Voice of America, 97-03-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY/EU (L-ONLY) BY AMBERIN ZAMAN (ANKARA)

[02] ROMANIA / INVESTMENT (L-ONLY) BY MAXIM KNIAZKOV (WASHINGTON)

[03] MONTENEGRO POLITICS (L-ONLY) BY JULIA GLYN-PICKETT (BELGRADE)

[04] CLINTON / BOSNIA ONITER (S ONLY) BY DEBORAH TATE (WHITE HOUSE)

[05] BOSNIA / REFUGEES BY DOUGLAS ROBERTS (DUBRAVA, BOSNIA)

[06] CLINTON / BOSNIA UPDATE (S) BY DEBORAH TATE (WHITE HOUSE)

[07] CLINTON / BOSNIA (L) BY DEBORAH TATE (WHITE HOUSE)

[08] EURO STOCKS (S-ONLY) BY JACK HUIZENGA (LONDON)

[09] "INFORMATION AGE" IMPACT BY JOE CHAPMAN (NEW YORK)

[10] WEDNESDAY'S EDITORIALS BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)

[01] TURKEY/EU (L-ONLY) BY AMBERIN ZAMAN (ANKARA)

INTRO: GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER KLAUS KINKEL SAID IN ANKARA ON WEDNESDAY THAT TURKEY'S APPLICATION FOR FULL MEMBERSHIP IN THE EUROPEAN UNION WOULD NOT BE REJECTED, BUT HE ADDED THAT ANKARA COULD NOT JOIN IN THE NEAR FUTURE BECAUSE OF BOTH ECONOMIC AND HUMAN RIGHTS PROBLEMS. MR KINKEL MADE THE REMARKS DURING A TWO-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT TO TURKEY, AS AMBERIN ZAMAN REPORTS.

TEXT: SPEAKING AT A NEWS CONFERENCE, MR. KINKEL ALSO CITED TURKEY'S TROUBLED RELATIONS WITH GREECE AS AN OBSTACLE TO FULL MEMBERSHIP OF THE EUROPEAN UNION. BUT HE ADDED THAT, IN HIS WORDS, TURKEY REMAINED ON THE MAIN TRACK FOR MEMBERSHIP AND WOULD NOT BE PUT ON A SIDE TRACK.

ANALYSTS SAY MR. KINKEL'S REMARKS MAY HELP CALM TENSIONS BETWEEN ANKARA AND THE BONN OVER WHAT MANY TURKISH OFFICIALS AND POLITICIANS VIEW AS GERMANY'S OPPOSITION TO THEIR MEMBERSHIP IN THE EUROPEAN UNION.

SUCH VIEWS WERE REINFORCED BY REMARKS MADE BY A SENIOR AIDE TO GERMAN CHANCELLOR HELMUT KOHL DURING A MEETING OF LEADING EUROPEAN CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATS. THE AIDE CITED TURKEY'S MUSLIM CULTURE AS ONE REASON WHY IT WAS UNFIT TO JOIN THE UNION.

IN RECENT MONTHS, TURKEY HAS THREATENED TO VETO NATO EXPANSION AND TO END A FREE-TRADE AGREEMENT WITH THE E-U UNLESS IT IS PROMISED FULL MEMBERSHIP. ANKARA HAS BEEN AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN UNION SINCE 1963 AND CONSIDERS IT UNJUST THAT LATER APPLICANTS -- WHICH INCLUDE FORMER SOVIET BLOC COUNTRIES WITH LESS-DEVELOPED ECONOMIES THAN TURKEY'S -- ARE LIKELY TO JOIN SOONER.

ANALYSTS SAY THE PERCEIVED ANTI-TURKISH POLICIES OF SOME EUROPEAN COUNTRIES MAY HELP STRENGTHEN TURKEY'S ISLAMISTS, WHO CAME TO POWER IN A COALITION GOVERNMENT LAST YEAR.

WHILE IN OPPOSITION, PRIME MINISTER NECMETTIN ERBAKAN AND HIS RULING PRO-ISLAMIC WELFARE PARTY WERE HARSHLY CRITICAL OF TURKEY'S PRO-WESTERN STANCE AND HAD PLEDGED TO CANCEL THE FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION AFTER TAKING OFFICE. MR. ERBAKAN ON TUESDAY ONCE AGAIN VOICED HIS OPPOSITION TO THE AGREEMENT, SAYING TURKEY STOOD TO LOSE FIVE BILLION DOLLARS IN THE DEAL BECAUSE OF THE LOSS IN CUSTOMS REVENUES ON EUROPEAN IMPORTS. (SIGNED)
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26-Mar-97 11:50 AM EST (1650 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[02] ROMANIA / INVESTMENT (L-ONLY) BY MAXIM KNIAZKOV (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: ROMANIA'S REFORMIST GOVERNMENT IS LAUNCHING A MAJOR DRIVE TO ATTRACT FOREIGN INVESTMENT. DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ULM SPINEANU, KNOWN AS AN ARCHITECT OF THE COUNTRY'S TRANSITION TO A FREE MARKET, MADE A STRONG PITCH FOR CLOSER U-S / ROMANIAN BUSINESS TIES AT AN INVESTMENT CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY IN WASHINGTON. V-O-A'S MAXIM KNIAZKOV HAS DETAILS.

TEXT: ADDRESSING AN AUDIENCE OF U-S BUSINESS PEOPLE, MR. SPINEANU OUTLINED ROMANIA'S ECONOMIC FUTURE, WHICH HE BELIEVES IS IRREVOCABLY LINKED WITH THAT OF EUROPE. HE SPOKE THROUGH AN INTERPRETER.

THE ROMANIAN EXECUTIVE (BRANCH) IS FIRMLY DETERMINED TO IMPLEMENT THE ECONOMIC REFORMS REQUIRED AS PRE-REQUISITES FOR ROMANIA'S INTEGRATION INTO THE EUROPEAN UNION AND LARGER COUNTRY'S ACCESS TO WORLD ECONOMY.

ROMANIA'S LANGUISHING ECONOMIC REFORMS RECEIVED A STRONG BOOST LAST NOVEMBER, WITH THE ELECTION OF REFORMIST PRESIDENT EMIL CONSTANTINESCU.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER SPINEANU SAYS THE SHARE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN THE NATIONAL ECONOMY WILL INCREASE FROM THE CURRENT 45 PERCENT TO UP TO 60 PERCENT NEXT YEAR. A GOVERNMENT PRIVATIZATION PROGRAM CALLS FOR A SELL-OFF OF 36-HUNDRED STATE-RUN COMPANIES THIS YEAR ALONE.

