Voice of America, 99-03-08

Voice of America: Selected Articles Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] KOSOVO BY PHILIP SMUCKER (KACANIK, KOSOVO)

[02] KOSOVO/PEACE AGREEMENT (L) BY NICK SIMEONE (WASHINGTON)

[03] KOSOVO/VIOLENCE (L ONLY) BY PHILIP SMUCKER (PRISTINA)

[04] U-S PILOT'S SKI LIFT CRASH ACQUITTAL ANGERS ITALY BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)

[05] NATO/ANNIVERSARY (L-ONLY) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (LONDON)

[06] BRITAIN / RACISM BY LAURIE KASSMAN (LONDON)

[07] E-U / U-S BANANAS (L) BY LISA SCHLEIN (GENEVA)

[08] E-U / U-S BANANAS UPDATE (S/L VER) BY LISA SCHLEIN (GENEVA)

[09] FRANCE LIBYA TRIAL (L-ONLY) BY JULIAN NUNDY (PARIS)

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

[11] MONDAY'S EDITORIALS BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)

[01] KOSOVO BY PHILIP SMUCKER (KACANIK, KOSOVO)

INTRO: YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC SAYS HE IS READY TO DISCUSS A PEACE PLAN FOR KOSOVO IN EXCHANGE FOR AN INTERNATIONAL CRACKDOWN ON ETHNIC ALBANIAN REBELS AND AN END TO ECONOMIC SANCTIONS AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA. MEANWHILE, IN SOUTHERN KOSOVO, YUGOSLAV MILITARY AND POLICE FORCES MOUNTED ONE OF THEIR BIGGEST OFFENSIVES IN RECENT DAYS AGAINST SUSPECTED POSITIONS OF THE KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY (K-L-A). PHILIP SMUCKER REPORTS FROM KACANIK, KOSOVO.

TEXT: GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER JOSCHKA FISCHER AND EUROPEAN UNION FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMISSIONER HANS VAN DEN BROEK MET WITH MR. MILOSEVIC AND HEARD HIS PLEA FOR AN INTERNATIONAL CRACKDOWN ON ALBANIAN REBELS.

THE GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER SAID AFTER THE MEETING THAT U-S SPECIAL BALKANS ENVOY RICHARD HOLBROOKE WILL ARRIVE IN BELGRADE TUESDAY TO CONTINUES TALKS WITH MR. MILOSEVIC. IN KOSOVO, WESTERN MONITORS CALLED THE SERBIAN ATTACK ON SEVERAL ETHNIC ALBANIAN VILLAGES A GROSS VIOLATION OF THE KOSOVO CEASEFIRE.

THE MONITORS SAID THE SERB OFFENSIVE PREVENTED THEM FROM MOUNTING AN EFFORT TO EVACUATE ABOUT 400 DISPLACED PERSONS IN THE MOUNTAINS ABOVE THE TOWN OF KACANIK. THEY SAID SERBIAN TANKS AND PERSONNEL CARRIERS BLOCKED TEAMS FROM THE KOSOVO VERIFICATION MISSION FROM ENTERING THE AREA.

NEWS REPORTERS WITH THE MONITORS SAID THEY HEARD HEAVY SHELLING AND MACHINEGUN FIRE ECHOING THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS. BUT THEY TOO WERE TURNED BACK BY THE SERBIAN FORCES.

ETHNIC ALBANIAN REBEL LEADERS MET MONDAY TO DISCUSS SIGNING THE NATO-BACKED KOSOVO PEACE PLAN. AMERICAN DIPLOMATS CLOSE TO THE TALKS SAID THERE WERE STILL MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH GAINING A SOLID COMMITMENT FROM THE ALBANIANS. THE ALBANIANS FEAR THE PEACE PLAN'S DISARMAMENT CLAUSES WOULD LEAVE THEM UNABLE TO CARRY ON THEIR AVOWED INDEPENDENCE STRUGGLE.

THE ALBANIAN MEETING WAS SHROUDED IN SECRECY AND ITS OUTCOME UNCERTAIN.

ACCEPTANCE OF THE PEACE PLAN BY THE ETHNIC ALBANIANS WOULD STRENGTHEN THE HAND OF WESTERN NEGOTIATORS IN THEIR EFFORT TO PERSUADE THE SERBS TO ALSO JOIN IN OR FACE THE THREAT OF NATO AIR STRIKES. THE YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT HAS SAID HE WILL NOT ACCEPT NATO TROOPS ON SERBIAN SOIL AS PART OF THE PEACE PLAN.

NATO OFFICIALS SAY THEY WILL MAKE GOOD ON THEIR THREAT TO BOMB YUGOSLAV MILITARY INSTALLATIONS IF THE ALBANIANS SIGN THE DEAL AND PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC REFUSES. (SIGNED)
NEB/PS/JWH
08-Mar-99 11:23 AM EST (1623 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America

[02] KOSOVO/PEACE AGREEMENT (L) BY NICK SIMEONE (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: THE UNITED STATES SAYS ETHNIC ALBANIAN REBELS IN YUGOSLAVIA'S KOSOVO PROVINCE HAVE AGREED TO SIGN A PEACE ACCORD NEGOTIATED WITH SERB AUTHORITIES LAST MONTH IN FRANCE. BUT CORRESPONDENT NICK SIMEONE REPORTS THE TOUGHEST OBSTACLE MAY BE GETTING YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC TO AGREE AS WELL.

TEXT: WEEKS OF HARD NEGOTIATIONS BY WESTERN POWERS OVER KOSOVO COULD BE CLOSE TO PAYING OFF -- OR COULD STILL BE A LONG WAY FROM A FINAL AGREEMENT.

AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT, SPOKESMAN JAMES RUBIN SAYS THE KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY HAS TOLD U-S ENVOY CHRISTOPHER HILL TO LET SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT KNOW THE REBELS ARE READY TO SIGN A DEAL THAT RESTORES KOSOVO'S AUTONOMY BUT PUTS OFF THE QUESTION OF OUTRIGHT INDEPENDENCE.

THE K-L-A GENERAL STAFF HAS ASKED HIM TO TELL SECRETARY ALBRIGHT THAT THEY HAVE APPROVED THE AGREEMENT AS NEGOTIATED AT RAMBOUILLET (FRANCE IN FEBRUARY) AND THAT THEY HAVE AUTHORIZED ITS SIGNATURE.

THE PROMISE BY THE K-L-A COMES JUST A WEEK BEFORE THE REBELS AND SERB AUTHORITIES ARE SET TO GO BACK TO FRANCE AND PUT THEIR SIGNATURE TO A FINAL AGREEMENT CALLING FOR SOME 28-THOUSAND NATO TROOPS TO BE SENT TO THE PROVINCE TO GUARANTEE PEACE, SOMETHING YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC ADAMANTLY OPPOSES. IF KOSOVAR REBELS NOW SIGN ON, BELGRADE WOULD THEN HAVE TO DECIDE WHETHER TO STAND IN THE WAY OF A TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT AGREEMENT -- AND FACE THE THREAT OF NATO BOMBS.

I THINK I WOULD CONCLUDE THE AGREEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED WHEN IT'S BEEN SIGNED.

