Voice of America, 99-03-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] KOSOVO FIGHTING (L-ONLY) BY PHILIP SMUCKER (PRISTINA)

[02] KOSOVO TALKS START (S/L VER) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (PARIS)

[03] KOSOVO TALKS UPDATE (S/L VER) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (PARIS)

[04] KOSOVO TALKS 2ND UPDATE (S/L) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (PARIS)

[05] KOSOVO / U-S REACT (S) (RPT) BY KYLE KING (STATE DEPARTMENT)

[06] TURKEY EXPLOSIONS (L-ONLY) BY AMBERIN ZAMAN (ANKARA)

[07] EUROPE-FRAUD (L) (RPT) BY RON PEMSTEIN (BRUSSELS)

[08] NISSAN / RENAULT(L-ONLY) BY AMY BICKERS (HONG KONG)

[09] MARINE PLANE TRIAL - S (RPT) BY JIM RANDLE (PENTAGON)

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

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

[01] KOSOVO FIGHTING (L-ONLY) BY PHILIP SMUCKER (PRISTINA)

INTRO: YUGOSLAV TANKS AND HEAVY ARMOR UNITS FIRED INTO ETHNIC ALBANIAN VILLAGES IN THE KOSOVO PROVINCE AGAIN MONDAY, EVEN AS ALBANIAN NEGOTIATORS WERE ANNOUNCING IN PARIS THAT THEY WOULD SIGN A WESTERN-BACKED PEACE DEAL. WE GET DETAILS ON MONDAY'S FIGHTING FROM REPORTER PHILIP SMUCKER IN PRISTINA.

TEXT: HEAVY GUNFIRE CRISS-CROSSED CENTRAL KOSOVO MONDAY AS THE YUGOSLAV ARMY SHELLED ALBANIAN VILLAGES. THE HEAVIEST FIGHTING WAS NEAR THE TOWN OF VUCITRN.

TANKS ALSO TOOK UP NEW POSITIONS AROUND THE VILLAGE OF LEBANE JUST 10 KILOMETERS NORTH OF THE PROVINCIAL CAPITAL, PRISTINA.

A BRITISH MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL GROUP CHARGED WITH MONITORING THE SHATTERED KOSOVO TRUCE SAID OVER A DOZEN YUGOSLAV TANKS WERE FIRING IN RESPONSE TO THE SNIPER WOUNDING OF A YUGOSLAV MILITARY OFFICER IN LEBANE. THE TANKS LATER DUG INTO POSITIONS ON THE MAIN HIGHWAY LEADING NORTH FROM THE CAPITAL.

IN THE VILLAGE OF DUS, OFFICERS OF THE K-L-A -- THE ETHNIC ALBANIAN KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY -- SAID THEY FAVORED THE PEACE DEAL FOR KOSOVO, ENFORCED BY NATO-LED TROOPS. BUT ACROSS THE PROVINCE, REBEL FIGHTERS SAY THEY DOUBT THE SERBIAN SIDE WILL SIGN ON. THEY ALSO SAY THEY DOUBT THAT THE NATO ALLIANCE WILL LIVE UP TO ITS THREAT TO STRIKE THE SERBIAN SIDE IF IT FAILS TO SIGN THE DEAL.

FADIL GASHI, A LOCAL K-L-A COMMANDER IN DUS, SAYS PEACE IN KOSOVO IS IN THE HANDS OF THE WESTERN POWERS.

IF NATO IS DETERMINED TO DO WHAT THEY SAY, THEY MUST DO WHAT THEY SAY.

HE SAID NATO WOULD HAVE TO DO WHAT THEY HAVE PROMISED -- NAMELY, BACK-UP THEIR THREAT WITH ACTUAL USE OF FORCE IF NECESSARY. LAST WEEK, THE WESTERN ALLIANCE'S SUPREME COMMANDER, WESLEY CLARK, THREATENED TO PUT INTO ACTION WHAT HE CALLED "A VAST AIR ARMADA," IF THE SERB SIDE BACKS AWAY FROM THE PEACE DEAL AND CONTINUES ITS OFFENSIVE. MEANWHILE, FOR THOSE NOT DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE FIGHTING, THE AGONY CONTINUES NONETHELESS. U-N REFUGEE OFFICIALS NOW SAY THAT SOME 80-THOUSAND ETHNIC ALBANIANS HAVE BEEN DISPLACED SINCE LAST DECEMBER 24TH -- INCLUDING 10-THOUSAND IN THE LAST WEEK ALONE. (SIGNED)
NEB/PS/PCF/JO
15-Mar-99 1:19 PM EST (1819 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[02] KOSOVO TALKS START (S/L VER) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (PARIS)

INTRO: THE KOSOVO PEACE TALKS HAVE RESUMED IN PARIS MONDAY WITH NO CLEAR INDICATION YET WHETHER THE ETHNIC ALBANIAN DELEGATION WILL SIGN THE PEACE AGREEMENT. THE SERB DELEGATION STILL OPPOSES THE PROPOSAL TO STATION NATO-LED PEACEKEEPER TROOPS IN KOSOVO AND IS RAISING MORE OBJECTIONS TO SOME OF THE POLITICAL ASPECTS OF THE PEACE PLAN. CORRESPONDENT LAURIE KASSMAN HAS MORE FROM PARIS.

