Voice of America, 98-12-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] U-S / KOSOVO (L-ONLY) BY KYLE KING (STATE DEPARTMENT)

[02] YEARENDER: NATO '98 BY RON PEMSTEIN (BRUSSELS)

[03] CLINTON / E-U (L-ONLY) BY DEBORAH TATE (WHITE HOUSE)

[04] NORTHERN IRELAND (L) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (LONDON)

[05] YEARENDER: NORTHERN IRELAND '98 (UPDATE) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (LONDON)

[06] BLAIR / IRAQ (S-ONLY) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (LONDON)

[07] BRITISH / IRAQ BRIEFING (L) BY PAUL FRANCUCH (LONDON)

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

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

[01] U-S / KOSOVO (L-ONLY) BY KYLE KING (STATE DEPARTMENT)

INTRO: THE UNITED STATES IS EXPRESSING CONCERN ABOUT THE SITUATION IN KOSOVO, WHERE TIT-FOR-TAT KILLINGS BY SERBS AND ETHNIC ALBANIANS APPEAR TO BE ON THE RISE. FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT, V-O-A'S KYLE KING REPORTS.

TEXT: STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS SAY THE KOSOVO DIPLOMATIC OBSERVER MISSION IS DOING EVERYTHING IT CAN TO TRY TO EASE TENSIONS IN THE SERBIAN PROVINCE.

HUNDREDS OF SERBS HELD A RALLY IN KOSOVO POLJE ON FRIDAY, AFTER A LOCAL OFFICIAL WAS KIDNAPPED AND MURDERED, THE LATEST IN A SERIES OF KILLINGS.

ETHNIC ALBANIAN LEADERS OF THE KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY HAVE DENIED INVOLVEMENT IN THE LATEST ATTACK. STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN JAMES RUBIN SAYS THE MEN WHO ABDUCTED THE SERB OFFICIAL WERE REPORTEDLY WEARING K-L-A INSIGNIA.

THE UNITED STATES DEPLORES THIS SAVAGE ACT OF BRUTALITY. WE WELCOME THE K-L-A POLITICAL REPRESENTATIVE'S CONDEMNATION OF THIS ASSAULT. NEVER-THE-LESS, TENSIONS IN KOSOVO ARE SPIRALING UPWARDS IN RESPONSE TO A NUMBER OF SERIOUS INCIDENTS AND ARMED CLASHES IN RECENT DAYS.

ON THURSDAY, SERBIAN FORCES KILLED TWO ETHNIC ALBANIANS IN A SWEEP AIMED AT FINDING WHOEVER WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEATHS OF SIX YOUNG SERBS EARLIER THIS WEEK.

TWO U-S OFFICIALS ARE IN THE REGION NOW IN AN EFFORT TO URGE BOTH SIDES TO EXERCISE RESTRAINT. U-S OFFICIALS SAY VIOLENCE OR RETALIATION IS UNACCEPTABLE, AND WORKS AGAINST PROSPECTS FOR A PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT. (SIGNED)
NEB/KBK/WTW
18-Dec-98 6:00 PM EST (2300 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[02] YEARENDER: NATO '98 BY RON PEMSTEIN (BRUSSELS)

INTRO: THE NATO ALLIANCE CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A SUMMIT MEETING NEXT APRIL IN WASHINGTON. WEST EUROPE CORRESPONDENT RON PEMSTEIN REPORTS FROM BRUSSELS, NATO'S EXPERIENCE IN THE BALKANS SHOWS ITS STRENGTHS AND ITS WEAKNESSES.

TEXT: "THE ECONOMIST" MAGAZINE PUT HELICOPTERS ON ITS COVER WITH THE HEADLINE, "NATO'S MID-LIFE CRISIS." NATO TURNS 50 IN APRIL AND GROWS FROM 16 MEMBERS TO 19 MEMBERS. POLAND, HUNGARY AND THE CZECH REPUBLIC LESS THAN A DECADE AGO WERE MEMBERS OF THE SOVIET-LED ALLIANCE THAT NATO WAS FOUNDED TO DEFEND ITS MEMBERS AGAINST.

AS ALLIANCE LEADERS MEET IN WASHINGTON IN A FEW MONTHS, THEY MUST CONSIDER WHERE THE WESTERN ALLIANCE IS GOING IN THE NEXT CENTURY. WHO IS THE ENEMY AND WHAT IS THE THREAT?

AS THE HOST FOR THE WASHINGTON SUMMIT MEETING, THE UNITED STATES IS PUSHING NATO TO BECOME, IN THE WORDS OF SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT, A LARGER, MORE FLEXIBLE ALLIANCE CAPABLE OF MEETING A WIDE RANGE OF THREATS TO COMMON ALLIANCE INTERESTS.

THE UNITED STATES POINTS TO BOSNIA AND KOSOVO AS TWO AREAS WHERE NATO ALREADY WORKS OUTSIDE THE BORDERS OF ITS MEMBERS TO RESOLVE CONFLICTS. NATO STARTS 1999 WITH 30 THOUSAND PEACEKEEPING TROOPS IN BOSNIA, AN AIR VERIFICATION MISSION OVER KOSOVO AND AN EXTRACTION FORCE IN MACEDONIA READY TO RESCUE CIVILIAN MONITORS ACROSS THE BORDER IN SERBIA'S KOSOVO PROVINCE.

KOSOVO HAS BEEN A DEPARTURE FOR NATO. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ITS HISTORY, THE ALLIANCE THREATENED TO USE AIR POWER OUTSIDE ITS BORDERS, IN YUGOSLAVIA, A COUNTRY THAT REJECTS NATO'S INTERVENTION.