ALL SIGNS SUGGEST THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION MAY BE READY TO PLAY ITS FINAL CARD (ITS LAST EFFORT) IN THE SEARCH FOR A KOSOVO PEACE BY DISPATCHING DIPLOMAT RICHARD HOLBROOKE TO BELGRADE TO GET PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC TO CONSENT. IT WAS THE BALKAN TROUBLESHOOTER WHO CONVINCED ALL SIDES IN THE WAR IN BOSNIA TO SIGN A PEACE AGREEMENT AT DAYTON, OHIO IN 1995. (SIGNED)
NEB/NJS/JO
08-Mar-99 5:00 PM EST (2200 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America

[03] KOSOVO/VIOLENCE (L ONLY) BY PHILIP SMUCKER (PRISTINA)

INTRO: TWO SERBIAN POLICEMEN WERE KILLED BY GUNS AND GRENADES EARLY SUNDAY IN THE KOSOVO CAPITAL, PRISTINA. SERBIAN OFFICIALS SAY IT WAS A CRIMINAL INCIDENT, BUT THE KILLINGS APPEARED TO BE ETHNIC-BASED. MEANWHILE, OUTSIDE THE CAPITAL, SENIOR KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY OFFICIALS DISCUSSED SIGNING A NATO-BACKED PEACE PLAN FOR KOSOVO. PHILIP SMUCKER REPORTS FROM PRISTINA.

TEXT: SERBIAN POLICE WAGED A HOUSE-TO-HOUSE SEARCH OF ETHNIC ALBANIAN HOMES (SUNDAY) IN THEIR SEARCH FOR THE KILLERS OF THE TWO POLICEMEN.

THE SERBIAN MEDIA CENTER, WHICH HAS CLOSE TIES TO THE BELGRADE GOVERNMENT, SAYS THE SERBIAN POLICEMEN HAD ENTERED THE AREA TO SERVE ARREST WARRANTS AGAINST TWO ALBANIAN BROTHERS ACCUSED OF ROBBERIES AND OTHER CRIMES.

SERBIAN POLICE KEPT REPORTERS AT A DISTANCE WHILE ARMORED TRUCKS MOVED FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE IN AN APPARENT SEARCH FOR THE KILLERS. LATER, ETHNIC-ALBANIAN MEN SHOWED REPORTERS SIGNS THEY HAD BEEN BEATEN BY THE POLICE.

WESTERN REPORTERS WITH THE KOSOVO VERIFICATION MISSION (K-V-M) SAY THEY SAW THE SERBIAN POLICE KICKING, SLAPPING, AND BEATING RESIDENTS. THEY SAY 15-RESIDENTS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD SOUGHT MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR THEIR INJURIES.

IN THE KOSOVO COUNTRYSIDE, ETHNIC-ALBANIAN REBEL LEADERS MET (SUNDAY) TO DECIDE WHETHER TO ACCEPT OR REJECT THE NATO-BACKED PEACE PLAN FOR KOSOVO. ALBANIAN SOURCES SAY A FINAL DECISION IS STILL A DAY OR MORE AWAY.

MANY SENIOR WESTERN DIPLOMATS IN THE REGION DOUBT YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC WILL SIGN A PEACE DEAL TO ALLOW 28-THOUSAND NATO PEACEKEEPERS INTO SERBIA.

IN PRISTINA, MILOSEVIC SUPPORTERS LASHED OUT AT NATO AND THE UNITED STATES, DESCRIBING THEM AS "CHILD KILLERS". A MILOSEVIC SUPPORTER LASHED OUT AT WHAT HE CALLED THE -- BLACK HAND OF THE WHITE HOUSE. "

THOUSANDS OF SERBIAN MALES HAVE BEEN MOBILIZED FOR THE ARMY IN RECENT WEEKS. THEY ARE TOLD THEY ARE NEEDED TO PREPARE FOR A NATO INVASION. (SIGNED)
NEB/PS/DW/RAE
07-Mar-99 7:15 PM EST (0015 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America

[04] U-S PILOT'S SKI LIFT CRASH ACQUITTAL ANGERS ITALY BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: A MARINE COURTS MARTIAL JURY LAST WEEK ACQUITTED A MARINE PILOT OF MANSLAUGHTER IN THE DEATHS LAST YEAR OF 20 EUROPEAN SKIERS, WHO DIED WHEN HIS JET CUT THE CABLE HOLDING UP THEIR SKI GONDOLA.

THE VERDICT BROUGHT CRIES OF OUTRAGE FROM ITALY, WHERE THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED, AND THERE IS ALSO A GOOD DEAL OF CRITICISM FROM THE U-S PRESS. WE GET A SAMPLING NOW FROM ______________ IN TODAY'S U-S OPINION ROUNDUP.

TEXT: MARINE CAPTAIN RICHARD ASHBY WAS FLYING WELL BELOW THE (609 METER) ALTITUDE CALLED FOR IN MARINE REGULATIONS WHEN THE TAIL OF HIS PROWLER JET CLIPPED THE SKI-LIFT CABLE AND SENT THE CAR CRASHING TO THE GROUND ABOUT 100 METERS BELOW. THERE WERE ACCUSATIONS AT THE TIME THAT HE WAS SHOWING OFF BY RACING HIS JET FASTER AND MUCH LOWER THAN ALLOWED THROUGH THE ITALIAN ALPINE VALLEY.

HOWEVER WHEN ALL THE EVIDENCE WAS HEARD, A PANEL OF EIGHT MARINE OFFICERS IN NORTH CAROLINA, DECIDED HE WAS NOT AT FAULT AND ACQUITTED HIM OF ALL CHARGES. A KEY FACTOR IN HIS DEFENSE WAS THAT AVIATION CHARTS ISSUED TO MARINE PILOTS, INCLUDING CAPTAIN ASHBY, DID N O T SHOW THE GONDOLA CABLE. HOWEVER BOTH IN ITALY AND IN THE UNITED STATES PRESS, THERE IS A GOOD DEAL OF ANGER AND A FEAR THAT THE MILITARY IS SIMPLY "TAKING CARE OF ITS OWN." "THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE" SUGGESTS IN ITS HEADLINE, THAT "MILITARY JUSTICE [IS] AGAIN AN OXYMORON."

VOICE: ONCE AGAIN IT APPEARS THAT SOMETHING DREADFUL HAS OCCURRED DUE TO EITHER RECKLESSNESS OR NEGLIGENCE BY SUPPOSEDLY RESPONSIBLE MILITARY PERSONNEL, AND ONCE AGAIN IT APPEARS NO ONE IS TO BE HELD FULLY ACCOUNTABLE. (THE INQUIRY INTO THE 1983 MARINE BARRACKS BOMBING IN LEBANON THAT KILLED 241 SERVICEMEN, FOR EXAMPLE, ENDED WITH WHAT AMOUNTED TO AN OFFICIAL SHRUG.) SECOND-GUESSING A JURY VERDICT FROM ANY DISTANCE IS TRICKY, BUT IT APPEARS THE EIGHT MARINE OFFICERS WHO SAT IN JUDGMENT OF CAPTAIN ASHBY GAVE THEIR COLLEAGUE-IN-ARMS THE BENEFIT OF EVERY CONCEIVABLE DOUBT. ... THE U-S GOVERNMENT MUST MOVE QUICKLY TO EASE THE PAIN OF THE VICTIMS' FAMILIES AND CUT ITS DIPLOMATIC LOSSES. THOUGH NO SUBSTITUTE FOR JUSTICE, PROFUSE APOLOGIES AND AMPLE FINANCIAL COMPENSATION ARE DUE THOSE FAMILIES.

