Voice of America, 98-07-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] E-U / AIRLINES (L ONLY) BY JOHN FRASER (BRUSSELS)

[02] KOSOVO REBELS (L ONLY) BY LISA SCHLEIN (GENEVA)

[03] KOSOVO / TALKS (L UPDATE) BY ART CHIMES (PRISTINA)

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

[05] U-S/KOSOVO (L ONLY) BY GIL BUTLER (STATE DEPARTMENT)

[06] NORTHERN IRELAND PEACE FALTERS BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)

[07] EURO STOCKS (S ONLY) BY KEVIN LYNCH (LONDON)

[08] NY ECON WRAP (S&L) BY ELAINE JOHANSON (NEW YORK)

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

[01] E-U / AIRLINES (L ONLY) BY JOHN FRASER (BRUSSELS)

INTRO: THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION HAS GIVEN ITS TENTATIVE APPROVAL FOR THE LAUNCH OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST AIRLINE ALLIANCE -- BETWEEN BRITISH AIRWAYS AND AMERICAN AIRLINES. BUT JOHN FRASER IN BRUSSELS REPORTS E-U OFFICIALS SET SEVERAL CONDITIONS WHICH THEY SAY WILL PERMIT RIVAL AIRLINES TO ENTER, OR EXPAND SERVICES BETWEEN BRITAIN AND THE UNITED STATES.

TEXT: EUROPEAN COMPETITION COMMISSIONER KAREL VAN MIERT SAYS HE DECIDED THE PARTNERSHIP CAN PROCEED AS LONG AS KEY CONDITIONS ARE MET TO GIVE NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO COMPETING AIRLINES.

THE KEY CONCESSION WHICH THE BRITISH AIRWAYS-AMERICAN AIRLINES ALLIANCE MUST MEET IS TO SURRENDER UP TO 267 TAKE-OFF AND LANDING SLOTS AT LONDON'S HEATHROW AND GATWICK AIRPORTS, WITHOUT RECEIVING ANY COMPENSATION.

THE SURRENDER WOULD NOT BE REQUIRED IF RIVAL AIRLINES CAN SECURE SLOTS THROUGH NORMAL EXPANSION OF TRAFFIC AT THE TWO AIRPORTS. AND THE AIRLINES MUST GIVE UP THE LANDING AND TAKE-OFF RIGHTS ONLY IF OTHER AIRLINES REQUEST THEM.

IN ADDITION, BRITISH AIRWAYS AND AMERICAN AIRLINES MUST DROP UP TO 25 WEEKLY SERVICES ON ROUTES BETWEEN LONDON AND THREE U-S CITIES -- DALLAS, MIAMI, AND CHICAGO -- FOR A SIX-MONTH PERIOD, IF REQUESTED BY RIVAL AIRLINES, TO ALLOW COMPETITORS TO ESTABLISH NEW SERVICES.

IN A SEPARATE DECISION, THE E-U COMMISSION CLEARED A PARTNERSHIP THAT INCLUDES UNITED AIRLINES, LUFTHANSA, AND S-A-S. BUT THE AIRLINES IN THIS ALLIANCE MUST GIVE UP 108 TAKEOFF AND LANDING SLOTS AT AIRPORTS IN FRANKFURT AND COPENHAGEN.

COMMISSIONER VAN MIERT SAID THAT HE BELIEVES THE PACKAGE OF MEASURES WILL ALLOW OTHER AIRLINES TO MAINTAIN OR EXPAND THEIR ACCESS TO EUROPEAN AND U-S MARKETS.

BRITISH AIRWAYS SAID IT WELCOMES THE E-U'S CLEARANCE OF ITS ALLIANCE WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES, BUT SAID THE CONDITIONS DEMANDED BY MR. VAN MIERT ARE TOO HARSH. IT SAID IT IS NOW EVEN MORE HOPEFUL THAT BRITISH AND U-S GOVERNMENT REGULATORY OFFICIALS WILL GIVE THEIR APPROVAL.

BUT A STATEMENT FROM A BRITISH COMPETITOR -- VIRGIN ATLANTIC -- SAID THE BRITISH AIRWAYS-AMERICAN AIRLINES ALLIANCE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE IN PRINCIPLE. VIRGIN ATLANTIC SAYS THE ALLIANCE WILL CREATE A VIRTUAL MONOPOLY BETWEEN BRITAIN AND AMERICAN ON THE WORLD'S BUSIEST LONG-HAUL AIRLINE ROUTES. (SIGNED)
NEB/JF/JWH
08-Jul-98 10:05 AM EDT (1405 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[02] KOSOVO REBELS (L ONLY) BY LISA SCHLEIN (GENEVA)

INTRO: REPRESENTATIVES OF THE KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY IN EXILE VOW THAT THE K-L-A WILL FIGHT UNTIL IT ACHIEVES ITS GOAL OF INDEPENDENCE FROM SERBIA. LISA SCHLEIN SAYS THE K-L-A REPRESENTATIVES TOLD CORRESPONDENTS IN GENEVA THEY WILL NOT COMPROMISE ON THIS POSITION.