MR. SPINEANU URGED U-S BUSINESSES TO CONSIDER THE OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY THIS MAJOR REDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH.

THEY ARE: A MARKET OF 23 MILLION CONSUMERS, 40 PERCENT OF THEM BEING POTENTIAL PARTNERS; WELL-TRAINED WORKFORCE AT A RELATIVELY LOW COST; RIGHTLY BALANCED INDUSTRIAL-AGRICULTURAL SECTORS; DEVELOPED OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY AS WELL AS OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES; QUALIFIED HARBOR SERVICES, AS WELL AS LARGE ROAD NETWORK, COVERING BLACK SEA COAST AND OPENING PASSAGE TO EUROPE.

HOWEVER U-S OFFICIALS SAY AMERICAN COMPANIES HAVE ONLY INVESTED TWO BILLION DOLLARS IN ROMANIA -- DUE PRIMARILY TO A LACK OF REFORM UNDER THE FORMER GOVERNMENT. U-S DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FRANKLIN VARGO SAYS THAT FIGURE CAN HARDLY BE SEEN AS SATISFACTORY BECAUSE IT MAKES UP ABOUT FIVE PERCENT OF ALL U-S INVESTMENTS IN EASTERN EUROPE. MEANWHILE ROMANIA'S SHARE IN THE REGION'S POPULATION IS ABOUT 20 PERCENT.

MR. VARGO SAYS NOW IS THE TIME TO CORRECT THE SITUATION.

THE U-S GOVERNMENT IS OPTIMISTIC, OPTIMISTIC AT THE PROGRAM OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT. THE ECONOMIC REFORM PROGRAM IS A VERY PROMISING PROGRAM. IF IT IS FOLLOWED THROUGH, IT WILL RESULT IN A DRAMATIC CHANGE IN ROMANIA'S ABILITY TO GROW AND BE PART OF THE INTEGRATED EUROPE. AND WE ARE OPTIMISTIC THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL SUCCEED.

ROMANIAN OFFICIALS WARN HOWEVER, RADICAL REFORMS ARE LIKELY TO TEMPORARILY BRING HIGHER UNEMPLOYMENT AND INFLATION. BUT DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER SPINEANU SAYS THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO SPEND 10 PERCENT OF ROMANIA'S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT ON SOCIAL PROGRAMS TO CUSHION THE PAIN OF TRANSITION. (SIGNED)
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26-Mar-97 4:59 PM EST (2159 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[03] MONTENEGRO POLITICS (L-ONLY) BY JULIA GLYN-PICKETT (BELGRADE)

INTRO: THE MONTENEGRO PRIME MINISTER -- AN OUTSPOKEN CRITIC OF SERBIAN PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC -- HAS BEEN OUSTED AS VICE PRESIDENT OF THE MONTENEGRIN SOCIALISTS. AS JULIA GLYN-PICKETT REPORTS FROM BELGRADE, MANY HERE SEE THIS AS CLEARING THE WAY FOR MR. MILOSEVIC'S CANDIDACY FOR FEDERAL PRESIDENT LATER THIS YEAR (EDS: SUMMER).

TEXT: THE MONTENEGRIN GOVERNMENT WAS IN STATE OF TURMOIL WEDNESDAY FOLLOWING THE RESIGNATION OF PRIME MINISTER MILO DJUKANOVIC AS VICE PRESIDENT OF THE GOVERNING MONTENEGRIN SOCIALISTS PARTY. PRESIDENT MOMIR BULATOVIC ANNOUNCED MR. DJUKANOVIC'S RESIGNATION TO REPORTERS AT THE END OF A GRUELING 16-HOUR MEETING ON TUESDAY.

MONTENEGRIN PRESIDENT BULATOVIC HAD CALLED THE MEETING TO STAMP-OUT PUBLIC CRITICISM OF SERBIAN PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC BY MONTENEGRIN SOCIALISTS. MR. DJUKANOVIC WAS ALSO ORDERED TO ORGANIZE A GOVERNMENT RESHUFFLE AND FIRE MOST OF HIS CLOSEST ALLIES.

SERBIAN STATE MEDIA ON WEDNESDAY WERE HERALDING MR. DJUKANOVIC'S RESIGNATION AS A TRIUMPH FOR THE POLICY AND UNITY OF THE YUGOSLAV FEDERATION.

TINY MONTENEGRO IS THE JUNIOR PARTNER IN THE YUGOSLAV FEDERATION WITH SERBIA. IN RECENT WEEKS, MR. DJUKANOVIC HAS COME UNDER ATTACK IN SERBIAN STATE MEDIA FOR ADVOCATING MONTENEGRO'S SECESSION.

MR. DJUKANOVIC HAS ALSO BEEN CRITICIZED FOR LABELING THE SERBIAN PRESIDENT'S POLITICS AND POLICY AS OBSOLETE. MR. DJUKANOVIC'S STATEMENTS HAVE MARKED HIM OUT IN THE EYES OF MANY AS A REFORMIST AND PROGRESSIVE FORCES IN BOTH SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO HAVE GREETED HIS RESIGNATION WITH DISMAY.

ZARKO KORAC, PRESIDENT OF ONE PARTY OF SERBIAN INTELLECTUALS -- THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC UNION -- TOLD VOA THAT MR. DJUKANOVIC WAS OUSTED FROM THE MONTENEGRIN SOCIALISTS BECAUSE OF POLITICAL PRESSURE FROM THE SERBIAN PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC, AS HE REPOSITIONS HIMSELF FOR THIS YEAR'S SERBIAN ELECTIONS. MR. KORAC SAID THAT THIS WOULD NOT END THE POLITICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO.

I HAVE NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT THIS SHORT-TERM VICTORY -- WHICH IS REALLY TECHNICAL AND HE NEEDS IT FOR SERBIAN ELECTIONS -- ARE GOING TO BE PAID VERY HEAVILY IN THE VERY CLOSE FUTURE. IN MONTENEGRO, YOU HAVE MORE AND MORE SENTIMENT FOR A COMPLETE BREAK WITH SERBIA.

