Voice of America, 99-06-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] NATO KOSOVO (L/S VER) BY JOHN FRASER (BRUSSELS)

[02] NATO / KOSOVO (L-UPDATE) BY JOHN FRASER (BRUSSELS)

[03] YUGO / NATO RULING (L) BY LAUREN COMITEAU (THE HAGUE)

[04] KOSOVO: BULL'S EYE BOMBING - L BY JIM RANDLE (PENTAGON)

[05] BELGRADE SITREP (Q&A) BY ELIZABETH (ARROTT) W/ E. PALMER (WASHINGTON)

[06] KOSOVO: FOOD FLIGHTS TARGETED - L BY JIM RANDLE (PENTAGON)

[07] KOSOVAR STUDENTS BY AMY BICKERS (FIER, ALBANIA)

[08] U-N / KOSOVO / HUMANITARIAN (L - ONLY) BY MAX RUSTON (UNITED NATIONS)

[09] WIESEL / ALBANIA (L ONLY) BY AMY BICKERS (TIRANA)

[10] CLINTON/KOSOVO (L) BY DEBORAH TATE (U-S AIRFORCE ACADEMY, CO)

[11] U-S KOSOVO DIPLOMACY (L) BY GIL BUTLER (STATE DEPARTMENT)

[12] U-S/MACEDONIA (L-ONLY) BY GIL BUTLER (STATE DEPARTMENT)

[13] KOSOVO MILITARY OPTIONS - L BY JIM RANDLE (PENTAGON)

[14] KOSOVO INVASION FORCE (L-ONITER) BY JIM RANDLE (PENTAGON)

[15] CHINA/RUSSIA/YUGOLSAVIA (L ONLY) BY ROGER WILKISON (BEIJING)

[16] RUSSIA DIPLOMACY (S) BY PETER HEINLEIN (MOSCOW)

[17] RUSSIA DIPLOMACY (L) BY PETER HEINLEIN (MOSCOW)

[18] SERBIA'S CLIMATE OF FEAR BY PAMELA TAYLOR (WASHINGTON)

[19] IMPROVING U-S FOREIGN POLICY BY ED WARNER (WASHINGTON)

[20] OCALAN TRIAL (L ONLY) BY AMBERIN ZAMAN (MUDANYA, TURKEY)

[21] OCALAN TRIAL (L ONLY-UPDATE) BY AMBERIN ZAMAN (MUDANYA, TURKEY)

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

[23] WEDNESDAY'S EDITORIALS BY RALPH ECKHARDT (WASHINGTON)

[01] NATO KOSOVO (L/S VER) BY JOHN FRASER (BRUSSELS)

INTRO: NATO IS STILL INVESTIGATING WHY ITS WARPLANES ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED BOMBS ON THE WRONG SIDE OF ALBANIA'S FRONTIER WITH KOSOVO TUESDAY. HOWEVER, THE ALLIANCE INSISTS THAT THIS WAS A ONE-OFF ACCIDENT (SINGLE INCIDENT), AND WAS NOT ON THE SCALE OF DAILY SERB SHELLINGS OF TARGETS IN ALBANIA. JOHN FRASER REPORTS FROM NATO HEADQUARTERS IN BRUSSELS.

TEXT: SPOKESMAN JAMIE SHEA SAYS THAT WHILE A NUMBER OF NATO BOMBS WERE INADVERTENTLY DROPPED ON THE WRONG SIDE OF KOSOVO'S BORDER WITH ALBANIA, NOBODY WAS KILLED OR INJURED, AND THE INCIDENT SHOULD NOT BE EXAGGERATED.

HE EXPLAINS THAT NATO HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN LAUNCHING AIR STRIKES IN THE BORDER AREA BECAUSE THIS AREA IS SEEING THE FIERCEST CLASHES BETWEEN YUGOSLAV FORCES AND KOSOVAR ALBANIAN GUERRILLAS. THERE IS A HEAVY CONCENTRATION OF SERB TANKS AND ARTILLERY, AND NATO IS GOING AFTER THESE HEAVY WEAPONS WITH WHAT MR. SHEA INSISTS IS "CONSIDERABLE SUCCESS." IN THE 78TH DAY OF ITS AIR CAMPAIGN, NATO HAS DESTROYED AT LEAST 32 PIECES OF SERB ARTILLERY INSIDE KOSOVO, ALONG WITH NINE ARMORED PERSONNEL CARRIERS, EIGHT MORTAR POSITIONS, SIX ARMORED VEHICLES, FOUR OTHER MILITARY VEHICLES AND A SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILE SITE.

THE HEAVIEST STRIKES WERE AGAINST SERB FORCES IN THE AREAS NEAR THE ALBANIAN BORDER WHERE THEY ARE FIGHTING THE KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY.

MR. SHEA INSISTS THAT THE ACCIDENTAL NATO BOMBING OF ALBANIA CANNOT BE COMPARED WITH THE DAILY SHELLING ACROSS THE BORDER WHICH THE SERBS ARE CARRYING OUT. HE SAID HE HAS DISCUSSED THE INCIDENT WITH ALBANIA'S AMBASSADOR IN BRUSSELS, WHO SAYS HIS COUNTRY'S RELATIONS WITH NATO HAVE NOT BEEN DAMAGED BY THE BOMBING.

IN ANOTHER DEVELOPMENT, NATO GENERALS HAVE HELD A PLANNING CONFERENCE AT THE ALLIANCE'S MILITARY HEADQUARTERS AT MONS IN BELGIUM, TO PUT TOGETHER A PEACEKEEPING FORCE WHICH WILL ESCORT THE REFUGEES BACK INTO KOSOVO WHEN THE AIR CAMPAIGN IS OVER.

MR SHEA SAYS THERE IS NOW A BROAD COMMITMENT FROM OVER 38 NATIONS TO SUPPLY ENOUGH MANPOWER FOR THE NATO-LED FORCE, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE AROUND 50-THOUSAND STRONG.

AS INTERNATIONAL ENVOYS RETURN TO BELGRADE WEDNESDAY TO SEE WHETHER YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC IS SERIOUS ABOUT SEEKING A SETTLEMENT TO THE KOSOVO CRISIS, MR. SHEA HAS ONCE AGAIN INSISTED THAT THERE IS NO SCOPE FOR NEGOTIATIONS.

HE SAYS MR. MILOSEVIC MUST ACCEPT ALL OF NATO'S DEMANDS FOR ENDING THE ETHNIC CLEANSING AND ALLOWING IN A MILITARY FORCE TO ESCORT BACK THE REFUGEES -- OR THE BOMBING WILL CONTINUE. (SIGNED)
NEB/JF/PCF
02-Jun-99 6:56 AM EDT (1056 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[02] NATO / KOSOVO (L-UPDATE) BY JOHN FRASER (BRUSSELS)

INTRO: NATO HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THIRTY COUNTRIES HAVE VOLUNTEERED TO TAKE PART IN A PEACEKEEPING FORCE TO HELP THE REFUGEES FROM KOSOVO RETURN TO THEIR HOMES. HOWEVER, IT IS INSISTING THAT THERE MUST BE A SINGLE, UNIFIED FORCE WITH NATO AT ITS CORE. JOHN FRASER HAS THIS REPORT FROM NATO HEADQUARTER IN BRUSSELS.

TEXT: NATO GENERALS HAVE HELD A PLANNING CONFERENCE AT THE ALLIANCE'S MILITARY HEADQUARTERS AT MONS, BELGIUM TO PUT TOGETHER THE PEACEKEEPING FORCE THAT WILL ESCORT THE REFUGEES BACK INTO KOSOVO WHEN THE AIR CAMPAIGN IS OVER.

NATO SPOKESMAN JAMIE SHEA SAYS THERE IS NOW A BROAD COMMITMENT FROM 38 NATIONS TO SUPPLY ENOUGH MANPOWER FOR THE NATO-LED FORCE, WITH NEARLY 48,888 TROOPS ALREADY PLEDGED. THE FORCE WILL BE CALLED OPERATION JOINT GUARDIAN.

HE SAYS THAT OTHER NATIONS WILL ALSO BE WELCOME, AND STRESSES THERE IS ROOM FOR RUSSIA.

MR SHEA INSISTS THAT THE PEOPLE OF KOSOVO WILL EASILY BE ABLE TO DETECT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE NATO PEACEKEEPING FORCE AND THE OPPRESSIVE YUGOSLAV FORCES

THEY WILL SOON SEE THAT THE NATO FORCES ARE NOT THEIR ENEMY BUT THEIR FRIEND. THAT NATO IS NOT THERE TO HURT THEM BUT TO PROTECT THEM. THAT NATO IS NOT THERE TO DESTROY THEIR LIVES AND TO DESTROY THEIR PROPERTY BUT TO REBUILD THEM. THAT NATO DOES NOT DRIVE PEOPLE AWAY, BUT BRINGS THEM HOME AND CREATES THE SAFE CONDITIONS WHICH WILL ALLOW THEN TO REMAIN, AND REMAIN FOR GOOD. /// OPT

MR SHEA SAYS THAT THE PEOPLE OF BOSNIA HAVE SEEN THE QUALITY OF THE NATO-LED PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN BOSNIA, AND HE PLEDGES THAT NATO FORCES WILL TAKE THE SAME APPROACH IN KOSOVO.

HE SAYS THAT IDEAS FROM RUSSIA ABOUT PARTITIONING KOSOVO ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE TO NATO, BECAUSE THE ALLIANCE IS INSISTING THAT THERE MUST BE A NATO CORE TO THE PEACEKEEPING FORCE, WITH A UNITED CENTRAL CONTROL.

MR SHEA NOTES THAT 11 COUNTRIES SAY THEY ARE HAPPY TO JOIN NATO IN THIS ENDEAVOR ON THESE TERMS.

THE AIR CAMPAIGN IS CONTINUING, WITH NATO CONCENTRATING ITS ATTACKS AGAINST YUGOSLAV FORCES AT MOUNT PASTRICK, NEAR KOSOVO'S BORDER WITH ALBANIA.

THESE FORCES ARE INVOLVED IN HEAVY FIGHTING AGAINST KOSOVAR GUERRILLAS, AND NATO SAYS THIS HAS MADE THE SERBS MORE VISIBLE, AND THUS BETTER TARGETS.

DESPITE BAD WEATHER, NATO HAS BEEN HITTING DOZENS OF ARTILLERY PIECES, AS WELL AS TANKS AND OTHER ARMORED VEHICLES.

MR SHEA SAYS HE HOPES THAT A GROWING UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE WESTERN POWERS AND RUSSIA WILL MAKE IT EASIER TO FORCE PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC TO AGREE TO ALL OF THE ALLIANCE'S CONDITIONS FOR ENDING THE AIR CAMPAIGN. BUT UNTIL HE DOES, THE AIR ATTACKS WILL CONTINUE. (SIGNED)
NEB/JF/GE/KL
02-Jun-99 11:00 AM EDT (1500 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[03] YUGO / NATO RULING (L) BY LAUREN COMITEAU (THE HAGUE)

INTRO: THE U-N'S HIGHEST JUDICIAL BODY HAS RULED IT CAN NOT STOP NATO'S BOMBING OF YUGOSLAVIA. AS LAUREN COMITEAU REPORTS FROM THE HAGUE, YUGOSLAVIA TOOK 10 NATO COUNTRIES TO THE WORLD COURT LAST MONTH, ON CHARGES THE BOMBING VIOLATES INTERNATIONAL LAW AND THE U-N CHARTER.

TEXT: YUGOSLAVIA WANTS JUDGES TO HEAR ITS CASE AGAINST WHAT IT CALLS NATO'S ILLEGAL USE OF FORCE. BUT BECAUSE THAT COULD TAKE YEARS, THE YUGOSLAV GOVERNMENT ALSO ASKED FOR AN IMMEDIATE COURT ORDER TO HALT THE BOMBING.

JUDGES THREW OUT THAT REQUEST, SAYING IT CAME TOO LATE FOR THEM TO ACT. YUGOSLAVIA RECOGNIZED THE JURISDICTION OF THE WORLD COURT ONLY IN APRIL, ONE MONTH AFTER THE BOMBING BEGAN.