TEXT: THE KOSOVAR SEPARATISTS SAY THEY REJECT WHAT THEY DESCRIBE AS THE PACIFIST POSITION OF IBRAHIM RUGOVA, THE POLITICAL LEADER OF ETHNIC ALBANIANS IN KOSOVO. THEY SAY THAT UNDER HIS LEADERSHIP, THE SITUATION OF ETHNIC ALBANIANS HAS WORSENED.

ONE OF THE K-L-A OFFICIALS IN GENEVA, BARDHYL MAHMUTI, SAYS THE PERIOD OF NEGOTIATIONS IS OVER.

MR. MAHMUTI SAYS THE PEOPLE OF KOSOVO TRIED TO FIND A PEACEFUL SOLUTION, BUT HE SAYS YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC REFUSED THESE PEACEFUL OVERTURES. AND NOW THERE IS WAR. MR. MAHMUTI SAYS THE K-L-A WILL AGREE TO A CEASEFIRE. BUT ONLY WHEN SERB SOLDIERS LEAVE KOSOVO. HE REJECTS ANY DEAL WHICH ENVISIONS KOSOVO BECOMING AN AUTONOMOUS PROVINCE IN A NEW FEDERATION WITH SERBIA. HE REPEATS THAT INDEPENDENCE IS THE K-L-A'S ULTIMATE GOAL. AND THE K-L-A WILL NOT COMPROMISE ON THE FREEDOM OF ITS PEOPLE.

MR. MAHMUTI DENIES MEDIA REPORTS THAT THE K-L-A IS AIMING TO ACHIEVE A GREATER ALBANIA. HE CALLS THIS SERBIAN PROPAGANDA. HOWEVER, UNDER FURTHER QUESTIONING, MR. MAHMUTI SOMEWHAT SOFTENS HIS DENIAL.

MR. MAHMUTI SAYS THE LIBERATION OF KOSOVO IS THE K-L-A'S GOAL. WHILE UNIFICATION WITH ALBANIA IS NOT PART OF THIS PLAN, HE SAYS THE K-L-A DOESN'T EXCLUDE THIS POSSIBILITY. HE SAYS ONLY TIME WILL TELL WHAT FORM A FUTURE KOSOVO STATE WILL TAKE. (SIGNED)
NEB/LS/KL
08-Jul-98 9:15 AM EDT (1315 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[03] KOSOVO / TALKS (L UPDATE) BY ART CHIMES (PRISTINA)

INTRO: OFFICIALS FROM WESTERN EUROPE, RUSSIA, AND THE UNTIED STATES -- MEETING IN BONN, GERMANY -- SAY THE PROSPECTS FOR A PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT IN KOSOVO HAVE DETERIORATED IN THE PAST MONTH. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ART CHIMES REPORTS FROM KOSOVO'S PROVINCIAL CAPITAL, PRISTINA.

TEXT: THE SIX-NATION CONTACT GROUP EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE SITUATION, BUT -- AT LEAST IN THEIR PUBLIC STATEMENT -- FAILED TO ANNOUNCE ANY MAJOR INITIATIVE TO DEFUSE THE CRISIS.

THE GROUP CALLED FOR AN IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE AND SAID IT WOULD MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT COULD BE A STARTING POINT FOR NEGOTIATIONS ON THE TROUBLED REGION.

IN A STATEMENT, THE CONTACT GROUP NATIONS ALSO CALLED ON GOVERNMENTS TO END THE FLOW OF MONEY TO SEPARATIST REBELS OF THE KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY.

THE CONTACT GROUP IS LOOKING FOR AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO DEFUSE THE VIOLENCE. SANCTIONS AGAINST SERBIA HAVE FAILED TO END THE FIGHTING. AND ATTEMPTS TO TALK WITH THE ETHNIC ALBANIANS ARE HINDERED BY INTERNAL DIFFERENCES.

KOSOVO ONCE ENJOYED CONSIDERABLE AUTONOMY WITHIN SERBIA, BUT IS NOW EFFECTIVELY RULED FROM BELGRADE. KOSOVO'S 90 PERCENT ETHNIC ALBANIAN MAJORITY WANTS TO BE INDEPENDENT, BUT BELGRADE INSISTS THE PROVINCE MUST REMAIN IN SERBIA. THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY IS ALSO AGAINST INDEPENDENCE.

MORE THAN 350 PEOPLE HAVE DIED IN THE FIGHTING THIS YEAR. MORE THAN 70-THOUSAND PEOPLE HAVE FLED THEIR HOMES.

