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FBIS3-38633_0 | First Day of UNHRC Session Assessed, Agenda Outlined | Language: French Article Type:BFN [Article signed ka,ha,bn: "Geneva: 50th Session of the Human Rights Commission -- Right to Development and Women's Rights at Heart of Debate"; as released by Bern ATSA/SDAA database] [Text] Geneva, 31 Jan (ATS) -- The 50th session of the UN Human Rights Commission opened in Geneva on Monday [31 January]. The atrocities committed in former Yugoslavia are likely to be discussed at length during this six-week session. The 53 participating countries will also consider the human rights situation in Burma, Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan. A priority concern will also be the right to development and women's rights. The Commission began by electing its new president, Pieter van Wulfften Palthe, a Dutch diplomat and lawyer. Ibrahim Fall, director of the human rights center, denounced the enduring violations of human rights. He nevertherless welcomed some progress that has been made in the fight against these shortcomings, and he mentioned in particular the appointment in the near future of a United Nations high commissioner for human rights. Progress As Well The decision to create such a post was taken at the World Conference in Vienna in August 1993. The high commissioner will be Ecuadorean Ambassador to the UN Jose Ayala Lasso, whose appointment is to be officially announced within the next few days by UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali. Over these last twelve months, a number of complex situations have been resolved, declared Mr. Fall. This should lead to substantial improvements in human rights. The agreements between the Israelis and the Palestinians, the political developments in South Africa, and the founding of a court of justice to investigate war crimes in the former Yugoslavia are all examples of this progress. Mr. Fall also considered that the appointment of a special rapporteur on women's questions will help guarantee women's rights. He also stressed the importance of the right to development and regretted the insufficient attention so far paid to social, economic, and cultural rights. Lack of Money According to Gerhard Baum, former German interior minister, Western countries are going to press for the condemnation of China. China has always succeeded in preventing any resolution regarding itself from being adopted. Mr. Baum called for more financial resources for the human rights center. He felt it was unable to acquit itself of its tasks with the resources that are currently at its disposal. On the Commission's agenda are Tuesday's visit by PLO |
FBIS3-38645_0 | Kinkel Condemns `Barbaric Act' | Language: German Article Type:BFN [Text] Bonn (DDP/ADN) -- Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel (FDP) [Free Democratic Party] has called the serious attack on Sarajevo market square, in which more than 60 people were killed, a "barbaric act of violence" and expressed his strong condemnation. Kinkel said in Bonn today that "the senseless killing must stop." The political and military leaders of the parties to the conflict must not be allowed to continue their war at the expense of the people in former Yugoslavia any longer. Kinkel had telephoned his American, British, and French counterparts in advance. Kinkel announced that the 12 foreign ministers of the European Union would discuss strategies and measures for solving the conflict again on Monday [7 February]. He stressed that ways to end the war would have to be found with the United States. |
FBIS3-38659_0 | EU Foreign Trade Ministers Council Concludes in Athens | Language: Greek Article Type:BFN [Text] The European Union [EU] Foreign Trade Ministers Council concluded their meeting at Zappion Palace, and interesting points were revealed about the entry of Greek products into Balkan and Asian markets. [Begin recording] [Unidentified correspondent] Usually no reports are issued on informal ministerial meetings, but a significant exception was made for today's meeting, the first of the Greek Presidency. Probably this is why European Commissioner Sir Leon Brittan congratulated Ioannis Papandoniou, the Council's president and the Greek deputy minister for economy. An advanced cooperation agreement was concluded with Slovenia. Brittan said this shows the road to what could happen if there is peace in the former Yugoslavia. An advanced agreement will be signed if problems with Russia on nuclear trade and financial aid are resolved. The Council is proceeding well with the GATT agreement and will press the Japanese and more Asians to open up their markets to products that interest Greece such as leather, footwear, and drinks. Discussing the Balkans, it was decided to upgrade relations with Bulgaria and Romania. Athens Elliniki Radhiofonia asked the commissioner what he would say on the political intervention of some EU countries in favor of their own companies and against Greek companies that are performing very well in Bulgaria. The commissioner said that the EU Commission will do everything possible to reaffirm free trade in European markets, which means more influence for Greek companies in the Balkans. [Papandoniou] The selection of GATT issues and relations with East Europe and Russia reflects both the EU needs in current conditions and the Greek Presidency's priorities. [end recording] |