THE COURT ALSO REJECTED YUGOSLAVIA'S ARGUMENT THAT NATO'S BOMBING CONSTITUTES GENOCIDE. JUDGES RULED THERE IS NO PROOF THAT NATO IS INTENTIONALLY TRYING TO DESTROY THE YUGOSLAV PEOPLE, SO THE GENOCIDE CONVENTION, ON WHICH YUGOSLAVIA BASED ITS CASE, DOES NOT APPLY.

BUT YUGOSLAV LAWYER RODOLJUB ETINSKI STILL INSISTS THAT NATO IS COMMITTING GENOCIDE AND HE SAYS ATTACKS AGAINST CIVILIANS HAVE ONLY INCREASED SINCE HIS COUNTRY FIRST BROUGHT THIS CASE TO COURT.

I BELIEVE THE COURT SHOULD HAVE TRIED TO DO SOMETHING TO SAVE HUMAN LIFE. I CAN ONLY DEPLORE THE FACT THAT THE COURT DIDN'T SATISFY THAT EXPECTATION.

JUDGES DID SAY THEY WERE DEEPLY CONCERNED BY THE HUMAN TRAGEDY AND ENORMOUS SUFFERING TAKING PLACE IN YUGOSLAVIA AND THAT THE USE OF FORCE RAISES SERIOUS ISSUES OF INTERNATIONAL LAW. ALL SIDES, SAID THE JUDGES, ARE REQUIRED TO RESOLVE THE CONFLICT PEACEFULLY.

YUGOSLAVIA'S LAWYERS TOOK THAT AS A CLEAR MESSAGE THAT NATO'S USE OF FORCE IS ILLEGAL. ALLIANCE MEMBERS ARE BOUND TO DISAGREE. EITHER WAY, THAT IS SOMETHING WHICH CAN STILL BE ARGUED IN COURT. JUDGES RULED THAT IN EIGHT OF THE TEN CASES, LEGAL ACTION CAN STILL BE CONSIDERED.

ONLY SPAIN AND THE UNITED STATES ARE EXEMPT FROM ANY FURTHER PROCEEDINGS. THOSE TWO COUNTRIES HAVE NOT CONSENTED TO THE COURT'S JURISDICTION AND THE FULL TEXT OF THE GENOCIDE CONVENTION.

YUGOSLAVIA'S LAWYERS SAY THEY WILL WAIT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS ON THE DIPLOMATIC FRONT BEFORE DECIDING WHETHER TO PRESS AHEAD WITH THE LAWSUITS. (SIGNED)
NEB/LC/JWH
02-Jun-99 10:45 AM EDT (1445 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[04] KOSOVO: BULL'S EYE BOMBING - L BY JIM RANDLE (PENTAGON)

INTRO: PENTAGON OFFICIALS SAY NATO IS WAGING THE MOST ACCURATE BOMBING CAMPAIGN IN HISTORY -- EVEN THOUGH MORE THAN A DOZEN BOMBS HAVE GONE ASTRAY KILLING SCORES OF CIVILIANS. MEANTIME, AS V-O-A'S JIM RANDLE REPORTS, NATO OFFICIALS ARE WORKING OUT DETAILS OF A PEACEKEEPING FORCE FOR KOSOVO.

TEXT: U-S AIR FORCE GENERAL CHUCK WALD SAYS NATO HAS DROPPED ABOUT 20-THOUSAND BOMBS IN ITS 10-WEEK AIR ASSAULT ON SERB TARGETS ACROSS YUGOSLAVIA. HE SAYS 99-POINT-SIX PERCENT OF THEM HAVE HIT THEIR MARKS.

BUT FOUR TENTHS OF ONE PERCENT OF 20-THOUSAND IS 80 BOMBS. SOME OF THOSE WEAPONS HIT CIVILIANS ON BRIDGES, IN A CONVOY OF REFUGEES, AND IN THE CHINESE EMBASSY.

I THINK THERE IS A MISUNDERSTANDING THAT YOU CAN TAKE ONE BOMB AGAINST ANY TARGET OUT THERE AND ATTACK IT AND BE SUCCESSFUL EVERY TIME. THAT IS NOT TRUE. THEY (THE PILOTS) ARE STILL BEING SHOT AT ALL THE TIME, THERE IS WEATHER, THERE IS STILL POTENTIAL FOR MECHANICAL PROBLEMS ON BOMBS. I THINK THE NUMBER IS VERY IMPRESSIVE.

PENTAGON OFFICIALS SAY THE AIR WAR'S GOAL IS TO PRESSURE YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC TO LET ETHNIC ALBANIANS RETURN TO THEIR HOMES IN KOSOVO, PROTECTED BY AN INTERNATIONAL FORCE WITH NATO AT ITS CORE.

PENTAGON SPOKESMAN KEN BACON SAYS WASHINGTON HAS NO OBJECTION TO RUSSIAN TROOPS JOINING THE KOSOVO FORCE, EVEN IF THEY REPORT TO THEIR OWN, SEPARATE COMMANDERS.

HE SAYS THAT IS EXACTLY THE WAY RUSSIAN UNITS OPERATE IN THE PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN BOSNIA.

WE HAVE AN ARRANGEMENT IN BOSNIA THAT WORKS VERY WELL , AND I DON'T THINK THAT THERE IS ANY REASON TO THINK THAT WE COULD NOT HAVE AN ARRANGEMENT IN KOSOVO THAT WORKS EQUALLY WELL.

MR BACON SAYS PENTAGON AND NATO PLANNERS ARE WORKING OUT DETAILS OF THE PEACEKEEPING FORCE FOR KOSOVO, CALLED "K-FOR" WHICH HE SAYS WILL HAVE MORE THAN 150 AMERICAN TANKS AND OTHER ARMORED VEHICLES.

U-S OFFICIALS SAY K-FOR WILL ALSO NEED INFANTRY, ENGINEERING, MILITARY POLICE, HELICOPTERS, AND ARTILLERY UNITS. MR. BACON SAYS MOST ARE LIKELY TO COME FROM THE AMERICAN FIRST INFANTRY DIVISION, CURRENTLY STATIONED IN GERMANY. (SIGNED).
NEB/JR/PHW/JO
02-Jun-99 5:34 PM EDT (2134 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[05] BELGRADE SITREP (Q&A) BY ELIZABETH (ARROTT) W/ E. PALMER (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: "V-O-A NEWS NOW" ANCHOR ELIZABETH ARROTT TALKED (WEDNESDAY) WITH CANADIAN BROADCASTING COMPANY CORRESPONDENT ELIZABETH PALMER, WHO IS IN BELGRADE, ABOUT THE SITUATION IN THE YUGOSLAV CAPITAL. (ARROTT): WHAT DO YOU THINK THE REACTION MIGHT BE TO THIS LATEST DIPLOMATIC INITIATIVE? (PALMER): THE GOVERNMENT NEVER APPEARS TO THE FOREIGN PRESS, EXCEPT IN THE PERSON OF GORAN MATIC WHO IS MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO. WHO REALLY DOES COME AND MEET THE PRESS AND DELIVER THE GOVERNMENT LINE. MOST TIMES IT IS A FAIRLY ORTHODOX BERATING OF NATO AND THE NATO AGGRESSOR AND SO ON. BUT, YESTERDAY THAT PART OF HIS SPEECH WAS QUITE SHORT AND AFTER THAT HE SOUNDED MORE CONCILIATORY AND LOOKED MORE CHEERFUL THAN HE HAD IN A LONG TIME.

THIS IS AN EXERCISE IN READING TEA LEAVES HERE BECAUSE THERE IS VIRTUALLY NO ACCESS TO ANYBODY AROUND MILOSEVIC. BUT MR. MATIC, WHEN QUESTIONED DIRECTLY AFTER HIS PRESS CONFERENCE HE STUCK AROUND TO TALK TO THE PRESS, AND THAT IS UNUSUAL IN ITSELF, AND SOMEBODY SAID --LOOK, IS THIS THE BEGINNING THE OF THE END?. AND HE SAID -- YES I THINK SO. SO, ALL I CAN TELL YOU, FROM FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE, IS THAT OUR SPOKESMAN WAS VERY OPTIMISTIC. ARROT: HAVE YOU SEEN ANY NOTICEABLE SHIFT IN THE MOOD OF THE PEOPLE IN BELGRADE? (PALMER): FULL OF HOPE. BUT, THEY HAVE BEEN SO DISAPPOINTED. SO MANY TIMES IN THE LAST 70 DAYS THAT I THINK THEY ALMOST DARE NOT TO HOPE. TODAY THE PUBLIC TRANSIT IS DOWN TO RUNNING TWO-HOURS IN THE MORNING AND TWO-HOURS IN THE AFTERNOON BECAUSE THERE IS NO FUEL FOR THE BUSES AND THERE IS NO ELECTRICITY FOR THE THE TRAM. THERE HAS BEEN NO ELECTRICITY HERE AND THERE, AND EVEN IN THIS HOTEL WHICH IS A NICE HOTEL, PRETTY MUCH FOR THE LAST 48-HOURS. PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THE TOWN CENTER ARE HAVING TO COPE WITH WATER SHORTAGES WHEN THE POWER SHORTAGES ARE EXTREME. PEOPLE CAN NOT BAKE BREAD, SO THEY CAN NOT EVEN GET BREAD.

I THINK PEOPLE ARE REALLY FED UP. THEY ARE NOT SLEEPING WELL BECAUSE THE BOMBING HAS NOT QUIT. THEIR CHILDREN ARE FRIGHTENED AND THEY WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE FOR THE BOMBING TO STOP. BUT, THEY DARE NOT HOPE, BECAUSE THEY FEEL THAT THEY HAVE BEEN SO CLOSE SO MANY TIMES.

I THINK THE SENSE OF INJURED PRIDE, AND ANGER, HAS GROWN BECAUSE, AFTER ALL, BELGRADE IS DOMINATED BY THE OPPOSITION. VERY FEW OF THESE PEOPLE VOTED FOR MR. MILOSEVIC AND HIS GOVERNMENT IN THE FIRST PLACE. AND SO THEY FEEL AS IF THEY HAVE BEEN SO BETRAYED. THE DID THEIR BID IN THE DEMOCRATIC SENSE AND NOW THEY ARE BEING RAINED WITH BOMBS. SO I THINK THEY WOULD LOVE IT IF PEACE CAME TODAY, BUT THE ARE PRETTY BATTERED AND FED UP, AND AFRAID TO LET THEMSELVES GET TOO OPTIMISTIC. (ARROTT): WE HAVE HEARD A LOT OF THE LEADERS IN THE NATO COUNTRIES SAYING THIS IS NOT AGAINST THE PEOPLE OF SERBIA, ALTHOUGH THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW CRACKS IN THAT ARGUMENT. FOR EXAMPLE, A TOP-RANKING DEMOCRATIC SENATOR SAID THE STRATEGY IS TO GET THE SERB PEOPLE TO TURN AGAINST PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC. (PALMER): WELL THE WEST WANTED THE PEOPLE OF YUGOSLAVIA TO MAKE A CONNECTION BETWEEN THE BOMBING AND THE ACTIONS OF THEIR PRESIDENT. I DO NOT THINK THEY HAVE DONE IT.

FIRST OF ALL, IN THE COUNTRY THEY HAVE VERY LITTLE ACCESS TO INFORMATION BESIDES THE PARTY CONTROL TELEVISION. WHICH IS AS DOCTRINAIRE AS EVER EXISTED IN RUSSIA IN THE OLD COLD WAR DAYS. IT IS VERY PARTY LINED AND EXTREMELY, REALLY JUST THE PARTY LINE. THAT IS ALL THEY KNOW. I HAVE HAD PEOPLE IN THE COUNTRY TELL ME THAT THE UNITED STATES REALLY WANTS TO TAKE OVER YUGOSLAVIA AND KIND OF RUN IT AS A 51ST STATE, AND THEY BELIEVE IT.

SO OBVIOUSLY THERE THE CONNECTION HAS NOT BEEN MADE THAT THEIR PRESIDENT IS A WAR CRIMINAL AND THAT HE MAY IN FACT HAVE DONE SOMETHING TO HARM THEM AND THEIR INTEREST ABROAD, AND THAT IS WHY THEY ARE BEING BOMBED. THAT IS NOT HAPPENING IN THE RURAL AREAS.