THE REBELS ARE REPORTED TO CONTROL ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF KOSOVO, SCORING IMPRESSIVE GAINS IN LESS THAN FIVE MONTHS OF FIGHTING. THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HAD BEEN PRESSING BELGRADE ON A TROOP PULLBACK, BUT NOW -- WITH THE INCREASING STRENGTH OF THE REBELS DIPLOMATS ARE INSTEAD PUSHING FOR A CEASEFIRE ON BOTH SIDES.

HERE IN KOSOVO, NEW VIOLENCE THIS WEEK HAS EMPHASIZED THE NEED FOR PROMPT DIPLOMATIC ACTION. AMERICAN ENVOY RICHARD HOLBROOKE SAID IN A TELEVISION INTERVIEW (C-N-N) THAT KOSOVO IS VERY DANGEROUS -- CLOSE, HE SAID, TO A GENUINE EMERGENCY. (SIGNED)
NEB/ART/JWH
08-Jul-98 1:23 PM EDT (1723 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: THE UNITED NATIONS SAYS THE SITUATION IN YUGOSLAVIA'S KOSOVO PROVINCE IS DETERIORATING. A U-N REPORT RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAYS THE NUMBER OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PEOPLE IN THE PROVINCE NOW EXCEEDS 50 THOUSAND, AND THOUSANDS MORE HAVE FLED TO NEIGHBORING REGIONS. V-O-A'S MAX RUSTON REPORTS FROM OUR UNITED NATIONS BUREAU.

TEXT: THE REPORT FOCUSES ON THE GROWING NUMBER OF REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PEOPLE IN KOSOVO PROVINCE AND NEIGHBORING ALBANIA. IT WAS COMPILED FROM INFORMATION GATHERED BY THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES --THE U-N-H-C-R -- AND SEVERAL OTHER HUMANITARIAN ORGANIZATIONS WORKING IN THE REGION.

U-N SPOKESMAN FRED ECKHARD:

U-N-H-C-R REPORTS THAT IT HAS IDENTIFIED LOCATIONS OF SOME 52 THOUSAND PEOPLE DISPLACED BY THE FIGHTING INSIDE KOSOVO. ON REFUGEE OUTFLOWS, H-C-R SAYS THAT SINCE THE END OF MAY, SOME 13 THOUSAND REFUGEES HAVE CROSSED INTO NORTHERN ALBANIA, A ROUGHLY EQUAL NUMBER HAS CROSSED INTO MONTENEGRO.

THE REPORT DOCUMENTS GUN BATTLES AND SNIPING BY YUGOSLAV SOLDIERS NEAR THE BORDER BETWEEN KOSOVO AND ALBANIA -- WHICH HUMANITARIAN WORKERS SAY POSES A REGULAR THREAT TO REFUGEES. ONE RESULT OF THE VIOLENCE IS INCREASED MILITARIZATION OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES. THE REPORT SAYS IN THE ALBANIAN BORDER TOWN OF TROPOJE (TROH-POH-YAH) THE ENTIRE POPULATION IS ARMED, AND EVEN YOUNG BOYS OFTEN CARRY AUTOMATIC WEAPONS.

TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS, THE REPORT SAYS, THE UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN'S FUND IS SEEKING TO ESTABLISH A LOCAL COALITION FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN'S RIGHTS. AND THE U-N DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IS PROPOSING PROJECTS IN TROPOJE THAT WOULD PROMOTE LIVESTOCK AND AGRICULTURE TRADE AND REHABILITATE SCHOOL, WATER SUPPLY AND HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS.

ETHNIC ALBANIANS IN KOSOVO SAY THE YUGOSLAV GOVERNMENT, MOTIVATED BY ETHNIC RIVALRY, IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VIOLENCE IN THE REGION. THE YUGOSLAV GOVERNMENT REJECTS THAT CHARGE AND BLAMES ETHNIC ALBANIANS FOR THE UNREST, SAYING THEY ARE USING TERRORISM TO PURSUE SEPARATIST GOALS. (SIGNED) NEB/UN/MPR/LSF/PT
08-Jul-98 4:29 PM EDT (2029 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[05] U-S/KOSOVO (L ONLY) BY GIL BUTLER (STATE DEPARTMENT)

INTRO: THE U-S STATE DEPARTMENT SAYS MASSIVE CRACKDOWNS BY SERBIAN SECURITY FORCES IN YUGOSLAVIA'S KOSOVO PROVINCE HAVE EASED, THOUGH YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC IS STILL BLAMED FOR PRECIPITATING THE CRISIS. THE U-S POSITION ON KOSOVO WAS AGAIN SPELLED OUT AS THE INTERNATIONAL CONTACT GROUP ON KOSOVO MET IN BONN TO DECIDE ON PRINCIPLES FOR PEACE NEGOTIATIONS. CORRESPONDENT GIL BUTLER HAS A REPORT FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT.

