Voice of America, 11 September 1995

From: yanni@ix.netcom.com (Ioannis Bousnakis)

Voice of America Directory

CONTENTS

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

INTRO: THE PREDOMINANT THEME OF MANY EDITORIAL PAGES IN THE U.S. THIS MONDAY CONCERNS LOCAL AND REGIONAL ISSUES. HOWEVER THERE ARE SOME NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MATTERS UNDER DISCUSSION, INCLUDING THE POTENTIAL SHUTDOWN OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT OVER BUDGETARY DECISIONS: THE TORTUOUS PATH TOWARD PEACE IN NORTHERN IRELAND; THE DISINTEGRATION OF THE FORMER SOVIET GEORGIA; AND RACISM AMONG THE NATION'S POLICE DEPARTMENTS. NOW, HERE IS _____________ WITH A CLOSER LOOK IN TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

TEXT: SEVERAL PAPERS INCLUDING "THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR" AND THE WASHINGTON POST" COMMENTED ON WHAT HAS BECOME KNOWN, IN SLANG TERMS, AS "THE TRAIN WRECK." THAT IS, THE LOOMING POSSIBILITY THAT PERHAPS AS EARLY AS OCTOBER FIRST, THE U-S GOVERNMENT MAY ACTUALLY SHUT DOWN BECAUSE OF BUDGETARY PROBLEMS. THIS DEVELOPMENT CAUSED "THE MONITOR" TO SAY, IN PART:

VOICE: "TRAIN WRECKS AREN'T INEVITABLE. JUDGMENT AND PROMPT ACTION CAN AVOID THEM WHETHER ON THE RAILS OR IN WASHINGTON. COLLISION IMAGERY SEEMS TO HAVE A LOCK ON WASHINGTON RIGHT NOW BECAUSE CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS AND THE PRESIDENT HAVE SHARPLY DIFFERENT CONCEPTS OF HOW TO BRAKE THE FEDERAL BUDGET THIS YEAR AND OVER THE NEXT DECADE. THE MUCH PREDICTED CRASH WOULD COME IF PRESIDENT CLINTON REFUSES, PROBABLY IN MID-NOVEMBER, TO SIGN A BUDGET RECONCILIATION BILL TO WHICH HAS BEEN COUPLED A MEASURE LIFTING THE LIMIT ON THE NATIONAL DEBT. FAILURE TO ENACT THE LATTER WOULD PRESAGE A SHUTDOWN OF FEDERAL OFFICES TO PREVENT DEFAULT. ...... POLITICAL CALCULATIONS WILL SWAY MUCH OF WHAT CONGRESS AND THE WHITE HOUSE DO IN COMING WEEKS. BUT THE VOTING PUBLIC IS NOT LIKELY TO BE IMPRESSED BY EITHER SIDE IF DEADLOCK PREVAILS THIS FALL."

TEXT: MEANWHILE, "THE WASHINGTON POST" DISCUSSED ANOTHER LOOMING THREAT TO THE STABILITY OF GOVERNMENT.

VOICE: "IT PROBABLY WON'T HAPPEN, AND IT CERTAINLY SHOULDN'T HAPPEN - - BUT IT MIGHT. SOMETIME IN MID-OCTOBER THE NATIONAL DEBT WILL HIT THE LEGAL LIMIT, AND IF CONGRESS HASN'T ENACTED LEGISLATION TO RAISE IT BY THEN, A CRISIS WILL FOLLOW. IT'S A FAMILIAR SITUATION. CONGRESS HAS RAISED THE DEBT LIMIT 19 TIMES IN THE PAST 10 YEARS, USUALLY WITH LITTLE DISCUSSION OR NOTICE. BUT THERE'S AN OUTSIDE CHANCE [SLIM CHANCE] THAT, IN THIS RESPECT AS IN MANY OTHERS, THIS YEAR WILL BE DIFFERENT. A MISCALCULATION WOULD BE EXPENSIVE. ..... HOLDING THE DEBT LIMIT HOSTAGE TO VARIOUS COMPETING BUDGET CUTS IS A PERVERSE WAY TO GET THE DEFICIT DOWN."

TEXT: TURNING TO INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, "THE NEW YORK TIMES" WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE PEACE EFFORTS BETWEEN THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND NORTHERN IRELAND'S WARRING PARTIES:

VOICE: "THE PEACE PROCESS IN IRELAND HAS ENTERED A DANGEROUS STAGE. ..... THERE IS INTRANSIGENCE ON BOTH SIDES. ..... THE IRISH FOREIGN MINISTER, DICK SPRING, IN A SPEECH ON FRIDAY, REMINDED ALL THE PARTIES THAT 'THE GUARANTEE OF PERMANENT PEACE COMES ONLY FROM THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF THOSE WHO MIGHT BE TEMPTED TO USE WEAPONS.' IT IS IN THOSE HEARTS AND MINDS, RATHER THAN IN THE ARSENALS OF EITHER SIDE, THAT REAL CHANGE MUST OCCUR."

TEXT: IN BALTIMORE, "THE SUN" LAMENTED THE DISINTEGRATION OF SO MANY OF THE FORMER SOVIET REPUBLICS, ESPECIALLY GEORGIA:

VOICE: "OF ALL THE FORMER SOVIET REPUBLICS, GEORGIA'S HAS THE WORST ECONOMY. CAN THINGS GET ANY WORSE? JUST ASK PRESIDENT SHEVARDNADZE, WHO RECENTLY ESCAPED AN ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT WITH CUTS AND BRUISES ..... GEORGIA UNDER MR. SHEVARDNADZE IS FAR AWAY FROM ACHIEVING THE STABILITY OF NORMAL CONDITIONS. BUT THE CRIME BOSSES APPARENTLY DID NOT WANT TO TAKE ANY CHANCES. THAT'S WHY THEY WANTED TO BUMP OFF [KILL] A MAN WHO ONCE RULED HIS NATIVE LAND WITH THE IRON HAND OF A COMMUNIST LEADER, WHO HAD THE RANK OF A GENERAL IN THE INTERIOR MINISTRY POLICE, WHO WENT ON TO BE A RESPECTED DIPLOMATIST. WHAT A SAD LAND."

TEXT: MEANWHILE, AN EDITORIAL IN THE "WALL STREET JOURNAL" PRAISED THE EMERGING RUSSIAN BANKING SYSTEM:

VOICE: ".... SURPRISINGLY ENOUGH, RUSSIA OF LATE ACTUALLY SEEMS TO BE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. RUSSIAN BANKERS, OF ALL PEOPLE, [MEANING AN UNLIKELY GROUP] CONSTITUTE THE FIRST BIT OF GOOD NEWS: THEY'RE BEGINNING TO LEARN THAT IT'S MORE DIFFICULT TO RUN A BANK THAN THEY HAD IMAGINED. ..... SOME OF THE MORE SERIOUS AMONG THEM MIGHT BE FORCED TO RESORT TO SERIOUS BANKING AS A RESULT. .... OF COURSE, DANGERS TO ECONOMIC REFORM REMAIN. ... BUT ... IF THE CENTRAL BANK STICKS TO ITS RUBLE POLICY AND TO ITS EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE REAL BANKING, THAT WILL BE A VERY GOOD START TOWARD REBUILDING THE RUSSIAN ECONOMY."

TEXT: TURNING BACK TO DOMESTIC AFFAIRS, THE LONG ISLAND PAPER "NEWSDAY" COMMENTED ON THE CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATION INTO THE 1992 FEDERAL SIEGE NEAR RUBY RIDGE, IDAHO. THE ACTION BY GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES RESULTED IN THE DEATHS OF A FEDERAL MARSHAL, AND THE MOTHER AND SON OF RANDALL WEAVER, A WHITE SEPARATIST:

VOICE: "[MR.] WEAVER IS HARDLY BLAMELESS HERE. BUT EVEN IF HE'S A RACIST, AN ILLEGAL GUN DEALER AND PARANOID ABOUT GOVERNMENT, IT'S HARD TO SEE HOW THE FEDS CAN JUSTIFY THEIR HANDLING OF HIS CASE."

TEXT: MEANWHILE, "THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR" DISCUSSING THE SAME INCIDENT, POINTED OUT:

VOICE: "IT APPEARS THAT THE BUREAU NOT ONLY BOTCHED THE AFFAIR, BUT EXCEEDED ITS OWN POLICY BY ISSUING WHAT, AT LEAST, WERE AMBIGUOUS SHOOT-TO-KILL ORDERS. ..... CONSTITUTIONAL PROHIBITIONS ON RECKLESS POLICE BEHAVIOR DISTINGUISH AMERICA FROM, SAY, KENYA OR ALGERIA. IT'S CLEAR THAT CONGRESS, THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT, AND THE F-B-I SHOULD TAKE IMMEDIATE STEPS TO PREVENT A RECURRENCE."

TEXT: [BEGIN OPT] AND FINALLY, "THE NEW YORK TIMES" COMMENTED ON THE LATEST REVELATIONS IN THE O-J SIMPSON MURDER TRIAL. THEY CONCERNED THE RACIAL ATTITUDES OF PROSEUCTION WITNESS AND FORMER LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT DETECTIVE MARK FURMAN. HIS ATTITUES WERE REVEALED IN TAPE RECORDINGS MADE FOR A POSSIBLE MOTION PICTURE AND COULD HAVE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE TRIAL.

