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Voice of America, 97-06-18

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

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


CONTENTS

  • [01] ALBANIA ELECTIONS (S) BY PAT BODNAR (WASHINGTON)
  • [02] E-U SUMMIT-GERMANY (L-ONLY) BY CAMERON MORRELL (BONN)
  • [03] E. EURO E-U (L-ONLY) BY BARRY WOOD (PRAGUE)
  • [04] EDITORIAL: DEMOCRACY ASSISTANCE TO SERBIA
  • [05] EURO STOCKS (S-ONLY) BY PAUL FRANCUCH (LONDON)
  • [06] EURO SUMMIT (L-UPDATE) CQ BY ANDRE DE NESNERA (LONDON)
  • [07] EUROPE SUMMIT FRANCE (L ONLY) BY JULIAN NUNDY (PARIS)
  • [08] G-7 INTERNET BY ANNE BOOZELL (WASHINGTON)
  • [09] GREECE / E-U (L-ONLY) BY ANTHEE CARASSAVA (ATHENS)
  • [10] MACEDONIA / DEMOS (L ONLY) BY DEBORAH TATE (WHITE HOUSE)
  • [11] N-Y ECON WRAP (S & L) BY MAX RUSTON (NEW YORK)
  • [12] NORTHERN IRELAND/TRIMBLE (L-O) BY BARBARA SCHOETZAU (NEW YORK)
  • [13] TURKEY / POLITICS (S-2ND UPDATE) BY AL PESSIN (ANKARA)
  • [14] TURKEY POLITICS (LONG) BY AL PESSIN (ANKARA)
  • [15] U-S / ROMANIA (S ONLY) BY DEBORAH TATE (WHITE HOUSE)
  • [16] U-S / TURKEY SHIPS (S-ONLY) BY RON PEMSTEIN (STATE DEPT.)
  • [17] WEDNESDAY'S EDITORIALS BY ANDREW N. GUTHRIE (WASHINGTON)

  • [01] ALBANIA ELECTIONS (S) BY PAT BODNAR (WASHINGTON)

    DATE=6/18/97
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-215905
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: PREPARATIONS FOR JUNE 29TH ELECTIONS IN ALBANIA DESIGNED TO BRING THE CHAOTIC COUNTRY BACK TO SOME NORMALCY, ARE IN SUCH A STATE OF DISARRAY, THEY MAY NOT TAKE PLACE AS SCHEDULED. THAT ACCORDING TO AN INTERNATIONAL MONITORING ORGANIZATION. VOA'S PAT BODNAR REPORTS.

    TEXT: THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, A GOVERNMENT-FUNDED WASHINGTON-BASED GROUP WHICH HAS BEEN AN OBSERVER IN FOUR ALBANIAN ELECTIONS ISSUED A REPORT THIS WEEK SAYING A VISITING DELEGATION WAS NOT CONFIDENT THAT "MINIMUM CONDITIONS"WOULD EXIST ON ELECTION DAY.

    JONAS ROLETZ IS WITH THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE. HE JUST RETURNED FROM A TRIP TO ALBANIA AND SAYS ELECTIONS WON'T BE ABLE TO TAKE PLACE UNLESS A NUMBER OF CONDITIONS ARE MET.

    //ROLETZ ACTUALITY//

    THE MOST SERIOUS PROBLEM IS THE SECURITY SITUATION IN ALBANIA WHICH REMAINS VERY VERY DANGEROUS AND DIFFICULT, PARTICULARLY OUTSIDE OF THE CAPITAL IN THE SOUTH, IN A NUMBER OF CITIES, AND ALSO TO A LESSER DEGREE IN THE NORTH.

    //END OF ROLETZ ACTUALITY//

    VIOLENCE ERUPTED IN ALBANIA AFTER PEOPLE LOST MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN BOGUS FINANCIAL SCHEMES. MANY BLAMED THE GOVERNMENT OF PRESIDENT SALI BERISHA.

    THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE SAYS ALBANIA'S " MOST SENIOR POLITICIANS", THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AND THE O-S-C-E MUST CREATE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR ELECTIONS TO OCCUR.

    ON WEDNESDAY, THE O-S-C-E OFFICIALS MEETING IN VIENNA, BACKED JUNE 29TH AS THE DATE FOR ELECTIONS. (SIGNED)
    NEB/PB/KL
    18-Jun-97 3:58 PM EDT (1958 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [02] E-U SUMMIT-GERMANY (L-ONLY) BY CAMERON MORRELL (BONN)

    DATE=6/18/97
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-215872
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    /////

    EDS: PART OF PACKAGE OF REACT TO THE E-U TREATY OF AMSTERDAM; AUDIO OPENS WITH "HOT-SWITCH" /////

    INTRO: THE EUROPEAN UNION'S "TREATY OF AMSTERDAM" IS BEING EXAMINED BY ANALYSTS IN THE CAPITALS OF EUROPE. CAMERON MORRELL HAS THIS REACTION FROM BONN.

    TEXT: GERMAN CHANCELLOR HELMUT KOHL RATES THE AMSTERDAM SUMMIT AS A GREAT SUCCESS. HE SAID THE AGREEMENT IS A SOLID BASIS FOR THE EUROPEAN UNION AND ITS FUTURE BUSINESS.

    THE CHANCELLOR SAID BECAUSE THERE WERE SO MANY RIVAL INTERESTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCES, NOT ALL COUNTRIES WOULD BE HAPPY WITH THE SUMMIT'S OUTCOME. BUT HE SAID WHAT WAS HAMMERED-OUT (FINALLY AGREED TO), COULD BE LOOKED ON AS A COLLECTION OF SENSIBLE COMPROMISES.

    CONSCIOUS OF GERMANY'S COMMITMENT TO HELP INTEGRATE COUNTRIES FROM THE FORMER SOVIET BLOC INTO WESTERN EUROPE, MR. KOHL SAID IT IS VITAL THE EUROPEAN UNION DID NOT STOP AT GERMANY'S EASTERN BORDER. HE MENTIONED POLAND, THE CZECH REPUBLIC, AND HUNGARY AS THOSE EAST EUROPEAN STATES WITH THE BEST CHANCES OF BECOMING E-U MEMBERS. HE SAID HE IS CONFIDENT NEGOTIATIONS WITH THEM COULD BEGIN EARLY NEXT YEAR.

    THERE HAS BEEN A MIXED REACTION TO THE SUMMIT AMONG GERMANY'S OPPOSITION PARTIES. THE SOCIAL DEMOCRAT'S FOREIGN POLICY EXPERT, GUNTHER VERHEUGEN, CALLED IT A MODEST STEP FORWARD, ADDING THE MEETING'S LACK OF UNITY SHOWED THE EUROPEAN UNION'S MOTOR HAD BEGUN TO SPUTTER (ORGANIZATION IS NOT RUNNING SMOOTHLY). HE SAID THE SUMMIT'S BEST RESULT WAS THE TIMETABLE FOR EUROPE'S SINGLE CURRENCY WAS BACK ON TRACK.

    BUNDESBANK PRESIDENT HANS TIETMEYER ALSO WELCOMED THIS, CALLING THE EURO CURRENCY'S PLANNED INTRODUCTION IN 1999 A KEYSTONE FOR EUROPEAN INTEGRATION.

    THOSE MOST UNHAPPY ARE MEMBERS OF GERMANY'S "GREENS" PARTY (ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT). THE DUTCH SUMMIT, THEY ARGUE, HAS DONE NOTHING FOR THE PEOPLE OF EUROPE. INSTEAD OF GIVING MORE POWER TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THEY SAY IT HAS ONLY STRENGTHENED THE ROLE OF BRUSSELS. (SIGNED)
    NEB/CM/PCF/RAE
    18-Jun-97 7:46 AM EDT (1146 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [03] E. EURO E-U (L-ONLY) BY BARRY WOOD (PRAGUE)

    DATE=6/18/97
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-215896
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: THE LEADING CANDIDATE'S FOR EUROPEAN UNION MEMBERSHIP IN EASTERN EUROPE ARE EXPRESSING RELIEF THAT THE AMSTERDAM SUMMIT OF THE 15 NATION UNION HAS AGREED TO HOLD TO ITS SCHEDULE FOR PLANNED EASTWARD EXPANSION. V-O-A'S BARRY WOOD HAS MORE FROM PRAGUE.