TEXT: THE DETAILS OF THE PRINCIPLES THAT ARE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR AN EVENTUAL SETTLEMENT OF THE DISPUTE ARE NOT SPELLED OUT IN DETAIL. BUT STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN JAMES RUBIN SAYS THE AIM IS TO GIVE ENHANCED AUTONOMY TO ETHNIC ALBANIANS IN KOSOVO. AUTONOMY WAS STRIPPED FROM THE PROVINCE BY PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC IN 1989.

THAT IS WHAT WE ARE WORKING ON: PRINCIPLES THAT WILL GUIDE THEM TO COME UP WITH SOME FORM OF ENHANCED AUTONOMY THAT MEETS THEIR NEEDS AND LEGITIMATE RIGHTS, WHILE FALLING SHORT OF WHAT WE CONSIDER AND UNREALISTIC GOAL -- WHICH WE DO NOT SUPPORT -- WHICH IS INDEPENDENCE.

THE INTERNATIONAL CONTACT GROUP MEETING IN BONN WEDNESDAY ALSO CALLED FOR AN IMMEDIATE CESSATION OF VIOLENCE AND AN END TO FOREIGN FINANCIAL SUPPORT, WEAPONS OR TRAINING FOR ARMED KOSOVO ALBANIAN GROUPS -- MEANING THE KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY, OR K-L-A.

AMERICAN OFFICIALS HAVE MET WITH K-L-A MEMBERS RECENTLY IN THEIR QUEST FOR A CEASE FIRE IN KOSOVO. HERE AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT, THE SPOKESMAN TRIED TO CLARIFY THE U-S POSITION ON THE K-L-A. MR. RUBIN SAID ANY ACTS THAT ARE TERRORIST ACTS ARE CONDEMNED, BUT THE K-L-A AS A LOOSELY KNIT GROUP IS NOT CONSIDERED A TERRORIST GROUP BUT AN INSURGENCY, USING FORCE TO RESPOND TO ETHNIC ALBANIANS BEING STRIPPED OF AUTONOMY IN KOSOVO.

WE'VE SAID THAT WE THINK THE (BARGAINING) TABLE SHOULD INCLUDE A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF KOSOVAR ALBANIAN OPINION. AND WHETHER IT IS DIRECT OR INDIRECT OUGHT TO BE UP TO DR. RUGOVA, NOT US. SO THEREFORE, WE DO NOT SAY THAT THE K-L-A OUGHT TO BE AT THE TABLE. WE SAY THAT DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY THEIR VIEWS OUGHT TO BE COVERED AND IT IS UP TO DR. RUGOVA TO DECIDE WHO WILL JOIN HIM IN THIS SITUATION.

MR. RUBIN REITERRATED THAT A MILITARY OPTION HAS NOT BEEN RULED OUT, AND NATO PLANNING FOR SUCH AN OPTION GOES ON. (SIGNED)
NEB/MGB/WDC /MMK
08-Jul-98 3:32 PM EDT (1932 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[06] NORTHERN IRELAND PEACE FALTERS BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)

INTRO: THINGS ARE NOT LOOKING GOOD IN NORTHERN IRELAND. LESS THAN THREE MONTHS AFTER MOST OF THE PARTIES INVOLVED IN THE PAST THREE DECADES OF SECTARIAN VIOLENCE AGREED ON A GOOD FRIDAY PEACE ACCORD, VIOLENCE HAS RETURNED IN FORCE.

PROTESTANT ORANGE ORDER MARCHERS ARE CAMPED AROUND AN ANGLICAN CHURCH IN PORTADOWN TOWN, DEMANDING THAT THE BRITISH ARMY AND NORTHERN IRELAND POLICE LET THEM FINISH THEIR MARCH BEGUN DAYS AGO, THROUGH A MOSTLY ROMAN CATHOLIC NEIGHBORHOOD. THE CATHOLICS DO NOT WANT THE MARCH TO GO FORWARD.

YOUTHS IN PROTESTANT AREAS OF ULSTER, AS THE REGION IS KNOWN, HAVE BEEN STONING POLICE AND TROOPS FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE DAYS.

U-S PAPERS WHO CHEERED THE GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT, NEGOTIATED OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS BY FORMER U-S SENATE MAJORITY LEADER GEORGE MITCHELL, WHO IS OF IRISH DESCENT, ARE NOW WRINGING THEIR HANDS EDITORIALLY AT THIS LATEST TURN OF EVENTS.

WE CALL ON _____________ FOR A SAMPLING IN TODAY'S U-S OPINION ROUNDUP.

TEXT: MORE VIOLENCE WAS REPORTED TUESDAY EVENING IN NORTHERN IRELAND AND BRITAIN IS SENDING ABOUT 800 ADDITIONAL TROOPS TO THE PROVINCE TO BACK UP THE BRITISH ARMY TROOPS ALREADY THERE, AIDING THE ROYAL ULSTER CONSTABULARY POLICE.