VOICE: "FIRST CAME THE L-A P-D'S SAVAGE, VIDEOTAPED BEATING OF RODNEY KING. NOW COMES WHAT BLACK ANGELENOS ARE CALLING 'THE SOUNDTRACK' FOR THE KING BEATING - - THE RACIST RAMBLINGS OF MARK FUHRMAN, RETIRED POLICEMAN AND PIVOTAL WITNESS IN THE O-J SIMPSON TRIAL. THE STATEMENTS ATTRIBUTED TO MR. FUHRMAN AT TRIAL [OPT] ('THE ONLY GOOD NIGGER IS A DEAD NIGGER'...) [END OPT] EVOKE IMAGES OF KLANSMEN AT A LYNCHING BEE. UNTIL REVELATIONS LIKE THESE, MANY WHITES VIEWED COMPLAINTS OF RACIST LAW ENFORCEMENT AS FIGMENTS OF BLACK PARANOIA. ... MARK FUHRMAN'S RAVINGS ARE OF MORE THAN JUST REGIONAL CONCERN. THEY UNDERMINE NOT JUST CONFIDENCE IN THE POLICE, BUT FAITH IN THE BASIC GUARANTEES UPON WHICH THE COUNTRY WAS FOUNDED." [END OPT]

TEXT: AND WITH THAT, WE CONCLUDE THIS BRIEF SAMPLING OF SOME OF MONDAY'S EDITORIALS AROUND THE NATION.

ANG/NL

11-Sep-95 11:31 AM EDT (1531 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[02] BOSNIA/MISSILES (L) BY DAVID FOLEY (SARAJEVO)

INTRO: NATO HAS USED CRUISE MISSILES TO ATTACK BOSNIAN-SERB AIR DEFENSES IN NORTHWESTERN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA, AND OFFICIALS SAY THE NATO BOMBING CAMPAIGN WILL INTENSIFY. THE MISSILE ATTACKS FOLLOWED WHAT U-N OFFICIALS DESCRIBED AS A FAILED MEETING BETWEEN THE BOSNIAN-SERB AND U-N MILITARY COMMANDERS TO DISCUSS COMPLIANCE WITH U-N AND NATO DEMANDS. DAVID FOLEY REPORTS FROM SARAJEVO.

TEXT: THE 13 TOMAHAWK CRUISE MISSILES, FIRED FROM A U-S NAVY CRUISER IN THE ADRIATIC, STRUCK BOSNIAN-SERB AIR DEFENSE POSITIONS NEAR BANJA LUKA IN NORTHWESTERN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. BANJA LUKA IS THE LARGEST CITY THE IN SERB-CONTROLLED AREA OF THE COUNTRY AND THE BOSNIAN-SERB'S AIR DEFENSE HEADQUARTERS IS LOCATED NEAR THE CITY.

U-N MILITARY SPOKESMAN LIEUTENANT COLONEL CHRIS VERNON SAID NATO WOULD CONCENTRATE AIR ATTACKS IN THE AREA AND EXPLAINED THE NEED FOR THE MISSILE ATTACKS.

ONCE THE CENTER OF ACTIVITY WAS MOVING TO NORTHWEST BOSNIA, CLEARLY WE HAD TO BE SURE WE CREATED A COMPLETELY BENIGN AIR DEFENSE ENVIRONMENT, AND WHAT YOU SAW AROUND BANJA LUKA WAS THE MANIFESTATION OF THAT.

THE CRUISE MISSILE STRIKES FOLLOWED WHAT U-N OFFICIALS DESCRIBED AS A SHORT MEETING SUNDAY BETWEEN THE U-N MILITARY COMMANDER, FRENCH GENERAL BERNARD JANVIER, AND BOSNIAN-SERB MILITARY COMMANDER RATKO MLADIC.

U-N SPOKESMAN ALEX IVANKO DESCRIBED GENERAL MLADIC'S RESPONSE TO THE U-N AND NATO DEMANDS SERB HEAVY WEAPONS BE MOVED OUT OF THE 20-KILOMETER EXCLUSION ZONE AROUND SARAJEVO, AND THE SIEGE OF THE CITY BE LIFTED.

GENERAL MLADIC INFORMED GENERAL JANVIER THAT HE WILL NOT RESPOND TO THESE DEMANDS IF THE NATO AIR OPERATIONS CONTINUE. AT THAT POINT, IT WAS CLEAR THAT THERE WAS NO MORE REASON TO CONTINUE THE MEETING.

U-N OFFICIALS SAY THE BOMBING WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE SERBS COMPLY WITH U-N AND NATO DEMANDS. THERE IS NO SIGN THE SERBS ARE MOVING THEIR HEAVY WEAPONS OUT, BUT U-N OFFICIALS SAY THE GUNS WILL NOT BE ATTACKED, IN A CONTINUING EFFORT TO GIVE THE SERBS A CHANCE TO COMPLY WITH THE DEMANDS.

DESPITE THAT RESTRAINT, NATO JETS HAVE CONTINUED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PERFECT WEATHER OVER SARAJEVO, LAUNCHING AIR STRIKES ON SERB TARGETS ALL AROUND THE CITY. LARGE CLOUDS OF SMOKE COULD BE SEEN ON THE HILLS ABOVE SARAJEVO, AND THE SERB'S LUKAVICA BARRACKS COMPLEX WEST OF THE CITY WAS BOMBED AGAIN.

U-N OFFICIALS ALSO SAY THEY HAVE HAD TO CANCEL, FOR A SECOND DAY, THE PLANNED VISIT OF A U-N INVESTIGATING TEAM TO A HOSPITAL WHICH THE SERBS SAY WAS HIT BY U-N ARTILLERY SHELLS LAST FRIDAY, KILLING 10 PEOPLE. U-N OFFICIALS SAY THE SERBS HAVE NOT PROVIDED PROMISED SECURITY GUARANTEES FOR THE INVESTIGATING TEAM. (SIGNED)

NEB/DF/JWH/RAE
11-Sep-95 11:20 AM EDT (1520 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[03] BOSNIA / CRUISE MISSILES BY ANDRE DE NESNERA (LONDON)

INTRO: FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE BOSNIAN CONFLICT, NATO HAS USED CRUISE MISSILES AGAINST BOSNIAN-SERB POSITIONS. IN THIS BACKGROUND REPORT FROM LONDON, V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ANDRE DE NESNERA LOOKS AT THE REASONS NATO USED CRUISE MISSILES -- A MOVE MANY DEFENSE ANALYSTS BELIEVE IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF NATO'S NEW GET-TOUGH ATTITUDE TOWARD THE BOSNIAN SERBS.

TEXT: FOR THE PAST 10-DAYS, NATO WARPLANES STRUCK BOSNIAN-SERB POSITIONS AROUND SARAJEVO AND IN EASTERN BOSNIA. THE WESTERN MILITARY MIGHT WAS AIMED AT FORCING BOSNIAN SERBS TO REMOVE THEIR HEAVY ARTILLERY AROUND SARAJEVO -- BUT TO NO AVAIL.

NATO HAS NOW INCREASED THE PRESSURE ON THE BOSNIAN SERB MILITARY BY LAUNCHING WHAT IS ARGUABLY THE MOST SOPHISTICATED AND DEADLY WEAPON IN ITS NON-NUCLEAR ARSENAL -- THE SEA-LAUNCHED CRUISE MISSILE KNOWN AS TOMAHAWK.

PAUL BEAVER, SENIOR DEFENSE ANALYST WITH THE BRITISH PUBLICATION "JANE'S DEFENSE WEEKLY," SAYS THE STRENGTH OF THE CRUISE MISSILE LIES IN ITS PINPOINT ACCURACY.

IT IS ABLE TO FLY IN BAD WEATHER -- ANYTHING UP TO ABOUT HURRICANE FORCE WINDS. IT HAS THE CAPABILITY OF FINDING A VERY PRECISE TARGET AND FOLLOWING A ROUTE INTO THE TARGET TO AVOID AIR DEFENSES. CLASSICALLY, IT HAS BEEN KNOWN TO TURN CORNERS IN THE STREETS OF BAGHDAD -- ACCORDING TO JOURNALISTS WHO WERE THERE AT THE TIME -- AND THAT IS WHERE IT WAS FIRST USED, IN THE GULF WAR. LATER IN 1993, IT WAS USED AGAINST THE IRAQI INTELLIGENCE HEADQUARTERS AND AGAINST THE SUSPECTED BIOLOGICAL AND NUCLEAR FACTORY IN IRAQ.

CRUISE MISSILES WERE LAUNCHED FROM A U-S SHIP IN THE ADRIATIC, AND THE FIRST TARGET WAS AROUND BANJA LUKA IN NORTHWESTERN BOSNIA, SEVERAL-HUNDRED KILOMETERS FROM SARAJEVO. MR. BEAVER SAYS THE GOAL WAS TO HIT A MAJOR AIR DEFENSE COMPLEX.

