENCY" FUND OF ONE BILLION FRANCS, OR MORE THAN 160-MILLION DOLLARS, TO DEAL WITH THOSE UNEMPLOYED WHO ARE NOW POVERTY-STRICKEN.

THOSE JOBLESS IN FRANCE WHO DO NOT QUALIFY FOR EARLY RETIREMENT OR OTHER BENEFITS AND WHO FAIL TO FIND NEW WORK WITHIN THREE YEARS SEE THEIR RIGHTS TO WELFARE DIMINISH. IT IS THEY WHO ARE SWELLING THE RANKS OF THE MANY FRENCH HOMELESS NOW BEGGING ON STREETS ALL OVER FRANCE.

THE CONSERVATIVE DAILY "LE FIGARO" SAID MR. JOSPIN WOULD SEEK A SOLUTION THAT WOULD ONLY MASK HIS GOVERNMENT'S INABILITY TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM. MANY ECONOMISTS ARGUE THAT THE STAGGERING COST OF SOCIAL SERVICES WHICH FRENCH EMPLOYERS HAVE TO PAY PREVENTS COMPANIES FROM HIRING NEW STAFF AND THEREBY KEEPS UNEMPLOYMENT HIGH.

AS MR. JOSPIN ANNOUNCED THE NEW MEASURES THAT HE HOPES WILL END THE SIT-INS IN STATE EMPLOYMENT OFFICES, THERE ARE FEW SIGNS THAT THE MILITANTS WHO HAVE BEEN PROTESTING FOR THE PAST MONTH ARE IMPRESSED. ALREADY, SOME OF THEIR LEADERS ARE CALLING ON THEM TO CONTINUE THEIR OCCUPATIONS OF GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND TO PREPARE FOR YET MORE PROTESTS. (SIGNED)
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09-Jan-98 11:59 AM EST (1659 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[05] GERMANY / JOBLESS (L) BY KYLE KING (BONN)

INTRO: GERMANY'S SOARING UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HAS REACHED A NEW RECORD HIGH, FORCING THE GOVERNMENT TO ADMIT IT HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO MEET ITS JOB CREATION GOALS. FROM BONN, VOA'S KYLE KING REPORTS.

TEXT: NEW GERMAN LABOR DEPARTMENT FIGURES SHOW AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN THE JOBLESS RATE TO 11-POINT-EIGHT PERCENT IN DECEMBER. WITH 200-THOUSAND ADDITIONAL PEOPLE LOOKING FOR JOBS, GERMANY'S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HIT A NEW POST-WAR RECORD FOR THE MONTH. MORE THAN FOUR-AND-A-HALF MILLION GERMANS ARE NOW WITHOUT WORK.

LABOR OFFICE OFFICIALS SAID THE JOB MARKET BENEFITED LITTLE FROM IMPROVEMENTS IN THE GERMAN ECONOMY. WHILE THEY CONTINUE TO EXPRESS OPTIMISM THERE WILL BE AN OVERALL IMPROVEMENT IN THE LABOR MARKET, THEY ADMIT THERE IS NO RELIEF IN SIGHT.

INDEPENDENT ANALYSTS EXPRESSED DISAPPOINTMENT IN THE LATEST FIGURES, BUT SAY THEY ARE IN LINE WITH THEIR OWN FORECASTS.

REACTING TO THE NEW UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES, GERMAN CHANCELLOR HELMUT KOHL SAID HE NO LONGER EXPECTED THE JOBLESS RATE TO BE CUT IN HALF BY THE YEAR 2000. MR. KOHL, WHO HAS REPEATEDLY PREDICTED SUCH A TURNAROUND, NOW SAYS HE IS STICKING TO HIS GOAL OF CUTTING UNEMPLOYMENT AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

OPPOSITION "SOCIAL DEMOCRATS" SAY ANY UPTURN IN GERMANY'S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED THOUGH A CHANGE IN THE COUNTRY'S POLITICAL DIRECTION.

SOME ANALYSTS SAY THE GOVERNMENT HAS UNDERESTIMATED THE EFFECT OF HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT, AND OPPOSITION PARTIES MAY BE ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY USE THE JOBLESS RATE AS A KEY CAMPAIGN ISSUE IN THE COMING FALL ELECTIONS. (SIGNED)
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09-Jan-98 10:40 AM EST (1540 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[06] FRIDAY'S EDITORIALS BY GARY EDQUIST (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: AMONG THE TOPICS ON EDITORIAL PAGES THIS FRIDAY ARE A POSSIBLE THAW IN U-S RELATIONS WITH IRAN, PROBLEMS WITH ASIAN CURRENCIES, AND PSYCHIATRIC TESTS FOR THE MAN ACCUSED OF BEING THE UNABOMBER. NOW, HERE WITH A CLOSER LOOK AND SOME QUOTES, IS __________________ AND TODAY'S U-S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

TEXT: THE TELEVISED INTERVIEW WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 7) WITH IRANIAN PRESIDENT MOHAMMAD KHATAMI HAS EDITORIAL WRITERS AT U-S-A TODAY RECALLING A QUARTER CENTURY AGO WHEN "A SUPRISE EXCHANGE OF TABLE-TENNIS TEAMS HELPED BEGIN A SLOW THAW IN U-S--CHINA RELATIONS." PRESIDENT KHATAMI'S CALL FOR AN EXCHANGE OF SCHOLARS, ARTISTS, WRITERS AND TOURISTS, WRITES THE NEWSPAPER, "JUST MAY HAVE OPENED SIMILAR POSSIBILITIES."

