Voice of America, 99-01-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] U-N / KOSOVO STATEMENT (S & L) BY MAX RUSTON (UNITED NATIONS)

[02] COHEN / KOSOVO (L) BY JIM RANDLE (PENTAGON)

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

[04] KOSOVO / WALKER (S-ONITER) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (PRISTINA)

[05] KOSOVO/DIPLOMACY (S/L) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (PRISTINA)

[06] KOSOVO/DIPLOMACY UPDATE (S/L)(CQ) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (PRISTINA)

[07] NATO-KOSOVO (L) BY RON PEMSTEIN (BRUSSELS)

[08] ROMANIA/PROTESTS (L-ONLY) -- CQ BY STEFAN BOS (BUDAPEST)

[09] E-U/CLINTON (L-O) BY JOHN FRASER (BRUSSELS)

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

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

[12] BRITAIN PINOCHET (L-ONLY) BY CHRISTINE FURNELL (LONDON)

[01] U-N / KOSOVO STATEMENT (S & L) BY MAX RUSTON (UNITED NATIONS)

INTRO: THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL IS CONDEMNING THE MASSACRE OF 45 ETHNIC ALBANIANS IN YUGOSLAVIA'S KOSOVO PROVINCE AND DEMANDING THE YUGOSLAV GOVERNMENT COOPERATE WITH INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS IN THE COUNTRY. V-O-A'S UNITED NATIONS CORRESPONDENT MAX RUSTON REPORTS.

TEXT: THE COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED A STATEMENT ON KOSOVO AFTER MORE THAN SIX HOURS OF TALKS. THE STATEMENT CONDEMNS THE JANUARY 15TH MASSACRE OF 45 ETHNIC ALBANIANS. IT DEMANDS THAT THE YUGOSLAV GOVERNMENT RESCIND ITS DECISION TO EXPEL WILLIAM WALKER, THE LEADER OF THE INTERNATIONAL MONITORING GROUP IN KOSOVO. IT CALLS FOR AN IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION INTO THE KILLINGS AND URGES BELGRADE TO COOPERATE WITH THE INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL FOR THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA. THE STATEMENT DOES NOT PLACE BLAME FOR THE KILLINGS ON ANY SPECIFIC PARTY, BUT NOTES THAT MR. WALKER BLAMED BELGRADE.

THE YUGOSLAV GOVERNMENT SAYS IT IS NOT TO BLAME FOR THE KILLINGS.

DIPLOMATS SAY THE MASSACRE MARKS A SIGNIFICANT DETERIORATION IN THE SITUATION IN KOSOVO AND COULD LEAD TO NATO STRIKES AGAINST YUGOSLAV FORCES.

THE SECURITY COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS CONTINUED LATE INTO THE NIGHT TUESDAY BECAUSE OF DISAGREEMENTS OVER THE WORDING OF THE STATEMENT ON KOSOVO. DISAGREEMENTS CENTERED ON WHO SHOULD CARRY OUT AN INVESTIGATION OF THE KILLINGS AND WHAT SORT OF A WARNING SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE STATEMENT.

RUSSIA AND SOME OTHER COUNTRIES ON THE COUNCIL WANT TO ENSURE THAT YUGOSLAV AUTHORITIES ARE INVOLVED IN THE INVESTIGATION IN COOPERATION WITH THE INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL AND OTHER PARTIES. OTHERS ON THE COUNCIL, INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES, SAY THE INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL SHOULD LEAD THE INVESTIGATION.

RUSSIA AND CHINA ARE ALSO RELUCTANT TO APPROVE ANY WORDING FROM THE COUNCIL THAT THREATENS MILITARY INTERVENTION IN KOSOVO. DIPLOMATS SAY THOSE COUNTRIES DO NOT WANT TO A SET A PRECEDENT THAT WOULD ALLOW WHAT THEY CONSIDER TO BE COUNCIL INTERFERENCE IN A COUNTRY'S INTERNAL AFFAIRS. (SIGNED)
NEB/UN/MPR/GE
20-Jan-99 9:04 AM EST (1404 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[02] COHEN / KOSOVO (L) BY JIM RANDLE (PENTAGON)

INTRO: U-S DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM COHEN SAYS THE UNITED STATES IS READY TO BOMB YUGOSLAVIA IF NATO DECIDES AIR ATTACKS ARE NEEDED. MR. COHEN ALSO SAYS YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC HAS BROKEN PROMISES TO REDUCE TENSIONS IN KOSOVO. V-O-A'S JIM RANDLE REPORTS FROM THE PENTAGON.

TEXT: MR. COHEN SAYS THE UNITED STATES IS CONSULTING VERY CLOSELY WITH ITS ALLIES AS WASHINGTON SEEKS AN END TO BLOODSHED IN KOSOVO.

AT THE HEIGHT OF TENSIONS OVER KOSOVO LAST OCTOBER, NATO MEMBER NATIONS AUTHORIZED BOMBING YUGOSLAV MILITARY TARGETS UNLESS BELGRADE STOPPED ITS ATTACKS ON KOSOVAR ALBANIANS. THE AGREEMENT WAS REACHED AFTER INTENSE DEBATE AMONG NATO NATIONS, BUT THE ORDER IS STILL IN EFFECT.

IT IS QUITE CLEAR NATO HAS THE CAPABILITY TO NOT ONLY THREATEN AIR STRIKES, BUT TO CARRY THEM OUT. THE ACT ORD (I.E. ACTIVATION ORDER) REMAINS IN EFFECT AND WE ARE PREPARED TO EXECUTE THAT IF THAT IS THE WILL OF THE NATO MEMBERSHIP.

UNDER THE OCTOBER AGREEMENT, MR. MILOSEVIC WAS TO RESTRAIN YUGOSLAV TROOPS AND POLICE IN KOSOVO, AND TO MOVE MANY OF THEM AND THEIR HEAVY WEAPONS OUT OF THE SERBIAN PROVINCE. SERBIA IS THE DOMINANT REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA.