    TEXT: HUNGARIAN FOREIGN MINISTER LASZLO KOVACS SAID THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF THE AMSTERDAM TREATY IS THAT ACCESSION TALKS WITH CANDIDATE MEMBERS WILL START AS ORIGINALLY PLANNED. HE SAID HUNGARY EXPECTS TO COMPLETE ITS MEMBERSHIP NEGOTIATIONS BY THE YEAR 2000 AND BECOME AN E-U MEMBER SHORTLY THEREAFTER. THE E-U HAD ALREADY AGREED TO START A NEW ROUND OF MEMBERSHIP TALKS WITHIN SIX MONTHS AFTER A NEW ORGANIZATIONAL TREATY WAS COMPLETED. TEN EAST EUROPEAN COUNTRIES HAVE ASSOCIATION OR PRE-MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENTS WITH THE E-U. THEY ARE HUNGARY, POLAND, THE CZECH REPUBLIC, SLOVAKIA, BULGARIA, ROMANIA, THE THREE BALTIC STATES, AND SLOVENIA.

    IN WARSAW POLISH FOREIGN MINISTER DARIUSZ ROSATI EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT MEMBERSHIP NEGOTIATIONS MAY NOT BEGIN AS PLANNED NEXT JANUARY BUT MAY BE DELAYED UNTIL APRIL OR MAY OF NEXT YEAR. MR. ROSATI SAID POLAND EXPECTS TO BE IN THE FIRST WAVE OF E-U EXPANSION AND HOPES TO BE A MEMBER BY THE YEAR 2002. IN PRAGUE CZECH PRIME MINISTER VACLAV KLAUS EXPRESSED SATISFACTION WITH THE AMSTERDAM SUMMIT AND INDICATED THAT THE CZECH REPUBLIC FULLY EXPECTS TO BE PART OF THE FIRST WAVE OF NEW E-U MEMBERS. EARLIER IN A SPEECH DELIVERED IN LONDON MR. KLAUS CRITICIZED THE TRADE PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENTS THE E-U HAS NEGOTIATED WITH PROSPECTIVE EAST EUROPEAN MEMBERS. MR. KLAUS SAID CONTRARY TO THE STATED INTENTION OF PROMOTING EAST EUROPEAN ACCESS TO THE E-U MARKET, THE ACCORDS DO MORE TO PROMOTE E-U EXPORTS TO THE EAST.

    IT HAS LONG BEEN EXPECTED THAT THE SAME COUNTRIES HEADED FOR FIRST-ROUND MEMBERSHIP IN NATO--THE CZECH REPUBLIC, POLAND AND HUNGARY--WOULD BE THE FIRST TO ENTER THE E-U. SOME E-U OFFICIALS SAY SLOVENIA AND PERHAPS ESTONIA MAY ALSO BE IN THE FIRST WAVE. THE AMSTERDAM SUMMIT SUGGESTED THAT THE E-U WILL TAKE IN NO MORE THAN FIVE NEW MEMBERS IN ITS FIRST WAVE OF EXPANSION. (SIGNED)
    NEB/BDW/KL
    18-Jun-97 2:11 PM EDT (1811 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [04] EDITORIAL: DEMOCRACY ASSISTANCE TO SERBIA

    DATE=JUNE 19, 1997
    TYPE=EDITORIAL
    NUMBER=0-07327
    CONTENT=THIS IS THE FIRST OF TWO EDITORIALS BEING RELEASED FOR
    BROADCAST JUNE 19, 1997.

    ANNCR: THE VOICE OF AMERICA PRESENTS DIFFERING POINTS OF VIEW ON A WIDE VARIETY OF ISSUES. NEXT, AN EDITORIAL EXPRESSING THE POLICIES OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT.

    VOICE:

    U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT RECENTLY ANNOUNCED A FIVE-MILLION-DOLLAR PROGRAM OF SUPPORT FOR INDEPENDENT MEDIA AND PRO-DEMOCRACY EFFORTS IN SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO. MOST OF THE MONEY WILL GO FOR TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE THROUGH U.S.-BASED NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS, OR N-G-OS.

    THE U.S., ALONG WITH THE OPEN SOCIETY INSTITUTE, THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, AND THE BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION, WILL CONTRIBUTE EQUIPMENT TO HELP B-92 TO ESTABLISH A NETWORK OF INDEPENDENT RADIO STATIONS. RADIO B-92 WANTS ITS INDEPENDENT WIRE TO REACH ACROSS SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO.

    PRESIDENTIAL AND PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS ARE SCHEDULED TO BE HELD BY THE END OF 1997. AMERICAN N-G-OS WILL UNDERTAKE A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES IN THE HOPE THAT THESE ELECTIONS WILL BE FREE AND FAIR. THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE WILL WORK TO STRENGTHEN POLITICAL PARTIES AND DEVELOP CIVIC EDUCATION. THE INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE, OR I-R-I, WILL WORK ON POLITICAL PARTY DEVELOPMENT AND ADVISE STUDENT GROUPS. THE I-R-I ALSO PLANS TO MONITOR THIS YEAR'S ELECTIONS IN SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO. NO MONEY, NO MATERIAL SUPPORT WILL BE GIVEN TO POLITICAL PARTIES OR TO INDIVIDUAL CANDIDATES.

    THE GOAL OF THE U.S. ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IS THE SAME IN SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO AS IT IS IN OTHER CENTRAL AND EAST EUROPEAN COUNTRIES: TO SUPPORT DEMOCRATIC AND ECONOMIC REFORMS. SUCH SUPPORT IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT IN COUNTRIES LIKE SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO IN WHICH THE STATE HOLDS VIRTUALLY ALL THE RESOURCES FOR DEVELOPMENT. THE U.S. URGES THE GOVERNMENT TO LOOSEN ITS REINS ON THE MEDIA AND TO PERMIT A FREE AND FAIR ELECTORAL PROCESS. GENUINE PROGRESS IN ESTABLISHING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM ANSWERABLE TO THE PEOPLE RATHER THAN THE GOVERNING ELITES WOULD BE AN IMPORTANT STEP TOWARD INTEGRATION OF SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO INTO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY.

    ANNCR:

    THAT WAS AN EDITORIAL EXPRESSING THE POLICIES OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE HEARD ON THIS ISSUE, PLEASE WRITE TO EDITORIALS, VOICE OF AMERICA, WASHINGTON, D-C, 20547, U-S-A. YOU MAY ALSO SEND US A FAX AT (202) 619-1043. YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE USED ON THE AIR.
    18-Jun-97 3:11 PM EDT (1911 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


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

    DATE=6/18/97
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: IT WAS ANOTHER DOWN DAY FOR THE STOCK MARKETS OF WESTERN EUROPE WEDNESDAY. PAUL FRANCUCH HAS THE CLOSING FIGURES FROM LONDON.

    TEXT: EACH OF THE BIG MARKETS -- FRANKFURT, LONDON AND PARIS -- REPORTED DECLINES WEDNESDAY. THE BIGGEST DECLINE WAS HERE IN LONDON AGAIN, WHERE THE "FINANCIAL TIMES" 100 INDEX CONTINUED THE DOWNWARD COURSE BEGUN AT THE START OF THE WEEK. THE "FOOTSIE" CLOSED WITH A LOSS OF JUST OVER 25 POINTS. TRADERS WERE CAUTIOUS IN BOTH PARIS AND FRANKFURT. THE GERMAN "DAX 30" LOST 11 POINTS AND THE FRENCH "CAC 40" WAS DOWN ALMOST 11 POINTS.

