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Voice of America, 98-10-05Voice of America: Selected Articles Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Voice of America <gopher://gopher.voa.gov>CONTENTS
[01] ALBRIGHT/KOSOVO (L-ONLY) BY GIL BUTLER (SHANNON AIRPORT, IRELAND)DATE=10/5/98TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-239724 CONTENT= VOICED AT: ///EDS: RE-RUNNING WITH CORRECTIONS TO GRAF 3 OF TEXT///INTRO: U-S SECRETARY-OF-STATE MADELIENE ALBRIGHT IS ON HER WAY TO THE MIDDLE EAST TO TRY TO SETTLE SOME OF THE OUTSTANDING ISSUES BETWEEN PALESTINIANS AND ISRAELIS PRIOR TO A SUMMIT MEETING LATER THIS MONTH. BUT AS V-O-A'S GIL BUTLER REPORTS FROM SHANNON AIRPORT WHERE SECRETARY ALBRIGHT'S PLANE STOPPED FOR RE-FUELING THE SECRETARY ALSO HAS ANOTHER WORLD TROUBLE SPOT TO WORRY ABOU, KOSSOVO. TEXT: THE UNITED STATES SAYS THE REPORT OF U-N SECRETARY GENERAL KOFI ANNAN MAKES IT CLEAR SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC HAS NOT FULLY COMPLIED WITH U-N SECURITY COUNCIL DEMANDS -- PARTICULARLY THE STEPS THAT WOULD ALLOW THE DISPLACED PEOPLE TO RETURN THEIR HOMES. SECRETARY ALBRIGHT CONFERRED SUNDAY BY TELEPHONE WITH WESTERN EUROPEAN LEADERS, THE RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER AND MR. ANNAN. NATO COUNTRIES ARE MEETING IN BRUSSELS TO DECIDE WHETHER TO TAKE MILITARY ACTION TO FORCE YUGOSLAVIA'S SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC TO STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST ETHNIC ALBANIANS AND START NEGOTIATING. MRS. ALBRIGHT'S MESSAGE WAS: ONLY A CREDIBLE THREAT OF MILITARY FORCE WILL EVOKE GENUINE CHANGE BY MR. MILOSEVIC. SPECIAL ENVOY RICHARD HOLBROOKE WILL HEAD FOR BELGRADE -- IN THE WORDS OF STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN, JAMES RUBIN -- TO TRY TO CONVINCE MR. MILOSEVIC THAT NATO MEANS BUSINESS AND HE MUST FULLY COMPLY WITH UNITED NATIONS DEMANDS. OFFICIALS ACKNOWLEDGE THAT SOME SERBIAN FORCES HAVE BEEN WITHDRAWN, BUT SAY THEY WANT TO MAKE CERTAIN THE PULL-BACK IS NOT JUST TEMPORARY. AND THAT WHEN THE THREAT OF NATO AIR-STRIKES SUBSIDES, THE TROOPS ARE NOT SENT BACK IN. THERE IS CONCERN ABOUT A HUMANITARIAN DISASTER IN KOSOVO AS WINTER APPROACHES BECAUSE OF THE THOUSANDS OF ETHNIC ALBANIANS LIVING IN THE OPEN AFTER FLEEING SERB ASSAULTS. A U-S OFFICIAL SAYS THE BEST SOLUTION TO THE HUMANITARIAN PROBLEM WOULD BE IF THE SERB ACTION COULD BE ENDED SO THAT DISPLACED CIVILIANS WOULD FEEL SAFE ENOUGH TO RETURN TO THEIR HOMES, THOUGH MANY OF THE HOMES HAVE BEEN DESTROYED DURING THE OFFENSIVE. IN ADDITION TO THE DEMAND FOR SERBIAN SECURITY FORCES TO WITHDRAW, THE U-N SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION CALLS FOR NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE ETHNIC ALBANIAN MAJORITY IN KOSOVO. BELGRADE EFFECTIVELY ENDED KOSOVO'S AUTONOMOUS STATUS NINE YEARS AGO. NOW MOST KOSOVAR ALBANIANS DEMAND INDEPENDENCE WHICH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY DOES NOT SUPPORT. THE UNITED STATES HAS PROPOSED A THREE-YEAR TRANSITION PERIOD BEFORE KOSOVO'S FINAL STATUS -- ENHANCED AUTONOMY, A REPUBLIC WITHIN YUGOSLAVIA OR SOME OTHER CATEGORY -- IS DECIDED. DURING THAT TIME, SELF-RULE WITHIN KOSOVO WOULD BE ESTABLISHED, SCHOOLS, POLICE, LOCAL GOVERNMENT. U-S OFFICIALS SAY DURING THE THREE-YEAR PERIOD, PERHAPS THE
HARD-LINE SERB AND KOSOVAR VIEWS WOULD SOFTEN. (SIGNED)
[02] CLINTON / YELTSIN / KOSOVO (L) BY DEBORAH TATE (WHITE HOUSE)DATE=10/5/98TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-239732 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: PRESIDENT CLINTON HAS EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC IS NOT FULLY COMPLYING WITH A U-N RESOLUTION AIMED AT ENDING THE CONFLICT IN KOSOVO. V-O-A'S DEBORAH TATE REPORTS MR. CLINTON MADE HIS COMMENTS IN A PHONECALL WITH RUSSIAN PRESIDENT BORIS YELTSIN. TEXT: WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN JOE LOCKHART SAYS MR. YELTSIN TELEPHONED MR. CLINTON TO BRIEF HIM ON A HIGH-LEVEL RUSSIAN DELEGATION TO BELGRADE OVER THE WEEKEND. THE RUSSIANS -- TRADITIONAL ALLIES OF THE SERBS -- ARE TRYING TO HEAD OFF NATO PLANS TO USE AIR STRIKES AGAINST BELGRADE TARGETS TO ENFORCE A U-N RESOLUTION ON KOSOVO. THAT RESOLUTION INCLUDES CALLS FOR AN IMMEDIATE CEASE-FIRE AND A PULLBACK OF SERB SECURITY FORCES THAT HAVE BEEN LINKED TO HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES AGAINST ETHNIC ALBANIANS. THE RUSSIANS SAY MR. MILOSEVIC HAS MADE SOME PROGRESS IN COMPLYING WITH THE RESOLUTION. BUT U-S OFFICIALS SAY THE YUGOSLAV LEADER HAS ONLY ACCOMPLISHED WHAT THEY CALL 'HALF MEASURES.' SPOKESMAN LOCKHART SAYS MR. CLINTON TOLD HIS RUSSIAN COUNTERPART THAT MR. MILOSEVIC WAS MAKING FALSE PROMISES DESIGNED TO REMOVE INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE ON HIM. THE U-S PRESIDENT ALSO MADE NOTE OF A REPORT FROM U-N SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFFI ANNAN SHOWING THAT MR. MILOSEVIC AND THE SERBS HAVE NOT YET MET THE TERMS OF THE U-N RESOLUTION. MR. CLINTON SAID THE YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT'S COMPLIANCE WITH U-N REQUIREMENTS MUST BE 'VERIFIABLE, TANGIBLE AND IRREVERSIBLE', ACCORDING TO MR. LOCKHART. /// LOCKHART ACTUALITY ///WHAT IS IMPORTANT HERE IS WHAT MR. MILOSEVIC DOES. HE IS THE ONE WHO CAN COME INTO FULL COMPLIANCE WITH THE U-N RESOLUTION, OR HE CAN CONTINUE TO MAKE HALF-STATEMENTS, MAKE SOME MOVEMENT, OR NOT FULFILL HIS PROMISES. SO THAT IS WHAT IS IMPORTANT HERE. /// END ACT ///MR. CLINTON TOLD MR. YELTSIN HE HOPES THE USE OF FORCE WILL NOT BE NECESSARY, BUT THAT WHAT HAPPENS NEXT DEPENDS ON MR. MILOSEVIC. HE ALSO NOTED HE HAD DISPATCHED ENVOY RICHARD HOLBROOKE TO