WHEN THE SERB OFFENSIVE IN KOSOVO BEGAN IN FEBRUARY, SECRETARY OF STATE ALBRIGHT PLEDGED THAT YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DO IN KOSOVO WHAT HIS FORCES DID IN BOSNIA EARLIER IN THE DECADE. DESPITE THE AMERICAN PUSH, FRANCE AND ITALY RESISTED NATO MILITARY INTERVENTION. BRITISH PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR ACCUSED HIS ALLIES OF DITHERING AND BEING DISUNITED IN KOSOVO AS THE SERB TROOPS DID WHAT THEY DID BEFORE IN BOSNIA, FORCING THOUSANDS INTO EXILE AS THEIR VILLAGES WERE BURNED.

AS WINTER APPROACHED AND A HUMANITARIAN CRISIS LOOMED IN KOSOVO, SECRETARY OF STATE ALBRIGHT CAME TO BRUSSELS TO URGE HER NATO COLLEAGUES TO USE FORCE AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA EVEN WITHOUT A SPECIFIC UNITED NATIONS AUTHORIZATION.

WE ARE NOT GOING TO STOP THIS CONFLICT BY CONSTANTLY EVALUATING THE SITUATION AND SIMPLY WAITING TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS . WE NEED TO ACT NOW TO COMPEL A REALISTIC AND DURABLE SETTLEMENT AND THEN SEE THAT IT IS IMPLEMENTED. FINALLY, LET ME SAY THAT I BELIEVE THAT WE ARE AT A CROSSROADS IN THE HISTORY OF THE BALKANS AS WELL AS NATO. THE DECISIONS WE TAKE IN THE DAYS AHEAD WILL BE CRUCIAL FOR US ALL. NATO IS OUR INSTRUMENT OF CHOICE WHEN IT COMES TO PRESERVING PEACE AND DEFENDING WESTERN VALUES ON THE CONTINENT. IT MUST BE PREPARED TO ACT WHEN A THREAT OF THIS NATURE EXISTS ON EUROPE'S DOORSTEP.

THE ALLIANCE DID FINALLY APPROVE AN ORDER ACTIVATING ITS FIGHTER PLANES BUT ONLY AFTER AMERICAN MEDIATOR RICHARD HOLBROOKE REPORTED TO NATO THAT HE HAD REACHED A DEAL WITH YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC. THE DEAL PROVIDED FOR NATO'S AIR VERIFICATION OF KOSOVO TO MAKE SURE YUGOSLAV ARMY TROOPS AOD SERBIAN POLICE WITHDREW TO PRE CONFLICT LEVELS.

GENERAL KLAUS NAUMANN OF GERMANY HEADS NATO'S MILITARY COMMITTEE AND, ALONG WITH NATO'S SUPREME COMMANDER GENERAL WESLEY CLARK, ARRANGED DETAILS OF THE AIR VERIFICATION WITH PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC IN BELGRADE.

WHAT PERSUADED MR. MILOSEVIC WHEN I WAS WITH GENERAL (WESLEY) CLARK AND HE WAS SITTING IN FRONT OF US. NOT THAT WE BOTH WE WERE WEARING UNIFORMS AND LOOKED THREATENING AT HIM OR SOMETHING LIKE THIS, NO IT WAS THE COHESION AND THE RESOLVE OF 16 NATIONS TO STRIKE HIM. AND WHEN WE TOLD HIM , MR. PRESIDENT THE CLOCK IS TICKING, THE HAMMER IS COCKED AND WE ARE ABOUT TO DELIVER, THEN HE STARTED TO UNDERSTAND.

THE CLOCK IS NO LONGER TICKING ALTHOUGH NATO KEEPS ITS ACTIVATION ORDER READY FOR THE TIME THAT NATO OFFICIALS FEAR, WHEN WINTER ENDS AND OPEN WARFARE BETWEEN SERBS AND ALBANIANS RESUMES IN THE SPRING.

THE APRIL SUMMIT MEETING IN WASHINGTON WILL ANSWER THE QUESTION OF WHAT NATO THINKS ITS MISSION WILL BE IN THE 21ST CENTURY, RESPONDING TO CRISIS IN THE BALKANS OR PERHAPS AMONG NATO'S PARTNERS IN THE CAUCASUS OR CENTRAL ASIA? SHOULD NATO EXPAND ITS MISSION TO COMBATING WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION OUTSIDE THE EUROPEAN CONTINENT?

ANOTHER QUESTION NATO WILL CONFRONT IN 1999 IS A FURTHER ROUND OF EXPANSION. SLOVENIA AND ROMANIA BELIEVE THEY JUST MISSED ON THE FIRST ROUND OF ENLARGEMENT AND HOPE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE NEXT ROUND. BUT THE WASHINGTON SUMMIT MAY NOT BE THE PLACE.

SEVERAL NATO MEMBERS HAVE EXPRESSED A PREFERENCE FOR FIRST CONSOLIDATING POLAND, HUNGARY AND THE CZECH REPUBLIC WITHIN THE ALLIANCE. NATO'S PROMISE OF AN OPEN DOOR TO NEW MEMBERS MAY REMAIN CLOSED IN PRACTICE. IT IS EXPECTED TO BE REPLACED BY AN EXPANDED PROGRAM OF COOPERATION TO DEMONSTRATE TO THE ASPIRANTS WHAT THEY STILL MUST DO IF THEY WANT NATO'S SECURITY GUARANTEE. (SIGNED)
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18-Dec-98 12:17 PM EST (1717 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[03] CLINTON / E-U (L-ONLY) BY DEBORAH TATE (WHITE HOUSE)

INTRO: PRESIDENT CLINTON HOSTED A SUMMIT OF EUROPEAN UNION LEADERS AT THE WHITE HOUSE FRIDAY, FOR TALKS FOCUSING ON TRADE. V-O-A'S DEBORAH TATE REPORTS FROM THE WHITE HOUSE.

