Voice of America, 99-07-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] BOSNIA TROOP CUT (L) BY JIM RANDLE (THESSALONIKI, GREECE)

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

[03] BALKAN RECONSTRUCTION (L ONLY) BY RON PEMSTEIN (BRUSSELS)

[04] KOSOVO / ARBOUR (L ONLY) BY TIM BELAY (PRISTINA)

[05] RED CROSS / KOSOVO MINES (L-ONLY) BY LISA SCHLEIN (GENEVA)

[06] U-S / MILOSEVIC (L ONLY) BY GIL BUTLER (STATE DEPARTMENT)

[07] RUSSIA / I-M-F (L ONLY) BY ANDRE DE NESNERA (MOSCOW)

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

[09] N-Y ECON WRAP (S&L) BY ELAINE JOHANSON (NEW YORK)

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

[01] BOSNIA TROOP CUT (L) BY JIM RANDLE (THESSALONIKI, GREECE)

INTRO: U-S OFFICIALS SAY NATO HAS GIVEN PRELIMINARY APPROVAL TO SENDING THOUSANDS OF PEACKEEPERS HOME FROM BOSNIA. V-O-A'S JIM RANDLE REPORTS DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM COHEN, ON A TOUR ACROSS EUROPE CONSULT WITH DEFENSE MINISTER, SAYS ANY CUTS WILL BE MADE AFTER CAREFUL REVIEW OF THE MILITARY SITUATION IN BOSNIA.

TEXT: U-S OFFICIALS SAY NATO MILITARY PLANNERS THINK THE NUMBER OF PEACEKEEPERS IN BOSNIA CAN BE CUT BY NEARLY HALF TO 16-THOUSAND, 5-HUNDRED. THE U-S CONTRIBUTION TO THE PEACEKEEPING FORCE WOULD DROP FROM 62-HUNDRED TO ABOUT 4-THOUSAND.

ON TUESDAY, U-S DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM COHEN VISITED PEACEKEEPING TROOPS IN BOSNIA AT THE AMERICAN-RUN BASE IN TUZLA. HE SAYS IT IS NOT CLEAR HOW SOON SOME TROOPS CAN BE GO HOME,

THERE HAS TO BE A CALIBRATION INVOLVED, IN TERMS OF ASSESSING HOW MUCH WE NEED IN THE WAY OF SIZE AND PRESENCE IN REGARD TO THE LEVEL OF RISK. TO THE EXTENT THAT THE SIZE AND PRESENCE CAN BE REDUCED TOO RAPIDLY, IT WOULD FOLLOW, LOGICALLY AND PRACTICALLY, THAT THE RISK IS LIKELY TO GO UP.

U-S OFFICIALS SAY PEACEKEEPING TROOPS FROM MANY NATIONS HAVE BROUGHT STABILITY TO BOSNIA. THEY SAY THE CIVILIAN POLICE FORCE IN BOSNIA IS BEGINNING TO KEEP ORDER AND A FEW THOUSAND OF THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE DISPLACED BY THE CONFLICT ARE RETURNING TO THEIR PRE-WAR HOMES.

THE TROOP CUTS IN THE BOSNIA PEACEKEEPING FORCE COME AS NATO IS TRYING TO ASSEMBLE A POWERFUL, HEAVILY ARMED PEACEKEEPING FORCE FOR SIMILAR WORK IN WAR-SHATTERED KOSOVO.

SECRETARY COHEN IS USING HIS WEEK-LONG SERIES OF MEETINGS ACROSS EUROPE, IN PART, TO URGE NATIONS THAT HAVE PLEDGED TROOPS, TANKS AND EQUIPMENT TO THE KOSOVO PEACEKEEPING FORCE TO GET THEM IN PLACE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. SO FAR, 28-THOUSAND OF THE 55 THOUSAND PROMISED TROOPS ARE IN PLACE. AFTER HIS BRIEF VISIT TO TUZLA, BOSNIA, MR. COHEN TRAVELED TO GREECE FOR TALKS WITH THE DEFENSE AND PRIME MINISTERS. (SIGNED)
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13-Jul-99 12:27 PM EDT (1627 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: THE UNITED NATIONS SAYS SECURITY REMAINS ONE OF ITS BIGGEST CONCERNS IN KOSOVO, WITH THE SPREAD OF CRIMINAL GANGS AND AN ABSENCE OF LAW AND ORDER INSTITUTIONS. THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION RELEASED AN INTERIM REPORT ON THE SITUATION IN KOSOVO (TUESDAY), AS WE HEAR FROM OUR U-N CORRESPONDENT MAX RUSTON.

TEXT: IN THE INTERIM REPORT, U-N SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN SAYS THE RESTORATION OF LAW AND ORDER IN KOSOVO IS ONE OF HIS TOP PRIORITIES. HE SAYS THE JUDICIARY IS NOT FUNCTIONING, THERE IS NO LEGITIMATE POLICE FORCE, AND CRIMINAL GANGS ARE COMPETING FOR SCARCE RESOURCES. HE SAYS THE GENERAL SITUATION IS TENSE, BUT STABILIZING.

MR. ANNAN ALSO EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT TENSION BETWEEN ETHNIC ALBANIANS AND SERBS IN KOSOVO. HE SAYS THERE HAVE BEEN WAVES OF SERBIAN DEPARTURES FROM KOSOVO, TRIGGERED BY SECURITY CONCERNS, HIGH-PROFILE KILLINGS, ABDUCTIONS, LOOTING, AND ARSON COMMITTED BY KOSOVO ALBANIANS.

U-N SPOKESMAN MANOEL DE ALMEIDA E SILVA:

IN THE REPORT, HE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED ALL ETHNIC COMMUNITIES AND PARTIES IN KOSOVO TO DEMONSTRATE RESTRAINT AND TOLERANCE, AND FULLY COOPERATE WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY IN THIS ENDEAVOR. SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND PERSONNEL, INCLUDING EXPERTS IN VARIOUS FIELDS WILL BE REQUIRED IMMEDIATELY.