BELGRADE TO EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF IMMEDIATELY COMPLYING
WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY'S DEMANDS. (SIGNED)
[03] E-U-KOSOVO (L-ONLY) BY RON PEMSTEIN (LUXEMBOURG)DATE=10/5/98TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-239725 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: IN PREPARATION FOR POSSIBLE NATO AIR STRIKES, THE 15 FOREIGN MINISTERS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION HAVE AGREED TO STRENGTHEN THEIR EXISTING ECONOMIC SANCTIONS AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA. RON PEMSTEIN REPORTS FROM LUXEMBOURG, WHERE THE MINISTERS ON MONDAY DISAGREED ABOUT REMEDIES FOR KOSOVO. TEXT: EUROPEAN UNION FOREIGN MINISTERS DID NOT AGREE TO IMPOSE NEW SANCTIONS AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA. THEY SIMPLY AGREED TO STUDY HOW TO CLOSE EXISTING LOOPHOLES. THESE INCLUDE BROADENING THE FREEZE ON ASSETS TO COVER YUGOSLAV STATE-OWNED COMPANIES, EXTENDING THE BAN ON VISAS TO SERBIAN OFFICIALS, AND MAKING SURE THE FLIGHT SANCTION IN THE UNION COUNTRIES ELIMINATES PROFIT-SHARING BY "YUGOSLAV AIRLINES." THE FOREIGN MINISTERS AGREED TO SEND TO KOSOVO A TEAM OF PATHOLOGISTS, LED BY FINLAND, TO INVESTIGATE REPORTS OF MASSACRES. THE TEAM WILL LEAVE WHEN SECURITY CONDITIONS PERMIT. THE MINISTERS ALSO APPOINTED THE AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR TO BELGRADE AS THE EUROPEAN UNION'S PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE YUGOSLAV GOVERNMENT. THESE SYMBOLIC MEASURES ARE IN PREPARATION FOR WHAT IS EXPECTED TO BE NATO'S DECISION TO ORDER AIR STRIKES AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA UNLESS THE SITUATION IN KOSOVO CHANGES. BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY ROBIN COOK SAYS YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC BENEFITS FROM DISAGREEMENTS AMONG ALLIES. ///COOK ACT///WHEN WE START TO DISAGREE AS TO WHAT IS NECESSARY TO AUTHORIZE MILITARY FORCE, THE ONLY PERSON WHO IS PLEASED IS PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC. OF COURSE, A FURTHER (U-N) SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION MIGHT BE HELPFUL IN CLARIFYING THE POSITION AND THE ULTIMATUM TO PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC, AND WE ARE NOT RULING THAT OUT. ///END ACT/////OPT////END OPT////REST OPT//NEB/RDP/PCF/WFR 05-Oct-98 2:42 PM EDT (1842 UTC) NNNN Source: Voice of America [04] EDITORIAL: KOSOVO MASSACREDATE= OCTOBER 6, 1998TYPE= EDITORIAL NUMBER= 0-07994 CONTENT=THIS IS THE SECOND OF TWO EDITORIALS BEING RELEASED FOR BROADCAST OCTOBER 6, 1998. 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: GRUESOME VIOLENCE CONTINUES IN THE YUGOSLAV PROVINCE OF KOSOVO. ON SEPTEMBER 26TH, NINETEEN ETHNIC ALBANIANS WERE BUTCHERED BY SERBIAN POLICE UNITS IN A VILLAGE NOT FAR FROM PRISTINA. MOST OF THOSE KILLED WERE WOMEN, CHILDREN, AND ELDERLY PEOPLE. MANY VICTIMS WERE FOUND WITH SLIT THROATS OR BULLET WOUNDS TO THE HEAD. ONE MAN LOST HIS FATHER, WIFE, TWO CHILDREN AND BROTHER. THE MASSACRE FOLLOWED A SERBIAN REPORT OF THE KILLING OF SEVERAL POLICEMEN BY SEPARATIST GUERRILLAS. SINCE THE FIGHTING BROKE OUT IN FEBRUARY, THE TOWNS OF SOUTHWESTERN AND CENTRAL KOSOVO HAVE BEEN DESTROYED BY SERBIAN FORCES AND DESERTED BY THEIR ETHNIC ALBANIAN RESIDENTS. SERBIAN FORCES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR KILLING HUNDREDS AND DISPLACING MORE THAN TEN PERCENT OF THE PROVINCE'S TWO-MILLION PEOPLE. ACCORDING TO DIPLOMATS, ABOUT TWO-HUNDRED VILLAGES HAVE BEEN OBLITERATED OR HEAVILY DAMAGED, SOME LEVELED BY BULLDOZERS. AS WINTER APPROACHES, AID AGENCIES ESTIMATE THAT FIFTY-THOUSAND REFUGEES ARE WITHOUT SHELTER. THE UNITED STATES CALLS FOR AN IMMEDIATE CEASE-FIRE AND THE WITHDRAWAL OF SERBIAN FORCES FROM KOSOVO. THE U.S. AND ITS NATO ALLIES HAVE BEEN DEMANDING THAT PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC CEASE THE MILITARY ASSAULT ON KOSOVO. IN ADDITION, THE SERBIAN GOVERNMENT MUST ALLOW THE DELIVERY OF HUMANITARIAN AID AND PERMIT THE RETURN OF DISPLACED PERSONS. IF THESE CONDITIONS ARE NOT MET, NATO WILL BE FULLY JUSTIFIED IN PROCEEDING WITH PLANS TO LAUNCH AIRSTRIKES AGAINST SERBIAN TARGETS. AS U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT SAID, ALLIED LEADERS HAVE BEEN "WORKING TO GET NATO READY AND NATO IS PREPARED TO ACT." THE PEOPLE OF KOSOVO HAVE A RIGHT TO LIVE IN PEACE AND EXERCISE GREATER LOCAL AUTONOMY OVER THEIR AFFAIRS. ANNCR: THAT WAS AN EDITORIAL EXPRESSING THE POLICIES OF THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT. IF YOU HAVE A COMMENT, PLEASE WRITE TO EDITORIALS,
V-O-A, WASHINGTON, D-C, 20547, U-S-A. YOU MAY ALSO COMMENT AT
WWW-DOT-VOA-DOT-GOV-SLASH-EDITORIALS, OR FAX US AT (202)
619-1043.