PROTESTANT AND ROMAN CATHOLIC LEADERS ARE MEETING WITH FACTIONS OF BOTH GROUPS IN EFFORTS TO KEEP THE PEACE PROCESS ON TRACK AND BRITISH PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR IS SCHEDULED TO MEET WITH PROTESTANT LEADERS THURSDAY.

THE U-S PRESS IS DISGUSTED, THAT AFTER SUCH A LONG, DIFFICULT PERIOD OF NEGOTIATIONS THAT APPEARED TO HAVE SUCCEEDED, A GROUP OF TROUBLE MAKERS ON BOTH SIDES ARE THREATENING TO TEAR IT TO SHREDS. WE BEGIN OUR SAMPLING IN THE MIDWEST, WHERE "THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE" URGES AUTHORITIES TO "HOLD THE LINE."

VOICE: THE NORTHERN IRELAND OF OLD HAS REARED ITS HEAD ONCE AGAIN AS MILITANT PROTESTANTS AND CATHOLICS GO TO THE BARRICADES OVER A SECTARIAN RIFT THAT DATES BACK MORE THAN 300 YEARS. BRITISH TROOPS IN RIOT GEAR AGAIN ARE ANSWERING A BARRAGE OF BOTTLES WITH RUBBER BULLETS WHILE POLITICIANS CALL FOR COOL HEADS AND CALM REASON. BUT THIS MARCHING SEASON IT IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT THAT THE TROOPS DO THEIR DUTY AND THE POLITICIANS HOLD FIRM THE LINE AGAINST TERRORIST INTIMIDATION, BECAUSE THE PEOPLE OF NORTHERN IRELAND HAVE GONE TO THE POLLS AND CHOSEN PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHOULD THAT CHOICE BE UNDERMINED.

TEXT: IN BOSTON, THE NATIONAL "CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR" SAYS THAT ONE THING NEEDED NOW, NOT ONLY IN ULSTER, BUT ALSO IN SOUTH AFRICA, BOSNIA, AND THE MIDDLE EAST, IS EXTRAORDINARY VISION, PATIENCE AND FORGIVENESS.

VOICE: THIS PROCESS OF REDIRECTING A SOCIETY 'S ENERGIES IS VIVIDLY AT WORK IN NORTHERN IRELAND. THIS WEEK'S TURMOIL CONTRASTS WITH THE HOPES STIRRED BY SUCCESSFUL PEACE NEGOTIATIONS. THE PROTESTANT ORANGE ORDER CLINGS FERVENTLY TO ITS TRADITION OF MID-SUMMER MARCHES TO COMMEMORATE A VICTORY OVER THE CATHOLICS 300 YEARS AGO. THE AUTHORITIES BLOCK ONE ROUTE, BUT ALLOW ANOTHER - - COURTING POSSIBLE REACTION FROM CATHOLIC NEIGHBORHOODS. EXTREMIST YOUTHS ATTACK BRITISH SOLDIERS AND POLICE. IT'S AN ALL-TOO-FAMILIAR SCENARIO. WILL IT DERAIL THE PEACE? NOT IF LEADERS, AND AVERAGE PEOPLE, ON BOTH UNIONIST AND NATIONALIST SIDES ADHERE TO THE VISION OF A SHARED FUTURE. THAT VISION LED TO BREAKTHROUGHS LIKE A NEW ASSEMBLY THAT REPRESENTS BOTH COMMUNITIES AND COULD ENHANCE JUSTICE AND OPPORTUNITY ALL AROUND. ..... IT SHOULD NEVER BE FORGOTTEN THAT THE QUEST FOR PEACE IS SUPPORTED BY A HIGHER THAN HUMAN POWER.

TEXT: "THE WASHINGTON POST" IS URGING LEADERS ON BOTH SIDES TO BE STRONG AND TOUGH IN THE DIFFICULT EARLY GOING UNDER THE NEW PEACE ACCORD.

VOICE: THE ONSET OF THE SEASON OF POLITICAL MARCHES IN NORTHERN IRELAND HAS GENERATED A LOT OF VIOLENCE AND CONFRONTATION AND RAISED FEARS THAT THE BRITISH PROVINCE'S CELEBRATED NEW PEACE AGREEMENT MAY FOUNDER. THE MARCHES SIGNIFY A TRIBAL POLITICS THAT IS THE PRECISE OPPOSITE OF WHAT THE NEW AGREEMENT SETS OUT TO PRODUCE. ..... THE DEDICATION OF THE PARTIES AND PEOPLE OF NORTHERN IRELAND AND THE SUPPORT OF THEIR FRIENDS CANNOT BE ALLOWED TO VANISH IN THE TOUGH EARLY GOING.