DURING THE TIME OF YUGOSLAVIA, BACK IN THE 1980'S WHEN ALL SIX REPUBLICS WERE PART OF A SOCIALIST FEDERAL REPUBLIC, BANJA LUKA WAS THE MAIN AIR CENTER. IT HAS A COMPLEX OF AIRFIELDS -- TWO OR THREE WE BELIEVE NOW ARE FULLY OPERATIONAL IN THE HANDS OF THE BOSNIAN SERBS, ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE NOT BEEN USED FOR AIR OPERATIONS FOR SOME TIME. BUT THEY ARE SURROUNDED BY A VERY COMPREHENSIVE AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM WHICH STRETCHES RIGHT ACROSS BOSNIA AND CERTAINLY ACROSS THE LANDS OCCUPIED BY THE BOSNIAN SERBS.

MR. BEAVER SAYS THE TARGETS ALSO INCLUDED COMMAND CENTERS, AMMUNITION DUMPS, BUNKERS WHERE THE ANTI-AIRCRAFT MISSILES ARE STORED, AND THE MISSILE LAUNCHERS THEMSELVES. BY TAKING OUT AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS IN THE BANJA LUKA AREA, MR. BEAVER SAYS NATO CAN EXPAND ITS AIR STRIKES IN THAT REGION WITHOUT UNDUE FEARS OF A WARPLANE BEING SHOT DOWN.

THE BRITISH DEFENSE ANALYST ALSO SAYS NATO HAS SWITCHED ITS INITIAL TARGETING POLICY.

ORIGINALLY, MOST OF US WERE LED TO BELIEVE THAT NATO WANTED TO ENSURE THAT SARAJEVO'S AID ROUTES WERE IN PLACE AND THAT THE BOSNIAN SERBS COULD NO LONGER STOP AID SUPPLIES GETTING INTO THE BOSNIAN CAPITAL. THEY HAVE NOW SWITCHED TARGETS AND HAVE BEEN DOING IT GRADUALLY OVER THE LAST FEW DAYS -- HITTING BRIDGES AND TARGETS RIGHT ACROSS THE BOSNIAN SERB HELD AREAS OF BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA.

MR. BEAVER SAYS NATO IS READY TO CONTINUE ITS CRUISE MISSILE ATTACKS, BUT HE SAID THE WESTERN ALLIANCE MUST NOT SHOW SIGNS OF DESPERATION BY THROWING ALL ITS MILITARY HIGH TECHNOLOGY AGAINST THE BOSNIAN-SERB ARMY. (SIGNED) NEB/ADEN/JWH/RAE 11-Sep-95 8:49 AM EDT (1249 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[04] BOSNIA / NATO (L) BY VICTOR BEATTIE (WASHINGTON )

INTRO: A U-S WARSHIP IN THE ADRIATIC SEA FIRED 13 "TOMAHAWK" CRUISE MISSILES LATE SUNDAY AT BOSNIAN SERB AIR DEFENSE SITES IN NORTHWEST BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. V-O-A'S VICTOR BEATTIE REPORTS THIS IS THE FIRST USE OF SUCH WEAPONS IN BOSNIA.

TEXT: NATO SPOKESWOMAN LIEUTENANT COLONEL JANICE WITT SAYS NATO OFFICIALS BELIEVE THE LAND-ATTACK MISSILES HIT THEIR TARGETS--THE AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS NEAR BANJA LUKA. THE MISSILES WERE LAUNCHED FROM THE U-S-S NORMANDY, A GUIDED-MISSILE CRUISER IN THE U-S SIXTH FLEET STATIONED IN THE ADRIATIC AS PART OF THE NATO OPERATION "DELIBERATE FORCE."

LIEUTENANT COLONEL WITT SAYS USE OF THE MISSILES IS VALUABLE BECAUSE IT ELIMINATES THE RISK OF HAVING NATO PILOTS SHOT DOWN WHILE CONDUCTING AIR STRIKES OVER BOSNIA.

THEY ARE DRIVEN BY SATELLITE-POSITIONING. THEY ARE QUITE ACCURATE -- THEY CANNOT BE SHOT DOWN AND THEREFORE THEY'RE MUCH SAFER TO USE AGAINST THOSE TYPES OF TARGETS THAN USING OUR VERY VALUABLE PILOTS AND AIRCRAFT.

THEY CAN ALSO BE USED UNDER ANY WEATHER CONDITIONS. THEY WERE LAST USED AGAINST IRAQ BY THE U-S NAVY IN 1993.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL WITT DENIES REPORTS THAT USE OF THE TOMAHAWKS REPRESENTS AN EXPANSION OF THE NATO MISSION.

THE NATO SPOKESWOMAN SAYS THAT AFTER THE CRUISE MISSILE ATTACKS, F-15 AND F-18 NATO WARPLANES ATTACKED BOSNIAN SERB TARGETS AROUND BANJA LUKA. SHE SAYS PRECISION LASER-GUIDED MISSILES WERE USED IN THOSE RAIDS. THE PLANES WERE FROM THE U-S-S THEODORE ROOSEVELT IN THE ADRIATIC AND THE AIRBASE AT AVIANO, ITALY.

THERE WERE NO NATO ATTACKS WHILE BOSNIAN SERB COMMANDER RATKO MLADIC AND FRENCH U-N PEACEKEEPING COMMANDER BERNARD JANVIER MET TO DISCUSS BOSNIAN SERB COMPLIANCE WITH U-N DEMANDS. BUT SHE SAYS NO PROGRESS WAS REPORTED IN THE DISCUSSIONS AND THAT THE NATO ATTACKS WILL CONTINUE FOR THE FORSEEABLE FUTURE. (SIGNED)

NEB/VB/SKH
10-Sep-95 10:31 PM EDT (0231 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[05] CLINTON-BOSNIA (L) BY DAVE BORGIDA (CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS)

INTRO: PRESIDENT CLINTON FULLY SUPPORTS THE DECISION BY NATO MILITARY COMMANDERS TO USE TOMAHAWK CRUISE MISSILES IN ATTACKING BOSNIAN-SERB SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILES AND DENIES IT REPRESENTS ANY ESCALATION IN NATO'S MILITARY POSTURE. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT DAVID BORGIDA IS TRAVELING WITH THE PRESIDENT IN CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS.

TEXT: CLINTON SPOKESMAN MIKE MCCURRY SAYS THE PRESIDENT FULLY SUPPORTS THE USE OF THE CRUISE MISSILES AS A MEANS OF PROTECTING ALLIED AND U-S PILOTS FROM BOSNIAN-SERB AIR DEFENSES. HE TOLD REPORTERS THE MISSILES ARE ALSO ACCURATE IN BAD WEATHER, MINIMIZING COLLATERAL (UNINTENDED) DAMAGE.

THE CLINTON SPOKESMAN SAYS THE PRESIDENT HAD APPROVED THE AIR CAMPAIGN AND BOMBING PLAN, AND WAS AWARE THE MISSION COULD INCLUDE USE OF THE CRUISE MISSILES. HE SAID THE PRESIDENT DID NOT HAVE TO GIVE SPECIFIC APPROVAL FOR USE OF THE CRUISE MISSILES -- THAT WAS LEFT UP TO THE NATO MILITARY COMMANDERS.

HE SAYS THE ADMINISTRATION REALIZES IT IS POSSIBLE THE AIR CAMPAIGN MIGHT ADVERSELY AFFECT DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS TO BRING A LASTING PEACE TO BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. BUT HE NOTES NATO'S REASON FOR THE AIR CAMPAIGN -- TO END THE BOSNIAN-SERB SIEGE OF SARAJEVO -- AND ISSUES TO BE DISCUSSED ON THE DIPLOMATIC FRONT ARE UNRELATED. HE SAYS THE ADMINISTRATION BELIEVES THE BOSNIAN SERBS CAN WITHDRAW HEAVY WEAPONS FROM SARAJEVO WITHOUT ANY IMPACT ON THE DIPLOMATIC DIALOGUE.

MR. MCCURRY HAD NO DIRECT RESPONSE TO BOSNIAN-SERB ALLEGATIONS OF CIVILIAN DAMAGE FROM ARTILLERY ATTACKS DURING THE WEEKEND BY THE NATO RAPID REACTION FORCE. FOR DAYS, THE CLINTON SPOKESMAN HAS DOWNPLAYED RUSSIAN PRESIDENT BORIS YELTSIN'S CRITICISM OF THE NATO ATTACKS AGAINST THE BOSNIAN SERBS, RUSSIA'S TRADITIONAL ALLY. TO MR. YELTSIN'S THREATS TO REASSESS HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH NATO CAME AN ASSURANCE THE WEST VIEWS MOSCOW AS A KEY PLAYER IN THE SEARCH FOR PEACE IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. BUT MONDAY THE CLINTON SPOKESMAN SENT A SIGNAL TO MOSCOW THE ADMINISTRATION EXPECTS RUSSIA'S RELATIONSHIP WITH NATO TO CONTINUE IN WHAT HE CALLED -- A CLIMATE OF NO SURPRISES.

PRESIDENT CLINTON TRAVELLED TO ILLINOIS TO HIGHLIGHT DIFFERENCES WITH REPUBLICANS ABOUT EDUCATION SPENDING. HE HAS BEEN DENOUNCING REPUBLICAN PROPOSALS TO CUT EDUCATION SPENDING IN AN EFFORT TO BALANCE THE FEDERAL BUDGET WITHIN SEVEN YEARS.

