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Voice of America, 97-05-28

Voice of America: Selected Articles Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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


CONTENTS

  • [01] ALBRIGHT WAR CRIMES (L) BY RON PEMSTEIN (THE HAGUE)
  • [02] BRITAIN / U-S BY ANDRE DE NESNERA (LONDON)
  • [03] CLINTON / E-U UPDATE (S&L) BY DEBORAH TATE (HAGUE)
  • [04] CLINTON / MARSHALL PLAN (L) BY DEBORAH TATE (HAGUE)
  • [05] EURO MARKETS (S-ONLY) BY PAUL FRANCUCH (LONDON)
  • [06] FRANCE ELECTIONS (L-ONLY) BY JULIAN NUNDY (PARIS)
  • [07] MARSHALL PLAN SCENESET (S) BY DEBORAH TATE (HAGUE)
  • [08] N-Y ECON WRAP (S & L) BY BRECK ARDERY (NEW YORK)
  • [09] NATO OVERNIGHTER (L) BY RON PEMSTEIN (SINTRA, PORTUGAL)
  • [10] TURKEY / POLITICS (L ONLY) BY AMBERIN ZAMAN (ANKARA)
  • [11] WEDNESDAY'S EDITORIALS BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)

  • [01] ALBRIGHT WAR CRIMES (L) BY RON PEMSTEIN (THE HAGUE)

    DATE=5/28/97
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-214919
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: IN THE HAGUE, SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT MET WEDNESDAY WITH LOUISE ARBOUR, THE CHIEF PROSECUTOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL. RON PEMSTEIN REPORTS FROM THE DUTCH CITY MS. ALBRIGHT LEFT HER MEETING WITH A MESSAGE TO DELIVER AT AN UPCOMING TRAVEL STOP.

    TEXT: SECRETARY OF STATE ALBRIGHT PLANS TO DELIVER A TOUGH MESSAGE TO CROATIAN PRESIDENT FRANJO TUDJMAN AND SERBIAN PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC THIS WEEKEND -- NAMELY, TURN OVER SUSPECTS TO THE WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL OR FACE INTERNATIONAL ISOLATION.

    /// ALBRIGHT ACT ///

    I WILL REMIND PRESIDENT TUDJMAN, PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC AND THE BOSNIAN PRESIDENCY THAT THEIR COUNTRIES CANNOT EXPECT TO JOIN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY UNTIL THEY MEET THIS OBLIGATION.

    /// END ACT ///

    THE SECRETARY OF STATE PLANS TO MEET PRESIDENT TUDJMAN SATURDAY AND FLY TO BELGRADE TO MEET PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC FOR THE FIRST TIME.

    THERE IS LITTLE NEW IN THE AMERICAN DESIRE TO GET SERBIA AND CROATIA TO COOPERATE WITH THE WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL. BUT, AS U-N AMBASSADOR, MS. ALBRIGHT WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN ORGANIZING THE TRIBUNAL AND GETTING AMERICAN FINANCIAL AND LEGAL SUPPORT. SHE IS BRINGING A SPECIAL PASSION AS SECRETARY OF STATE TO MAKING SURE JUSTICE ARBOUR HAS EVERYTHING SHE NEEDS TO PROSECUTE SUSPECTS.

    WHILE ONLY A FEW SUSPECTS FROM THE BALKANS HAVE BEEN BROUGHT HERE FOR TRIAL, MS. ALBRIGHT SAYS THE LEADERS WHO PROTECT THE INDICTED SUSPECTS WILL PAY THE PRICE FOR THE LACK OF JUSTICE.

    /// SECOND ALBRIGHT ACT ///

    THE UNITED STATES HAS MADE FULL COOPERATION WITH THE WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL, ESPECIALLY THE TRANSFER OF INDICTEES TO THE HAGUE, A PREREQUISITE FOR U-S ASSISTANCE, OUR SUPPORT FOR ASSISTANCE BY OTHERS AND OUR BACKING FOR MEMBERSHIP IN INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. FOR THIS REASON, I AM CONFIDENT THAT A PRICE WILL BE PAID FOR THE ATROCITIES THAT RAVAGED BOSNIA FOR FOUR YEARS. UNTIL IT IS PAID BY THOSE WHO PERPETRATED THE CRIMES IT, WILL BE PAID BY THOSE WHO PROTECT THEM.

    /// END ACT ///

    THE STATE DEPARTMENT SAYS ANOTHER ISSUE MS .ALBRIGHT WILL RAISE WITH CROATIAN PRESIDENT TUDJMAN IS THE LACK OF CROAT COOPERATION IN LETTING SERBS RETURN TO THEIR HOMES IN KRAJINA. WHILE NO DECISION HAS BEEN MADE, OFFICIALS SAY A DELAY IN THE RETURN OF EASTERN SLAVONIA TO CROATIAN CONTROL FOR ANOTHER YEAR WILL BE THE PRICE FOR THE CONTINUED LACK OF COOPERATION. (SIGNED)
    NEB/RP/PCF/RAE
    28-May-97 11:23 AM EDT (1523 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [02] BRITAIN / U-S BY ANDRE DE NESNERA (LONDON)

    DATE=5/28/97
    TYPE=BACKGROUND REPORT
    NUMBER=5-36501
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON MEETS NEWLY-ELECTED PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR AT 10 DOWNING STREET IN LONDON THURSDAY -- A MEETING THAT WILL INCLUDE LUNCH, PRIVATE TALKS AND THE PRESIDENT BRIEFLY ADDRESSING THE BRITISH CABINET. OFFICIALS HERE SAY THE MEETING WILL UNDERLINE THE LEGENDARY -- SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP -- BETWEEN LONDON AND WASHINGTON. BUT DOES THE -- SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP -- REALLY EXIST? FROM THE BRITISH CAPITAL, V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ANDRE DE NESNERA EXAMINES THE QUESTION.

    TEXT: FOR DECADES, WHENEVER ONE TALKED ABOUT BRITAIN AND THE UNITED STATES, THE WORDS -- SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP -- WERE NEVER LEFT OUT. BUT COMMENTATORS, HISTORIANS, AND POLITICIANS HERE HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME DESCRIBING EXACTLY WHAT CONSTITUTES THE SO-CALLED -- SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP -- A TERM COINED BY FORMER BRITISH PRIME MINISTER WINSTON CHURCHILL.

    LAWMAKER TONY BENN, THE LONGEST SERVING LABOUR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT AND A MINISTER IN THE PREVIOUS LABOUR GOVERNMENT 18-YEARS AGO, SAYS THE -- SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP-- SIMPLY DOES NOT EXIST.