    THE DOLLAR CLOSED DOWN SLIGHTLY AGAINST BOTH THE GERMAN MARK AND BRITISH POUND IN EUROPEAN TRADING WEDNESDAY. GOLD WAS DOWN 80 CENTS AN OUNCE IN THE LONDON CLOSING FIX, WHERE THE PRICE WAS SET AT 341-DOLLARS-55 CENTS. (SIGNED)
    NEB/PCF/EH
    18-Jun-97 2:16 PM EDT (1816 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [06] EURO SUMMIT (L-UPDATE) CQ BY ANDRE DE NESNERA (LONDON)

    DATE=6/18/97
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-215875
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    ///// DELETES TEXT GRAF 1 OF CR2-215861. /////

    INTRO: EUROPEAN LEADERS HAVE ENDED THEIR SUMMIT MEETING IN AMSTERDAM, AFTER MARATHON NEGOTIATIONS ON A NEW TREATY FOR THE EUROPEAN UNION. AS V-O-A CORRESPONDENT ANDRE DE NESNERA REPORTS FROM LONDON, KEY ISSUES STILL NEED TO BE ADDRESSED, AS THE E-U MOVES TO INCREASE ITS MEMBERSHIP.

    TEXT: THE AMSTERDAM SUMMIT WAS A CULMINATION OF 15-MONTHS OF NEGOTIATIONS. EXPECTATIONS WERE HIGH AS LEADERS DEBATED KEY ISSUES AFFECTING THE FUTURE SHAPE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION. MANY CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES WANT TO BECOME PART OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND NEGOTIATIONS ON THEIR EVENTUAL MEMBERSHIP ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN SOMETIME NEXT YEAR.

    AFTER PROTRACTED TALKS, SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS DECIDED TO PUT OFF, TO A LATER DATE, DECISIONS ON KEY INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS -- SUCH AS VOTING RIGHTS OF VARIOUS COUNTRIES, AS MORE MEMBERS ENTER THE EUROPEAN UNION. EUROPEAN LEADERS ALSO DECIDED TO INCREASE COOPERATION IN FOREIGN POLICY AND AGREED TO END ALL BORDER CONTROLS. BRITAIN, IRELAND AND DENMARK ARE ALLOWED TO OPT OUT OF THE BORDER PROVISIONS.

    EUROPEAN LEADERS ALSO SHELVED PLANS FOR A COMMON DEFENSE POLICY. FRANCE AND GERMANY FAVORED A COORDINATED DEFENSE POLICY, SAYING IT COULD ULTIMATELY LEAD TO A MILITARY ROLE FOR THE EUROPEAN UNION. HOWEVER, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR LED THE FIGHT AGAINST SUCH A MOVE AND SECURED LANGUAGE IN THE NEW TREATY WHICH SIMPLY TALKS OF A "POSSIBLE" DEFENSE ROLE FOR THE EUROPEAN UNION. MR. BLAIR TOLD REPORTERS HE FELT A GREATER DEFENSE ROLE FOR THE EUROPEAN UNION WOULD UNDERMINE NATO.

    // BLAIR ACTUALITY //

    NOTHING MUST JEOPARDIZE NATO. THAT IS THE FOUNDATION OF OUR DEFENSE POLICY AND THERE MUST BE NO QUESTION OF US BEING FORCED INTO AN INTEGRATION OF THE VARIOUS EUROPEAN DEFENSE INSTITUTIONS -- AND THAT HAS BEEN SECURED.

    // END ACTUALITY //

    MANY E-U LEADERS HAILED THE SUMMIT ACHIEVEMENTS. GERMAN CHANCELLOR HELMUT KOHL SAID "SENSIBLE COMPROMISES" WERE REACHED ON ALL ISSUES. // OPT // EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT JACQUES SANTER TOLD REPORTERS E-U LEADERS HAVE TAKEN ANOTHER STEP TOWARDS EUROPEAN UNIFICATION. // END OPT // HOWEVER, ANALYSTS SAY THE FINAL DOCUMENT REACHED AT AMSTERDAM HAD TO BE WATERED DOWN TO GET EVERYONE TO AGREE. THEY SAY ANOTHER SUMMIT MEETING WILL BE NECESSARY IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO DEAL WITH MAJOR REFORMS AND, THUS, ALLOW THE EUROPEAN UNION TO EXPAND IN THE YEARS AHEAD. (SIGNED)
    NEB/ADEN/WD/RAE
    18-Jun-97 8:08 AM EDT (1208 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [07] EUROPE SUMMIT FRANCE (L ONLY) BY JULIAN NUNDY (PARIS)

    DATE=6/18/97
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-215865
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:
    ///EDS: PART OF PACKAGE OF REACT TO THE E-U TREATY OF AMSTERDAM; AUDIO OPENS WITH "HOT-SWITCH" ///

    INTRO: THE EUROPEAN UNION'S "TREATY OF AMSTERDAM" IS BEING EXAMINED BY ANALYSTS IN THE CAPITALS OF EUROPE. JULIAN NUNDY HAS THIS REACTION FROM PARIS.

    TEXT: FOR THE FRENCH, THE AMSTERDAM SUMMIT IS SEEN AS A TEST OF THEIR RELATIONS WITH GERMANY, NOW THAT THEY HAVE A NEW SOCIALIST-LED GOVERNMENT.

    THE SIGNS ARE THAT THIS RELATIONSHIP IS IN FOR SOME TURBULENCE. WHEN THE 15 EUROPEAN UNION COUNTRIES GATHERED IN AMSTERDAM, THE INITIAL POINT OF FRICTION WAS A FRENCH DEMAND FOR A SOCIAL CLAUSE IN THE SO-CALLED "STABILITY PACT" LAYING DOWN THE ECONOMIC RULES FOR THOSE COUNTRIES JOINING "THE EURO" -- THE PROPOSED SINGLE EUROPEAN CURRENCY. FRANCE WANTED A PROMISE FOR NEW EFFORTS TO CREATE JOBS.

    IN THE END, THE FORMULA ADOPTED WAS ONE THAT GERMANY HAD ALREADY ACCEPTED BEFORE CHANCELLOR HELMUT KOHL MET WITH FRANCE'S NEW PRIME MINISTER, LIONEL JOSPIN, LAST FRIDAY. THAT MEETING, IN THE CITY OF POITIERS, FAILED BECAUSE THE TWO COUNTRIES COULD NOT THEN AGREE ON THE SOCIAL CLAUSE. THE FRENCH THEREFORE RETREATED ON THEIR EARLIER POSITIONS TO FIND A COMPROMISE IN AMSTERDAM. NOW, WITH THE FRENCH MINISTER FOR EUROPE SAYING THAT THE CREATION OF THE SINGLE CURRENCY WILL DEPEND ON EUROPE'S ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS AND FRANCE'S FINANCE MINISTER SEEKING A SOFTENING OF THE CONDITIONS TO JOIN, THE NET RESULT HAS BEEN TO PUT THE CURRENCY ITSELF IN SOME DOUBT. IN THE WORDS OF THE DAILY "LE MONDE," THIS IS "THE WEEK IN WHICH THE EURO BEGAN TO WOBBLE."

    AS FOR THE DELAYED REFORM OF EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS TO PREPARE THEM FOR THE ADMISSION OF EASTERN EUROPEAN MEMBERS, THE CONSERVATIVE FRENCH PRESIDENT JACQUES CHIRAC DESCRIBED IT AS AN ACCEPTABLE COMPROMISE.

    THE BUSINESS DAILY "LES ECHOS" SAYS THE MAIN MERIT OF THE AMSTERDAM SUMMIT IS THAT IT MANAGED TO AVOID OPEN CRISIS. BUT, THE NEWSPAPER ADDS, THE COMPROMISES OBTAINED AT AMSTERDAM WERE VERY MODEST ACHIEVEMENTS INDEED. (SIGNED)
    NEB/JN/PCF
    18-Jun-97 5:29 AM EDT (0929 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [08] G-7 INTERNET BY ANNE BOOZELL (WASHINGTON)

    DATE=6/18/97
    TYPE=BACKGROUND REPORT
    NUMBER=5-36708
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: RESEARCHERS AND ACADEMICS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD WILL BE ANALYZING THE SUMMIT OF THE EIGHT WHICH OPENS LATER THIS WEEK IN DENVER. ANNE BOOZELL HAS FOUND ONE GROUP WHICH IS STUDYING THE SUMMIT VIA THE INTERNET.

    TEXT:

    /// NATSOUND--COMPUTER TYPING. ///

    IF YOU SURF THE NET, YOU WILL FIND ALL SORTS OF WEB PAGES DEVOTED TO THE SUMMIT OF THE EIGHT -- THE CITY OF DENVER HAS ONE, SO DO GERMANY AND FRANCE, AND SO DOES THE VOICE OF AMERICA. BUT ONE OF THE MOST DYNAMIC SITES BELONGS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO. IT IS OFFERING AN ON-LINE ACADEMIC COURSE AND WORKSHOP FOR STUDENTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO STUDY THE SUMMIT WITHOUT LEAVING HOME.