IN THE CITIES PEOPLE ARE MORE SOPHISTICATED, BUT I THINK AT THIS STAGE THEY ARE STILL FURIOUS WITH NATO IN THE WEST AND EVEN MORE SO, BECAUSE I HAVE EXPLAINED, MANY OF THEM FEEL THAT THEY HAVE DONE THEIR DEMOCRATIC DUTY. AT THE MOMENT THEY ARE SO PREOCCUPIED WITH DAILY PROBLEMS THAT THEY HAVE NOT A CHANCE TO THINK OF THE BIGGER POLITICAL PICTURE. NOW, I HAVE ASKED SEVERAL OPPOSITION LEADERS IN THE PAST FEW DAYS, WHOM BY THE WAY WE DO NOT HAVE ANY TROUBLE GETTING TO AND TALKING TO, WHETHER THEY THINK A SORT OF SUHARTO-STYLE RENOUNCING OR DEMONSTRATING AGAINST THE LEADERSHIP MIGHT HAPPEN. AND I THINK THEY ARE NOT EVEN DARING TO THINK YET.

THEY ARE AFRAID THOUGH, THAT THE HELP AND THE RECONSTRUCTION FINANCIAL PACKAGE THAT SURELY MUST COME AFTER THIS DEAL IS DONE WILL BE CONTINGENT ON MILOSEVIC BEING OUSTED. AND THEY ARE VERY MUCH PUZZLED AS TO HOW THAT MIGHT HAPPEN WITHOUT THE ENTIRE COUNTRY TAKING TO THE STREETS. IF YOU ASK THEM WHETHER THAT IS LIKELY, THEY GO -- WELL, WE ARE NOT SURE. PEOPLE ARE SO ANGRY AND THEY HAVE FELT SO POWERLESS FOR SO LONG THEY MAY NOT EVEN WANT TO COMMIT THAT MUCH TO BECOME ENGAGED. IT IS A HUGE QUESTION MARK.
NEB/EA/LTD/RAE
02-Jun-99 1:03 PM EDT (1703 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[06] KOSOVO: FOOD FLIGHTS TARGETED - L BY JIM RANDLE (PENTAGON)

INTRO: AN AID GROUP TRYING TO AIR DROP FOOD TO HUNGRY PEOPLE IN KOSOVO SAYS ITS FIRST FLIGHT DREW ANTI-AIRCRAFT FIRE WHILE IN YUGOSLAV AIRSPACE. V-O-A'S JIM RANDLE REPORTS, NO ONE WAS HURT AND THE AID FLIGHTS ARE SCHEDULED TO CONTINUE.

TEXT: THE FIRST MISSION WAS TO DROP LEAFLETS OVER AREAS WHERE THE INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE THINKS THERE ARE CONCENTRATIONS OF PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP.

DURING THAT FLIGHT EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING, I-R-C SPOKESMAN ED BLIGH SAYS THE AIRCREW HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE ANTI AIRCRAFT FIRE.

AT THE MOMENT OUR INTENTIONS ARE TO GO AHEAD WITH THE FLIGHTS. THE CREW UNDERSTANDS THE RISKS AND SAY THEY ARE WILLING TO PROCEED.

THE FIRST FLIGHT -- WHERE THE PLANES WILL DROP FOOD INSTEAD OF INSTRUCTION LEAFLETS -- WILL COME AT DAWN LOCAL TIME, THURSDAY.

THE TWO RUSSIAN-BUILT TRANSPORTS CAN HAUL ENOUGH FOOD FOR EIGHT THOUSAND PEOPLE FOR ONE DAY. THEY DUMP THE PRE-PACKAGED MEALS FROM AN ALTITUDE OF SEVERAL HUNDRED METERS AND THEY FREE FALL TO THE GROUND. THE LEAFLETS WARN PEOPLE ON THE GROUND TO STAY UNDER COVER DURING THE FOOD DROPS SO THEY ARE NOT INJURED BY THE ONE KILO PACKAGES THAT LAND AT ABOUT 60 KILOMETERS PER HOUR.

INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE OFFICIALS SAY THEY CONTACTED YUGOSLAV OFFICIALS ABOUT THE AID FLIGHTS, BUT GOT NO GUARANTEE OF SAFE PASSAGE. THE AID AGENCY ALSO CONTACTED NATO, WHERE OFFICIALS SAID THEY WOULD KEEP THEIR WARPLANES AWAY FROM THE AID FLIGHTS. (SIGNED).
NEB/JR/LTD/JO
02-Jun-99 10:49 AM EDT (1449 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[07] KOSOVAR STUDENTS BY AMY BICKERS (FIER, ALBANIA)

INTRO: MORE THAN 150-THOUSAND KOSOVAR REFUGEE CHILDREN IN ALBANIA WILL ATTEND SUMMER SCHOOLS, WHICH OPEN ACROSS THE COUNTRY NEXT WEEK. AS AMY BICKERS REPORTS FROM FIER, MANY KOSOVAR STUDENTS HAVE BEEN OUT OF SCHOOL FOR MONTHS DUE TO THE CRISIS IN KOSOVO.

TEXT: /// NOISE OF KIDS, UP BRIEFLY AND UNDER /// AT "CAMP HOPE" IN SOUTHWEST ALBANIA, KOSOVAR REFUGEE CHILDREN LINE UP FOR THE DAY'S HIGHLIGHT: BUTTERSCOTCH CANDIES HANDED OUT BY AID WORKERS.

FOR MOST OF THE DAY, THE CHILDREN PLAY GAMES SUCH AS TAG AND SOCCER. BUT NEXT WEEK, THAT WILL CHANGE.

AT THIS CAMP, AND AT SCHOOLS ACROSS ALBANIA, KOSOVAR CHILDREN WILL SOON BE HITTING THE BOOKS.

BEDRI RUSHITI (PRON: ROOSEETEE), A REFUGEE FROM MITROVCA (PRON: METROVITZA), WILL RUN CAMP HOPE'S SCHOOL. AS A FORMER FRENCH TEACHER AND SCHOOL DIRECTOR, HE IS WELL QUALIFIED.

THE SCHOOL CONSISTS OF 12 TENTS AND A RECREATION AREA, WHERE CHILDREN CAN PLAY VOLLEYBALL AND OTHER GAMES. THE CAMP HAS 32 TEACHERS AMONG ITS REFUGEES, WHO WILL HOLD CLASSES FOR MORE THAN 620 STUDENTS.

MAJOR DARIO BARATTO, AN AMERICAN SERVICEMAN WORKING AT CAMP HOPE, SAYS SCHOOL IS VITAL FOR THE CHILDREN'S WELL-BEING.

THE PEOPLE ARE IN A TIME OF HARDSHIP. THEY HAVE BEEN THROUGH A LOT OF STRESS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA AND IT IS GOOD TO CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION TO KEEP THEIR MINDS OFF ALL THE HARDSHIPS THEY HAVE BEEN THROUGH AND TO CONTINUE WITH THEIR LIFE.

LISA WOODWARD, AN AID WORKER FOR THE INTERNATIONAL AID AGENCY "CARE," SAYS IT WILL ALSO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTS AND OTHER REFUGEES DURING THE LONG, HOT SUMMER DAYS.

IT IS GOING TO BE A RELIEF ONCE THE SCHOOL IS UP AND RUNNING, BECAUSE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM IS A NATURAL EXTENSION FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.

IN EACH OF ALBANIA'S 12 PREFECTURES, SCHOOLS ARE BEING READIED FOR REFUGEE STUDENTS WHO WILL ATTEND A THREE-MONTH TERM. UNICEF IS SENDING OUT NEARLY FOUR-THOUSAND KITS, WHICH IT CALLS "SCHOOL IN A BOX". EACH KIT WILL CONTAIN ENOUGH WORLD MAPS, PAPER, PENCILS AND LEARNING MATERIALS IN ALBANIAN FOR UP TO 80 CHILDREN. JGJON (EDS: "JOHN"), A KOSOVAR REFUGEE NOW WORKING FOR THE GROUP "SAVE THE CHILDREN" IN TIRANA, SAYS SCHOOL WILL BRING HOPE TO THE KOSOVAR COMMUNITY.

WE NEED SUCH A THING LIKE A SCHOOL BECAUSE WE HOPE WE WILL GO BACK AND WE NEED EDUCATED PEOPLE IN KOSOVO. THAT IS WHY IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR US.

TO MEET THE STRONG DEMAND FOR TEACHERS, FOUR-THOUSAND ALBANIANS AND KOSOVAR REFUGEES ARE NOW IN TRAINING. THEY ARE LEARNING MODERN TEACHING METHODS, COVERING EVERYTHING FROM ARITHMETIC TO HISTORY TO READING, ALONG WITH TECHNIQUES TO HELP KOSOVAR CHILDREN STRUGGLING WITH THE UNCERTAINTIES THAT LIE AHEAD. (SIGNED)
NEB/AB/PCF
02-Jun-99 8:53 AM EDT (1253 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[08] U-N / KOSOVO / HUMANITARIAN (L - ONLY) BY MAX RUSTON (UNITED NATIONS)

INTRO: A SENIOR UNITED NATIONS OFFICIAL SAYS HE HAS COLLECTED INDISPUTABLE EVIDENCE OF ORGANIZED VIOLENCE AGAINST CIVILIANS IN KOSOVO. THE EVIDENCE WAS COLLECTED DURING A JUST-COMPLETED SPECIAL U-N HUMANITARIAN MISSION TO THE YUGOSLAV PROVINCE, AS WE HEAR FROM OUR U-N CORRESPONDENT MAX RUSTON.

TEXT: THE EVIDENCE WAS COLLECTED BY THE FIRST U-N HUMANITARIAN MISSION TO TRAVEL TO YUGOSLAVIA SINCE THE LATEST CRISIS BROKE OUT. THE MISSION WAS HEADED BY U-N UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL SERGIO VIEIRA DE MELLO. MR. DE MELLO BRIEFED THE U-N SECURITY COUNCIL ON THE MISSION, SAYING THE HUMANITARIAN NEEDS IN KOSOVO ARE URGENT AND IMMENSE. HE SAYS AN URGENT INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION IS NEEDED BASED ON EVIDENCE OF UNCONTROLLED BRUTALITY AND ORGANIZED VIOLENCE AGAINST CIVILIANS, AIMED AT PERMANENTLY DEPORTING THEM.

MR. DE MELLO SAYS THE YUGOSLAV GOVERNMENT'S ARGUMENTS AND EXPLANATIONS FOR THE VIOLENCE -- SOMETIMES BLAMING IT ON RENEGADE SOLDIERS -- CAN NOT JUSTIFY THE MAGNITUDE OR EXTENT OF THE BRUTAL TREATMENT OF CIVILIAN KOSOVARS. HE SAYS CREDIBLE INTERNATIONAL FORCE IS NEEDED IN THE PROVINCE TO PROVIDE SECURITY FOR RETURNING REFUGEES AND ENABLE THE SAFE DELIVERY OF EMERGENCY AID.

MR. DE MELLO ALSO WARNED OF AN IMPENDING HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN PARTS OF SERBIA OUTSIDE OF KOSOVO -- CAUSED BY NATO STRIKES AGAINST INFRASTRUCTURE PROVIDING HEALTH, WATER SUPPLY, EDUCATION, TRANSPORT AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES.

U-N SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN PARTICIPATED IN THE SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING AT WHICH MR. DE MELLO PROVIDED THE BRIEFING.

ON THE BROADER ISSUE I THINK IT ALSO GIVES AN IDEA OF THE DESTRUCTION IN THE REGION AND THE TOTAL HUMANITARIAN IMPACT OF WHAT IS GOING ON. AND I THINK IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT FOR US TO HAVE AN IDEA THAT APART FROM THE HUMAN TRAGEDY OF THE KOSOVARS THAT WE ARE ALL DEALING WITH, THAT DOWN THE LINE, AS THE CONFLICT CONTINUES, WE MAY ALSO SEE PEOPLE IN SERBIA ALSO ON THE MOVE.

AFTER THE BRIEFING, U-S DIPLOMATS SAID MR. DE MELLO'S REPORT CONFIRMED THAT YUGOSLAV LEADER SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CAMPAIGN OF ETHNIC CLEANSING IN KOSOVO. RUSSIA'S U-N AMBASSADOR SAID THE INFORMATION SHOWS THAT NATO AND THE YUGOSLAV LEADER SHARE THE BLAME FOR THE CRISIS.