TEXT: WESTERN MEDIATORS ARE MEETING WITH THE SERB DELEGATION IN THE MORNING AND WITH THE ETHNIC ALBANIANS IN THE AFTERNOON TO HEAR THEIR VIEWS ON THE DRAFT PEACE PLAN. ON SUNDAY, SERBIA'S DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AGAIN REJECTED THE SECURITY PROVISION OF THE PEACE PLAN THAT CALLS FOR NATO-LED PEACEKEEPERS TO GUARANTEE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT. HE REFERRED TO IT AS "NATO OCCUPATION" OF KOSOVO. THE SERB DELEGATION ALSO QUESTIONS WHAT IT SEES AS TOO MUCH AUTONOMY FOR THE MOSTLY ETHNIC ALBANIAN PROVINCE.

THE KOSOVAR ALBANIAN DELEGATION IS EXPECTED TO GIVE ITS FINAL VERDICT ON THE PEACE PLAN IN THE AFTERNOON.

IF THE GROUP AGREES TO SIGN IT, THAT WOULD PUT MORE PRESSURE ON THE SERBS TO DO THE SAME -- OR FACE THE THREAT OF NATO AIR STRIKES.

LAST WEEKEND (PAST FEW DAYS), THE CHIEF OF THE KOSOVAR ALBANIAN DELEGATION APPEARED TO SIGNAL APPROVAL. BUT ONE DIPLOMAT CLOSE TO THE TALKS SIMPLY CALLS IT A "POSITIVE MAYBE" (INDECISIVE).

THE PEACE PLAN CALLS FOR THREE YEARS OF LIMITED AUTONOMY IN KOSOVO, WITH A NEW CONSTITUTION AND THE TRANSFER OF PROVINCIAL POWER TO THE MAJORITY ETHNIC ALBANIAN POPULATION WHICH LIVES THERE. THE REBEL KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY, WHICH HAS BEEN FIGHTING AGAINST SERB DOMINATION OF THE PROVINCE, WANTS TO MAKE SURE THE DOOR IS OPEN TO POSSIBLE INDEPENDENCE IN THE FUTURE.

THE BELGRADE LEADERSHIP INSISTS KOSOVO MUST REMAIN PART OF THE SERB REPUBLIC. THE HEAD OF ITS DELEGATION IN PARIS COMPLAINS THE PEACE PLAN GIVES KOSOVO TOO MUCH AUTONOMY -- WHAT HE DESCRIBES AS A STATE WITHIN A STATE.

WESTERN MEDIATORS HAVE NOT FIXED A DEADLINE FOR THIS ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS, BUT THEY DO NOT WANT THE TALKS TO LAST MORE THAN A FEW DAYS. LAST MONTH, THE TALKS DRAGGED FOR 17 DAYS WITHOUT A FINAL CONCLUSION. (SIGNED)
NEB/LMK/PCF
15-Mar-99 6:01 AM EST (1101 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[03] KOSOVO TALKS UPDATE (S/L VER) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (PARIS)

INTRO: AT THE KOSOVO PEACE TALKS IN PARIS, THE ETHNIC ALBANIAN DELEGATION HAS GIVEN A LETTER TO THE CO-CHAIRMEN SAYING THEY ACCEPT THE 83-PAGE PEACE PLAN FOR THE EMBATTLED SERBIAN PROVINCE. THE SERB DELEGATION, HOWEVER, HAS NOT YET GIVEN ITS APPROVAL. CORRESPONDENT LAURIE KASSMAN HAS MORE FROM PARIS.

TEXT: A BRIEF JOINT STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE FRENCH AND BRITISH FOREIGN MINISTERS SAYS THE CHIEF OF THE ETHNIC ALBANIAN DELEGATION HAS GIVEN THEM A LETTER, SAYING THEY AGREE TO SIGN THE PEACE AGREEMENT. BUT IT IS NOT YET CLEAR WHEN THEY WILL FOLLOW THROUGH ON THAT PROMISE.

THE KOSOVAR ALBANIAN APPROVAL HOWEVER WOULD PUT MORE PRESSURE ON THE SERB DELEGATION TO DO THE SAME -- OR FACE THE THREAT OF NATO AIR STRIKES. SO FAR, THE SERBS OPPOSE THE SECURITY PROVISION OF THE PEACE PLAN THAT CALLS FOR NATO-LED PEACEKEEPING TROOPS TO GUARANTEE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT. ON SUNDAY THE HEAD OF THE SERB DELEGATION CALLED IT "NATO OCCUPATION" OF KOSOVO.

WESTERN MEDIATORS HAVE NOT FIXED A DEADLINE FOR THIS ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS, BUT THEY DO NOT WANT THE TALKS TO LAST MORE THAN A FEW DAYS.

THE PEACE PLAN CALLS FOR THREE YEARS OF LIMITED AUTONOMY, WITH A NEW CONSTITUTION AND THE TRANSFER OF PROVINCIAL POWER TO THE MAJORITY OF ETHNIC ALBANIANS WHO LIVE THERE. THE REBEL KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY, WHICH HAS BEEN FIGHTING AGAINST SERB DOMINATION OF THE PROVINCE, WANTS TO MAKE SURE THE DOOR IS OPEN TO POSSIBLE INDEPENDENCE IN THE FUTURE.