VOICE: TO BE SURE, IRAN WILL HAVE TO CHANGE ITS WAYS, NOT JUST ITS WORDS, BEFORE NOMALCY (OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS) RETURNS. AND THAT WILL REQUIRE MORE THAN (PRESIDENT) KHATAMI. FOREIGN POLICY IS SET BY AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI, IRAN'S ANTI-AMERICAN SUPREME LEADER. BUT ISOLATING IRAN IS NOT USEFUL IN THE LOG RUN. SUPPORT FOR SANCTIONS IS ERODING ... AND ITS POTENTIAL HELP AS A COUNTERWEIGHT TO THE MENACE OF SADDAM HUSSEIN'S IRAQ CANNOT BE IGNORED. ... AS WITH CHINA, GETTING BEYOND DECADES OF GRIEVANCE AND SUSPICION WON'T HAPPEN EASILY."

TEXT: ASIA'S TROUBLED CURRENCIES STAGED A RECOVERY FRIDAY AFTER TELEPHONE CALLS FROM PRESIDENT CLINTON TO THE LEADERS OF INDONESIA AND SINGAPORE. MR. CLINTON REITERATED U-S SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND DEBT RELIEF IN THE REGION. HE REMINDED PRESIDENT SUHARTO ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF FINANCIAL REFORMS MANDATED BY THE I-M-F. THE WALL STREET JOURNAL WONDERS "HOW SHOULD THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY RESPOND TO THE INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT'S SELF-DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR, WHICH WILL AFFECT THE ENTIRE REGION?"

VOICE: IT'S GOOD TO SEE THAT THE WORLD BANK HAS PUSHED INTO PUBLIC VIEW A HEALTHY DEBATE OVER WHETHER THE I-M-F'S STANDARD PLAYBOOK OF STRICT FINANCIAL RECTITUDE IS APPROPRIATE TO THE ASIAN ECONOMIES, NOT TO MENTION ITS INORDINATE FONDNESS FOR CURRENCY DEVELUATIONS, WHICH HAVE A WAY OF ROARING OUT OF CONTROL. THERE ARE INDEED ALL SORTS OF FUNDAMENTALS TO BE GOTTEN RIGHT HERE, BUT WE HOPE IT WILL BE RECOGNIZED THAT NO SUSTAINABLE PROGRESS IS POSSIBLE UNTIL THE MOST OBVIOUS FUNDAMENTAL RECEIVES PROPER RECOGNITION: ASIA IS HAVING A CURRENCY CRISIS.

TEXT: ACCUSED UNABOMBER TERRORIST THEODORE KACZYNSKI IS UNDER 24-HOUR SURVEILLANCE AFTER HE APPARENTLY TRIED TO KILL HIMSELF IN HIS JAIL CELL IN SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, THURSDAY. THE 55-YEAR-OLD FORMER MATH PROFESSOR IS CHARGED WITH MAIL BOMBINGS THAT KILLED TWO PEOPLE (IN CALIFORNIA). REPORTS THAT MR. KACZYNSKI HAS AGREED TO UNDERGO PSYCHIATRIC TESTING BRING THIS EDITORIAL FROM THE LOS ANGELES TIMES.

VOICE: WHATEVER THE TESTS SHOW, THE PROCESS IS PROPER. IT WILL BE FAIR TO MR. KACZYNSKI IN HELPING TO DETERMINE WHETER HE IS CAPABLE OF DEFENDING HIMSELF. AND MOVING THIS TRIAL ALONG WILL ADDRESS THE SURVIVING VICTIM'S QUEST FOR JUSTICE.

TEXT: CHICAGO SCIENTIST RICHARD SEED SAID THIS WEEK THAT HE WANTS TO CLONE HUMANS TO HELP COUPLES WHO ARE UNABLE TO CONCEIVE TO HAVE CHILDREN. HE SAYS HE WILL USE THE SAME TECHNIQUE USED IN CLONING SHEEP. THE WHITE HOUSE HAS REPEATED ITS STRONG RESERVATIONS AGAINST HUMAN CLONING, CITING MORAL AND ETHICAL CONCERNS. THE NEW YORK TIMES IS OPPOSED TO THE PROSPECT.