    // BENN ACT //

    NO. IT IS A COMPLETE ILLUSION, REALLY. AT THE TIME THAT CHURCHILL AND ROOSEVELT WORKED TOGETHER DURING THE WAR, BRITAIN WAS OF COURSE A DECLINING SUPERPOWER -- BUT IT DID NOT REALLY AMOUNT TO AN AWFUL LOT EVEN THEN. SINCE THEN WASHINGTON LOOKS MUCH MORE TO THE EUROPEAN UNION, HAS TO DEVELOP SOME RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA AND OF COURSE IS FACED WITH A GROWING AND ENORMOUSLY STRONG CHINA AND JAPAN.

    // END ACT //

    MR. BENN SAYS LONDON CAN NO LONGER BE CONSIDERED AS A MAJOR PLAYER ON THE WORLD STAGE -- A VIEW SHARED BY ONE OF CHURCHILL'S BIOGRAPHERS -- HISTORIAN JOHN CHARMLEY.

    /// CHARMLEY ACT // OPT ///

    I REALLY DO NOT THINK THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM MATTERS THAT MUCH IN GLOBAL GEO-POLITICS ANYMORE. SO I DO NOT THINK AMERICA IS GOING TO GET VERY MUCH OUT OF US AND I DO NOT THINK THAT WE CAN HOPE TO GET VERY MUCH OUT OF AMERICA. CLEARLY, FROM AMERICA'S POINT OF VIEW, THE VITAL RELATIONSHIP IS WITH EUROPE AS A WHOLE AND NOT WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM -- AND CLEARLY INSIDE EUROPE, THE POWER THAT IT IS NECESSARY TO GET ON WITH IS CHANCELLOR KOHL'S GERMANY -- NOT PRIME MINISTER BLAIR'S BRITAIN.

    /// END ACT // END OPT ///

    PROFESSOR CHARMLEY SAYS THE MYTH OF A -- SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP -- UNDOUBTEDLY CAME ABOUT BECAUSE OF THE CULTURAL, LINGUISTIC AND HISTORICAL TIES BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES -- AND WAS HELPED ALONG BY VARIOUS POLITICAL PERSONALITIES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ATLANTIC.

    /// CHARMLEY ACT ///

    I THINK THERE IS A SENSE IN WHICH OUR PERSPECTIVE OF THESE THINGS GETS SLIGHTLY SKEWED BECAUSE OF TWO VERY SPECIAL PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS, IF YOU LIKE -- THAT IS, THE ORIGINAL ONE BETWEEN FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT AND CHURCHILL AND THEN BETWEEN MARGARET THATCHER AND RONALD REAGAN. BUT IF YOU LOOK BACK OVER THE 60-YEARS NOW THAT THIS -- SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP -- HAS EXISTED, I THINK THOSE RELATIONSHIPS ARE MORE THE EXCEPTION THAN THE RULE.

    // END ACT //

    MANY EXPERTS AGREE TIES BETWEEN WASHINGTON AND LONDON ARE THE STRONGEST WHEN THERE IS AN UNQUANTIFIABLE BOND BETWEEN THE TWO LEADERS.

    HISTORIAN NORMAN DAVIES SAYS THAT WHATEVER CONSTITUTES THIS ELUSIVE -- SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP, -- IT IS DIMINISHING QUICKLY.

    /// DAVIES ACT ///

    //OPT//

    IT WAS REVIVED BY MRS. THATCHER WHO HAD THROUGH HER OWN VERY DYNAMIC INITIATIVES A SPECIAL UNDERSTANDING WITH RONALD REAGAN, BUT IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS -- SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP -- IS SOMETHING WHICH IS COMING TO AN END. // END OPT// THE UNITED KINGDOM IS IN A PECULIAR POSITION WHERE IT CANNOT DECIDE WHETHER IT OUGHT TO BE MORE STRONGLY TIED TO THE UNITED STATES OR TO THE EUROPEAN UNION. FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE, OUR LEADERS WILL TRY AND RIDE THOSE TWO HORSES. BUT IN MY VIEW AS THE EUROPEAN UNION IS STRENGTHENED THEN BRITAIN WILL BE PULLED IN THAT DIRECTION, AND THE -- SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP -- WITH THE UNITED STATES, ALTHOUGH IT WILL REMAIN IN SENTIMENTAL AND CULTURAL TERMS, WILL NOT HAVE ANY GREAT POLITICAL OR ECONOMIC SUBSTANCE.

    /// END ACT ///

    MANY BRITISH POLITICAL EXPERTS SEE PRESIDENT CLINTON'S MEETING WITH PRIME MINISTER BLAIR AS NOTHING MORE THAN A COURTESY CALL, SINCE THERE ARE NO BURNING ISSUES BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES. ONE EXPERT SAID WHEN THE TWO LEADERS COME OUT FOR THEIR CUSTOMARY PHOTOGRAPHS AT THE END OF THEIR MEETING, PRESIDENT CLINTON WILL BE SENDING A MESSAGE REMINISCENT OF MARGARET THATCHER'S JUDGMENT OF FORMER SOVIET LEADER MIKHAIL GORBACHEV -- TONY BLAIR IS A MAN I CAN DO BUSINESS WITH. (SIGNED)
    NEB/ADEN/PCF/RAE
    28-May-97 11:29 AM EDT (1529 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [03] CLINTON / E-U UPDATE (S&L) BY DEBORAH TATE (HAGUE)

    DATE=5/28/97
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-214909
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: PRESIDENT CLINTON AND THE LEADERS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION HAVE ANNOUNCED SEVERAL MODEST AGREEMENTS ON NUCLEAR, DRUG AND TRADE ISSUES FOLLOWING TALKS IN THE HAGUE. V-O-A WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT DEBORAH TATE REPORTS.

    TEXT: TOPPING THE LIST OF AGREEMENTS WAS ONE IN WHICH THE E-U ANNOUNCED IT WILL PROVIDE 20 MILLION DOLLARS OVER FIVE YEARS TO HELP REPLACE SOME OF NORTH KOREA'S NUCLEAR REACTORS.

    THE E-U NOW JOINS THE UNITED STATES, SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN IN THE KOREAN PENINSULA ENERGY DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION.

    THE GROUP IS HELPING IMPLEMENT A 1994 AGREEMENT UNDER WHICH NORTH KOREA IS TO REPLACE ITS GRAPHITE NUCLEAR REACTORS THAT THE WEST FEARS COULD PRODUCE NUCLEAR WEAPONS WITH TWO LIGHT-WATER REACTORS THAT PRODUCE LESS WEAPONS-GRADE PLUTONIUM.