THE BELGRADE LEADERSHIP INSISTS KOSOVO MUST REMAIN PART OF THE SERB REPUBLIC. THE HEAD OF THE DELEGATION IN PARIS COMPLAINS THE PEACE PLAN GIVES KOSOVO TOO MUCH AUTONOMY -- WHAT HE DESCRIBES AS A STATE WITHIN A STATE. (SIGNED)
NEB/LMK/PCF
15-Mar-99 9:54 AM EST (1454 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[04] KOSOVO TALKS 2ND UPDATE (S/L) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (PARIS)

INTRO: IN PARIS, KOSOVAR ALBANIANS HAVE ACCEPTED THE PEACE PLAN TO END THE KOSOVO CONFLICT IN YUGOSLAVIA, BUT THE SERB DELEGATION IS STILL REJECTING IT. CORRESPONDENT LAURIE KASSMAN REPORTS FROM THE FRENCH CAPITAL THAT WESTERN NEGOTIATORS NOW ARE WORKING WITH THE SERBS TO TRY TO PERSUADE THEM TO AGREE TO THE FULL PEACE PACKAGE -- WHICH INCLUDES NATO-LED PEACEKEEPING TROOPS TO GUARANTEE ITS IMPLEMENTATION.

TEXT: THE ETHNIC ALBANIANS HAVE TOLD THE FRENCH AND BRITISH FOREIGN MINISTERS THEY ARE READY TO SIGN THE PEACE ACCORD WHENEVER THE CO-CHAIRMEN OF THE PEACE TALKS REQUIRE IT.

BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY ROBIN COOK SAYS THE APPROVAL NOW PUTS MORE PRESSURE ON THE SERBS TO DO THE SAME.

WE HAVE NOW TAKEN AWAY FROM THE SERB DELEGATION THEIR FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE. THAT LINE OF DEFENSE WAS THAT THE ALBANIANS WOULD NOT AGREE. THEY HAVE NOW DONE SO AND THAT LEAVES THE SERBS ONE LESS ALIBI FOR NOT SIGNING UP TO THIS PACKAGE.

NEGOTIATORS ARE NOW WORKING WITH THE SERBS TO TRY TO PERSUADE THEM TO APPROVE THE PEACE PLAN. NO DEADLINE HAS BEEN SET, BUT NEGOTIATORS ARE HOPING FOR A DECISION THIS WEEK.

FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER HUBERT VEDRINE SAYS THE SERBS STILL FACE THE THREAT OF NATO AIR STRIKES, IF THEY DO NOT ACCEPT THE PEACE PLAN. HE SPOKE THROUGH AN INTERPRETER.

AS FAR AS NATO IS CONCERNED, THIS REMAINS UNCHANGED -- AND EVERYONE KNOWS THAT.

BOTH MINISTERS DEPLORE THE ESCALATING VIOLENCE IN KOSOVO. BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY COOK URGES THE KOSOVAR ALBANIAN DELEGATION TO USE THEIR INFLUENCE TO HELP STABILIZE THE SITUATION SO THE PEACE PROCESS COULD MOVE FORWARD.

THE CURRENT VIOLENCE IN KOSOVO UNDERLINES THE IMPORTANCE OF THESE TALKS. AND WE HAVE SAID TO BOTH SIDES, INCLUDING THE SERBS, THIS IS NOT A CONFLICT THEY CAN WIN BY MILITARY ACTION. INDEED, I WARNED THE SERB SIDE TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE LONGER THE MILITARY ACTION CONTINUES, THE MORE DIFFICULT IT WILL BE FOR THEM TO NEGOTIATE A POLITICAL SETTLEMENT THAT THEY CAN AGREE TO.

THE PEACE DEAL FOR LIMITED AUTONOMY IN KOSOVO INCLUDES PROVISIONS FOR A NATO-LED PEACEKEEPING FORCE TO GUARANTEE ITS IMPLEMENTATION. SO FAR THE SERBS OPPOSE THE PRESENCE OF NATO TROOPS IN KOSOVO. (SIGNED)
NEB/LMK/PCF/JO
15-Mar-99 1:40 PM EST (1840 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[05] KOSOVO / U-S REACT (S) (RPT) BY KYLE KING (STATE DEPARTMENT)

INTRO: THE UNITED STATES IS WELCOMING AN ETHNIC ALBANIAN PLEDGE TO SIGN AN INTERIM PEACE PLAN FOR KOSOVO IN YUGOSLAVIA -- AND U-S OFFICIALS SAY THEY NOW WANT A SPEEDY RESPONSE FROM THE SERBS. FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT, V-O-A'S KYLE KING REPORTS.

TEXT: AS KOSOVO PEACE TALKS RESUMED IN PARIS, THE HEAD OF THE ETHNIC ALBANIAN DELEGATION ANNOUNCED HE IS READY TO SIGN THE U-S BACKED PEACE PLAN. PRESIDENT CLINTON HAS WELCOMED THE ANNOUNCEMENT AS AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD.

STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN JAMES RUBIN SAYS IT IS NOW UP TO THE SERBS TO AGREE TO THE PEACE PLAN, WHICH WOULD BE BACKED UP BY SOME 28-THOUSAND NATO PEACEKEEPING TROOPS.

CLEARLY IT CAN'T GO ON INDEFINITELY. THE CONTACT GROUP EXPECTS THE SERBS TO SIGNAL QUICKLY WHETHER THEY ARE READY TO NEGOTIATE SERIOUSLY.