VOICE: ANY DOCTORS OR INVESTORS WHO JOIN HIM (RICHARD SEED) IN THIS LUNATIC VENTURE DESERVE ALL THE OPPROBRIUM THAT WILL RIGHTLY COME THEIR WAY. DR. SEED IS NOT SOME MODERN-DAY GALILEO RISING TO DO BATTLE WITH FORCES SEEKING TO SUPPRESS A SCIENTIFIC TRUTH. HIS TRUE ANALOGUE IS DR. JACK KEVORKIAN, THE DOCTOR WHO HOGS THE LIMELIGHT WHILE HELPING DESPERATELY ILL PATIENTS COMMIT SUICIDE. THE MAIN DIFFERENCE IS THAT DR. KEVORKIAN IS RECKLESS IN BRINGING ABOUT THE END OF LIFE, WHEREAS DR. SEED PLANS TO BE RECKLESS IN THE CREATION OF LIFE.

TEXT: WITH THAT FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES, WE CONCLUDE THIS BRIEF SAMPLING OF TODAY'S EDITORIALS FROM THE U-S PRESS.
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09-Jan-98 12:20 PM EST (1720 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[07] ITALY / KURDS (L-ONLY) BY PEGGY POLK (ROME)

INTRO: ITALIAN POLICE HAVE DETAINED 44 KURDS AND ALBANIANS WHO TRIED TO ENTER THE COUNTRY ILLEGALLY DURING THE NIGHT (LATE THURSDAY / EARLY FRIDAY). AS PEGGY POLK REPORTS FROM ROME, THE GROUP LANDED ON ITALY'S SOUTHERN COAST ONLY HOURS AFTER SECURITY OFFICIALS FROM TURKEY AND SIX EUROPEAN COUNTRIES AGREED TO CRACK-DOWN ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.

TEXT: THE LATEST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO REACH THE COAST OF SOUTHERN ITALY WERE 23 KURDS AND 21 ALBANIANS. POLICE SAID THAT THEY APPARENTLY HAD DISEMBARKED FROM SMALL BOATS OR RUBBER RAFTS TO TRY TO ESCAPE DETECTION.

ONLY HOURS EARLIER, POLICE CHIEFS AND SECURITY OFFICIALS FROM TURKEY AND SIX EUROPEAN UNION STATES AGREED AT A MEETING IN ROME TO CRACK DOWN ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION. THE AGREEMENT CALLS FOR TIGHTER BORDER CONTROLS, THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION ON THE MOVEMENTS OF IMMIGRANTS AND A STEPPED-UP FIGHT AGAINST CRIMINAL GROUPS TRANSPORTING THEM. TURKEY HAS ALREADY BEGUN CURBING ILLEGAL EMIGRATION FROM ITS SHORES.

ITALIAN INTERIOR MINISTER GIORGIO NAPOLITANO TOLD PARLIAMENT THAT TWO-THOUSAND-646 ( 2,646 ) KURDISH IMMIGRANTS HAD ARRIVED IN ITALY SINCE JULY, AND 366 OF THEM HAD ASKED FOR POLITICAL ASYLUM. THE MAJOR INFLUX BEGAN LAST MONTH WHEN NEARLY TWO-THOUSAND OF THE KURDS REACHED ITALY'S SHORES.

THE MASS ARRIVALS HAVE RAISED CONCERN IN GERMANY, WHICH HAS ALREADY TAKEN IN ABOUT A HALF-MILLION KURDS, AND FEARS THE NEW GROUP WILL FOLLOW.

ITALY HAS PROMISED ASYLUM TO ALL BONA FIDE POLITICAL REFUGEES BUT HAS ASSURED GERMANY IT WILL CONSIDER REQUESTS INDIVIDUALLY.

TURKEY CONTENDS THE KURDS ARE ECONOMIC MIGRANTS, RATHER THAN POLITICAL REFUGEES FLEEING TURKISH GOVERNMENT ATTEMPTS TO CRUSH KURDISH NATIONALISM. (SIGNED)
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09-Jan-98 9:36 AM EST (1436 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: STOCK PRICES IN THE UNITED STATES WERE DOWN SHARPLY TODAY (FRIDAY) AS THE ASIAN FINANCIAL SITUATION CONTINUED TO WORRY WALL STREET TRADERS. CORRESPONDENT BRECK ARDERY REPORTS FROM NEW YORK.

TEXT: THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE CLOSED AT 75-HUNDRED-80, DOWN 222 POINTS OR ABOUT THREE PERCENT. FOR THE WEEK, THE INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE LOST 385 POINTS, MORE THAN FOUR PERCENT. THE STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 INDEX CLOSED FRIDAY AT 927, DOWN 28 POINTS. THE VOLUME ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE WAS 751 MILLION SHARES, THE FOURTH HIGHEST IN HISTORY.

ANALYSTS SAY FEARS ABOUT THE ECONOMIC CRISIS IN ASIA SEEM TO BE ESCALATING ON WALL STREET -- NOT BECAUSE OF ANY HARD EVIDENCE THE SITUATION IS BECOMING WORSE, BUT BECAUSE OF UNCERTAINTY ABOUT WHERE IT WILL LEAD. SOME TRADERS WERE ALSO UPSET ABOUT THE FAILURE OF THE SO-CALLED "JANUARY EFFECT." THE THEORY IS THAT THE DIRECTION OF STOCK PRICES FOR THE YEAR IS DETERMINED BY THEIR PERFORMANCE IN THE FIRST FIVE TRADING DAYS OF THE YEAR. THE FIRST FIVE DAYS OF THIS YEAR HAVE SEEN PRICES DOWN SHARPLY.