    /// STUDENTS ACT ///

    MY NAME IS ANTHONY. I AM FROM DUBLIN, IRELAND AND I HAVE BEEN ASKED TO TAKE PART. IT IS WONDERFUL TO BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH SO MANY PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD AND ON SUCH A TOPIC. I MEAN IT JUST PROVIDES US WITH SO MUCH INFORMATION. MY NAME IS STEVE ROMAN. I AM A STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT DENVER AND I SIGNED UP FOR THE ON-LINE COURSE ON THE G-7 SUMMIT BECAUSE IT IS JUST A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO GET A EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE.

    /// END ACT ///

    STEVE AND ANTHONY ARE TWO OF THE NEARLY 350 STUDENTS FROM A DOZEN COUNTRIES WHO HAVE SIGNED UP FOR THE CLASS IMPLEMENTED BY REAL EDUCATION INFORMATION SYSTEMS, WHICH ORGANIZES ON-LINE COURSES FOR THE UNIVERSITY.

    COORDINATOR ROBERT HAZAN SAYS CLASS PLANNERS WANTED STUDENTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO STUDY AND REACT TO THE SUMMIT -- WHILE IT WAS TAKING PLACE. HE SAYS THE INTERNET PROVIDED THE ANSWER.

    /// HAZAN ACT ///

    WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT IN THE TRADITIONAL SENSE. WE COULD NOT HAVE BROUGHT IN THE G-8 STUDENTS FOR INSTANCE, FROM RUSSIA, FROM FRANCE, TO DENVER SO THAT WE COULD HAVE A CLASSROOM WHERE AMERICAN STUDENTS COULD HAVE INTERACTED WITH THE G-8 STUDENTS. THROUGH THE INTERNET WE ARE ABLE TO DO THAT.

    /// END ACT ///

    PROFESSOR HAZAN IS HEADING A GROUP OF 50 INSTRUCTORS. THEY HAVE DIVIDED THE STUDENTS INTO SMALL GROUPS -- EACH WITH STUDENTS FROM SEVERAL COUNTRIES. HE SAYS EACH GROUP IS SPENDING THE DAYS BEFORE THE SUMMIT DEVELOPING POSITION PAPERS ON THE SAME ISSUES WHICH SUMMIT LEADERS WILL BE EXPLORING.

    /// HAZAN ACT ///

    THROUGH THE G-8 SUMMIT AS A CASE STUDY, STUDENTS ARE GOING TO BE ABLE TO STUDY INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL SECURITY ISSUES AND TERRORISM, GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS, ISSUES RELATED TO HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY, THE NEWLY EMERGING ROLE FOR RUSSIA AND THE WESTERN ALLIANCE -- WHICH IS A FASCINATING TOPIC TO TALK ABOUT -- ISSUES RELATING TO CONFLICT RESOLUTION, PEACE-MAKING AND PEACEKEEPING

    /// END ACT ///

    DURING THE SUMMIT, DELEGATES AND MEMBER OF THE MEDIA WILL JOIN THE STUDENTS FOR ON-LINE QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSIONS ABOUT SUMMIT ISSUES. AFTER THE SUMMIT, STUDENTS WILL ANALYZE THE OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUES AS THEY COMPLETE THEIR COURSEWORK.

    PROFESSOR HAZAN SAYS ITS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS TO ANALYSE HISTORY WHILE IT IS BEING MADE, RATHER THAN YEARS LATER WHEN THIS SUMMIT APPEARS IN A CLASSROOM TEXTBOOK. (SIGNED)
    NEB/RAE
    18-Jun-97 12:04 PM EDT (1604 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [09] GREECE / E-U (L-ONLY) BY ANTHEE CARASSAVA (ATHENS)

    DATE=6/18/97
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-215878
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: A NEW WAVE OF STRIKES HAS RATTLED THE GREEK CAPITAL, DISRUPTING MANY PUBLIC SERVICES. ANTHEE CARASSAVA REPORTS THE PROTESTS ARE THE LATEST SHOW OF LABOR UNREST AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT'S BID TO MEET STRICT CRITERIA FOR JOINING EUROPE'S ECONOMIC MONETARY UNION.

    TEXT: FROM DOCTORS TO POSTMEN, THOUSANDS COMPLAINED WEDNESDAY OF RISING UNEMPLOYMENT AND THE GREEK GOVERNMENT'S AUSTERITY MEASURES.

    WORKERS AT STATE HOSPITALS REFUSED TO ATTEND PATIENTS AND PHARMACIES SHUT DOWN IN PROTEST OVER A LOSS IN PROFITS, AFTER THE GREEK GOVERNMENT'S DECISION TO SLASH THE PRICES OF MEDICINES.

    POSTAL WORKERS ALSO BEGAN A 24-HOUR STRIKE AND TEACHERS THREATENED TO CANCEL UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS. THEY TOO ARE COMPLAINING AGAINST WHAT THEY CALL UNMET PLEDGES BY THE GOVERNMENT TO BOOST THEIR INCOMES WITH SPECIAL BONUSES.

    THE GREEK STRIKES COME A DAY AFTER EUROPEAN UNION LEADERS MET IN AMSTERDAM TO REVISE THE 1991 MAASTRICHT TREATY ON ECONOMIC AND MONETARY UNION OF THE 15-MEMBER E-U BLOC.

    DESPITE THE REVISIONS, GREECE'S SOCIALIST GOVERNMENT SAYS IT WILL STICK TO STRICT FINANCIAL GUIDELINES PRESCRIBED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE GROUP'S SINGLE CURRENCY PLAN.

    GREECE CONCEDES IT IS UNABLE TO MEET REQUIREMENTS TO JOIN THE SINGLE CURRENCY BY JANUARY 1, 1999. BUT OFFICIALS ARGUE THE AUSTERITY MEASURES ARE NECESSARY IN PURSUIT OF JOINING THE SINGLE CURRENCY BY THE YEAR 2002.

    DESPITE THE GOVERNMENT'S COMMITMENT TO THE EUROPEAN MONETARY UNION PROCESS, GREECE REMAINS THE WORST ECONOMIC PERFORMER IN THE EUROPEAN UNION, HOLDING THE HIGHEST RATE OF INFLATION AND MOST BLOATED PUBLIC DEFICIT.

    GREEK ANALYSTS FEAR ADDITIONAL AUSTERITY MEASURES MAY SPARK FURTHER WAVES OF LABOR UNREST AND GOVERNMENT CRISIS. (SIGNED)
    NEB/AC/PCF/RAE
    18-Jun-97 9:06 AM EDT (1306 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [10] MACEDONIA / DEMOS (L ONLY) BY DEBORAH TATE (WHITE HOUSE)

    DATE=6/17/97
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-215855
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    // FOR USE AS COMPANION PIECE TO GOLLUST C-R //

    INTRO: AS PRESIDENT CLINTON AND MACEDONIAN PRESIDENT KIRO GLIGOROV HELD TALKS AT THE WHITE HOUSE TUESDAY, A MACEDONIAN OPPOSITION GROUP PROTESTED JUST OUTSIDE THE WHITE HOUSE GATE OVER WHAT IT SAYS IS A LACK OF DEMOCRATIC FREEDOMS UNDER MR. GLIGOROV'S GOVERNMENT. V-O-A WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT DEBORAH TATE REPORTS.

    TEXT: A GROUP OF ABOUT FOUR DOZEN DEMONSTRATORS FROM AN EXILED OPPOSITION GROUP CALLING ITSELF THE MACEDONIAN WORLD CONGRESS PROTESTED AGAINST WHAT THEY SAY IS A LACK OF DEMOCRATIC REFORMS ON THE PART THE MACEDONIAN GOVERNMENT -- WHICH IS DOMINATED BY FORMER COMMUNISTS. THEY CALLED FOR NEW NATIONAL ELECTIONS.

    // DEMONSTRATORS ACTUALITY //

    LEADER: WE WANT FREEDOM OF THE PRESS IN MACEDONIA. CROWD: YES!