MR. ANNAN STRESSES THE URGENCY OF DEPLOYING A CIVILIAN POLICE FORCE IN THE YUGOSLAV PROVINCE. HE SAYS THEIR EARLY ARRIVAL IS ESSENTIAL IN ORDER TO STEM THE TENDENCY TOWARDS LAWLESSNESS.

THE UNITED NATIONS HAS BEEN URGING MEMBER-STATES TO CONTRIBUTE PERSONNEL TO THE CIVILIAN POLICE FORCE. U-N OFFICIALS SAY THEY HAVE RECEIVED THE NAMES OF ONE-THOUSAND POLICE OFFICERS AND PROMISES OF AN ADDITIONAL ONE-THOUSAND -- ABOUT THREE-THOUSAND ARE NEEDED.

UNDER SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 12-44, THE UNITED NATIONS IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MOST ASPECTS OF THE RECONSTRUCTION OF KOSOVO. IN HIS LATEST REPORT TO THE COUNCIL, MR. ANNAN SAYS FIVE PHASES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR ACHIEVING THAT GOAL.

THE FIRST IS TO ESTABLISH U-N AUTHORITY IN KOSOVO. THE SECOND IS TO RESTORE SOCIAL SERVICES AND UTILITIES AND CONSOLIDATE THE RULE OF LAW. THE THIRD IS TO FINALIZE PREPARATIONS FOR LOCAL ELECTIONS. THE FOURTH IS TO OVERSEE THE ELECTIONS AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PROVISIONAL INSTITUTIONS FOR A DEMOCRATIC AND AUTONOMOUS SELF-GOVERNMENT. THE LAST PHASE IS THE TRANSFER OF AUTHORITY FROM THE UNITED NATIONS TO INSTITUTIONS ESTABLISHED UNDER A POLITICAL SETTLEMENT. (SIGNED) NEB/UN/MPR/LSF/RAE
13-Jul-99 2:59 PM EDT (1859 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[03] BALKAN RECONSTRUCTION (L ONLY) BY RON PEMSTEIN (BRUSSELS)

INTRO: FINANCE MINISTERS FROM THE WORLD'S SEVEN LARGEST INDUSTRIAL NATIONS COUNTRIES HAVE MET WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD BANK TO DISCUSS PLANS FOR RECONSTRUCTING KOSOVO AND SIX COUNTRIES IN THE BALKANS. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT RON PEMSTEIN IN BRUSSELS REPORTS THE INITIAL REPORTS ARE BETTER THAN EXPECTED.

TEXT: THE DAMAGE FROM THE WAR IN KOSOVO IS LESS THAN WAS FEARED. THAT IS THE ASSESSMENT THE MINISTERS HEARD AS THEY CONSIDERED PRIORITIES FOR RE-BUILDING KOSOVO AND ITS NEIGHBORS.

NO DAMAGE ESTIMATES WERE GIVEN AT THIS PRELIMINARY MEETING. IN FACT NO REALISTIC ESTIMATES ARE EXPECTED BEFORE MID-OCTOBER. WHAT THE MINISTERS DID IN THEIR BRIEF MEETING WAS TO HEAR PROVISIONAL REPORTS AND TO CONFIRM THE FIRST DONORS CONFERENCE FOR JULY 28TH HERE IN BRUSSELS TO RAISE MONEY FOR EMERGENCY NEEDS.

WORLD BANK PRESIDENT JAMES WOLFENSOHN TELLS REPORTERS SERBIA IS ELIGIBLE ONLY FOR HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE, BUT WAYS WILL BE FOUND TO HELP THE SMALLER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MONTENEGRO.

IT WAS RECOGNIZED THAT NO ASSISTANCE WOULD BE PROVIDED TO THE (FEDERAL) REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA OTHER THAN HUMANITARIAN AID WHICH WOULD ADDRESS THE MOST URGENT AND ESSENTIAL HUMAN NEEDS AND THAT WE MUST SIMULTANEOUSLY LOOK FOR EFFECTIVE WAYS FOR MOBILIZING SUPPORT FOR MONTENEGRO.

THERE IS NO PROVISION FOR RECONSTRUCTING SERBIAN CITIES AND TOWNS SO LONG AS SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC REMAINS AS PRESIDENT OF YUGOSLAVIA.

A SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY GENERAL, BERNARD KOUCHNER, GAVE HIS REPORT TO THE MINISTERS ON LIVING CONDITIONS IN KOSOVO. THE EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER FOR FINANCE, YVES-THIBAULT DE SILGUY, TELLS REPORTERS, THROUGH AN INTERPRETER, THE PROVISIONAL ASSESSMENT IS NOT SO BLEAK.

IT WOULD SEEM THAT THE REAL STANDARD OF LIVING IN KOSOVO IS HIGHER THAN THE AVAILABLE STATISTICS WOULD INDICATE. SECONDLY, DAMAGE BY THE WAR IS LESS THAN WE FEARED IN PARTICULAR IN CERTAIN PARTS OF KOSOVO. THAT IS NOT TRUE EVERYWHERE ADMITTEDLY. WE HAVE TO CORROBORATE THIS INFORMATION WITH THAT FURNISHED BY FUTURE MISSIONS.

THE EUROPEAN UNION HAS SET ASIDE 500-MILLION DOLLARS TO HELP RE-BUILD KOSOVO. THE WORLD BANK IS BUDGETING 60-MILLION DOLLARS FOR KOSOVO ALONE BUT NO NEW COST ESTIMATES WERE GIVEN AT THIS MEETING. THE UNITED STATES STILL WANTS EUROPE TO TAKE THE LEAD IN FUNDING KOSOVO'S RECONSTRUCTION.