U-S OFFICIALS REFUSE TO SAY HOW LONG THEY ARE WILLING TO LET THE TALKS DRAG OUT. NATO HAS THREATENED AIR STRIKES IF AN AGREEMENT IS NOT REACHED.

SERB OFFICIALS ARE OPPOSED TO THE DEPLOYMENT OF NATO TROOPS IN KOSOVO. U-S OFFICIALS SAY THE PROPOSAL IS NOT OPEN TO SUBSTANTIAL REVISION. (SIGNED)
NEB/KBK/JO
15-Mar-99 6:31 PM EST (2331 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[06] TURKEY EXPLOSIONS (L-ONLY) BY AMBERIN ZAMAN (ANKARA)

INTRO: KURDISH SEPARATIST REBELS ARE WARNING FOREIGN TOURISTS AGAINST TRAVELLING TO TURKEY. AS AMBERIN ZAMAN REPORTS FROM ANKARA, REBELS OF THE "KURDISTAN WORKERS PARTY," OR "P-K-K," SAY THE WHOLE OF TURKEY HAS BECOME WHAT THEY CALL "A FIELD OF WAR," INCLUDING AREAS FREQUENTED BY TOURISTS.

TEXT: THE WARNING CAME IN THE WAKE OF A STRING OF BOMB ATTACKS THAT HAVE LEFT MORE THAN A DOZEN PEOPLE DEAD IN THE LAST WEEK. IN THE MOST SERIOUS INCIDENT, 13 PEOPLE WERE KILLED SATURDAY AFTER UNIDENTIFIED ASSAILANTS HURLED PETROL BOMBS AT AN ISTANBUL DEPARTMENT STORE. ON MONDAY, AN EXPLOSIVE PLACED UNDER A CAR PARKED OUTSIDE THE ANKARA OFFICE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION WOUNDED A PEDESTRIAN. NOBODY HAS CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACKS.

VIOLENCE HAS BEEN STEADILY MOUNTING IN TURKEY EVER SINCE THE CAPTURE LAST MONTH OF P-K-K LEADER ABDULLAH OCALAN. HIS FOLLOWERS HAVE VOWED TO KEEP UP THEIR ATTACKS WITHIN TURKEY UNTIL HE IS FREED. THE KURDISH REBEL CHIEF IS AWAITING TRIAL ON TREASON CHARGES, AND IS BEING HELD ON A PRISON ISLAND OFF THE COAST OF ISTANBUL. TREASON IS PUNISHABLE BY DEATH IN TURKEY.

THE P-K-K HAS BEEN WAGING A CAMPAIGN FOR SELF RULE IN TURKEY'S MAINLY KURDISH SOUTHEAST PROVINCES FOR THE PAST DECADE-AND-A-HALF. OVER 30-THOUSAND PEOPLE HAVE DIED IN THE CONFLICT.

THE REBELS HAVE TARGETED TOURISTS IN THE PAST, KIDNAPPING AND FREEING SOME WHILE KILLING OTHERS IN BOMB ATTACKS. TOURISM IS AMONG TURKEY'S CHIEF SOURCES OF REVENUE, AND BROUGHT IN AROUND NINE BILLION DOLLARS LAST YEAR. (SIGNED)
NEB/AZ/PCF
15-Mar-99 9:05 AM EST (1405 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[07] EUROPE-FRAUD (L) (RPT) BY RON PEMSTEIN (BRUSSELS)

INTRO: THE EUROPEAN UNION'S EXECUTIVE BODY, THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION ,IS CONSIDERING WHAT ACTION TO TAKE FOLLOWING AN INVESTIGATION BY A GROUP OF INDEPENDENT EXPERTS THAT CONCLUDES THE WHOLE COMMISSION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CASES OF CORRUPTION AND CRONYISM. RON PEMSTEIN REPORTS FROM BRUSSELS ON SOME OF THE CONCLUSIONS.

TEXT: THE MOST DAMAGING EVIDENCE FROM THE EXPERTS IS DIRECTED AT ONE COMMISSIONER, FORMER FRENCH PRIME MINISTER EDITH CRESSON. NOW THE EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER FOR RESEARCH, SHE IS ACCUSED OF HIRING HER DENTIST AS AN INDEPENDENT SCIENTIFIC ADVISER. MRS. CRESSON IS NAMED IN ANOTHER SECTION FOR IGNORING MISMANGEMENT OF AN OUTSIDE AGENCY THAT SQUANDERED MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN A YOUTH TRAINING PROGRAM. HOWEVER, THE REPORT FROM FIVE EXPERTS HOLDS ALL 20 COMMISIONERS RESPONSIBLE FOR INSTANCES OF FRAUD, IRREGULARITIES OR MISMANAGEMENT OF SERVICES. AT THE SAME TIME THE EXPERTS CAUTION THAT NO COMMISSIONER GAINED FINANCIALLY FROM ANY OF THESE CASES. THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT SET UP THE EXPERTS PANEL IN JANUARY AFTER IT FAILED TO REMOVE ALL THE COMMISSIONERS IN A CONFIDENCE VOTE. THE EXPERTS REPORT IS EXPECTED TO RENEW EFFORTS TO DISMISS THE ENTIRE COMMISSION.