    LEADER: WE WANT FREEDOM OF THE PRESS IN MACEDONIA. CROWD: YES!

    LEADER: WE WANT COMMUNISTS OUT OF MACEDONIA. CROWD: OUT!

    LEADER: WE WANT COMMUNISTS OUT OF MACEDONIA. CROWD: OUT!

    // END ACT //

    NESTOR OGINAR LED THE PROTEST.

    // OGINAR ACTUALITY //

    WE HAVE A MESSAGE FOR MR. CLINTON: HE SHOULD PRESS THIS GOVERNMENT, REPRESENTED BY MR. GLIGOROV, FOR EARLY, FREE PARLIAMENTARY AND PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS, BECAUSE BY POPULAR OPINION OF THE MACEDONIANS, IT HAS LOST THE MANDATE.

    // END ACT //

    AT THE WHITE HOUSE, SPOKESMAN MIKE MCCURRY SAYS THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA -- OR FYROM -- HAS MADE PROGRESS TOWARD DEMOCRATIC REFORM, BUT HE SAID MORE WORK IS NEEDED.

    // MCCURRY ACTUALITY //

    WE HAVE EXPRESSED OUR CONCERNS TO THE GOVERNMENT IN THE PAST ABOUT THE NEED TO NURTURE AND DEVELOP AND STRENGTHEN DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS. ON BALANCE, THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING THROUGH A LOT OF THESE ISSUES, AS HAVE OTHER CONTIGUOUS PARTS OF WHAT USED TO BE YUGOSLAVIA. IN THE FYROM, PROGRESS TOWARD THOSE OBJECTIVES HAVE BEEN GREATER THAN IN SOME OTHER PLACES IN THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA. BUT THEY DO HAVE SOME THINGS THEY NEED TO WORK ON, AND WE HAVE ADDRESSED THOSE FROM TIME TO TIME.

    // END ACT //

    MR. MCCURRY SAYS THE PRESIDENT PRAISED MACEDONIA AS A MODEL OF STABILITY IN A VERY TURBULENT REGION OF THE WORLD. (SIGNED)
    NEB/DAT/LWM
    17-Jun-97 8:12 PM EDT (0012 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [11] N-Y ECON WRAP (S & L) BY MAX RUSTON (NEW YORK)

    DATE=6/18/97
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-215913
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: STOCK PRICES IN THE UNITED STATES WERE DOWN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AMID A MILD SELL-OFF IN THE TECHNOLOGY SECTOR. V-O-A'S MAX RUSTON HAS THAT AND OTHER FINANCIAL NEWS FROM OUR NEW YORK BUREAU.

    TEXT: THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE WAS DOWN 42 POINTS, CLOSING AT 77-HUNDRED-19. THAT IS 63 POINTS BELOW ITS ALL-TIME HIGH OF 77-HUNDRED-82 REACHED FRIDAY. THE BROADER AND MORE REPRESENTATIVE STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 INDEX WAS ALSO DOWN. IT CLOSED FIVE POINTS LOWER AT 889.

    TECHNOLOGY STOCKS ARE LARGELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DROP. THERE IS DISAGREEMENT AMONG ANALYSTS OVER THE STRENGTH OF THE TECHNOLOGY SECTOR. SOME ARE PREDICTING A SLOWDOWN IN COMPUTER SALES. OTHERS SAY THE INDUSTRY IS STRONG, ASIDE FROM A FEW COMPANIES SUFFERING A SEASONAL DROP IN SALES.

    THE COMPUTER DISK MAKER SEAGATE, THE ON-LINE SERVICE PROVIDER COMPUSERVE AND THE EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY WERE AMONG THE BIGGEST LOSERS. MANY ENERGY AND PHARMACEUTICAL STOCKS MANAGED MODERATE GAINS IN SPITE OF THE MARKET DOWNTURN.

    /// REST OPTIONAL ///

    COMPUSERVE'S DROP FOLLOWS THE RELEASE OF POOR QUARTERLY RESULTS. THE COMPANY WAS ONCE THE WORLD'S LARGEST ON-LINE SERVICE, BUT IS NOW NUMBER TWO, AFTER AMERICA ON-LINE, WITH ABOUT FIVE-MILLION DIRECT AND LICENSED SUBSCRIBERS AROUND THE WORLD. WHILE COMPUSERVE'S SUBSCRIPTION BASE HAS BEEN DROPPING STEADILY, AMERICA ON-LINE SAYS IT IS EXPERIENCING FASTER THAN EXPECTED GROWTH IN ITS BID FOR INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS.

    AND TWO OF THE WORLD'S BEST-KNOWN NAMES IN HIGH PERFORMANCE VEHICLES -- MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURER HARLEY-DAVIDSON, AND AUTO GIANT PORSCHE -- ARE FORMING A NEW JOINT-VENTURE. IT WILL SELL ENGINES AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR USE IN MOTORCYCLES. IT IS THE LATEST IN A SERIES OF COOPERATIVE PROJECTS BETWEEN THE TWO COMPANIES, EXTENDING BACK TWO DECADES. (SIGNED) NEB/NY/MPR/LSF/RRM
    18-Jun-97 5:04 PM EDT (2104 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [12] NORTHERN IRELAND/TRIMBLE (L-O) BY BARBARA SCHOETZAU (NEW YORK)

    DATE=6/18/97
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-215921
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: IN NEW YORK, A LEADING NORTHERN IRELAND LOYALIST SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY), HE NOW BELIEVES IT IS POSSIBLE TO ADMIT SINN FEIN, THE POLITICAL ARM OF THE IRISH REPUBLICAN ARMY, TO PARTICIPATE IN PEACE TALKS BEFORE TURNING OVER ALL THEIR WEAPONS. FROM NEW YORK CORRESPONDENT BARBARA SCHOETZAU REPORTS.

    TEXT: THE ISSUE OF DECOMMISSIONING WEAPONS HAS BEEN A MAJOR STUMBLING BLOCK IN NORTHERN IRELAND PEACE TALKS. LOYALIST PARTIES HAVE INSISTED THAT SINN FEIN GIVE UP ITS WEAPONS AS A CONDITION OF JOINING THE NEGOTIATIONS. BUT NOW DAVID TRIMBLE, THE HEAD OF THE ULSTER UNIONIST PARTY, SAYS HE HAS CHANGED HIS POSITION.

    /// TRIMBLE ACT ///

    WE DID ADOPT A POSITION OF PRIOR DECOMMISSIONING, DECOMMISSIONING BEFORE ENTRY INTO TALKS, UP UNTIL THE PUBLICATION OF THE REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL BODY ON DECOMMISSIONING, THE MITCHELL REPORT, WHICH SUGGESTED DECOMMISSIONING ALONGSIDE TALKS. WE WOULD BE CONTENT WITH DECOMMISSIOING ALONGSIDE TALKS, PROVIDED IT ACTUALLY HAPPENS. THAT IS OUR CONCERN.

    /// END ACT ///

    THE REPORT, BASED ON A COMMISSION HEADED BY FORMER U-S SENATOR GEORGE MITCHELL, ALSO RECOMMENDS VERIFICATION OF THE WEAPONS DECOMMISSIONING BY INTERNATIONAL MONITORS.

    THE NEW BRITISH GOVERNMENT OF PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR HAS BEEN PUSHING SINN FEIN TO REINSTATE THE CEASEFIRE IT BROKE 17 MONTHS AGO IN ORDER TO JOIN THE TALKS. BUT THE MURDERS EARLIER THIS WEEK OF TWO POLICE OFFICERS IN NORTHERN IRELAND, ALLEGEDLY AT THE HANDS OF I-R-A GUNMEN, HAS ENDED CONTACT BETWEEN BRITISH GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES AND SINN FEIN, AT LEAST TEMPORARILY.

    MR. TRIMBLE DEPLORED THE MURDERS, BUT HE SAYS THERE IS STILL AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE PROGRESS IN PEACE TALKS. HE SAYS THE TALKS HAVE BEEN STALLED ON PROCESS ISSUES BUT HE BELIEVES ALL PARTIES WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SINN FEIN -- ARE IN AGREEMENT ON MANY ISSUES OF SUBSTANCE. AND HE SAYS HE BELIEVES NEWLY ELECTED GOVERNMENTS IN BRITAIN AND THE IRISH REPUBLIC PRESENT A WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY IN THE PEACE PROCESS.