IN A SPEECH AT SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, HE CONTINUED THIS RHETORICAL CAMPAIGN.

THE PRESIDENT DID NOT PUBLICLY MENTION THE BOSNIAN CONFLICT. BEFORE HIS NEXT FULL DAY BEGINS, THE MR. CLINTON WILL HAVE BEEN BRIEFED BY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE RICHARD HOLBROOKE, WHO LED THE U-S DIPLOMATIC MISSION THAT PRODUCED A POLITICAL BREAKTHROUGH LAST WEEK IN GENEVA. (SIGNED) NEB/BORG/RAE 11-Sep-95 2:25 PM EDT (1825 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[06] CROATIA KILLINGS BY KYLE KING (KNIN)

INTRO: UNITED NATIONS OFFICIALS HAVE ACCUSED CROATIAN TROOPS OF KILLING FIVE ELDERLY SERB CIVILIANS IN A SMALL VILLAGE NEAR KNIN, THE FORMER SERB CAPITAL OF THE KRAJINA REGION. V-O-A'S KYLE KING REPORTS THE INTERNATIONAL WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL IN THE HAGUE IS EXPECTED TO SEND INVESTIGATORS TO THE SITE OF THE INCIDENT, WHICH U-N INTERNAL DOCUMENTS CALL ONE OF THE MOST SERIOUS CASES OF CROATIAN TROOPS KILLING CIVILIANS SINCE THEY RECAPTURED THE KRAJINA REGION LAST MONTH.

TEXT: THE CHICKENS, PIGS, AND CATTLE THAT WERE NOT SHOT WHEN THE VILLAGE OF GRUBORI WAS ATTACKED AND SET ON FIRE TWO WEEKS AGO, NOW WANDER AROUND THE SMOLDERING REMAINS OF THE HOUSES AND BARNS.

INSIDE ONE OF THE FEW UNDAMAGED HOMES, PLATES OF UNEATEN FOOD SIT ON THE KITCHEN TABLE, LEFT BEHIND BY THE HANDFUL OF TERRIFIED SURVIVORS WHO ARE NOW UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE UNITED NATIONS.

U-N SPOKESMAN ALUN ROBERTS WAS ONE OF THE FIRST PEOPLE TO ARRIVE AT THE SCENE OF THE AUGUST 25TH INCIDENT.

THE WHOLE VILLAGE WAS ALIGHT. THREE OLD WOMEN WERE STILL HERE, OR HAD JUST COME BACK TO THE VILLAGE, TOOK US AROUND ALL THE BUILDINGS WHICH WERE BURNING. CATTLE WERE INSIDE THEM. THERE WAS FOUR OR FIVE DEAD PIGS, SHOT DEAD. LATER WHEN WE CAME BACK IN THE EVENING TO SEE HOW THEY WERE, THEY SHOWED US THE BODIES OF THE PEOPLE, ONE WAS THE BODY OF AN ELDERLY MAN IN A ROOM. THE HOUSE WAS A LITTLE BIT BURNED. HE WAS IN HIS PAJAMAS BY HIS BED, LYING IN A POOL OF BLOOD. U-N CIVILIAN POLICE CHECKED THE BODY WITH A U-N HUMAN RIGHTS TEAM. HE HAD BEEN SHOT BEHIND THE EAR, HOLE THROUGH THE THROAT. A LITTLE WAY ALONG THE LANE THERE WAS ANOTHER HOUSE WITH A BODY ON THE FLOOR. WE COULDN'T BE SURE WHAT IT WAS. THE GENTLEMAN WHO WAS AT A MEETING WITH US ACROSS THE VALLEY SAID HE HAD BROUGHT HIM IN IN THE AFTERNOON WHILE WE WERE AWAY AND HE TURNED HIM OVER AND IT WAS REALLY DISTURBING, HIS WHOLE THROAT HAD BEEN CUT COMPLETELY IN TWO.

HE SAID THAT THE FOLLOWING DAY, U-N CIVILIAN POLICE RETURNED TO THE VILLAGE AND WERE SHOWN THE BODIES OF TWO OTHER ELDERLY SERB VILLAGERS WHO HAD BEEN FOUND SHOT IN THE HEAD AT CLOSE RANGE. INSIDE A GUTTED HOUSE, THEY SAW THE REMAINS OF A 90-YEAR-OLD WOMAN.

THE CROATIAN MILITARY COMMANDER FOR THE REGION, GENERAL IVAN CERMAK, HAS EXPRESSED REGRET FOR THE CIVILIAN CASUALTIES, SAYING THEY WERE KILLED ACCIDENTALLY WHEN CROATIAN TROOPS CAME UNDER FIRE DURING MOPING UP OPERATIONS AGAINST WHAT HE CALLED ENEMY RAIDERS AND TERRORISTS.

U-N OFFICIALS SAY THE KILLINGS APPEAR TO BE PART OF A PATTERN OF HARASSMENT AND REVENGE AIMED AT DRIVING THE REMAINING SERBS OUT OF THE COUNTRY. CROATIAN OFFICIALS IN ZAGREB DENY THIS, BUT THEY EXPRESSED LITTLE SYMPATHY FOR THE SERBS.

I DON'T KNOW, BUT EVERYBODY FORGETS WHAT HAPPENED DURING THESE FOUR YEARS. HAVE YOU SEEN ANY CROATIAN CHURCH THAT SURVIVED DURING THIS WAR. DID YOU SEE ANY CROATIAN VILLAGES, WHO IS NOW STANDING UNTOUCHED, NOT TO TALK ABOUT ABOUT CROATIAN PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN KILLED. NOBODY ASKS FOR THAT.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WOULD REALLY HELP WITH THE SITUATION, ESPECIALLY IN SECTOR SOUTH IS THAT RIGHT NOW FROM OUR REPORTS FROM OUR HUMAN RIGHTS TEAMS THERE, THE AREA IS VERY DOMINATED STILL BY THE CROATIAN MILITARY. AND ITS BEEN OUR EXPERIENCE THAT WHEN CIVILIAN POLICE COME IN, THAT CAN STABALIZE THE SITUATION. SO THAT IS ONE AREA WHERE I THINK THE CROATIAN GOVERNMENT COULD MAKE A SUBSTANTIAL DIFFERENCE.

NEB/KBK/JWH/CF
11-Sep-95 1:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[07] MALAYSIA / BOSNIA (L) BY DAN ROBINSON (KUALA LUMPUR)

INTRO: OFFICIALS FROM ISLAMIC COUNTRIES HAVE BEGUN A WEEK OF TALKS IN MALAYSIA TO ASSESS THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN BOSNIA AND CHART A COMMON POSITION ON THE QUESTION OF FUTURE MILITARY AID TO THE BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT. V-O-A'S DAN ROBINSON REPORTS REPRESENTATIVES OF 13 COUNTRIES -- INCLUDING THE EIGHT MEMBERS OF THE ISLAMIC CONTACT GROUP, AND OFFICIALS FROM BOSNIA AND CROATIA ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE TALKS:

TEXT: IN JULY, ISLAMIC COUNTRIES DECLARED THEY NO LONGER RECOGNIZED THE U-N ARMS EMBARGO AND SAID THEY WERE READY TO SEND MILITARY AID TO HELP THE BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT AGAINST THE SERBS. ON MONDAY, MILITARY COMMANDERS OF THE EIGHT ISLAMIC CONTACT NATIONS AND ISLAMIC COUNTRIES WITH TROOPS IN THE U-N PROTECTION FORCE BEGAN TALKS N KUALA LUMPUR AMID HOPEFUL PEACE MOVES, BUT ALSO AMID NATO BOMBING AND MISSILE ATTACKS AGAINST SERB MILITARY POSITIONS.

MALAYSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY OFFICIAL, AHMAD KAMIL JAAFAR, SAID OFFICIALS WERE, IN HIS WORDS -- OF ONE MIND -- AS TO HOW TO APPROACH THE SITUATION NOW AND IN THE FUTURE.

ASKED WHAT HE MEANT BY THAT, THE MALAYSIAN OFFICIAL REFERRED AGAIN TO WHAT HE CALLED THE IMPORTANT DECISION BY THE O-I-C ON JULY 21 ON THE ARMS EMBARGO. NOW, HE SAID, IT IS TIME FOR CONCRETE PROPOSALS:

THAT IT SHOULD BE MORE FOCUSED. THAT IT SHOULD DIRECT ITSELF TO CONCRETE PROPOSALS TOWARD HELPING BOSNIA AS IT FACES NOT ONLY THE SITUATION ON THE GROUND BUT ALSO AS IT FACES THE OTHER FACTIONS AT THE CONFERENCE TABLE.

BOSNIA WILL BE REPRESENTED BY AN 18-MEMBER DELEGATION, INCLUDING ITS FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTERS. CROATIA HAS SENT A FOUR-MEMBER DELEGATION.

AFTER MONDAY'S TALKS, MALAYSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY OFFICIAL AHMAD KAMIL JAAFAR SAID ISLAMIC OFFICIALS WERE STILL IN AGREEMENT THAT NATO AIRSTRIKES SHOULD CONTINUE, IN HIS WORDS, AS AN INSTRUMENT OF PEACE.