[05] KOSOVO / ANNAN (L) BY MAX RUSTON (UNITED NATIONS)DATE=10/5/98TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-239718 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN HAS RELEASED A MUCH-AWAITED REPORT ON KOSOVO, DENOUNCING YUGOSLAV SECURITY FORCES FOR ATTACKS ON ETHNIC ALBANIANS -- MANY OF THEM CIVILIANS AND CALLING FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION TO PREVENT A HUMANITARIAN DISASTER. V-O-A'S UNITED NATIONS CORRESPONDENT, MAX RUSTON, HAS THE STORY. TEXT: MR. ANNAN'S (13-PAGE) REPORT TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL, FOCUSING ON THE SITUATION OVER THE PAST MONTH, IS EXPECTED TO BE A KEY FACTOR IN FIRMING UP INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT FOR POSSIBLE NATO MILITARY STRIKES AGAINST YUGOSLAV SECURITY FORCES. THE SECURITY COUNCIL ASKED MR. ANNAN TO SUBMIT A REPORT ON YUGOSLAV COMPLIANCE WITH A SEPTEMBER 23RD RESOLUTION DEMANDING AN IMMEDIATE END TO FIGHTING IN KOSOVO PROVINCE, WHERE SERB FORCES HAVE BEEN FIGHTING ETHNIC ALBANIANS. MR. ANNAN SAYS HE CAN NOT GIVE AN INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF THE SITUATION, BECAUSE THERE IS NO DIRECT U-N POLITICAL PRESENCE IN KOSOVO. BUT HE PROVIDES DETAILED INFORMATION, BASED ON U-N SOURCES, INDICATING A LARGE DEGREE OF NON-COMPLIANCE. HE SAYS CONTINUED FIGHTING IN KOSOVO HAS FORCED CLOSE TO 300-THOUSAND PEOPLE TO FLEE THEIR HOMES. THE SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS IT IS CLEAR BEYOND ANY REASONABLE DOUBT THAT YUGOSLAV SECURITY FORCES HAVE CARRIED OUT MOST OF THE KILLING AND DESTRUCTION IN KOSOVO. HE ALSO BLAMES ETHNIC ALBANIAN SEPARATISTS FOR SOME OF THE VIOLENCE, AND SAYS BOTH SIDES MUST STOP FIGHTING IF THE VIOLENCE IS TO END. MR. ANNAN SAYS A HUMANITARIAN DISASTER IS LOOMING FOR THOSE LEFT HOMELESS AS WINTER APPROACHES. HE SAYS A FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE IN THE APPROACH TAKEN BY YUGOSLAVIA'S SERBIAN GOVERNMENT IS NEEDED TO PREVENT SUCH A DISASTER. HE SAYS THE GOVERNMENT MUST INSTRUCT ITS FORCES TO STOP TERRORIZING ETHNIC ALBANIANS, RESPECT HUMAN RIGHTS, AND CREATE A CLIMATE IN WHICH PEOPLE CAN RETURN TO THEIR HOMES. THE REPORT DOES NOT EXPLICITLY TAKE A STAND ON THE QUESTION OF MILITARY STRIKES AGAINST YUGOSLAV SECURITY FORCES. BUT IT DOES APPEAR TO REFLECT MR. ANNAN'S GROWING FRUSTRATION AND LOSS OF PATIENCE WITH YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC, WHO HAS MADE FREQUENT PLEDGES TO STOP THE VIOLENCE IN KOSOVO. /// REST OPT ///MR. ANNAN SAYS MILITARY ACTIVITY IN KOSOVO SEEMED TO WIND DOWN IN
THE LAST DAYS OF SEPTEMBER. HE SAYS HE IS STILL RECEIVING
INFORMATION THAT THE GOVERNMENT'S ARMED PRESENCE REMAINS
SIGNIFICANT AND THAT THE OPERATIONS OF ITS SPECIAL FORCES
CONTINUE. (SIGNED)
NEB/UN/MPR/LSF/WTW
[06] KOSOVO / HOLBROOKE (L) BY ART CHIMES (BELGRADE)DATE=10/5/98TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-239701 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY IS HEADING FOR A DECISION ON WHETHER TO USE NATO AIRPOWER TO ATTACK SERB MILITARY TARGETS FOLLOWING MONTHS OF FIGHTING IN SERBIA'S KOSOVO PROVINCE. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ART CHIMES REPORTS FROM BELGRADE. TEXT: U-S ENVOY RICHARD HOLBROOKE MEETS MONDAY WITH YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC IN WHAT COULD BE THE FINAL ATTEMPT TO PERSUADE HIM TO COMPLY WITH UNITED NATIONS DEMANDS TO END ATTACKS AGAINST ETHNIC ALBANIANS IN KOSOVO. EARLIER, AT NATO HEADQUARTERS IN BRUSSELS, MR. HOLBROOKE SAID PLANNING FOR POSSIBLE MILITARY ACTION IS -- IN HIS WORDS -- SERIOUS, INTENSE AND SUSTAINED. NATO ACTION COULD INCLUDE AIR STRIKES BY JET AIRCRAFT AND CRUISE MISSILES. YUGOSLAVIA SAYS IT HAS COMPLIED WITH THE U-N DEMANDS. AND INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC OBSERVERS IN KOSOVO SAY SERBIAN FORCES HAVE LARGELY RETURNED TO THEIR BARRACKS. ALSO MONDAY, U-N SECRETARY GENERAL KOFI ANAN IS ISSUING A REPORT ON YUGOSLAVIA'S COMPLIANCE WITH THE U-N'S DEMANDS FOR A CEASEFIRE AND WITHDRAWAL OF SECURITY FORCES. THE YUGOSLAV PARLIAMENT MONDAY CONVENED IN EMERGENCY SESSION TO DISCUSS THE SITUATION. INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE ON YUGOSLAVIA HAS INTENSIFIED IN RECENT WEEKS AFTER THE DISCOVERY OF SUSPECTED MASSACRE SITES. OVER THE PAST SEVEN MONTHS SERB FORCES HAVE BEEN BATTLING SEPARATIST GUERRILLAS OF THE KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY, WHICH HAS BEEN FIGHTING FOR AN INDEPENDENT KOSOVO. IN THE PROCESS, HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF CIVILIANS HAVE BEEN DRIVEN FROM THEIR HOMES, AND MANY OF THEIR HOMES AND FARMS HAVE BEEN DESTROYED. TENS OF THOUSANDS REMAIN WITHOUT SHELTER AS THE HARSH BALKAN
WINTER APPROACHES. HUMAN RIGHTS MONITORS SAY THE DESTRUCTION OF
PROPERTY AMOUNTS TO ETHNIC CLEANSING AND WAS NOT NEEDED IN THE
FIGHT THE REBELS. (SIGNED)
[07] KOSOVO / U-N / RUSSIA (L - ONLY) BY MAX RUSTON (UNITED NATIONS)DATE=10/5/98TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-239731 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: RUSSIAN PRESIDENT BORIS YELTSIN HELD TALKS ON THE TELEPHONE TODAY (MONDAY) WITH U-N SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN ON THE SITUATION IN YUGOSLAVIA'S KOSOVO PROVINCE. THE CONVERSATION COMES AMID GROWING DIVISION BETWEEN RUSSIA AND THE UNITED STATES OVER HOW TO RESPOND TO THE VIOLENCE IN KOSOVO. V-O-A'S U-N CORRESPONDENT MAX RUSTON REPORTS. TEXT: U-N SPOKESMAN FRED ECKHARD SAYS RUSSIAN PRESIDENT BORIS YELTSIN ORIGINATED THE CALL. HE SAYS THE CALL FOCUSED ON THE QUESTION OF HOW TO MAKE THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA COMPLY WITH U-N RESOLUTIONS DEMANDING IT STOP ITS CRACKDOWN ON ETHNIC ALBANIANS IN KOSOVO PROVINCE. /// ECKHARD ACT ///THE PRESIDENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION, BORIS YELTSIN, CALLED THE SECRETARY-GENERAL THIS MORNING. THE TWO SPOKE FOR 25 MINUTES ON THE CRITICAL SITUATION IN KOSOVO. THE PRESIDENT DESCRIBED THE EFFORTS HIS GOVERNMENT WAS MAKING TO ENSURE THAT PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA COMPLY FULLY WITH SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 11-99, WHICH CALLS FOR, AMONG OTHER THINGS, A CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES AND ACCESS TO KOSOVO FOR HUMANITARIAN WORKERS. /// END ACT ///THE U-N SPOKESMAN SAID HE COULD NOT PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS OF THE CONVERSATION. THE CALL COMES AMID WARNINGS FROM THE UNITED STATES AND NATO THAT MILITARY STRIKES AGAINST YUGOSLAV SECURITY FORCES ARE LIKELY IF FIGHTING IN KOSOVO DOES NOT END IMMEDIATELY. IN THE U-N SECURITY COUNCIL, THE UNITED STATES AND BRITAIN HAVE BEEN AMONG THE STRONGEST PROPONENTS OF MILITARY STRIKES. CHINA AND RUSSIA HAVE OPPOSED THE USE OF FORCE, SAYING THE CONFLICT IS AN INTERNAL MATTER FOR YUGOSLAVIA. THE COUNCIL HAS, HOWEVER, REPEATEDLY DENOUNCED THE VIOLENCE IN
KOSOVO AND PLACED MOST OF THE BLAME FOR THE CONFLICT ON YUGOSLAV
PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC.