MR. DE MELLO SAYS HE NOW WANTS TO MOVE QUICKLY TO ESTABLISH U-N HUMANITARIAN CONVOYS INTO KOSOVO. HE SAYS THE YUGOSLAV GOVERNMENT HAS TENTATIVELY EXPRESSED A WILLINGNESS TO ACCEPT SUCH CONVOYS.

I KEEP REPEATING THAT HUMANITARIAN AGENCIES IN RECENT YEARS HAVE BECOME USED TO WORKING IN HOSTILE ENVIRONMENTS, REGRETTABLY. I DO NOT THINK WE CAN WAIT MUCH LONGER. SO EVEN THOUGH CONDITIONS ARE FAR FROM IDEAL, FROM A SECURITY, AND FROM A PRINCIPLED POINT OF VIEW, THAT IS FREEDOM OF ACCESS, FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT, FREEDOM TO MONITOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF ASSISTANCE. WE SHOULD TRY AND SEND AS MUCH HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AS POSSIBLE, AND WE SHOULD NEGOTIATE WITH BELGRADE AND WITH THE AUTHORITIES IN PRISTINA, THAT WOULD SATISFY US THAT THE ASSISTANCE IS IN FACT REACHING THE VICTIMS FOR WHOM IT IS INTENDED.

MR. DE MELLO SAYS IF NEGOTIATIONS GO WELL, SUCH ASSISTANCE FOR KOSOVO COULD BE ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. (SIGNED)
NEB/UN/MPR/LSF
02-Jun-99 5:22 PM EDT (2122 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[09] WIESEL / ALBANIA (L ONLY) BY AMY BICKERS (TIRANA)

INTRO: HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR AND AUTHOR ELIE WIESEL IS IN ALBANIA FOR A TWO-DAY VISIT. AS AMY BICKERS REPORTS FROM TIRANA, MR. WIESEL DEFENDED NATO'S BOMBING CAMPAIGN, SAYING IT WAS A NECESSARY MORAL CHOICE.

TEXT: HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR ELIE WIESEL ARRIVED IN ALBANIA WEDNESDAY TO MEET WITH ALBANIA'S LEADERS, INTERNATIONAL AID ORGANIZATIONS AND ETHNIC ALBANIAN REFUGEES FROM KOSOVO.

AS HE WAS ENTERING TIRANA'S UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL TO VISIT SICK REFUGEES, HE TOLD REPORTERS WHY HE SUPPORTED NATO'S MILITARY ACTION.

NO CIVILIZED SOCIETY COULD JUDGE ITSELF MORAL UNLESS IT INTERVENED. WE HAD TO INTERVENE, I KNOW WE TRIED EVERYTHING ELSE. WE EXPLORED EVERY POSSIBILITY. IT DID NOT WORK. WHAT WAS THE ALTERNATIVE, NOT TO DO ANYTHING? IT WOULD HAVE MEANT COMPLICITY AND EVEN WORSE THAN THAT. FROM THE MORAL VIEWPOINT IT WAS SOMETHING WE HAD TO DO.

AT THE HOSPITAL MR. WIESEL SPENT TIME AT THE BEDSIDE OF SEVERAL VERY SICK REFUGEES, ENQUIRING ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND HOW THEY HAD BEEN HURT. HE ALSO VISITED PATIENTS OF THE HOSPITAL'S PSYCHIATRIC WARD, WERE 26 RECENT ARRIVALS FROM KOSOVO ARE SUFFERING FROM POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AND SIMILAR ILLNESSES.

HE PRAISED THE DOCTORS AND HOSPITAL WORKERS, WHO HAVE MINIMAL RESOURCES TO TREAT THEIR PATIENTS. HE ALSO SPOKE OF ALBANIA'S GENEROSITY IN TAKING IN ONE-HALF-MILLION KOSOVAR REFUGEES, EVEN THOUGH ITS ECONOMY IS IN RUINS. HE SAID ALBANIA'S EXTRAORDINARY COMPASSION IS AN ACT OF GRACE.

MR. WIESEL ENCOURAGED PEOPLE EVERYWHERE, NOT JUST THOSE IN ALBANIA, TO HELP THE KOSOVAR REFUGEES.

BE INVOLVED -- EVEN INDIVIDUALLY. THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING THAT EVERYONE CAN DO. WRITE A POSTCARD. SPEAK TO A CHILD. SEND CANDY, SEND BOOKS, SEND TOYS, AND THEN HELP THOSE WHO HELP. HELP ALL THE ORGANIZATIONS-- CATHOLIC AND JEWISH AND PROTESTANT AND SECULAR. THEY NEED HELP.

ON THURSDAY MR. WIESEL WILL TOUR REFUGEE CAMPS IN CENTRAL ALBANIA. HE PLANS TO MEET WITH SEVERAL REFUGEE FAMILIES AND WITH RECENTLY RELEASED PRISONERS WHO WERE HELD CAPTIVE BY SERB FORCES. (SIGNED)
NEB/AB/JWH
02-Jun-99 2:10 PM EDT (1810 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[10] CLINTON/KOSOVO (L) BY DEBORAH TATE (U-S AIRFORCE ACADEMY, CO)

INTRO: PRESIDENT CLINTON HAS ANNOUNCED THE UNITED STATES WILL PROVIDE SEVEN THOUSAND TROOPS FOR A PEACE KEEPING FORCE IN KOSOVO ONCE THE CONFLICT THERE ENDS. CORRESPONDENT DEBORAH TATE REPORTS FROM THE U-S AIRFORCE ACADEMY IN COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, WHERE THE PRESIDENT MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT.

TEXT: MR. CLINTON USED A SPEECH TO ACADEMY GRADUATES TO ANNOUNCE THE U-S CONTINGENT TO THE FUTURE INTERNATIONAL SECURITY FORCE.

THE LEADING ELEMENTS AND HEADQUARTERS ARE ALREADY IN ABANIA AND MACEDONIA READY TO DEPLOY TO KOSOVO WITHIN A FEW HOURS TO OVERSEE THE SAFE RETURN OF THE REFUGEES. THE ADDITIONAL NATO RESOURCES REQUIRED ARE BEGINNING TO MOVE TO THE REGION.

THE U-S PRESENCE WILL MAKE UP FOURTEEN PERCENT OF THE TOTAL FORCE WHICH IS TO NUMBER 50-THOUSAND. THE PRESIDENT'S ANNOUNCEMENT COMES A DAY AFTER NATO OFFICIALS MET TO DISCUSS THE COMPOSITION OF THE PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN KOSOVO ONCE AN AGREEMENT HAS BEEN HAMMERED OUT.

SPEAKING ON THE 71ST DAY OF THE ALLIANCE'S AIR CAMPAIGN OVER YUGOSLAVIA AND AMID INDICATIONS U-S PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THE MISSION MAY BE WANING, MR CLINTON URGED AMERICANS TO CONTINUE TO BACK THE OPERATION.

WE MUST BE WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE OF TIME AND EFFORT TO REVERSE THE COURSE OF ETHNIC CLEANSING. THE BENEFITS WILL BE FAR GREATER AND LAST MUCH LONGER THAN THE COST.

THE PRESIDENT ALSO MADE A VEILED REFERENCE TO HIS REFUSAL TO RULE OUT THE USE OF GROUND TROOPS IN KOSOVO IN THE EVENT THE AIR CAMPAIGN DOES NOT SUCCEED.

WHY HAVE WE REFUSED TO CLOSE OTHER DOORS AND OTHER OPTIONS? BECAUSE WE ARE DETERMINED TO PREVAIL.

MR. CLINTON IS TO MEET WITH HIS JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF THURSDAY TO REVIEW THE PROGRESS OF THE AIR CAMPAIGN, PLANS FOR THE DEPLOYMENT FOR A PEACE KEEPING FORCE AS WELL AS CONTINGENCY PLANS FOR A POSSIBLE GROUND INVASION.

U-S OFFICIALS SAY THE FACT THE PRESIDENT IS DISCUSSING SUCH CONTINGENCY PLANS DOES NOT MEAN THERE IS ANY CHANGE IN THE U-S POLICY OF CONTINUING THE NATO AIR CAMPAIGN. (SIGNED)
NEB/DT/PHW/WFR
02-Jun-99 6:33 PM EDT (2233 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[11] U-S KOSOVO DIPLOMACY (L) BY GIL BUTLER (STATE DEPARTMENT)

INTRO: EUROPE'S SPECIAL BALKAN ENVOY MAARTI AHTISAARI AND RUSSIAN BALKAN SPECIAL DIPLOMAT VIKTOR CHERNOMYRDIN ARE PRESENTING BELGRADE A PLAN THAT COULD LEAD TO AN END OF THE AIR CAMPAIGN AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA. CORRESPONDENT GIL BUTLER REPORTS FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT THAT U-S OFFICIALS ARE ENCOURAGED THE UNITED STATES, EUROPE, AND RUSSIA HAVE FOUND ENOUGH OF A COMMON APPROACH TO ALLOW THE BELGRADE MISSION.

TEXT: SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT DESCRIBES THE AHTISAARI AND CHERNOMYRDIN MISSION AS AN ELABORATION OF THE CONDITIONS FOR AN END TO THE AIR CAMPAIGN, NOT A NEGOTIATING OFFER.

SHE AND OTHER AMERICAN OFFICIALS SAY THEY ARE ENCOURAGED.

THERE HAS BEEN SUFFICIENT AGREEMENT ON THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THIS IN ORDER FOR THEM TO BE ABLE TO TAKE THIS TRIP TOGETHER. AND I THINK THAT THE FACT THAT THEY ARE GOING TOGETHER WITH THAT MUCH AGREEMENT, IS A SIGNIFICANT STEP FORWARD.

THE CENTRAL NATO DEMAND BEFORE THE BOMBING CAMPAIGN IS HALTED, IS FOR ALL SERBIAN TROOPS TO BEGIN TO WITHDRAW FROM THE PROVINCE. THAT WOULD ALLOW AN INTERNATIONAL FORCE TO COME IN TO PROTECT RETURNING KOSOVAR ALBANIANS AND ETHNIC SERBS LIVING IN KOSOVO.

THOUGH THERE WAS LITTLE ELABORATION OF THE RUSSIAN POSITION ON SUCH A FORCE, HOW IT WILL FUNCTION IS BELIEVED TO BE ONE OF THE CENTRAL QUESTIONS. U-S OFFICIALS SAY THE RUSSIANS HAVE NOT YET AGREED ON THE COMMAND AND CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS, AND NATO SAYS IT WILL NOT ACCEPT THE DE-FACTO PARTITION OF KOSOVO INTO SECTORS CONTROLLED BY RUSSIAN TROOPS AND BY NATO FORCES. NATO SAYS THERE MUST BE A UNIFIED COMMAND. MEANWHILE, VISITING MACEDONIAN PRIME MINISTER LLJUBCO GEORGIEVSKI TOLD REPORTERS HIS COUNTRY HAS AGREED A TOTAL OF 30-THOUSAND NATO TROOPS -- MORE THAN HALF THE TOTAL ENVISIONED FORCE -- CAN BE BASED IN MACEDONIA. THEIR USE IN A GROUND CAMPAIGN -- IF ONE IS DECIDED -- IS ANOTHER MATTER. MR. GEORGIEVSKI NOTED THAT MACEDONIAN LAW FORBIDS ATTACKS FROM ITS TERRITORY AND A REQUEST TO CHANGE THAT WOULD HAVE TO GO BEFORE PARLIAMENT. (SIGNED)
NEB/MGB/ENE/RAE
02-Jun-99 2:29 PM EDT (1829 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[12] U-S/MACEDONIA (L-ONLY) BY GIL BUTLER (STATE DEPARTMENT)

INTRO: MACEDONIA IS CALLING FOR MORE ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO HELP IT DEAL WITH PROBLEMS BROUGHT ON BY A HUGE INFLUX OF REFUGEES FROM KOSOVO. PRIME MINISTER LJUBCO GEORGIEVSKI, VISITING U-S OFFICIALS IN WASHINGTON (TODAY/WEDNESDAY), ALSO SAYS HIS COUNTRY IS READY TO ACCEPT UP TO 30-THOUSAND NATO TROOPS. V-O-A'S GIL BUTLER HAS MORE FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT.

TEXT: PRIME MINISTER GEORGIEVSKI AND SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT DISCUSSED REFUGEES, FOREIGN AID, NATO FORCES AND KOSOVO PEACE PROSPECTS AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT.