THE PRESIDENT OF MONTENEGRO TOLD REPORTERS THAT HIS PARTY WOULD GIVE ITS FULL BACKING TO THE CANDIDACY OF SERBIAN PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC AS THE NEXT YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT. //OPT// MR. MILOSEVIC IS COMING TO THE END OF HIS SECOND TERM AS SERBIAN PRESIDENT. THE SERBIAN CONSTITUTION BLOCKS HIM FROM RUNNING FOR A THIRD TERM. MANY HERE, THEREFORE, EXPECT HIM TO MAKE A MOVE FOR THE FEDERAL YUGOSLAV PRESIDENCY, WHICH IS BY APPOINTMENT, WHEN THE POST COMES UP AT MID-YEAR.

ZARKO KORAC SAYS THAT HE BELIEVES THE SHAKE-UP IN THE MONTENEGRIN SOCIALISTS CLEARS THE WAY FOR MR. MILOSEVIC'S MOVE TO THE FEDERAL LEVEL.

IT'S REALLY STRIKINGLY STRANGE THAT MOMIR BULATOVIC IN HIS PRESS CONFERENCE AFTER THIS MARATHON PARTY (MEETING), ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS HE SAID WAS THAT MONTENEGRO IS SUPPORTING MR. MILOSEVIC FOR THE POSITION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA. AND NOW MILOSEVIC HAS COMPLETELY OPENED THIS POSSIBILITY AND I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT HE WILL -- I THINK IT'S ALMOST CERTAIN NOW -- IN JUNE RUN FOR THIS POSITION.

SOME OF PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC'S CLOSEST ALLIES WERE APPOINTED TO THE NEW YUGOSLAV GOVERNMENT LAST WEEK. MANY HERE NOW BELIEVE IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE PRESIDENT OF SERBIA BECOMES THE PRESIDENT OF YUGOSLAVIA. (SIGNED)
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26-Mar-97 1:49 PM EST (1849 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[04] CLINTON / BOSNIA ONITER (S ONLY) BY DEBORAH TATE (WHITE HOUSE)

INTRO: PRESIDENT CLINTON MEETS WITH BOSNIAN PRESIDENT ALIJA ITZEBEGOVIC AT THE WHITE HOUSE LATER TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING THE BOSNIAN PEACE ACCORD SIGNED IN 1995. V-O-A WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT DEBORAH TATE REPORTS.

TEXT: THE TWO LEADERS ARE EXPECTED TO REVIEW PROGRESS IN THE U-S SPONSORED PROGRAM TO REARM AND TRAIN THE ARMY OF THE MUSLIM-CROAT FEDERATION.

MR. ITZEGOVIC WANTS THE UNITED STATES TO ACCELERATE THE PROGRAM, WHICH HE SAYS IS ONLY 20 PERCENT COMPLETE. BUT HE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE ISSUE IS MADE MORE DIFFICULT BECAUSE THE BOSNIAN SERBS HAVE NOT MET OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE DAYTON PEACE ACCORDS TO DISARM.

ANOTHER ISSUE ON THE AGENDA IS THE STATUS OF THE NATO PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN BOSNIA, WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO LEAVE IN JUNE OF NEXT YEAR.

MR. CLINTON IS EXPECTED TO REAFFIRM HIS COMMITMENT TO THAT TIMETABLE, WHILE MR. ITZEBEGOVIC WOULD LIKE NATO TROOPS TO STAY UNTIL AFTER THE EQUIP AND TRAIN PROGRAM IS COMPLETE, THE SERBS DISARM AND BOSNIA JOINS NATO'S PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE.

THE TWO LEADERS ARE ALSO TO DISCUSS WAYS TO BETTER IMPLEMENT THE CIVILIAN ASPECTS OF THE DAYTON ACCORDS. (SIGNED)
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25-Mar-97 8:19 PM EST (0119 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[05] BOSNIA / REFUGEES BY DOUGLAS ROBERTS (DUBRAVA, BOSNIA)

INTRO: BOSNIA'S MUSLIM-CROAT FEDERATION IS THREE YEARS OLD THIS MONTH. THE U-S SPONSORED FEDERATION AGREEMENT, SIGNED IN WASHINGTON, ENDED MORE THAN A YEAR OF BLOODY MUSLIM-CROAT FIGHTING, AND RE-ESTABLISHED THEIR ALLIANCE AGAINST SERB FORCES. BY AGREEING TO THE FEDERATION, MUSLIM AND CROAT LEADERS ALSO PLEDGED RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT OF REFUGEES TO RETURN TO THEIR HOMES. BUT FEW HAVE DONE SO. NOW, MORE THAN 16 MONTHS SINCE THE GUNS FELL SILENT IN BOSNIA, THE REFUGEE ISSUE REMAINS ONE OF THE MOST DAUNTING PROBLEMS FACING THE FEDERATION. V-O-A'S DOUGLAS ROBERTS FILED THIS BACKGROUND REPORT FROM THE SOUTHERN VILLAGE OF DUBRAVA.

TEXT: THE REFUGEE SETTLEMENT STRADDLES A ROCKY, WINDSWEPT HILL ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF THIS VILLAGE, IN THE CROAT HEARTLAND OF SOUTHWEST BOSNIA.

IT IS A COLLECTION OF ONE-ROOM, PREFABRICATED HUTS, EACH EQUIPPED WITH A WOOD-BURNING STOVE AND A FEW STICKS OF FURNITURE. THERE IS A COMMON KITCHEN, A SMALL CLINIC, AND A SCHOOL CONSTRUCTED WITH A GRANT FROM A U-N AGENCY.

TERESA PAVIC IS ONE OF SEVERAL HUNDRED CROATS WHO LIVE HERE -- REFUGEES IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY.

MRS. PAVIC, AN ELDERLY WIDOW WITH NEATLY-COMBED GRAY HAIR AND A SHY SMILE, SPENT MOST OF HER ADULT LIFE IN THE PREDOMINANTLY MUSLIM TOWN OF VARES, IN CENTRAL BOSNIA JUST OVER 100 KILOMETERS TO THE NORTH.

AND ALTHOUGH SHE HAS BEEN ABLE TO VISIT THE APARTMENT SHE STILL OWNS THERE, SHE HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO MOVE BACK IN.