THE GOVERNMENT REPORTED THE NUMBER OF NEW JOBS CREATED IN THE U-S ECONOMY SURGED BY 370-THOUSAND LAST MONTH -- WITH SOLID GAINS IN JUST ABOUT EVERY INDUSTRY.

BUT THE OWENS CORNING BUILDING MATERIALS COMPANY SAYS IT WILL ELIMINATE 22-HUNDRED JOBS IN AN EFFORT TO REDUCE COSTS. THE COMPANY SAYS IT HAS BEEN UNABLE TO RAISE PRICES.

THE SIEMENS COMPANY OF GERMANY AND MOTOROLA OF THE UNITED STATES ARE EXPANDING THEIR COOPERATION WITH PLANS FOR A COMPUTER CHIP DEVELOPMENT CENTER IN DRESDEN, GERMANY. THE TWO COMPANIES ARE ALREADY BUILDING A MICROPROCESSOR PLANT IN THE UNITED STATES.

LAWYERS REPRESENTING THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY AND THE STATE OF TEXAS PLAN TO MEET THROUGH THE WEEKEND. THEY ARE TRYING TO WORK OUT A SETTLEMENT OF A 14-BILLION-DOLLAR LAWSUIT THAT TEXAS HAS FILED CLAIMING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE EXPENSES THE STATE HAS INCURRED IN TREATING SMOKING-RELATED ILLNESSES. IF THE TWO SIDES FAIL TO AGREE, A TRIAL WILL BEGIN MONDAY. (SIGNED) NEB/NY/BA/LSF/RRM
09-Jan-98 4:58 PM EST (2158 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[09] NORTHERN IRELAND TALKS BY ANDRE DE NESNERA (LONDON)

INTRO: THE SENIOR BRITISH MINISTER IN CHARGE OF NORTHERN IRELAND MO MOWLAN -- HAS MET PRISONERS INSIDE BELFAST'S "MAZE" JAIL JUST A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE RESUMPTION OF POLITICAL TALKS ON THE FUTURE OF THE BRITISH PROVINCE (EDS: SCHEDULED TO RESUME ON MONDAY). IN THIS REPORT FROM LONDON, V-O-A'S ANDRE DE NESNERA PREVIEWS THE TALKS.

TEXT: THE TALKS BRING TOGETHER MOST OF THE POLITICAL PARTIES IN NORTHERN IRELAND -- INCLUDING SINN FEIN, THE POLITICAL WING OF THE IRISH REPUBLICAN ARMY. NEGOTIATORS ARE TRYING TO ADDRESS SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES -- SUCH AS FUTURE RELATIONS BETWEEN NORTHERN IRELAND AND THE IRISH REPUBLIC -- AND WHAT KIND OF INTERNAL POLITICAL STRUCTURES WILL PREVAIL.

THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS SET A (MONTH OF) MAY DEADLINE FOR REACHING AN AGREEMENT. ANY FUTURE ACCORD WILL HAVE TO BE APPROVED BY THE PEOPLE OF NORTHERN IRELAND IN A REFERENDUM.

ONE OF THE PARTICIPANTS AT THE TALKS IS JOHN ALDERDICE, LEADER OF NORTHERN IRELAND'S "ALLIANCE" PARTY, WHICH BRINGS TOGETHER CATHOLICS AND PROTESTANTS, NATIONALISTS AND UNIONISTS.

MR. ALDERDICE SAYS VERY LITTLE PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE SINCE THE TALKS BEGAN IN EARNEST LAST SEPTEMBER.

I HAVE BEEN CONCERNED PARTICULARLY ABOUT THE FACT THAT WE DID NOT REACH ANY KIND OF AGREEMENT ON ANYTHING SUBSTANTIAL IN THE RUN-UP TO CHRISTMAS. I THINK THAT HAS LEFT THE TALKS PROCESS IN A VERY DIFFICULT SITUATION AND I THINK IT DESPERATELY NEEDS MOVEMENT THERE.

DURING THIS PAST WEEK, THE NEGOTIATIONS WERE DEALT A BLOW AFTER LOYALIST -- OR PRO-BRITISH -- PARAMILITARY PRISONERS IN BELFAST'S "MAZE" PRISON WITHDREW THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE PEACE PROCESS. THAT DECISION EFFECTIVELY PROHIBITED THEIR POLITICAL REPRESENTATIVES FROM ATTENDING NEXT MONDAY'S TALKS. SOME EVEN ARGUED THE THREE-YEAR-OLD LOYALIST CEASEFIRE WAS IN JEOPARDY.

BUT AFTER FRIDAY'S MEETING AT THE "MAZE" WITH THE SENIOR BRITISH MINISTER IN CHARGE OF NORTHERN IRELAND -- MO MOWLAM -- THE PRISONERS AGREED TO GIVE THE PEACE PROCESS ANOTHER CHANCE.