MR. COHEN SAYS MR. MILOSEVIC HAS BROKEN HIS PROMISES, AND MAY PAY A PRICE. BUT THE U-S DEFENSE SECRETARY ALSO URGED THE INDEPENDENCE-MINDED KOSOVAR ALBANIANS TO SHOW SOME RESTRAINT AS WELL. THE KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY, ALSO KNOWN BY ITS ALBANIAN LANGUAGE INITIALS AS U-C-K, HAS BEEN FIGHTING SERBIAN SECURITY FORCES FOR NEARLY A YEAR.

WE DON'T INTEND TO BE AN AIRFORCE FOR THE U-C-K, WE BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE AN AGREEMENT PROVIDING AUTONOMY FOR KOSOVO, BUT (WE) HAVE NOT SUPPORTED THEIR DRIVE FOR INDEPENDENCE. IT'S GOING TO REQUIRE COMPLIANCE ON BOTH SIDES, NOT JUST ONE.

THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER, "U-S-S ENTERPRISE," WITH ABOUT 70 PLANES, AND AT LEAST THREE U-S WARSHIPS CAPABLE OF LAUNCHING CRUISE MISSILES WILL SOON BE WITHIN REACH OF YUGOSLAV TARGETS.

ALLIANCE SOURCES SAY NATO IS PREPARING TO HELP EXTRACT UNARMED MONITORS FROM KOSOVO IF NEEDED. THE 800 MONITORS ARE IN THE AREA TO VERIFY COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL PEACE EFFORTS. (SIGNED)
NEB/JR/GE
20-Jan-99 2:14 PM EST (1914 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: NATO IS STEPPING UP PREPARATIONS FOR POSSIBLE MILITARY ACTION AGAINST YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC, AS THE UNITED STATES AND ITS ALLIES SEARCH FOR A SOLUTION TO THE LATEST CRISIS IN KOSOVO. FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT, V-O-A'S KYLE KING REPORTS.

TEXT: THE UNITED STATES IS MOVING THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER ENTERPRISE AND AT LEAST THREE OTHER WARSHIPS CLOSER TO YUGOSLAVIA. THE DUTCH ARE SENDING EIGHT MORE F-16 FIGHTERS TO ITALY TO REINFORCE NATO PLANES PATROLLING THE SKIES OVER KOSOVO. BUT YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC SHOWS NO SIGNS OF GIVING IN TO WESTERN PRESSURE AND ENDING HIS LATEST CRACKDOWN AGAINST KOSOVAR ALBANIANS.

SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT, WHO IS DUE IN MOSCOW ON MONDAY, ADDED STOPS IN LONDON AND PARIS NEXT THURSDAY AND FRIDAY TO DISCUSS THE LATEST EVENTS IN KOSOVO AND OTHER ISSUES.

STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN JAMES RUBIN SAYS THE RESPONSE OF PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC TO INTERNATIONAL DEMANDS HAS BEEN UNACCEPTABLE.

THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SITUATION, AND THE FACT THAT PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC HAS FAILED TO COOPERATE AND HAS PROVIDED UNSATISFACTORY RESPONSES ACROSS THE BOARD IS DEEPLY TROUBLING TO US, GIVEN THE SITUATION.

THE UNITED STATES AND ITS ALLIES ARE DEMANDING THAT MR. MILOSEVIC END HIS CRACKDOWN AND REVERSE HIS DECISION TO EXPEL THE HEAD OF THE DIPLOMATIC OBSERVER MISSION IN KOSOVO. ON MONDAY, U-S AMBASSADOR WILLIAM WALKER WAS ORDERED OUT AFTER HE ACCUSED SERB FORCES OF KILLING MORE THAN 40 ETHNIC ALBANIAN VILLAGERS IN KOSOVO LAST WEEK.

STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN RUBIN SAYS SERB ACTIONS COULD CAUSE A MASS EXODUS OF REFUGEES AND A POSSIBLE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS, SIMILAR TO THE SITUATION IN KOSOVO LAST YEAR.

WITH THESE KINDS OF ACTIONS AND THE FEAR THAT IS CREATED BY MASSACRES OF THIS KIND, WE RUN THE RISK OF GENERATING THE SAME KIND OF EXODUS THAT OCCURRED LAST TIME [LAST YEAR]. WE HAVE ALREADY SEEN SOME SIGNS OF IT.

UNITED NATIONS REFUGEE OFFICIALS SAY MORE THAN FIVE-THOUSAND PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY FLED THEIR HOMES IN AND AROUND THE [RACAK] VILLAGE WHERE THE KILLINGS TOOK PLACE. AS MANY AS ONE-THOUSAND ARE BELIEVED TO BE LIVING WITHOUT SHELTER.

U-S DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM COHEN HAS SAID NATO'S CREDIBILITY IS ON THE LINE IN THE CURRENT CRISIS, BUT OFFICIALS IN BRUSSELS SAY NO DECISION ON THE USE OF MILITARY FORCE HAS BEEN TAKEN. MEANTIME, THE HEAD OF THE ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE SAYS ANY ATTEMPT TO EXPEL THE CHIEF OF THE DIPLOMATIC OBSERVER MISSION IN KOSOVO COULD HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. THE O-S-C-E HAS ADVISED THE U-S MISSION CHIEF TO IGNORE THE ORDER EXPELLING HIM FROM THE COUNTRY. (SIGNED)
NEB/KBK/WTW
20-Jan-99 4:47 PM EST (2147 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[04] KOSOVO / WALKER (S-ONITER) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (PRISTINA)

INTRO: INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS ARE STILL UNDERWAY IN YUGOSLAVIA TO REVERSE AN EXPULSION ORDER SERVED ON U-S DIPLOMAT WILLIAM WALKER, WHO HEADS THE INTERNATIONAL TEAM MONITORING CONDITIONS IN SERBIAN-RULED KOSOVO PROVINCE. THE HEAD OF THE ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE -- THE O-S-C-E -- IS EXPECTED TO MEET PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC LATER TODAY (THURSDAY), JUST HOURS BEFORE A (LATE-AFTERNOON UTC) DEADLINE (FOR AMBASSADOR WALKER'S DEPARTURE). CORRESPONDENT LAURIE KASSMAN HAS MORE FROM PRISTINA, KOSOVO'S CAPITAL.