PRIME MINSITER GEORGIEVSKI STRESSED THE FACT THAT MACEDONIA WILL ACCEPT TWICE AS MANY NATO SOLDIERS AS IT HAS IN ITS OWN ARMY, AND THAT HIS COUNTRY AND NEIGHBORING ALBANIA HAVE BORNE THE BRUNT OF THE REFUGEE INFLUX.

SPEAKING THROUGH AN INTERPRETER, HE MADE IT CLEAR MACEDONIA NEEDS MORE AID.

AT THE END, WE HAVE EXPRESSED THE FACTS OF THE ECONOMIC SITUATION IN MACEDONIA, WHICH IS BECOMING EVER MORE CRITICAL BY EVERY DAY. [MACEDONIAN] AND WE HAVE UNDERLINED THAT THERE SHOULD BE SOME MORE SERIOUS ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE COMING TO MACEDONIA, SO THAT WE CAN BE PREPARED TO SEE THE END OF THIS CRISIS, THIS WAR, AND TO BE READY TO SEE THE PEACE.

SECRETARY ALBRIGHT SAID AFTER HER MEETING WITH THE MACEDONIAN LEADER THAT AMERICANS MUST UNDERSTAND THE SCALE OF THE REFUGEE CRISIS. SHE SAID THE IMPACT OF A QUARTER-MILLION REFUGEES ON A SMALL COUNTRY LIKE MACEDONIA IS THE EQUIVALENT OF MORE THAN 30-MILLION REFUEES ARRIVING IN THE UNITED STATES. ON ITS OWN, SHE SAYS, NO NATION COULD COPE WITH THAT KIND OF INFLUX.

SHE ALSO PRAISED MACEDONIA FOR AGREEING TO TAKE IN MORE THAN HALF OF THE PLANNED NATO TROOPS FOR THE REGION.

I ALSO THANKED THE PRIME MINISTER FOR HIS COUNTRY'S HOSPITALITY TO NATO FORCES THAT ARE WORKING TO ADDRESS THE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS, AND PREPARE FOR THE DAY THE CURRENT CONFRONTATION COMES TO AN END.

SHE SAID THE UNITED STATES WILL WORK TO SEE THAT MACEDONIA CONTINUES TO RECEIVE THE ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL SUPPORT IT NEEDS.

CONGRESS HAS APPROVED 37-MILLION DOLLARS IN AID TO MACEDONIA. SECRETARY ALBRIGHT ALSO IS CALLING ON INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES TO BUY GOODS FROM LOCAL MACEDONIAN MARKETS TO HELP THE ECONOMIC SITUATION THERE. (SIGNED)
NEB/MGB/PHW/WTW
02-Jun-99 3:49 PM EDT (1949 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[13] KOSOVO MILITARY OPTIONS - L BY JIM RANDLE (PENTAGON)

INTRO: DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM COHEN SAYS THE PRESIDENT AND TOP MILITARY ADVISORS MAY DISCUSS A POSSIBLE INVASION FORCE FOR KOSOVO AT THE WHITE HOUSE THURSDAY. BUT MR. COHEN INSISTS THE ONLY DETAILED MILITARY PLANNING UNDER WAY AT NATO RIGHT NOW IS FOR A SMALLER FORCE FOR PEACEKEEPING. V-O-A'S JIM RANDLE REPORTS FROM THE PENTAGON.

TEXT: NATO PLANNERS HAVE BEEN WORKING OUT DETAILS FOR A FORCE OF ABOUT 50-THOUSAND TROOPS TO PROTECT ETHNIC ALBANIAN REFUGEES RETURNING TO YUGOSLAVIA'S KOSOVO PROVINCE -- WHEN AND IF A PEACE AGREEMENT IS SIGNED.

BUT PUBLISHED REPORTS SAY THE HEADS OF THE U-S AIR FORCE, ARMY AND THE NAVY -- CALLED THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF -- WILL MEET WITH PRESIDENT CLINTON THURSDAY TO DISCUSS A MUCH LARGER, BETTER ARMED FORCE DESIGNED TO FIGHT ITS WAY INTO KOSOVO.

DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM COHEN SAYS THE PRESIDENT AND HIS ADVISORS ARE LIKELY TO TALK ABOUT ALL KINDS OF OPTIONS -- BUT HE INSISTS THAT THE ONLY ACTION THAT MILITARY PLANNERS ARE WORKING ON IS THE PEACEKEEPING FORCE, CALLED "K-FOR" IN MILITARY PARLANCE.

I'M SURE THAT THERE WILL BE A FULL RANGE OF TOPICS AND DISCUSSIONS OF WHETHER OR NOT THERE WILL BE ANY KIND OF A GROUND OPTION FOR A NON-PERMISSIVE ENVIRONMENT. BUT AS WE HAVE INDICATED, ON MANY OCCASIONS, THERE IS A CONSENSUS FOR A STRONG AIR OPERATION IN THE NATO COUNTRIES. THERE IS NOT A CONSENSUS FOR A GROUND OPERATION IN A NON PERMISSIVE ENVIRONMENT.

CONSENSUS IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE THE 19 MEMBER NATO ALLIANCE TAKES ACTION ONLY WHEN ALL ITS MEMBERS AGREE.

AT THE SAME NEWS CONFERENCE (WEDNESDAY), MR. COHEN DENIED A PRESS REPORT THAT NATO WARPLANES RECENTLY STRUCK SERB TARGETS IN KOSOVO IN CLOSE COOPERATION WITH THE REBEL KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY.

WE ARE NOT OPERATING IN COORDINATION WITH THE K-L-A, WE ARE NOT SERVING AS THEIR AIR FORCE. WE INTEND TO CARRY OUT OUR MISSION. AND THAT IS TO ATTACK SERB FORCES WHEN THEY ARE FOUND.

THE DEFENSE SECRETARY SAYS NATO MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE OFFICIALS GATHER TARGETING INFORMATION FROM WHERE EVER THEY CAN GET IT, BUT SAYS NATO IS NOT ANSWERING REBEL REQUESTS TO STRIKE SERB TARGETS INSIDE YUGOSLAVIA. (SIGNED)
NEB/JR/LTD/JO
02-Jun-99 1:05 PM EDT (1705 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[14] KOSOVO INVASION FORCE (L-ONITER) BY JIM RANDLE (PENTAGON)

INTRO: PRESIDENT CLINTON AND HIS TOP MILITARY ADVISERS ARE EXPECTED TO MEET TODAY (THURSDAY) AT THE WHITE HOUSE TO TALK OVER DETAILS OF THE NATO FORCE THAT WOULD BE NEEDED TO INVADE KOSOVO, IF THAT TACTIC SHOULD PROVE NECESSARY. BUT DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM COHEN SAYS WASHINGTON IS STILL COMMITTED TO USING GROUND TROOPS ONLY TO ENFORCE A PEACE AGREEMENT. V-O-A'S JIM RANDLE REPORTS FROM THE PENTAGON.

TEXT: NATO PLANNERS HAVE BEEN WORKING OUT DETAILS FOR A FORCE OF ABOUT 50-THOUSAND TROOPS TO PROTECT REFUGEES RETURNING TO THEIR HOMES IN KOSOVO, WHEN AND IF A PEACE AGREEMENT IS SIGNED.

BUT A PENTAGON SOURCE SAYS THE HEADS OF THE U-S AIR FORCE, ARMY AND OTHER SERVICES WILL ALSO DISCUSS WITH PRESIDENT CLINTON A MUCH LARGER FORCE DESIGNED TO FIGHT ITS WAY INTO KOSOVO.

DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM COHEN SAYS THE PRESIDENT AND HIS ADVISERS MAY TALK ABOUT ALL KINDS OF OPTIONS, BUT HE INSISTS THAT THE ONLY ACTUAL MILITARY PLANNING UNDER WAY IS FOR A PEACEKEEPING FORCE CALLED "K-FOR."

I'M SURE THAT THERE WILL BE A FULL RANGE OF TOPICS AND DISCUSSIONS OF WHETHER OR NOT THERE WILL BE ANY KIND OF A GROUND OPTION FOR A NON-PERMISSIVE ENVIRONMENT. BUT AS WE HAVE INDICATED, ON MANY OCCASIONS. THERE IS A CONSENSUS FOR A STRONG AIR OPERATION IN THE NATO COUNTRIES. THERE IS NOT A CONSENSUS FOR A GROUND OPERATION IN A NON-PERMISSIVE ENVIRONMENT.

CONSENSUS IS IMPORTANT, BECAUSE THE 19-MEMBER NATO ALLIANCE TAKES ACTION ONLY WHEN ALL ITS MEMBERS AGREE. SO FAR, NATO MEMBERS HAVE AGREED ON THE AIR CAMPAIGN, AND TO SEND IN GROUND TROOPS ONLY AFTER A PEACE AGREEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED. PRESIDENT CLINTON SAYS THE U-S CONTRIBUTION TO THE KOSOVO PEACEKEEPING FORCE WOULD BE ABOUT SEVEN-THOUSAND TROOPS.

PENTAGON SPOKESMAN KEN BACON SAYS MORE THAN 150 AMERICAN TANKS AND OTHER ARMORED VEHICLES WILL BE INCLUDED, ALONG WITH ENGINEERING, AVIATION AND ARTILLERY UNITS DRAWN MOSTLY FROM THE AMERICAN FIRST INFANTRY DIVISION, BASED IN GERMANY. (SIGNED)
NEB/JR/WTW
02-Jun-99 6:40 PM EDT (2240 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[15] CHINA/RUSSIA/YUGOLSAVIA (L ONLY) BY ROGER WILKISON (BEIJING)

INTRO: CHINA AND RUSSIA ARE INSISTING THAT A POLITICAL SETTLEMENT OF THE CONFLICT IN YUGOSLAVIA IS CONTINGENT ON AN IMMEDIATE HALT TO NATO'S BOMBING CAMPAIGN THERE. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ROGER WILKISON REPORTS FROM BEIJING THAT BEIJING AND MOSCOW ARE ALSO DEMANDING A GREATER SAY FOR YUGOSLAVIA IN ANY PEACE AGREEMENT.

TEXT: RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER IGOR IVANOV TOLD REPORTERS IN THE CHINESE CAPITAL WEDNESDAY THAT A HALT TO NATO'S BOMBING OF YUGOSLAVIA MUST PRECEDE ANY POLITICAL SOLUTION.

IN OUR NEGOTIATIONS WITH OUR CHINESE COLLEAGUES, WE EMPHASIZED THAT, FIRST, IT IS NECESSARY TO STOP THE BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA.

MR. IVANOV SAYS THAT, ONLY AFTER THE BOMBING STOPS, CAN THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL DRAW UP A RESOLUTION TO FORGE A LASTING PEACE IN KOSOVO.

THE RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS MOSCOW AND BEIJING STAND TOGETHER IN OPPOSING WHAT HE CALLS THE AGGRESSION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA.

MR. IVANOV MET WEDNESDAY WITH TOP CHINESE LEADERS, INCLUDING PRESIDENT JIANG ZEMIN. HE IS ON A THREE-DAY VISIT AIMED AT LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR A SUMMIT LATER THIS YEAR BETWEEN MR. JIANG AND RUSSIAN PRESIDENT BORIS YELTSIN.

MOSCOW AND BEIJING HAVE GROWN CLOSER SINCE NATO BEGAN BOMBING YUGOSLAVIA TWO MONTHS AGO TO TRY TO STOP PERSECUTION OF ETHNIC ALBANIANS IN KOSOVO BY THE YUGOSLAV GOVERNMENT. THE TWO FORMER RIVALS ARE ALSO WORKING TOGETHER TO CHIP AWAY AT WASHINGTON'S ROLE AS THE WORLD'S SOLE SUPERPOWER.

MR. IVANOV SAYS WASHINGTON'S INCREASINGLY ASSERTIVE GLOBAL ROLE AFFECTS NOT ONLY RUSSIAN INTERESTS BUT THOSE OF OTHER COUNTRIES AS WELL.

IT'S ABSOLUTELY CLEAR THAT FIRST IT WAS IRAQ, THEN YUGOSLAVIA, AND IT CAN ALSO HAPPEN IN OTHER REGIONS OF THE WORLD.