ON MONDAY, THE U-N SECRETARY-GENERAL SUBMITTED A REPORT TO THE
SECURITY COUNCIL ON THE SITUATION IN KOSOVO, IN WHICH HE ALSO
DENOUNCED MR. MILOSEVIC AS RESPONSIBLE FOR MOST OF THE
ATROCITIES. MR. ANNAN SAID YUGOSLAV SECURITY FORCES ARE
CONTINUING THEIR OPERATIONS IN KOSOVO AND THAT NEARLY
300-THOUSAND PEOPLE HAVE BEEN LEFT HOMELESS BY THE CONFLICT. BUT
HE DID NOT SAY WHETHER HE FEELS MILITARY INTERVENTION IS
NECESSARY OR JUSTIFIED AT THIS TIME. (SIGNED)
NEB/UN/MPR/LSF/WFR
[08] PENTAGON KOSOVO MONDAY (L) BY JIM RANDLE (PENTAGON)DATE=10/5/98TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-239715 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: PENTAGON OFFICIALS SAY YUGOSLAVIA WILL HAVE TO DO MORE THAN SEND A FEW TROOPS TO THEIR BARRACKS TO AVOID THREATENED NATO AIR STRIKES IN KOSOVO. A TOP U-S OFFICIAL SAYS THE YUGOSLAV GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO HAVE TO MEET U-N SECURITY COUNCIL DEMANDS TO HELP THE HUNDREDS-OF-THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE DISPLACED BY MONTHS OF FIGHTING. CORRESPONDENT JIM RANDLE REPORTS FROM THE PENTAGON. TEXT: DEFENSE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN KEN BACON SAYS PENTAGON OFFICIALS ARE AWARE OF REPORTS THAT SERB-DOMINATED FORCES ARE STOPPING THEIR OFFENSIVE AGAINST SEPARATIST KOSOVAR ALBANIANS. SOME FORCES, INCLUDING ARMORED UNITS ARE SAID TO BE LEAVING THE SERBIAN PROVINCE, AND SERB FORCES HAVE BEEN ORDERED TO STOP BURNING VILLAGES IN KOSOVO. THE MOVES FOLLOW THREATS FROM NATO DEFENSE MINISTERS THAT NATO AIRCRAFT WOULD ATTACK YUGOSLAV MILITARY TARGETS IN KOSOVO AND ELSEWHERE IF YUGOSLAV FORCES CONTINUED ATTACKING ETHNIC ALBANIANS IN KOSOVO. THE THREATS TOOK ON A MORE URGENT TONE AS REPORTS REACHED THE WEST THAT SERB FORCES WERE EXECUTING DOZENS OF VILLAGERS IN THE PROVINCE. MR. BACON SAYS THE AIR STRIKES ARE DESIGNED TO DO MORE THAN JUST STOP THE FIGHTING. HE SAYS YUGOSLAVIA MUST ALSO MEET U-N SECURITY COUNCIL DEMANDS BELGRADE START TALKS WITH KOSOVAR ALBANIANS, HELP REFUGEES RETURN HOME AND ALLOW RELIEF EFFORTS TO GET UNDERWAY. MR. BACON SAYS THERE IS NO APPARENT PROGRESS ON THREE OF THE FOUR DEMANDS. FRIDAY, DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM COHEN SAID NATO AIR STRIKES COULD BEGIN WITHIN TWO WEEKS, AND INVOLVE HUNDREDS OF AIR CRAFT. ATTACK PLANS ARE SAID TO INCLUDE A WAVE OF RADAR-EVADING ROBOT AIR CRAFT (CRUISE MISSILES) AIMED AT DESTROYING YUGOSLAV AIR DEFENSES, FOLLOWED BY TWO MAJOR WAVES OF MANNED AIR CRAFT. /// OPT ///TENS-OF-THOUSANDS OF DISPLACED PEOPLE ARE SAID TO BE HIDING IN
KOSOVO'S MOUNTAINS, TOO FRIGHTENED OF SERBIAN FORCES TO RETURN TO
THEIR VILLAGES EVEN THOUGH FAST APPROACHING WINTER WEATHER
THREATENS TO FREEZE OR STARVE THEM TO DEATH. (SIGNED)
[09] ROMANIA/KOSOVO (L-ONLY) BY BARRY WOOD (WASHINGTON)DATE=10/4/98TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-239680 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: ROMANIAN PRIME MINISTER RADU VASILE SAYS HIS GOVERNMENT WOULD SUPPORT NATO AIR STRIKES AGAINST SERBIA TO FORCE AN END TO SERBIAN MILITARY ACTION IN KOSOVO. V-O-A'S BARRY WOOD SPOKE TO MR. VASILE (AT V-O-A'S WASHINGTON STUDIOS) SUNDAY. TEXT: MR. VASILE SAYS THE SOLUTION TO THE KOSOVO PROBLEM IS A RETURN TO THE AUTONOMY THE PROVINCE USED TO HAVE WITHIN THE YUGOSLAV FEDERATION. HISTORICALLY ROMANIA HAS HAD WARM RELATIONS WITH SERBIA WITH WHICH IT SHARES A BORDER. BUT MR. VASILE SAYS IF NATO DECIDES TO LAUNCH AIR STRIKES AGAINST SERBIA -- ROMANIA WILL SUPPORT THEM. //FIRST VASILE ACT//YES, YES. FOR US THERE IS CONCERN ABOUT LONG TERM CONSEQUENCES OF THIS INTERVENTION. BUT WE ACCEPT THIS INTERVENTION. //END ACT//MR. VASILE SAYS ROMANIA'S PRIORITY IS STABILITY WITHIN THE BALKAN REGION. //SECOND VASILE ACT//FOR US THE SOLUTION IS TO MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY OF THE REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA, THE TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY. THAT MEANS THE (PRESENT) BORDERS (AND) TO GIVE TO KOSOVO LARGE AUTONOMY BUT WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF YUGOSLAVIA. //END ACT//MR. VASILE SAYS MEMBERSHIP IN NATO REMAINS THE NUMBER ONE FOREIGN
POLICY OBJECTIVE OF ROMANIA. THE PRIME MINISTER IS IN WASHINGTON
FOR A SERIES OF MEETINGS. HE MET SATURDAY WITH TOP OFFICIALS OF
THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND AND REPORTED PROGRESS ON REACHING
AGREEMENT ON A NEW I-M-F LOAN. AN I-M-F DELEGATION WILL VISIT
BUCHAREST LATER THIS MONTH TO ASSESS ROMANIAN PROGRESS IN
REDUCING ITS BUDGET DEFICIT. MR. VASILE SAYS IN ORDER TO HOLD
DOWN GOVERNMENT SPENDING, HE FAVORS A TWO YEAR DELAY IN A PLAN
UNDER WHICH U-S MILITARY HELICOPTERS WOULD BE MANUFACTURED IN
ROMANIA. (SIGNED)