TEXT: "THE LOS ANGELES TIMES" WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREES ON THAT LATTER POINT.

VOICE: RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DISASTER RESTS ULTIMATELY WITH THE U-S GOVERNMENT, AS PRESIDENT CLINTON HAS ACKNOWLEDGED. BUT THE PENTAGON HAS SO FAR BEEN REMARKABLY INSENSITIVE TO THE ANGUISH OF THE VICTIMS' FAMILIES, PROVIDING EACH WITH 5-THOUSAND DOLLARS TO HELP COVER BURIAL AND TRAVEL COSTS BUT OTHERWISE OFFERING NO REASONABLE COMPENSATION. THAT IS WRONG. ... PROMPT AND FAIR COMPENSATION IS DUE THE VICTIMS' FAMILIES. FURTHER FOOT-DRAGGING ON THIS OBLIGATION DEMEANS AMERICAN HONOR.

TEXT: IN MAINE, "PORTLAND'S PRESS HERALD" IS ALSO SURPRISED BY THE VERDICT AND SAYS THE VARIETY OF FAULTS IN OPERATIONS REGARDING THE AVIANO AIR BASE, WHERE THE PLANE FLEW FROM, DO N O T MAKE UP FOR THE U-S RESPONSIBILITY TO THE VICTIM'S FAMILIES, OR OUR EUROPEAN ALLIES.

VOICE: BLAMING THIS ACCIDENT ON MAPS, EQUIPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS, THOUGH, ISN'T GOING TO SATISFY THE RELATIVES, WHO ARE ENTITLED TO CONCLUDE THAT THESE DEATHS COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED. AT A TIME WHEN RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND ITS EUROPEAN ALLIES ARE STRAINED DUE TO ETHNIC CONFLICT IN THE BALKANS, U-S AUTHORITIES HAVE THE OBLIGATION TO ASSURE THAT SUCH A TRAGEDY WILL NEVER OCCUR AGAIN.

TEXT: ACROSS THE COUNTRY, "THE OREGONIAN" IN PORTLAND, HAS A DIFFERENT VIEW: IF CAPTAIN ASHBY IS NOT AT FAULT, THEN ALL OF MARINE AVIATION MUST BE.

VOICE: THE JURY THAT ACQUITTED A MARINE PILOT .... HAS IN EFFECT INDICTED THE WHOLE OF MARINE AVIATION. JURORS APPARENTLY ACCEPTED THE DEFENSE OFFERED ON BEHALF OF CAPTAIN ... ASHBY ... THAT HE WAS POORLY TRAINED, DISORIENTED, UNAWARE NOT ONLY OF HIS ALTITUDE BUT THE MINIMUM HEIGHT HE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE FLYING AT, AND RELYING ON A FAULTY ALTIMETER WHEN HIS PLANE STRUCK ... [THE] GONDOLA ... THE FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION IS WHETHER THE MARINE CORPS HAS SUFFICIENTLY CORRECTED THE SYSTEMIC FLAWS. ... /// OPT /// IF THE [CAPTAIN] ASHBY DEFENSE IS ACCURATE, THE PROBLEMS GO DEEPER AND NEED DEALING WITH HIGHER UP THE CHAIN OF COMMAND THAN DISCIPLINING TWO MID-RANK OFFICERS ACCOMPLISHES. /// OPT ///

TEXT: "THE NEW YORK POST" FINDS THE N O T GUILTY VERDICT "INEXPLICABLE," UNTIL ANOTHER FAMOUS U-S TRIAL IS REMEMBERED.

VOICE: ... WE LIVE IN THE AGE OF O-J [FOOTBALL PLAYER AND THEN BROADCASTER O-J SIMPSON, ACQUITTED OF MURDERING HIS EX-WIFE AND HER FRIEND, DESPITE EVIDENCE THAT HE HAD STABBED THE TWO PEOPLE TO DEATH.] JURIES SOMETIMES DECIDE CASES NOT SO MUCH ON THE EVIDENCE BEFORE THE COURT -- BUT ON THE BASIS OF OTHER THINGS THEY HAVE ON THEIR MINDS.

TEXT: THE "MIAMI HERALD" ENTITLES ITS LEAD EDITORIAL ABOUT THE DECISION, "NOT GUILTY -- BUT NOT BLAMELESS."

VOICE: THE U-S MARINES LOOK AFTER THEIR OWN: THAT'S HOW CIVILIAN OBSERVERS MAY WELL INTERPRET (THE) 'NOT GUILTY' VERDICT.... YET THE COURT-MARTIAL ALSO HEARD DEFENSE TESTIMONY THAT ATTEMPTED TO DEFLECT THE BLAME.... THIS ENTIRE INCIDENT HAS CAUSED AN UPROAR IN A EUROPE THAT ALREADY IS DEBATING HOW LONG IT WILL BE NECESSARY FOR THE U-S MILITARY TO REMAIN THERE, NOTWITHSTANDING ITS PARTNERSHIP IN NATO. ... NOW THE 'NOT GUILTY' VERDICT IS BOUND TO INTENSIFY THE STRAIN IN RELATIONS (WITH EUROPE). WHILE NO AMERICAN IN UNIFORM SHOULD EVER BE SACRIFICED TO POPULAR SENTIMENT HERE OR ABROAD, THIS UNSATISFACTORY OUTCOME IS A REMINDER THAT THE BEST WAY TO AVOID SUCH LOSE-LOSE SCENARIOS IS TO PREVENT SUCH INCIDENTS FROM OCCURRING IN THE FIRST PLACE.

TEXT: THAT CONCLUDES THIS SAMPLING OF U-S EDITORIAL REACTION TO THE NOT GUILTY VERDICT LAST WEEK AGAINST THE MARINE FLIER ACCUSED OF THE DEATHS OF 20 SKIERS IN THE ITALIAN ALPS.
NEB/ANG/KL
08-Mar-99 1:44 PM EST (1844 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America

[05] NATO/ANNIVERSARY (L-ONLY) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (LONDON)

INTRO: BRITISH PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR TOLD A LONDON CONFERENCE (MONDAY) CELEBRATING NATO'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY THAT A NATO PEACEKEEPING FORCE MUST BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF ANY KOSOVO PEACE DEAL. AND A TOP NATO MILITARY COMMANDER WARNED AGAINST SENDING MIXED SIGNALS TO YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC WHEN IT COMES TO NATO'S THREAT OF FORCE, IF HE DOES NOT AGREE TO A KOSOVO PEACE SETTLEMENT. CORRESPONDENT LAURIE KASSMAN HAS MORE FROM LONDON.

TEXT: PRIME MINISTER BLAIR SAYS SIGNING A PEACE DEAL FOR KOSOVO IS NOT ENOUGH TO GUARANTEE IT WILL WORK.

MR BLAIR SAYS BOTH THE SERBS AND ETHNIC ALBANIANS MUST REALIZE THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE TO A PEACE DEAL.