THERE IS A MUSLIM MAN LIVING THERE NOW, SHE SAYS, AND HE WILL NOT LET HER RETURN. THE MAN HAS A DOCUMENT FROM THE VARES MUNICIPALITY, SHE ADDS, AND IT ENTITLES HIM TO REMAIN IN HER APARTMENT FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER YEAR.

THE EFFECT WAS ETHNIC CLEANSING. AND ALTHOUGH NOT ON THE SCALE OF THE MASSIVE EXPULSIONS CARRIED OUT BY SERB FORCES IN NORTHERN AND EASTERN BOSNIA, MORE THAN 430-THOUSAND MUSLIMS AND CROATS REMAIN DISPLACED INSIDE THE FEDERATION. /// END OPT ///

AT THE DAYTON PEACE CONFERENCE, MUSLIM AND CROAT LEADERS AGREED TO A PILOT PROJECT FOR THE RETURN OF SMALL NUMBERS OF REFUGEES. FOUR TOWNS WERE SELECTED, EACH TO RECEIVE ONE OR TWO HUNDRED FAMILIES OF RETURNEES FROM THE MINORITY COMMUNITY.

SOME AID AGENCY OFFICIALS SAY THE PROJECT CREATED MORE PROBLEMS THAN IT SOLVED. MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES WERE PUT UNDER INTENSE PRESSURE BY GOVERNMENT LEADERS AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO IMPLEMENT THE PROJECT. BUT THOSE SAME MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES WERE ALSO UNDER PRESSURE FROM HARDLINERS IN THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES, WHO DO NOT WANT THE REFUGEES TO RETURN.

TWO OF THE TOWNS -- ONE MUSLIM CONTROLLED (TRAVNIK), THE OTHER CROAT CONTROLLED (JAJCE) -- HAVE NOW FULLY IMPLEMENTED THE PILOT PROGRAM. A THIRD TOWN (BUGOJNO) IS MOVING AHEAD WITH THE PROJECT. BUT CROAT AUTHORITIES IN THE FOURTH TOWN, STOLAC, HAVE RESISTED ALL ATTEMPTS BY FORMER MUSLIM RESIDENTS TO RETURN TO THEIR HOMES.

THE CASE OF STOLAC ILLUSTRATES THE GREATEST OBSTACLE TO THE RETURN OF THE REFUGEES. THE FIERCEST OPPONENTS OF THE RETURN OF STOLAC' MUSLIM RESIDENTS ARE THEMSELVES REFUGEES, CROATS FORCED FROM THEIR HOMES IN CENTRAL BOSNIA. THE PROBLEM, QUIPS ONE GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL, IS THAT ONE THIRD OF BOSNIA IS SLEEPING IN THE WRONG BED.

NEIL WRIGHT IS REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE U-N REFUGEE AGENCY FOR CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN BOSNIA.

STOLAC AT THE MOMENT HAS, AS AN EXAMPLE, A LARGE CASELOAD OF BOSNIAN CROAT DISPLACED PERSONS, FROM SARAJEVO, FROM VARES, FROM KAKANJ ETC, AND IN MEETINGS WITH THEM, I HAVE FREQUENTLY ASKED THEM WHAT IS THEIR OBJECTION TO THE RETURN OF BOSNIAC (MUSLIM) DISPLACED PERSONS TO THEIR OWN HOMES, AND THEY SAY WE DO NOT HAVE AN OBJECTION WITH THAT, IT IS JUST THAT NOBODY IS HELPING US TO GET BACK TO OUR OWN HOMES IN CENTRAL BOSNIA.

MR. WRIGHT SAYS SOME REFUGEES HAVE BEGUN TO RETURN TO THEIR HOMES IN THE FEDERATION; AND INCREASING NUMBERS, ESPECIALLY AMONG THE CROATS, ARE OPTING TO SETTLE PERMANENTLY WHERE THEY ARE.

MR. WRIGHT SAYS IT WILL TAKE CONSIDERABLE TIME TO ESTABLISH THE TRUST AND CONFIDENCE NECESSARY FOR A MASS RETURN OF REFUGEES, DESPITE THE HIGH EXPECTATIONS GENERATED AMONG THE DISPLACED BOSNIANS WHEN THE FEDERATION WAS ESTABLISHED.

IT IS FRAGILE, AS I THINK YOU GATHERED FROM WHAT I SAID ABOUT THE SLOW PACE OF PROGRESS IN CREATING THE FEDERATION'S INSTITUTIONS. IT IS FRAGILE. IF YOU THEN ADD A DESTABILIZING FACTOR LIKE THE LARGE-SCALE MOVEMENTS OF POPULATION, AND PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT TRUST IN THE AUTHORITIES TO PROVIDE FOR THEM, TO FULFILL THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE INDIVIDUAL, THEN YOU WILL HAVE THE VIOLENCE.

HERE AT THE DUBRAVA REFUGEE SETTLEMENT, TERESA PAVIC, VOICES DISAPPOINTMENT WITH THE FEDERATION. THE MUSLIM AUTHORITIES IN VARES MAKE IT VERY DIFFICULT FOR CROATS TO RETURN THERE, SHE SAYS, AND THE FEW WHO HAVE MANAGED TO RECLAIM THEIR HOMES FACE MANY DIFFICULTIES.

IT IS VERY HARD FOR THE CROATS IN VARES, SHE SAYS. THEY HAVE NO RIGHTS, AND THE FEW JOBS AVAILABLE ARE RESERVED EXCLUSIVELY FOR MUSLIMS, INCLUDING SOME WHO DO NOT EVEN LIVE IN THE TOWN.

BUT MRS. PAVIC BELIEVES THE SITUATION WILL EVENTUALLY IMPROVE. SHE SAYS HER FORMER MUSLIM NEIGHBORS HAVE GREETED HER WARMLY EACH TIME SHE HAS VISITED VARES, AND SHE SAYS SHE WILL KEEP RETURNING UNTIL SHE GETS HER APARTMENT BACK. IT IS ALL I WANT, SHE SAYS, IT IS MY HOME. (SIGNED)
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26-Mar-97 1:16 PM EST (1816 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[06] CLINTON / BOSNIA UPDATE (S) BY DEBORAH TATE (WHITE HOUSE)

INTRO: BOSNIAN PRESIDENT ALIJA IZETBEGOVIC HAS MET WITH PRESIDENT CLINTON AT THE WHITE HOUSE, AND SAYS HE RECEIVED ASSURANCES THE UNITED STATES IS COMMITTED TO SEEING THE DAYTON PEACE ACCORDS FULLY IMPLEMENTED. V-O-A WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT DEBORAH TATE REPORTS.