TEXT: ON LONG ISLAND, "NEWSDAY" IS UPSET WITH THE WAY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT IS HANDLING THE PARADE SEASON, AND BLAMES CHANGES IN POLICY FOR SOME OF THE CURRENT TROUBLE.

VOICE: THE BRITISH FLIP-FLOP ON ALLOWING PROVOCATIVE PROTESTANT MARCHES IN ULSTER IS AN ASTONISHINGLY BAD DEVELOPMENT. IT COULD DO AS MUCH TO JEOPARDIZE THE NASCENT NORTHERN IRELAND PEACE PROCESS AS THE VIOLENCE THIS LATEST ILL-ADVISED CONCESSION WAS MEANT TO QUELL. INSTEAD OF ADOPTING A SEE-SAWING POLICY OF APPEASING WHICHEVER FACTION THREATENS THE MOST MAYHEM, LONDON AND THE NEWLY ELECTED LEADERS OF THE NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY SHOULD STEADFASTLY SUPPORT WHATEVER WILL ADVANCE THE GOOD FRIDAY PEACE AGREEMENT. ..... AT SOME POINT, ALL THOSE WHO WISH FOR PEACE IN NORTHERN IRELAND MUST STAND FAST FOR THE COMMON GOOD, EVEN WHEN FACED WITH THE RAGE OF THE CONSIDERABLE NUMBERS OF PROTESTANTS, WHO FEEL BETRAYED BY THE GOOD FRIDAY ACCORD.

TEXT: IN MAINE, HOME STATE OF THE PEACE AGREEMENT'S TIRELESS NEGOTIATOR, FORMER U-S SENATE MAJORITY LEADER GEORGE MITCHELL, "THE PORTLAND PRESS HERALD" CALLS ON THE ORANGE ORDER MARCHERS TO BE THE ONES TO MAKE THE CONCESSION IN THE NAME OF PEACE.

VOICE: THE ORANGE ORDER NOW SHOULD PUT THE PAST BEHIND IT, AS WELL, AND 'MEET THE FUTURE.' IT CAN DO THIS BY CALLING OFF THE PORTADOWN PROTEST, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE PARADES COMMISSION HAS AGREED TO ITS MARCH THROUGH THE [PREDOMINANTLY ROMAN CATHOLIC] LOWER ORMEAU SECTION OF BELFAST NEXT WEEK. SOME THINGS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN SIMPLY MAKING ONE'S POINT. MAKING PEACE, A PEACE FOR WHICH NORTHERN IRELAND HAS WAITED SO LONG, IS ONE OF THEM.

TEXT: AND LASTLY, MORE CRITICISM OF THESE MOST ARDENT PROTESTANTS FROM "THE LOS ANGELES TIMES."

VOICE: NOTHING BETTER ILLUSTRATES THE STRUGGLE BETWEEN THOSE WHO CLING TO A VIOLENT PAST AND THOSE WHO ARE PURSUING A PEACEFUL FUTURE THAN THE CURRENT STANDOFF IN ULSTER. WEARING ORANGE SASHES AND BOWLER HATS, THE PROTESTANT ORANGEMEN ON SUNDAY USHERED MORE DISCORD INTO THE TROUBLED REGION, DEMANDING TO PARADE AS USUAL THROUGH CATHOLIC NEIGHBORHOODS. EVERY SUMMER THIS PROTESTANT BROTHERHOOD REMINDS CATHOLICS OF THEIR MILITARY DEFEAT BY WILLIAM OF ORANGE [THE DUTCH PROTESTANT MONARCH WHO BECAME ENGLAND'S KING WILLIAM THE THIRD] [AT THE BATTLE OF THE RIVER BOYNE] IN 1690. ///// THE MAY [PEACE] AGREEMENT OFFERS A NEW BEGINNING IN RELATIONSHIPS, BETWEEN NORTH AND SOUTH AND BETWEEN BRITAIN AND IRELAND. A GROUP OF ANGRY MEN BESOTTED BY A VIOLENT HISTORY SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO SABOTAGE IT.

TEXT: ON THAT NOTE, WE CONCLUDE THIS SAMPLING OF EDITORIAL COMMENT FROM THE U-S PRESS ABOUT THE CURRENT OUTBREAK OF NEW SECTARIAN VIOLENCE IN NORTHERN IRELAND, DESPITE APRIL'S PEACE AGREEMENT.
NEB/ANG/PLM
08-Jul-98 2:46 PM EDT (1846 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[07] EURO STOCKS (S ONLY) BY KEVIN LYNCH (LONDON)

INTRO: FOR THE SECOND DAY IN A ROW, SEVERAL EUROPEAN MARKETS REACHED RECORD HIGHS, INSPIRED BY A STRONG EARLY START ON WALL STREET. HERE IS KEVIN LYNCH WITH THE CLOSING FIGURES FROM EUROPE'S MAJOR MARKETS.