THE KOSOVARS SHOULD SEE THAT THE TIME HAS COME FOR THE KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY TO CEASE ITS OPERATIONS AND ACCEPT DEMILITARIZATION. THE SERBS MUST REDUCE THEIR FORCES TO AGREED LEVELS AND ALLOW A NATO-LED FORCE TO UNDERPIN THE NEW AUTONOMY ARRANGEMENTS.

NATO IS GOING AHEAD WITH PREPARATIONS TO LEAD A PEACEKEEPING FORCE, ONCE A SETTLEMENT IS REACHED IN KOSOVO. BUT THE CHAIRMAN OF THE U-S JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF, GENERAL HENRY SHELTON, SAYS THE PEACE DEAL MUST BE SIGNED BY BOTH SIDES FIRST.

WE HAVE SAID ALL ALONG THAT BEFORE WE WOULD COMMIT U-S GROUND TROOPS, BEFORE WE INTERVENE, THERE WOULD HAVE TO BE A POLITICAL SETTLEMENT BETWEEN THE TWO PARTIES, AND THAT THE ONLY WAY WE WOULD COMMIT OUR FORCES INTO THAT ENVIRONMENT WOULD BE IF BOTH PARTIES HAD AGREED, AND INVITED THE FORCE TO COME IN AND ENFORCE THE SETTLEMENT.

AND NATO'S MILITARY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN KLAUS NAUMANN WARNED AGAINST INDIVIDUAL NATO MEMBERS SENDING MIXED SIGNALS TO THE YUGOSLAV LEADER WHICH MIGHT UNDERMINE NATO'S UNIFIED THREAT OF FORCE. HE SAYS THERE SHOULD BE NO MISUNDERSTANDING OF NATO'S RESOLVE, IF MR. MILOSEVIC DOES NOT AGREE TO A FULL PEACE DEAL THAT INCLUDES NATO PEACEKEEPERS.

EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW THAT THIS ALLIANCE WILL USE ALL THE INSTRUMENTS IT HAS AS SOON AS IT IS THREATENED. AND NOBODY SHOULD REST ASSURED THAT THE NATO TREATY AREA [NATO MEMBER NATIONS] IS A LIMIT FOR OUR ACTIONS.

THE SERB AND KOSOVAR ALBANIAN DELEGATIONS ARE EXPECTED BACK AT THE NEGOTIATING TABLE NEXT WEEK TO GIVE THEIR FINAL APPROVAL TO THE PEACE PLAN AND DISCUSS ITS IMPLEMENTATION. THE LIMITED AUTONOMY PLAN WILL RELY ON UP TO 30-THOUSAND NATO-LED PEACEKEEPERS TO GUARANTEE ITS IMPLEMENTATION. THE ETHNIC ALBANIANS HAVE AGREED TO SIGN THE FULL PEACE PACKAGE, BUT PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC STILL OPPOSES ANY NATO TROOPS IN KOSOVO PROVINCE. (SIGNED)
NEB/LMK/PCF/WTW
08-Mar-99 2:45 PM EST (1945 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America

[06] BRITAIN / RACISM BY LAURIE KASSMAN (LONDON)

INTRO: IN BRITAIN, AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE POLICE HANDLING OF THE 1993 MURDER OF A BLACK TEENAGER BY A GANG OF WHITE YOUTHS ACCUSES THE POLICE FORCE OF INSTITUTIONAL RACISM AND CALLS FOR AN OVERHAUL OF POLICE POLICY TOWARD RACIAL MINORITIES AND RACIST CRIMES. THE SCATHING REPORT ACCUSES THE LONDON POLICE OF MISHANDLING THE BRUTAL BEATING DEATH OF 19-YEAR-OLD STEVEN LAWRENCE BECAUSE HE WAS BLACK. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT LAURIE KASSMAN REPORTS ON HOW BRITAIN IS TRYING TO COPE WITH THE CHANGING FACE OF BRITISH SOCIETY.

TEXT: THE LAWRENCE REPORT ACCUSES THE POLICE OF INCOMPETENCE AND INSTITUTIONALIZED RACISM AND BLAMES SENIOR OFFICERS FOR A FAILURE OF LEADERSHIP. THE REPORT ALSO OFFERS A WIDER DEFINITION OF RACISM THAT INCLUDES UNWITTING PREJUDICE, IGNORANCE, AND RACIAL STEREOTYPES.

LONDON'S TOP POLICE OFFICER, COMMISSIONER PAUL CONDON, SAYS HE IS ASHAMED AND ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR CORRECTING POLICE BEHAVIOR TOWARD BRITAIN'S THREE-MILLION BLACK CITIZENS. THE REPORT HAS TRIGGERED CALLS FOR HIS RESIGNATION.

HOME SECRETARY JACK STRAW SAYS THE POLICE COMMISSIONER WILL KEEP HIS JOB, BUT ACKNOWLEDGES THE FAILURE OF PUBLIC SERVICES TO DEAL WITH THE CHANGING FACE OF BRITISH SOCIETY.

THE VERY PROCESS OF THE INQUIRY HAS OPENED ALL OUR EYES TO WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE BLACK OR ASIAN IN BRITAIN TODAY. AND THE INQUIRY PROCESS HAS REVEALED SOME FUNDAMENTAL TRUTHS ABOUT OUR SOCIETY AND ABOUT OUR RELATIONSHIPS ONE WITH ANOTHER. SOME OF THESE TRUTHS ARE UNCOMFORTABLE BUT WE HAVE TO CONFRONT THEM.

STATISTICS IN THE REPORT SAY BLACKS ARE FIVE TIMES MORE LIKELY THAN WHITES TO BE STOPPED AND SEARCHED BY POLICE, OFTEN FOR UNFOUNDED SUSPICIONS. MOSES IS 25 AND BLACK. HE TALKS ABOUT THE WEEKEND HE RENTED A MERCEDES SEDAN.

EVERY 15 MINUTES YOU'RE STOPPED BY THE POLICE -- ESPECIALLY ON A SATURDAY -- BECAUSE THEY THINK YOU'VE STOLEN IT. THEY WOULDN'T EXPECT A BLACK TO BE DRIVING A MERCEDES.

MOSES SAYS RACIAL PREJUDICE IS INGRAINED IN BRITISH SOCIETY

POLICE COME FROM THE COMMUNITY, DON'T FORGET. THEY'RE NOT SOME PEOPLE WHO HAVE COME FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE. SO THEIR MINDS ARE ALREADY SET IN A CERTAIN WAY BEFORE THEY JOIN THE POLICE FORCE. THEY HAVE STEREOTYPED BLACK PEOPLE IN A CERTAIN WAY.

OTHER MINORITIES ALSO COMPLAIN ABOUT POLICE PREJUDICE.

ONCE WE CALLED THE POLICE AND THEY SAW WE WERE NOT WHITE, THEY WERE VERY RUDE.

ETHNIC MINORITIES MAKE UP ALMOST EIGHT PERCENT OF BRITAIN'S POPULATION OF 56-MILLION. IN SOME CITIES THEY ACCOUNT FOR ONE-FOURTH OF THE POPULATION.