THE WORLD BANK PRESIDENT URGED THE FINANCE MINISTERS TO HELP ALBANIA, MACEDONIA, ROMANIA, BULGARIA, BOSNIA AND CROATIA MEET THEIR BALANCE OF PAYMENTS PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THE WAR IN KOSOVO. (SIGNED)
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13-Jul-99 8:44 AM EDT (1244 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[04] KOSOVO / ARBOUR (L ONLY) BY TIM BELAY (PRISTINA)

INTRO: THE CHIEF PROSECUTOR FOR THE UNITED NATIONS YUGOSLAV WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL MADE A LONG-AWAITED TRIP TO KOSOVO ON TUESDAY. TIM BELAY REPORTS FROM PRISTINA.

TEXT: THE PROSECUTOR, LOUISE ARBOUR, WAS REFUSED ENTRY TO KOSOVO IN JANUARY AFTER RECEIVING WORD OF ALLEGED ATROCITIES BY YUGOSLAV ARMED FORCES. THE INCIDENT THAT CAUGHT HER ATTENTION AND PROMPTED THE BEGINNING OF STEPPED-UP INTERVENTION IN KOSOVO BY THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY BECAME KNOWN AS THE MASSACRE AT RAJCAK.

MRS. ARBOUR SAYS SHE IS CONFIDENT YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC WILL EVENTUALLY STAND TRIAL FOR WAR CRIMES.

I AM VERY CONFIDENT THAT ALL PERSONS INDICTED IN THIS INTERNATIONAL FORUM WILL EVENTUALLY STAND TRIAL. IT MAY SOUND EXTREMELY NAIVE, BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT I AM PERFECTLY CERTAIN THAT MR. MILOSEVIC THOUGHT HE COULD KEEP ME OUT OF KOSOVO, WHILE I BELIEVE THAT HE CAN'T KEEP HIMSELF OUT OF THE HAGUE (THE TRIBUNAL'S COURT.) WE'LL JUST SEE.

IF IT'S WELL DONE, IT OBVIOUSLY MAKES THE INVESTIGATION OF THE COMMISSION OF THE CRIME MORE DIFFICULT. IT RARELY MAKES IT COMPLETELY IMPOSSIBLE. THE EVIDENCE OF INTERFERENCE IS, IN ITSELF, SOMETIMES THE MOST COMPELLING PIECE OF EVIDENCE TO SHOW THAT THE CAUSE OF DEATH WAS NOT ACCIDENTAL.

MRS. ARBOUR SAYS SHE REGRETS THE NEWS THAT CRIME SCENES HAVE BEEN DISTURBED BY VILLAGERS RETURNING HOME TO KOSOVO. SHE SAYS THE SCALE OF THE CRIMES IS SO MASSIVE, IT SIMPLY IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR INVESTIGATORS TO SECURE ALL THE SITES. (SIGNED)
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13-Jul-99 2:14 PM EDT (1814 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[05] RED CROSS / KOSOVO MINES (L-ONLY) BY LISA SCHLEIN (GENEVA)

INTRO: THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS, I-C-R-C, SAYS LANDMINES AND UNEXPLODED ORDNANCES POSE A BIG RISK TO THE PEOPLE OF KOSOVO. BUT LISA SCHLEIN IN GENEVA REPORTS THE RESULTS OF A RED CROSS ASSESSMENT MISSION TO KOSOVO SHOW THE SCALE OF THE THREAT IS NOT AS SIGNIFICANT AS HAD BEEN ORIGINALLY THOUGHT.

TEXT: RED CROSS EXPERTS SAY PEOPLE IN KOSOVO ARE EXPOSED TO A NUMBER OF RISKS. THEY SAY THERE ARE ANTI-TANK MINES ON UNPAVED ROADS LEADING TO SECLUDED VILLAGES, ANTI-PERSONEL LANDMINES BURIED IN THE GROUND, FRAGMENTATION MINES SUCH AS GRENADES, WHICH ARE TRIGGERED BY A TRIP WIRE, AND BOOBY TRAPS IN HOUSES AND GARDENS.

ANOTHER BIG CATEGORY IS UNEXPLODED MUNITIONS ON THE GROUND. THE RED CROSS SAYS FIGURES FROM K-FOR PEACEKEEPERS SHOW NATO CONDUCTED 1-THOUSAND-500 CLUSTER MUNITION STRIKES OVER KOSOVO. THESE LEFT BETWEEN 10-THOUSAND AND 20-THOUSAND UNEXPLODED MUNITIONS ON THE GROUND. RED CROSS SURGEON AND WEAPONS EXPERT ROBIN COUPLAND SAYS THE YUGOSLAV ARMY REVEALED 425 MINE FIELDS. HE SAYS ABOUT 95 PERCENT OF THOSE MINE FIELDS ARE IN BORDER REGIONS.

AND THEY REALLY DON'T POSE MUCH OF A RISK. THEY WOULD POSE A BIG RISK IF PEOPLE WERE HAVING TO RETURN VIA THE MOUNTAINS. BUT, THEY ARE NOT. SO, IN TERMS OF NUMBERS OF MINES, THE PROBLEM WE CANNOT SAY IS AS BIG AS WE'VE SEEN IN AFGHANISTAN OR CAMBODIA.