ONE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT MEMBER, BRITISH CONSERVATIVE EDWARD MCMILLAN -SCOTT, SAYS THE REPORT VINDICATES HIS EARLIER SUSPICIONS.

WHAT IT DOES DO IS CRITICIZE THE COLLEGE OF COMMISSIONERS AND CONFIRMS A CULTURE OF COVER-UP AND CRONYISM AND AMOUNTS IN MY VIEW TO A CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE ON THE PART OF THE COMMISSION AS A WHOLE.

THE PARLIAMENT'S MOVE AGAINST THE COMMISSION WAS STARTED WITH A REPORT BY A EUROPEAN COMMISSION AUDITOR WHO WAS PUT ON LEAVE WITH HALF SALARY. THE COMMISSION ACCUSED PAUL VAN BUITENEM OF LEAKING HIS CONCLUSIONS. MR. VAN BUITENEM TAKES PLEASURE IN THE EXPERTS REPORT.

FOR ME, THE IMPORTANCE OF THE REPORT IS NOT WHETHER MY ALLEGATIONS ARE CONFIRMED. FOR ME IT IS IMPORTANT THAT FINALLY AN INVESTIGATION IS TAKING PLACE INTO ALLEGATIONS THAT WERE CIRCULING AROUND THE HOUSE FOR LONG. I AM GENUINE WHISTLE BLOWER. I PROPERLY ADDRESSED MY HIERARCHY. I ACTED IN GOOD FAITH. I ENVISAGED NO PERSONAL GAIN.

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT JACQUES SANTER HAD PROMISED THE INDIVIDUAL COMMISSIONERS SHOULD TAKE POLITICAL RESPONSIBILITY IF THEY WERE NAMED IN THE REPORT, MEANING THEY SHOULD RESIGN. THAT CERTAINLY EFFECTS MRS. CRESSON WHO HAS DENIED THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST HER. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE REPORT COVERS THE ENTIRE COMMISSION IN SAYING IT IS BECOMING DIFFICULT TO FIND ANYONE WHO HAS EVEN THE SLIGHTEST SENSE OF RESPONSIBLITY. THAT STATEMENT MAY PUT ENOUGH PRESSURE ON THE ENTIRE COMMISSION TO OFFER ITS RESIGNATION. (SIGNED)
NEB/PT
15-Mar-99 6:24 PM EST (2324 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[08] NISSAN / RENAULT(L-ONLY) BY AMY BICKERS (HONG KONG)

INTRO: A JAPANESE CAR MAKER AND A FRENCH VEHICLE COMPANY APPEAR TO BE ON THE VERGE OF A STRATEGIC ALLIANCE. AS AMY BICKERS REPORTS FROM THE V-O-A ASIA NEWS CENTER, AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN NISSAN MOTOR AND RENAULT COULD COME AS EARLY AS THIS WEEK.

TEXT: JAPAN'S NISSAN MOTOR AND RENAULT OF FRANCE ARE REPORTEDLY CLOSING IN ON A GLOBAL ALLIANCE. ACCORDING TO JAPANESE NEWSPAPER REPORTS, TOP NISSAN OFFICIALS MET OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS IN PARIS WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS AT RENAULT .

THE REPORTS SAY RENAULT HAS MADE AN OFFER TO INVEST MORE THAN FOUR BILLION DOLLARS IN NISSAN. THAT WOULD GIVE THE FRENCH GROUP A CONTROLLING STAKE IN JAPAN'S SECOND-BIGGEST AUTOMAKER.

GRAHAM TOM, AN EQUITY RESEARCHER WITH NIKKO SALOMON SMITH BARNEY TOKYO, SAYS A TIE-UP COULD STRENGTHEN BOTH COMPANIES.

NISSAN AND RENAULT ARE QUITE WELL MATCHED IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, GIVEN THAT BOTH COMPANIES ON THEIR OWN ARE IN A WEAK SITUATION, AND IN ORDER TO SURVIVE IN THE GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY THEY EACH NEED TO FIND A PARTNER WITH WHOM THEY CAN HOLD HANDS.

MR. TOM SAYS RENAULT COULD BENEFIT FROM NISSAN'S ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY, WHILE NISSAN WOULD GAIN SOME MUCH-NEEDED FINANCIAL SUPPORT. THE JAPANESE CARMAKER IS CHOKING ON AN ESTIMATED 17-BILLION DOLLARS IN DEBT, AND ITS U-S SALES SLID 14-PERCENT LAST YEAR -- THE LARGEST DROP OF ANY AUTOMAKER. LAST WEEK, THE CARMAKER DAIMLER-CHRYSLER WALKED AWAY FROM ALLIANCE TALKS WITH NISSAN AND THE U-S CREDIT RATING AGENCY MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE LOWERED ITS RATING ON NISSAN'S DEBT.

RENAULT HAS ALSO HAD ITS SHARE OF PROBLEMS. IT HAS ONLY RECENTLY RETURNED TO PROFITABILITY.