MOHAMED ANWAR, THE DIRECTOR OF WARWICK UNIVERSITY'S CENTER FOR ETHNIC RELATIONS, SAYS THIS REALITY IS NOT REFLECTED IN THE PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS MEANT TO SERVICE THE COMMUNITY.

IF YOU HAVE A SERVICE OR A LOCAL AUTHORITY DEALING WITH ALMOST ONE-FOURTH OF ITS POPULATION WHICH IS AN ETHNIC MINORITY AND IT'S NOT BEING REFLECTED IN TERMS OF THE EMPLOYEES OF THAT LOCAL AUTHORITY OR THE SERVICE PROVIDED, THAT IS NOT FACING REALITY.

MR ANWAR BLAMES MUCH OF THE DISCRIMINATION ON OUT-OF-DATE PERCEPTIONS OF BRITISH SOCIETY THAT IGNORE THE ACTUAL ETHNIC AND RACIAL MIX.

THIS IS A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PRIME MINISTER AND HIS PARTY AND THE OPPOSITION ALL TO SAY, LOOK LET'S REALIZE AND FACE IT, THIS IS A PERMANENTLY MULTIRACIAL, MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY AND MAKE SURE IT WORKS AS AN EQUAL SOCIETY.

MANY WHITES ALSO CALL THE BLISTERING LAWRENCE REPORT A WAKE-UP CALL TO CONFRONT THEIR RACIAL PROBLEMS.

IT'S A REAL SHAME, BUT THEN IT ALWAYS TAKES SOMETHING DRASTIC BEFORE SOMEBODY TAKES ANY NOTICE, WHICH IS UNFORTUNATE THAT IT HAS TO BE THAT WAY. BUT MAYBE THIS TIME IT WILL GET SORTED OUT.

THE POLICE COMMISSIONER PROMISES TO ACT QUICKLY ON THE REPORT'S RECOMMENDATIONS, WHICH INCLUDE RECRUITMENT OF ETHNIC MINORITIES, RANDOM TESTING FOR RACIST ATTITUDES AMONG POLICE OFFICERS, AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO REPORT RACIST CRIMES.

A RECENT POLL CONDUCTED BY A LEADING TABLOID NEWSPAPER SAYS MOST BRITONS BELIEVE THE POLICE ARE LEARNING FROM THEIR MISTAKES. BUT MORE THAN HALF THE BLACK AND SOUTH ASIAN RESPONDENTS STILL FEEL THE POLICE ARE PREJUDICED AGAINST MINORITIES. (SIGNED)
NEB/LMK/JWH

[07] E-U / U-S BANANAS (L) BY LISA SCHLEIN (GENEVA)

INTRO: THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (W-T-O) IS HOLDING A SPECIAL MEETING ON THE TRADE DISPUTE OVER BANANA IMPORTS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE EUROPEAN UNION. LISA SCHLEIN IN GENEVA REPORTS THE EUROPEAN UNION REQUESTED THE MEETING AFTER THE UNITED STATES IMPOSED HUGE TAXES ON SOME GOODS IT IMPORTS FROM EUROPE.

TEXT: BOTH THE UNITED STATES AND THE EUROPEAN UNION SAY THEY WANT TO AVERT A TRADE WAR WHICH WOULD COST EUROPEAN COUNTRIES HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND WOULD UNDERMINE THE GLOBAL TRADING SYSTEM.

NEVERTHELESS, THERE WERE FEW SIGNS OF COMPROMISE AS THE E-U AND U-S TRADE REPRESENTATIVES ENTERED THE MEETING. E-U AMBASSADOR, RODERICK ABBOTT SAID HE WAS NOT OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE UNITED STATES BACKING OFF FROM ITS PROPOSAL TO IMPOSE HUGE TARIFFS ON IMPORTS FROM EUROPEAN COUNTRIES.

WE HOPE TO GET SOMETHING THAT SAYS THAT THE AMERICANS HAVE MADE A UNILATERAL ACTION WHICH IS ILLEGAL. AND, WE WILL ASK THEM TO WITHDRAW IT. I DON'T SUPPOSE THEY WILL. BUT, WE'LL TRY.

THE EUROPEAN UNION IS FURIOUS AT THE AMERICANS FOR DECIDING TO IMPOSE 100 PERCENT TARIFFS ON MORE THAN ONE-HALF-BILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF EUROPEAN IMPORTS. THESE INCLUDE DIVERSE PRODUCTS SUCH AS CHEESE, COFFEE MAKERS, LEATHER, AND CASHMERE SWEATERS. THE UNITED STATES SAYS THAT IS THE AMOUNT OF MONEY U-S BANANA PRODUCERS ARE LOSING BECAUSE OF WHAT IT CALLS EUROPE'S DISCRIMINATORY POLICIES.

THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION TWO YEARS AGO ORDERED THE EUROPEAN UNION TO END ITS POLICIES THAT FAVOR BANANA IMPORTS FROM FORMER BRITISH AND FRENCH COLONIES IN THE CARIBBEAN. THE UNITED STATES SAYS THE E-U POLICY DISCRIMINATES AGAINST BANANAS PRODUCED BY U-S COMPANIES IN CENTRAL AMERICA.

U-S TRADE REPRESENTATIVE RITA HAYES SAID THE EUROPEAN UNION HAS NOT COMPLIED. AND SHE SAYS THAT IS WHY THE UNITED STATES PROPOSED THE HUGE TARIFFS ON SOME EUROPEAN GOODS.

WE'RE VERY SORRY THAT THINGS HAD TO COME TO THIS POINT. BUT, WE'RE GOING TO RESERVE OUR RIGHTS. WE HAVE NOT IMPOSED DUTIES. WE HAVE WITHHELD LIQUIDATION AND HOPEFULLY THIS MORNING AFTER WE HEAR ANOTHER TACTIC THAT THE E-U HAS ASKED FOR THIS MORNING, WE CAN GET DOWN TO BUSINESS.

TWO W-T-O COMMITTEES ARE EXPECTED TO REPORT ON THE DISPUTE IN A FEW WEEKS. THE 134-MEMBER TRADE BODY CANNOT FORCE THE UNITED STATES TO BACK DOWN. HOWEVER, THE EUROPEAN UNION HOPES THE W-T-O WILL CONDEMN THE UNITED STATES FOR TAKING WHAT IT CALLS AN ILLEGAL UNILATERAL ACTION. (SIGNED)
NEB/LS/JWH
08-Mar-99 6:41 AM EST (1141 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America

[08] E-U / U-S BANANAS UPDATE (S/L VER) BY LISA SCHLEIN (GENEVA)

INTRO: A SPECIAL MEETING ON MONDAY OF THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION -- THE W-T-O -- HAS DONE NOTHING TO MOVE THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPEAN UNION TOWARD A COMPROMISE ON TRADE IN BANANAS. LISA SCHLEIN IN GENEVA REPORTS THE HEAD OF THE W-T-O HAS APPEALED TO BOTH SIDES TO SETTLE THEIR DIFFERENCES THROUGH DIRECT NEGOTIATIONS.