RED CROSS EXPERTS SPENT 10 DAYS IN CENTRAL AND SOUTHWEST KOSOVO ASSESSING THE MINE SITUATION. THESE AREAS WERE THE MOST HEAVILY BOMBED BY NATO. DR. COUPLAND SAYS NATO IS CLEARING MINES ALONG MAIN ROADS AND IN OTHER AREAS, WHICH SERVE A STRATEGIC PURPOSE. BUT, IT IS NOT DOING CIVILIAN MINE CLEARANCE. THAT IS BEING DONE BY PRIVATE AGENCIES. HE SAYS 13 MINE CLEARANCE TEAMS WENT INTO KOSOVO AS SOON AS THE NATO BOMBING ENDED ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT THE PROBLEM WOULD BE BIG. DR. COUPLAND SAYS, HOWEVER, THE NUMBER OF INJURIES AND DEATHS IN KOSOVO DUE TO LAND MINES IS NOT AS GREAT AS THAT SEEN IN OTHER AREAS WHERE REFUGEE HAVE RETURNED. HE SAYS BETWEEN 50 AND 100 PEOPLE ARE ESTIMATED TO HAVE BEEN KILLED AND MAIMED BY LANDMINES.

IT IS NOT BIG IN TERMS OF NUMBERS OF MINES. IT IS NOT BIG IN TERMS OF MINE INJURIES. HOWEVER, IT IS AN ENORMOUS PROBLEM IN THAT IT TOUCHES ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE IN KOSOVO. IT TOUCHES EVERYONE IN KOSOVO BECAUSE IT IS SMALL IN NUMBER. BUT, VERY THINLY SPREAD. AND, AS SOON AS YOU ARE OFF THE HARD ROAD, YOU ARE AT RISK. THAT MEANS THAT WHETHER YOU ARE A SOLDIER, AID AGENCY OR A RETURNEE, YOU ARE AT RISK. ALTHOUGH THE RISK IS LOW.

DR. COUPLAND SAYS THE LANDMINE PROBLEM IN KOSOVO WILL CONTINUE FOR MANY, MANY YEARS. HE NOTES IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO CLEAR THE WHOLE PROVINCE. AND, ADDS IT'S NOT POSSIBLE TO CHECK EVERY FIELD AND HOUSE FOR LAND MINES, UNEXPLODED ORDNANCES AND BOOBY TRAPS. THEREFORE, HE SAYS, IT IS ESSENTIAL TO MAINTAIN A VIGOROUS MINE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN SO PEOPLE CAN LEARN HOW TO MINIMIZE THE RISKS. (SIGNED)
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13-Jul-99 12:59 PM EDT (1659 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[06] U-S / MILOSEVIC (L ONLY) BY GIL BUTLER (STATE DEPARTMENT)

INTRO: THE UNITED STATES SEES THE ANTI-MILOSEVIC DEMONSTRATIONS IN SEBIA AS SIGNIFICANT SIGNS THAT SERBS ARE RECOGNIZING THE NEED TO CHANGE THE GOVERNMENT. V-O-A'S GIL BUTLER HAS MORE FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT.

TEXT: THE UNITED STATES IS CONTINUING TO OPPOSE ANY RECONSTRUCTION AID FOR SERBIA AS LONG AS SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC IS IN POWER AND AMERICAN HUMANITARIAN AID WILL BE CHANNELED TO PARTS OF SERBIA THAT OPPOSE THE REGIME.

THE STATE DEPARTMENT SAYS HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE WILL BE GIVEN AS A PRIORITY TO LOCALITIES WHERE, IN THEIR VIEW, DEMOCRATIC CHANGE IS MOST VIBRANT AND SUCCESSFUL.

IN SERBIA ITSELF, ANTI-MILOSEVIC DEMONSTRATIONS ARE CONTINUING, THE LATEST A GATHERING OF SEVERAL THOUSAND IN THE CENTRAL SERBIAN TOWN OF JAGODINA. IN ADDITION, THOUSANDS OF BELGRADE CITIZENS TURNED OUT TO SIGN A PETITION AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT IN DEFIANCE OF A POLICE BAN, WHILE PROMINENT OPPOSITION LEADER VUC DRASKOVIC UNVEILED A SEPARATE CAMPAIGN WITH THE AIM OF OUSTING SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC.

HERE IN WASHINGTON, STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN JAMES RUBIN CALLED THE WAVE OF DEMONSTRATIONS SIGNIFICANT.

THESE EVENTS ARE FURTHER SIGNS THAT MANY SERBS, REFLECTING A BROAD RANGE OF SOCIETY AND OF INSTITUTIONS, UNDERSTAND AND RECOGNIZE THE NEED FOR CHANGE FROM THE RUINOUS POLICIES THAT MILOSEVIC HAS IMPOSED AND THAT HAVE CAUSED SUCH DAMAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF SERBIA AND YUGOSLAVIA. MILOSEVIC IS NOT PART OF THE SOLUTION, HE IS NOT PART OF THE PROBLEM, HE IS THE PROBLEM.

MR. RUBIN SAID THE OPPORTUNITY NOW EXISTS FOR SERBIA TO REJOIN EUROPE AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY BUT IT CAN'T HAPPEN, HE SAID, UNLESS THE PEOPLE OF SERBIA ARE SUCCESSFUL IN PROMOTING WHAT HE TERMED "REAL CHANGE." THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SOONER THE PEOPLE OF SERBIA TAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS FOR REAL DEMOCRATIC CHANGE, THE BETTER OFF THEY WILL BE. (SIGNED)
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13-Jul-99 4:33 PM EDT (2033 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[07] RUSSIA / I-M-F (L ONLY) BY ANDRE DE NESNERA (MOSCOW)

INTRO: THE RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT AND THE COUNTRY'S CENTRAL BANK HAVE SIGNED AN ECONOMIC POLICY PAPER WHICH COULD PAVE THE WAY FOR THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND TO BEGIN DISBURSING LOANS FROZEN SINCE LAST AUGUST. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ANDRE DE NESNERA REPORTS FROM MOSCOW.

TEXT: RUSSIAN OFFICIALS SAY THE POLICY PAPER SETS OUT THE GOVERNMENT'S ECONOMIC PROGRAM UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR. IT ALSO INCORPORATES THE CENTRAL BANK'S VIEWS REGARDING RUSSIA'S FINANCIAL POLICY IN THE MONTHS AHEAD.