WHILE NEITHER COMPANY HAS BEEN A STELLAR PERFORMER IN RECENT YEARS, MANAGEMENT ON BOTH SIDES APPEARS HOPEFUL THAT A GLOBAL ALLIANCE WILL PROVIDE A COMPETITIVE EDGE. (SIGNED)
NEB/AB/FC
15-Mar-99 6:50 AM EST (1150 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[09] MARINE PLANE TRIAL - S (RPT) BY JIM RANDLE (PENTAGON)

INTRO: THE U-S MARINES ARE DROPPING MOST OF THE CHARGES AGAINST THE NAVIGATOR OF A PLANE THAT CLIPPED A CABLE HOLDING UP AN ITALIAN SKI LIFT LAST YEAR, KILLING 20 PEOPLE. V-O-A'S JIM RANDLE REPORTS, CAPTAIN JOSEPH SCHWEITZER STILL FACES COURT MARTIAL, BUT NO LONGER CONFRONTS THE POSSIBILITY OF SPENDING LIFE IN PRISON.

TEXT: CAPTAIN SCHWEITZER IS STILL ACCUSED OF OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE AND CONSPIRACY FOR ALLEGEDLY HIDING A VIDEO TAPE TAKEN DURING THE FATAL FLIGHT. A CONVICTION ON THE OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE AND CONSPIRACY CHARGE COULD GET HIM UP TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON.

IF CAPTAIN SCHWEITZER HAD BEEN TRIED AND CONVICTED ON 20 COUNTS OF MANSLAUGHTER AND OTHER CHARGES, HE COULD HAVE RECEIVED A 200 YEAR SENTENCE.

THE MARINES DROPPED MOST OF THE CHARGES AGAINST CAPTAIN SCHWEITZER AFTER THE PILOT OF THE MARINE JET, CAPTAIN RICHARD ASHBY, WAS ACQUITTED OF ALL THE CHARGES BUT OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE. THE PILOT FACES A SEPARATE COURT MARTIAL ON THAT ISSUE LATER.

NAVIGATOR JOSEPH SCHWEITZER'S COURT MARTIAL IS SCHEDULED TO CONVENE MARCH 18TH NEAR HIS BASE IN NORTH CAROLINA. THE ACCIDENT AND THE PILOT'S ACQUITTAL ANGERED MANY ITALIANS AND STRAINED RELATIONS BETWEEN ROME AND WASHINGTON. (SIGNED)
NEB/PT
15-Mar-99 6:42 PM EST (2342 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: STOCK PRICES IN THE UNITED STATES WERE UP TODAY (MONDAY) WITH THE INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE CLOSING AT A RECORD HIGH BUT SHORT OF THE 10 THOUSAND MARK. V-O-A BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT BRECK ARDERY REPORTS FROM NEW YORK.

TEXT: THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE CLOSED AT A RECORD HIGH 99-HUNDRED-58, UP 82 POINTS. THE STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 INDEX CLOSED AT A RECORD HIGH 13-HUNDRED-SEVEN, UP 12 POINTS. THE NASDAQ INDEX ROSE TWO PERCENT.

AS WAS THE CASE ON FRIDAY, THERE WAS MUCH ANTICIPATION ON WALL STREET AND ELSEWHERE AS PEOPLE WATCHED THE INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE CLIMB TOWARD 10-THOUSAND. BUT THE NUMBER NEVER CAME, MUCH TO THE DISTRESS OF MANY NEWS PHOTOGRAPHERS AND TELEVISION CREWS. FOR THE SECOND SESSION IN A ROW, THEY CROWDED IN THE GALLERY AT THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, WAITING TO RECORD HISTORY. SOME TRADERS JOKED THAT THE BEST WAY TO GET THE DOW ABOVE 10 THOUSAND IS TO DECLARE A MEDIA BLACKOUT AT THE EXCHANGE.

MANY ANALYSTS, SUCH AS ANTHONY CONROY OF THE BANKER'S TRUST COMPANY, EXPECT THE 10 THOUSAND LEVEL TO BE FOLLOWED BY A SELL-OFF.

I DO THINK THE MARKET WILL GO THROUGH 10 THOUSAND IN THE NEXT WEEK OR SO. BUT, AFTER ALL, IT IS JUST A NUMBER AND I THINK WE WILL PROBABLY HAVE A THREE TO FOUR PERCENT DOWNWARD CORRECTION FROM THERE.

THE CONSOLIDATION IN THE U-S BANKING INDUSTRY CONTINUED WITH A HUGE DEAL INVOLVING BANKS IN THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES. THE FLEET FINANCIAL CORPORATION WILL MERGE WITH THE BANK OF BOSTON IN A 16 BILLION DOLLAR DEAL CREATING THE EIGHTH-LARGEST BANK IN THE UNITED STATES.

THE DUPONT CHEMICAL COMPANY WILL PAY SEVEN POINT SEVEN BILLION DOLLARS TO ACQUIRE PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, THE LARGEST AGRICULTURAL SEED PRODUCER IN THE UNITED STATES. U-A-L, THE PARENT CORPORATION OF UNITED AIRLINES, SAYS ITS EARNINGS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WILL BEAT WALL STREET ESTIMATES BY ABOUT 20 PERCENT. U-A-L SAYS IT BENEFITED GREATLY BY THE PILOTS' "SICKOUT" AT AMERICAN AIRLINES IN FEBRUARY WHICH FORCED THAT COMPETING COMPANY TO CANCEL THOUSANDS OF FLIGHTS.

IT SEEMS THAT THE LATEST ROUND OF DOMESTIC FARE INCREASES ON U-S AIRLINES WILL STICK. NORTHWEST AIRLINES ANNOUNCED MONDAY IT WILL JOIN OTHER CARRIERS IN RAISING FARES BY BETWEEN ONE AND THREE PERCENT.