FBIS3-38680_0 | 3 Firms To Set Up Plants in India | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] The German multinational Siemens is to set up a 1,500- megawatt superthermal power station at Jayakondan in Tanjavur District in Tamil Nadu, and another 600-megawatt power plant at Gandhar in Gujarat. Another multinational, BASF, has decided to establish a huge chemical factory at Mangalore. This followed discussions the prime minister had with the chairman of Siemens and the deputy chairman of BASF in Bonn. Our special correspondent A. Karuppaswamy reports that the industrial deal is a direct result of the recent approvals of the Government of India to clear seven power projects in the private sector involving an investment of 21 crore rupees. |
FBIS3-38699_0 | Elisabeth Rehn Concedes Election Defeat | Language: Finnish Article Type:BFN [Studio interview with presidential candidate Elisabeth Rehn by reporter Jouni Turunen -- live] [Excerpt] [Turunen] Well, Elisabeth Rehn, 70 percent of the votes have now been counted and the result does not seem to change. Has the moment now come when admitting defeat is topical? [Rehn] No doubt the time has come. As I have said, I want to see at least 70 percent, looking at past experience. Now that number has been counted and the trend is not leveling, but on the contrary, the difference seems to be growing, so I concede very willingly that Martti is the winner. I have been repeatedly asked that defeat must be conceded and if everybody is happy for me to make that admission, I will give it gladly. But believe it or not, I am immensely proud that I have achieved this result because it is against all expectations. All possible barriers have been broken here and I think this is splendid as far as I am concerned. [Turunen] The dramatic moment of these elections has thus been experienced. Elisabeth Rehn has conceded defeat to Martti Ahtisaari. In brief, why did you lose this campaign, what decided this? [Rehn] I would leave that option to various analysts; I am no election expert. I myself know that I had a good campaign with small resources. I had no party machinery behind me, but jolly amateurs, enthusiasts, eager people were behind me, and we worked hard and happily. What makes me most happy is that we never took the dirty road. I can look at myself in the mirror and so can my election staff, so I am really satisfied. [Turunen] What will Elisabeth Rehn do after this? [Rehn] I will go to the election party. [Turunen] In politics? [Rehn] I hold the post of defense minister and will stick to that as long as the government is in power. I am a parliament deputy, we have parliament elections in just over a year. Let us see then what I will do. [passage omitted] |
FBIS3-38717_0 | Armed Forces Report `Heavy Losses' in Air Operation | Language: Turkish Article Type:BFN [Announcer-read report over regional map] [Text] It was reported that heavy losses were inflicted on terrorists in an air operation the Turkish Armed Forces carried out this morning on the Mezi and Keryaderi regions of northern Iraq this morning. According to information obtained by the Office of the State of Emergency Region Governor, an air operation was conducted in the Mezi and Keryaderi regions close to the border of Turkey as a result of intelligence information that terrorists were seen in the area. It was reported that a large number of planes and helicopters took part in the air operation, which inflicted heavy losses on the terrorists. |
FBIS3-38721_0 | Tripartite Consultations With Iran, Syria Begin Velayati Speaks on Iraq | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] The tripartite session of the foreign ministers of Iran, Syria, and Turkey began work in Istanbul, Turkey, this morning. The session will assess reginal issues particularly the crisis in northern Iraq and its effects on neighboring countries. According to a report by a correspondent of the Central News Unit, Foreign Minister Velayati made a speech at the session in which he stressed the unity and territorial integrity of Iraq. He said: The participants of the session do not intend to interfere in Iraq's internal affairs. Our country's foreign minister pointed out the negative effects of the unsettled situation in northern Iraq on the national security of Iraq's three neighboring states and said: The effects of the current situation in Iraq on the region and the future political situation require that interested countries exchange views with each other. Mr. Velayati recalled the need to continue the necessary political support for the people of Iraq and voiced hope that Iraq will adopt the necessary policies to reduce the problems of the Iraqi people caused by that country's government policies and the economic sanctions against Baghdad. |