TEXT: FOR AMBASSADOR WALKER, IT'S BUSINESS AS USUAL, UNTIL HIS FATE IS KNOWN LATER IN THE DAY. NATO COMMANDERS AND RUSSIA'S DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER HAVE HELD SEPARATE TALKS WITH PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC. O-S-C-E CHAIRMAN KNUT VOLLEBAEK IS DUE TO MEET HIM MID-DAY [1200 UTC].

YUGOSLAV AUTHORITIES ISSUED THE EXPULSION ORDER AFTER ACCUSING WILLIAM WALKER OF OVER-STEPPING THE LIMITS OF HIS MISSION. THAT CAME AFTER THE HEAD OF THE VERIFIERS [MONITORS] BLAMED SERB SPECIAL FORCES FOR A MASSACRE OF 45 (ETHNIC-ALBANIAN KOSOVAR) VILLAGERS LAST FRIDAY.

THE WORK OF THE VERIFICATION MISSION IN KOSOVO HAS BECOME MORE DIFFICULT AS COMPLIANCE WITH THE CEASE-FIRE BY BOTH SIDES HAS COLLAPSED, AND FIGHTING HAS INTENSIFIED OVER THE PAST SEVERAL WEEKS. (SIGNED)
NEB/LMK/WTW
20-Jan-99 6:26 PM EST (2326 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[05] KOSOVO/DIPLOMACY (S/L) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (PRISTINA)

INTRO: NATO'S TOP GENERALS RETURNED TO BRUSSELS (LATE TUESDAY) WITHOUT MAKING ANY BREAKTHROUGH IN TALKS ON THE KOSOVO CRISIS WITH YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC IN BELGRADE. SO NOW THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE -- THE O-S-C-E -- WILL TRY TO PERSUADE THE YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT ( WEDNESDAY) TO DROP HIS ORDER TO EXPEL THE HEAD OF THE KOSOVO TRUCE VERIFICATION MISSION. CORRESPONDENT LAURIE KASSMAN HAS MORE FROM PRISTINA -- THE PROVINCIAL CAPITAL OF YUGOSLAVIA'S TROUBLED KOSOVO PROVINCE.

TEXT: SERBIAN FORENSIC EXPERTS IN PRISTINA SAY THEIR PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION SHOWS THAT 40 ETHNIC ALBANIAN VILLAGERS WERE NOT MASSACRED LAST FRIDAY. THIS INITIAL FINDING CONTRADICTS STATEMENTS MADE BY WILLIAM WALKER -- HEAD OF THE KOSOVO TRUCE VERIFICATION MISSION. THE SERBIAN-LED YUGOSLAV GOVERNMENT HAS CALLED HIM A LIAR AND ORDERED HIM TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY.

AMBASSADOR WALKER BLAMED SERB SPECIAL FORCES FOR WHAT HE DESCRIBED AS A "CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY" AFTER VISITING THE SITE OF THE KILLINGS, ACCOMPANIED BY DOZENS OF REPORTERS AND INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS.

THE BODIES WERE DISCOVERED SATURDAY MORNING IN AND AROUND THE VILLAGE OF RACAK. MOST OF THEM WERE MEN WHO HAD BEEN SHOT IN THE HEAD AT CLOSE RANGE. AT LEAST ONE WAS DECAPITATED. THE BODIES OF THREE WOMEN AND A YOUNG BOY WERE ALSO FOUND.

SERB AUTHORITIES INSIST THE VICTIMS WERE ETHNIC ALBANIAN REBELS WHO WERE KILLED DURING TWO DAYS OF CLASHES WITH SERB FORCES THERE.

MR. WALKER DEMANDED THAT YUGOSLAV AUTHORITIES BRING THE GUILTY TO JUSTICE. AND HE CALLED FOR THE CHIEF PROSECUTOR OF THE WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL IN THE HAGUE TO COME TO RACAK TO CARRY OUT AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION. BUT PROSECUTOR LOUISE ARBOUR WAS TURNED BACK AT THE BORDER WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO ENTER THE COUNTRY. SHE IS WAITING IN NEARBY MACEDONIA FOR A VISA, WHICH YUGOSLAV AUTHORITIES HAVE DENIED HER IN THE PAST.

IN THE MEANTIME, THE DISTRICT JUDGE OF PRISTINA HAD THE BODIES OF THE VICTIMS BROUGHT TO A FORENSIC INSTITUTE IN THE PROVINCIAL CAPITAL FOR EXAMINATION. AN INDEPENDENT FORENSIC TEAM FROM FINLAND IS DUE IN PRISTINA ON THURSDAY, BUT SERB AUTHORITIES HAVE BEGUN THE AUTOPSIES WITHOUT THEM.

SERB AUTHORITIES ACCUSE MR. WALKER OF LYING ABOUT THE RACAK KILLINGS AND OF OVERSTEPPING THE LIMITS OF THE VERIFICATION MISSION WHEN HE BLAMED THE MASSACRE ON SERB FORCES. THEY GAVE THE VETERAN U-S DIPLOMAT 48 HOURS TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY. THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER DAY TO GIVE O-S-C-E CHAIRMAN KNUT VOLLEBAEK TIME TO GET TO BELGRADE TO DISCUSS THE CRISIS WITH PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC.

NATO HAS WARNED OF SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES, IF MR. MILOSEVIC DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE OCTOBER AGREEMENT THAT CALLS FOR A HALT IN THE FIGHTING IN KOSOVO. THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HAS CONDEMNED THE RENEWED OFFENSIVE AND THE KILLINGS IN RACAK VILLAGE.

BUT SERB FORCES HAVE IGNORED THE OUTRAGE AND RESUMED SHELLING REBEL POSITIONS IN BOTH NORTHERN AND SOUTHWESTERN KOSOVO.