THE DOCUMENT WAS ONE OF THE REQUIREMENTS DEMANDED BY THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND IN ORDER FOR MOSCOW TO RECEIVE THE NEXT INSTALLMENT OF FUNDS WORTH ABOUT FOUR-AND-ONE-HALF-BILLION DOLLARS.

THE I-M-F FROZE ALL AID TO RUSSIA SINCE LAST AUGUST, AFTER MOSCOW DEFAULTED ON SOME LOANS AND EFFECTIVELY DEVALUED ITS CURRENCY -- THE RUBLE. THE I-M-F MADE CLEAR IT WOULD NOT RELEASE THE NEXT LOAN INSTALLMENT UNTIL RUSSIA MADE SUBSTANTIAL ECONOMIC REFORMS.

LAST MONTH, MEMBERS OF RUSSIA'S LOWER HOUSE -- THE DUMA -- PASSED LAWS WHICH THE I-M-F FELT WERE CRITICAL FOR RUSSIA TO RECEIVE ADDED FUNDING. THESE INCLUDED VARIOUS COST-CUTTING AND REVENUE-INDUCING MEASURES, AS WELL AS SPECIFIC WAYS TO RESTRUCTURE CREDIT ORGANIZATIONS.

IN ADDITION, THE RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT REVOKED THE LICENSES OF FOUR INSOLVENT BANKS AND ELIMINATED A SPECIAL CURRENCY-TRADING SESSION THAT RESTRICTED THE RUBLE'S CONVERTIBILITY.

ECONOMISTS AND FINANCIAL EXPERTS HERE SAY THE MEASURES PASSED BY THE DUMA, COUPLED WITH TUESDAY'S SIGNING OF THE POLICY PAPER, VIRTUALLY GUARANTEES THE I-M-F WILL UNBLOCK THE NECESSARY FUNDS AND MAKE THEM AVAILABLE TO RUSSIA. ECONOMISTS SAY THAT, IN TURN, WILL MAKE RUSSIA'S NEGOTIATIONS ON DEBT REPAYMENT EASIER WITH THE SO-CALLED LONDON AND PARIS CLUBS.

IN A RECENT V-O-A INTERVIEW, FORMER RUSSIAN FINANCE MINISTER BORIS FYODOROV SAYS HE BELIEVES RUSSIA WILL GET I-M-F FUNDING, PROBABLY IN SEPTEMBER.

BUT IN THE END, 100 PERCENT OF THE MONEY WILL GO (BACK) TO THE I-M-F ITSELF WHICH MEANS THAT NO FRESH MONEY COMES TO RUSSIA BEFORE THE NEXT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS (IN JUNE OF NEXT YEAR). AND THE ONLY THING WE AVOID BY MAKING THIS AGREEMENT WITH THE I-M-F IS THAT RUSSIA IS NOT CATEGORIZED AS AFGHANISTAN OR SUDAN -- THESE FIVE OR SIX COUNTRIES THAT ARE IN DEFAULT VIS-A-VIS THE I-M-F. BUT IT DOES NOT REALLY SAVE US FROM THE FACT THAT RUSSIA IS IN DEFAULT VIS-A-VIS THE LONDON AND PARIS CLUBS, THAT WE ARE BASICALLY BANKRUPT. WE HAVE A HUGE CURRENT ACCOUNT BALANCE AND THEN WE DO NOT PAY OUR DEBTS. AND IT LOOKS LIKE EVERYBODY IS SATISFIED. WELL IT IS VERY, VERY FUNNY TO ME. IT IS PROBABLY HELPFUL TO RUSSIA -- BUT I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE WEST ACCEPTS IT.

MR. FYODOROV SAYS HE BELIEVES RUSSIA HAS NOT DONE ENOUGH IN TERMS OF ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL REFORMS TO WARRANT I-M-F FUNDING.

THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS IS EXPECTED TO MEET JULY 28TH IN WASHINGTON TO DECIDE WHETHER TO GRANT THE NEXT LOAN INSTALLMENT. RUSSIAN PRIME MINISTER SERGEI STEPASHIN IS SCHEDULED IN WASHINGTON A DAY EARLIER -- OSTENSIBLY ON OTHER BUSINESS. (SIGNED)
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13-Jul-99 12:48 PM EDT (1648 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: BRITAIN'S PARLIAMENT TUESDAY DEBATED LEGISLATION THAT SETS THE TIMETABLE FOR THE TRANSFER OF HOME RULE POWERS TO NORTHERN IRELAND AND THE START OF THE DISARMAMENT OF REPUBLICAN PARAMILITARIES THERE. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT LAURIE KASSMAN REPORTS FROM LONDON.

TEXT: BRITAIN'S SECRETARY OF STATE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND, MARJORIE (MO) MOWLAM, TOLD THE HOUSE OF COMMONS (LOWER HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT) THE NEW LAW GIVES GUARANTEES FOR PROTESTANTS AND CATHOLICS WHO ARE STILL WARY OF EACH OTHER'S COMMITMENT TO THE 1998 PEACE AGREEMENT.

WHAT THIS BILL DOES IS GIVE GUARANTEES TO BOTH SIDES THAT IF DECOMMISSIONING IS NOT HONORED, IF DEVOLUTION IS NOT HONORED, THEN THEY DO NOT HAVE TO SIT IN THE EXECUTIVE WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOT DECOMMISSIONED.

THE BILL REQUIRES THE NOMINATION OF NORTHERN IRELAND'S 12-MEMBER EXECUTIVE ON THURSDAY AND THE TRANSFER OF HOME RULE POWERS BY SUNDAY. BUT, IT ALSO CALLS FOR SUSPENDING THE EXECUTIVE IF THE IRISH REPUBLICAN ARMY DOES NOT START DISARMING WITHIN DAYS OF THE TRANSFER OF HOME RULE POWERS.