IN A JOINT STATEMENT, THE TWO SIDES SAY YUGOSLAVIA MUST HAVE A SAY IN ANY SETTLEMENT, INDICATING THAT A SOLUTION SHOULD NOT BE IMPOSED ON BELGRADE. (SIGNED)
NEB/RW/LTD/KL
02-Jun-99 9:26 AM EDT (1326 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[16] RUSSIA DIPLOMACY (S) BY PETER HEINLEIN (MOSCOW)

INTRO: RUSSIAN NEWS AGENCIES SAY BALKANS ENVOY VICTOR CHERNOMYRDIN MAY POSTPONE HIS PLANNED TRIP TO BELGRADE AND FLY BACK TO MOSCOW FOR FURTHER CONSULTATIONS. V-O-A'S PETER HEINLEIN HAS DETAILS FROM THE RUSSIAN CAPITAL.

TEXT: MR. CHERNOMYRDIN WAS SCHEDULED TO GO TO YUGOSLAVIA TODAY (WEDNESDAY), POSSIBLY ACCOMPANIED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION'S BALKANS REPRESENTATIVE, FINNISH PRESIDENT MARTTI AHTISAARI.

BUT AFTER AN ALL-NIGHT NEGOTIATING SESSION IN BONN, THOSE PLANS WERE PUT ON HOLD.

THE ITAR-TASS NEWS AGENCY REPORTS THE DELAY CAME AFTER DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE STROBE TALBOTT INTRODUCED NEW PROPOSALS.

MR. CHERNOMYRDIN'S SPOKESMAN WAS QUOTED AS SAYING THE U-S PLAN IS "PARTIALLY UNACCEPTABLE FOR RUSSIA."

ANOTHER SESSION OF TALKS IS BEING HELD AT THE MOMENT. NEWS AGENCIES SAY MR. CHERNOMYRDIN MAY DROP PLANS FOR A BELGRADE TRIP ALTOGETHER AND INSTEAD RETURN TO MOSCOW -- UNLESS SOME AGREEMENT IS REACHED.

WESTERN DIPLOMATIC SOURCES SAY THE COMPOSITION OF A PEACEKEEPING FORCE FOR KOSOVO REMAINS A KEY STICKING POINT. RUSSIA OPPOSES NATO'S INSISTENCE THAT THE ALLIANCE FORM THE CORE OF ANY SUCH FORCE. (SIGNED)
NEB/PFH/PCF
02-Jun-99 7:51 AM EDT (1151 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[17] RUSSIA DIPLOMACY (L) BY PETER HEINLEIN (MOSCOW)

INTRO: RUSSIAN AND EUROPEAN UNION ENVOYS ON THE BALKANS CRISIS HAVE GONE TO BELGRADE TO PRESENT A PEACE PROPOSAL TO YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC. V-O-A'S PETER HEINLEIN IN MOSCOW REPORTS RUSSIA'S REPRESENTATIVE IS CALLING THIS A "REALISTIC CHANCE FOR PEACE."

TEXT: RUSSIAN ENVOY VICTOR CHERNOMYRDIN FLEW TO THE YUGOSLAV CAPITAL SAYING HE AND HIS U-S AND E-U COUNTERPARTS HAD REACHED AGREEMENT ON A JOINT PEACE PLAN DURING MARATHON TALKS IN BONN.

MR. CHERNOMYRDIN SAYS THE DEAL REACHED CALLS FOR A KOSOVO PEACEKEEPING FORCE THAT WOULD HAVE SEPARATE NATO AND RUSSIAN COMMANDS UNDER UNITED NATIONS AUSPICES.

MR. CHERNOMYRDIN ADDED "RUSSIA WILL BE SEPARATE." HE EXPLAINED THAT NATO WOULD COMMAND NATO TROOPS AND THE RUSSIAN TROOPS WILL BE UNDER MOSCOW'S CONTROL.

HE DID NOT EXPLAIN THE APPARENT CONTRADICTION BETWEEN THAT POSITION AND NATO'S INSISTENCE THAT THE PEACE FORCE BE UNDER UNIFIED ALLIANCE COMMAND.

AFTER THOSE COMMENTS, THE RUSSIAN ENVOY IMMEDIATELY FLEW TO BELGRADE TO JOIN THE E-U REPRESENTATIVE, FINNISH PRESIDENT MARTTI AHTISAARI, IN PRESENTING THE JOINT PROPOSAL TO THE YUGOSLAV LEADER.

MR. CHERNOMYRDIN WAS HIS USUAL OPTIMISTIC SELF, SAYING "I THINK AT THIS MOMENT THERE IS A REALISTIC CHANCE FOR PEACE."

THE FINNISH PRESIDENT, MR. AHTISAARI, WAS MORE CAUTIOUS.

IT WAS WORTHWHILE. WE MADE GOOD PROGRESS AMONG OURSELVES. AND WE ARE READY TO GO TO BELGRADE WITH MR. CHERNOMYRDIN AND WE WILL BE REPORTING, HOPEFULLY, TOMORROW. I WILL, IN MY CASE, WILL BE REPORTING TO THE E-U SUMMIT.

RUSSIAN SOURCES SAY THE BONN TALKS WERE COMPLICATED BY A LAST MINUTE U-S REQUEST FOR CHANGES IN A PREVIOUSLY-APPROVED DRAFT OF THE PEACE PLAN.

ONE OF THE MAIN STICKING POINTS HAD BEEN HOW TO COORDINATE THREE STEPS: A HALT TO THE NATO BOMBING CAMPAIGN, THE WITHDRAWAL OF SERB FORCES FROM KOSOVO, AND THE DEPLOYMENT OF A PEACEKEEPING FORCE.

MR. CHERNOMYRDIN SAYS THE MARATHON TALKS PRODUCED AN UNDERSTANDING THAT ONCE A SERB WITHDRAWAL FROM KOSOVO BEGINS, AIR STRIKES WILL BE SUSPENDED. DURING THAT TIME, THE U-N SECURITY COUNCIL WOULD PASS A RESOLUTION ENDORSING A PEACE PLAN. (SIGNED)
NEB/PFH/GE
02-Jun-99 1:05 PM EDT (1705 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[18] SERBIA'S CLIMATE OF FEAR BY PAMELA TAYLOR (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: WITH FEW WESTERN JOURNALISTS OR HUMAN RIGHTS WORKERS INSIDE YUGOSLAVIA THESE DAYS, IT IS DIFFICULT TO KNOW WHAT ORDINARY SERBS THINK ABOUT RECENT DEVELOPMENTS. BUT A SERBIAN HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST AND A LEADING SERB WRITER RECENTLY SHARED THEIR VERY DIFFERENT VIEWS OF THE INDICTMENT OF THEIR PRESIDENT AND THE ONGOING BOMBING OF THEIR COUNTRY. V-O-A'S PAMELA TAYLOR REPORTS:

TEXT: AUTHOR ALEKSA DJILAS IS THE SON OF THE LATE YUGOSLAV COMMUNIST DISSIDENT MILOVAN DJILAS. HE BELIEVES THE INDICTMENT BY THE HAGUE WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL WAS A BIG MISTAKE BECAUSE IT HAS GIVEN PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC NO EXIT IN TRYING TO NEGOTIATE AN END TO THE KOSOVO CONFLICT.

I AM AGAINST INDICTMENT. IS IT JUST? AND WILL IT CONTRIBUTE TO THE PEACE PROCESS? VERY FEW SERBS ARE CONVINCED IT IS JUST, EVEN THOSE WHO DO NOT THINK HE IS AN INNOCENT LAMB IN THIS WAR OR THE WARS IN BOSNIA AND CROATIA. BUT THEY WILL ASK WHY IS NOT FRANJO TUDJMAN, THE PRESIDENT OF CROATIA, WHO EXPELLED SOME HALF A MILLION SERBS FROM CROATIA, WHY IS NOT HE A WAR CRIMINAL? OR INDEED WHY ARE NOT THE LEADERS OF THE KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY? THEY HAVE KILLED HOSTAGES AND CIVILIANS, INCLUDING ALBANIAN CIVILIANS.

AS FOR THE BOMBING, MR. DJILAS SAYS IT IS NOW DIFFICULT TO IMAGINE A FUTURE SERBIA TURNING TOWARD THE WEST. HE SAYS -- IF THE WEST IS BOMBING US, HOW CAN WE THINK THERE IS ANYTHING GOOD IN THE WEST?

BUT LEADING HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST, NATASHA KANDIC BELIEVES THE CLIMATE OF FEAR IS SO PERVASIVE IN YUGOSLAVIA IT IS DIFFICULT TO KNOW WHAT ANYONE REALLY THINKS. SHE SAYS -- OF COURSE WE ARE ALL AFRAID OF BEING KILLED BY NATO BOMBS, BUT THERE IS ALSO THE FEAR OF SPEAKING OUT.

ORDINARY PEOPLE REALIZE THAT THE COUNTRY IS DESTROYED AND THEY KNOW THE RESPONSIBILITY IS MILOSEVIC'S, BUT THEY CANNOT SPEAK ABOUT RESPONSIBILITY AT THE MOMENT BECAUSE IT IS TOO DANGEROUS IN THIS SITUATION. BUT TRAVELLING THROUGH SERBIA, TALKING WITH PEOPLE, I SAW THAT PEOPLE UNDERSTAND WHAT HAPPENED HERE AND THEY KNOW THAT FOR 10-YEARS WE HAVE A POLITICIAN (IN POWER) WHO IS THE MAIN ONE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS WAR.

NATASHA KANDIC'S HUMANITARIAN LAW CENTER IN BELGRADE HAS TRIED TO BREAK THE WALL OF SILENCE BY E-MAILING A NEWSLETTER TO COLLEAGUES AND JOURNALISTS AROUND THE WORLD ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON IN KOSOVO.

RECENTLY MS. KANDIC MADE A DARING TRIP TO SEE COLLEAGUES IN PRISTINA, KOSOVO'S PROVINCIAL CAPITAL. SHE SAID SHE MADE THE TRIP BECAUSE SHE COULD NO LONGER BEAR THE SILENCE SHE ENCOUNTERED IN BELGRADE ON THE TABOO SUBJECT OF KOSOVO.

I AM TALKING DAILY WITH MY FRIENDS IN PRISTINA. FOR THEM IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT SOMEBODY IN BELGRADE COMES TO TALK WITH THEM AND SPEND SOME TIME THERE. MY PURPOSE IS TO SEE IF IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THEM TO STAY AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO STAY, BECAUSE I THINK IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE, ALBANIANS STAY IN PRISTINA BECAUSE PRISTINA IS THEIR CITY.

MS. KANDIC SAYS IT WAS TOO DANGEROUS FOR HER ALBANIAN COLLEAGUES TO STAY, AND SO SHE HELPED THEM GET OUT OF KOSOVO. SHE SAYS SHE PLANS TO RETURN TO PRISTINA, BUT ADMITS SHE TOO IS SOMETIMES AFRAID.

I AM FEELING A LOT OF FEAR BUT I KNOW THAT MY FEAR IS DIFFERENT THAN THEIR (THE ALBANIANS) FEAR. I AM NOT AFRAID TO MEET POLICEMEN BECAUSE I ALWAYS SAY THAT I AM GOING TO VISIT MY MOTHER OR GRANDFATHER IN PRISTINA TO BRING THEM FOOD. I AM STILL AFRAID, BUT I CANNOT GO TO PRISTINA AND TO MONTENEGRO AND NOT SPEAK UP ABOUT THE SITUATION. IT IS THE OBLIGATION OF PEOPLE (INVOLVED) IN HUMAN RIGHTS TO TRY TO MONITOR THE SITUATION AND TO INFORM PUBLIC OPINION.

NATASHA KANDIC AND ALEKSA DJILAS EACH SAY THEY BELIEVE A PEACEFUL NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT TO END THE KOSOVO CONFLICT IS LOOKING MORE REMOTE. MR. DJILAS BELIEVES NATO HAS STEPPED UP ITS AIR CAMPAIGN IN AN EFFORT TO FORCE A SURRENDER:

THEY EITHER WANT MILOSEVIC TO SIGN AN UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER OF KOSOVO, OR SOMETHING VERY CLOSE TO UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER, AND IF HE DOES NOT THEY WILL CONTINUE BOMBING. HOPING THAT WITHIN A MONTH OR TWO SERBIA WILL BE SO DESTROYED AND KOSOVO EVEN MORE AND OUR FORCES THERE SUFFICIENTLY WEAKENED, ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE BEEN FIGHTING AND HIDING MAGNIFICENTLY, THAT THE KEY NOW IS A SEMI-PERMISSIVE ENVIRONMENT TO ALLOW A WESTERN FORCE OF 50 TO 70-THOUSAND SOLDIERS TO ENTER KOSOVO, ENCOUNTERING SOME RESISTANCE, BUT NOT OF THE MAGNITUDE THAT WESTERN CASUALTIES WOULD BE VERY HIGH.