[10] RUSSIA / NATO / KOSOVO BY ANDRE DE NESNERA (MOSCOW)DATE=10/5/98TYPE=BACKGROUND REPORT NUMBER=5-41526 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: NATO SAYS THE TIME FOR AIRSTRIKES AGAINST SERB POSITIONS IN KOSOVO IS FAST APPROACHING, DESPITE RUSSIAN OPPOSITION TO MILITARY FORCE. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ANDRE DE NESNERA SPOKE WITH A SENIOR NATO SPOKESMAN ABOUT THE MILITARY ALLIANCE'S PREPARATIONS FOR POSSIBLE AIRSTRIKES. TEXT: FOR THE PAST SEVERAL WEEKS, NATO OFFICIALS HAVE BEEN PLANNING FOR AN AIR CAMPAIGN AGAINST SERB POSITIONS IN KOSOVO. SPEAKING FROM NATO HEADQUARTERS IN BRUSSELS, SENIOR SPOKESMAN JAMIE SHEA SAYS THE WESTERN ALLIANCE'S MILITARY PREPARATIONS ARE VIRTUALLY COMPLETE. /// FIRST SHEA ACT ///WE ARE NOW VERY READY TO CARRY OUT AIR STRIKES, IF WE HAVE TO DO SO. NOTHING YET IS INEVITABLE. [YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN] MILOSEVIC HAS STARTED TO MOVE TO COMPLY WITH THE DEMANDS OF THE UNITED NATIONS. SOME OF THE TROOP UNITS ARE BEING EITHER WITHDRAWN OR TAKEN BACK TO BARRACKS. THAT IS GOOD. BUT ON THE OTHER HAND, BEFORE NATO COULD CALL OFF ITS THREAT, WE HAVE TO BE TOTALLY SATISFIED THAT THIS TIME AROUND, MILOSEVIC IS SINCERE, THAT IT IS NOT SIMPLY SOME CAT-AND-MOUSE OPERATION WHICH WILL LEAD HIM TO RESTART HIS CAMPAIGN OF TERROR IN KOSOVO, AS SOON AS NATO'S GLANCE IS TURNED AWAY. SO WE ARE GOING TO KEEP UP THE PRESSURE. CERTAINLY THIS WEEK WILL BE A CRUCIAL ONE. /// END ACT ///MR. SHEA SAYS YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC MUST COMPLY FULLY WITH UNITED NATIONS DEMANDS BEFORE THE THREAT OF MILITARY ACTION CAN BE PUT ASIDE. THOSE DEMANDS ARE THE WITHDRAWAL OF MR. MILOSEVIC'S FORCES -- INCLUDING SPECIAL POLICE UNITS -- FROM KOSOVO, BINDING COMMITMENTS TO ALLEVIATE THE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN KOSOVO, AND A CLEAR TIMETABLE FOR THE START OF NEGOTIATIONS WITH KOSOVO'S ALBANIAN COMMUNITY. THE NATO SPOKESMAN SAYS THE TIME FOR DIPLOMACY IS RUNNING OUT VERY QUICKLY. /// SECOND SHEA ACT ///ALL TYPES OF DIPLOMATIC AND ECONOMIC MEANS HAVE BEEN USED -- SO FAR WITHOUT SUCCESS. SO, YES, ALTHOUGH NATO DOES NOT WANT TO USE FORCE, LET ME STRESS THIS -- WE OBVIOUSLY WOULD HOPE TO SOLVE THIS CRISIS WITHOUT USING FORCE. ON THE OTHER HAND, WE HAVE TO RECOGNIZE THAT IF PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC DOES NOT COMPLY VERY, VERY SOON, WE WILL HAVE NO ALTERNATIVE BUT TO DO THAT. BUT AT THE MOMENT, MILOSEVIC HAS THE OPPORTUNITY WITHIN A VERY FEW HOURS TO TAKE CONCRETE ACTIONS TO SHOW US THAT HE IS SERIOUS. THAT IS WHAT OBVIOUSLY WE ARE EXPECTING HIM TO DO. /// END ACT ///ONE COUNTRY WHICH HAS BEEN VEHEMENTLY OPPOSED TO NATO AIR STRIKES IS RUSSIA -- A TRADITIONAL ALLY OF SERBIA. RUSSIAN OFFICIALS HAVE WARNED OF DIRE CONSEQUENCES IF THE WESTERN MILITARY ALLIANCE GOES AHEAD WITH MILITARY ACTION. AT THE SAME, SENIOR MEMBERS OF THE RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT HAVE MADE CLEAR TO PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC THAT HE MUST TAKE IMMEDIATE STEPS TO END THE KOSOVO CRISIS, OR RISK FACING NATO AIR STRIKES. MR. SHEA SAYS NATO UNDERSTANDS RUSSIA'S CONCERNS. BUT AT THE SAME TIME, HE SAYS THE WESTERN ALLIANCE AND MOSCOW SHARE THE SAME AIMS. /// THIRD SHEA ACT ///WE DO NOT WANT INDEPENDENCE FOR KOSOVO. WE WANT A POLITICAL, DIPLOMATIC SOLUTION IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. WE BOTH JUDGE THAT PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC IS THE MAN MAINLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HUMAN TRAGEDY THAT HAS OCCURRED. SO OUR MESSAGE TO RUSSIA IS: YES, IF YOU SUPPORT THE SAME AIMS AS US, LET US STAND TOGETHER IN SENDING MILOSEVIC A VERY, VERY FIRM MESSAGE, MAKING IT CLEAR TO HIM THAT HE CAN NOT AVOID THE USE OF FORCE AGAINST HIM IF HE DOES NOT COMPLY. AND THE MORE THAT NATO AND RUSSIA STAND TOGETHER, THE MORE CHANCE WE HAVE OF BEING ABLE TO BRING PEACE TO KOSOVO WITHOUT HAVING TO GO THE LAST RESORT OF USING FORCE. /// END ACT ///MR. SHEA SAYS SENIOR NATO AND RUSSIAN OFFICIALS HAVE BEEN
CONSULTING REGULARLY IN BRUSSELS DURING THE PAST WEEK ABOUT
UNFOLDING DEVELOPMENTS IN KOSOVO. HE SAYS OTHER MEETINGS ARE
PLANNED IN THE DAYS AHEAD AS NATO AND RUSSIA TRY TO FORGE A
COMMON STRATEGY. (SIGNED)
[11] U-S KOSOVO (L-ONLY) BY LISA SCHLEIN (GENEVA)DATE=10/5/98TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-239721 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: A U-S STATE DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVE ATTENDING A UNITED NATIONS REFUGEE CONFERENCE IN GENEVA SAYS EVERY POSSIBLE STEP WILL BE TAKEN TO PROTECT CIVILIANS IN THE EVENT OF NATO AIR STRIKES AGAINST SERBIAN POSITIONS IN KOSOVO. FROM GENEVA, REPORTER LISA SCHLEIN HAS MORE. TEXT: THE U-S ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE FOR REFUGEE AFFAIRS, JULIA TAFT, SAYS NATO HOPES AIR STRIKES AGAINST SERB MILITARY INSTALLATIONS IN KOSOVO WILL NOT BE NECESSARY. BUT IF THEY ARE, SHE SAYS NATO'S ADVANCE PLANNING IS DESIGNED TO STRICTLY LIMIT THE NUMBER OF CIVILIAN CASUALTIES. SHE SAYS EVERY EFFORT WOULD BE MADE TO GIVE AID WORKERS FROM BOTH THE UNITED NATIONS AND PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS ENOUGH WARNING BEFORE A STRIKE -- SO THEY CAN LEAVE KOSOVO IN TIME. THE DANGERS, ADDS MS. TAFT, ARE WELL-KNOWN. /// TAFT ACT ///THERE IS ALWAYS A PROBLEM OF HOSTAGES. WE'VE ALREADY HAD THREE RELIEF WORKERS KILLED AND THEN THERE WAS A LAND-MINE INCIDENT WHERE AN I-C-R-C (RED CROSS) WORKER WAS KILLED. IT'S A VERY DANGEROUS AREA OUT THERE AND WE'RE GOING TO TRY BY GETTING THE PEOPLE OUT OF THE REGION IN TIME TO PREVENT ANY KIND OF HOSTAGE TAKING. /// END ACT /////OPT///// SECOND TAFT ACT ///UP UNTIL THIS POINT, I THINK THERE HAS BEEN A CAT-AND-MOUSE GAME. I THINK MILOSEVIC HAS NOT BELIEVED THAT THE WEST HAD THE RESOLVE TO GO FORWARD TO CALL HIS BLUFF AS YOU SAID. THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT THE WEST HAS THAT RESOLVE, AND I BELIEVE HE, TOO, NOW KNOWS THAT THAT RESOLVE IS THERE. /// END ACT ////// END OPT ///JULIA TAFT SAYS IF DRASTIC ACTION IS NOT TAKEN NOW TO STOP
SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC'S AGGRESSION, THEN MANY REFUGEES ARE LIKELY TO
PERISH IN THE APPROACHING WINTER. THE U-S STATE DEPARTMENT
OFFICIAL SAYS THE FIGHTING IN KOSOVO HAS DISPLACED ABOUT