    /// TRIMBLE ACT ///

    I MUST SAY THAT I DO WELCOME THE CHANGES THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE. I SEE IN (PRIME MINISTER) TONY BLAIR SOMEONE WHO COULD ACTUALLY DO THINGS MORE EFFECTIVELY THAN JOHN MAJOR WAS ABLE TO DO. WITH REGARD TO THE IRISH REPUBLIC, I AM PARADOXICALLY SORRY THAT (IRISH PRIME MINISTER) BERTIE AHEARNE DID NOT DO BETTER. HE MAY NOT HAVE A STABLE ADMINISTRATION BECAUSE HE IS SHORT OF A MAJORITY. HE IS DEPENDENT ON INDEPENDENT MEMBERS TO MAKE A MAJORITY AND SOME OF THEM MAY BE DIFFICULT. I LOOK AT THE PRESENT SITUATION IN TERMS OF BLAIR AND AHEARNE AS OPPORTUNITIES. I LOOK TO SEE WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE. I AM NOT DISCOURAGED YET AND I WILL NOT BE FOR SOME TIME.

    /// END ACT ///

    MR. TRIMBLE MADE HIS COMMENTS TO MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY, A PRIVATE GROUP THAT HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING THE PEACE PROCESS IN NORTHERN IRELAND. (SIGNED) NEB/NY/BJS/LSF/LWM
    18-Jun-97 6:49 PM EDT (2249 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [13] TURKEY / POLITICS (S-2ND UPDATE) BY AL PESSIN (ANKARA)

    DATE=6/18/97
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-215894
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:
    ///EDITORS: UPDATES INTRO WITH RESIGNATION CONFIRMED; DROPS LAST SENTENCE OF THIRD GRAPH IN TEXT///

    INTRO: TURKEY'S ISLAMIST PRIME MINISTER HAS RESIGNED, BUT HE HOPES TO REMAIN IN THE GOVERNMENT IN A DEAL THAT WOULD MAKE HIS SECULAR COALITION PARTNER, TANSU CILLER, PRIME MINISTER. THE QUESTION NOW IS WHETHER TURKEY'S PRESIDENT AND ARMY WILL ACCEPT THE PLAN? V-O-A'S AL PESSIN REPORTS FROM ANKARA.

    TEXT: PRIME MINISTER NECMETTIN ERBAKAN'S MOVE IS PART OF AN ARRANGEMENT DESIGNED TO GIVE THE ISLAMISTS A LOWER PROFILE, EASE TENSION WITH THE MILITARY AND CALL EARLY ELECTIONS -- ALL WHILE REMAINING PART OF THE GOVERNMENT. BUT PRESIDENT SULEIMAN DEMIREL MIGHT NOT ACCEPT THE PLAN, AND IF HE DOES, THERE ARE FEARS THE ARMY, WHICH WANTS THE ISLAMISTS OUT OF THE GOVERNMENT, MIGHT MOVE TO TAKE POWER.

    THE ARMY HAS DONE THAT THREE TIMES IN RECENT DECADES, AND MR. DEMIREL WAS PRIME MINISTER ON TWO OF THOSE OCCASIONS. HE COULD APPOINT SOMEONE PRIME MINISTER FROM OUTSIDE THE COALITION, IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP THE ISLAMISTS OUT AND PLACATE THE ARMY, BUT SUCH A MOVE WOULD LIKELY FAIL IN PARLIAMENT.

    AT A JOINT NEWS CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY, MR. ERBAKAN AND MRS. CILLER DENOUNCED ARMY CHARGES THAT THEIR COALITION IS TRYING TO MAKE TURKISH SOCIETY MORE ISLAMIC. (SIGNED)
    NEB/AWP/PCF/RRM
    18-Jun-97 1:14 PM EDT (1714 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [14] TURKEY POLITICS (LONG) BY AL PESSIN (ANKARA)

    DATE=6/18/97
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-215886
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:
    /// RESIGNATION SCHEDULED FOR 1530 U-T-C TEXT SHOULD HOLD WITH UPDATED INTRO ///

    INTRO: AFTER WEEKS OF HAGGLING, TURKEY'S ISLAMIST PRIME MINISTER HAS AGREED TO RESIGN, BUT HE HOPES TO REMAIN IN THE GOVERNMENT IN A DEAL WITH ONE OF THE MAIN SECULAR PARTIES. THE QUESTION NOW IS WHETHER TURKEY'S PRESIDENT AND ARMY WILL ACCEPT THE PLAN. V-O-A'S AL PESSIN REPORTS FROM ANKARA.

    TEXT: PRIME MINISTER NECMETTIN ERBAKAN'S MOVE IS PART OF AN ARRANGEMENT DESIGNED TO TRANSFER THE PREMIERSHIP TO A SECULAR PARTY, EASE TENSION WITH THE MILITARY AND CALL EARLY ELECTIONS -- ALL WHILE REMAINING PART OF THE GOVERNMENT.

    AT A JOINT NEWS CONFERENCE WITH HIS COALITION PARTNER TANSU CILLER -- WHO WOULD BECOME PRIME MINISTER UNDER THE PLAN -- MR. ERBAKAN SAID THEY HAVE ENOUGH VOTES IN PARLIAMENT TO FORM A NEW GOVERNMENT, WITH THE HELP OF A SMALL NATIONALIST PARTY. HAVING SHARED POWER IN THE YEAR SINCE TURKEY'S INCONCLUSIVE ELECTIONS, THE TWO ARE NOW PROMISING NEW ELECTIONS IN WHAT THEY CALL "THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME."

    BUT TURKEY'S PRESIDENT, VETERAN POLITICIAN SULEYMAN DEMIREL, MUST FIRST AGREE TO APPOINT MRS. CILLER -- AND HE HAS NOT INDICATED WHETHER HE WILL DO SO.

    THE GOVERNMENT CHANGE IS HAPPENING BECAUSE OF INTENSE PRESSURE FROM TURKEY'S MILITARY, WHICH SEES ITSELF AS THE GUARDIAN OF TURKEY'S SECULAR TRADITION. THE ARMY CLAIMS MR. ERBAKAN'S ISLAMIC WELFARE PARTY AND ITS GOVERNMENT ARE TRYING TO MAKE TURKISH SOCIETY MORE ISLAMIC.

    MR. ERBAKAN, TURKEY'S FIRST ISLAMIST PRIME MINISTER IN MODERN TIMES, DENOUNCED SUCH CHARGES WEDNESDAY AS A "FAKE AGENDA." AND MRS. CILLER, WHO IS DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, DECLARED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING TO THREATEN WHAT SHE CALLED "THE SECULAR REPUBLIC." STILL, THERE ARE CONCERNS THAT IF THE ERBAKAN-CILLER PLAN IS IMPLEMENTED, KEEPING THE ISLAMISTS IN THE GOVERNMENT, THE ARMY COULD MOVE TO TAKE POWER, AS IT HAS DONE THREE TIMES BEFORE. TO AVOID THAT, PRESIDENT DEMIREL COULD IGNORE THE COALITION AGREEMENT AND APPOINT SOMEONE ELSE PRIME MINISTER. IF THAT APPOINTEE FAILS TO FORM A GOVERNMENT WITHIN 45 DAYS, WHICH APPEARS LIKELY, THE PRESIDENT COULD THEN APPOINT A GOVERNMENT OF HIS CHOICE TO LEAD THE COUNTRY TO EARLY ELECTIONS.

    PRESIDENT DEMIREL HAS NOT GIVEN ANY INDICATION OF WHAT HE WILL DO. HE WAS PRIME MINISTER AT THE TIME OF TWO OF THE MILITARY TAKEOVERS. (SIGNED)
    NEB/AWP/PCF/EH
    18-Jun-97 11:38 AM EDT (1538 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [15] U-S / ROMANIA (S ONLY) BY DEBORAH TATE (WHITE HOUSE)

    DATE=6/18/97
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-215893
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE MET WITH VISITING ROMANIAN PRIME MINISTER VICTOR CIORBEA AT THE WHITE HOUSE WEDNESDAY TO EXPLAIN WHY THE UNITED STATES OPPOSES BUCHAREST'S EARLY ENTRY INTO NATO. BUT MR. GORE GAVE ASSURANCES ROMANIA WOULD HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN AT A LATER DATE IF IT CONTINUES ON THE PATH OF REFORM. V-O-A WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT DEBORAH TATE REPORTS.