FOR PROTESTANT LEADER DAVID TRIMBLE, IT WAS STILL NOT GOOD ENOUGH. HE WANTED THE BILL AMENDED TO SPECIFICALLY THREATEN THE I-R-A'S POLITICAL WING SINN FEIN WITH OUSTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE IF I-R-A DISARMAMENT DOES NOT START ON TIME.

THE FAIR RESPONSE IS OBVIOUS AND HAS BEEN MENTIONED. THE OFFENDING PARTY SHOULD BE REMOVED. IF THAT WERE IN THIS BILL, IT WOULD GO A LONG WAY TO MAKING IT ACCEPTABLE BUT IT IS NOT.

THE BILL GOES TO THE HOUSE OF LORDS FOR REVIEW ON WEDNESDAY BEFORE ITS FINAL APPROVAL THURSDAY IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.

IT IS EXPECTED TO PASS WITHOUT PROBLEM BUT THE QUESTION REMAINS WHETHER NORTHERN IRELAND'S UNIONISTS AND REPUBLICANS CAN OVERCOME THEIR DISTRUST OF EACH OTHER TO MAKE THE PLAN WORK

MR TRIMBLE'S ULSTER UNIONIST PARTY HAS OPPOSED SHARING POWER WITH SINN FEIN BEFORE I-R-A DISARMING BEGINS. HIS PARTY MEETS ON WEDNESDAY TO DECIDE WHETHER TO ACCEPT THE PLAN OR REJECT IT. (SIGNED)
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13-Jul-99 1:56 PM EDT (1756 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

[09] N-Y ECON WRAP (S&L) BY ELAINE JOHANSON (NEW YORK)

INTRO: U -S STOCK PRICES WERE LOWER TODAY (TUESDAY) AS WORRIES ABOUT U-S EXPOSURE IN LATIN AMERICA SURFACED AGAIN. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ELAINE JOHANSON REPORTS FROM NEW YORK:

TEXT: THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE LOST WHAT IT GAINED MONDAY, AND THEN SOME. IT CLOSED DOWN 25 POINTS AT 11-THOUSAND-175. THE STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 INDEX LOST FIVE POINTS, CLOSING AT 13-HUNDRED-93. AND THE NASDAQ INDEX DROPPED ALMOST ONE-HALF OF ONE PERCENT.

THE INDUSTRIALS FINISHED VERY RESPECTABLY, CONSIDERING THEY WERE DOWN OVER 100 POINTS IN EARLY TRADING. // OPT // ANALYST DAVID KATZ BELIEVES THESE KINDS OF WIDE SWINGS WILL CONTINUE FOR A WHILE:

I THINK THE MARKET IS IN A TRADING RANGE PROBABLY WITH ABOUT 10 PERCENT ON THE UP SIDE AND ABOUT 10 PERCENT ON THE DOWNSIDE AND YOU ARE JUST GOING TO HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF VOLATILITY IN THE STOCK MARKET.

SOME ANALYSTS PEGGED THE WIDE SWINGS IN U-S STOCK PRICES TO WORRIES ABOUT DEBT AND BUDGET PROBLEMS IN ARGENTINA. A RECESSION IN LATIN AMERICA COULD SLOW THE U-S ECONOMY.

BUT ARGENTINIAN STOCKS AND BONDS STABILIZED FOLLOWING THEIR TUMBLE ON MONDAY, AND CONCERNS ON WALL STREET RECEDED. FOR MANY U-S INVESTORS, IT ALL SEEMED A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR PROFIT-TAKING, AS THEY WAIT FOR SOME OF THE BIGGER U-S BUSINESSES TO REPORT THEIR QUARTERLY EARNINGS THIS WEEK.

THE U-S STOCK MARKET RALLY HAS PROVEN TO BE VERY GOOD BUSINESS FOR LEADING U-S BROKERAGE HOUSES. QUARTERLY EARNINGS FOR MERRILL LYNCH AND PAINE WEBBER ROSE TO RECORD HIGHS AS MARKET ACTIVITY BOOSTED COMMISSIONS, TRADING AND OTHER BUSINESSES AT BOTH COMPANIES.

SOME NEWS IN THE INTERNET SECTOR: AMAZON-DOT-COM -- THE LEADING ONLINE BOOKSELLER -- SAYS IT WILL BUILD ON ITS SUCCESS BY SELLING TOYS AND ELECTRONICS OVER THE INTERNET. THE TWO NEW AMAZON STORES WENT LIVE TUESDAY, JOINING OTHER ONLINE RETAILERS LIKE "TOYS R US" AND E-TOYS-DOT-COM.

AMAZON SAYS IT WILL OFFER LOW PRICES AS WELL AS A BROAD SELECTION OF PRODUCTS. THAT'S THE NAME OF THE GAME IN E-COMMERCE. MEANWHILE, DOUBLECLICK -- WHICH SELLS SOFTWARE TO MANAGE ADVERTISING IN CYBERSPACE -- SAYS IT WILL ACQUIRE COMPETITOR NETGRAVITY. BOTH COMPANIES TRACK THE PERFORMANCE OF INTERNET ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. DOUBLECLICK SAYS THE ACQUISITION WILL HELP IT BECOME THE NUMBER-ONE TARGETED ADVERTISER ON THE WEB. AND, CHINA-DOT-COM -- A LEADING ASIAN INTERNET PORTAL COMPANY -- BEGAN TRADING ON THE NASDAQ STOCK EXCHANGE TUESDAY. AND WHAT A DEBUT IT WAS. THE STOCK AT ONE POINT TRIPLED ITS OPENING PRICE OF 20 DOLLARS -- GAINING OVER 200 PERCENT IN VALUE. ANALYSTS EXPECT THE STOCK TO SETTLE DOWN FINALLY TO A TRADING RANGE OF BETWEEN 45 AND 55 DOLLARS A SHARE. FOUR-POINT-TWO MILLION SHARES WERE OFFERED.