THE MALAYSIAN OFFICIAL GAVE ANOTHER INDICATION OF ISLAMIC RESOLVE TO HELP STRENGTHEN THE BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT WHICH HE SAID SHOULD NOT HAVE TO MAKE FURTHER COMPROMISES:

WE ARE LOOKING AT VARIOUS OPTIONS. WE WANT THE BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT TO BE STRONG ENOUGH TO FACE THE SERBS. AS YOU KNOW, THE SERBS HAVE A MASSIVE COLLECTION OF HEAVY WEAPONS. WHILE THE BOSNIAN ARMY IS NOT THAT WELL-EQUIPPED.

THE ISLAMIC CONTACT GROUP CONSISTS OF EGYPT, IRAN, MALAYSIA, MOROCCO, PAKISTAN, SAUDI ARABIA, SENEGAL AND TURKEY. INDONESIA, BANGLADESH AND JORDAN ARE IN KUALA LUMPUR AS TROOP CONTRIBUTING COUNTRIES. QATAR IS PRESENT AS AN OBSERVER. (SIGNED)

NEB/DR/CF
11-Sep-95 10:05 AM EDT (1405 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[08] NATO / BOSNIA (S-UPDATE) BY DAVID SWAN (PENTAGON)

INTRO: NATO IS NOT RULING OUT MORE CRUISE MISSILE ATTACKS IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA, FOLLOWING SUNDAY'S STRIKE ON THE SERB AIR DEFENSE NETWORK. V-O-A'S DAVID SWAN REPORTS, THE UNITED STATES MAY SOON DEPLOY ANOTHER SOPHISTICATED WEAPON IN THE BALKANS.

TEXT: DEFENSE OFFICIALS SAY THE PENTAGON PLANS TO SEND F-117 "STEALTH" FIGHTERS TO JOIN THE ALLIED AIR CAMPAIGN. THE JETS, WHICH HIT BAGHDAD HARD IN THE GULF WAR, COULD ARRIVE IN ITALY THIS WEEK.

OFFICIALS SAY THE RADAR-EVADING PLANES ARE NEEDED BECAUSE OF THE PERSISTENT THREAT FROM BOSNIAN SERB AIR DEFENSES. THE ALLIES TRIED TO CRIPPLE THE SYSTEM WITH "TOMAHAWK" CRUISE MISSILES, FIRED FROM A U-S SHIP IN THE ADRIATIC. A NATO OFFICIAL SAYS RADARS AND ANTI-AIRCRAFT BATTERIES WERE SEVERELY DAMAGED BUT THE NETWORK WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE OFFICIAL SAYS THERE IS NO INDICATION THE MISSILES CAUSED HEAVY CIVILIAN CASUALTIES AS THE SERBS CLAIM.

NATO INSISTS THE "TOMAHAWK" STRIKE IS NOT AN ESCALATION OF THE TWO-WEEK-OLD BOMBING CAMPAIGN, WHICH HAS SO FAR FAILED TO CONVINCE THE SERBS TO MOVE HEAVY WEAPONS AWAY FROM SARAJEVO. HOWEVER, RUSSIAN OFFICIALS HAVE WARNED THE RAIDS COULD THREATEN BOTH THE BOSNIAN PEACE PROCESS AND RUSSIAN RELATIONS WITH NATO. (SIGNED)

NEB/DS/PT
11-Sep-95 5:22 PM EDT (2122 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[09] NATO / RUSSIA (L ONLY) BY JOHN FRASER (BRUSSELS )

INTRO: RUSSIA SAYS CONTINUED NATO ATTACKS ON THE BOSNIAN SERBS COULD WRECK MOSCOW'S FRAGILE RELATIONS WITH THE ALLIANCE. JOHN FRASER IN BRUSSELS REPORTS THE RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR TO NATO, VITALY CHURKIN, MADE THE STATEMENT AT A SPECIAL MEETING WITH NATO AMBASSADORS IN THE BELGIAN CAPITAL.

TEXT: AMBASSADOR VITALY CHURKIN TOLD NATO AMBASSADORS THAT RUSSIA IS UNHAPPY WITH THE NATO AIR ATTACKS AGAINST THE BOSNIAN SERBS.

HE SAID THE ALLIANCE HAS FAILED IN ITS STATED AIM OF FORCING THE BOSNIAN SERBS TO REMOVE THEIR HEAVY WEAPONS FROM AROUND SARAJEVO. AND, HE SAID THAT AFTER 12 DAYS OF BOMBING, THE SITUATION HAS NOT IMPROVED.

IN OUR VIEW, WHAT IS GOING NOW IS A VERY RISKY THING. I MEAN, LUCK IS BEING PUSHED. CERTAINLY, RUSSIA IS VERY SUPPORTIVE OF THE POLITICAL AND NEGOTIATING PROCESS. AS YOU KNOW, THE NEXT MEETING OF THE CONTACT GROUP IS GOING TO TAKE PLACE ON OUR TERRITORY -- IN GENEVA AND MOSCOW -- THAT IS THE PLAN AT LEAST. BUT WE WORRY THAT LUCK CAN RUN OUT, AND THAT THINGS MAY ESCALATE TO A POINT IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA WHERE THE POLITICAL PROCESS MIGHT BE HURT. AND ANOTHER THING -- A POINT I MADE TO THE COUNCIL (NATO), THE MORE THAT BOMBING AND SHELLING PRECEDES A POLITICAL SETTLEMENT IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA, THE MORE DIFFICULT IT IS GOING TO BE TO IMPLEMENT THAT SETTLEMENT.

AMBASSADOR CHURKIN ADDED THAT THE NATO BOMBING CAMPAIGN HAS PAINTED WHAT HE CALLED ''A VERY SINISTER BACKGROUND'' FOR ATTEMPTS TO PURSUE PEACE. BUT HE ALSO SAID IT MAY HARM ATTEMPTS TO BUILD A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RUSSIA AND NATO.

WHAT IS GOING ON NOW AND OUR ASSESSMENT OF THE MODE OF OPERATION BY THE ATLANTIC ALLIANCE NOW CANNOT FAIL TO AFFECT OUR EFFORT, WHICH WE HAVE GOT INTO QUITE SERIOUSLY SOME TIME AGO, AS YOU KNOW, TO BUILD A CONSTRUCTIVE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN US AND THE NORTH ATLANTIC ALLIANCE.

NATO SECRETARY GENERAL WILLY CLAES REJECTED THE RUSSIAN CALL FOR THE BOMBING TO STOP. HE SAID IT WOULD STOP IN FIVE MINUTES IF THE BOSNIAN SERBS AGREE TO END THEIR STRANGLEHOLD OF SARAJEVO. BUT HE ARGUED THAT SO FAR, THEY HAVE REFUSED TO DO THIS. (SIGNED)

NEB/JF/JWH/CF
11-Sep-95 1:20 PM EDT (1720 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[10] RUSSIA / BOSNIA BY PETER COLLINS (MOSCOW)

INTRO: RUSSIA'S PRESIDENT, BORIS YELTSIN, HAS BEGUN A TWO-WEEK VACATION. AS V-O-A'S PETER COLLINS REPORTS FROM MOSCOW, MR. YELTSIN IS GOING AWAY AT A CRITICAL TIME WHEN HE NEEDS TO KEEP RELATIONS WITH THE WEST ON TRACK WHILE SATISFYING DOMESTIC CRITICS ABOUT BOSNIA.

TEXT: AS HE SETTLES INTO THE BLACK SEA RESORT OF SOCHI, PRESIDENT YELTSIN MAY WANT TO MULL OVER EVENTS IN MOSCOW DURING THE WEEKEND.

RUSSIA'S PARLIAMENT URGED MR. YELTSIN TO STOP COOPERATION WITH NATO, IGNORE U-N SANCTIONS AGAINST SERBIA, AND FIRE HIS FOREIGN MINISTER. THERE WAS NO IMMEDIATE RESPONSE FROM MR. YELTSIN AS BEGAN HIS VACATION.

POLITICAL OBSERVERS HERE IN MOSCOW SAY MOUNTING PRESSURE ON THE PRESIDENT MAY FORCE HIM TO SACK FOREIGN MINISTER ANDREI KOZYREV. MR. KOZYREV HAS BEEN IN THE JOB SINCE 1990. HE HAS BEEN HEAVILY CRITICIZED, ESPECIALLY BY COMMUNISTS AND NATIONALISTS, FOR NOT PUSHING MOSCOW'S VIEWS STRONGLY ENOUGH ON THE WEST.

RUSSIA IS A TRADITIONAL ALLY AND FRIEND TO SERBIA'S ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS, AND MR. KOZYREV IS ACCUSED OF NOT SUFFICIENTLY DEFENDING THE BOSNIAN SERBS AGAINST NATO'S AIR ATTACKS.

RUSSIA FACES PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN DECEMBER AND PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS NEXT JUNE. THE IDEA THAT MOSCOW IS ALLOWING ITSELF TO BE PUSHED AROUND BY THE WEST IS LIKELY TO BECOME AN ISSUE IN BOTH VOTES.