FBIS3-38722_0 | Tripartite Consultations With Iran, Syria Begin Cetin, Velayati Hold News Conference | Language: Turkish Article Type:BFN [Announcer-read report over video] [Excerpts] The tripartite consultative meeting held with the participation of the Turkish, Syrian, and Iranian foreign ministers has ended in Istanbul. The meeting was held in camera. The foreign ministers of the three countries held a joint news conference at the end of the meeting. A joint communique on the tripartite consultative meeting has been issued. In a statement at the news conference, Cetin said that the tripartite meeting in no way aims to interfere in the domestic affairs of any country, adding that it aims to contribute to regional peace and security. He noted that regional developments and especially developments in Iraq were reviewed at the meeting and views were exchanged on issues that might threaten regional peace and stability. Cetin said that he shares similar views with the Syrian and Iranian foreign ministers on the issue of Iraq's territorial integrity, adding that developments contrary to this principle will bring new problems to the region as well as the world. Pointing out that the stand adopted by the three countries against terrorism was confirmed at the meeting, Cetin recalled that an agreement has been reached especially with Syria at the highest level and continued: [Begin Cetin recording] We believe that developing our relations in all fields with Syria will not only be in the interests of the two countries and the two peoples, but will also contribute to regional peace and stability. There is close cooperation between the security organizations of the two countries. This cooperation is gradually increasing. We have agreed that the differences of views or conflicting information that might arise from time to time will be taken up at that level and resolved. We have reassessed these issues at this meeting with Syrian Foreign Affairs Minister Faruq al-Shar'. We also share the view that the terror issue should definitely be solved and that our cooperation should continue and be increased in the knowledge that Turkey, Syria, Iran, and other regional countries have, at times, suffered as a result of terror. [end recording] Cetin concluded by saying that the three foreign ministers will more closely follow the regional developments through immediate and direct contacts and consultations. [passage omitted] Also addressing the news conference, Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister 'Ali Akbar Velayati expressed the view that the meeting would yield concrete and positive results. He noted that they strongly support Iraq's |
FBIS3-38723_3 | Tripartite Consultations With Iran, Syria Begin Al-Shar' at News Conference | it is a vital issue. What really concerns us is not the quantity of water flowing into Syria and Iraq, but the failure to reach a firm agreement on water-sharing between Turkey, Syria, and Iraq. Al-Shar' added: It is true that the Turkish Government abides by a protocol that was signed in 1987. An agreement was reached during Demirel's visit to Damascus at the beginning of last year, to the effect that the foreign ministers of both countries will reach a final agreement on water-sharing before the end of 1993. This, however, did not happen. Al-Shar' asserted that the sharing of international river waters is very important to any country facing such a problem. What Syria wants is a very legitimate demand which is in harmony with international laws and norms. Furthermore, this helps achieve stability and cooperation in the region. Meanwhile, the failure to reach an agreement will remain a cause of continuous tension. He said that Syria does not demand private privileges, but demands what is granted by international law and norms regarding the distribution of water among Turkey, Syria, and Iraq. Al-Shar' noted that he held talks on this issue with Turkish Prime Minister Tansu Ciller and Turkish Foreign Minister Hikmet Cetin and described these talks as serious. He added that this issue will be followed up so as to reach an agreement on water sharing in accordance with the international law and norms. Answering another question on Syria's differentiation between resistance against occupation and terrorism, al-Shar' said: There is a difference between what is taking place in Palestine and southern Turkey. He added: Turkey is an independent sovereign state. We are committed to Turkey's unity, independence, and security. We do not support any action that would undermine Turkey's future and territorial integrity. The Turkish people are the ones who decide their country's future. Al-Shar' added: The Palestine question is completely different. The Palestinian people were not only exposed to coercion at the hands of the Israeli occupation forces, but their lands and rights were also usurped. Furthermore, settlers came from outside the region to replace them. Therefore, there is a big difference between the two issues. The United Nations is fully aware of this and it issued resolutions demanding Israel's withdrawal from all occupied Arab territory. These resolutions constitute the basis of the ongoing peace talks in Washington, which we hope will achieve the expected objectives. |