300-THOUSAND PEOPLE, ALL OF WHOM ARE IN DESPERATE STRAITS. SHE
SAYS THE WEST MUST TAKE MEASURES TO MAKE SURE THE CRISIS IS ENDED
SOON. (SIGNED)
[12] TURKEY / SYRIA (L ONLY) BY AMBERIN ZAMAN (ANKARA)DATE=10/5/98TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-239690 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT HOSNI MUBARAK IS EXPECTED IN ANKARA TUESDAY IN HIS EFFORT TO HELP DIFFUSE THE ESCALATING DIPLOMATIC CRISIS BETWEEN TURKEY AND SYRIA. AS AMBERIN ZAMAN REPORTS FROM ANKARA, TURKISH OFFICIALS CONTINUE TO THREATEN WHAT THEY TERM ALL NECESSARY MEASURES AGAINST SYRIA WHICH THEY SAY SUPPORTS KURDISH SEPARATIST REBELS FROM TURKEY. TEXT: TURKISH OFFICIALS CONTINUE TO VOICE ANGER OVER WHAT THEY CALL SYRIA'S CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR REBELS OF THE SEPARATIST KURDISTAN WORKERS' PARTY, THE P-K-K. AND THE TURKISH PRESS IS SPECULATING THAT TURKEY WILL SOON TAKE MILITARY ACTION AGAINST ITS ARAB NEIGHBOR. TURKISH PRESIDENT SULEYMAN DEMIREL SAID TURKEY IS NOT ONLY WARNING SYRIA BUT THE WHOLE WORLD OF THE CONSEQUENCES DAMASCUS WOULD FACE IF IT FAILS TO STOP AIDING THE P-K-K AND THE GROUP'S LEADER, ABDULLAH OCALAN, WHO LIVES IN DAMASCUS. SYRIA DENIES IT AIDS THE P-K-K. MR. DEMIREL SAID SYRIA'S ACTIONS ARE NOT IN HIS WORDS COMMENSURATE WITH EITHER ISLAM, GOOD NEIGHBORLINESS, OR FRATERNITY. MR DEMIREL IS EXPECTED TO TELL MR. MUBARAK TUESDAY THAT TURKEY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE MILITARY ACTION UNLESS SYRIA HANDS OVER THE P-K-K LEADER AND SHUTS DOWN ALL P-K-K CAMPS IN SYRIA AND IN THE SYRIAN-CONTROLLED BEKAA VALLEY IN LEBANON. ACCORDING TO TURKISH MEDIA REPORTS BASED ON EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS, TURKISH TROOPS ARE CONTINUING TO MASS ALONG TURKEY'S 618-KILOMETER-LONG BORDER WITH SYRIA. TURKISH NAVAL FORCES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN ARE REPORTED TO BE ON FULL ALERT AND TURKISH AIR FORCE JETS ARE CONTINUING RECONNAISSANCE FLIGHTS ALONG THE SYRIAN BORDER. MOST WESTERN MILITARY ANALYSTS DISCOUNT THE POSSIBILITY OF A LAND WAR BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES. RATHER, THEY SAY TURKEY WILL LIKELY CARRY OUT AIR STRIKES AGAINST P-K-K TARGETS IN SYRIA AND LEBANON. ANALYSTS ADD THAT SYRIA IS NO MATCH MILITARILY FOR TURKEY, WHICH HAS NATO'S SECOND LARGEST ARMY. SOME MILITARY ANALYSTS BELIEVE THAT TURKEY WILL CONDUCT A COVERT OPERATION THAT WILL TARGET THE P-K-K LEADER HIMSELF. HOSTILITY BETWEEN TURKEY AND SYRIA DATES BACK TO THE OTTOMAN ERA WHEN SYRIA WAS UNDER TURKISH RULE. BUT ANALYSTS SAY THAT FAILURE BY TURKEY AND SYRIA TO AGREE ON THE STATUS OF WATER FROM THE EUPHRATES RIVER IS AT THE CORE OF THE ESCALATING TENSIONS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES. SYRIA HAS BEEN PRESSING TURKEY TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT TO SHARE THE WATERS ON WHICH SYRIAN AGRICULTURE HEAVILY RELIES. TURKEY SAYS IT RELEASES MORE THAN ENOUGH WATER DOWNSTREAM AND HAS NOTHING TO DISCUSS UNTIL SYRIA ENDS IT SUPPORT FOR THE P-K-K. TURKEY HAS SPENT NEARLY 100-BILLION DOLLARS ON ITS 14-YEAR
MILITARY CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE P-K-K. THE CONFLICT HAS CLAIMED
NEARLY 40-THOUSAND LIVES. THE P-K-K'S VICTIMS INCLUDE WOMEN AND
CHILDREN IN KURDISH GROUPS WHICH ARE FIGHTING ON THE SIDE OF THE
TURKISH GOVERNMENT. (SIGNED)
[13] E-U ENLARGEMENT (L ONLY) BY RON PEMSTEIN (LUXEMBOURG)DATE=10/5/98TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-239702 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: EUROPEAN UNION FOREIGN MINISTERS HAVE AGREED TO BEGIN NEGOTIATIONS NEXT MONTH WITH SIX COUNTRIES THAT WANT TO JOIN THE UNION IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT RON PEMSTEIN REPORTS FROM LUXEMBOURG, WHERE THE MINISTERS ARE MEETING. TEXT: THE FOREIGN MINISTERS HAVE APPROVED OPENING NEGOTIATIONS ON NOVEMBER 10TH WITH THE SIX APPLICANT COUNTRIES -- POLAND, HUNGARY, THE CZECH REPUBLIC, ESTONIA, SLOVENIA AND CYPRUS. AT THAT MEETING IN VIENNA, THEY WILL DISCUSS SEVEN POSITION PAPERS THE COUNTRIES HAVE FILED WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION. THESE INCLUDE INDUSTRIAL POLICY, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICIES, AND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. AUSTRIAN FOREIGN MINISTER WOLFGANG SCHUESSEL SAYS DETAILED TALKS WILL BEGIN. /// FIRST SCHUESSEL ACT ///THERE WILL BE REAL, SUBSTANTIAL DISCUSSIONS. IT'S NOT A FORMAL DEBATE. WE ALREADY HAD THE HISTORIC MOMENT OF THE OPENING CEREMONY OF NEGOTIATIONS. ON THE 10TH OF NOVEMBER THESE ARE REAL, TOUGH NEGOTIATIONS IN SUBSTANCE. /// END ACT ///WHILE AUSTRIA WANTS TO BEGIN MEMBERSHIP NEGOTIATIONS UNDER ITS CHAIRMANSHIP, ENLARGEMENT NEGOTIATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE YEARS. THE APPLICANT COUNTRIES HAVE TO GIVE THE EUROPEAN UNION THEIR REQUESTS FOR TRANSITION PERIODS TO MEET E-U STANDARDS. NO NEW MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED BEFORE 2002 AND SOME E-U OFFICIALS SAY THE NEGOTIATIONS MAY LAST LONGER THAN THAT. ALL SIX COUNTRIES NEED TO RESTRUCTURE THEIR ECONOMIES, AND THE EUROPEAN UNION HAS TO RESTRUCTURE THE WAY IT PROVIDES MONEY FOR LESS-DEVELOPED REGIONS. THE MINISTERS MEETING IN LUXEMBOURG AVOIDED TACKLING THE DIFFICULT PROBLEM OF CYPRUS. THE ISLAND IS DIVIDED BETWEEN GREEK AND TURKISH ADMINISTRATIONS, AND FRANCE HAS EXPRESSED DOUBT ABOUT OPENING NEGOTIATIONS WITH CYPRUS. GREECE HAS THREATENED TO VETO ANYONE ELSE'S ENLARGEMENT IF MEMBERSHIP FOR CYPRUS IS DELAYED. /// REST OPT ///FOREIGN MINISTER SCHUESSEL, SPEAKING THROUGH AN INTERPRETER, SAYS THE EUROPEAN UNION'S NEGOTIATIONS WILL HELP A CYPRUS SETTLEMENT. /// SECOND SCHUESSEL ACT ///WHAT WE WANT TO ACHIEVE IS A POLITICAL SOLUTION FOR THE ISLAND ON THE AEGIS OF THE UNITED NATIONS INSOFAR AS POSSIBLE IN A BI-COMMUNAL, BI-ZONAL SETTLEMENT, AND WE ALSO VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THE BEGINNING OF NEGOTIATIONS WHICH WILL COME BEFORE ANY POLITICAL SETTLEMENT IS REACHED, WE WANT THE BEGINNING OF NEGOTIATIONS TO ULTIMATELY FACILITATE A POLITICAL SETTLEMENT. THAT IS OUR AIM AND THAT IS THE CONTEXT THAT YOU SHOULD UNDERSTAND [IN] THESE NEGOTIATIONS. /// END ACT ///THE FOREIGN MINISTERS WELCOMED THE RESULTS OF ELECTIONS IN