TEXT: SHARES IN FRANKFURT, PARIS AND AMSTERDAM HIT NEW PEAKS WEDNESDAY, DRIVEN UPWARD BY GOOD NEWS FROM WALL STREET, WHERE STOCKS SURGED UP FIFTY POINTS IN THE FIRST TWENTY MINUTES OF TRADE. LONDON ALSO CLOSED HIGHER BUT ONLY MARGINALLY. TRADERS HERE WERE SAID TO BE DISTRACTED BY FEARS THAT THE BANK OF ENGLAND MAY DECIDE TO RAISE INTEREST RATES THURSDAY. IN LONDON, THE FINANCIAL TIMES 100-SHARE INDEX ENDED THE DAY UP SIX POINTS, A GAIN OF POINT ONE ZERO PERCENT. IN PARIS, THE CAC-40 INDEX WAS UP SEVEN POINTS, OR POINT ONE SIX PERCENT. IN FRANKFURT, THE DAX INDEX GAINED 43 POINTS, OR MORE THAN THREE-QUARTERS OF A PERCENT.

THE PRICE OF GOLD CLOSED IN LONDON AT 292 DOLLARS 30 CENTS AN OUNCE, DOWN ONE DOLLAR 80 CENTS.

THE DOLLAR CLOSED MOSTLY HIGHER IN EUROPE AGAINST THE OTHER MAJOR CURRENCIES. (SIGNED)
NEB/KL/PLM
08-Jul-98 2:09 PM EDT (1809 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[08] NY ECON WRAP (S&L) BY ELAINE JOHANSON (NEW YORK)

INTRO: STOCK PRICES IN NEW YORK CLOSED UP STRONGLY TODAY (WEDNESDAY). TECHNOLOGY ISSUES AND BLUE CHIPS (LEADING COMPANIES) MADE AN ESPECIALLY GOOD SHOWING -- OFFSETTING A GENERAL DECLINE IN INTERNET STOCKS. V-O-A'S ELAINE JOHANSON REPORTS FROM NEW YORK.

TEXT: THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE CLOSED OVER NINE THOUSAND, AT NINE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE -- UP 89 POINTS, ALMOST ONE PERCENT. THE BROADER, MORE REPRESENTATIVE STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 INDEX WAS IN RECORD TERRITORY, UP 12 POINTS, AS WAS THE TECHNOLOGY-HEAVY NASDAQ -- UP 27 POINTS.

INTERNET STOCKS FELL ACROSS THE BOARD, WITH SOME LAST-MINUTE REBOUNDING -- AFTER ALMOST PHENOMENAL GAINS SINCE JUNE. BUT THEY REMAIN STRONG AND HIGH-PRICED. AND ANALYSTS SAY THEY REMAIN A GOOD BET FOR INVESTORS. MEANWHILE, A BIG RALLY IN BLUE CHIPS MARKED THE DAY. BANK STOCKS SOARED FOLLOWING NEWS OF A LATE JULY MERGER OF TRAVELER'S FINANCIAL SERVICES AND CITICORP -- MUCH EARLIER THAN EXPECTED. ANALYSTS ANTICIPATE SUBSTANTIAL COST-CUTTING AND STRONGER FUTURE EARNINGS.

GENERAL MOTORS WAS ALSO UP SLIGHTLY WITH SOME SPECULATION THAT THE MORE THAN MONTH-LONG STRIKE AT TWO DETROIT PLANTS MAY BE NEARING AN END.

AN ADVOCACY GROUP FOR INTERNATIONAL BANKS -- THE INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL FINANCE -- SENT OUT ANOTHER WARNING WEDNESDAY ABOUT THE CONTINUING IMPACT OF THE ASIAN FINANCIAL CRISIS AND A BIG INCREASE IN THE U-S TRADE DEFICIT.

BUT WALL STREET IS NOT TREMBLING. MARY FARRELL, A SENIOR WALL STREET ANALYST, SAYS MOST NEGATIVE EARNINGS NEWS IS NOW BEHIND THE MARKET AND SHE LOOKS FOR A GENERAL UPWARD TREND. HOWEVER, SHE EXPECTS THE ASIAN CRISIS WILL CAUSE SOME PRICE VOLATILITY.

ASIA HAS CERTAINLY HAD AN INFLUENCE AND NOT A GOOD ONE ON THE U-S MARKETS SINCE LAST FALL WHEN THE PROBLEM SURFACED. I THINK WHAT WE'LL SEE THERE IS CONTINUING ANNOUNCEMENTS, SORT OF DIFFERENT NEWS ITEMS, THEY WILL CERTAINLY NOT ALL BE POSITIVE. AND WHEN WE DO GET NEGATIVE NEWS ITEMS OUT OF ASIA THEY WILL CERTAINLY HURT THE MARKET, TEMPORARILY I WOULD EMPHASIZE.