TEXT: THE MEETING, WHICH BROUGHT E-U EXECUTIVE COMMISSIONER JACQUES SANTER, E-U TRADE COMMISSIONER SIR LEON BRITTAN AND OTHER OFFICIALS TO THE WHITE HOUSE, DID NOT SUCCEED IN RESOLVING A LONG-SIMMERING DISPUTE BETWEEN EUROPE AND THE UNITED STATES OVER BANANA IMPORTS.

THE UNITED STATES SAYS THE EUROPEAN UNION FAVORS BANANAS FROM AFRICA AND THE CARIBBEAN OVER LATIN AMERICAN BANANAS MARKETED BY U-S COMPANIES, AND IS THREATENING TO IMPOSE DUTIES ON A RANGE OF EUSOPEAN GOODS THAT WOULD DOUBLE TIEIR PRICE IF THE E-U DOES NOT EQUALIZE BANANA IMPORTS.

THREE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION PANELS HAVE SIDED WITH THE UNITED STATES IN THE DISPUTE.

THE EUROPEANS WANT THE W-T-O TO MEDIATE -- A PROPOSAL REJECTED BY WASHINGTON.

FOLLOWING THE E-U MEETING, U-S UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE STUART EIZENSTAT EXPRESSED FRUSTRATION ABOUT THE LACK OF PROGRESS IN ENDING THE DISAGREEMENT.

WE HAVE WAITED A VERY LONG TIME. THIS DISPUTE HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SIX YEARS, AND IT IS TIME TO RESOLVE IT. WE HAVE WON THREE PANEL CASES, AND THERE IS A QUESTION OF HOW LONG ONE CAN BE PATIENT BEFORE ACTING.

U-S TRADE OFFICIALS ARE EXPECTED TO RELEASE NEXT WEEK A LIST OF EUROPEAN GOODS THAT WOULD BE SUBJECT TO THE U-S TARIFFS, WHICH WOULD GO INTO EFFECT EARLY NEXT YEAR. THE E-U HAS VOWED TO RETALIATE BY IMPOSING DUTIES ON U-S GOODS.

E-U COMMISSIONER SANTER SAYS HE HOPES A TRADE WAR CAN BE AVOIDED.

WE HOPE IT WILL BE SOLVED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, ON AN EXPERT LEVEL.

ON ANOTHER TRADE MATTER, MR. CLINTON RAISED THE PROBLEM OF RISING STEEL IMPORTS INTO THE UNITED STATES FROM ASIA AND RUSSIA, WHICH ARE FUELING AN EXPANDING U-S TRADE DEFICIT AND THREATENING AMERICAN JOBS.

THE UNITED STATES IS RELUCTANT TO CURB SUCH IMPORTS, FEARING THE MOVE WOULD PROMPT OTHER NATIONS TO RESTRICT U-S GOODS. SO MR. CLINTON SOUGHT HELP FROM EUROPE, ACCORDING TO MR. EIZENSTAT.

HE ASKED THE EUROPEAN UNION TO DO MORE TO HELP ABSORB STEEL, PARTICULARLY THAT COMING FROM RUSSIA, AND ASK THEM TO BE SYMPATHETIC TO THE REQUEST THAT RUSSIA HAS MADE FOR THE E-U COUNTRIES TO TAKE MORE STEEL, AS WE OURSELVES ARE HAVING TO ABSORB OURSELVES, TO TAKE SOME OF THE BURDEN OFF THE UNITED STATES.

BESIDES TRADE, A NUMBER OF POLITICAL ISSUES WERE DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING, INCLUDING THE U-S - BRITISH AIR STRIKES AGAINST IRAQ AND THE SITUATION IN KOSOVO. (SIGNED)
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18-Dec-98 6:42 PM EST (2342 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[04] NORTHERN IRELAND (L) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (LONDON)

INTRO: JUST WHEN IT LOOKED LIKE NORTHERN IRELAND'S PEACE PROCESS WAS DYING, ANOTHER ROUND OF MARATHON NEGOTIATIONS MANAGED TO GET IT BACK ON TRACK. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT LAURIE KASSMAN IN LONDON REPORTS AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED ON THE MAKE-UP OF THE NEW CABINET, AND A PROTESTANT PARAMILITARY GROUP BECOMES THE FIRST TO OFFER UP SOME OF ITS WEAPONS.

TEXT: NORTHERN IRELAND'S PROTESTANT FIRST MINISTER DAVID TRIMBLE EMERGED FROM THE MARATHON NEGOTIATIONS TO ANNOUNCE THAT AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED ON THE POLITICAL MAKE-UP OF A NEW CABINET.

IN CONSULTATION, AS APPROPRIATE, WITH THE BRITISH AND IRISH GOVERNMENTS, WE HAVE REACHED AGREEMENT ON DEPARTMENTAL STRUCTURES AND ON THE MATTERS OF NORTH-SOUTH COOPERATION.

MR. TRIMBLE CALLS IT A MAJOR STEP FORWARD. THE NEW CABINET WILL INCLUDE TEN MINISTRIES. SIX CROSS-BORDER ORGANIZATIONS WILL BE SET UP TO INCREASE NORTH-SOUTH COOPERATION ON THE ISLAND.

IN A SIGNIFICANT RESPONSE TO THE AGREEMENT, A PROTESTANT TERRORIST GROUP, THE LOYALIST VOLUNTEER FORCE, IS HANDING OVER SOME OF ITS WEAPONS. IT IS THE FIRST TO DO SO SINCE THE START OF NORTHERN IRELAND'S SECTARIAN VIOLENCE ABOUT 30 YEARS AGO.