THE FIGHTING HAS SENT TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FRIGHTENED KOSOVAR VILLAGERS INTO THE NEARBY FROZEN HILLS -- REMINISCENT OF THE REFUGEE CRISIS JUST SIX MONTHS AGO, WHEN THE VILLAGERS WERE CAMPED OUT IN THE WOODS FOR MONTHS WITH LITTLE SHELTER, FOOD OR WARM CLOTHING. (SIGNED)
NEB/LMK/PCF
20-Jan-99 5:55 AM EST (1055 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[06] KOSOVO/DIPLOMACY UPDATE (S/L)(CQ) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (PRISTINA)

WHILE NATO'S MILITARY FORCES ARE MOVING CLOSER TO YUGOSLAVIA, THERE IS LITTLE SIGN THAT NATO'S POLITICAL LEADERS ARE READY TO USE THEM. (SIGNED)
NEB/RDP/PCF/GE
20-Jan-99 11:14 AM EST (1614 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[08] ROMANIA/PROTESTS (L-ONLY) -- CQ BY STEFAN BOS (BUDAPEST)

INTRO: THE ROMANIAN GOVERNMENT SAYS IT WILL USE ALL MEANS, INCLUDING MILITARY FORCE, TO STOP THOUSANDS OF STRIKING COAL MINERS FROM MARCHING INTO THE CAPITAL, BUCHAREST. THE WARNING CAME FOLLOWING CLASHES TUESDAY IN WHICH AT LEAST 15 PEOPLE WERE WOUNDED INCLUDING ONE JOURNALIST. STEFAN BOS IS MONITORING THE SITUATION FROM THE HUNGARIAN CAPITAL, AND HAS THIS REPORT.

TEXT: SPEAKING ON NATIONAL TELEVISION, ROMANIAN PRIME MINISTER RADU VASILE WARNED THOUSANDS OF STRIKING MINERS THAT HE WILL NOT ALLOW A REPEAT OF THE ANTI-GOVERNMENT RIOTS OF 1990 AND 1991, WHICH LEFT NINE PEOPLE DEAD. MR. VASILE SPOKE AFTER TEN-THOUSAND MINERS GATHERED IN A SPORTS STADIUM IN THE TOWN OF TIRGU JIU -- AND VOWED TO CONTINUE THEIR MARCH TO THE CAPITAL ON WEDNESDAY.

THE MINERS ARRIVED AT THE TOWN, 240 KILOMETERS WEST OF BUCHAREST, AFTER THEY OVER-RAN BARRICADES AND CLASHED WITH POLICE, WHO SPRAYED TEAR GAS AND HURLED SMOKE BOMBS. A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN THE CLASHES.

EARLIER TUESDAY, DEFENSE MINISTER VICTOR BAJUC TOLD ROMANIAN RADIO THAT HE WOULD SEND IN THE ARMY IF THE POLICE LOSE COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE SITUATION. ANALYSTS SAY THE 15-DAY MINERS STRIKE IS THE WORST CRISIS OF THE ROMANIAN GOVERNMENT SINCE IT TOOK OFFICE IN 1996. //OPT// BUT PRIME MINISTER VASILE SAYS HE WILL ONLY OPEN NEW TALKS WITH THE PROTEST LEADERS IF THE MINERS RETURN TO WORK. HOWEVER, STRIKE LEADER MIRON COZMA HAS CALLED ON PROTESTORS NOT TO BELIEVE THE PRIME MINISTER, WHO HAS SO FAR REFUSED TO ACCEPT THE MINERS' DEMANDS. //END OPT//

THE MINERS ARE PROTESTING AGAINST GOVERNMENT PLANS TO CLOSE ABOUT 30 MINES THIS YEAR AND PERHAPS MORE IN THE FUTURE. THEY ARE DEMANDING A PAY HIKE OF UP TO 35 PERCENT. BUT PRIME MINISTER VASILE AND OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SAY THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE TO ACCEPT BECAUSE THEY SAY MINERS ALREADY EARN ABOUT 200 DOLLARS A MONTH -- TWICE THE AVERAGE NATIONAL SALARY.

IN ADDITION, THEY SAY ROMANIA FACES WHAT OFFICIALS DESCRIBE AS THE COUNTRY'S "BIGGEST FOREIGN DEBT IN HISTORY" -- TOTALLING SOME THREE BILLION DOLLARS. THE LATEST OUTBREAK OF VIOLENCE COMES AS A WORLD BANK DELEGATION IS DUE TO ARRIVE IN BUCHAREST ON WEDNESDAY, AND AN INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND MISSION LATER THIS MONTH.

I-M-F REPRESENTATIVES HAVE TIED RESUMPTION OF CREDITS TO A CONCRETE REFORM PROGRAM, WHICH INCLUDES THE CLOSURE AND RESTRUCTURING OF MONEY-LOSING STATE INDUSTRIES. (SIGNED)
NEB/SB/WFR
20-Jan-99 10:39 AM EST (1539 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[09] E-U/CLINTON (L-O) BY JOHN FRASER (BRUSSELS)

INTRO: EUROPEAN UNION OFFICIALS SAY THEY ARE PLEASED PRESIDENT CLINTON SAID DURING HIS STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS THAT HE SUPPORTS A NEW ROUND OF GLOBAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS. JOHN FRASER REPORTS FROM BRUSSELS THAT EUROPE BELIEVES SUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATIONS WOULD BRING ENHANCED WORLDWIDE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND PROSPERITY.

TEXT: E-U TRADE COMMISSIONER, LEON BRITTAN, SAYS HE WARMLY WELCOMES PRESIDENT CLINTON'S ANNOUNCEMENT.

MR. BRITTAN SAYS EUROPE HAS BEEN TRYING FOR THREE-YEARS TO WIN INTERNATIONAL BACKING FOR A NEW GLOBAL TRADE ROUND, WHICH HE WANTS TO CALL THE MILLENNIUM ROUND. HE SAYS IT IS HEARTENING TO NOW WIN SUPPORT FROM THE UNITED STATES.