    MR. CLINTON WAS PLEASED WITH THE E-U PLEDGE OF SUPPORT.

    // CLINTON ACTUALITY //

    THIS WILL HELP US TO MAKE GOOD ON OUR COMMITMENT TO FREEZE AND EVENTUALLY DISMANTLE NORTH KOREA'S DANGEROUS NUCLEAR PROGRAM.

    // END ACT //

    MR. CLINTON AND E-U LEADERS ALSO ANNOUNCED ACCORDS TO EXPAND BILATERAL TRADE, TO BOOST CUSTOMS COOPERATION AND TO CURB TRADE IN CHEMICALS USED IN ILLEGAL DRUGS.

    // REST OPT //

    THE PRESIDENT ALSO SAID HE AND THE E-U LEADERS AGREED THAT MORE MUST BE DONE TO ASSIST BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA'S RECOVERY FROM CIVIL WAR, ALTHOUGH HE ANNOUNCED NO NEW INITIATIVES. LATER, MR. CLINTON WAS TO ATTEND CEREMONIES MARKING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARSHALL PLAN, THE U-S - LED EFFORT TO REBUILD EUROPE AFTER THE SECOND WORLD WAR.

    THE PRESIDENT SAYS THE UNITED STATES IS WILLING TO CONSIDER SUPPORT FOR A PLAN PUT FORWARD BY THE NETHERLANDS PRIME MINISTER WILLEM KOK TO HAVE WESTERN EUROPE DEVELOP A NEW MARSHALL PLAN TO SUPPORT THE ECONOMIC RECONSTRUCTION OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE.

    BUT HE SAYS WHAT IS ESSENTIAL TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY OF THE REGION IS THE ACCELERATION OF THE PACE OF PRIVATE INVESTMENT THERE. (SIGNED)
    NEB/DAT /MMK
    28-May-97 7:12 AM EDT (1112 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [04] CLINTON / MARSHALL PLAN (L) BY DEBORAH TATE (HAGUE)

    DATE=5/28/97
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-214935
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: FIFTY-YEARS AFTER THE CREATION OF THE MARSHALL PLAN -- THE U-S-FUNDED AID PROGRAM THAT HELPED REBUILD EUROPE AFTER WORLD WAR TWO -- PRESIDENT CLINTON HAS OUTLINED HIS VISION OF A PEACEFUL AND STABLE EUROPE FOR THE NEXT HALF CENTURY. V-O-A WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT DEBORAH TATE REPORTS.

    TEXT: /// OPENS W/MUSIC -- FADE UNDER ///

    AT AN ELABORATE CEREMONY IN AN ORNATE MEETING HALL, MR. CLINTON JOINED EUROPEAN LEADERS TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE PROGRAM THAT HELPED EUROPE RECOVER FROM THE RAVAGES OF WAR.

    /// CLINTON ACTUALITY ///

    THE MARSHALL PLAN OFFERED A CURE, NOT A CRUTCH. IT WAS NEVER A HAND-OUT, IT WAS ALWAYS A HAND UP. IT SAID TO EUROPE: IF YOU PUT YOUR DIVISIONS BEHIND YOU, IF YOU WORK TOGETHER TO HELP YOURSELVES, AMERICA WILL WORK FOR YOU.

    /// END ACT ///

    ONE OF THOSE WHO BENEFITED FROM THE MARSHALL PLAN WAS DUTCH CITIZEN GUSTAAF SEDEE, WHO EXPRESSED HIS GRATIFICATION TO THOSE NATIONS WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE EFFORT.

    /// SEDEE ACTUALITY ///

    I PERSONALLY REMEMBER, FOR INSTANCE, THAT THE WRAPPERS ON OUR BREAD INCLUDED THE LABEL -- PRODUCED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE MARSHALL PLAN. THE MARSHALL PLAN AID FOUGHT DISEASES IN OUR CATTLE, BROUGHT FACTORIES BACK TO LIFE, AND PROVIDED A MUCH-NEEDED INJECTION FOR OUR ECONOMY.

    /// END ACT ///

    MR. CLINTON WOULD LIKE TO THE SEE THE PEACE, PROSPERITY, AND STABILITY THAT RESULTED FROM THE MARSHALL PLAN EXTEND TO EASTERN AND CENTRAL EUROPE.

    CLINTON ACTUALITY ///

    NOW, THE DAWN OF NEW DEMOCRACIES IS LIGHTING THE WAY TO A NEW EUROPE IN A NEW CENTURY, A TIME IN WHICH AMERICA AND EUROPE MUST COMPLETE THE NOBLE JOURNEY THAT MARSHALL'S GENERATION BEGAN, AND THIS TIME WITH NO ONE LEFT BEHIND.

    /// END ACT ///

    ALTHOUGH THE UNITED STATES SPENT 13-BILLION DOLLARS ON THE POST-WAR RECOVERY EFFORT IN WESTERN EUROPE, MR. CLINTON IS NOT PROPOSING A SIMILAR AID PACKAGE FOR THE EAST. INSTEAD, HE ADVOCATES PRIVATE INVESTMENT.

    /// CLINTON ACTUALITY ///

    NOW AS THE NEW DEMOCRACIES CONTINUE TO SCALE THE MOUNTAINS OF MARKET REFORM, OUR CHALLENGE IS TO HELP THEM REAP MORE FULLY THE BENEFITS OF PROSPERITY, WORKING TO MAKE THE BUSINESS CLIMATE AS STABLE AND SECURE AS POSSIBLE, INVESTING IN THEIR ECONOMIES, SHARING ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS, AND OPENING THE DOORS OF INSTITUTIONS THAT ENABLE OUR COMMUNITY TO THRIVE.

    /// END ACT ///

    HE ALSO FORESEES EXTENDING SECURITY GUARANTEES TO FORMER SOVIET BLOC NATIONS BY EXPANDING NATO.

    /// REST OPT ///

    /// CLINTON ACTUALITY ///

    THROUGH NATO, THE CORE OF TRANS-ATLANTIC SECURITY, WE CAN DO FOR EUROPE'S EAST WHAT WE DID IN EUROPE'S WEST -- DEFEND FREEDOM, STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY, TEMPER OLD RIVALRIES, HASTEN INTEGRATION AND PROVIDE A STABLE CLIMATE IN WHICH PROSPERITY CAN GROW.