THE ISSUE OF DECOMMISSIONING HAS BEEN A KEY OBSTACLE IN THE PEACE PROCESS. THE IRISH REPUBLICAN ARMY, THE LARGEST CATHOLIC PARAMILITARY GROUP, HAS REFUSED TO HAND OVER ITS WEAPONS AS A PRECONDITION FOR ITS POLITICAL WING TO JOIN THE NEW CABINET.

WHEN FIRST MINISTER TRIMBLE ACCEPTED HIS NOBEL PEACE PRIZE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND'S PEACE EFFORTS, HE USED HIS SPEECH TO DEMAND A HAND-OVER OF WEAPONS. THE I-R-A RESPONDED BY NAMING A HARDLINER TO ITS TOP POST.

THE ACTION BY THE PROTESTANT GROUP PUTS MORE PRESSURE ON THE I-R-A TO MAKE A SIMILAR GESTURE. BUT IT IS NOT CLEAR WHAT THE RESPONSE WILL BE. (SIGNED)
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18-Dec-98 6:29 AM EST (1129 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[05] YEARENDER: NORTHERN IRELAND '98 (UPDATE) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (LONDON)

INTRO: NORTHERN IRELAND'S LEADING PROTESTANT AND CATHOLIC POLITICIANS WERE AWARDED THE 1998 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE FOR THEIR EFFORTS TO END 30 YEARS OF SECTARIAN VIOLENCE. BUT THE GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT THEY SIGNED LAST APRIL FALTERED FOR MOST OF THE YEAR OVER THE ISSUE OF DISARMING NATIONALIST PARAMIITARIES. CORRESPONDENT LAURIE KASSMAN TAKES A LOOK AT WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED AND WHAT STILL NEEDS TO BE DONE.

TEXT: WHEN THE GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED LAST APRIL, U-S MEDIATOR GEORGE MITCHELL OUTLINED THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE MARATHON NEGOTIATIONS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT OF SELF-DETERMINATION.

THE AGREEMENT CREATES NEW INSTITUTIONS, THE NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY, TO RESTORE TO THE PEOPLE THE FUNDAMENTAL DEMOCRATIC RIGHT TO GOVERN THEMSELVES AND A NORTH SOUTH COUNCIL TO ENCOURAGE COOPERATION AND JOINT ACTION FOR MUTUAL BENEFIT. THE AGREEMENT DEALS FAIRLY WITH SUCH SENSITIVE ISSUES AS PRISONERS, POLICING AND DECOMMISSIONING.

IT WAS A MOMENT OF EUPHORIA WHEN IRISH REPUBLICANS AND UNIONISTS SAT TOGETHER AND HAMMERED OUT A POLITICAL FRAMEWORK FOR THEIR MUTUAL FUTURE.

CATHOLIC LEADER JOHN HUME SUMMONED UP THAT OPTIMISM AGAIN LATER IN THE YEAR WHEN HE ACCEPTED THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE THAT HE AND PROTESTANT LEADER DAVID TRIMBLE HAD WON FOR THEIR PEACE EFFORTS..

TWO MAJOR POLITICAL TRADITIONS SHARE THE ISLAND OF IRELAND. WE ARE DESTINED BY HISTORY TO LIVE SIDE BY SIDE. IRELAND, AFTER THE HARDSHIP AND PAIN OF MANY YEARS, A TRUE AND ENDURING SYMBOL OF PEACE.

BUT MR HUME AND MR TRIMBLE BOTH ACKNOWLEDGED IN ACCEPTING THEIR NOBEL GOLD MEDALS THAT THEIR PEACE IS NOT YET COMPLETE.

THE VIOLENCE DID NOT STOP AFTER THE APRIL AGREEMENT. SEVERAL INCIDENTS CAST A SHADOW OVER THE PEACE PROCESS, NONE AS MUCH AS THE CAR BOMBING LAST AUGUST IN THE NORTHERN IRELAND TOWN OF OMAGH. THE TERRORIST ATTACK CLAIMED 29 VICTIMS AND FUELED FEARS THAT THE PEACE PROCESS WOULD DIE AS WELL.

POLITICIANS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS DIVIDE CALLED FOR CALM. BUT PROGRESS STALLED OVER THE ISSUE OF DISARMING REPUBLICAN PARAMILITARIES.

NORTHERN IRELAND'S PROTESTANT FIRST MINISTER DAVID TRIMBLE INSISTED THE DECOMMISSIONING HAD TO START BEFORE SINN FEIN, THE POLITICAL WING OF THE IRISH REPUBLICAN ARMY COULD JOIN THE NEW CABINET. SINN FEIN ARGUED THAT THERE ARE NO PRECONDITIONS IN THE GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT.

THE DEADLINE FOR SETTING UP THE NEW ASSEMBLY SLIPPED AS THE DISPUTE SIMMERED.  A FRUSTRATED BRITISH PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR CALLED FOR FLEXIBILITY AND COMPROMISE DURING AN HISTORIC SPEECH TO THE IRISH PARLIAMENT IN NOVEMBER.

I AM NOT ASKING ANYONE TO SURRENDER. I AM ASKING EVERYONE TO DECLARE THE VICTORY OF PEACE. IN BELFAST AND DUBLIN, PEOPLE SAY THE SAME THING -- MAKE THE AGREEMENT WORK.

PROTESTANT FIRST MINISTER DAVID TRIMBLE USED HIS NOBEL PRIZE ACCEPTANCE SPEECH IN DECEMBER TO DEMAND THAT IRISH NATIONALISTS START DISARMING IMMEDIATELY.