TEXT: //OPT// AS SOON AS THE MEETING BEGAN, THE EUROPEAN UNION WENT ON THE OFFENSIVE. IT ACCUSED THE UNITED STATES OF "DECLARING WAR" ON COUNTRIES IT ALONE DECIDES ARE NOT ENGAGING IN FAIR TRADE. THE E-U AMBASSADOR, RODERICK ABBOTT, TOLD W-T-O MEMBER COUNTRIES THAT THE UNITED STATES HAD ACTED ILLEGALLY BY IMPOSING SANCTIONS ON SELECTED IMPORTS FROM EUROPEAN COUNTRIES IN THE WAKE OF THE BANANA DISPUTE. HE CALLED THIS A BLATANT DISREGARD OF INTERNATIONAL TRADING RULES. //END OPT//

THE E-U REQUESTED MONDAY'S SPECIAL SESSION AFTER WASHINGTON ANNOUNCED THAT IT WOULD IMPOSE TARIFFS WORTH 520 MILLION DOLLARS ON A VARIETY OF EUROPEAN GOODS. //OPT// THE UNITED STATES CLAIMS THAT THIS IS THE AMOUNT OF MONEY LOST BY U-S-OWNED BANANA PRODUCERS IN CENTRAL AMERICA BECAUSE OF E-U POLICIES WHICH DISCRIMINATE IN FAVOR OF CERTAIN CARIBBEAN, AFRICAN AND PACIFIC COUNTRIES. //END OPT//

U-S TRADE REPRESENTATIVE RITA HAYES SAID HER COUNTRY'S RETALIATORY MEASURES WERE IN KEEPING WITH W-T-O RULES.

WE'RE GIVING THE ARBITRATORS MORE TIME TO COME BACK WITH THEIR ANSWERS. BUT, DURING THAT TIME, WE'RE GOING TO RESERVE OUR RIGHT.

THE W-T-O DIRECTOR-GENERAL, RENATO RUGGIERO, TRIED TO ALLAY FEARS THAT A BANANA WAR WAS IMMINENT. //OPT// HE CALLS THE BANANA ISSUE A DIFFICULT AND COMPLEX ONE. HE SAYS HIS ORGANIZATION'S DISPUTE SETTLEMENT SYSTEM WAS WORKING WELL AND HE EXPECTS THE ISSUE WOULD BE RESOLVED IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. IN THE MEANTIME,

THIS IS THE HEART OF THE DISPUTE SETTLEMENT PROCEDURE. WE ARE NOT SEEKING TO IMPOSE RULINGS ON EITHER SIDE. WE ARE INVITING ESPECIALLY AND FIRSTLY THE TWO PARTIES TO FIND A MUTUALLY AGREED SOLUTION.

MR. RUGGIERO BELIEVES THAT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE TOWARD FINDING A SOLUTION.

BUT AT THE END OF MONDAY'S MEETING, SOME W-T-O OFFICIALS EXPRESSED DISGUST WITH BOTH THE UNITED STATES AND THE EUROPEAN UNION. THEY SAID THEY FEARED THIS DISPUTE COULD WRECK THE FLEDGLING WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION, IF IT GOT OUT OF HAND. (SIGNED)
NEB/LS/PCF
08-Mar-99 12:21 PM EST (1721 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America

[09] FRANCE LIBYA TRIAL (L-ONLY) BY JULIAN NUNDY (PARIS)

INTRO: SIX LIBYANS ACCUSED OF ORGANIZING THE 1989 BOMBING OF A AIRLINER OVER NIGER WENT ON TRIAL IN A FRENCH COURT MONDAY. BUT THE DEFENDANTS ARE BEING TRIED IN ABSENTIA, AS JULIAN NUNDY REPORTS FROM PARIS.

TEXT: THE SPECIAL ANTI-TERRORIST COURT, IN WHICH THE JURY MEMBERS ARE ALL PROFESSIONAL JUDGES, OPENED MONDAY WITH AN EMPTY DEFENDANTS' BOX.

SIX LIBYANS, INCLUDING ABDALLAH SENOUSSI -- A BROTHER-IN-LAW OF LIBYAN LEADER MUAMMAR GADHAFI -- FACE JAIL TERMS OF LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR THEIR ALLEGED ROLE IN THE EXPLOSION OF A FRENCH DC-10 AIRLINER OVER NIGER IN SEPTEMBER 1989 WHICH TOOK THE LIVES OF 170 PEOPLE.

THAT BOMBING AND A SIMILAR ATTACK ON A PAN AMERICAN AIRLINER OVER LOCKERBIE, SCOTLAND NINE MONTHS EARLIER LED THE UNITED NATIONS TO IMPOSE INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS ON LIBYA.

THE AMERICANS AND THE BRITISH ARE PROPOSING A TRIAL BEFORE AN INTERNATIONAL COURT FOR THE LOCKERBIE SUSPECTS AND HAVE SOUGHT THEIR EXTRADITION. FRANCE, HOWEVER, HAS NOT FORMALLY SOUGHT THE EXTRADITION OF ITS SIX SUSPECTS. IT INSTEAD TRIED UNSUCCESSFULLY TO PERSUADE LIBYA TO SURRENDER THEM VOLUNTARILY.

BECAUSE THE SUSPECTS HAVE IGNORED SUMMONSES TO APPEAR, THE ACCUSED ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PRESENT A DEFENSE. THIS MEANS THE TRIAL WILL BE UNUSUALLY SHORT AND SHOULD WIND UP ON WEDNESDAY.

FRANCE'S ANTI-TERRORIST SERVICES CONCLUDED THAT LIBYA WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE AIRPLANE BOMBING AFTER ANALYZING 15 TONS OF WRECKAGE STREWN OVER THE TENERE DESERT. THEY FOUND PART OF A GERMAN-MADE TIMING DEVICE OF A KIND BOUGHT IN BULK BY LIBYA.

THE FRENCH SERVICES CONCLUDED THAT THE BOMB WAS CARRIED UNWITTINGLY BY A CONGOLESE DISSIDENT FIGHTING THE RULE OF MOBUTU SESE SEKO IN THE COUNTRY THEN KNOWN AS ZAIRE. ACCORDING TO THE FRENCH INVESTIGATORS, THE CONGOLESE WAS GIVEN A SUITCASE CONTAINING THE BOMB BY A LIBYAN DIPLOMAT IN BRAZZAVILLE.

DURING THE INVESTIGATION, LIBYA HAS ALLOWED FRANCE'S MAIN ANTI-TERRORIST INVESTIGATOR TO VISIT TRIPOLI TO INTERVIEW SUSPECTS.

ON OCCASION, COLONEL GADHAFI HAS HINTED A WILLINGNESS TO ACCEPT WHATEVER FRENCH SENTENCES WERE HANDED DOWN -- BUT MAKE THOSE FOUND GUILTY SERVE THEIR SENTENCES IN LIBYAN JAILS.

LAWYERS FOR THE FAMILIES OF THE 170 PEOPLE WHO DIED IN THE BOMBING SAY THEY HOPE THAT LIBYA WILL AT LEAST BE WILLING TO PAY COMPENSATION. (SIGNED)
NEB/JWN/PCF
08-Mar-99 11:17 AM EST (1617 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: STOCK PRICES IN THE UNITED STATES WERE GENERALLY UP TODAY (MONDAY) WITH ONE MAJOR INDEX CLOSING AT A RECORD HIGH. V-O-A BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT BRECK ARDERY REPORTS FROM NEW YORK.