    /// END ACT ///

    LATER, MR. CLINTON VISITED ROTTERDAM, A CITY REBUILT BY MARSHALL PLAN FUNDS, WHERE HE ATTENDED A CELEBRATION HOSTED BY DUTCH CITIZENS TO THANK THE UNITED STATES FOR ITS LEADERSHIP AND GENEROSITY IN THE EUROPEAN RECOVERY EFFORT. (SIGNED)
    NEB/DAT/TMD/RAE
    28-May-97 2:24 PM EDT (1824 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America

    [05] EURO MARKETS (S-ONLY) BY PAUL FRANCUCH (LONDON)

    DATE=5/28/97
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-214929
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: THE MAJOR STOCK MARKETS OF WESTERN EUROPE ALL CLOSED LOWER WEDNESDAY. THE BIGGEST FALL CAME IN PARIS, WHERE RUMORS OF A SOCIALIST-LED VICTORY IN THIS WEEKEND'S SECOND ROUND OF PARLIAMENTARY VOTING HAD INVESTORS BAILING OUT OF STOCKS. MORE FROM PAUL FRANCUCH IN OUR LONDON OFFICE.

    TEXT: REPORTS OF OPINION POLLS SHOWING LEFT-WING PARTIES WINNING THE DECISIVE SECOND ROUND OF PARLIAMENTARY VOTING IN FRANCE THIS WEEKEND SENT SHARE PRICES ON THE "CAC 40" INDEX SPIRALING, CLOSING DOWN 97-POINTS FOR THE DAY.

    PARIS STOCKS LOST 108-POINTS IN MONDAY'S TRADING FOLLOWING THE FIRST ROUND OF PARLIAMENTARY VOTING SUNDAY IN FRANCE WHICH GAVE THE LEFT-WING A UNANTICIPATEDLY-STRONG SHOWING. FRENCH STOCK PRICES RECOVERED SOMEWHAT TUESDAY, BUT INVESTORS OBVIOUSLY REMAIN SKITTISH.

    DECLINING STOCK PRICES IN FRANKFURT AND LONDON WERE MUCH LESS DRAMATIC WEDNESDAY. THE GERMAN "DAX 30" INDEX STARTED UPWARD BUT CLOSED DOWN 39-POINTS FOR THE DAY. THE BRITISH "FINANCIAL TIMES" 100-INDEX LOST JUST MORE THAN FOUR-POINTS. (SIGNED)
    NEB/PCF/RAE
    28-May-97 1:20 PM EDT (1720 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [06] FRANCE ELECTIONS (L-ONLY) BY JULIAN NUNDY (PARIS)

    DATE=5/28/97
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-214930
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: AS FRANCE'S SOCIALIST-LED OPPOSITION IS THE FAVORITE TO WIN THE SECOND AND FINAL ROUND OF PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS NEXT SUNDAY, CONSERVATIVE PRESIDENT JACQUES CHIRAC IS WARNING THE VOTERS CHANGING COURSE COULD BE DANGEROUS. JULIAN NUNDY REPORTS FROM PARIS.

    TEXT: UNDER FRENCH ELECTORAL LAW, THE PUBLICATION OF OPINION POLLS IS BANNED IN THE FINAL DAYS OF A CAMPAIGN. THIS MEANS NO PRECISE FORECASTS CAN BE PUBLISHEDBY FRENCH MEDIA UNTIL THE SECOND-ROUND OF FRANCE'S PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION NEXT SUNDAY.

    NONETHELESS, MANY PRIVATE POLLS, COMMISSIONED BY BANKS, BIG BUSINESS, AND EVEN THE POLICE, ALL POINT TO A FINAL VICTORY BY THE LEFT-WING COALITION OF SOCIALISTS AND COMMUNISTS. IF PROVED TRUE, THIS MEANS THAT LIONEL JOSPIN, THE SOCIALIST PARTY LEADER, WILL BE INVITED TO FORM FRANCE'S NEXT GOVERNMENT.

    THIS WOULD LEAD TO A HIGHLY TENSE LEFT-RIGHT POWER-SHARING ARRANGEMENT, KNOWN IN FRANCE AS "COHABITATION", WITH A LEFT-WING GOVERNMENT RUNNING THE COUNTRY IN TANDEM WITH THE CONSERVATIVE PRESIDENT JACQUES CHIRAC.

    TO TRY AND HEAD THIS OFF, MR. CHIRAC ISSUED A STATEMENT AFTER THE WEEKLY CABINET MEETING WEDNESDAY, SAYING THAT A NEW CHANGE OF DIRECTION AT THE BALLOT BOX WOULD LEAD TO CONFUSION AND WEAKEN FRANCE. THIS FOLLOWED AN APPEAL BY MR. CHIRAC TUESDAY ON NATIONWIDE TELEVISION. THEN, THE PRESIDENT ASKED THE FRENCH NOT TO BRING BACK WHAT HE CALLED "THE SOCIALIST IDEAS OF YESTERDAY."

    THE PRESIDENT'S CONSERVATIVE COALITION SUFFERED AN UNEXPECTED BLOW IN THE FIRST ROUND OF THE ELECTIONS LAST SUNDAY, TAKING ONLY 36 PERCENT OF THE VOTES, SIX POINTS BEHIND THE LEFT-WING. SINCE THEN, PRIME MINISTER ALAIN JUPPE -- CONSISTENTLY LOW IN POPULARITY POLLS -- HAS SAID HE WILL NOT REMAIN AT THE HEAD OF THE GOVERNMENT EVEN IF THE RIGHT DOES WIN IN THE SECOND ROUND.

    AMONG THE CANDIDATES TO SUCCEED MR. JUPPE AS PRIME MINISTER, PHILIPPE SEGUIN, THE SPEAKER OF THE LAST PARLIAMENT, IS THE POPULAR FAVORITE. BUT PRESIDENT CHIRAC HAS NOT MADE HIS PERSONAL PREFERENCE CLEAR.

    //REST OPT//

    MR. CHIRAC PROMPTED THIS ELECTION NINE MONTHS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE WHEN HE DISSOLVED PARLIAMENT IN APRIL. HE SAID HIS GOVERNMENT NEEDED A NEW MANDATE TO PUSH THROUGH A SERIES OF REFORMS AND, PARTICULARLY, TO GUARANTEE FRANCE'S ENTRY INTO THE NEW SINGLE EUROPEAN CURRENCY NEXT YEAR.