THERE ARE REPORTS THAT SONY OF JAPAN IS IN TALKS WITH THE N-B-C TELEVISION NETWORK OF THE UNITED STATES TO FORM A JOINT VENTURE. SOURCES SAY A POSSIBLE DEAL WOULD GIVE N-B-C ACCESS TO SONY'S TELEVISION PRODUCTION FACILITIES AND GIVE SONY A TELEVISION PROGRAMMING DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM.

RICHARD SYRON, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE, WILL RESIGN TO TAKE OVER AS PRESIDENT OF THE THERMO ELECTRON CORPORATION. MR. SYRON HAS BEEN CHAIRMAN OF THE AMERICAN EXCHANGE SINCE 1994. "BEANIE BABY" TYCOON TY WARNER WILL PAY 275 MILLION DOLLARS FOR THE LUXURY FOUR SEASONS HOTEL IN NEW YORK CITY. TY WARNER, CREATOR OF THE FABULOUSLY SUCCESSFUL "BEANIE BABY" STUFFED TOYS, IS BUYING THE HOTEL FROM A GROUP OF HONG KONG INVESTORS. SOME RARE, COLLECTIBLE "BEANIE BABIES" ARE WORTH AS MUCH AS THE ROOMS AT THE FOUR SEASONS WHICH RANGE FROM 500 TO 10 THOUSAND DOLLARS PER NIGHT.(SIGNED)
NEB/BA/JO
15-Mar-99 5:13 PM EST (2213 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: TOPICS GREETING READERS OF SOME OF THE UNITED STATES' MAJOR DAILY PAPERS THIS MONDAY ARE DECIDEDLY ON THE DOMESTIC AGENDA. THERE IS SOME THOUGHT TO THE CONGRESSIONAL VOTE ON SENDING U-S TROOPS TO KOSOVO; AND ON THE CHANGING FACE OF EUROPEAN ECONOMICS IN THE EURO ERA; WITH AT LEAST ONE COMMENTARY ON THE HURRICANE DAMAGE TO CENTRAL AMERICA AND VARIOUS LOAN EFFORTS.

OTHER EDITORIALS DEAL WITH: THE RENEWED INTEREST IN A U-S MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM AND THE INVESTIGATION OF KENNETH STARR, THE MAN WHO IS INVESTIGATING PRESIDENT CLINTON. NOW, HERE IS __________ WITH A CLOSER LOOK AND SOME EXCERPTS IN TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

TEXT: CONGRESS NARROWLY BACKED PRESIDENT CLINTON'S DECISION TO MAKE U-S TROOPS PART OF A KOSOVO PROVINCE PEACEKEEPING FORCE IF ONE IS DEPLOYED. ON NEW YORK'S LONG ISLAND, "NEWSDAY" SAYS THE CLOSE VOTE WAS HARDLY A RINGING ENDORSEMENT.

VOICE: THE PAPER-THIN MARGIN IN THE HOUSE TO APPROVE SENDING TROOPS TO KOSOVO IS AN UNEXPECTED AND WELCOME VICTORY FOR PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON'S PLAN TO SETTLE THE LATEST BALKAN CRISIS. BUT IT ALSO SENDS A STRONG CAUTIONARY SIGNAL ABOUT THE NATION'S UNDERSTANDABLE AMBIVALENCE TOWARD DEEPER U-S INVOLVEMENT IN WHAT COULD BECOME A DRAWN-OUT, INCONCLUSIVE IMMERSION IN YET ANOTHER ETHNIC SWAMP.

TEXT: TODAY'S "WASHINGTON POST" FINDS THE RESIGNATION OF GERMANY'S FINANCE MINISTER, OSKAR LAFONTAINE, HAS SIGNIFICANCE FAR BROADER THAN JUST A CABINET CHANGE.

VOICE: IT HAS BEEN NOTED THAT MUCH OF WESTERN EUROPE IS NOW GOVERNED BY LEFT-WING POLITICAL PARTIES, A SHARP CHANGE FROM THE THATCHER-KOHL DAYS OF YORE. BUT IT IS NOT CLEAR HOW LEFT THOSE LEFT-WING PARTIES REALLY ARE. BRITISH PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR FOLLOWED PRESIDENT CLINTON'S LEAD IN STEERING HIS LABOR PARTY AWAY FROM ITS UNION BASE AND TOWARD A PRAGMATIC CENTRISM. NOW GERMANY LOOKS SET TO FOLLOW THE SAME COURSE AFTER THE RESIGNATION OF FINANCE MINISTER OSKAR LAFONTAINE, WHO ... HAD BEEN ... TUGGING HIS GOVERNMENT LEFTWARD. ALL THIS HAD IMPLICATIONS BEYOND GERMANY OR EVEN EUROPE. ... MR. LAFONTAINE'S RESIGNATION IN ONE SENSE SHOWS THE LIMITS OF ANY SINGLE POLITICIAN, OR ANY SINGLE COUNTRY, TO STEM THE TIDE OF GLOBAL CAPITALISM.