    TEXT: MR. CIORBEA'S VISIT TO WASHINGTON COMES A WEEK AFTER MR. CLINTON ANNOUNCED HE WANTED TO LIMIT THE FIRST WAVE OF NATO EXPANSION TO THREE COUNTRIES -- POLAND, THE CZECH REPUBLIC AND HUNGARY.

    THOSE NATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BE INVITED TO JOIN THE WESTERN ALLIANCE AT ITS SUMMIT IN MADRID JULY EIGHTH AND NINTH.

    ALTHOUGH A MAJORITY OF THE 16 NATO MEMBERS SUPPORTED EARLY MEMBERSHIP FOR ROMANIA, U-S OFFICIALS HAVE ARGUED BUCHAREST NEEDS MORE TIME TO STENGTHEN ITS ECONOMIC AND MILITARY INFRASTRUCTURES.

    MR. CIORBEA SAYS THAT WAS THE MESSAGE HE RECEIVED FROM MR. GORE. HE SPOKE THROUGH AN INTERPRETOR.

    // CIORBEA ACTUALITY //

    VICE PRESIDENT GORE EXPLAINED THE REASONS WHY THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION HAS CHOSEN THE PATH TOWARDS A REDUCED EXPANSION OF NATO TO THE EAST, BUT AT THE SAME TIME ASSURED THE PRIME MINISTER THAT IF ROMANIA CONTINUES ITS REFORMS, IT WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE SECOND WAVE.

    // END ACT //

    MR. CIORBEA REPEATED HIS CASE FOR HIS COUNTRY'S INCLUSION IN NATO SAYING IT HAS BECOME AN ANCHOR OF STABILITY IN THE BALKANS AND WOULD HELP CONSOLIDATE THE NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN FLANKS OF NATO. (SIGNED)
    NEB/DAT/TMD/KL
    18-Jun-97 1:11 PM EDT (1711 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [16] U-S / TURKEY SHIPS (S-ONLY) BY RON PEMSTEIN (STATE DEPT.)

    DATE=6/18/97
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-215907
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: THE UNITED STATES HAS CRITICIZED A TURKISH NAVAL VISIT TO THE TURKISH-CONTROLLED PART OF CYPRUS. RON PEMSTEIN REPORTS FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT.

    TEXT: THE UNITED STATES HAS EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT TURKISH NAVAL MANEUVERS, SAYING THEY UNDERMINE STABILITY. THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT INSISTS THE SHIPS ARE MAKING ROUTINE PORT VISITS TO THE TURKISH-CONTROLLED PART OF CYPRUS.

    STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN NICHOLAS BURNS SAYS THE AMERICAN CONCERN IS BASED ON TURKEY NOT INFORMING GREECE OR ANY OTHER NATO ALLY ABOUT ITS INTENTIONS IN ADVANCE.

    ///BURNS ACT///

    WE THINK THAT COUNTRIES NEED TO BE TRANSPARENT IN WHAT THEY ARE DOING. THEY NEED TO TELL OTHER COUNTRIES WHAT THEY INTEND TO DO SO THAT OTHER COUNTRIES CAN HAVE A REASONABLE CONFIDENCE IN THE ACTIONS OF THAT COUNTRY.

    ///END ACT///

    THE UNITED STATES IS INTERESTED IN STABILITY ON CYPRUS IN ADVANCE OF U-N SPONSORED TALKS NEXT MONTH IN NEW YORK BETWEEN THE GREEK AND TURKISH CYPRIOT LEADERS. (SIGNED)
    NEB/RP/RRM
    18-Jun-97 4:11 PM EDT (2011 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


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

    DATE=06/18/97
    TYPE=U-S EDITORIAL DIGEST
    NUMBER=6-10217
    TELEPHONE=619-3335
    EDITOR=NEAL LAVON
    CONTENT=

    [RE-RUNNING TO INCLUDE OPT ON NATO]

    // EDITORS, PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS PERISHABLE MATERIAL AND BECOMES DATED AFTER 10 P-M E-D-S-T ON WEDNESDAY JUNE 18TH //

    INTRO: THE MURDER OF TWO NORTHERN IRELAND POLICE OFFICERS BY I-R-A ASSASSINS IS BEING WIDELY CONDEMNED IN THE EDITORIAL COLUMNS OF THE U-S PRESS THIS WEDNESDAY.

    OTHER TOPICS UNDER DISCUSSION INCLUDE THE LACK, SO FAR, OF DEBATE ON NATO EXPANSION; THE PRESIDENT'S INITIATIVE ON RACIAL HARMONY; THE FORTHCOMING DENVER G-8 SUMMIT; THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WATERGATE POLITICAL SCANDAL AND EL SALVADOR'S STRUGGLE AFTER ITS LONG AND BITTER WAR.

    NOW HERE IS _________________ WITH A CLOSER LOOK AND A QUOTE OR TWO IN TODAY'S U-S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

    TEXT: ALL FOUR NEW YORK CITY-AREA PAPERS ARE BLASTING THE IRISH REPUBLICAN ARMY'S KILLING OF TWO POLICE OFFICERS MONDAY IN A SMALL MARKET TOWN NEAR BELFAST. THEY SEE IT AS A FURTHER INDICATION THAT RENEWING PEACE TALKS MAY BE IMPOSSIBLE. NEWSDAY SAYS THE REAL AMBUSH VICTIM WAS "NORTHERN IRELAND'S HOPES FOR PEACE."

    VOICE: "HOPES THAT NEW GOVERNMENTS IN BRITAIN AND THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND WOULD BRING NEW IMPETUS TOWARD PEACE IN NORTHERN IRELAND HAVE BEEN DASHED ..... THE I-R-A AND ITS POLITICAL WING, SINN FEIN, HAVE LOST THEIR BEST CHANCE IN A LONG TIME TO BE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE PEACE PROCESS. ..... THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR: THE I-R-A WANTS THE GUNS TO SPEAK AGAIN."

    TEXT: THE NEW YORK POST CALLS THE KILLINGS "A VIOLENT BLOW TO IRISH PEACE HOPES," WHILE THE NEW YORK TIMES SAYS THE KILLINGS GIVE AN OMINOUS BEGINNING TO THE TRADITIONAL MARCHING SEASON, IN WHICH PROTESTANTS PARADE THROUGH CATHOLIC AREAS CELEBRATING THEIR VICTORY IN "THE BATTLE OF BOYNE."

    VOICE: "THE MARCHES, WHICH PEAK IN EARLY JULY, ARE OFTEN ROUTED THROUGH CATHOLIC NEIGHBORHOODS, SETTING OFF A SPIRAL OF INJURY, LOOTING, PROPERTY DAMAGE AND SOMETIMES DEATHS. THE I-R-A MURDERS THIS WEEK TOOK PLACE VERY NEAR THE SITE OF LAST SUMMER'S WORST RIOTS, AND SEEM DESIGNED TO PROVOKE RETALIATORY VIOLENCE FROM THE LARGELY PROTESTANT GROUPS LOYAL TO LONDON. ALL SIDES MUST SCRAMBLE TO PREVENT VIOLENCE THIS YEAR."

    TEXT: THE [NEW YORK] DAILY NEWS IS EQUALLY APPALLED.

    VOICE: "..... THE IRISH REPUBLICAN ARMY HAS ...... SHOT ITSELF IN THE FOOT. IS THERE NO END TO THE TERRORISTS' BARBARISM? OR THEIR STUPIDITY? "

    TEXT: AND LASTLY IN THE LOS ANGELES TIMES, MORE AGREEMENT:

    VOICE: "BY KILLING TWO POLICEMEN IN AN AMBUSH OUTSIDE BELFAST, IT [THE I-R-A] ENSURED THAT THE PROSPECT OF TALKS WOULD BE DEAD. ..... HOPE IS DASHED."