    MR. CHIRAC'S INITIATIVE SEEMS TO HAVE BACKFIRED BADLY AS ALL THE SOUNDINGS POINT TO A LEFT-WING VICTORY. BUT, WITH NEXT SUNDAY'S ELECTION DEPENDING ON A DISTRICT-BY-DISTRICT COUNT IN THE BATTLE FOR SEATS IN THE 577-MEMBER NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, THE CONTEST IS STILL OPEN.

    BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT ARE NOW TRYING TO CONVINCE THE ONE-THIRD OF VOTERS WHO ABSTAINED OR CAST BLANK BALLOTS LAST SUNDAY THAT THEY CAN AND SHOULD TIP THE BALANCE. (SIGNED)
    NEB/JN/PCF
    28-May-97 1:41 PM EDT (1741 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [07] MARSHALL PLAN SCENESET (S) BY DEBORAH TATE (HAGUE)

    DATE=5/28/97
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-214913
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    // SHORT SHELF LIFE -- WATCH FOR UPDATES //

    INTRO: PRESIDENT CLINTON AT THIS HOUR IS TO ADDRESS CEREMONIES IN THE HAGUE MARKING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARSHALL PLAN THE U-S FUNDED AID PROGRAM THAT HELPED REBUILD EUROPE AFTER WORLD WAR TWO. V-O-A WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT DEBORAH TATE REPORTS.

    TEXT: MR. CLINTON IS EXPECTED TO CALL UPON EUROPEAN ALLIES TO BUILD UPON THE SUCCESS OF THE MARSHALL PLAN TO CREATE AN UNDIVIDED, STABLE AND PEACEFUL EUROPE.

    HE GAVE A PREVIEW OF HIS REMARKS AT A LUNCHEON EARLIER IN THE DAY HOSTED BY THE NETHERLANDS' QUEEN BEATRIX.

    // CLINTON ACTUALITY //

    THE DAUNTING CHALLENGE IN MARSHALL'S TIME WAS TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE OF THE DEVASTATING WAR. NOW WE FACE THE EQUALLY AMBITIOUS TASK OF PROMOTING PEACE, SECURITY AND PROSPERITY FOR ALL PEOPLE OF EUROPE.

    // END ACT //

    ALTHOUGH THE UNITED STATES SPENT 13 BILLION DOLLARS UNDER THE MARSHALL PLAN -- WORTH 88 BILLION DOLLARS IN TODAY'S TERMS, MR. CLINTON WOULD LIKE WESTERN EUROPE TO SUPPORT MOST OF THE COST OF EASTERN EUROPEAN RECONSTRUCTION.

    THE PRESIDENT EARLIER WEDNESDAY ALSO CALLED FOR ACCELERATING PRIVATE INVESTMENT TO BOOST ECONOMIC RECOVERY IN THE REGION. (SIGNED)
    NEB/DAT/TMD/KL
    28-May-97 9:14 AM EDT (1314 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


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

    DATE=5/28/97
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-214942
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: STOCK PRICES IN THE UNITED STATES WERE DOWN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AS PROFIT-TAKING DOMINATED THE MARKET. VOA CORRESPONDENT BRECK ARDERY REPORTS FROM NEW YORK.

    TEXT: THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE CLOSED AT 73 HUNDRED 57, DOWN 26 POINTS. THE BROADER AND MORE REPRESENTATIVE STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 INDEX CLOSED AT 847, DOWN TWO AND ONE-HALF POINTS.

    ANALYSTS SAY MANY TRADERS WERE TAKING PROFITS AFTER THE RECENT STRONG RALLIES IN STOCK PRICES

    THE GOVERNMENT REPORTED THAT ORDERS FOR DURABLE GOODS -- PRODUCTS EXPECTED TO LAST THREE YEARS OR LONGER -- WERE UP BY ONE POINT FOUR PERCENT IN APRIL, SLIGHTLY AHEAD OF WALL STREET EXPECTATIONS.

    THE U-S FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION IS SUING THE R-J REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY IN AN EFFORT TO PUT AN END TO "JOE CAMEL," THE COMPANY'S CARTOON CHARACTER WHICH IS USED IN ADVERTISING AND MARKETING CAMPAIGNS FOR CAMEL BRAND CIGARETTES. THE COMMISSION SAYS "JOE CAMEL" IS AIMED AT INDUCING CHILDREN TO SMOKE. R-J REYNOLDS DENIES THAT AND SAYS IT WILL VIGOROUSLY CONTEST THE LAWSUIT.

    /// REST OPT ///

    THE TRUSTEES OF THE GOVERNMENT PENSION FUND IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA HAVE DECIDED TO SELL ALL STOCK HOLDINGS IN TOBACCO COMPANIES, SAYING THE STOCKS POSE EXCESSIVE RISK. FLORIDA OWNS MORE THAN 800 MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF TOBACCO SHARES.

    IN OTHER BUSINESS NEWS, THE INTEL CORPORATION IS SUING THE DIGITAL EQUIPMENT COMPANY, CLAIMING DIGITAL REFUSED TO RETURN CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. INTEL'S SUIT COMES JUST TWO WEEKS AFTER DIGITAL FILED SUIT AGAINST INTEL, CLAIMING PATENT INFRINGEMENT. INTEL IS THE LEADING MAKER OF MICROPROCESSORS USED IN PERSONAL COMPUTERS. DIGITAL IS A MANUFACTURER OF PERSONAL COMPUTERS.

    THE N-E-C CORPORATION OF JAPAN HAS ANNOUNCED A JOINT VENTURE WITH A CHINESE FIRM TO BUILD A ONE BILLION DOLLAR SEMICONDUCTOR PLANT IN SHANGHAI.

    THE STOCK OF THE NIKE FOOTWARE COMPANY ROSE STRONGLY ON RUMORS THAT BILLIONAIRE INVESTOR WARREN BUFFETT (BUFF-IT) IS TAKING A MAJOR POSITION IN NIKE STOCK. MR. BUFFETT'S OFFICE DECLINED ANY COMMENT. IN ISRAEL, A GOVERNMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS RECOMMENDING A 100 PERCENT SALE OF EL AL, THE STATE-OWNED AIRLINE. THE COMMITTEE SAYS THE SALE SHOULD BE CONDUCTED ON THE TEL AVIV STOCK MARKET EARLY NEXT YEAR. (SIGNED) NEB/NY/BA/LSF/LWM
    28-May-97 5:03 PM EDT (2103 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [09] NATO OVERNIGHTER (L) BY RON PEMSTEIN (SINTRA, PORTUGAL)

    DATE=5/28/97
    TYPE=NEWSFILE
    NUMBER=2-214944
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: FOREIGN MINISTERS OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION GATHER TODAY (THURSDAY) IN THE RESORT OF SINTRA, PORTUGAL FOR THEIR ANNUAL SPRING MEETING. V-O-A'S CORRESPONDENT RON PEMSTEIN REPORTS FROM PORTUGAL, THE DISCUSSION WILL CENTER ON WHAT FOLLOWS THE NATO-RUSSIA AGREEMENT.