TEXT: RETURNING TO THIS HEMISPHERE, "THE SUN" IN BALTIMORE IS STILL REFLECTING ON PRESIDENT CLINTON'S VISIT TO CENTRAL AMERICA LAST WEEK TO VIEW HURRICANE AFTERMATH AND TALK OF AID. THE PAPER HAS THIS SUGGESTION FOR CONGRESS.

VOICE: THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THE UNITED STATES CAN DO NOW FOR THE LITTLE STATES OF CENTRAL AMERICA IS PROVIDE THE NEARLY ONE-BILLION DOLLARS IN EMERGENCY AID THAT PRESIDENT CLINTON ASKED OF CONGRESS. AND THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE AID IS ITS SUBSTANTIAL FORGIVENESS OF NICARAGUAN AND HONDURAN DEBTS AND ITS TWO-YEAR GRACE FOR OTHER REPAYMENTS.

TEXT: TODAY'S "WASHINGTON TIMES" IS PLEASED THAT, YEARS AFTER RONALD REAGAN FIRST PROPOSED IT, A MODIFIED "STAR WARS" ANTI-MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM FOR THIS COUNTRY APPEARS TO BE IN THE OFFING.

VOICE: CAN ANYONE SERIOUSLY ARGUE THAT WE DO NOT NEED ONE? WELL, ACTUALLY UNTIL LAST AUGUST, THAT WAS EXACTLY WHAT THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION DID. THEN THE NORTH KOREANS ADMINISTERED A REALITY CHECK IN THE SHAPE OF A TAEPO DONG ONE MISSILE SENT OVER THE TERRITORY OF JAPAN, SINKING THAT ILLUSION. ... TODAY ... REPRESENTS A SERIOUS STEP FORWARD AS THE SENATE TAKES UP LEGISLATION TO SPEED UP THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NATIONAL MISSILE DEFENSE

TEXT: IN ANOTHER COMMENT, THE SAME PAPER, "THE WASHINGTON TIMES", HAS SOME THINGS TO SAY ABOUT THE INVESTIGATION AGAINST SPECIAL COUNSEL KENNETH STARR, WHO HAS BEEN INVESTIGATING PRESIDENT CLINTON.

VOICE: PROBABLY THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO WILL ESCAPE RUIN IN THE CLINTON SCANDALS ARE THE CLINTONS THEMSELVES. INDEPENDENT COUNSEL KENNETH STARR MAY HAVE REFERRED THE PRESIDENT TO THE HOUSE FOR IMPEACHMENT, BUT IT IS ONE OF HIS OWN (PEOPLE) THAT HE HAS NOW REFERRED TO THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT FOR CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. MR. STARR'S SPOKESMAN, CHARLES BAKALY RESIGNED AMID CHARGES THAT HE LEAKED INFORMATION TO "THE NEW YORK TIMES" AND THEN LIED ABOUT THE LEAKS WHEN QUESTIONED UNDER OATH. PROOF OF LYING UNDER OATH MAY NOT BE ENOUGH TO REMOVE A PRESIDENT ... BUT THE SLENDEREST SUGGESTION OF SUCH A TRANSGRESSION IS ENOUGH TO PUT A MERE SPOKESMAN OUT OF HIS JOB.

TEXT: YET ANOTHER REPORT CRITICAL OF HOW THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE CHOOSES OLYMPIC SITES, DRAWS THIS REACTION FROM "THE NEW YORK TIMES," AS THE I-O-C PREPARES TO MEET THIS WEEK IN SWITZERLAND.

VOICE: IN THE WAKE OF THE SALT LAKE CITY OLYMPIC BRIBERY SCANDAL, CORPORATE SPONSORS OF THE GAMES LIKE "JOHN HANCOCK MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE" HAVE WISELY DECIDED TO THINK ABOUT HOW ELSE THEY MIGHT SPEND THEIR MONEY. THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE OUGHT TO KEEP THAT IN MIND AS ITS MEMBERS GATHER THIS WEEK IN SWITZERLAND TO DETERMINE HOW MUCH TO REFORM THEIR DISCREDITED ORGANIZATION.

TEXT: THERE IS AN IMPORTANT JOB COMING UP AT U-N HEADQUARTERS, IN AN AGENCY TRADITIONALLY HEADED BY AN AMERICAN. BUT THIS YEAR, THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION DOES NOT HAVE A NOMINEE FOR THE POST AND THAT UPSETS "THE WASHINGTON TIMES."

VOICE: THE UNITED STATES HAS TRADITIONALLY BEEN AT THE HELM OF THE U-N DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. BUT THIS YEAR, WITH A DECISION ON A REPLACEMENT DUE TO BE MADE IN THE NEXT SIX TO EIGHT-WEEKS, THE ADMINISTRATION DOES NOT EVEN HAVE A U-S CANDIDATE IN THE RUNNING. INSTEAD, A DANISH POLITICIAN, POUL NIELSEN, STANDS AS THE ONLY CANDIDATE TO HEAD THE AGENCY. THIS IS DISGRACEFUL, GIVEN THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE U-N-D-P IS THE THIRD-RANKING MEMBER AT THE UNITED NATIONS, AND THE AGENCY IS ... ONE OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST PROVIDERS OF MULTI-LATERAL ASSISTANCE TO DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.

TEXT: THAT CONCLUDES THIS SAMPLING OF COMMENT FROM MONDAY'S U-S PRESS.
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15-Mar-99 10:32 AM EST (1532 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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