MS. FARRELL BELIEVES INVESTORS WILL CONTINUE TO DO WELL WITH INVESTMENTS IN STOCKS, BUT SHOULD LOWER THEIR EXPECTATIONS. SHE ANTICIPATES RETURNS ON STOCKS TO AVERAGE BETWEEN EIGHT AND 10 PERCENT IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, COMPARED TO MUCH HIGHER RETURNS IN THE RECENT PAST. (SIGNED) NEB/NY/EJ/LSF/PT
08-Jul-98 5:23 PM EDT (2123 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: THE TOTALLY UNEXPECTED, AND UNTIMELY DEATH OF CHIEF MOSHOOD ABIOLA, THE NIGERIAN LEADER JAILED AFTER HE WON THE PRESIDENCY IN 1993, IS ALREADY DRAWING REACTION IN THE U-S PRESS.

OTHER TOPICS HIGH IN THE EDITORIAL COLUMNS OF WEDNESDAY'S PAPERS INCLUDE: THE SITUATION IN KOSOVO; THE STATUS OF EAST TIMOR NOW THAT INDONESIA'S GOVERNMENT HAS CHANGED; THE TENSE STANDOFF IN NORTHERN IRELAND AS THE PEACE ACCORD TEETERS; AND FORCING THE SECRET SERVICE TO TESTIFY ABOUT A PRESIDENT'S PERSONAL ACTIONS. NOW, WE'RE JOINED BY ____________________ WHO HAS A CLOSER LOOK, INCLUDING SOME QUOTES, IN TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

TEXT: ALTHOUGH NEWS OF MR. ABIOLA'S DEATH CAME IN MID-AFTERNOON HERE IN THE EASTERN UNITED STATES, SEVERAL PAPERS HAVE RESPONDED WITH HASTE TO THE TRAGEDY, ACCOMPANYING THEIR FRONT PAGE NEWS STORIES ON THE DEATH WITH COMMENTARY. "THE BOSTON GLOBE" EDITORIAL CALLS IT A "NIGERIAN TRAGEDY," ADDING:

VOICE: CHIEF MOSHOOD ABIOLA WAS THAT RARE NIGERIAN POLITICAL FIGURE WHO ATTRACTED SUPPORT ACROSS ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS LINES. THE MILITARY RULERS WHO HAVE MISGOVERNED THE COUNTRY FOR THREE DECADES WILL HONOR HIS MEMORY ONLY IF THEY LET OTHER CIVILIAN POLITICIANS COME FORWARD TO TAKE UP HIS MANTLE WITHOUT THE THREAT OF A MILITARY COUP.

TEXT: IN BALTIMORE, "THE SUN" WORRIES ABOUT THE STRESS THE DEATH WILL PLACE ON THE TRANSITION FROM MILITARY TO CIVILIAN RULE.

VOICE: HOPES FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION TO DEMOCRACY AND RESPECTABILITY FOR NIGERIA WERE DASHED WITH THE DEATH ... THE OFFICIAL REPORT THAT THE OPPOSITION LEADER SUFFERED A HEART ATTACK WHILE MEETING WITH U-S OFFICIALS IS PLAUSIBLE. HIS FAMILY HAD WARNED OF HIS DETERIORATING HEALTH. U-S OFFICIALS CONFIRM THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT'S ACCOUNT. ...

NONETHELESS, NIGERIA'S 115-MILLION PEOPLE ARE NOT ACCUSTOMED TO HEARING THE TRUTH FROM THEIR GOVERNMENT AND ARE NOT LIKELY TO TAKE THIS AT FACE VALUE. /// OPT

TEXT: IN "THE WASHINGTON POST" HE IS REMEMBERED AS A MAN WHO:

VOICE: ... HAD BECOME A SYMBOL OF NIGERIA'S STRUGGLE FOR DEMOCRACY, /// OPT /// BUT HE WAS NOT YOUR TYPICAL DISSIDENT. AFTER A CHILDHOOD OF DEPRIVATION, MR. ABIOLA BECAME A MULTIMILLIONAIRE, AT LEAST IN PART THROUGH CLOSE TIES TO THE MILITARY DICTATORS WHO HAVE MISRULED HIS HOMELAND THROUGHOUT MOST OF ITS INDEPENDENCE. BUT WHEN THE MOMENT OF RECKONING CAME, MR. ABIOLA OPTED FOR PRINCIPLE -- AND YESTERDAY BOTH HE AND HIS COUNTRY PAID THE PRICE. MR. ABIOLA'S DEATH AT AGE 60 IS ANOTHER SETBACK FOR AFRICA'S MOST POPULOUS, AND ONE OF ITS MOST TROUBLED, NATIONS, JUST AS THEY BOTH SEEMED ON THE VERGE OF A POSSIBLE TRANSITION TO BETTER TIMES. /// END OPT