TEXT: MR. IZETBEGOVIC HAS LONG BEEN CRITICAL OF THE LACK OF SUCCESS IN BRINGING INDICTED BOSNIAN SERBS TO THE WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL AT THE HAGUE. HE HAS CALLED FOR THE UNITED STATES TO DO MORE ON THIS ISSUE.

HE APPEARED PLEASED WEDNESDAY BY WHAT HE HEARD FROM MR. CLINTON.

WE RECEIVED CLEAR ASSURANCES THAT WAR CRIMINALS WILL BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE.

WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN DAVID JOHNSON SAID LATER THE ADMINISTRATION IS LOOKING AT WAYS TO HELP THE PARTIES HAND OVER WAR CRIMINALS TO THE TRIBUNAL, BUT HE GAVE NO DETAILS.

MR. CLINTON RE-AFFIRMED THE NATO-LED PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN BOSNIA WOULD END ON SCHEDULE IN JUNE OF NEXT YEAR.

MR. IZETBEGOVIC WANTS AN OPEN-ENDED COMMITMENT. HE SAYS HE WOULD SUPPORT THE 1998 PULLOUT IF FOUR CONDITIONS ARE MET: THAT THE CIVILIAN PART OF THE DAYTON ACCORDS IS IMPLEMENTED, THE EQUIP AND TRAIN PROGRAM IS COMPLETED, THE SERBS DISARM, AND BOSNIA IS ADMITTED TO NATO'S PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE PROGRAM. (SIGNED)
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26-Mar-97 2:49 PM EST (1949 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[07] CLINTON / BOSNIA (L) BY DEBORAH TATE (WHITE HOUSE)

INTRO: BOSNIAN PRESIDENT ALIJA IZETBEGOVIC HAS MET WITH PRESIDENT CLINTON AT THE WHITE HOUSE, AND SAYS HE RECEIVED ASSURANCES THAT THE UNITED STATES IS COMMITTED TO SEEING THE DAYTON PEACE ACCORDS FULLY IMPLEMENTED. V-O-A WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT DEBORAH TATE REPORTS.

TEXT: AT AN APPEARANCE WITH DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM COHEN ON MONDAY, MR. IZETBEGOVIC SAID THERE CAN BE NO REAL PEACE IN BOSNIA AS LONG AS INDICTED BOSNIAN SERB WAR CRIMES SUSPECTS REMAIN AT LARGE.

HE SAID HE WOULD PRESS THE UNITED STATES TO DO MORE TO HELP BRING INDICTED BOSNIAN SERBS TO THE WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL AT THE HAGUE.

AFTER HIS MEETING WITH PRESIDENT CLINTON WEDNESDAY, THE BOSNIAN LEADER APPEARED SATISFIED.

WE RECEIVED CLEAR ASSURANCES THAT WAR CRIMINALS WILL BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE.

U-S OFFICIALS HAVE HAD DISCUSSIONS WITH THEIR NATO COUNTERPARTS ON THE FORMATION OF A UNIT SEPARATE FROM THE STABILIZATION FORCE NOW IN BOSNIA THAT COULD BE USED FOR TRACKING DOWN WAR CRIMINALS, BUT LITTLE HAS RESULTED FROM THE TALKS.

WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN DAVID JOHNSON WOULD NOT ELABORATE ON MR. IZETBEGOVIC'S COMMENTS, SAYING ONLY THAT 'OTHER METHODS' ARE BEING CONSIDERED TO HELP BRING WAR CRIMINALS TO JUSTICE.

THE WAR CRIMES ISSUE WAS JUST ONE OF SEVERAL TOPICS DISCUSSED BY THE TWO PRESIDENTS IN THEIR 45-MINUTE MEETING.

MR. IZETBEGOVIC SAID HE RECEIVED MR. CLINTON'S COMMITMENT TO COMPLETE THE U-S SPONSORED PROGRAM TO RE-ARM AND TRAIN THE ARMY OF THE MUSLIM-CROAT FEDERATION.

MR. CLINTON, MEANWHILE, REAFFIRMED THAT THE NATO-LED PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN BOSNIA WOULD END ON SCHEDULE IN JUNE OF NEXT YEAR, BUT SAID ATTENTION SHOULD BE FOCUSED ON WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE THEN.

WE SHOULD FOCUS ON WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TOMORROW, NEXT WEEK, NEXT MONTH, BETWEEN NOW AND THE END OF THIS YEAR, AND IN THE MONTHS IN 1998 THAT WE HAVE. THERE IS A LOT OF VERY SPECIFIC WORK TO BE DONE, AND WHEN DONE RIGHT, WILL MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR THE NATION TO SUCCEED, AND FOR PEOPLE TO BE BROUGHT BACK INTO A MORE CONSTRUCTIVE COOPERATION AND EXISTENCE WHEN WE ARE GONE.

MR. IZETBEGOVIC SAID HE WOULD SUPPORT THE 1998 TIMETABLE BUT ONLY ON FOUR CONDITIONS: THAT THE CIVILIAN PART OF THE DAYTON ACCORDS ARE IMPLEMENTED; THE EQUIP-AND-TRAIN PROGRAM IS COMPLETED; THE SERBS DISARM; AND BOSNIA IS ADMITTED TO NATO'S "PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE" PROGRAM.

WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN JOHNSON SAYS BOSNIA MUST MEET CERTAIN CONDITIONS BEFORE IT CAN BE INCLUDED IN THE PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE.

THE PRESIDENT DID SAY THE UNITED STATES WOULD SUPPORT BOSNIAN PARTICIPATION IN THE PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE, BUT THAT IT HAD TO BE ON THE BASIS OF THE FEDERATION WORKING TOGETHER, AND ON GREATER COOPERATION BETWEEN THE FEDERATION AND THE BOSNIAN SERBS, WHICH CURRENTLY DOES NOT HOLD (DOES NOT OCCUR).