AS HE TAKES TIME OUT FROM TENNIS IN SOCHI TO MEET WITH ADVISERS, MR. YELTSIN MAY CONSIDER OTHER OPTIONS BESIDES SACKING MR. KOZYREV. HE MAY DECIDE TO ABANDON MOSCOW'S ADHERENCE TO UNITED NATIONS SANCTIONS ON FORMER YUGOSLAVIA. HOWEVER, THAT WOULD RISK ISOLATING RUSSIA AND RAISE QUESTIONS ABOUT ITS OVERALL COOPERATION WITH THE WEST. INSTEAD, ANALYSTS SAY, MR YELTSIN MAY STEP UP AID TO THE SERBS WITHOUT OFFICIALLY ABANDONING THE SANCTIONS. RUSSIA COULD, FOR EXAMPLE, QUIETLY PROVIDE ENERGY SUPPLIES, AMMUNITION, AND SOME MILITARY HARDWARE. SUCH A MOVE MIGHT ANNOY THE WEST BUT PROBABLY WOULD NOT RISK AN OPEN BREAK. (SIGNED)

NEB/PXC/JWH/CF
11-Sep-95 11:38 AM EDT (1538 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[11] RUSSIA / NATO (S ONLY) BY ELAINE JOHANSON (UNITED NATIONS)

INTRO: RUSSIA HAS SUBMITTED A DRAFT RESOLUTION IN THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL CALLING FOR AN END TO NATO BOMBING OF BOSNIAN SERB TARGETS IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. MOSCOW HAS REPEATEDLY SIGNALLED ITS DISAPPROVAL OF NATO'S EXPANDING ROLE IN THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC. VOA CORRESPONDENT ELAINE JOHANSON REPORTS.

TEXT: THE RUSSIAN RESOLUTION DEMANDS AN IMMEDIATE CESSATION OF NATO AIR STRIKES. IT ALSO CALLS ON ALL PARTIES -- NOT JUST THE BOSNIAN SERBS -- TO PULL THEIR WEAPONS OUT OF SARAJEVO.

WESTERN DIPLOMATS DO NOT EXPECT MOSCOW WILL GET MUCH SUPPORT IN THE SECURITY COUNCIL. IT NEEDS A MINIMUM OF NINE OUT OF 15 VOTES JUST FOR THE RESOLUTION TO SURVIVE. EVEN IF RUSSIA HAD THAT SUPPORT, THE UNITED STATES OR ITS ALLIES -- BRITAIN AND FRANCE -- WOULD LIKELY VETO IT. COUNCIL MEMBERS ACCEPTED THE RUSSIAN DRAFT AND SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO CONSULT THEIR GOVERNMENTS.

RUSSIA HAS EXPRESSED ALARM AT NATO'S CRUISE MISSILE ATTACKS, SAYING THEY REPRESENT AN ESCALATION NEVER ENVISIONED IN AN EARLIER RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE USE OF FORCE.

THE COUNCIL MET URGENTLY LAST FRIDAY TO DEBATE THE NATO AIR STRIKES. THE RUSSIANS WERE ISOLATED IN THEIR PROTEST. NO ACTION WAS TAKEN. (SIGNED) NEB/EJ/SKH 11-Sep-95 6:07 PM EDT (2207 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[12] SENATE/BOSNIA (L) BY JIM MALONE (SENATE)

INTRO: THE LEADER OF DEMOCRATS IN THE U-S SENATE IS URGING SENATE MAJORITY LEADER BOB DOLE TO PUT OFF A VOTE THIS WEEK AIMED AT OVERTURNING PRESIDENT CLINTON'S VETO OF LEGISLATION WHICH WOULD END U-S PARTICIPATION IN THE ARMS EMBARGO AGAINST BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. V-O-A SENATE CORRESPONDENT JIM MALONE REPORTS THAT THERE ARE SIGNS THE VOTE MAY BE POSTPONED.

TEXT: SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADER TOM DASCHLE SAYS THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION IS MAKING PROGRESS IN THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA THROUGH A MIX OF AIR STRIKES AND DIPLOMACY. HE SAYS ANY ATTEMPT TO OVERRIDE THE PRESIDENT'S VETO OF A MEASURE ENDING U-S INVOLVEMENT IN THE ARMS EMBARGO AGAINST BOSNIA SHOULD BE PUT OFF SO AS NOT TO INTERFERE WITH THE DIPLOMATIC AND MILITARY EFFORTS NOW UNDERWAY TO FIND A PEACEFUL SOLUTION TO THE CRISIS IN BOSNIA.

THERE IS NO RECOURSE EXCEPT TO COME TO THE TABLE. AT LONG LAST, IT APPEARS THAT THAT REALIZATION IS BEING ACCEPTED BY THE SERBS -- AND AS A RESULT, I JUST HOPE THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO NEGOTIATE AND NOT PUT ANY UNDUE PRESSURE AND SEND ENTIRELY THE WRONG MESSAGE WITH A VOTE ANYTIME IN THE NEAR TERM ON THE ISSUE OF THE ARMS EMBARGO.

SENATOR DASCHLE SAYS HE BELIEVES HE HAS NOW CHANGED ENOUGH DEMOCRATIC VOTES TO SUPPORT THE PRESIDENT AND SUSTAIN MR. CLINTON'S VETO. LAST MONTH, BOTH THE SENATE AND HOUSE APPROVED OF PULLING OUT OF THE INTERNATIONAL ARMS EMBARGO AGAINST BOSNIA BY MARGINS LARGE ENOUGH TO OVERRIDE THE PRESIDENT'S VETO.

THE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP IN THE SENATE HAS SCHEDULED AN OVERRIDE VOTE FOR THIS WEEK BUT SENATOR DASCHLE SAYS HE HAS INDICATIONS THAT REPUBLICANS MAY PUT OFF THE VOTE TO GIVE THE ADMINISTRATION MORE TIME FOR ITS NEW POLICY IN BOSNIA TO PRODUCE RESULTS. (SIGNED)

NEB/JM/MMK
11-Sep-95 12:04 PM EDT (1604 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

DATE=09/11/95 TYPE=U-S OPINION ROUNDUP
NUMBER=6-09165
TELEPHONE=619-3335
EDITOR=NEAL LAVON
CONTENT=

INTRO: IN THE AFTERMATH OF A MAJOR MISSILE ASSAULT AGAINST ANTI-AIRCRAFT AND OTHER TARGETS IN SERB-CONTROLLED AREAS OF BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA, SENIOR NATO OFFICIALS ARE MEETING WITH RUSSIAN ENVOYS IN BRUSSELS TODAY (9/11/95) FOR CRISIS TALKS ON THE SITUATION.

RUSSIA HAS EXPRESSED STRONG OBJECTION TO THE NATO AIR AND MISSILE STRIKES AGAINST THE BOSNIAN SERBS. MEANWHILE, THE U-S PRESS IS ANALYZING THE COMPROMISE AGREED TO BY ALL THREE SIDES LATE LAST WEEK THAT BEGINS TO GIVE SHAPE TO A POST-WAR BOSNIA. TO GET REACTION TO BOTH THE PLAN AND THE ON-GOING ATTACKS, HERE IS _______________ WITH A SURVEY OF THE LATEST AMERICAN NEWSPAPER EDITORIALS IN TODAY'S OPINION ROUNDUP.

TEXT: U-S DAILY PAPERS WERE GENERALLY PLEASED WITH ATTACKS AGAINST BOSNIAN SERB POSITIONS. MANY OF THEM HAVE LONG CALLED FOR SOME KIND OF RETALIATION TO THE ON-GOING MILITARY OFFENSIVE AGAINST THE BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT. HOWEVER, THE NATION'S PAPERS WERE MORE DIVIDED OVER THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THESE LATEST WESTERN RAIDS, AND LAST WEEK'S PLAN TO PARTITION BOSNIA, STRENGTHENS THE CAUSE FOR PEACE IN THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC. WE BEGIN TODAY'S SAMPLING IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, WHERE "THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE" WAS GUARDEDLY OPTIMISTIC.

VOICE: "[OPT] THE LONG-DELAYED, TWO-PRONGED U-S - NATO INITIATIVE IN BOSNIA - - SIMULTANEOUS BOMBING AND BARTERING - - PRODUCED THE FIRST TANGIBLE REWARDS IN FOUR YEARS OF WARFARE AND DIPLOMACY LAST WEEK WHEN ALL THREE MAJOR PARTIES ..... AGREED TO RECOGNIZE THE PRESENT BORDERS OF BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. .... [END OPT] IF LAST WEEK'S FRAGILE AGREEMENT ON PRINCIPLES IS TO SURVIVE LONG ENOUGH TO ENGENDER A REALISTIC POSSIBILITY OF A JUST PEACE, AS OPPOSED TO A CYNICAL AND TEMPORARY WAY OUT OF WAR, THE UNITED STATES AND NATO MUST MAINTAIN IF NOT INCREASE THE MILITARY PRESSURE ON THE BOSNIAN SERBS - - REMEMBERING THAT THEY HAVE A POWERFUL MOTIVE FOR DOING SO: WHATEVER PEACE PLAN ULTIMATELY EMERGES, AMERICAN AND NATO GROUND FORCES ARE SWORN TO HELP ENFORCE IT."

TEXT: MEANWHILE, "THE PORTLAND [MAINE] PRESS HERALD" ALSO TALKED ABOUT THE PLAN ANNOUNCED LAST WEEK, WONDERING JUST WORKABLE IT WILL BE.