MR. ALDERDICE BELIEVES, HOWEVER, THAT MS. MOWLAM'S PRISON VISIT SETS A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT. HE SAYS THE MEETING WILL BE USED BY THE JAILED PARAMILITARIES TO BUILD UP THEIR CREDIBILITY AND EFFECTIVELY MEANS THE DEATH OF THE SO-CALLED "MITCHELL DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES" -- THE CORNERSTONE OF THE TALKS.

THOSE PRINCIPLES STATE QUITE CLEARLY THAT ANYONE WHO USES OR THREATENS TO USE VIOLENCE ... OR THOSE WHO REPRESENT THEM ... SHOULD BE PUT OUT OF THE TALKS. NOW HERE WE HAVE A SITUATION WHERE PEOPLE ARE THREATENING TO USE VIOLENCE AND INDEED, IT HAS TO BE SAID, ARE USING VIOLENCE BEHIND THE SCENES. AND INSTEAD OF BEING PUT OUT OF THE TALKS, THE SECRETARY OF STATE (MO MOWLAM) IS MOVING HEAVEN AND EARTH TO FOCUS ATTENTION ON THEM.

MR. ALDERDICE SAYS THE NEXT SEVERAL WEEKS WILL BE CRUCIAL IN DETERMINING WHETHER SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS CAN BE ACHIEVED AT THE TALKS. HE SAYS THE ONLY WAY TO BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO THE NEGOTIATIONS IS FOR BOTH THE BRITISH AND IRISH PRIME MINISTERS TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE.

THERE IS CLEARLY AN INTEREST AND CONCERN BY BOTH PRIME MINISTERS. BUT I THINK THERE IS A NEED FOR THEM TO BECOME MORE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THINGS. I DO NOT SAY THAT THE TALKS WILL FORMALLY STOP IN TWO OR THREE WEEKS IF WE DO NOT MAKE PROGRESS. I THINK THEY WILL DRIBBLE ON. BUT IF WE CANNOT MAKE PROGRESS IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS, THEN EFFECTIVELY THE PROGNOSIS FOR ANY OUTCOME -- ANY AGREED OUTCOME TO THE TALKS -- BECOMES VERY BLEAK INDEED.

THE LEADER OF NORTHERN IRELAND'S "ALLIANCE" PARTY SAYS THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE TO POLITICAL NEGOTIATIONS. HE SAYS WITH THE ABSENCE OF DIALOGUE, A VACUUM WILL BE CREATED -- TO BE FILLED BY TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS PLUNGING NORTHERN IRELAND INTO ANOTHER CYCLE OF VIOLENCE. (SIGNED)
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09-Jan-98 1:50 PM EST (1850 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[10] SPAIN / TERROR (L-ONLY) BY GIL CARBAJAL (MADRID)

INTRO: IN THE BASQUE REGION OF SPAIN, ANOTHER CITY COUNCILMAN HAS BEEN KILLED AFTER A BOMB PLACED IN HIS CAR EXPLODED. FRIDAY'S MURDER APPEARS TO BE THE LATEST IN A SERIES OF TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST REPRESENTATIVES OF THE RULING POPULAR PARTY IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY. REPORTER GIL CARBAJAL IN MADRID SAYS AUTHORITIES SUSPECT THE PRO-INDEPENDENCE ORGANIZATION "ETA."

TEXT: THE 35-YEAR-OLD CITY COUNCILMAN FOR THE BASQUE TOWN OF ZARAUZ, JOSE IGNACIO IRURETAGOYENA, WAS KILLED WHILE DRIVING TO HIS FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS. THE FATHER OF TWO CHILDREN, HE WAS A NATIVE BASQUE SPEAKER, WELL-LIKED AND KNOWN FOR BEING A HARD WORKER. A BOMB PLACED UNDER THE COUNCILMAN'S CAR SEAT WENT OFF AFTER HE HAD TRAVELED ONLY A KILOMETER FROM HOME AND HAD REACHED AN INTERSECTION NEAR A SCHOOL.

DESPITE RECOMMENDATIONS BY OFFICIALS OF SPAIN'S RULING "POPULAR PARTY," MR. IRURETAGOYENA REFUSED BODYGUARD PROTECTION AND HAD NOT ENROLLED IN A SPECIAL ANTI-TERRORIST COURSE OFFERED TO THE MORE THAN 180 "POPULAR PARTY" OFFICIALS SERVICE OFFICE IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY.

ON FRIDAY MORNING, ZARAUZ'S TOWN COUNCIL CONDEMNED THE MURDER. THE REPRESENTATIVES OF ETA'S POLITICAL WING OFFERED CONDOLENCES TO THE DEAD COUNCILMAN'S FAMILY. BUT AS THEY LEFT THE TOWN HALL, THEY WERE HECKLED BY ANGRY FELLOW TOWNSMEN WHO CALLED THEM MURDERERS.