ALL I'VE ASKED FOR IS THAT THEY SAY THE SO-CALLED WAR IS OVER AND THAT WILL BE PROVED BY SUCH A BEGINNING. THAT IS NOT TOO MUCH TO ASK FOR.

THE IRISH REPUBLICAN ARMY REACTED TO THE TOUGH SPEECH BY NAMING A HARDLINER TO ITS TOP POST.

BUT ANOTHER ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS FINALLY BROUGHT AGREEMENT ON THE NUMBER OF NEW CABINET MINISTERS AND CROSS-BORDER ORGANIZATIONS AND THE FIRST ACT OF DECOMISSIONING FROM A PROTESTANT PARAMIITARY GROUP. FIRST MINISTER DAVID TRIMBLE COULD FINALLY ANNOUNCE THE PEACE PROCESS WAS BACK ON TRACK. (SIGNED)
18-Dec-98 5:41 AM EST (1041 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[06] BLAIR / IRAQ (S-ONLY) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (LONDON)

INTRO: BRITISH PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR DISMISSES CRITICISM OF BRITAIN'S PARTICIPATION IN THE AIR STRIKES AGAINST IRAQ AND SAYS THE MISSION IS AIMED AT DEGRADING SADDAM HUSSEIN'S MILITARY CAPABILITIES. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT LAURIE KASSMAN REPORTS FROM LONDON THAT PRIME MINISTER BLAIR IS CALLING FOR MORE INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE EFFORT.

TEXT: THE PRIME MINISTER DISMISSES SUGGESTIONS OF DISUNITY AMONG WESTERN ALLIES -- EVEN AFTER RUSSIA RECALLED ITS AMBASSADOR FROM LONDON TO PROTEST THE AIR STRIKES. HE INSISTS THERE IS NO DISAGREEMENT THAT IRAQ'S LEADER MUST BE CONSTRAINED.

MR. BLAIR DEFENDS BRITISH PARTICIPATION IN THE AIR STRIKES AND JUSTIFIES THE MILITARY ACTION TO DIMINISH SADDAM HUSSEIN'S THREAT TO HIS NEIGHBORS.

I CAN ASSURE YOU, WE ARE VERY CONSCIOUS OF THE FACT THAT THE REASON WE TOOK THIS ACTION IS BECAUSE UNLESS HE (SADDAM HUSSEIN) IS KEPT VERY FIRMLY IN HIS CAGE, THEN HE IS GOING TO USE WHATEVER FORCE HE CAN AGAINST OTHERS.

MR BLAIR SAYS THE AIR STRIKES ARE, IN HIS WORDS, ON COURSE TOWARD ACHIEVING THEIR OBJECTIVE.

BRITAIN AND THE UNITED STATES HAVE COME UNDER HEAVY CRITICISM FOR LAUNCHING THE AIR STRIKES WITHOUT FIRST CONSULTING THE U-N SECURITY COUNCIL. (SIGNED)
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18-Dec-98 1:45 PM EST (1845 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[07] BRITISH / IRAQ BRIEFING (L) BY PAUL FRANCUCH (LONDON)

INTRO: BRITAIN'S DEFENSE SECRETARY AND TOP MILITARY OFFICIAL HAVE BRIEFED REPORTERS IN LONDON ON MISSIONS FLOWN THURSDAY AND EARLY FRIDAY BY BRITISH FIGHTER-BOMBERS AGAINST TARGETS IN IRAQ. V-O-A'S PAUL FRANCUCH REPORTS THE MILITARY OFFICIALS REPORT THE MISSION WAS A SUCCESS.

TEXT: DEFENSE SECRETARY GEORGE ROBERTSON SPOKE TO REPORTERS AFTER BRIEFING PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR AND OTHER TOP MILITARY AND CIVILIAN OFFICIALS INVOLVED IN THE IRAQI MISSION. HE SAYS 12 "TORNADO" FIGHTER JETS SUCCESSFULLY FLEW THREE WAVES OF ATTACKS OVERNIGHT.

WE HAVE YET TO COMPLETE OUR FULL BATTLE DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS, BUT INITIAL INDICATIONS ARE THAT THE RAIDS BY THE TORNADOES HAVE GONE WELL. AS A RESULT OF THIS PRECISION BOMBING, WE HAVE INFLICTED DAMAGE ON MILITARY AIR DEFENSE SITES, ON SADDAM'S COMMAND AND CONTROL NETWORKS AND ON THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE REPUBLICAN GUARD.

MR. ROBERTSON SAYS MOST OF THE TARGETS HIT BY BRITISH JETS AND AMERICAN CRUISE MISSILES WERE OUTSIDE OF BAGHDAD. HE SAYS IN ADDITION TO MILITARY COMMAND SITES, THE ATTACKS FOCUSED ON PLACES SUSPECTED OF BEING USED TO MAKE CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS.

BRITAIN'S CHIEF OF DEFENSE STAFF, GENERAL CHARLES GUTHRIE, EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT THE SITES BOMBED WILL REDUCE SADDAM HUSSEIN'S MILITARY CAPABILITIES.

WE SELECT TARGETS WITH GREAT CARE. WE'VE HAD EIGHT YEARS SINCE THE GULF WAR IN WHICH TO IDENTIFY WHICH ARE SADDAM'S MOST CRITICAL CAPABILITIES. THE AIM IS NOT TO DESTROY HIS FORCES, BUT TO CRIPPLE THEM BY HITTING THESE KEY POINTS.