TEXT: THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE CLOSED AT 97 HUNDRED 27, DOWN EIGHT POINTS. BUT THE STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 INDEX CLOSED AT A RECORD HIGH 12 HUNDRED 82, UP SEVEN POINTS. AND THE NASDAQ INDEX GAINED MORE THAN TWO AND ONE-HALF PERCENT.

ANALYSTS SAY THERE WAS SOME PROFIT TAKING IN STOCKS WHICH MAKE UP THE INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE WHICH CLOSED AT A RECORD HIGH ON FRIDAY. BUT THE BROAD MARKET WAS VERY STRONG, ESPECIALLY THE HIGH TECHNOLOGY SECTOR.

REAL GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT HAS ADVANCED FOUR PERCENT ANNUALLY IN EACH OF THE PAST THREE YEARS. PAYROLL EMPLOYMENT HAS GROWN ABOUT EIGHT MILLION SINCE THE END OF 1985 AND THE CIVILIAN UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HAS FALLEN BELOW FOUR AND ONE-HALF PERCENT, THE LOWEST READING IN THREE DECADES.

A HUGE MERGER IN THE U-S WASTE DISPOSAL INDUSTRY WAS ANNOUNCED WITH THE ALLIED WASTE INDUSTRIES COMPANY PAYING NINE POINT ONE BILLION DOLLARS FOR BROWNING FERRIS INDUSTRIES. THE COMBINED COMPANY WILL BE THE SECOND-LARGEST WASTE DISPOSAL FIRM IN THE UNITED STATES, BEHIND WASTE MANAGEMENT.

THE U-S GOVERNMENT'S FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION REACHED A SETTLEMENT WITH THE INTEL MICROPROCESSOR COMPANY JUST ONE DAY BEFORE AN ANTI-MONOPOLY TRIAL WAS SET TO BEGIN. DETAILS OF THE SETTLEMENT WERE NOT IMMEDIATELY RELEASED. THE GOVERNMENT HAD SUED INTEL ON CHARGES THAT IT HAD ATTEMPTED TO PUSH COMPETITORS OUT OF THE MICROPROCESSOR MARKET.

THE MICROSOFT COMPANY SAYS IT WILL ALTER A FEATURE IN ITS "WINDOWS 98" COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEM WHICH ALLOWS MICROSOFT TO SECRETLY COLLECT USER IDENTIFYING INFORMATION. THE COMPANY SAYS IT WILL ALSO ELIMINATE A SIMILAR FEATURE IN ITS "OFFICE 97" WORD PROCESSING PROGRAM, ALTHOUGH MICROSOFT SAYS IT WAS NEVER INTERESTED IN TRACKING USER BEHAVIOR. SIEMENS, THE GERMAN INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATE, HAS CONFIRMED REPORTS IT WILL AGGRESSIVELY MOVE INTO THE U-S DATA NETWORKING AND INTERNET INDUSTRIES. SIEMENS WILL INVEST MORE THAN ONE BILLION DOLLARS IN BUYING TWO AMERICAN FIRMS OUTRIGHT. IT WILL ALSO BUY A MAJOR STAKE IN A THIRD COMPANY AND FORM A NEW AMERICAN SUBSIDIARY CALLED "UNISPHERE SOLUTIONS."

OFFICIALS IN SHANGHAI, CHINA, SAY THEIR CITY IS NOW UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY AS THE LOCATION OF A NEW THEME PARK. DISNEY IS ALSO CONSIDERING A SITE IN HONG KONG AND A DECISION IS EXPECTED WITHIN FOUR MONTHS.(SIGNED) NEB/NY/BA/LSF/PT
08-Mar-99 5:16 PM EST (2216 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America

[11] MONDAY'S EDITORIALS BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: THE EDITORIAL COLUMNS OF MANY U-S NEWSPAPERS ARE COVERING A WIDE VARIETY OF TOPICS THIS MONDAY. THERE ARE EDITORIALS ON THE ISRAELI OCCUPATION OF SOUTHERN LEBANON; ON THE MARINE CORPS VERDICT IN THE SKI LIFT TRAGEDY; AND THE RECENT ELECTION IN NIGERIA.

OTHER EDITORIALS DEAL WITH THE U-S DRUG CERTIFICATION OF MEXICO; U-S RELATIONS WITH CHINA; AND THE DEATH OF MOTION PICTURE LEGEND STANLEY KUBRICK. NOW, HERE IS ________________ WITH SOME EXCERPTS AND A CLOSER LOOK IN TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

TEXT: TODAY'S "WASHINGTON POST" SUGGESTS THE TIME FOR AN END TO THE ISRAELI MILITARY OCCUPATION OF ITS SO-CALLED BUFFER ZONE IN SOUTHERN LEBANON MAY BE DRAWING NEAR.

VOICE: THIS GOOD NEWS IS THE RESULT OF TWO DEVELOPMENTS: CONTINUED PAINFUL ISRAELI CASUALTIES IN THAT SLICE OF LEBANON AND AN ISRAELI ELECTION RUN-UP THAT IS AIRING ALTERNATIVES TO THE STALEMATED MIDDLE EAST PEACE NEGOTIATIONS. ... A UNILATERAL ISRAELI PULLBACK FROM SOUTHERN LEBANON WOULD CUT OFF THE POLITICALLY CHARGED FLOW OF ISRAELI CASUALTIES. THE LEBANESE GOVERNMENT WOULD REGAIN ITS AUTHORITY OVER ITS SOUTHERN TERRITORY AND SPARE ITS CITIZENS FURTHER HEAVY WAR LOSES. WITH THE ISRAELIS GONE, THE RATIONALE OF FIGHTING TO EXPEL THEM COULD NO LONGER BE EVOKED BY SYRIA, HEZBOLLAH OR ANYONE ELSE. A POSSIBILITY TO PUT THE DERAILED ISRAELI-SYRIAN NEGOTIATION BACK ON TRACK WOULD SPRING INTO BEING IF ANYONE RESUMED ROCKET ATTACKS ON ISRAEL'S NORTHERN VILLAGES, OF COURSE, THE ISRAELIS WOULD HAVE A RIGHT TO PROTECT THEIR PEOPLE.

TEXT: COMMENTS CONTINUE OVER LAST WEEK'S DECISION BY A MARINE CORPS JURY THAT THE PILOT OF A MARINE JET THAT SEVERED THE CABLE OF AN ITALIAN SKI LIFT AND KILLED 20 SKIERS, LAST YEAR IS N O T GUILTY. "THE LOS ANGELES TIMES" SAYS THE U-S SHOULD PAY THE SURVIVORS.

VOICE: RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DISASTER RESTS ULTIMATELY WITH THE U-S GOVERNMENT, AS PRESIDENT CLINTON HAS ACKNOWLEDGED. BUT THE PENTAGON HAS SO FAR BEEN REMARKABLY INSENSITIVE TO THE ANGUISH OF THE VICTIMS' FAMILIES, PROVIDING EACH WITH 5-THOUSAND DOLLARS TO HELP COVER BURIAL AND TRAVEL COSTS BUT OTHERWISE OFFERING NO REASONABLE COMPENSATION. THAT IS WRONG. ... PROMPT AND FAIR COMPENSATION IS DUE THE VICTIMS' FAMILIES. FURTHER FOOT-DRAGGING ON THIS OBLIGATION DEMEANS AMERICAN HONOR.