DURING THE RECENT HOLIDAY SEASON THAT ENDED IN SPAIN ON TUESDAY, PRO-ETA YOUTH GANGS CARRIED OUT VARIOUS ACTS OF VANDALISM. THIS PAST WEEK ALONE, THEY SET ABLAZE A BASQUE POLICEMAN'S CAR. THEY'RE ALSO ACCUSED OF BURNING THE STORE OF A POPULAR PARTY COUNCILMAN FROM THE BASQUE TOWN OF SANTURCE, AND THE CITY HALL OF LEGAZPIA.

ACCORDING TO A CIVIL GUARD REPORT PUBLISHED BY THE NEWSPAPER "EL MUNDO," ETA'S UNDERGROUND INFRASTRUCTURE BOTH IN SPAIN AND FRANCE CONTINUES LARGELY INTACT DESPITE NUMEROUS ARRESTS DURING THE PAST YEAR. IT STILL POSSESSES THE ECONOMIC MEANS, THE PERSONNEL AND WEAPONS TO ATTACK EVEN HIGH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS. THE REPORT ALSO CRITICIZES THE LACK OF EFFECTIVE COOPERATION ON THE PART OF FRENCH SECURITY OFFICIALS, THEREBY ENABLING ETA TO MAINTAIN ITS OPERATIONAL BASES IN FRANCE. (SIGNED)
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09-Jan-98 1:33 PM EST (1833 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[11] TURKEY'S WOES BY PAMELA TAYLOR (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER HUBERT VEDRINE FRIDAY URGED TURKEY TO ATTEND A EUROPEAN UNION-SPONSORED CONFERENCE IN MARCH AND TO KEEP CHANNELS OPEN TO THE E-U. THE COMMENTS COME IN THE WAKE OF LAST MONTH'S DECISION TO DENY TURKEY MEMBERSHIP IN THE E-U. SOME ANALYSTS SAY IT IS THE BEGINNING OF A EUROPEAN EFFORT TO REASSURE TURKEY IT IS INDEED PART OF THE FAMILY OF EUROPE. BUT WHETHER THIS MEANS E-U MEMBERSHIP FOR TURKEY WILL BE RECONSIDERED IS ANOTHER QUESTION. V-O-A'S PAMELA TAYLOR HAS A BACKGROUND REPORT.

TEXT: MANY ANALYSTS IN WASHINGTON BELIEVE EUROPEAN LEADERS WERE SURPRISED AT THE ANGER THAT THEIR DECISION TO EXCLUDE TURKEY FROM THE E-U PROVOKED FROM ANKARA. THE FIRST INDICATION THAT EUROPEANS WERE TRYING TO FIND A WAY TO MITIGATE THE HARSHNESS OF THE REJECTION CAME AT AN E-U NEWS CONFERENCE IN LONDON YESTERDAY. CURRENT E-U PRESIDENT, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR:

THERE WAS A PRETTY STRONG RESPONSE FROM THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT AFTER THE LUXEMBOURG SUMMIT BUT I HOPE VERY MUCH THAT THEY REALIZE THAT THERE IS A TREMENDOUS SENSE IN THE EUROPEAN UNION THAT WE WANT TURKEY TO BE PART OF THE FAMILY OF EUROPE.

PRIME MINISTER BLAIR'S COMMENTS WERE ECHOED BY EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT JACQUES SANTER, WHO SAID THE E-U FULLY EXPECTS TURKEY TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE ORGANIZATION AS SOON AS IT COMPLIES WITH THE REQUIREMENTS PLACED ON ALL WOULD-BE APPLICANTS.

TURKEY SHOULDN'T BE JUDGED BY THE STANDARDS OF WESTERN EUROPE. BY THE STANDARDS OF THE MIDDLE EAST, IT IS DOING SPECTACULARLY WELL. IT HAS FAR MORE DEMOCRACY AND FREEDOM AND RESPECTS HUMAN RIGHTS MUCH MORE THAN SYRIA, IRAQ OR IRAN. (AND) THE OTHER STATES THAT WERE JUMPED AHEAD OF TURKEY LAST MONTH FOR E-U APPLICATION -- STATES LIKE MOLDOVA AND UKRAINE -- ALSO HAVE QUITE IMPERFECT HUMAN RIGHTS RECORDS.

DANIEL PIPES REJECTS ALLEGATIONS THAT THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT HAS EMBARKED ON A POLICY OF ETHNIC CLEANSING OF ITS KURDISH POPULATION. THOUSANDS OF KURDS HAVE FLED TO EUROPE IN RECENT WEEKS. BUT HE SAYS IT MAY NOT BE ACCIDENTAL THAT THIS FLOOD OF IMMIGRANTS FOLLOWED SO CLOSELY ON THE HEELS OF THE E-U DECISION:

WHAT MIGHT BE THE CASE IS THAT THE TURKISH AUTHORITIES THOUGHT 'WELL, LET'S BE LESS VIGILANT IN MAKING SURE THAT THESE PEOPLE WHO ARE ALWAYS TRYING TO GET OUT, WHO ARE WILLING TO PAY THE MONEY, THE BOATS ARE THERE BUT THEY CAN'T LEAVE'... PERHAPS... IT WOULD BE LIKELY THE AUTHORITIES SAID, 'LET'S TURN A BLIND EYE (IGNORE THIS).'