SLOVAKIA AND LATVIA AND CALLED ON THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION TO
UPDATE ITS 1993 OPINION ABOUT MALTA'S APPLICATION FOR UNION
MEMBERSHIP. (SIGNED)
[14] N-Y ECON WRAP (S & L) BY BRECK ARDERY (NEW YORK)DATE=10/5/98TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT NUMBER=2-239735 CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: STOCK PRICES IN THE UNITED STATES WERE DOWN TODAY (MONDAY) IN AN EXTREMELY VOLATILE SESSION. VOA CORRESPONDENT BRECK ARDERY REPORTS FROM NEW YORK. TEXT: THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE CLOSED AT 77 HUNDRED 26, DOWN 58 POINTS. THE STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 INDEX CLOSED AT NINE HUNDRED 88, DOWN 14 POINTS. DURING THE DAY'S TRADING, THE INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE TWICE DROPPED BY MORE THAN 200 POINTS BUT MADE A STRONG RECOVERY IN THE LAST HOUR OF TRADING, A RECOVERY WHICH ANALYSTS SAY WAS LARGELY FUELED BY FUTURES-RELATED BUYING AND OTHER TECHNICAL FACTORS. ANALYSTS SAY THE FUNDAMENTALS STILL LOOK GLOOMY. THERE IS ONGOING WORRY ON WALL STREET ABOUT INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL PROBLEMS AND SOME DISAPPOINTMENT THAT THE WEEKEND MEETING OF FINANCE MINISTERS FROM MAJOR INDUSTRIALIZED NATIONS DID NOT COME UP WITH A NEW PROGRAM TO EASE THE SITUATION. THERE WAS ALSO CONCERN ABOUT A NEWS REPORT (N-Y TIMES) THAT JAPANESE BANKS ARE FACING AN ACUTE CAPITAL SHORTAGE AND ARE IN WORSE SHAPE THAN HAD BEEN THOUGHT. ///REST OPT///ALAN ACKERMAN OF THE FAHNESTOCK INVESTMENT COMPANY, SAYS THERE IS GROWING CONCERN ABOUT A WORLD WIDE ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN. ///ACKERMAN ACT///BY AND LARGE, WE ARE LOOKING AT GROWING GLOBAL CONCERN OVER EARNINGS, OVER ECONOMIC GROWTH AND NOW EVEN THE STABILITY OF SOME COUNTRIES. ///END ACT///GENERAL MOTORS REPORTED NORTH AMERICAN CAR AND TRUCK SALES FELL BY MORE THAN THREE PERCENT IN SEPTEMBER AS THE COMPANY STRUGGLED TO RECOVER FROM RECENT STRIKES. THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY SAYS ITS SALES ROSE ALMOST FIVE PERCENT LAST MONTH. A-T AND T, THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS GIANT, WILL BUY THE VANGUARD CELLULAR SYSTEMS COMPANY IN A DEAL WORTH ONE AND ONE-HALF BILLION DOLLARS. THE TAKEOVER WILL EXPAND A-T AND T'S WIRELESS TELEPHONE BUSINESS IN THE EASTERN UNITED STATES. THIS APPEARS TO BE A TOUGH TIME FOR AMERICAN PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANIES. A SURVEY OF INDUSTRY ANALYSTS SAY MOST WILL REPORT LOWER PROFITS BECAUSE OF A COMBINATION OF LARGE HURRICANE LOSSES, STAGNANT PREMIUM INCOME AND FALLING INVESTMENT RETURNS. BOSTON CHICKEN, THAT ONCE HUGELY SUCCESSFUL RESTAURANT CHAIN, HAS
FALLEN ON VERY HARD TIMES. THE COMPANY FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY LAW
PROTECTION AND WILL CLOSE 16 PERCENT OF ITS 11 HUNDRED
RESTAURANTS. THE COMPANY'S STOCK, WHICH TRADED AT A HIGH OF 41
DOLLARS A SHARE TWO YEARS AGO, IS NOW WORTH ABOUT 30 CENTS.
ANALYSTS SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE FOOD BUT THAT BOSTON
CHICKEN SIMPLY USED TOO MUCH DEBT TO FINANCE ITS GROWTH .(SIGNED)
NEB/NY/BA/LSF/WFR
[15] MONDAY'S EDITORIALS BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)DATE=10/05/98TYPE=U-S EDITORIAL DIGEST NUMBER=6-10942 TELEPHONE=619-3335 EDITOR=ASSIGNMENTS CONTENT= ///// ED'S: DATED AFTER 10 PM EDT. /////INTRO: THE WORLD'S FALTERING ECONOMY CONTINUES TO MERIT TOP ATTENTION IN THE EDITORIAL COLUMNS OF THE NATION'S DAILIES, ESPECIALLY WITH THE PENDING CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON OF THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND AND THE WORLD BANK, WHICH ARE TRYING TO DEVISE SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM. OTHER TOPICS UNDER DISCUSSION INCLUDE THE PRESIDENT'S IMPEACHMENT PROGRESS IN CONGRESS; CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM; CONCERNS ABOUT AIRLINE SAFETY AFTER THE SWISS AIR CRASH; HELPING U-S FARMERS, AND A VICTORY FOR TRADITION AT THE GETTYSBURG BATTLE SITE. NOW, HERE IS ________________ WITH A CLOSER LOOK AND SOME QUOTES IN TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST. TEXT: BOTH THE WORLD'S FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS OF LAST RESORT ARE PREPARING TO MEET IN WASHINGTON THIS WEEK, TOGETHER WITH THE FINANCE MINISTERS OF THE SEVEN-LARGEST ECONOMIES TO TRY TO DEVISE A PLAN TO STOP THE WORLD FROM LURCHING FROM RECESSION INTO FULL-SCALE DEPRESSION. JUDGING BY THE NEWSPAPER HEADLINES IN MONDAY'S PRESS, THE MEETINGS DID NOT APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN VERY PRODUCTIVE, AT LEAST AS FAR AS SPECIFIC PROPOSALS. IN BALTIMORE, "THE SUN" NOTES: VOICE: NEVER HAVE THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND AND WORLD BANK ANNUAL MEETINGS ... CONVEYED SUCH URGENCY AS DOES THE RITUAL THIS WEEK IN WASHINGTON. THE OBJECT IS TO CONTAIN FINANCIAL CONTAGION, WHICH HAS ONE-THIRD OF THE WORLD FACING RECESSION, AND PROTECT UNINFECTED ECONOMIES. THOSE REMAINING HEALTHY, BUT AT RISK ,INCLUDE THE UNITED STATES. ...CALLS TO OVERHAUL INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL MACHINERY, WHICH HAS SERVED THE WORLD WELL FOR A HALF CENTURY, CANNOT BE ACCOMPLISHED OVERNIGHT. THE LEADING IDEAS, BESIDES GREATER EMERGENCY LOAN AVAILABILITY, ARE MECHANISMS FOR SUSPENDING DEBT REPAYMENT WITHOUT DEFAULT ...