VOICE: "THE PLAN'S SUCCESS DEPENDS LARGELY ON HOW THE LANDS ARE TO BE DIVIDED BETWEEN THE BOSNIAN AND SERB ENTITIES. CERTAINLY SARAJEVO, THE BOSNIAN CAPITAL, MUST BE ADJOINED BY GOVERNMENT-CONTROLLED LANDS AMPLE ENOUGH TO MAKE IT A VIABLE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT. ONE WAY TO DO THIS WOULD BE TO RETURN TO GOVERNMENT CONTROL ALL THE TERRITORY BETWEEN SARAJEVO AND GORAZDE, THE ONLY REMAINING GOVERNMENT ENCLAVE IN EASTERN BOSNIA. THE SERBS' CONTINUING REFUSAL TO WITHDRAW THEIR HEAVY WEAPONS FROM AROUND SARAJEVO .... SHOWS HOW TENUOUS THE NEW PEACE PLAN IS. IT OFFERS HOPE, NOTHING MORE, THAT IT IS A WORKABLE SOLUTION..... BUT THAT IS MORE THAN THE SUFFERING PEOPLE OF BOSNIA HAD BEFORE."

TEXT: "THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS" OF TEXAS VIEWED THE ACCORD THIS WAY:

VOICE: "..... WHETHER THE LATEST AGREEMENT CAN BE TRANSFORMED INTO A CONCRETE PEACE IS STILL UNCERTAIN. ..... THE NEGOTIATIONS LEADING UP TO THE AGREEMENT WERE THE FIRST TO BE HELD IN OVER A YEAR AND A HALF. THE DELAY WOULD HAVE BEEN LONGER STILL HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE RECENT DECISION TO BOMB DEFIANT SERB FORCES. INDEED, NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION AIRSTRIKES WERE BEING CONDUCTED EVEN AS THE PARTIES WERE HAMMERING OUT THE PLAN. THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION DESERVES CREDIT FOR TAKING MAXIMUM ADVANTAGE OF THE WINDOW FOR NEGOTIATIONS OPENED UP BY THE NATO ACTION. BUT ONE QUESTION REMAINS: 'THE MAP.' NOW THE THE 'SHARES' HAVE BEEN AGREED UPON, THE MATTER OF IDENTIFYING THE SPECIFIC TERRITORY THAT COMPRISES THOSE SHARES IS CERTAIN TO PRODUCE ANOTHER ROUND OF CONTROVERSY, IF NOT CONFLICT."

TEXT: ON LONG ISLAND, THE NEW YORK PAPER "NEWSDAY" ARGUED THAT THIS IS - - ABSOLUTELY - - THE LAST CHANCE FOR WESTERN INTERVENTION AND SHOULD THIS INITIATIVE FAIL, THEN ALL THE PARTIES IN THE BALKANS WILL CERTAINLY BE ON THEIR OWN, AS NATO WITHDRAWS.

VOICE: "ONE LAST TRY AT DIPLOMACY. THAT'S WHAT THE BOMBING AND DIPLOMATIC MANEUVERING ARE ABOUT IN BOSNIA NOW. EVEN IF THERE IS NO OFFICIAL LINK BETWEEN THE TALKS AND THE BOMBING, IT SHOULD BE OBVIOUS TO SERBS ON THE GROUND THAT THEY ARE LINKED. INDEED, IF THIS PROVES TO BE THE ENDGAME OF THE PROLONGED, TRAGIC AND HOPELESSLY TANGLED BALKAN DISPUTE, THE BOSNIAN MUSLIMS WILL PROBABLY TURN OUT TO BE THE MORE INTRANSIGENT PARTY. THEY HAVE LOST BIG CHUNKS OF WHAT THEY WANTED TO BE THEIR COUNTRY. ..... BUT ALL PARTIES, ESPECIALLY THE MUSLIMS, OUGHT TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE NATO MANEUVERS ARE A LAST-GASP ATTEMPT TO PREVENT MORE BLOODSHED. IF THE PEACE INITIATIVE FAILS NOW, THE UNITED NATIONS' PEACEKEEPING FORCES OUGHT TO BE WITHDRAWN AND THE ARMS EMBARGO ENDED. CALL IT A POLICY OF "LIFT AND LEAVE.'"

TEXT: AND ON THAT NOTE, WE CONCLUDE THIS U-S OPINION ROUNDUP CONCERNING THE LATEST WESTERN POLICY IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA.

ANG/NL 11-Sep-95 12:34 PM EDT (1634 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[13] THE BOSNIAN SERBS UNDER ATTACK BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: CLINTON ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS ARE EXPRESSING CONCERN ABOUT THE INCREASING COMPLAINTS FROM RUSSIA ABOUT NATO'S USE OF AIR POWER AGAINST THE BOSNIAN SERBS. V-O-A'S RON PEMSTEIN REPORTS FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT, THEY SEE THE ROLE OF DOMESTIC POLITICS.

TEXT: OFFICIALS HERE AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT CONTINUE TO EXPRESS CONFIDENCE RUSSIA SUPPORTS THE U-S GOAL OF PROMOTING PEACE TALKS ON BOSNIA BUT THEY ARE INCREASINGLY WORRIED BY STATEMENTS BY PRESIDENT BORIS YELTSIN AND THE RUSSIAN PARLIAMENT CONDEMNING NATO'S AIR STRIKES AND CALLING FOR AN END TO RUSSIA'S COOPERATION WITH NATO.

ANALYSTS HERE BELIEVE THE PROSPECT OF NEXT DECEMBER'S PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IS BEHIND THE RUSSIAN COMPLAINTS THAT THEIR VIEWS ARE BEING IGNORED BY NATO AS WELL AS THE RUSSIAN THREATS TO CUT OFF THE DIALOGUE WITH NATO'S PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE. AS ONE U-S OFFICIAL PUTS IT, THE DIALOGUE WITH NATO IS IN RUSSIA'S NATIONAL INTEREST AND I WOULD BE SUPRISED IF RUSSIA PULLED OUT.

THE STATE DEPARTMENT ACKNOWLEDGES RUSSIA HAS A LEGITIMATE TACTICAL DISAGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES AND NATO ABOUT THE BEST WAY TO MAKE THE BOSNIAN SERBS STOP FIGHTING. SPOKESMAN NICHOLAS BURNS SAYS RUSSIA IS CONSULTED AS PART OF THE BOSNIA CONTACT GROUP ON THE NEGOTIATIONS.

I REALLY THINK THAT THE COMMON GROUND HERE BETWEEN RUSSIA AND THE UNITED STATES IS QUITE BROAD. IT CENTERS ON THE NEGOTIATIONS, IT CENTERS ON THE FACT THAT BOTH OF US HAVE A STRATEGIC INTEREST IN ENDING THE WAR IN THE BALKANS AND IN SEEING THAT WARFARE MOVE TO A SITUATION WHERE THERE CAN BE EVENTUALLY A CEASEFIRE, WHERE THERE CAN BE A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF NEGOTIATIONS.

MR. BURNS CREDITS IGOR IVANOV, RUSSIA'S FIRST DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER, AS PLAYING A KEY ROLE IN GETTING SERBIA TO RECOGNIZE BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. MR. IVANOV MET WITH SERBIAN PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC AND BOSNIAN SERB MILITARY LEADER, GENERAL RATKO MLADIC, OVER THE WEEKEND IN AN UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT TO GET THE BOSNIAN SERBS TO MEET NATO'S DEMAND TO WITHDRAW THEIR HEAVY WEAPONS FROM SARAJEVO. THE RUSSIAN DIPLOMAT WILL BE THE HOST FOR THURSDAY'S MEETING OF THE CONTACT GROUP IN GENEVA. THAT MEETING IS TO SET THE STRATEGY FOR STARTING NEGOTIATIONS AMONG BOSNIA, CROATIA AND SERBIAN-DOMINATED YUGOSLAVIA BASED ON THE PRINCIPLES AGREED LAST FRIDAY IN GENEVA.

PRESIDENT YELTSIN'S COMPLAINT THAT NATO'S EXPANSION PLANS WILL LEAD TO THE FORMATION OF NEW MILITARY BLOCKS IN EUROPE COMES AS A SURPRISE TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE OFFICIALS SAY RUSSIA HAS BEEN FULLY BRIEFED ON THE SCHEDULE FOR EASTWARD EXPANSION OF THE ALLIANCE. THE SELECTION OF NEW MEMBERS IS NOT SCHEDULED FOR THIS YEAR BUT U-S OFFICIALS SAY RUSSIA HAS KNOWN FOR MONTHS THAT ENLARGEMENT OF THE ALLIANCE IS GOING TO HAPPEN EVENTUALLY.