    TEXT: FINALLY, THE QUESTION OF "WHO" WILL JOIN NATO IS ON NATO'S AGENDA. FOR THE FIRST TIME IT WILL NOT BE QUIET DISCUSSIONS IN THE CORNER BUT A FULL ALLIANCE DISCUSSION OF THE ROAD TO THE SUMMIT MEETING IN MADRID (IN JULY).

    DURING THEIR PRIVATE LUNCHEON PERIOD, THE NATO MINISTERS ARE EXPECTED TO EXPRESS THEIR GOVERNMENT'S POSITION ON WHICH COUNTRIES FROM CENTRAL EUROPE SHOULD BE INVITED TO JOIN THE ALLIANCE. WILL IT ONLY BE THE THREE CONSIDERED TO BE THE CONSENSUS CHOICE, POLAND, THE CZECH REPUBLIC AND HUNGARY? OR WILL ROMANIA AND SLOVENIA WIN A CONSENSUS TO JOIN THEM IN THE FIRST ROUND?

    ONE OF THE ARGUMENTS AGAINST ACCEPTING MORE THAN THREE COUNTRIES FOCUS ON HOW MANY WILL FIT INTO NATO COMFORTABLY. ANOTHER ARGUMENT IS THAT TAKING TOO MANY IN THE FIRST ROUND WILL MAKE A SECOND ROUND MORE UNLIKELY IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

    THESE ARE THE KIND OF ARGUMENTS THE MINISTERS WILL BE DISCUSSING WITH THE FINAL DECISION TO BE MADE IN THE NEXT WEEKS BY ALLIANCE LEADERS.

    THE AFTERNOON PART OF THE NATO MEETING HERE WILL FOCUS ON BOSNIA WITH REPORTS ON THE SITUATION BY SECRETARY-GENERAL JAVIER SOLANA AND NATO COMMANDER GENERAL GEORGE JOULWAN. SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT TOLD REPORTERS IN THE HAGUE SHE WANTS TO GET THE EUROPEAN COUNTRIES TO JOIN THE UNITED STATES IN SURPORTING THE WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL.

    ///ALBRIGHT ACT///

    ADDITIONAL RE-COMMITMENT I THINK OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO SUPPORTING THE WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL AS FULLY AS POSSIBLE AND THERE WILL BE AN EXAMINATION OF A NUMBER OF OPTIONS ABOUT HOW TO SUPPORT THE WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL IN ITS VERY IMPORTANT WORK.

    ///END ACT///

    THE SECRETARY OF STATE WILL LEAVE PORTUGAL FRIDAY NIGHT FOR CROATIA, SERBIA AND BOSNIA ON THE WEEKEND. SHE WILL MEET WITH LEADERS IN ALL THREE COUNTRIES TO DELIVER WHAT SHE CALLS A TOUGH MESSAGE ABOUT THEIR FAILURES IN COMPLYING WITH THE BOSNIA PEACE AGREEMENT. SHE PLANS TO DISCUSS HER OPTIONS FIRST WITH HER FELLOW NATO MINISTERS BEFORE TAKING HER ARGUMENTS TO THE PRESIDENTS OF BOSNIA, CROATIA AND SERBIA.(SIGNED)
    NEB/AC/PT
    28-May-97 5:12 PM EDT (2112 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [10] TURKEY / POLITICS (L ONLY) BY AMBERIN ZAMAN (ANKARA)

    DATE=5/28/97
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-214917
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: TURKEY'S DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER TANSU CILLER IS PRESSING FOR EARLY ELECTIONS, AMID GROWING SPECULATION HER ONE-YEAR-OLD COALITION AGREEMENT WITH THE ISLAMIST WELFARE PARTY IS ABOUT TO COLLAPSE. AMBERIN ZAMAN REPORTS FROM ANKARA.

    TEXT: ADDRESSING DEPUTIES FROM HER CONSERVATIVE TRUE PATH PARTY, THE D-Y-P, MRS. CILER SAID EARLY GENERAL ELECTIONS ARE AT THE FOREFRONT OF TURKEY'S POLITICAL AGENDA.

    SHE HAS COME UNDER HEAVY FIRE FROM TURKEY'S PRO-SECULAR ESTABLISHMENT AND POWERFUL MILITARY BECAUSE OF HER COALITION WITH THE COUNTRY'S FIRST ISLAMIST PRIME MINISTER, NECMETTIN ERBAKAN. MR. ERBAKAN IS WIDELY VIEWED BY TURKEY'S PRO-SECULAR MAJORITY AS SEEKING TO STEER THE COUNTRY AWAY FROM ITS TRADITIONAL PRO-WESTERN AND SECULAR COURSE.

    OPPOSITION ATTEMPTS TO BRING THE GOVERNMENT DOWN HAVE NOT SUCCEEDED SO FAR. BUT, MRS CILLER'S FAILURE TO END THE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ISLAMISTS HAS TRIGGERED THE RESIGNATIONS OF LEADING D-Y-P OFFICIALS BOTH FROM THE CABINET AND FROM THE PARTY. SOME POLITICAL COMMENTATORS SAY THE RISING TIDE OF DISSENT WITHIN THE PARTY COULD RESULT IN MRS. CILLER BEING OUSTED FROM ITS LEADERSHIP.

    AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND THERE IS MOUNTING PRESSURE ON MRS. CILLER TO WITHDRAW FROM THE GOVERNMENT. THIS IN TURN WOULD FORCE MR. ERBAKAN TO RESIGN AS PRIME MINISTER.

    D-Y-P SOURCES SAY MRS. CILLER IS PUSHING FOR EARLY POLLS IN WHAT THEY DESCRIBE AS A LAST ATTEMPT TO SALVAGE HER AILING POLITICAL CAREER. MEANWHILE, MRS. CILLER IS DEMANDING MR. ERBAKAN HAND OVER THE PREMIERSHIP TO HER, SAYING THIS WILL EASE PRESSURE ON HER TO WITHDRAW FROM THE GOVERNMENT.