SOME TRADERS EXPRESSED SKEPTICISM ABOUT THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE COMPANY. CENSORSHIP IN CHINA IS ONE OF THE ISSUES OF CONCERN. BUT CHINA-DOT-COM TAPS INTO THE VAST ARENA OF CHINA WITH A POTENTIAL MARKET OF NEARLY TWO-BILLION PEOPLE. THAT HAS A LOT OF INVESTORS EXCITED. (SIGNED) NEB/NY/EJ/LSF/WTW
13-Jul-99 4:44 PM EDT (2044 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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

INTRO: THE EXCITING VICTORY OF THE U-S WOMEN'S WORLD CUP FOOTBALL [SOCCER] TEAM CONTINUES TO CAPTURE THE ATTENTION OF THE NATION'S EDITORIAL WRITERS THIS TUESDAY. OTHER TOPICS INCLUDE RELIEF OVER THE APPARENT END TO THE KASHMIRI BORDER DISPUTE: NEW, BRIGHTER PROSPECTS FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST; AND DEBATE IN THE UNITED STATES OVER A TAX CUT FOR AMERICAN WORKERS. NOW, HERE IS _____________ WITH A CLOSER LOOK AND A FEW EXCERPTS IN TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

TEXT: U-S NEWSPAPERS CONTINUE TO GLOW WITH PRAISE FOR THE WOMEN'S WORLD CUP FOOTBALL [SOCCER] VICTORY IN A PENALTY SHOOT-OUT WITH CHINA LAST SATURDAY. IN KANSAS, "THE TOPEKA CAPITOL-JOURNAL" SUGGESTS THAT THIS "SLEEPING GIANT" OF A NATION IS AWAKENING TO WHAT THE REST OF THE WORLD HAS KNOWN FOR YEARS, THAT FOOTBALL [SOCCER] IS A GREAT GAME.

VOICE: NOW WE'RE STARTING TO GET IT. WHY THE WORLD LIKES THIS GAME SO MUCH. AND WHY SO MUCH NATIONAL PRIDE IS INVESTED IN IT. LOOK OUT, WORLD: YOU'VE AWAKENED A SLEEPING GIANT.

TEXT: TODAY'S "PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER" SAYS IT IS NOW TIME FOR A WOMAN'S PROFESSIONAL SOCCER LEAGUE:

VOICE: THE EXUBERANT PLAYERS OF THE VICTORIOUS U-S SOCCER TEAM

TEXT: "THE HARTFORD [CONNECTICUT] COURANT" SAYS THE TEAM "CAPTIVATES AMERICA," WHILE IN OKLAHOMA, "THE TULSA WORLD" SAYS THE U-S WOMEN "CAPTURED OUR HEARTS." "THE ST. LOUIS [MISSOURI] POST DISPATCH" IS ONE OF MANY PAPERS, INCLUDING "THE FORT WORTH [TEXAS] STAR-TELEGRAM," CREDITING THE 1972 FEDERAL LAW - - TITLE NINE - - THAT MANDATED GENDER EQUALITY IN WOMEN'S COLLEGIATE SPORTS, AS THE FORCE BEHIND SATURDAY'S VICTORY.

VOICE: BEFORE TITLE NINE, FEW HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS - - ONE IN 27 - - PLAYED SPORTS. TODAY IT'S ONE GIRL IN THREE.

TEXT: CALIFORNIA'S "SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS" CHEERS LOCAL HEROINE BRANDI CHASTAIN, WHO KICKED THE WINNING PENALTY KICK, THEN STRIPPED OFF HER JERSEY JUST LIKE THE MEN DO, /// OPT /// AND ADDS:

VOICE: ... AMERICAN WOMEN'S PREDOMINANCE WON'T LAST - - NOR SHOULD IT. INSTEAD, IT SHOULD MOVE OTHER NATIONS TO WRITE THEIR OWN TITLE NINES [GENDER EQUALITY SPORTS SPENDING LAWS] AND THEN ENFORCE CLAIMS TO EQUALITY WITH CHANGES IN ATTITUDE AND OF HEART. EVEN STIFFER COMPETITION FOR AMERICA WOULD BE A VICTORY FOR GLOBAL RIGHTS FOR WOMEN.

TEXT: MOVING TO THE ISSUE OF THE SUBCONTINENT, SEVERAL PAPERS ARE EXPRESSING RELIEF AT THE EASING OF TENSIONS BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN OVER THE BORDER INCURSION IN KASHMIR. "THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE" SAYS:

VOICE: THE WORLD CAN SLEEP A BIT EASIER TONIGHT AS THE THREAT OF FULL-SCALE WAR - - AND THE POSSIBILITY OF NUCLEAR HOLOCAUST - - SUBSIDES IN SOUTH ASIA. AFTER TWO MONTHS OF FIGHTING IN ... DISPUTED ... KASHMIR, INDIA AND PAKISTAN HAVE AGREED TO A TRUCE OF SORTS. THIS MAY BE ONLY A TEMPORARY REMEDY, BUT IT'S AN IMPORTANT ACHIEVEMENT.

TEXT: INDIAN POLITICAL COLUMNIST RANJAN GUPTA, WRITING IN TODAY'S "SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE," HOWEVER, CAUTIONS:

VOICE: THE U-S-PAKISTAN AGREEMENT IN THE KASHMIR CONFLICT MAY BE A CASE OF TOO LITTLE TOO LATE. ... INDIA IS NOT A PARTY TO THE U-S-PAKISTAN TALKS. ... SECOND, THE PACT CALLS INTO QUESTION HOW MUCH CONTROL PAKISTAN HAS OVER THE INFILTRATORS. ... FURTHERMORE, HOW CAN THE ISLAMIC MILITANTS LEAVE WHEN INDIA HAS REFUSED TO GUARANTEE SAFE PASSAGE FOR THEM?