DANIEL PIPES CONTENDS THIS HAPPENS ON THE MEXICAN-AMERICAN BORDER WHEN MEXICO DECIDES WHETHER TO BE MORE OR LESS VIGILANT ACCORDING TO ITS CURRENT RELATIONS WITH WASHINGTON.

OTHER ANALYSTS, INCLUDING DANIEL PIPES, AGREE THE E-U REJECTION HAS ALREADY CAUSED TURKEY TO TURN TO ALLIANCES WITH OTHER COUNTRIES, NOT ONLY THE UNITED STATES AND ISRAEL BUT ALSO MUSLIM NATIONS OF THE CAUCASUS AND THE BALKANS. THE DIRECTOR OF TURKISH STUDIES AT THE CENTER FOR STRATEGIC AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES IN WASHINGTON, BULENT ALIRIZA, WORRIES THAT TURKEY'S LONG-TERM POLICY OF TRYING TO BE A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE MUSLIM EAST AND CHRISTIAN WEST MAY NOW BE AT RISK.

THAT'S THE DANGER WHEN YOU ARE A BRIDGE, YOU MAY FIND YOURSELF CUT OFF FROM BOTH BANKS (SHORES). IN THIS CASE, TURKEY CLEARLY HAS A PROBLEM NOW WITH THE WESTERN COMMUNITY, AT LEAST THE WESTERN PORTION OF IT, AND CLEARLY HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ISLAMIC WORLD (OVER ITS FRIENDLINESS WITH ISRAEL).

BUT TURKISH-BORN BULENT ALIRIZA AGREES THAT WHATEVER HAPPENS, TURKEY MUST ADDRESS THE REASONS WHY IT WAS REFUSED E-U ADMISSION, INCLUDING IMPROVING ITS HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD AND ITS RELATIONS WITH GREECE AND CYPRUS. (SIGNED)
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09-Jan-98 4:14 PM EST (2114 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[12] TURKEY/EUROPEAN UNION BY AMBERIN ZAMAN (ANKARA)

INTRO: THE EUROPEAN UNION'S RECENT DECISION NOT TO INCLUDE TURKEY IN ITS LIST OF COUNTRIES UNDER CONSIDERATION FOR MEMBERSHIP TRIGGERED WIDESPREAD DISAPPOINTMENT -- AND EVEN ANGER AMONG MILLIONS OF TURKS WHO VIEW THEMSELVES AND THEIR COUNTRY AS PART OF THE WEST. AND AS AMBERIN ZAMAN REPORTS FROM ANKARA, THERE ARE SIGNS THAT TURKEY IS NOW SEEKING NEW ALTERNATIVES TO THE EUROPEAN CLUB.

TEXT: SHORTLY AFTER THE E-U SUMMIT SUMMIT LAST MONTH, TURKEY FROZE POLITICAL RELATIONS WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION. WHEN FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER HUBERT VEDRINE CAME HERE THIS PAST THURSDAY (EDS: JAN. 8TH) -- MAKING HIM THE FIRST SENIOR E-U OFFICIAL TO VISIT TURKEY SINCE THE SUMMIT -- THERE WAS LITTLE TO INDICATE THAT ANKARA HAD SOFTENED ITS STANCE.

TURKISH OFFICIALS INSIST THAT RELATIONS WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION DID NOT COME UP DURING MR. VEDRINE'S VISIT. THEY SAID ONLY THAT BILATERAL TIES WERE THE MAIN FOCUS OF THE TALKS. AND MR. VEDRINE REPEATEDLY INSISTED THAT HE WAS NOT ACTING AS AN ENVOY FOR THE EUROPEAN UNION.

EVEN THOUGH TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER ISMAIL CEM PUBLICLY CONTINUES TO EMPHASIZE TURKEY'S EUROPEAN ORIENTATION, ANALYSTS SAY TURKEY IS NOW -- MORE THAN EVER -- SEEKING TO DIVERSIFY AND STRENGTHEN ITS TIES WITH RUSSIA, THE UNITED STATES, AND ISRAEL.

HASAN KONI IS A PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AT ANKARA UNIVERSITY AND IS ALSO FOREIGN ADVISOR TO THE TURKISH NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL -- THE COUNTRY'S TOP DECISION MAKING BODY WHICH INCLUDES THE COUNTRY'S PRESIDENT, PRIME MINISTER AND TOP GENERALS.

MAINLY THEY (THE TURKS) ARE GETTING CLOSER WITH UNITED STATES. TO GET CLOSER WITH UNITED STATES THEY ARE GETTING WITH ISRAEL. AND MAYBE ON THE EURASIAN ENERGY AND COMMUNICATIONS CHANNEL, THEY WILL GET ACQUAINTED WITH RUSSIA.