SECRETARY OF STATE WARREN CHRISTOPHER IS TO MEET RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ANDREI KOZYREV AT THE UNITED NATIONS IN TWO WEEKS AND THEY HOPE TO EASE THE TENSION. U-S OFFICIALS BELIEVE MR. KOZYREV IS STILL STRONG ENOUGH TO DEFLECT HIS CONSERVATIVE CRITICS AT HOME. (SIGNED)

NEB/RP/CB/PT
11-Sep-95 5:14 PM EDT (2114 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[14] U-S-RUSSIA-BOSNIA (L ONLY) BY RON PEMSTEIN (STATE DEPARTMENT)

INTRO: TWO MEMBERS OF THE U-S SENATE STRONGLY SUPPORT THE USE SUNDAY OF GROUND-TO-GROUND "TOMAHAWK" CRUISE MISSILES BY NATO FORCES AGAINST BOSNIAN SERB TARGETS IN NORTHWEST BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. V-O-A'S VICTOR BEATTIE REPORTS BOTH REPUBLICAN SENATOR TRENT LOTT AND DEMOCRAT CHRISTOPHER DODD SAY AN EFFORT TO LIFT THE ARMS EMBARGO ON SARAJEVO WILL REMAIN ON HOLD DURING THE NATO ATTACKS.

TEXT: WHILE BOTH MEN STRONGLY SUPPORT THE ADDITION OF U-S CRUISE MISSILES SENATOR DODD GOES EVEN FURTHER.

THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE A LONG TIME AGO, FRANKLY. IT COULD HAVE SAVED AN AWFUL LOT OF LIVES AND PUT A REAL MESSAGE (FORTH) HERE IN OUR RESOLVE, (AND) THE RESOLVE OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY THAT WE'RE SERIOUS ABOUT THIS AND HOLDING SARAJEVO UNDER SIEGE IS UNACCEPTABLE AND HOPEFULLY THE BOSNIAN SERB LEADERS WILL GET THE MESSAGE HERE.

NEITHER SENATOR IS CONCERNED THAT USE OF THE MISSILES MAY LEAD TO GREATER U-S INVOLVEMENT IN THE BOSNIAN CONFLICT.

AS FOR LIFTING THE ARMS EMBARGO, SENATOR LOTT SAYS A VOTE TO OVERRIDE PRESIDENT CLINTON'S VETO WILL NOT BE ATTEMPTED ANYTIME SOON.

WHEN THERE'S ACTIVITY OCCURRING, WHEN TROOPS ARE IN AIRCRAFT AND ON SHIPS AND CARRYING OUT MISSIONS, AND I THINK THEY NEED TO BE CONGRATULATED FOR THEIR EFFORTS. WE (THE SENATE) SHOULDN'T BE TAKING ACTIONS THAT MIGHT BE DESTRUCTIVE (TO THE MILITARY OPERATIONS).

ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE RICHARD HOLBROOKE -- WHO WON AGREEMENT AMONG THE WARRING PARTIES LAST WEEK FOR A POLITICAL FRAMEWORK FOR PEACE IN BOSNIA -- AGREES SUCH A VOTE MUST BE PUT OFF TO AVOID UPSETTING NEGOTIATIONS. AFTER BRIEFING PRESIDENT CLINTON LATER TODAY (MONDAY), MR. HOLBROOKE RETURNS TO EUROPE LATER IN THE WEEK TO PRESS AHEAD WITH THE U-S BOSNIAN PEACE INITIATIVE. (SIGNED)

NEB/VB/SKH
10-Sep-95 11:15 PM EDT (0315 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[15] U-S / BOSNIA O'NITER (S-O) BY VICTOR BEATTIE (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: U-S - SPONSORED TALKS TO END MORE THAN A YEAR OF FACTIONAL FIGHTING IN THE WESTERN-PROTECTED KURDISH ENCLAVE IN NORTHERN IRAQ ARE TO BEGIN TUESDAY IN DROGHEDA, IRELAND. AMBERIN ZAMAN REPORTS FROM ANKARA.

TEXT: POLITICAL OBSERVERS SAY THE U-S PEACE INITIATIVE -- WHICH BRINGS TOGETHER SENIOR REPRESENTATIVES OF MASSOUD BARZANI'S KURDISTAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY OR (K-D-P) AND JALAL TALABANI'S PATRIOTIC UNION OF KURDISTAN OR (P-U-K) -- SIGNALS WASHINGTON'S DEEPENING INVOLVEMENT IN KURDISH AFFAIRS.

FIGHTING BETWEEN THE TWO GROUPS -- WHICH ARE VIEWED AS CRUCIAL TO THE ANTI-SADDAM HUSSEIN COALITION -- HAS CLAIMED MORE THAN THREE-THOUSAND LIVES AND DEALT A SEVERE BLOW TO THE KURDS' LONG CHERISHED GOAL OF SELF RULE.

THE UNITED STATES HAS ALSO INVITED MEMBERS OF THE KURDISH BASED IRAQI OPPOSITION MOVEMENT, THE IRAQI NATIONAL CONGRESS OR I-N-C, TO TAKE PART IN THE TALKS. TURKEY IS TO PARTICIPATE AS AN OBSERVER.

IRAQI KURDISH OFFICIALS HAVE ACCUSED SYRIA AND IRAN OF ATTEMPTING TO SABOTAGE THE U-S INITIATIVE BY ALLEGEDLY ENCOURAGING TURKISH KURD REBELS OF THE KURDISTAN WORKERS' PARTY, OR P-K-K, TO ATTACK K-D-P AND P-U-K TARGETS IN NORTHERN IRAQ.

CLASHES BETWEEN THE P-K-K AND K-D-P ARE REPORTED TO BE CONTINUING NEAR THE TURKISH BORDER. AT LEAST 60 IRAQI KURDS HAVE BEEN KILLED SINCE THE P-K-K FIRST LAUNCHED ITS ATTACKS LAST MONTH.

ANALYSTS SAY THAT IRAN -- WITH AN ESTIMATED SIX-MILLION ETHNIC KURDS OF ITS OWN -- IS WORRIED THAT GREATER U-S INVOLVEMENT IN NORTHERN IRAQ COULD TRANSLATE INTO FINANCIAL AND MILITARY SUPPORT FOR AN IRANIAN KURDISH GROUP, THE KURDISTAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF IRAN OR K-D-P-I, WHICH ALSO HAS BASES IN THE ENCLAVE. (SIGNED)

NEB/AZ/JWH/MMK
11-Sep-95 10:47 AM EDT (1447 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[16] U-S / KURDS (L-ONLY) BY AMBERIN ZAMAN (ANKARA)

INTRO: NATO SAYS ITS CRUISE MISSILE ATTACK ON A SOPHISTICATED BOSNIAN SERB AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE, BUT THE SYSTEM IS STILL A THREAT TO NATO WARPLANES. THE BOSNIAN SERBS SAY THE MISSILE ATTACK WAS AN ESCALATION OF NATO'S AIR CAMPAIGN AGAINST THEM, AND THEY ARE THREATENING TO BOYCOTT BOSNIAN PEACE TALKS. V-O-A'S CENTRAL EUROPEAN CORRESPONDENT WAYNE COREY REPORTS.

TEXT: NATO HAS CONCLUDED THAT ITS ATTACK (SUNDAY NIGHT) BY AMERICAN CRUISE MISSILES SEVERELY DAMAGED THE SERB AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM. BUT NATO SAYS THE SOPHISTICATED SYSTEM IN NORTHWESTERN BOSNIA HAS _NOT_ BEEN DESTROYED AND COULD STILL ENDANGER NATO AIRCRAFT.

THIRTEEN AMERICAN TOMAHAWK MISSILES WERE FIRED AT SERB AIR DEFENSES AROUND THE TOWN OF BANJA LUKA. IT WAS THE FIRST NATO MISSILE ATTACK ON THE SERBS, WHO FACE UNITED NATIONS AND NATO DEMANDS TO LIFT THEIR SIEGE OF SARAJEVO.

THE BOSNIAN SERB LEADER, RADOVAN KARADZIC, HAS CONDEMNED THE MISSILE ATTACK. HE SAYS IT ESCALATES NATO'S INVOLVEMENT IN THE WAR IN BOSNIA.

MR. KARADZIC SAYS THE SERBS MAY HAVE TO RECONSIDER FURTHER PARTICIPATION IN THE BOSNIAN PEACE PROCESS. OTHER SERB OFFICIALS HAVE MADE SIMILAR THREATS IN CONNECTION WITH CONTINUING NATO AIR ATTACKS ON SERB MILITARY TARGETS.

BUT IT WOULD BE SURPRISING IF THE SERBS REFUSED TO PARTICIPATE IN PEACE TALKS. THEY BELIEVE THE REJUVENATED PEACE PROCESS GOT OFF TO A GOOD START FOR THEM LAST WEEK.

AN AGREEMENT IN GENEVA ON BASIC PRINCIPLES OF A PEACE ACCORD PROVIDES INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF THE SELF-DECLARED BOSNIAN SERB REPUBLIC AS ONE OF TWO ENTITIES WITHIN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA.

MR. KARADZIC HAS ALREADY SAID THAT ONCE A PEACE AGREEMENT IS COMPLETED, THE SERBS WILL MOVE QUICKLY TO FORM A CONFEDERATION BETWEEN THEIR REPUBLIC AND YUGOSLAVIA.

AMERICAN PEACE ENVOY RICHARD HOLBROOKE AND THE BOSNIAN GOVERNMENT HAVE SAID THE SERBS WOULD _NOT_ BE ENTITLED TO FORM SUCH A CONFEDERATION.

THE ULTIMATE BOSNIAN SERB GOAL IS STILL TO UNITE ALL SERBS IN THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA IN A SINGLE STATE. (SIGNED)

NEB/WC/ART
11-Sep-95 4:11 PM EDT (2011 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America