    BUT MOST COMMENTATORS SAY THEY BELIEVE THE COLLAPSE OF THE COALITION IS INEVITABLE. THE MAIN QUESTION AMONG POLITICAL CIRCLES IN TURKEY IS NO LONGER WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL FALL BUT WHEN AND HOW. (SIGNED)
    NEB/AZ/JWH/RAE
    28-May-97 10:39 AM EDT (1439 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


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

    DATE=05/28/97
    TYPE=U-S EDITORIAL DIGEST
    NUMBER=6-10184
    TELEPHONE=619-3335
    EDITOR=NEAL LAVON
    CONTENT=
    // EDITORS, PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS PERISHABLE MATERIAL AND BECOMES DATED AFTER 10 P-M E-D-S-T ON WEDNESDAY MAY 28TH //

    INTRO: THERE IS NO QUESTION ABOUT THE DOMINANT EDITORIAL SUBJECT IN MOST OF AMERICA'S MAJOR PAPERS THIS WEDNESDAY. IT IS THE U.S. SUPREME COURT'S UNANIMOUS (9-0) DECISION THAT PAULA JONES'S SEXUAL HARASSMENT LAWSUIT AGAINST PRESIDENT CLINTON MAY PROCEED IN COURT. THAT JUDGEMENT IS DRAWING COMMENTS FROM ALL QUARTERS.

    IN OTHER TOPICS, THE PAPERS ARE DISCUSSING: THE NATO AGREEMENT; MEMORIES OF THE MARSHALL PLAN; ELECTION RESULTS IN IRAN AND FRANCE; THE UPCOMING ELECTION IN INDONESIA; AND LASTLY A PLEA TO CONGRESS ON BEHALF OF DOLPHINS.

    NOW, HERE WITH A CLOSER LOOK IS ______________________ AND TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

    TEXT: THE SUPREME COURT'S DECISION THAT PRESIDENT CLINTON MAY BE TAKEN TO TRIAL ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT CHARGES BY A FORMER ARKANSAS STATE EMPLOYEE, PAULA CORBIN JONES, PROVIDES THE LEAD EDITORIAL TOPIC IN SEVERAL PAPERS. THE PRESIDENT TRIED TO ARGUE THAT THE CASE SHOULD BE POSTPONED UNTIL HE LEFT OFFICE, CLAIMING TEMPORARY PRESIDENTIAL IMMUNITY THE WASHINGTON POST SAYS IN PART:

    VOICE: "THE SUPREME COURT'S UNANIMOUS RULING IN THE PAULA JONES CASE YESTERDAY AND THE CERTAINTY WITH WHICH THE PRESIDENT'S ARGUMENTS WERE DISMISSED LENT STRENGTH TO THE OPINION AND LEFT LITTLE ROOM FOR MANEUVER AT THE WHITE HOUSE. ..... A TRIAL WOULD LIKELY BE AN EMBARRASSMENT NO MATTER HOW IT TURNED OUT. BUT THAT'S NOT A REASON TO DENY A CITIZEN NORMAL ACCESS TO THE COURTS. THAT WAS PART OF THE COURT'S MESSAGE, AND WE THINK THE MESSAGE IS RIGHT."

    TEXT: THE LOS ANGELES TIMES IS NOT SO SURE THE COURT WAS EXACTLY RIGHT, NOTING THE "OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENCY NEEDS A MEASURE OF PROTECTION," AND ADDS:

    VOICE: "THE PROSPECT OF A CIVIL TRIAL OF A PRESIDENT ON SEX CHARGES AND THE DAMAGING CONSEQUENCES NOT JUST TO THE INDIVIDUAL BUT TO THE INSTITUTION HE EMBODIES OUGHT TO GIVE EVEN [MR.] CLINTON'S MOST COMMITTED POLITICAL ENEMIES PAUSE. ..... THE RISK TO BE WEIGHED IS HOW A SUIT MIGHT ADVERSELY AFFECT A PRESIDENT'S OFFICIAL DUTIES. THE SUPREME COURT HAS LEFT THAT DETERMINATION TO THE TRIAL JUDGE. THE ARGUMENTS FOR DELAYING TRIAL ARE COMPELLING."

    [OPT]

    TEXT: THE NEW YORK TIMES AGREES THAT THE DECISION DOES "NOT MEAN A PROMPT TRIAL" AND CONCLUDES:

    VOICE: "A SETTLEMENT IS ALSO A POSSIBILITY. THE POLITICAL RAMIFICATIONS FOR MR. CLINTON ARE STILL UNCLEAR. BUT IN WHAT IS SURE TO BE REMEMBERED AS A HIGH POINT OF THE CURRENT TERM, THE COURT, SPEAKING WITH WELCOME UNANIMITY, HAS RESISTED THE NOTION OF AN IMPERIAL WHITE HOUSE AND DECISIVELY REJECTED AN UNWARRANTED EXPANSION OF PRESIDENTIAL IMMUNITY."

    [END OPT]

    TEXT: THE MIAMI HERALD HOWEVER FEARS WHAT IT CALLS, IN TODAY'S LEAD HEADLINE, "THE NEXT PRESIDENTIAL CIRCUS," ADDING:

    VOICE: "THIS DECISION IS A GOOD REAFFIRMATION THAT THE LAW APPLIES TO ALL. BUT SHOULD THIS CASE GET TO TRIAL, IT LIKELY WILL BE A ...... DISTRACTING CIRCUS. .... THE COURT ... NOTED THAT CONGRESS COULD GIVE PRESIDENTS TEMPORARY RELIEF FROM SUITS SIMILAR TO THAT GIVEN TO MILITARY PERSONNEL. SHOULD THE LIMELIGHT BE SO TEMPTING, CONGRESS SHOULD DO SO. THE PRESIDENCY, NO MATTER WHO THE OCCUPANT .... MUST NOT BE TIED IN KNOTS BY LAWSUITS."

    TEXT: THE DAY'S OTHER MAJOR EVENT GENERATING PRESS COMMENT WAS THE NATO AGREEMENT SIGNED TUESDAY IN PARIS. THE ACCORD GIVES RUSSIA AN ADVISORY ROLE IN AN EXPANDED NATO. IT DRAWS THIS RESPONSE FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES, WHICH SEES THE ALLIANCE SUFFERING NEW DIVISION, RATHER THAN MORE UNITY, IN EUROPE.