THE EUROPEAN UNION BELIEVES SUCH SUPPORT IS CRUCIAL TO THE PLAN.

COMMISSIONER BRITTAN SAYS HE PLANS TO WORK CLOSELY WITH WASHINGTON IN SETTING THE AGENDA FOR THE NEW TRADE ROUND. HE SAYS HE WANTS TO HELP WIN OVER THE REST OF THE WORLD, ESPECIALLY THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, TO THE IDEA.

BUT HE POINTS OUT THAT FOR FUTURE TRADE NEGOTIATIONS TO BE A SUCCESS, ALL SIDES MUST DEMONSTRATE THEIR COMMITMENT TO EXISTING GLOBAL TRADING RULES.

THE EUROPEAN UNION IS LOCKED IN A DISPUTE WITH THE UNITED STATES ABOUT EUROPEAN DISCRIMINATION IN FAVOR OF BANANA EXPORTERS FROM THE CARIBBEAN, AND AGAINST LATIN AMERICAN PRODUCERS.

COMMISSIONER BRITTAN HAS AGAIN APPEALED TO WASHINGTON TO BACK DOWN FROM THE THREAT OF TRADE SANCTIONS AGAINST THE EUROPEAN UNION IN THE BANANA DISPUTE. HE SAYS THE ISSUE SHOULD BE RESOLVED THROUGH THE NORMAL WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION PROCEDURES.

AN E-U SPOKESMAN SAYS HE HOPES AGREEMENT CAN BE REACHED ON LAUNCHING A NEW GLOBAL TRADE ROUND AT A NOVEMBER W-T-O MEETING. THE AIM WOULD BE TO BRING IN RULES FOR AGRICULTURE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES, SECTORS ON WHICH THERE WAS NO AGREEMENT DURING THE LAST ROUND OF GLOBAL TRADE TALKS.

THE DISCUSSIONS ARE EXPECTED TO ALSO LOOK AT COMPETITION POLICY, ELECTRONIC COMMERCE, AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY IN ORDER TO STIMULATE WORLD TRADE BY BRINGING DOWN PROTECTIONIST TARIFFS AND OTHER BARRIERS. (SIGNED)
NEB/JF/RAE/GE
20-Jan-99 12:43 PM EST (1743 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: U-S STOCK PRICES WERE MIXED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DESPITE SOME POSITIVE EARNINGS REPORTS BY MAJOR U-S COMPANIES. THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE BACKED AWAY FROM A 125-POINT GAIN DURING THE LAST HOUR OF TRADING. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ELAINE JOHANSON REPORTS FROM NEW YORK:

TEXT: THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE CLOSED DOWN 19 POINTS, AT 93-HUNDRED-35. THE STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 INDEX GAINED FOUR POINTS TO CLOSE AT 12-HUNDRED-56.

TRADERS WERE FOCUSED ON QUARTERLY CORPORATE EARNINGS REPORTS. MOST MET WALL STREET EXPECTATIONS. THEY ALSO LISTENED FOR HINTS OF POSSIBLE MOVES BY THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, WHICH LOWERED INTEREST RATES THREE TIMES LAST YEAR TO HELP THE U-S STOCK MARKET PULL OUT OF A 10-WEEK SLUMP.

BOARD CHAIRMAN ALAN GREENSPAN -- TESTIFYING IN CONGRESS FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR -- TALKED ABOUT A POSSIBLE U-S ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN. BUT HE GAVE NO SIGNAL ABOUT FUTURE CENTRAL BANK ACTION.

WHILE GREENSPAN ADMITS TO THE POSSIBILITY OF A SLOWER U-S ECONOMY IN 1999, THE LOSS OF ECONOMIC VIGOR MAY NOT BE SEVERE ENOUGH TO WARRANT ANOTHER FEDERAL RESERVE-LED REDUCTION OF INTEREST RATES.

THE U-S CENTRAL BANKER WARNED THE U-S STOCK MARKET MAY BE OVERVALUED AND OUT OF PROPORTION TO U-S CORPORATE PERFORMANCE. HE SAID SOME DOWNTURNS ARE POSSIBLE.

MR. GREENSPAN BELIEVES THE U-S ECONOMY -- WHILE FUNDAMENTALLY STRONG -- MAY BE OVER-HEATED, AND MAY HAVE TO BE CONSCIOUSLY SLOWED DOWN TO SUSTAIN U-S ECONOMIC EXPANSION:

THROUGH THE END OF 1998 THE ECONOMY CONTINUED TO GROW MORE RAPIDLY THAN CAN BE CURRENTLY ACCOMMODATED ON AN ON-GOING BASIS, EVEN WITH HIGHER TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH.

NEW FIGURES RELEASED BY THE U-S COMMERCE DEPARTMENT SHOW HOUSING CONSTRUCTION SOARED TO AN 11-YEAR HIGH IN BOTH DECEMBER AND ALL OF 1998, PROPELLED BY RECORD HOME SALES. CREDIT IS GIVEN TO PLENTIFUL JOBS, RISING INCOME AND LOW MORTGAGE RATES.

U-S AUTOMAKER GENERAL MOTORS, THE WORLD'S LARGEST, REPORTED QUARTERLY PROFITS 23 PERCENT ABOVE WALL STREET EXPECTATIONS. G-M'S RECORD PERFORMANCE IN NORTH AMERICA OVERCAME BOTH THE EFFECTS OF LAST YEAR'S STRIKE AND FALLING SALES OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES.

MICROSOFT REPORTED A 75-PERCENT INCREASE IN PROFITS FOR THE LAST QUARTER, AND AS USUAL DOWNPLAYED EXPECTATIONS FOR THE NEXT QUARTER. (SIGNED) NEB/NY/EJ/LSF/WTW
20-Jan-99 5:12 PM EST (2212 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: AMERICA'S DAILY PAPERS ARE COMMENTING ON A MOST REMARKABLE DAY -- A DAY ON WHICH AN IMPEACHED PRESIDENT, ON TRIAL IN THE SENATE, DELIVERS HIS STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS.