BEFORE CONCLUDING HIS TALKS WITH MR. CLINTON, MR. IZETBEGOVIC INVITED A U-S REPRESENTATIVE TO ATTEND AN APRIL 15TH CEREMONY TO LAUNCH A NEW POLICE FORCE FOR THE FEDERATION. IN ADDITION, HE INVITED MR. CLINTON TO VISIT SARAJEVO. (SIGNED)
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26-Mar-97 4:56 PM EST (2156 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[08] EURO STOCKS (S-ONLY) BY JACK HUIZENGA (LONDON)

INTRO: SHARE PRICES WERE UP AGAIN IN TRADING WEDNESDAY IN MAJOR EUROPEAN MARKETS. V-O-A'S JACK HUIZENGA HAS THE CLOSING MARKET REPORT FROM LONDON.

TEXT: EUROPEAN STOCK MARKETS CONTINUED THEIR UPWARD TREND, WITH BIG GAINS POSTED IN ALL MAJOR MARKETS -- ALTHOUGH ALL THREE RETREATED A BIT IN THE AFTERNOON. IN LONDON, EUROPE'S BIGGEST MARKET, STOCKS WERE UP FOR THE SECOND DAY. THE FOOTSIE-100 INDEX ROSE ALMOST 31 POINTS, ABOUT SEVEN-TENTHS (OF ONE) PERCENT.

SHARE PRICES ALSO WERE UP IN PARIS. THE CAC-40 INDEX ROSE MORE THAN 24 POINTS, ALMOST ONE PERCENT. AND, IN FRANKFURT, THE DAX-30 INDEX FINISHED THE FLOOR TRADING DAY UP ALMOST 69 POINTS, A RISE OF MORE THAN TWO PERCENT. PRICES ROSE EVEN MORE IN LATER COMPUTERIZED TRADING.

ON THE LONDON CURRENCY EXCHANGE, THE U-S DOLLAR AGAIN ROSE IN VALUE AGAINST THE JAPANESE YEN AND THE GERMAN MARK. BUT IT LOST VALUE AGAINST THE BRITISH POUND.
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FROM THE V-O-A OFFICE IN THE CITY OF LONDON, I AM JACK HUIZENGA
26-Mar-97 1:43 PM EST (1843 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[09] "INFORMATION AGE" IMPACT BY JOE CHAPMAN (NEW YORK)

INTRO: A LEADING COMPUTER EXPERT SAYS THE IMPACT ON HUMAN HISTORY OF WHAT IS BEING CALLED THE "INFORMATION AGE" WILL BE AS GREAT AS THE EFFECT ON HISTORY OF THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION. V-O-A'S JOE CHAPMAN REPORTS FROM NEW YORK.

TEXT: MICHAEL DERTOUZOS (DER TOO' ZOHS) OF THE MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY -- M-I-T -- PREDICTS THAT WITHIN THE NEXT DECADE, 500-MILLION COMPUTERS WILL BE LINKED IN A WORLDWIDE NETWORK THAT WILL BE VITAL TO THE FUTURE OF INDUSTRIAL NATIONS.

MR. DERTOUZOS HEADS THE LABORATORY FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE AT M-I-T. HE SAYS THE MOST IMPORTANT FUNCTION OF THESE INTERCONNECTED COMPUTERS WILL BE THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION.

THESE INTERCONNECTED COMPUTERS AND THE PEOPLE BEHIND THEM WILL BE DOING THREE THINGS. THEY WILL BE EITHER BUYING, THEY WILL BE EITHER SELLING, OR THEY WILL BE FREELY EXCHANGING TWO THINGS, INFORMATION AND MOST SIGNIFICANTLY, INFORMATION WORK.

INFORMATION WORK, MR. DERTOUZOS SAYS, GOES FAR BEYOND THE TRADITIONAL CONCEPT OF THE NEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRIES, RANGING FROM NEWSPAPERS TO MOVIES TO MAGAZINES TO TELEVISION.

AS IMPORTANT AS THESE ARE, MR. DERTOUZOS SAYS THEY ARE ONLY ABOUT FIVE PERCENT OF THE U-S ECONOMY WHILE OFFICE WORK -- WHICH IS ESSENTIALLY INFORMATION WORK -- IS ABOUT 60 PERCENT OF THE ECONOMY. GLOBALLY, HE SAYS INFORMATION WORK IS NOW ABOUT NINE-TRILLION DOLLARS AND WILL GROW IN THE EMERGING INFORMATION AGE.

SPEAKING TO THE CARNEGIE COUNCIL IN NEW YORK, MR. DERTOUZOS SAYS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WILL SHAPE THE NEXT CENTURY.

I DON'T THINK IT IS GOING TO BE A SUDDEN SHIFT. IT'S GOING TO BE GRADUAL. PEOPLE WILL ABSORB IT JUST LIKE THEY DID BEFORE. THERE WILL BE SOME NEW JOBS. WE DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER ON TOTAL UNEMPLOYMENT-EMPLOYMENT RATIOS, SO WE CAN'T PREDICT THAT -- IT'S TOO EARLY FOR THAT.

THE INFORMATION AGE WILL BRING SOME DISCOMFORT WITH IT, MR. DERTOUZOS SAYS, BUT HE IS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE HUMAN POTENTIAL FOR EXPLORING THE UNKNOWN. HE SAYS ASPECTS OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY HAVE ADVANCED FURTHER THAN MOST PEOPLE REALIZE. FOR EXAMPLE, MR. DERTOUZOS SAYS, COMPUTER SOFTWARE IS FAR MORE CAPABLE OF RECOGNIZING AND ACTING ON HUMAN SPEECH THAN MANY PEOPLE REALIZE WHILE LANGUAGE TRANSLATION SOFTWARE -- AT LEAST FOR SOME BASIC KINDS OF SPEECH -- IS ALSO WELL ADVANCED.

BUT THE M-I-T EXPERT SAYS THERE IS STILL CONSIDERABLE UNCERTAINTY ABOUT SOME USES OF COMPUTERS INCLUDING EDUCATION.

FOR 30 YEARS WE'VE BEEN EXPERIMENTING WITH COMPUTERS IN EDUCATION. AND I WILL TELL YOU TODAY THAT THE JURY IS STILL OUT. WE DO NOT KNOW HOW EFFECTIVE COMPUTERS ARE FOR EDUCATION. THAT'S THE TRUTH.

MR. DERTOUZOS SAYS THERE IS ALSO CAUSE FOR CONCERN ABOUT THE IMPACT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ON THE WORLD'S LESS FORTUNATE.