BUT MR. DJILAS DOES NOT EXPECT PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC TO BE INTIMIDATED EITHER BY THE HAGUE INDICTMENT OR BY THE STEPPED UP BOMBING. HE SAYS AS LONG AS BOMBS CONTINUE TO FALL, THE REAL LOSERS WILL BE THE SERBIAN PEOPLE. (SIGNED)
NEB/PAM/RAE
02-Jun-99 1:04 PM EDT (1704 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[19] IMPROVING U-S FOREIGN POLICY BY ED WARNER (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: BETTER COMMUNICATION WILL PRODUCE A BETTER FOREIGN POLICY. THAT WAS THE THEME OF A RECENT WASHINGTON DISCUSSION (JUNE 1) ON HOW DIPLOMACY CAN BE IMPROVED IN AN ERA OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE. WITH SO MUCH INFORMATION NOW READILY AVAILABLE, PARTICIPANTS SAID IT IS CRUCIAL FOR AMERICAN DIPLOMATS TO GET OUT AND TALK TO PEOPLE AT HOME AND ABROAD IF THEY WANT TO SUCCEED IN THEIR MISSION. V-O-A'S ED WARNER REPORTS ON THE DISCUSSION.

TEXT: THE GLOBAL ECONOMY IS CREATING PROSPERITY BUT ALSO INSECURITY, BOTH IN THE UNITED STATES AND ABROAD. ALL THE MORE REASON, SAYS ELLEN FROST, FOR AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY-MAKERS TO EXPLAIN THEIR IDEAS TO A VAST, OFTEN CONFUSED PUBLIC. AND IN HER OPINION, THEY ARE NOT DOING A VERY GOOD JOB OF IT.

A SENIOR FELLOW AT THE INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS AND A FORMER COUNSELOR AT THE U-S TRADE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE, ELLEN FROST SAYS THE EVER-CHURNING GLOBAL ECONOMY LEADS TO PROSPERITY ALONG WITH PERSONAL INSECURITY. THE PACE OF CHANGE IS UNDERSTANDABLY ALARMING:

WHEN IT IS LINKED IN THE MINDS OF FOREIGNERS WITH THE OVERWHELMING ECONOMIC PRE-EMINENCE ON THE PART OF THE UNITED STATES, THEN IT TAKES A NATIONALIST AND ANTI-AMERICAN FORM, AND THAT IS A VERY SERIOUS DANGER FOR U-S FOREIGN POLICY, I THINK, IN THE NEXT DECADE.

SPEAKING AT A CONFERENCE HELD BY THE ACADEMY FOR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE FULBRIGHT INTERNATIONAL CENTER, ELLEN FROST SAID U-S DIPLOMATS NEED TO OFFSET THE IMAGE OF A BULLYING AMERICA, QUICK TO RESORT TO ECONOMIC SANCTIONS. FOR INSTANCE, THEY MIGHT POINT OUT THE U-S ROLE IN CREATING A SYSTEM FOR SETTLING DISPUTES WITHIN THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION. THE UNITED STATES HAS SOMETIMES LOST CASES THERE.

SHE ALSO SAID DIPLOMACY MUST INCLUDE MORE THAN DIPLOMATS. THERE ARE MANY MORE PARTICIPANTS INVOLVED IN THE MAKING OF U-S FOREIGN POLICY, EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT RECOGNIZED AS SUCH. NON-GOVERMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS ARE SPREADING AROUND THE WORLD:

IT IS NOT THAT WE JUST HAVE TO DEAL WITH THESE PEOPLE. THEY ARE THE SUBSTANCE OF FOREIGN POLICY IN MANY IMPORTANT WAYS, BECAUSE THEY ARE COMMUNICATING WITH EACH OTHER ACROSS GOVERNMENTS, AND THEY MAY OR MAY NOT GO THROUGH THE U-S EMBASSY ON THEIR WAY.

ELLEN FROST SAID GOOD POLICY IS GOOD COMMUNICATION.

LOOK AT WHAT TECHNOLOGY HAS WROUGHT, SAID BARRY ZORTHIAN, PRESIDENT OF THE PUBLIC DIPLOMACY FOUNDATION. ANYONE CAN SEND ANY PIECE OF INFORMATION TO ANOTHER PERSON ALMOST ANYWHERE ON EARTH:

THAT POWER, THAT CAPABILITY HAS GIVEN PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND ULTIMATELY TO POWER. MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE AFFECTING WHAT THEIR GOVERNMENTS ARE DOING, AND IN THE INTERESTS OF THE UNITED STATES, TO GET FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS TO ACCEPT AND WORK WITH US ON ALL OUR GOALS INTERNATIONALLY, WE NEED TO DEVELOP COMMUNICATION WITH PEOPLE WHO IN TURN ARE GOING TO AFFECT THEIR GOVERNMENTS.

MR. ZORTHIAN SAID THE PRESSURE OF CRISES, WHICH ARE OFTEN EXAGGERATED, KEEPS POLICY MAKERS FROM GETTING OUT AND TALKING TO PEOPLE. IN HIS OPINION, THAT IS CRUCIAL FOR HAVING POLICIES ACCEPTED AND SUPPORTED. CONTRARY TO SOME OPINION, SAID MR. ZORTHIAN, AMERICANS ARE EAGER FOR EXPLANATIONS OF FOREIGN POLICY HE ADDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE BEST COMMUNICATION WILL NOT SAVE A FLAWED POLICY, THE KIND THAT BEHAVES LIKE A WEATHERVANE BLOWING THIS WAY OR THAT IN THE WIND. (SIGNED)
NEB/EW/WTW
02-Jun-99 4:50 PM EDT (2050 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[20] OCALAN TRIAL (L ONLY) BY AMBERIN ZAMAN (MUDANYA, TURKEY)

INTRO: KURDISH REBELS SAY THEY ENDORSE PEACE CALLS MADE BY THEIR LEADER, ABDULLAH OCALAN, WHO IS ON TRIAL FOR TREASON ON A SMALL TURKISH PRISON ISLAND IN THE SEA OF MARMARA. BUT AS AMBERIN ZAMAN REPORTS FROM MUDANYA, THE REBELS MADE CLEAR THEY WILL NOT SURRENDER THEIR ARMS UNLESS THE TURKISH GOVERNMENTS AGREES TO THEIR DEMANDS FOR POLITICAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS.

TEXT: IN A STATEMENT ISSUED IN EUROPE, THE OUTLAWED KURDISTAN WORKERS PARTY, P-K-K SAID IT FULLY BACKS WHAT IT TERMED THE HISTORIC EFFORTS OF ITS LEADER. BUT THE REBELS ALSO INDICATED THEY HAD NO INTENTION OF SURRENDERING UNLESS THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT TAKES STEPS TOWARDS SOLVING THE KURDISH ISSUE.

ANALYSTS SAY THE REBEL STATEMENT IS INTENDED TO SIGNAL TO THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT THAT IT IS NO LONGER ACTING UNDER THE ORDERS OF MR. OCALAN, EVEN THOUGH THE REBELS STILL REFER TO HIM AS THEIR LEADER, LIKELY OUT OF LOYALTY.

JUST HOURS BEFORE THE P-K-K ISSUED ITS STATEMENT, TWO TURKISH SOLDIERS WERE KILLED IN A SUICIDE BOMB ATTACK CARRIED OUT BY A P-K-K REBEL IN THE SOUTHEASTERN TURKISH PROVINCE OF SIRNAK.

MR. OCALAN'S OFFER TO WORK TOGETHER WITH THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT MADE ON THE FIRST DAY OF HIS TREASON TRIAL WHICH BEGAN ON MAY 31ST -- HAS PROVOKED SHARP DIVISIONS AMONG HIS FOLLOWERS.

MR. OCALAN IS FACING THE DEATH PENALTY FOR FOUNDING AND LEADING THE REBEL GROUP WHICH HAS BEEN FIGHTING FOR KURDISH SELF RULE SINCE 1984. HE SAID HIS LIFE NEEDS TO BE SPARED SO THAT HE CAN HELP NEGOTIATE PEACE BETWEEN TURKS AND KURDS. HE WARNED THAT UNLESS HIS APPEAL IS HEEDED, TURKEY WOULD BE PLUNGED INTO FURTHER VIOLENCE.

KURDISH SOURCES IN THE MAINLY KURDISH SOUTHEASTERN PROVINCE OF DIYARBAKIR SAY THEY ARE -- IN THEIR WORDS -- BITTERLY DISAPPOINTED BY MR. OCALAN'S FAILURE TO SPEAK OF RIGHTS ABUSES COMMITTED BY TURKISH SECURITY FORCES IN ITS EFFORTS TO SUPPRESS THE P-K-K REBELLION. MANY SAID HE APPEARED MORE CONCERNED WITH SAVING HIS OWN LIFE THAN ADVANCING THE RIGHTS OF THE KURDISH PEOPLE.

OTHERS ARGUE, HOWEVER, THAT MR OCALAN'S STRATEGY IS PINNED ON HOPES THAT THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER HIS OFFER. BUT WITH THE P-K-K NO LONGER UNDER HIS EFFECTIVE CONTROL, ANALYSTS DOUBT THAT HE IS IN A POSITION TO IMPOSE HIS WILL ON THE REBELS.

MR OCALAN HIMSELF APPEARS TO SUGGEST THAT EVEN BEFORE HIS CAPTURE BY TURKISH FORCES IN KENYA LAST FEBRUARY HE DID NOT HAVE FULL CONTROL OVER HIS MEN. HE SAID ON THE SECOND DAY OF HIS TRIAL TUESDAY THAT MANY OF THE ATTACKS CARRIED OUT AGAINST CIVILIANS AND UNARMED SOLDIERS BY HIS MEN HAD OCCURRED AGAINST HIS WILL. (SIGNED)
NEB/AZ/JWH
02-Jun-99 9:11 AM EDT (1311 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[21] OCALAN TRIAL (L ONLY-UPDATE) BY AMBERIN ZAMAN (MUDANYA, TURKEY)

INTRO: KURDISH REBEL CHIEF ABDULLAH OCALAN SAID HIS 15-YEAR LONG REBELLION AGAINST THE TURKISH STATE WAS, IN HIS WORDS -- A MISTAKE, ON THE THIRD DAY OF HIS TREASON TRIAL ON A PRISON ISLAND OFF THE COAST OF ISTANBUL. AS AMBERIN ZAMAN REPORTS FROM MUDANYA, THE PORT CLOSEST TO THE ISLAND, MR OCALAN SAID THAT PROGRESS ON THE KURDISH ISSUE BEGAN IN THE EARLY 1990'S, A PERIOD MARKING THE HEIGHT OF THE KURDISTAN WORKERS PARTY'S FIGHT FOR KURDISH SELF-RULE IN TURKEY'S MAINLY KURDISH SOUTHEAST PROVINCES.

TEXT: MR OCALAN'S REMARKS FOLLOWED A QUESTION FROM A LAWYER REPRESENTING FAMILIES OF TURKISH SOLDIERS SLAIN DURING THE CONFLICT. THE LAWYER ASKED THE P-K-K LEADER IF THERE WAS A KURDISH PROBLEM IN TURKEY, TO WHICH MR. OCALAN RESPONDED, "THINGS HAVE IMPROVED," JOURNALISTS AND DIPLOMATS PRESENT AT WEDNESDAY'S HEARING REPORTED.

ANALYSTS SAY HIS REMARKS ARE LIKELY TO FURTHER ANGER HIS SUPPORTERS, INCLUDING THE FAMILIES OF MORE THAN 20-THOUSAND P-K-K REBELS WHO HAVE DIED IN THE INSURGENCY SO FAR.

MR OCALAN'S TURNAROUND, MOST ANALYSTS BELIEVE, IS AIMED AT PERSUADING TURKISH PROSECUTORS NOT TO HAND HIM THE DEATH PENALTY. MOST BELIEVE HIS EFFORTS ARE DOOMED.