BRITAIN'S AIR ATTACKS LATE THURSDAY AND EARLY FRIDAY WERE THE FIRST IN THE OPERATION CODE-NAMED "DESERT FOX." BOTH GENERAL GUTHRIE AND DEFENSE SECRETARY ROBERTSON SAY THE MISSION HELPED FURTHER THE JOINT U-S / BRITISH MILITARY GOALS, BUT THEY ADDED THOSE GOALS HAVE NOT BEEN FULLY MET AND THAT FURTHER OPERATIONS ARE PLANNED. (SIGNED)
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18-Dec-98 8:44 AM EST (1344 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: STOCK PRICES IN THE UNITED STATES WERE UP TODAY (FRIDAY) TO END A POSITIVE WEEK. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT BRECK ARDERY REPORTS FROM NEW YORK.

TEXT: THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE CLOSED AT 89-HUNDRED-THREE, UP 27 POINTS. FOR THE WEEK, THE INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE GAINED 82 POINTS OR ALMOST ONE PERCENT. THE STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 INDEX CLOSED FRIDAY AT 11-HUNDRED-88, UP EIGHT POINTS. THE TECHNOLOGY-HEAVY NASDAQ INDEX CLOSED AT A RECORD HIGH.

STOCK PRICES WERE DOWN EARLY BUT GAINED AS THE SESSION CONTINUED. AGAIN, WALL STREET TRADERS DID NOT SEEM TO VIEW THE AIR ATTACKS ON IRAQ OR THE POSSIBLE IMPEACHMENT OF PRESIDENT CLINTON AS NEGATIVE FACTORS FOR THE STOCK MARKET.

INVESTORS ARE GOING TO BE FOCUSING ON EARNINGS. THEY ARE GOING TO BE BUYING THE STOCK OF COMPANIES WHERE THEY FEEL THE MOST CONFIDENCE IN THOSE EARNINGS BEING DELIVERED.

THE GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY HAS GOOD NEWS FOR ITS STOCKHOLDERS. CONFIDENT THAT PROFITS WILL CONTINUE TO GROW, THE G-E BOARD OF DIRECTORS RAISED ITS QUARTERLY STOCK DIVIDEND BY 17 PERCENT.

THE ATLANTIC RICHFIELD OIL COMPANY SAYS IT WILL REDUCE SPENDING ON EXPLORATION BY 25 PERCENT NEXT YEAR. THE COMPANY SAYS WEAK OIL PRICES DO NOT JUSTIFY THE ORIGINAL EXPLORATION BUDGET OF ALMOST THREE AND ONE-HALF BILLION DOLLARS. ALLTEL, A REGIONAL TELEPHONE COMPANY IN THE UNITED STATES, WILL PAY ONE-AND-ONE-HALF-BILLION DOLLARS FOR ALIANT COMMUNICATIONS, WHICH PROVIDES TELEPHONE AND PAGING SERVICE IN THE MID-WESTERN STATE OF NEBRASKA.

THE FEDERAL EXPRESS PACKAGE DELIVESY SERVICE HAS REACHED A! TENTATIVE AGREEMENT WITH ITS PILOTS UNION. THE DEAL CAME A MONTH AFTER THE UNION CALLED OFF A THREATENED CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SEASON STRIKE AGAINST FEDERAL EXPRESS.

GOVERNORS OF THE U-S CENTRAL BANK MEET TUESDAY, BUT WALL STREET ANALYSTS DO NOT EXPECT ANOTHER INTEREST-RATE CUT. HOWEVER, SOME SAY THE CENTRAL BANK MAY REDUCE INTEREST RATES AGAIN NEXT YEAR, IF SIGNS OF A U-S ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN START TO EMERGE. (SIGNED) NEB/NY/BA/LSF/WTW
18-Dec-98 5:18 PM EST (2218 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: THE TWIN TOPICS, OFTEN INTERTWINED, OF THE U-S AND BRITISH ATTACK ON IRAQ AND THE IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, CONTINUE TO DOMINATE THE NATION'S EDITORIALS COLUMNS. THERE ARE A FEW OTHER SUBJECTS UNDER DISCUSSION, INCLUDING: THE PROGRESS BY THE PALESTINIANS IN GAZA AND THE WEST BANK, AND THE CLONING OF A HUMAN CELL IN SOUTH KOREA. NOW, HERE IS _____________________ WITH A CLOSER LOOK AND AN EXCERPT OR TWO IN TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

TEXT: THE AERIAL ATTACKS ON WEAPONS FACILITIES AND OTHER MILITARY TARGETS IN IRAQ ARE INTO THEIR SECOND DAY, AS THE ASSAULT TAKES OVER THE TOP SPOT IN MANY U-S DAILY PAPER EDITORIAL COLUMNS.

FOR REACTION ON THE BOMBING AND MISSILE CAMPAIGN, WE GO FIRST FAR TO THE EAST, TO WHERE THE SUN RISES FIRST EACH DAY ON AN AMERICAN CITY, AGANA, GUAM. THERE, "THE PACIFIC DAILY NEWS," SAYS THE U-S NEEDS TO CHANGE ITS TARGET IN THESE ATTACKS.

VOICE: IT'S TIME ... THE UNITED STATES - - WITH OR WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF OTHER WORLD LEADERS - - COMPLETES THE JOB IT SET OUT TO DO IN 1991. ... THE IRAQI PEOPLE ARE NOT OUR ENEMIES. SADDAM IS THE TARGET. IF SADDAM ISN'T SQUARELY IN THE CROSSHAIRS OF A CRUISE MISSILE, THIS LATEST MILITARY ASSAULT ISN'T LIKELY TO DO MORE THAN CLEAR THE BOARD FOR A NEW ROUND IN SADDAM'S CAT-AND-MOUSE GAME. SADDAM IS AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN THE REAL TARGET. U-S POLITICAL AND MILITARY LEADERS MUST AGREE ON THAT AND FOCUS ON GETTING RID OF HIM.