[AND] SPECIAL BAILOUT PROGRAMS FOR ASIAN COUNTRIES AND BRAZIL, AND GREATER DISCLOSURE OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION. WHAT CANNOT REALISTICALLY BE STOPPED ARE CAPITAL FLOWS ACROSS BORDERS IN AN ERA OF OFFSHORE BANKING, ELECTRONIC TRANSFERS AND INTERNET DATA TRANSMISSION. TEXT: "THE NEW YORK TIMES" SAYS MUCH OF THE WORLD'S ECONOMY HAS TURNED ON ITS HEAD SINCE LAST YEAR. VOICE: BANKS AND INVESTORS THAT ONCE ACTED AS IF THERE WERE NO RISKS SEE NOTHING BUT RISKS. AN INTERNATIONAL CREDIT CRUNCH IS LOOMING, IN WHICH MANY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BORROW. ... WITH INVESTORS NOW EXCESSIVELY RISK AVERSE, AND WITH MANY COMPANIES AND BANKS IN EMERGING MARKETS BURDENED WITH UNPAYABLE DEBTS, THE BIGGEST RISK CONFRONTING THE WORLD IS OF DEFLATION AND GLOBAL RECESSION. THAT MEANS WAYS MUST BE FOUND TO RESTRUCTURE DEBTS -- WITH PENALTIES FOR THOSE WHO LENT MONEY IMPRUDENTLY AS WELL AS FOR THOSE WHO BORROWED THE MONEY. VOICE: TURNING TO THE LONG-RUNNING WASHINGTON STORY OF THE PRESIDENT'S SEXUAL TRANSGRESSIONS, AND THE ENSUING IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS, SEVERAL PAPERS HAVE VIEWS ON VARIOUS FACETS OF THE STORY. IN MINNESOTA, "THE [MINNEAPOLIS] STAR TRIBUNE" SUGGESTS THAT -- BAD CONDUCT IS NOT IMPEACHABLE. VOICE: WHEN THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE MEETS MONDAY, IT IS EXPECTED TO RECOMMEND A FULL-SCALE, NO-LIMITS IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY INTO PRESIDENT CLINTON'S BEHAVIOR. ... UNDER ANY REASONABLE INTERPRETATION OF THAT CLAUSE, THE CASE INDEPENDENT COUNSEL KENNETH STARR SENT TO CONGRESS SHOULD IN NO WAY LEAD TO PRESIDENT CLINTON'S IMPEACHMENT, LET ALONE HIS REMOVAL FROM OFFICE -- EVEN IF FULLY PROVED. ... [MR.] STARR'S BEST SHOT AT A CASE FOR IMPEACHMENT TURNED OUT TO BE WAFER THIN. HE HAD ASSEMBLED A CLEAR CASE FOR ... MASS DISAPPROVAL. TEXT: IN BALTIMORE,"THE SUN" TALKS ABOUT THE DANGER TO SOCIETY TO THE PRYING INTO PRIVATE LIVES THAT HAS FOLLOWED THE WHITE HOUSE REVELATIONS. VOICE: THE BIGGER ISSUE IS ... DO WE AS A SOCIETY WANT TO HAVE AN OPEN-DOOR POLICY ON THE PRIVACY OF EVERY POLITICIAN? THE CHILLING EFFECT IS ALREADY HERE, PROMPTING TEXAS GOVERNOR GEORGE BUSH TO STOP AND THINK ABOUT WHETHER HE WANTS TO EXPOSE EVERY DETAIL OF HIS LIFE BY RUNNING FOR THE PRESIDENCY IN TWO-THOUSAND. NOTHING IS OUT OF BOUNDS BY TODAY'S RULES. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO STATUTE OF LIMITATION ON TROLLING ONE'S PAST. TEXT: "THE NEW YORK TIMES" FUMES THAT CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM, ANOTHER ISSUE CLOSELY LINKED TO THE PRESIDENT'S ACTIONS IN THE 1996 CAMPAIGN, APPEARS TO BE FINALLY DEAD FOR ANOTHER YEAR IN CONGRESS. VOICE: IN THE FINAL DAYS OF A DISMAL SESSION, TRENT LOTT APPEARS TO HAVE BURIED THE BEST CHANCE IN YEARS TO CLEAN UP THE NATION'S CORRUPT ELECTION FUND-RAISING SYSTEM. /// OPT ///TEXT: THE SWISS AIR JETLINER CRASH OFF CANADA IS BACK IN THE NEWS WITH REPORTS THAT A TYPE OF THERMAL INSULATION USED ON THE PLANE HAS BEEN CONNECTED TO FOUR PREVIOUS AIRLINER FIRES. "THE WASHINGTON POST" HAS QUESTIONS. VOICE: THOUGH THE MATERIAL MET ALL FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS FOR FIRE RETARDANCE AND HAS BEEN USED IN AIRCRAFT FOR YEARS, A SERIES OF FIRES BETWEEN 1993 AND 1995 CONCERNED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE MD-11 JETLINER ENOUGH TO PROMPT A RECOMMENDATION TWO-YEARS AGO THAT THE INSULATION BLANKETS BE REPLACED ON AT LEAST ONE-THOUSAND JETS AT 'THE EARLIEST PRACTICAL MAINTENANCE PERIOD.' BUT WHY WAS NOT ACTION TAKEN LONG AGO? AND SHOULD NOT EVERY LAST AIRCRAFT STILL USING THESE BLANKETS BE ORDERED GROUNDED IMMEDIATELY AND RETROFITTED WITH NEWER INSULATION? TEXT: LASTLY, "THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR" IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE PLIGHT OF THE AMERICAN FARMER BESET BY DROUGHT IN SOME REGIONS AND FLOOD IN OTHERS. VOICE: IN MANY REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES, FARMERS FACE A GRIM PICTURE. BAD WEATHER AND ITS AFTER-EFFECTS HAVE DAMAGED AND DESTROYED CROPS. LOW PRICES -- WHEAT DOWN 30-PERCENT; CORN 24-PERCENT; SOYBEANS,26-PERCENT -- ARE AN EVEN BIGGER PROBLEM. IN ONE SENSE, FARMERS HAVE SIMPLY PRODUCED TOO MUCH FOOD. BUT THE ASIAN ECONOMIC CRISIS HAS DRASTICALLY CUT FARM EXPORTS. CONGRESS'S OVER-FONDNESS FOR ECONOMIC SANCTIONS AS A FOREIGN-POLICY TOOL DOES NOT HELP. WHEN THE U-S BANS EXPORTS TO OTHER COUNTRIES, HOWEVER RIGHTEOUS THE REASON, FARMERS HERE OFTEN REAP THE PUNISHMENT. ...THE LONG-TERM ANSWER IS TO STIMULATE DEMAND FOR U-S GOODS. THAT MEANS MORE TRADE AND MORE TRADE AGREEMENTS. IT ALSO MEANS WORKING CLOSELY WITH JAPAN TO JUMP START ITS ECONOMY AND HELP PULL THE ASIAN 'TIGERS' OUT OF THEIR MORASS. TEXT: AND SO, JUST AS WE BEGAN WITH GLOBAL ECONOMICS, WE END ON
THE SAME TOPIC, AS WE BEING TO A CLOSE THIS SAMPLING OF COMMENT
IN TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST.
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