TEXT: TO THE ALWAYS UNPREDICTABLE MIDDLE EAST, NOW, THERE IS ALSO PRAISE FOR WHAT LOOKS, TO THE U-S PRESS, LIKE A NEW AMICABILITY BETWEEN THE ISRAELI GOVERNMENT AND THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY. SAYS "THE TULSA [OKLAHOMA] WORLD:"

VOICE: ... AFTER THE FIRST SUMMIT BETWEEN NEW ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER EHUD BARAK AND LONGTIME PALESTINIAN LEADER YASSER ARAFAT, IT SEEMS THAT PEACE MIGHT REALLY HAVE A CHANCE. ... IT'S WHAT THE MAJORITY OF ISRAELIS AND PALESTINIANS WANT. IT'S WHAT THE WORLD WANTS.

TEXT: HOWEVER, "THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE" WARNS:

VOICE: ... WHILE ALL THE GOOD NEWS FLOWS, THERE IS A DANGER THAT [MR.] ARAFAT, EVEN AS HE PLEDGES RETURN TO THE NEGOTIATING TABLE, WILL ATTEMPT AN END-RUN AROUND THE VERY SAME PROCESS.

TEXT: THE PAPER REFERS TO THE UPCOMING UNITED NATIONS' GENEVA CONFERENCE ON ISRAEL'S CONDUCT IN THE WEST BANK, WHICH COULD CALL FOR A PARTITION OF THE JEWISH STATE, GIVING THE ARABS A LARGER PORTION THAN PRESENT-DAY ISRAEL WANTS.

TEXT: STILL IN THE REGION, THE PROBLEM OF CYPRUS, UNEASILY PARTITIONED FOR DECADES BETWEEN GREEK AND TURKISH-CYPRIOT AREAS, SHOULD BEGIN TO BE SETTLED, SAYS "THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS."

VOICE: THE BEST WAY FOR THE UNITED STATES TO FOMENT IMPROVED RELATIONS BETWEEN GREECE AND TURKEY IS TO INSIST THAT THEY RESOLVE THEIR DISPUTE OVER THE MEDITERRANEAN ISLAND NATION OF CYPRUS. FROM A RESOLUTION OF THAT NAGGING PROBLEM, A HOST OF BENEFITS COULD FLOW. ... HUNGARY AND ROMANIA, AND ECUADOR AND PERU ARE AMONG THE TRADITIONAL ENEMIES THAT HAVE RECENTLY MANAGED TO SOLVE THEIR TERRITORIAL DISPUTES. IF THEY CAN DO IT, THEN GREECE AND TURKEY CAN, TOO.

TEXT: TURNING TO THE AMERICAN HEMISPHERE, "THE ST. PETERSBURG [FLORIDA] TIMES" TALKS OF THE CASE OF A GUATEMALAN WOMAN, TERRORIZED AND RAPED BY HER HUSBAND, WHO THEN SOUGHT ASYLUM IN THE UNITED STATES BUT WAS DENIED ASYLUM BY THE U-S GOVERNMENT. SAYS THE "TIMES:"

VOICE: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN MANY COUNTRIES WHERE THE CULTURE CONDONES IT AND POLICE AUTHORITIES IGNORE IT. BUT OUR POLITICAL ASYLUM PROCESS WAS DESIGNED TO PROTECT PEOPLE FROM GOVERNMENT-SPONSORED TERROR, NOT THAT WHICH ARISES OUT OF PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS. ... IT [THE U-S GOVERNMENT DECISION] WAS A TOUGH-TO-SWALLOW BUT NECESSARY RULING.

TEXT: DOMESTICALLY, THE ARGUMENTS BETWEEN CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS AND THE WHITE HOUSE OVER HOW TO SPEND AN ANTICIPATED HUGE BUDGET SURPLUS CONTINUES, DRAWING THIS THOUGHT FROM OHIO'S "AKRON BEACON JOURNAL."

VOICE: ... A TAX CUT, EVEN THE CLINTON VARIETY, ISN'T NECESSARY. THE TIMING MAKES LITTLE ECONOMIC OR BUDGET SENSE. WHAT DRIVES THE DEBATE? THE APPROACHING ELECTION YEAR AND FAMILIAR MANEUVERING FOR ADVANTAGE ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL.

TEXT: TODAY'S "WASHINGTON POST" IS LOOKING AHEAD TOWARD THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN UKRAINE IN SEVERAL MONTHS. THE PAPER PRAISES INCUMBENT PRESIDENT LEONID KUCHMA AS "A FAITHFUL PARTNER IN ARMS CONTROL" AND A SKILLFUL MANAGER OF HIS NATION'S FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN RUSSIA AND THE WEST, BUT "THE POST" WARNS HIM NOT TO OVERUSE THE POWER OF THE INCUMBENCY IN STIFLING A FAIR AND DEMOCRATIC ELECTION.

VOICE: ... UKRAINE ALREADY HAS MANAGED ONE PEACEFUL TRANSITION; MR. KUCHMA IS THE SECOND DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE INDEPENDENCE ERA. HIS BACKERS SHOULD NOT SULLY THAT LEGACY.

TEXT: LASTLY, "THE PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE" LAUDS GERMANY'S DECISION TO HONOR THE VICTIMS OF THE HOLOCAUST WITH A BERLIN MEMORIAL, CALLING IT:

VOICE: ... A LONG-OVERDUE STEP THAT IS IN KEEPING WITH GERMANY'S ROLE IN THE WORLD TODAY.

TEXT: WITH THAT, WE CONCLUDE THIS SAMPLING OF COMMENT FROM THE EDITORIAL PAGES OF TODAY'S U-S PRESS.
NEB/ANG/RRM
13-Jul-99 11:27 AM EDT (1527 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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