THE OTHER TOPICS INCLUDE: THE BEGINNING OF THE PRESIDENT'S DEFENSE IN HIS SENATE TRIAL, AND THE CRISIS IN KOSOVO PROVINCE. NOW, HERE IS _____________ WITH SOME EXCERPTS AND A CLOSER LOOK IN TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

TEXT: MANY PAPERS ARE PLAYING UP THE CONTRADICTION OF A PRESIDENT, ALREADY IMPEACHED BY THE HOUSE ACTING AS IF NOTHING IS OUT OF THE ORDINARY, AS HE ADDRESSED A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS IN THE STATE OF THE UNION. "THE BOSTON GLOBE" CALLS IT "CLINTONIAN CONTRADICTIONS."

VOICE: THESE ARE CONTRADICTORY TIMES. THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES IS DISGRACED, IMPEACHED, AND HIS TRIAL IS UNDERWAY. ONE MIGHT HAVE EXPECTED A NATIONAL GLOOM, BUT THERE IS NONE. PRESIDENT CLINTON STOOD BEFORE CONGRESS AND THE NATION LAST NIGHT IN A TIME OF UNPARALLELED PROSPERITY AND WELL-BEING WITH AN ADDRESS THAT IS SURE TO BOOST HIS ALREADY HIGH APPROVAL RATINGS .... THE UNION HAS SELDOM BEEN IN A BETTER STATE. ... THE GREATEST CONTRADICTION IS THAT PRESIDENT CLINTON, WITH SO MUCH TO OFFER, SHOULD HAVE BROUGHT DOWN SUCH DISCREDIT ON THE OFFICE HE HOLDS.

TEXT: "THE ATLANTA CONSTITUTION" SAYS THE PRESIDENT'S BROAD SOCIAL PROGRAMS "WILL HAVE ENORMOUS APPEAL" FOR MANY AMERICANS, AND ARE, IMPLICITLY, MORE REASONS THE PUBLIC WILL NOT WANT HIM REMOVED FROM OFFICE.

VOICE: FIX SOCIAL SECURITY, SHORE UP THE MILITARY. HELP FAMILIES TAKE CARE OF AGING PARENTS AND INFANTS. HIRE MORE POLICE. GIVE LOW-INCOME WORKERS A RAISE. SUCH DOWN-TO-EARTH ISSUES ARE FAR MORE IMPORTANT TO MOST WORKING PEOPLE THAN THE QUESTION OF WHETHER BILL CLINTON IS A LOUSY HUSBAND AND A LIAR IN MATTERS OF PERSONAL BEHAVIOR. [MR.] CLINTON'S UPBEAT PERFORMANCE MAY MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT FOR HIS REPUBLICAN FOES, SEVERAL OF WHOM WERE CHILDISHLY ABSENT, TO CONTINUE TRYING TO TOPPLE HIS ADMINISTRATION. ... OUT HERE IN THE REAL WORLD, MOST AMERICANS WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY FOR PRESIDENT CLINTON [TO] GIVE THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS IN [THE YEAR] TWO-THOUSAND.

TEXT: "THE NEW YORK POST" SAW A MUCH DIFFERENT MOTIVE FOR THE PRESIDENT'S INITIATIVES IN THE ADDRESS:

VOICE: PRESIDENT CLINTON ...... [PRONOUNCED] 'THE STATE OF OUR UNION STRONG.' THIS IS MORE THAN CAN BE SAID FOR THE STATE OF HIS PRESIDENCY -- WHICH EXPLAINS TWO THINGS: THE EPIC LENGTH OF SPEECH: AS LONG AS HE WAS TALKING, THE SENATE WAS UNLIKELY TO REMOVE HIM FROM OFFICE, AND WHY HE PROPOSED A SPENDING BINGE THAT WOULD POUR BILLIONS INTO CHILD CARE, EDUCATION, THE WAR ON CRIME, THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE MILITARY. ... THIS AMOUNTS TO JURY TAMPERING IN THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION, OF COURSE. BUT THIS IS WHAT [MR.] CLINTON HAS EXCELLED AT FOUR YEARS. CYNICISM PAYS. THAT'S THE PLAN.

TEXT: "THE SUN" IN BALTIMORE SAYS IN ITS HEADLINE, "IMPEACHMENT ASIDE, NATION IS DOING FINE," WHILE "THE WASHINGTON POST" NOTED THE IRONY OF THE MOMENT.

VOICE: THE PRESIDENT'S RESPONSE TO THE EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH HE DELIVERED THE ... ADDRESS WAS POLICY-AS-USUAL, ONLY MORE SO. IT IS HARD TO THINK OF THE POPULAR SYMBOL OR CAUSE THAT MR. CLINTON FAILED TO EMBRACE IN THE COURSE OF A SPEECH GIVEN ONLY HOURS AFTER HIS ATTORNEYS BEGAN HIS DEFENSE IN HIS SENATE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL. ... THE OCCASION [WAS] A SELF-CONSCIOUS AND SOMEWHAT AWKWARD ONE ALL AROUND ...

TEXT: ON NEW YORK'S LONG ISLAND, "NEWSDAY" COMPARED THE SPEECH TO A PRIZE FIGHT.

VOICE: PRESIDENT ... CLINTON CAME OUT SWINGING WITH BOTH FISTS YESTERDAY IN HIS OWN DEFENSE. IN THE AFTERNOON HIS LEAD ATTORNEY, CHARLES RUFF, DELIVERED A BLISTERING CRITIQUE OF THE HOUSE IMPEACHMENT REPORT, CASTING DOUBT ON ITS CONSTITUTIONALITY AND ACCURACY. THEN IN THE EVENING, [MR.] CLINTON BECAME THE FIRST IMPEACHED PRESIDENT TO DELIVER A STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS TO MANY OF THE SAME PEOPLE TRYING TO DESTROY HIM. HE SEIZED THE MOMENT TO OUTLINE ... AN AMBITIOUS PROGRAM TO SAVE SOCIAL SECURITY, HELP THE NATION'S SCHOOLS, INCREASE DEFENSE SPENDING AND IMPROVE HEALTH CARE, TO NAME JUST A FEW OF HIS INITIATIVES. IT MAY HAVE BEEN A BIZARRE DAY IN THE NATION'S CAPITAL, BUT IT WAS ALSO A VERY GOOD ONE FOR THE EMBATTLED PRESIDENT.