TEXT: "THE NEW YORK POST" AGREES, FINDING THE NOT GUILTY VERDICT "INEXPLICABLE," UNTIL ANOTHER FAMOUS U-S TRIAL IS REMEMBERED.

VOICE: ... WE LIVE IN THE AGE OF O-J [FOOTBALL PLAYER AND THEN BROADCASTER O-J SIMPSON, ACQUITTED OF MURDERING HIS EX-WIFE AND HER FRIEND IN A WIDELY PUBLICIZED TRIAL, DESPITE EVIDENCE THAT HE HAD STABBED THE TWO PEOPLE TO DEATH.] JURIES SOMETIMES DECIDE CASES NOT SO MUCH ON THE EVIDENCE BEFORE THE COURT - - BUT ON THE BASIS OF OTHER THINGS THEY HAVE ON THEIR MINDS. ... THERE IS NO SMALL IRONY IN THE FACT THAT **THIS** [ITALICS FOR EMPHASIS] ACQUITTAL **COMPLICATED** [AGAIN] BILL CLINTON'S LIFE -- AS ANYBODY WITH EVEN THE REMOTEST UNDERSTANDING OF THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE CASE KNEW THAT IT WOULD.

TEXT: TURNING TO AFRICA, "THE SUN" IN BALTIMORE HAS SOME THOUGHTS ON THE RECENT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN NIGERIA, WHERE A CIVILIAN, ALBEIT ONE WITH LONG MILITARY TIES, WAS ELECTED.

VOICE: SINCE WINNING AN ALLEGED 62 PERCENT OF THE VOTE IN ...... FEBRUARY ... PRESIDENT-ELECT OLUSEGUN OBASANJO HAS SAID ALL THE RIGHT THINGS. THESE INCLUDE A PROMISE OF 'AN OPEN AND FAIR AND TRANSPARENT GOVERNMENT'; A MANDATE TO 'REBUILD THIS NATION'; AND A PLEA THAT 'TOGETHER, WE WILL STRIVE TO BEQUEATH TO THE NEXT GENERATION A TRULY DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM OF GOVERNANCE.' THE WORDS WERE NEEDED. GENERAL OBASANJO'S OWN YORUBA PEOPLE IN THE SOUTHWEST, INCLUDING THE GREAT COMMERCIAL CITY OF LAGOS, FAVORED HIS OPPONENT. ... THE PLEDGE TO DEMOCRACY IS CREDIBLE ... [AND] NECESSARY BECAUSE [OF] ... OBSERVER JIMMY CARTER'S STATED UNWILLINGNESS TO CERTIFY THE ELECTION AS FAIR.

TEXT: BACK IN THIS HEMISPHERE, "THE WASHINGTON TIMES" RIDICULES THE RECENT DECISION BY THE PRESIDENT TO CERTIFY MEXICO AS A WORTHY PARTNER IN THE WAR AGAINST ILLICIT DRUGS.

VOICE: NO MATTER HOW CORRUPT OR INEPT THE MEXICAN ANTI-DRUG OPERATIONS BECOME, THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE REALITY. ONCE AGAIN, PRESIDENT CLINTON HAS CERTIFIED MEXICO AS A 'FULLY COOPERATING' ALLY IN THE INTERNATIONAL DRUG WAR -- DESPITE MOUNTAINS OF EVIDENCE TO THE CONTRARY, MUCH OF IT PROVIDED BY AGENCIES OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH ITSELF.

TEXT: STILL WITH THE REGION, "THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER" DISCUSSES DEBT RELIEF AND OTHER ACTIONS THE UNITED STATES CAN TAKE TO HELP HURRICANE-DEVASTATED CENTRAL AMERICA WHICH PRESIDENT CLINTON VISITS TODAY.

VOICE: THE CLINTON VISIT IS A CHANCE TO REVIEW THE RELIEF AND RECONSTRUCTION EFFORTS. IT'S ALSO A TIME TO THINK ABOUT HOW TO MAKE THESE NATIONS AND THEIR NEIGHBORS LESS VULNERABLE TO SUCH HAVOC. ... THIS MONTH, DOZENS OF ORGANIZATIONS ... URGED THE UNITED STATES TO WRITE OFF 100 PERCENT OF THIS [CENTRAL AMERICAN] DEBT. AMEN -- WITH THE PROVISO THAT THE SAVINGS MUST BE DEVOTED TO ECONOMIC RECONSTRUCTION AND STORM RELIEF. THE UNITED STATES, WHICH SUBSIDIZED SO MUCH CIVIL WAR IN CENTRAL AMERICA OVER THE YEARS, HAS A PROFOUND RESPONSIBILITY NOW TO HELP THE REGION REBUILD FROM THIS NATURAL DISASTER WORSENED BY MAN-MADE BLUNDERS.

TEXT: TODAY'S "MIAMI HERALD" IS CONCERNED ABOUT DETERIORATING U-S RELATIONS WITH CHINA, MAINLY BECAUSE OF BEIJING'S HARD-LINE ANTI- DEMOCRACY POLICY.

VOICE: GIVEN THE RANGE OF U-S INTERESTS IN CHINA, THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION'S 'DE-LINKING' OF TRADE AND HUMAN RIGHTS TO CLEAR THE WAY FOR NEGOTIATIONS ON OTHER ISSUES SEEMS REASONABLE. IT MIGHT EVEN ACCOUNT FOR SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT'S ASTONISHING ASSERTION -- JUST DAYS AFTER THE STATE DEPARTMENT RELEASED A SHARPLY CRITICAL REPORT ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHINA -- OF MAKING 'BETTER PROGRESS' WHEN TRADE AND HUMAN RIGHTS AREN'T LINKED. TROUBLE IS, THERE ISN'T MUCH PROGRESS. /// OPT

TEXT: LASTLY, THE FIRST OF MANY TRIBUTES TO ARTISTIC FILM MAKER STANLEY KUBRICK, WHO DIED IN LONDON SUNDAY. "USA TODAY," THE NATIONAL DAILY, PUBLISHED IN THE WASHINGTON SUBURBS, ASKS:

VOICE: NOW THAT STANLEY KUBRICK IS DEAD, WHO WILL MAKE THE BIG-BUDGET MOVIES THAT ASK VIEWERS TO QUESTION CONVENTION? YOU WILL SEACH IN VAIN FOR THE ANSWER. ... [MR.] KUBRICK ... WAS PERHAPS THE LAST OF THE BIG-LEAGUE HOLLYWOOD ICONOCLASTS, A DIRECTOR WHO MADE GENERAL-RELEASE MOVIES THAT FORCED MOVIEGOERS TO RETHINK THEIR COMPLACENCY. ... HE MADE MOVIES THAT DREW CRITICAL AND POPULAR PRAISE, DESPITE STORIES THAT WERE INNATELY DISTURBING.

TEXT: ON THAT NOTE, WE CONCLUDE THIS SAMPLING OF EDITORIAL COMMENT FROM MONDAY'S U-S PRESS.
NEB/ANG/KL
08-Mar-99 11:21 AM EST (1621 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America

Voice of America: Selected Articles Directory - Previous Article - Next Article