    [BEGIN OPT]

    TEXT: THE BOSTON GLOBE CONCLUDES:

    VOICE: "THE BRITISH PEACE INITIATIVE IN NORTHERN IRELAND WAS EXTINGUISHED THIS WEEK AS ABRUPTLY AS THE LIVES OF TWO POLICE OFFICERS GUNNED DOWN IN THE TOWN OF LURGAN...THE PROSPECTS FOR SERIOUS NEGOTIATIONS WERE BRIGHT. THE LURGAN MURDERS DESTROYED THOSE HOPES."

    [END OPT]

    TEXT: ON ANOTHER INTERNATIONAL MATTER, THE LOS ANGELES TIMES IS UPSET THAT SO FAR, THERE HAS BEEN NO SEARCHING CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE ON THE EXPANSION OF NATO.

    VOICE: "CONGRESS HAS TAKEN A REMARKABLY DETACHED STANCE AS NATO'S EXPANSION HAS MOVED FORWARD. IT SEEMS TO ACCEPT AS A GIVEN THAT A BIGGER NATO IS A GOOD THING, WITH BARELY ANY CONSIDERATION GIVEN TO WHAT IT WILL COST OR TO THE EXTENDED SECURITY COMMITMENTS THAT MUST BE UNDERTAKEN. HERE IS ANOTHER CASE OF A POLICY BEING ANNOUNCED AND ALLOWED TO GAIN MOMENTUM WITH HARDLY A VOICE BEING RAISED IN CONGRESS TO ASK WHETHER IT'S GOOD FOR AMERICAN INTERESTS."

    [BEGIN OPT]

    TEXT: IN A RELATED COMMENT, THE PORTLAND [MAINE] PRESS HERALD, SUGGESTS A COMPROMISE OVER WHICH NATIONS TO INVITE IN THE FIRST ROUND.

    VOICE: "THE APPLICATIONS OF ONLY POLAND, HUNGARY AND THE CZECH REPUBLIDC WILL BE SUPPORTED BY THE UNITED STATES. ..... NINE OF NATO'S 16 MEMBERS SUPPORT THE APPLICATIONS OF SLOVENIA AND ROMANIA. A GOOD COMPROMISE MIGHT BE TO ADMIT WESTWARD-LOOKING SLOVENIA THIS TIME, AND SEE HOW THE DEMOCRATIC ASPIRATIONS OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT IN BUCHAREST PLAY OUT. THAT SLOVENIA DOESN'T YET HAVE A MODERN ARMY SHOULDN'T KEEP IT OUT OF THE ALLIANCE. "

    [END OPT]

    TEXT: PRESIDENT CLINTON'S INITIATIVE FOR IMPROVING RACIAL HARMONY COMES IN FOR MORE COMMENT TODAY, IN THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER.

    VOICE: "AMERICA WOULD GAIN FROM AN HONEST DIALOGUE ABOUT ITS RACIAL SCHISMS. ..... BUT WHAT'S NEEDED IS A GENUINE DISCUSSION AMONG OPEN MINDS, NOT A NATIONAL TEACH-ATHON BY PROFESSOR CLINTON OR A BRAINY REBUTTAL BY PROFESSOR GINGRICH. ..... ONE GROUND RULE FOR THIS DISCUSSION: PEOPLE NEED TO BE ABLE TO EXPRESS THEIR CRITICISM OF SENSITIVE POLICIES SUCH AS AFFIRMATIVE ACTION WITHOUT BEING BRANDED AS RACISTS."

    TEXT: THE WORLD'S MOST ECONOMICALLY POWERFUL NATIONS MEET IN DENVER, COLORADO, SOON FOR A G-8 SUMMIT AND THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR HAS THESE SUGGESTIONS FOR THE LEADERS.

    VOICE: ".... SET UP A LOW-KEY SYSTEM FOR HAVING YOUR LEADERS' CHIEF ECONOMIC ADVISERS AND SCIENCE ADVISERS MEET REGULARLY WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS FROM THE DEVELOPING NATIONS OF ASIA, LATIN AMERICA, AND AFRICA. SUBJECTS TO DISCUSS: .... SHARING TECHNOLOGIES THAT CURB MANUFACTURING POLLUTANTS BUT DON'T HAMSTRING [HAMPER] GROWTH.....FURTHER OPENING RICH NATIONS' MARKETS TO POOR NATIONS' PRODUCTS ..... GLOBAL STANDARDS ON ANTITRUST, BRIBERY, AND LABOR CONDITIONS."

    TEXT: IN NEBRASKA, READERS OF THE OMAHA WORLD-HERALD ARE BEING TOLD IT'S TIME TO MOVE BEYOND WATERGATE, WHOSE 25TH ANNIVERSARY IS THIS WEEK.

    VOICE: "IT'S TIME FOR AMERICANS TO GET OVER WATERGATE. IT WAS AN IMPORTANT EPISODE IN AMERICAN HISTORY. BUT IT WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THE WRONGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED SINCE. ..... THIS NATION HAS ENDURED HARDSHIPS, INCLUDING THREE FIGHTS FOR ITS VERY SURVIVAL IN ITS FIRST CENTURY OF EXISTENCE - - THE FIRST TWO WITH BRITAIN AND THE THIRD A FRATRICIDAL WAR BETWEEN 'UNITED' STATES. ...... THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE GRAPPLED WITH MANY CHALLENGES MORE DAUNTING THE THE DISGRACE OF RICHARD NIXON. YET SOME PEOPLE PERSIST IN DEFINING ALL THINGS POLITICAL - - AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AND THEIR GOVERNMENT - - IN TERMS OF WATERGATE. ..... WHAT NONSENSE."

    TEXT: TODAY'S WALL STREET JOURNAL IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE HARDENING OF POSITIONS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM IN EL SALVADOR, WHICH IS STRUGGLING TO REBUILD ITS SHATTERED ECONOMY AFTER A LONG AND BLOODY CIVIL WAR. THE PAPER SEES A FAILURE OF THE LEGISLATURE TO ALLOW THE FREE MARKET IN THE SALE OF THE NATION'S HORRIBLE PHONE SYSTEM AS AN EXAMPLE OF GRIDLOCK.

    VOICE: "LAST WEEK, EL SALVADOR'S CONGRESS REPEALED THE FEDERAL LEGISLATION THAT WOULD HAVE ALLOWED THE PRIVATIZATION OF THE DECREPIT NATIONAL PHONE COMPANY ANTEL, WHICH WAS HEADING FOR THE AUCTION BLOCK IN JULY. ..... SALVADORAN POLITICIANS SEEM DETERMINED NOT TO MAKE THE CONNECTION BETWEEN PRIVATE INVESTMENT, DEREGULATION, COMPETITION AND THE WELL-BEING OF THEIR PEOPLE. ....... THE LEFT, REPRESENTED BY THE FMLN, WITH 27 SEATS IN THE CONGRESS ...... CANNOT ACCEPT DEMOCRATIC CAPITALISM. ....."

    TEXT: AND LASTLY, A NOTE ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA'S PAINFUL, OFFICIAL, CONSIDERATION OF ITS BLOODY PAST FROM THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR.

    VOICE: "SOUTH AFRICA'S TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION WILL LABOR ON DESPITE THE DECISION BY FORMER PRESIDENT FREDERIK DE KLERK TO REMOVE HIS PARTY FROM THE PROCESS. STILL, THAT DECISION IS REGRETTABLE. [OPT] .... WRONGS HONESTLY ACKNOWLEDGED ARE LESS LIKELY TO BREED FRESH RESENTMENT AND CONFLICT. [MR.] DE KLERK APPRECIATED THAT, OR HE NEVER WOULD HAVE FREED MR. [NELSON] MANDELA AND STARTED THE MOMENTUM TOWARD A NEW SOUTH AFRICA. [END OPT] WE HOPE THE MAN WHO HELPED CHANGE THE COURSE OF HISTORY WILL FIND A WAY TO REMAIN A CONSTRUCTIVE PART OF WHAT HE BEGAN."

    TEXT: THAT CONCLUDES THIS BRIEF SAMPLING OF EDITORIAL COMMENT FROM WEDNESDAY'S U-S PRESS.
    18-Jun-97 11:10 AM EDT (1510 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


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