PROSECUTORS ARE SEEKING THE DEATH PENALTY FOR MR OCALAN FOR FOUNDING AND LEADING THE P-K-K, AND BLAME HIM FOR THE DEATHS OF MORE THAN 30-THOUSAND PEOPLE KILLED IN THE 15 YEAR-LONG INSURGENCY.

THE P-K-K IN A STATEMENT WEDNESDAY ENDORSED HIS APPEAL FOR PEACE AND BROTHERHOOD BETWEEN TURKS AND KURDS AND HIS CALL FOR A CEASE FIRE. BUT THEY MADE IT CLEAR THAT THEY WOULD NOT SURRENDER UNLESS THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT RESPONDED TO THE KURDS' DEMANDS FOR GREATER POLITICAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS.

JUST HOURS BEFORE WEDNESDAY'S HEARING, TWO TURKISH SOLDIERS DIED IN A P-K-K SUICIDE BOMB ATTACK MOUNTED IN THE SOUTHEASTERN PROVINCE OF SIRNAK.

ANALYSTS SAY MR OCALAN IS IN NO POSITION TO DELIVER ON PLEDGES TO END THE FIGHTING IF HIS LIFE IS SPARED BECAUSE HE IS NO LONGER IN CONTROL OF HIS MEN.

THE PRESIDING JUDGE ANNOUNCED WEDNESDAY THAT THE PROSECUTION'S CASE WAS COMPLETE AND CALLED ON THE DEFENSE TO PRESENT ITS CASE. DEFENSE LAWYERS SAY THEY NEED MORE TIME TO PREPARE THEIR CASE AND ARE DEMANDING A RECESS. (SIGNED)
NEB/AZ/GE
02-Jun-99 1:17 PM EDT (1717 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: STOCK PRICES IN THE UNITED STATES WERE MIXED TODAY (WEDNESDAY), BUT INTEREST-RATE CONCERNS SEEMED TO EASE A BIT AFTER THE HEAD OF THE U-S CENTRAL BANK SAID NOTHING NEW ABOUT THEM. V-O-A BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT BRECK ARDERY REPORTS FROM NEW YORK.

TEXT: THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE CLOSED AT 10-THOUSAND-577, DOWN 18 POINTS. THE STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 INDEX CLOSED AT 12-HUNDRED-94, UP ONE-HALF POINT. THE NASDAQ INDEX GAINED ALMOST ONE PERCENT.

TRADERS CONTINUED TO WORRY ABOUT HIGHER INTEREST RATES AND MANY WERE ANXIOUS IN ADVANCE OF AN EARLY-AFTERNOON SPEECH BY U-S CENTRAL BANK CHAIRMAN ALAN GREENSPAN. HOWEVER, MR. GREENSPAN SAID NOTHING ABOUT INTEREST RATES OR THE ECONOMY IN GENERAL, CONFINING HIS REMARKS TO THE IMPORTANCE OF TECHNOLOGY AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE.

NEW HOME SALES IN THE UNITED STATES SURGED BY MORE THAN NINE PERCENT IN APRIL TO THE SECOND-LARGEST MONTHLY RATE IN HISTORY.

JAMES SMITH, CHIEF ECONOMIST AT THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOMEBUILDERS, SAYS THERE ARE THREE MAIN REASONS FOR THE JUMP IN BUYING.

WE HAVE MORE PEOPLE EMPLOYED THAN EVER BEFORE. WE HAVE MORE PEOPLE EARNING MORE MONEY THAN EVER BEFORE, WITH REASONABLY-GOOD MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE.

THE DEMAND IS PUSHING NEW HOME PRICES TO RECORD HIGHS.

AUTO AND LIGHT TRUCK SALES ARE ALSO SOARING. THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY SAYS ITS U-S VEHICLE SALES JUMPED BY 11 PERCENT IN MAY. DAIMLER-CHRYSLER'S AMERICAN BRANDS GAINED SIX PERCENT. BUT GENERAL MOTORS CONTINUED TO LOSE MARKET SHARE, WITH SALES FALLING FIVE PERCENT.

BARNES AND NOBLE, THE LARGEST U-S BOOK RETAILER, IS ABANDONING PLANS TO BUY THE INGRAM COMPANY, THE NATION'S LARGEST BOOK WHOLESALER. BARNES AND NOBLE SAID THE DEAL WAS DROPPED BECAUSE IT DID NOT WANT TO ENGAGE IN A LONG LEGAL BATTLE. FEDERAL REGULATORS WERE EXPECTED TO FIGHT THE TAKEOVER, ON THE GROUNDS THAT IT WOULD CREATE UNFAIR COMPETITION IN THE U-S BOOK BUSINESS.

WESTWOOD ONE, THE LARGEST RADIO NETWORK IN THE UNITED STATES, WILL ACQUIRE METRO NETWORKS, FOR 900-MILLION DOLLARS IN STOCK. METRO PROVIDES TRAFFIC, WEATHER AND SPORTS REPORTS TO LOCAL RADIO STATIONS.

A POTENTIAL DISASTER FOR THE U-S AUTO INDUSTRY HAS BEEN AVERTED WITH THE END OF A STRIKE THREAT AGAINST THE TRUCKING COMPANIES THAT TRANSPORT NEW CARS AND TRUCKS. THE TEAMSTERS UNION HAS AGREED TO A FOUR-YEAR CONTRACT WITH THE TRUCKING COMPANIES.

AMERITRADE, THE INTERNET-BASED STOCK BROKERAGE COMPANY, HAS ANNOUNCED A THREE-FOR-ONE STOCK SPLIT. IT IS THE SECOND TIME THIS YEAR THAT AMERITRADE HAS SPLIT ITS STOCK.

THE BANK OF SCOTLAND NOW SAYS A PLANNED PARTNERSHIP WITH AMERICAN TELEVANGELIST [TELEVISION PREACHER] PAT ROBERTSON IS BEING RE-EXAMINED. THE IDEA WAS FOR THE BANK TO TAP INTO MR. ROBERTSON'S MILLIONS OF FOLLOWERS BY SETTING UP A U-S TELEPHONE BANKING COMPANY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HIM. THE PLANNED VENTURE DREW CRITICISM FROM GAY-RIGHTS GROUPS, TRADE UNIONS AND SOME CHURCH LEADERS IN SCOTLAND, WHO VIEW MR. ROBERTSON AS AN EXTREMIST. THE BANK SAYS MR. ROBERTSON'S RECENT CHARACTERIZATION OF SCOTLAND AS AN "UN-CHRISTIAN HAVEN FOR HOMOSEXUALS" WILL CAUSE IT TO RECONSIDER THE PARTNERSHIP. (SIGNED) NEB/NY/BA/LSF/WTW
02-Jun-99 5:18 PM EDT (2118 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[23] WEDNESDAY'S EDITORIALS BY RALPH ECKHARDT (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: U-S EDITORIAL WRITERS ARE ADDRESSING THE SOUTH AFRICAN ELECTIONS AND THE KOSOVO CONFLICT AS THE SEARCH FOR PEACE CONTINUES. HERE WITH SOME EXCERPTS FROM WEDNESDAY'S PRESS IS ____________ AND TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

TEXT: THE NATIONAL DAILY "CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR" CELEBRATES NELSON MANDELA AND SOUTH AFRICA'S SUCCESS AS IT CONDUCTS ITS SECOND OPEN ELECTIONS.

VOICE: SOUTH AFRICA'S STORY SINCE NELSON MANDELA WALKED OUT OF PRISON NEARLY A DECADE AGO HAS BEEN ONE OF PROGRESS: PROGRESS DEFINED BY THE ABSENCE OF THE VIOLENT SOCIAL EXPLOSIONS WIDELY ANTICIPATED IN APARTHEID'S WAKE. MR. MANDELA GETS CREDIT FOR THE PROGRESS SO FAR. HIS EMPHASIS ON RECONCILIATION HELD THE NATION TOGETHER. IT IS NOW UP TO HIS PROBABLE SUCCESSOR, THABO MBEKI, TO SUSTAIN MANDELA'S THEME, WHILE EXPANDING SERVICES FOR MILLIONS OF POOR, UNEMPLOYED SOUTH AFRICANS.

TEXT: "THE WASHINGTON TIMES" ALSO CREDITS PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA FOR WHAT IT CALLS -- HIS SUCCESSFUL STEWARDSHIP TOWARD RACIAL TOLERANCE IN THE FACE OF CHAOTIC AND VIOLENT UPHEAVAL.

VOICE: THE COUNTRY HAS THE BRIGHTEST FUTURE IN THE CONTINENT, AND ITS ECONOMIC PROGRESS WILL BENEFIT ALL ITS CITIZENS AND EVENTUALLY HELP CLEAR THE WAY FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT. FORTUNATELY MR. MANDELA LEFT BEHIND A REASONABLE FISCAL EXAMPLE WHICH WAS BETTER THAN EXPECTED.

TEXT: "THE WASHINGTON POST" CALLS MR. MANDELA'S SUCCESS HIS -- GIFTS TO HIS COUNTRY. IT CALLS FOR SOUTH AFRICANS TO FOLLOW HIS EXAMPLE.

VOICE: NELSON MANDELA'S GIFTS ... HAVE BEEN MANY AND INCOMPARABLE: HIS LEADERSHIP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST APARTHEID, HIS COURAGE IN CAPTIVITY, HIS FORGIVENESS OF HIS ENEMIES, HIS DIGNITY AND WISDOM AS PRESIDENT AFTER APARTHEID. BUT PERHAPS NO CONTRIBUTION WILL PROVE MORE SIGNIFICANT THAN HIS WILLING CEDING OF POWER AND HIS DELIBERATE PREPARATION OF A NEW GENERATION TO TAKE OVER. CHARISMATIC LEADERS WHO CAN MOVE FROM REVOLUTION TO GOVERNING ARE RARE ENOUGH; THOSE WHO CAN DO SO AND THEN GRACEFULLY RETIRE ARE EVEN RARER.

TEXT: REPORTS ARE COMING FROM WASHINGTON, MOSCOW, AND BELGRADE INDICATING YUGOSLAVIA MAY BE NEAR AGREEING TO NATO TERMS FOR WITHDRAWAL FROM KOSOVO. "THE MIAMI HERALD" SAYS NATO SHOULD HALT BOMBING SERBIA TO TEST THE PROSPECTS.

VOICE: ON THE SURFACE, NATO'S WAR IN YUGOSLAVIA CONTINUES IN THE SAME VEIN TODAY AS WHEN IT STARTED 11 WEEKS AGO. ...BUT RECENT OVERTURES HINT OF AN OPENING FOR PEACE IN EXCHANGE FOR A SMALL CONCESSION -- SUSPENDING THE BOMBING. NATO SHOULD SEIZE THE MOMENT. NATO NEED NOT ABANDON ITS THREE BASIC DEMANDS -- COMPLETE WITHDRAWAL OF SERBIAN MILITARY UNITS FROM KOSOVO, A RETURN OF ETHNIC ALBANIANS, AND A NATO-LED PEACEKEEPING FORCE TO ENSURE SECURITY FOR KOSOVO. A CESSATION OF BOMBING WILL CLEARLY TEST [YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN] MILOSEVIC'S INTEREST IN SPARING HIS PEOPLE FURTHER DEVASTATION.

TEXT: "THE LOS ANGELES TIMES" SAYS THE NATO BOMBING CAMPAIGN IS TAKING ITS TOLL ON SERBIA, AND NATO MUST NOT BACK DOWN FROM ITS PRINCIPLES.

VOICE: DIPLOMACY IS BEING GIVEN EVERY CHANCE NOW TO RESOLVE THE CONFLICT, AND UNDER THE PRESSURE OF ALLIED BOMBING IT MIGHT SUCCEED. CERTAINLY WE WANT DIPLOMACY TO SUCCEED. BUT THERE CAN BE NO AMBIGUITY ABOUT HOW SUCCESS IS MEASURED. THE FIGHT NATO HAS BEEN WAGING WILL BE VALIDATED ONLY WHEN ITS CORE DEMANDS FOR KOSOVO ARE ACCEPTED BY BELGRADE.

TEXT: THOSE COMMENTS CONCLUDE THIS SAMPLE OF EDITORIALS FROM U-S NEWSPAPERS FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE SECOND, 1999.
NEB/RAE/KL NEB/RAE/
02-Jun-99 11:38 AM EDT (1538 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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