I PREDICT THAT THE GAP BETWEEN RICH AND POOR WILL INCREASE AS A RESULT OF THESE TECHNOLOGIES UNLESS WE DO SOMETHING. THE REASON IS VERY SIMPLE. IF YOU ARE RICH, YOU HAVE GOOD USES FOR THE TECHNOLOGY AND IF YOU HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY YOU BECOME MORE EFFICIENT AND YOU MOVE UP. IF YOU ARE POOR, WHETHER A COUNTRY OR A HUMAN BEING IN A RICH COUNTRY, YOU DON'T HAVE THAT.

THE UNITED STATES, MR. DERTOUZOS SAYS, SPENDS 10 PERCENT OF ITS ECONOMY -- ABOUT 600-BILLION DOLLARS -- FOR COMPUTERS, SOFTWARE AND THE SALARIES OF THOSE WHO WORK WITH COMPUTERS. HE SAYS IN CONTRAST BANGLADESH, ONE OF THE POORER NATIONS, SPENDS LESS THAN ONE-TENTH OF ONE PERCENT ON COMPUTERS.

MR. DERTOUZOS SAYS THE NEED FOR HUMAN INTERMEDIARIES -- MIDDLEMEN OR AGENTS -- WILL NOT SHRINK, BUT GROW.

MOST OF THE TIME WE'RE NOT BUYING OBJECTS OR SERVICES, WE'RE BUYING TRUST AND WE'RE BUYING THE ABILITY TO FIND WHAT WE WANT AND THAT'S WHY INTERMEDIARIES, I BELIEVE, WILL FLOURISH.

HE SAYS THE WORLD'S NATIONS NEED TO COOPERATE SO THAT THE NEW TECHNOLOGY CAN BE USED TO PRESERVE CULTURES THAT HAVE TAKEN HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF YEARS TO DEVELOP. BUT MR. DERTOUZOS SAYS FOR THE MOST PART HE SEES THE NEW TECHNOLOGY AS STRENGTHENING ETHNICITIES WHILE ALSO ENCOURAGING TOLERANCE FOR DIVERSITY.

NOTING THAT THE RICHER NATIONS ARE GENERALLY AMONG THE MOST DEMOCRATIC, MR. DERTOUZOS SAYS DICTATORSHIPS WILL FIND IT DIFFICULT TO USE THE INFORMATION AGE TECHNOLOGIES WITHOUT UNDERMINING THEIR OWN REGIMES.

MR. DERTOUZOS IS ALSO OPTIMISTIC THAT THE INFORMATION AGE -- AND IMPROVED COMMUNICATIONS IN THE FAMILY OF NATIONS -- WILL LESSEN THE POTENTIAL FOR WAR. (SIGNED)
NEB/NY/JMC/LSF
26-Mar-97 2:47 PM EST (1947 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[10] WEDNESDAY'S EDITORIALS BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: THE U-S CENTRAL BANK, THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM, RAISED SHORT TERM INTEREST RATES TUESDAY BY ONE-QUARTER OF A POINT. THERE IS PLENTY OF REACTION IN THE AMERICAN PRESS THIS WEDNESDAY.

OTHER TOPICS BEING DISCUSSED INCLUDE: TAXES IN FLORIDA; REFORMING THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; THE OSCAR AWARDS; AND U-S RELATIONS WITH CHINA.

NOW, HERE WITH A CLOSER LOOK AND A QUOTE OR TWO IS _______________ AND TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

TEXT: THE FEDERAL RESERVE RAISED A KEY SHORT-TERM INTEREST RATE BY A QUARTER OF A PERCENTAGE POINT, AND, ACCORDING TO THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, MANY ECONOMISTS BELIEVE IT IS LIKELY RATES WILL CONTINUE TO RISE OVER THE COMING MONTHS. THE CENTRAL BANK CITED 'PERSISTING STRENGTH IN DEMAND' THAT 'IS PROGRESSIVELY INCREASING THE RISK OF INFLATIONARY IMBALANCES' IN EXPLAINING ITS DECISION. IN GEORGIA, THE ATLANTA CONSTITUTION RESPONDS:

TEXT: "AFTER YEARS OF PALTRY RAISES, WORKERS FINALLY ARE GETTING BIGGER PAYCHECKS TO REWARD THEIR GAINS IN PRODUCTIVITY. OTHERS WHO HAVE STRUGGLED TO FIND EMPLOYMENT ARE LANDING DECENT JOBS. BABY BOOMERS HAVE BEGUN SAVING MORE MONEY AND YOUNG PEOPLE ARE BUYING HOMES. ALL OF THESE GOOD THINGS ARE HAPPENING WHILE INFLATION REMAINS IN CHECK...... IF EVER THERE WAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SIT BACK AND LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL, THIS IS IT. UNFORTUNATELY, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD DECIDED ... THAT WIDESPREAD PROSPERITY SIMPLY COULD NOT BE TOLERATED. IN A CRUEL DECISION THAT MAKES A RECESSION MORE LIKELY, THE NATION'S CENTRAL BANK ANNOUNCED IT WOULD NUDGE INTEREST RATES HIGHER BY A QUARTER PERCENT. .... CHAIRMAN ALAN ..... GREENSPAN'S PRE-EMPTIVE STRIKE IS POINTLESS."

TEXT: USA TODAY, HOWEVER, SUPPORTS THE DECISION.

VOICE: "BORROWING MONEY, FOR EVERYTHING FROM AUTO LOANS TO CREDIT CARD BALANCES TO HOME MORTGAGES AND BUSINESS EXPANSION, JUST GOT A BIT MORE EXPENSIVE. FOR MOST AMERICANS, THAT'S BAD NEWS. BUT THE ALTERNATIVE COULD BE WORSE. .... IF SUCCESSFUL, THE FED WILL ACCOMPLISH SOMETHING NEVER DONE BEFORE: BRINGING THE 7-TRILLION-DOLLAR U-S ECONOMY IN FOR A SECOND CONSECUTIVE 'SOFT LANDING.' THAT IS, MAINTAINING GROWTH WHILE KEEPING BOTH INFLATION AND RECESSION AT BAY. .... MODEST TIGHTENING NOW IS MUCH EASIER TO TAKE THAN THE PAIN OF MORE ABRUPT ACTION LATER."

TEXT: IN FLORIDA, THE MIAMI HERALD IS UPSET ABOUT ANOTHER FINANCIAL ISSUE, WHAT IT CALLS THE UNFAIRNESS OF SOME FLORIDA TAXES.