TEXT: FOR ITS PART, "THE NEW YORK TIMES" SAYS OF THE BROAD SOCIAL PROGRAMS THE PRESIDENT PROPOSED IN HIS ADDRESS, THEY:

VOICE: ARE EXTREMELY POPULAR AMONG THE SWING VOTERS WHOSE SUPPORT HE NEEDS IN THE IMPEACHMENT FIGHT. ... HIS SPEECH WAS DESIGNED TO BE BOLD AND TO TRY, EVEN IN DEPRESSING CIRCUMSTANCES, TO SHOW HIS POLITICAL RESILIENCE.

TEXT: AND IN CALIFORNIA, "THE LOS ANGELES TIMES" SUMMARIZED ITS ASSESSMENT OF HOW THE ADDRESS AFFECTED THE PRESIDENT'S CHANCES THIS WAY:

VOICE: ... IF PAST STATE OF THE UNION PERFORMANCES ARE ANY GUIDE, HIS JOB RATING IN THE OPINION POLLS CAN BE EXPECTED TO BOUNCE UP TODAY. JUST AS LIKELY, THOSE POLLS WON'T FAZE HIS ENEMIES IN WASHINGTON. THE TRIAL POSSIBLY COULD GO ON FOR MONTHS, WHICH IS ESPECIALLY NONSENSICAL CONSIDERING THAT HE CANNOT STAND FOR REELECTION NEXT YEAR. AND THE DISCONNECTION BETWEEN THE WORLD OF THE BELTWAY [SLANG TERM FOR: "INSIDE WASHINGTON"] AND EVERYWHERE ELSE CONTINUES.

TEXT: IN A SEPARATE, BUT CLOSELY RELATED TOPIC, THE OPENING OF THE CLINTON DEFENSE EFFORT IN THE SENATE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL, MANY PAPERS HAVE MORE TO SAY. IN BALTIMORE, "THE SUN" SUGGESTS:

VOICE: WHITE HOUSE COUNSEL CHARLES RUFF WAS MATTER-OF-FACT YESTERDAY IN THE CONSTITUTIONAL ARGUMENTS, IN ANALYZING THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN IMPEACHING A JUDGE APPOINTED FOR LIFE AND A PRESIDENT, ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE, AND IN DISSECTING THE ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT. ... THE HOUSE CASE AGAINST PRESIDENT CLINTON FALLS OF ITS OWN WEIGHT. THE EFFORT OF MANAGERS TO ARGUE THAT IT RISES TO THE LEVEL REQUIRED FOR REMOVAL FELL WOEFULLY SHORT.

TEXT: FOR ITS PART, "THE NEW YORK TIMES" SAW THE OPENING FOR THE DEFENSE THIS WAY.

VOICE: CHARLES RUFF PUT A BATTERING RAM TO THE IMPEACHMENT CASE AGAINST BILL CLINTON YESTERDAY, IN EFFECT TRYING TO BRING DOWN THE ENTIRE EDIFICE BY DISLODGING ONE OR MORE OF THE CORE ARGUMENTS PRESENTED BY THE HOUSE PROSECUTION TEAM LAST WEEK. IT WAS AN AUDACIOUS AND IN SOME WAYS EFFECTIVE STRATEGY, BUT IT MAY INVITE JUST THE KIND OF PROTRACTED SENATE BATTLE OVER WITNESSES AND OTHER MATTERS ... THE WHITE HOUSE HOPES TO AVOID AND THE NATION LONGS TO DO WITHOUT.

TEXT: "THE TIMES" GOES ON TO SAY THAT MR. RUFF "PROBABLY ADVANCED THE CAUSE OF EVENTUAL ACQUITTAL MORE THAN HE DID QUICK DISMISSAL."

TURNING NOW TO THE OTHER MAJOR STORY OF THE DAY, THE VIOLENCE IN YUGOSLAVIA'S KOSOVO PROVINCE BY SERBIAN AUTHORITIES AGAINST THE MAJORITY ETHNIC-ALBANIAN POPULATION, "THE HARTFORD [CONNECTICUT] COURANT" HEADLINES ITS COMMENTARY: "SLOBODAN THE RUTHLESS," ADDING:

VOICE: SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC, YUGOSLAVIA'S STRONGMAN, HAS REPEATEDLY DEMONSTRATED THAT ALL HE UNDERSTANDS IS FIRMNESS. IF THE MASSACRES OF ETHNIC ALBANIAN CIVILIANS ... IN THE SERBIAN PROVINCE OF KOSOVO ARE TO STOP, FORCE MUST BE APPLIED BY THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION. ... STOPPING THE SLAUGHTER IN KOSOVO IS A MORAL IMPERATIVE. THE REGIME'S SECURITY FORCES MUST WITHDRAW. ENOUGH WITH WARNINGS AND THREATS AND STATEMENTS OF OUTRACE FROM OTHER GOVERNMENTS. THERE'S ONLY ONE THING ... MR. MILOSEVIC UNDERSTANDS.

TEXT: BOSTON'S "CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR" SAYS BOTH SIDES ARE VIOLATING THE U-S-BROKERED OCTOBER CEASEFIRE, AND UNLESS SOMETHING IS DONE, AN ALL-OUT WAR WILL RESULT.