TEXT: "THE TOPEKA [KANSAS] CAPITAL-JOURNAL" SAYS WHILE "THE TIMING ... WAS TERRIBLY UNFORTUNATE AND" ... FOR SOME "EVEN SUSPICIOUS ..." THIS ASSAULT WAS NEEDED."

VOICE: THE WORLD SHOULD, BY NOW, COMPREHEND WHAT'S AT STAKE: A MAN OF SADDAM HUSSEIN'S RUTHLESSNESS CANNOT BE ALLOWED TO DEVELOP THE POWER OF NUCLEAR, CHEMICAL OR BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS. STOPPING HIS ILK FROM ACQUIRING SUCH DEADLY WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION IS ONE OF THE FEW GREAT CHALLENGES OF OUR TIME. IF WE FALTER, WE WILL HAVE FAILED FUTURE GENERATIONS AND WILL HAVE ENSURED AN UNSTABLE, DANGEROUS WORLD WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.

TEXT: FOR SOME NEWSPAPERS THERE IS AN INESCAPABLE CONNECTION OF THE ATTACKS AGAINST IRAQ TO THE IMPEACHMENT ACTION ALREADY UNDERWAY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. "THE ATLANTA CONSTITUTION" WRITES THAT THE ISSUE IS, "PARTISANSHIP VERSUS PATRIOTISM," AS IT CRITICIZES THE MOTIVES OF HOUSE REPUBLICANS.

VOICE: THEIR FIRST THOUGHT AT HEARING THAT AN ATTACK HAD BEEN LAUNCHED AGAINST IRAQ WAS NOT CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF U-S TROOPS, OR A FERVENT PRAYER FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE MISSION, OR EVEN A GRAVE CONTEMPLATION OF THE FACT THAT INNOCENT IRAQI CITIZENS WERE LIKELY TO DIE. NO, THEY WERE TERRIFIED THAT THE ATTACK MIGHT SOMEHOW INTERFERE WITH THEIR PLANNED IMPEACHMENT OF WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON. ... BEFORE THEY [I.E. HOUSE REPUBLICANS] VOTE, THEY SHOULD LOOK WITHIN THEIR OWN HEARTS AND PONDER WHETHER THEIR LONG-NURTURED HATRED OF BILL CLINTON HAS BECOME SO POWERFUL THAT IT NOW BLINDS THEM TO THE BEST INTERESTS OF THEIR COUNTRY ...

TEXT: REGARDING THE SEPARATION OF THE TWO ISSUES, "THE WASHINGTON POST" AGREES WITH OUT-GOING HOUSE SPEAKER NEWT GINGRICH THAT THEY CAN BE KEPT SEPARATE.

VOICE: SPEAKER GINGRICH GOT IT RIGHT YESTERDAY (THURSDAY): THE UNITED STATES CAN DO TWO THINGS AT ONCE. REPUBLICANS WERE WRONG ON WEDNESDAY TO CRITICIZE PRESIDENT CLINTON FOR LAUNCHING A MILITARY CAMPAIGN ON THE EVE OF AN IMPEACHMENT DEBATE. ... THESE ARE TWO SEPARATE MATTERS, AND THEY SHOULD BE KEPT THAT WAY.

TEXT: "THE NEW YORK POST" WHICH TITLES ITS EDITORIAL, "THE LIAR PRESIDENT GOES TO WAR," WRITES:

VOICE: ...WAR IS RISKY BUSINESS EVEN APART FROM ENEMY ACTION - - AND SO PRESENTLY THERE SHOULD BE MOTHERS IN AMERICA ASKING THEMSELVES A VERY UGLY QUESTION: DID MY CHILD DIE TO PRESERVE BILL CLINTON'S TENUOUS GRIP ON THE PRESIDENCY? ... IT WOULD NOT BE AN UNFAIR QUESTION... BECAUSE ... IT IS NECESSARY TO BE BLUNT HERE ... THE PRESIDENT IS A LIAR.

TEXT: ON THE QUESTION OF IMPEACHMENT, BOTH "USA TODAY" AND "THE WASHINGTON TIMES" ARE CALLING FOR THE HOUSE TO VOTE FOR IMPEACHMENT IN FRIDAY'S EDITORIALS. HOWEVER, "THE MINNEAPOLIS (MINNESOTA) STAR-TRIBUNE" SAYS THE "HOUSE CAN STILL BACK AWAY FROM THE ABYSS."

VOICE: IT'S NOT TOO LATE FOR MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE TO RETHINK THE FLAGRANTLY PARTISAN PROCESS THAT BROUGHT THEM TO THIS FOLLY - - AND TO RADICALLY CHANGE COURSE. .... THE CONSTITUTION'S IMPEACHMENT CLAUSE PROVIDES A MEANS OF RIDDING THE REPUBLIC OF A PRESIDENT WHO COMMITS HIGH CRIMES OR MISDEMEANORS AGAINST THE STATE - - ACTS COMPARABLE TO TREASON OR BRIBERY. IT IS NOT TO BE USED FOR THE REASONS VARIOUS MEMBERS OF CONGRESS HAVE CITED THIS WEEK ..... TO PUNISH IMMORALITY.

TEXT: "THE WALL STREET JOURNAL" HOWEVER, CONCLUDES ITS LONG EDITORIAL ON "THE CASE FOR IMPEACHMENT" WITH THIS PLEA TO CONGRESS.