VOICE: "A PREDICTABLE PATTERN EMERGES WHEN YOU TAKE A CLOSE LOOK AT WHO GETS THE BREAKS AND WHO PAYS IN THE BEVY OF TAX-BREAK LEGISLATION PENDING IN THE LEGISLATURE. THE BREAKS GO AGAIN AND AGAIN TO THE AFFLUENT AND THE INFLUENTIAL, LEAVING OTHERS TO PAY THE TAB THROUGH HIGHER TAXES AND FEES OR VIA CUTS IN VITAL SERVICES."

TEXT: STILL ON THE SUBJECT OF GOVERNMENT FINANCES, TODAY'S WASHINGTON POST DISCUSSES THE CURRENT DRIVE TO REFORM THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, LONG A SUBJECT OF TAXPAYER COMPLAINTS.

VOICE: "THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE IS AN AGENCY BADLY IN NEED OF MODERNIZATION. IT IS ALSO A FAVORITE PUNCHING BAG [CRITICAL TARGET] OF THOSE WHOSE OBJECTIVE IS NOT IMPROVED ADMINISTRATION BUT ELIMINATION OF THE INCOME TAX OF WHICH THE AGENCY, AS COLLECTOR, IS THE SYMBOL. .... THE SHARPEST CRITICS SAY THE AGENCY AND TAX CODE ALIKE ARE BEYOND REPAIR. THY WOULD REPLACE THE INCOME TAX WITH SOME SIMPLER ALTERNATIVE. THE SIMPLER TAX OFTEN TURNS OUT TO BE BOTH LOWER AND LESS PROGRESSIVE. DEPUTY TREASURY SECRETARY LAWRENCE SUMMERS SAID IN OUTLINING THE ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSALS EARLIER THIS MONTH THAT CRITICS OUGHT NOT USE THE ADMITTED ORGANIZATION SHORTCOMINGS OF THE IRS AS 'A VEHICLE FOR PROMOTING OTHER AGENDAS.' HE'S RIGHT."

TEXT: SEVERAL PAPERS ARE DISCUSSING THE FORM AND SUBSTANCE OF MONDAY NIGHT'S MOTION PICTURE ACADEMY AWARDS PRESENTATION OF "OSCARS" SALUTING THE YEAR'S BEST ACTORS AND ACTRESSES, COSTUME DESIGN, BEST PICTURE AND BEST DIRECTOR. THE SUN IN BALTIMORE NOTES THAT THE FILM WINNING THE MOST "OSCARS", NINE IN ALL, IS NOT AN ACCURATE REPRESENTATION OF HISTORY.

VOICE: " 'THE ENGLISH PATIENT' BEAUTIFULLY INTEGRATED SOME OF HOLLYWOOD'S FAVORITE GENRES: THE 'WOMAN'S MOVIE' ABOUT EMOTIONAL TRUTHS; THE YOUNG MACHO VIOLENCE FLICK [MOTION PICTURE] WITH CLOSE-UPS OF PAIN AND GORE; THE WORLD WAR TWO NOSTALGIA FILM, AND CINEMATOGRAPHY OF NATURE, SUCH AS UNDULATING PATTERNS OF DESERT DUNES. .... BUT DON'T LOOK FOR HISTORICAL ACCURACY. CANADIAN NOVELIST MICHAEL ONDAATJE .....CREATED A REMARKABLE CHARACTER, A HUNGARIAN WHO HUNG AROUND BRITISH ARCHAEOLOGISTS IN EGYPT BEFORE WORLD WAR TWO AND DID A LITTLE SPYING DURING IT. BUT HE USED THE NAME OF A REAL MAN, WHOM REAL SURVIVORS REMEMBER AS A NASTY PIECE OF WORK AND NOT AT ALL AS PORTRAYED IN THE MOVE."

TEXT: TODAY'S NEW YORK POST IS DISCUSSING THE NEW SECRETARY OF STATE'S EMPHASIS ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN WORLDWIDE, WHICH THE PAPER FEELS IS MISGUIDED.

VOICE: "MADELEINE ALBRIGHT, AMERICA'S FIRST FEMALE SECRETARY OF STATE, HAS ANNOUNCED THAT IMPROVING THE STATUS OF WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD - - 'THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN'S HUMAN RIGHTS,' ACCORDING TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT - - WILL BE 'AN INTEGRAL OBJECTIVE OF U-S FOREIGN POLICY.' ..... THERE ARE ELEMENTS OF HUMAN-RIGHTS CONCERNS - - WHICH PROPERLY FOCUS ON ENDING TORTURE AND ARBITRARY IMPRISONMENT - - THAT ... CONTINUE TO BE, IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF AMERICAN DIPLOMACY. BUT CONCERN FOR WOMEN'S RIGHTS .... DOES NOT BELONG ON THE SAME PLANE. MAKING WOMEN'S RIGHTS A FOCAL POINT OF U-S FOREIGN POLICY AT A TIME WHEN ...[THERMONUCLEAR ARMED] RUSSIA ... IS NOT PAYING ITS ARMY, WHEN CHINA IS MORE ASSERTIVE AND WHEN PALESTINIAN SUICIDE BOMBERS SEEM TO BE DICTATING THE COURSE OF EVENTS IN THE MIDEAST BETRAYS A STRIKING ABSENCE OF PERSPECTIVE."

TEXT: AND LASTLY ON THE ISSUE OF CHINA, AND VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE'S CURRENT VISIT, NEWSDAY SUGGESTS THAT "ON TRADE, CHINA WANTS MORE THAN IT SHOULD GET."

VOICE: "CHINA ISN'T SIMPLY SEEKING BETTER TIES TO THE UNITED STATES, BUT ALSO ANGLING FOR ACCESS TO GLOBAL MARKETS ON FAVORABLE AND ONE-SIDED TERMS. THOUGH WARMER U-S CHINA RELATIONS ARE WELCOME, THE WHITE HOUSE NEEDS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE CONCESSIONS IT MAKES TO BEIJING WON'T HURT U-S INTERESTS IN THE LONG RUN."

TEXT: THAT CONCLUDES THIS BRIEF SAMPLING OF OPINIONS FROM WEDNESDAY'S U-S PRESS.
NEB/ANG/NL
26-Mar-97 10:11 AM EST (1511 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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