VOICE: GUERRILLAS OF THE KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY (K-L-A), REARMED AND BETTER ORGANIZED, HAVE PERSISTENTLY SNIPED AT THE YUGOSLAV ( I.E., SERB) FORCES, KILLING SOME, TAKING OTHERS HOSTAGE. AT THE SAME TIME, MILOSEVIC'S TROOPS HAVE RETURNED TO KOSOVO IN FORCE, VIOLATING THE OCTOBER PACT. THEY ARE DETERMINED, APPARENTLY, TO AVENGE K-L-A ATTACKS ON THEIR COMRADES. THE STATE IS SET FOR EXCESSES OF VIOLENCE AND CRUELTY ON THE SCALE OF BOSNIA. BUT FIRM INTERNATIONAL ACTION MUST PREVENT THAT. ... MOST OF ALL, SERBS AND ALBANIANS MUST BE MADE TO REALIZE THAT ALL-OUT FIGHTING WILL YIELD NOTHING BUT MISERY.

TEXT: LASTLY, A CYNICAL-SOUNDING "WALL STREET JOURNAL" SUGGESTS THE LATEST FINANCIAL BAILOUT OF BRAZIL, FOLLOWING THE PATTERN OF EARLIER HELP TO ASIAN ECONOMIES, HAS BEEN A HUGE WASTE OF U-S TAXPAYERS MONEY.

VOICE: CONGRESS, MOST OF ITS MEMBERS ADMITTEDLY CLUELESS [SLANG FOR: "WITHOUT BASIC KNOWLEDGE"] ABOUT THIS SUBJECT AND DISINCLINED TO MAKE THE EFFORT TO LEARN, LAST FALL SHOVELED THROUGH 18 BILLION IN FRESH FUNDS DEMANDED BY THE I-M-F [INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND] AND THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION. WELL, IT CAN MARK UP BRAZIL'S CURRENCY COLLAPSE AS THE LATEST FRUIT OF THIS ZEAL TO SPEND TAXPAYERS' MONEY. BUT 18-BILLION DOLLARS DOWN A SINKHOLE IS THE LEAST OF IT. SINCE MID-1997, I-M-F-LED RESCUE PACKAGES FOR ASIA, RUSSIA AND BRAZIL HAVE RACKED UP A BILL TOTALING SOME 181-BILLION DOLLARS. TIED UP IN THAT IS SOME 61-BILLION DOLLARS BELONGING TO U-S TAXPAYERS, OR ABOUT 230-DOLLARS FOR EVERY MAN, WOMAN AND CHILD IN AMERICA. ALL OVER WASHINGTON, SOMEONE SHOULD BE ASKING: WHAT HAS THE I-M-F BOUGHT WITH ALL THAT MONEY. TODAY? WE HAVE BRAZIL ON THE SKIDS. RUSSIA'S RUBLE IS WASTEPAPER AND COMMUNISTS SIT IN THE CABINET. INDONESIA, ITS FINANCIAL SYSTEM IN GRIDLOCK, IS TOTTERING TOWARD NO-ONE-KNOWS-WHAT. OF THE I-M-F'S BAILEES [THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN "BAILED OUT" I.E. RESCUED] SINCE THE START OF THE ASIA CRISIS, ONLY THAILAND AND SOUTH KOREA HAVE BEEN MAKING SHAKY PROGRESS. /// OPT

TEXT: ON THAT DEPRESSING ANALYSIS, WE CONCLUDE THIS SAMPLING OF EDITORIAL COMMENT FROM WEDNESDAY'S U-S PRESS.
NEB/ANG/KL
20-Jan-99 11:35 AM EST (1635 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[12] BRITAIN PINOCHET (L-ONLY) BY CHRISTINE FURNELL (LONDON)

INTRO: BRITAIN'S HIGHEST COURT, THE LAW LORDS, CONVENED FOR A THIRD DAY (WEDNESDAY) TO DECIDE WHETHER SPAIN'S EXTRADITION REQUEST FOR FORMER CHILEAN LEADER AUGUSTO PINOCHET IS LEGAL. AS V-O-A'S CHRISTINE FURNELL REPORTS FROM LONDON, THE PROSECUTION TEAM SAYS THE EXTRADITION IS VALID UNDER INTERNATIONAL LAW.

TEXT: LAWYERS SEEKING AUGUSTO PINOCHET'S EXTRADITION TO SPAIN ON CHARGES OF GENOCIDE ARGUE THAT INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS RECOGNIZE TORTURE AS A GLOBAL CRIME THAT CAN BE PROSECUTED BY ANY NATION. THEY CITED THE TRIALS AT NUREMBERG AFTER WORLD WAR TWO AND THE INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL IN THE HAGUE TRYING BOSNIAN SERBS AS PRECEDENTS FOR THE ACTION.

SPAIN ACCUSES MR. PINOCHET OF COMMITTING CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY AND ORDERED HIS EXTRADITION FROM BRITAIN UNDER AN INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT. AN OFFICIAL CHILEAN GOVERNMENT REPORT SAYS MORE THAN THREE-THOUSAND PEOPLE WERE KILLED OR DISAPPEARED DURING MR. PINOCHET'S 17-YEAR RULE.

THE PROSECUTION IS ALSO ALLEGING THE 83-YEAR OLD GENERAL ORDERED THE TORTURE OF POLITICAL ENEMIES BEFORE HE ASSUMED THE POST OF HEAD OF STATE. GENERAL PINOCHET LED A 1973 COUP THAT TOPPLED PRESIDENT SALVADOR ALLENDE.

THE COURT IS SEEKING FOREIGN OFFICE CONFIRMATION OF WHEN BRITAIN OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED MR. PINOCHET AS CHILE'S LEADER. THOUGH THE CASE DOES NOT ENTIRELY REST ON THIS ARGUMENT, IT COULD HELP DECIDE WHETHER HE WILL STAND TRIAL IN SPAIN.

THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE CASE IS BEING HEARD BY BRITAIN'S HIGHEST COURT. LAST NOVEMBER, THE LORDS RULED MR. PINOCHET WAS NOT IMMUNE FROM PROSECUTION. BUT THAT RULING WAS OVERTURNED WHEN ONE OF THE JUDGES WAS FOUND TO HAVE LINKS WITH THE HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL.

THIS HEARING IS EXPECTED TO LAST SEVERAL DAYS. (SIGNED)
NEB/CEF/RAE/GE
20-Jan-99 12:25 PM EST (1725 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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