VOICE: THE LEWINSKY PERJURY AND OBSTRUCTION .....REFLECTS A MUCH MORE GENERAL PATTERN. ALLOWING THE LEGAL MORES OF THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION TO SET PRECEDENTS FOR FUTURE PRESIDENCIES IS DANGEROUS TO OUR SYSTEM OF JUSTICE AND THE INDIVIDUAL LIBERTIES IT PROTECTS. IT IS TO PRESERVE THE RULE OF LAW THAT THE HOUSE SHOULD IMPEACH THE PRESIDENT, AND IN OUR VIEW, THAT THE SENATE SHOULD REMOVE HIM FROM OFFICE.

TEXT: LASTLY ON THIS TOPIC, THE VIEW FROM TEXAS NOW, IN FRIDAY'S "DALLAS MORNING NEWS" EDITORIAL.

VOICE: IT WAS APPROPRIATE THAT CONGRESS SHUT DOWN IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS THURSDAY WHEN PRESIDENT CLINTON ORDERED AIRSTRIKES ON IRAQ ..... IT IS EQUALLY APPROPRIATE THAT CONGRESS RETURN TODAY TO CONSIDER .... IMPEACHMENT ... THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, AND PRESIDENT CLINTON, DESERVE A PROMPT VOTE. THE COUNTRY HAS MUCH OTHER BUSINESS TO ATTEND TO. .... THE CHOICE WILL NOT BE MADE LESS DIFFICULT BY FURTHER DELAY.

TEXT: TURNING TO THE SITUATION WITH THE PALESTINIANS AND ISRAELIS, IT IS STILL SOMEWHAT CONNECTED TO THE IMPEACHMENT, AT LEAST ACCORDING TO "THE ORLANDO SENTINEL," WHICH SAYS THIS IS A "BAD TIME FOR WEAKNESS."

VOICE: /// OPT /// WILL MIDDLE EAST PEACE SUFFER AN UNTIMELY DEATH BECAUSE OF BILL CLINTON'S PREOCCUPATION WITH PRESERVING HIS PRESIDENCY? THAT'S ONE OF MANY QUESTIONS AMERICANS ARE ASKING THESE DAYS ..... /// END OPT /// MR. CLINTON'S ABILITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE APPEARS TO DIMINISH WITH EACH PASSING DAY. A FEEBLE, DISTRACTED CHIEF EXECUTIVE FAILS TO PERSUADE, AS MR. CLINTON'S RECENT VISIT TO THE MIDDLE EAST UNDERSCORED. HE ACCOMPLISHED LITTLE, LEAVING EVERYONE A BIT MORE FRUSTRATED ... NOW UNITED STATES-LED ATTACKS ON IRAQ HAVE SHOVED PEACEMAKING BETWEEN ISRAELIS AND PALESTINIANS TO THE BACKGROUND. THIS NATION CAN'T AFFORD FOR THAT SITUATION TO LAST VERY LONG. IF ISRAELIS AND PALESTINIANS MISS OUT ON THIS HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY, THEY WILL CONTINUE TO RESOLVE THEIR DIFFERENCES THROUGH CONFLICT.

TEXT: TODAY'S "PROVIDENCE [RHODE ISLAND] JOURNAL" DOES NOT ENTIRELY AGREE, FOCUSING ON THE IMPORTANT CHANGE THE PALESTINIANS MADE IN THEIR CHARTER, RENOUNCING ARTICLES CALLING FOR ISRAEL'S DESTRUCTION.

VOICE: /// OPT /// DIFFERENCES OF OPINION REGARDING HOW BEST TO DEAL WITH THE PALESTINIAN ISSUE WILL PRODUCE PARTISAN WRANGLING IN ISRAEL AND EVEN BRING DOWN GOVERNMENT COALITIONS. BUT THAT DOESN'T SIGNIFICANTLY ALTER THE OVERRIDING POINT: /// END OPT /// WHILE ISRAEL CAN'T AFFORD TO BE NAIVE AND LET DOWN ITS DEFENSES, WHETHER MILITARY OR PSYCHOLOGICAL, NEITHER SHOULD IT MINIMIZE A SYMBOLIC GESTURE BY YASSER ARAFAT AND HIS ALLIES THAT COULD HELP PROMOTE MORE PEACEFUL RELATIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST.

TEXT: "THE NEW YORK TIMES" WRITES THIS COMMENT ABOUT THE SO FAR UNVERIFIED REPORT THAT SOUTH KOREAN SCIENTISTS HAVE CLONED A HUMAN CELL.

VOICE: ... THE ANNOUNCEMENT OUGHT TO PROVOKE A GASP AT HOW RAPIDLY CLONING HAS BEEN SURGING AHEAD. ONLY SOME 20 MONTHS AGO, THE WORLD WAS ASTONISHED WHEN SCIENTISTS IN SCOTLAND REPORTED CLONING A CELL OF AN ADULT SHEEP TO PRODUCE A LAMB, SHOWING FOR THE FIRST TIME THAT IT IS POSSIBLE TO MAKE A GENETICALLY IDENTICAL YOUNGER TWIN OF AN ADULT MAMMAL. ..... THE UNITED STATES HAS ONLY BEGUN TO DEBATE THE ETHICAL PROS AND CONS OF CLONING HUMANS, SECURE UNTIL NOW IN THE BELIEF THAT THERE IS TIME FOR SUCH RUMINATIONS. THE LESSON FROM RECENT STUDIES IS THAT TIME IS FAST RUNNING OUT.

TEXT: THAT CONCLUDES THIS SAMPLING OF SOME TOPICS TO BE FOUND IN THE EDITORIAL COLUMNS OF FRIDAY'S U-S PRESS.
NEB/ANG/GE
18-Dec-98 11:08 AM EST (1608 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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