PROFESSOR KONI SAYS TURKEY'S STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE IS UNDERMINED BY WHAT HE CALLS THE COUNTRY'S "REJECTION" BY THE EUROPEAN UNION. PROFESSOR KONI ARGUES THAT TURKEY CAN ONLY REGAIN THE STRATEGIC VALUE IT ENJOYED DURING THE COLD WAR, IF IT SUCCEEDS IN BECOMING THE MAIN EXPORT ROUTE FOR THE VAST RESERVES OF OIL AND NATURAL GAS IN THE FORMER SOVIET UNION. THIS, HE SAYS, REQUIRES MOSCOW'S POLITICAL CONSENT, AS RUSSIA REMAINS THE MAIN REGIONAL POWER.

MANY TURKS DO NOT BELIEVE THE EUROPEAN UNION'S ARGUMENT THAT MEMBERSHIP IS BEING WITHHELD DUE TO ITS HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD, ITS DISPUTE WITH GREECE OVER THE AEGEAN AND CYPRUS, AND ITS AILING ECONOMY. RATHER, THEY BELIEVE THE REJECTION IS BECAUSETURKEY IS A MUSLIM COUNTRY.

LALE CANDER IS AN ISTANBUL-BASED CORPORATE LAWYER WHO ADVISES EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN COMPANIES ON INVESTING IN TURKEY. SHE BELIEVES THAT THE E-U'S DECISION WILL WORK AGAINST THE ECONOMIC INTERESTS OF EUROPEAN COUNTRIES.

I DON'T THINK ITS GOING TO BE HELPFUL TO THE EUROPEAN MARKET'S ECONOMY AS WELL. SO WE HAVE BIG TENDERS (CUSTOMERS OR FINANCIAL PLAYERS). BIG PROJECTS AND A BIG MARKET HERE IN TURKEY. SO IN THE COMING YEARS, EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT (THE TURKS ARE) A VERY EMOTIONAL PEOPLE, SO FOR THE BIG TENDERS, TURKEY IS GOING TO THINK TWICE FOR THE OFFERS COMING FROM THE EUROPEAN COUNTRIES.

THE DEEPEST FEAR AMONG PRO-WESTERN AND SECULAR-MINDED TURKS -- LIKE MS CANDER -- IS THAT THE PERCEIVED REJECTION BY THE E-U OF TURKEY WILL STRENGTHEN THE HAND OF THE PRO-ISLAMIST "WELFARE PARTY," WHICH CAME TO POWER FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER IN 1996. THE PARTY WAS FORCED TO STEP DOWN LAST JUNE UNDER PRESSURE FROM TURKEY'S STAUNCHLY PRO-SECULAR MILITARY, WHICH ACCUSED IT OF SEEKING TO ESTABLISH AN ISLAMIC-STYLE STATE.

THE PARTY NOW FACES BEING CLOSED DOWN BY TURKEY'S CONSTITUTIONAL COURT. NEVERTHELESS, RECENT OPINION POLLS SHOW THAT WITH MORE THAN 20 PERCENT OF NATIONAL SUPPORT, "WELFARE" REMAINS TURKEY'S MOST POPULAR POLITICAL PARTY. (SIGNED)
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09-Jan-98 10:31 AM EST (1531 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[13] U-S / KOSOVO UPDATE (S-ONLY) BY RON PEMSTEIN (STATE DEPT.)

INTRO: AMERICAN NEGOTIATOR ROBERT GELBARD IS LEAVING WASHINGTON SUNDAY FOR A TOUR OF THE BALKAN REGION. RON PEMSTEIN REPORTS FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT, HE PLANS TO GIVE A HIGH PRIORITY TO KOSOVO -- THE SERBIAN PROVINCE THAT HAS A MAJORITY ALBANIAN POPULATION.

TEXT: MR. GELBARD LED A MEETING OF THE SIX-NATION (SO-CALLED) CONTACT GROUP HERE AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT THAT AGREED TO FOCUS ON KOSOVO AS A MATTER OF HIGH PRIORITY. THE STATE DEPARTMENT SAYS MR. GELBARD WILL EMPHASIZE AN ENHANCED STATUS FOR KOSOVO WITHIN YUGOSLAVIA WHEN HE HOLDS TALKS NEXT WEDNESDAY IN BELGRADE. THE (CONTACT) GROUP -- WHICH INCLUDES RUSSIA, GERMANY, BRITAIN, FRANCE AND ITALY -- SAID IT SUPPORTS NEITHER INDEPENDENCE FOR THE SERBIAN PROVINCE THAT HAS A MAJORITY ALBANIAN POPULATION NOR DOES IT SUPPORT THE STATUS QUO. KOSOVO NO LONGER HAS AUTONOMY WITHIN YUGOSLAVIA. STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS SAY MR. GELBARD PLANS TO VISIT PRISTINA ON FRIDAY.

MR. GELBARD BEGINS HIS VISIT IN MONTENEGRO -- WHICH INAUGURATES A NEW PRESIDENT ON MONDAY -- AND SARAJEVO AND BANJA LUKA IN BOSNIA. THE CONTACT GROUP HAS TOLD BOSNIAN AUTHORITIES THAT FURTHER DELAYS IN APPOINTING AMBASSADORS AND IN AGREEING ON A JOINT FLAG AND LICENSE PLATES WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. (SIGNED)
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09-Jan-98 6:15 PM EST (2315 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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