    VOICE: "...THE PLEASANTRIES IN PARIS WERE A DISTRACTION. THE COMMON DENOMINATOR OF NATO EXPANSION AND A SINGLE EUROPEAN CURRENCY IS THE DIVISION OF EUROPE INTO TWO CAMPS, THE PROSPEROUS DEMOCRACIES AND THOSE NOT SO STRONG OR FORTUNATE. NATO EXPANSION WOULD GIVE THAT DECISION POLITICAL AND MILITARY FORM, AND THE COMMON CURRENCY WOULD REINFORCE IT ECONOMICALLY. RUSSIA, ON ALL COUNTS, WOULD BE LEFT SQUARELY IN THE EXCLUDED CAMP. ...... JUST AS THE SECURITY OF EUROPE AFTER WORLD WAR TWO DEPENDED ON THE TRANSFORMATION OF GERMANY INTO A PEACEFUL, DEMOCRATIC NATION, THE FUTURE STABILITY OF EUROPE NOW RESTS HEAVILY ON THE CONSOLIDATION OF DEMOCRACY AND FREE MARKETS IN RUSSIA. NEITHER NATO GROWTH NOR A COMMON CURRENCY WILL MAKE IT EASIER FOR RUSSIA TO SEE ITSELF AS PART OF EUROPE."

    [OPT]

    TEXT: AND THE SUN, IN BALTIMORE REMINDS READERS:

    VOICE: "WHILE ALL THE DIPLOMATIC PAGEANTRY SUGGESTS NATO EXPANSION IS A FAIT ACCOMPLI, IT STILL MUST BE RATIFIED BY THE U-S SENATE. GIVEN THE CONCERNS OF INFLUENTIAL AMERICAN CRITICS, THIS WILL NOT BE A 'SLAM DUNK,' [IN THIS CASE "FOREGONE CONCLUSION"] ACCORDING TO UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE STROBE TALBOTT. NOR SHOULD IT BE."

    [END OPT]

    TEXT: THE WASHINGTON TIMES NOTES THE OTHER REASON FOR THE PRESIDENT'S CURRENT EUROPEAN TRIP--CELEBRATION OF 50 YEARS OF THE EUROPEAN RECOVERY PROGRAM, KNOWN BY THE NAME OF ITS CHIEF ARCHITECT, FORMER SECREATARY OF STATE, GENERAL GEORGE C. MARSHALL.

    VOICE: ".... ON CANNOT ARGUE WITH PRESIDENT CLINTON'S PITCH [ARGUMENT] FOR CONTINUED U-S INVOLVEMENT IN EUROPE AND THE WORLD. THE VISION, HARD DECISIONS, AND TOUGH LEADERSHIP OF HARRY TRUMAN AND GEORGE C. MARSHALL HAVE PAID OFF IN THE PEACE AND PROSPERITY CURRENTLY ENJOYED BY THE UNITED STATES, ASIA AND EUROPE. THAT'S A LESSON WORTH REMEMBERING TODAY."

    TEXT: ELECTIONS ARE RIPE FOR PLENTY OF ATTENTION, WHETHER THEY WERE JUST HELD, ARE PENDING, OR ARE IN PROGRESS. FIRST, THE LOS ANGELES TIMES SALUTES THE VICTORY OF A "MODERATE" MULLAH AS PRESIDENT OF IRAN.

    VOICE: ".... THE MESSAGE SENT LAST WEEKEND BY IRANIAN VOTERS WAS A DEMAND FOR CHANGE AT HOME. IN GIVING MOHAMMAD KHATAMI, A MODERATE CLERIC, A LANDSLIDE VICTORY IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS THEY MADE IT CLEAR THAT AN IMPROVED ECONOMY AND RELAXED SOCIAL CUSTOMS WERE THE AIM OF THIS GENERATION OF IRANIANS. .... WE SHOULD ADD THAT THE 66-MILLION PEOPLE OF IRAN ..... AFTER NEARLY TWO DECADES OF REVOLUTION AND WAR .... DESERVE A BREAK."

    TEXT: NOW ON TO THE FRENCH ELECTIONS WHICH HAVE SEEN A BIG SURPRISE IN THE FIRST ROUND. RETURNS WENT HEAVILY AGAINST THE INCUMBENT RIGHT-WING GOVERNMENT WITH ONE ROUND YET TO GO. THAT PROMPTS THIS FROM THE WASHINGTON POST:

    VOICE: "FRANCE STRUGGLES WITH A SET OF DIRE ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES CLOSE ENOUGH TO THOSE OF THE UNITED STATES TO MERIT AMERICAN CONCERN BUT DISTANT ENOUGH TO OCCASION A CERTAIN AMERICAN RELIEF AS WELL. THAT IS WHAT MAKES THE FRENCH PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS ESPECIALLY INTERESTING."

    TEXT: AND COMMENT ON TOMORROW'S INDONESIAN ELECTIONS, WHICH PROMPTS THESE RHETORICAL QUESTIONS FROM THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR.

    VOICE: "IS PRESIDENT SUHARTO'S WELL-OILED ONE-MAN RULE SHOWING SIGNS OF TEETERING AFTER THREE DECADES? IS THERE ANY CHANCE THE WORLD'S FOURTH MOST POPULOUS NATION MIGHT SOON MOVE TOWARD REAL DEMOCRACY? THE SHORT ANSWER TO BOTH QUESTIONS IS NO."

    TEXT: AND LASTLY, A PLEA FROM MAINE'S PORTLAND PRESS HERALD FOR CONGRESS NOT TO REGRESS ON THE "DOLPHIN-SAFE" TUNA REGULATIONS. THESE RULES TOOK EFFECT IN 1992 AFTER A NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN TO SAVE THE MARINE MAMMALS WHICH WERE OFTEN DROWNED IN TUNA FISHING NETS. SAYS THE PRESS HERALD:

    VOICE: "CONSUMERS NOW SHOULD PREPARE TO DUST OFF THEIR OLD 'GUILT' FEELINGS. THE HOUSE VOTED LAST WEEK TO MAKE THE 'DOLPHIN SAFE' LABEL MEANINGLESS BY ALLOWING THE SALE OF TUNA THAT HAD BEEN CAUGHT BY THE OLD ENCIRCLEMENT METHODS THAT IMPERILED DOLPHINS. .... LATIN AMERICAN FLEETS ARE ANXIOUS TO SELL THEIR DOLPHIN-UNSAFE TUNS HERE, AND THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION IS WILLING TO LET THEM. THE SENATE SHOULDN'T GO ALONG...."

    TEXT: ON THAT NOTE, WE CONCLUDE THIS BRIEF SAMPLING OF EDITORIALS FROM THURSDAY'S U-S PRESS.
    NEB/ANG/NL
    28-May-97 10:53 AM EDT (1453 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


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