FBIS3-38724_0 | Tripartite Consultations With Iran, Syria Begin `Text' of Final Statement | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN ["Text" of statement issued by the foreign ministers of Syria, Turkey, and Iran following a meeting held in Istanbul on 5 February] [Text] The foreign ministers of the Republic of Turkey, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Syrian Arab Republic held their fifth tripartite consultation meeting in Istanbul on 5 February 1994 to follow up on their Tehran meeting of 7 June 1993, which was held in a cordial and constructive spirit and yielded positive results. The ministers reiterated their governments' commitment to regional peace and stability. From this perspective, they examined regional developments, highlighting the overall situation in Iraq, and laying special emphasis on the situation in northern and southern Iraq. The ministers also underscored the extreme importance of safeguarding Iraq's unity and territorial integrity, noting that this is important for peace and stability in the region. They underlined the importance their governments have attached to this issue, something that was reflected in the resolutions passed by the UN Security Council in the aftermath of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. The ministers stressed the need for Iraq to commit itself to the framework set by the relevant UN resolutions so that it may rejoin the international community. They also urged Iraq to make additional efforts toward that end by extending full cooperation to the United Nations. The ministers examined the situation in northern Iraq, and urged the Iraqi Government to remove all restrictions against Iraqis there. They expressed their strong convictions that the ways and means of normalizing the situation in northern Iraq must be explored in Iraq. This should be done, the ministers maintained, through dialogue and through creating a climate of peace and security for the Iraqis living there. The ministers renewed their determination to resist all attempts to disintegrate Iraq under any pretext. They expressed their strong belief that the future of Iraq must be determined by the free will of the entire Iraqi people on the basis of equality, democracy, and good neighborly ties. Within this context, the statements and activities promoting partition by certain groups in some Western states are unacceptable, and must be halted. The ministers renewed their condemnation of the terrorism targeting their countries, and expressed determination to take all possible measures to achieve peace, stability, and tranquility in the region. The ministers agreed to continue their consultations to safeguard the region's security and stability on the |
FBIS3-38725_1 | Cetin Interview on Iraq, Iran, Terrorism | no obstacles in the way of peace. ['Abduh] Allow me to move to the issue of water, which experts expect to be the source of wars in the next century. You accused Syria of using terrorism to serve its water interests. Does this mean that Turkey intends to use water as a weapon to confront its neighbors? [Cetin] We have repeatedly asserted through high-ranking officials that Turkey is committed to the 1987 agreement on water. Under this agreement, Syria is entitled to 500 cubic meters [per second] of the Euphrates River water. We do not intend to harm the interests of our neighbors, Syria's included. We admit that our relations with Syria have not reached the required level. One of the most important factors obstructing cooperation is Syria's leniency regarding terrorist activities on its territory that target Turkish security. Despite this, we will continue to do all we can to establish bilateral and multifaceted relations with Syria. ['Abduh] The volume of losses Turkey has sustained through the sanctions against Iraq since it invaded Kuwait total $20 million [as published]. Do you support lifting the sanctions on Iraq or are you content to demand compensation? [Cetin] Our policy pursued both tracks. We are consulting with our allies to compensate us for our sacrifices. Three years of sanctions on Iraq have caused Turkey $20 billion in economic losses. And we lose $500,000 daily through the closure of the Iraqi-Turkish oil pipeline. The oil embargo has caused us economic, social, and political harm, although we know that the imposed sanctions are certainly not intended to harm Turkey. We have constantly encouraged Iraq to comply fully with the UN Security Council resolutions. We hope that Iraq's latest acceptance of Security Council Resolution 715 will create a more suitable and positive atmosphere toward lifting or alleviating the sanctions on Iraq. ['Abduh] What is the Turkish idea for achieving security in the Gulf? [Cetin] Turkey attaches great importance to peace, security, and stability in the Gulf. We believe that maintaining peace in the Gulf is primarily the responsibility of the region's countries, which should seek to solve their problems through bilateral and collective dialogue. Also, increasing the volume of trade and economic exchange and joint projects may contribute to achieving peace and security. Turkey put forward its views within the framework of the Islamic Conference Organization activities and, as it has done before, Turkey will contribute |
FBIS3-38725_5 | Cetin Interview on Iraq, Iran, Terrorism | listen directly to the Kurds or their proposals for a solution. Indeed, Turkey is searching for a solution to the problem beyond its border, making threats against neighboring countries. What is your comment? [Cetin] The Turkish Government realizes that the essence of the Workers Party of Kurdistan [PKK] terrorism stems from Turkish territory. But it is fueled by the party's branches outside Turkey, which extend into neighboring countries and some European capitals, where the party has representation offices. We are always eager to discuss this subject during all our meetings with our neighbors and European allies. I am glad we convinced the allies. This was manifest in Germany's recent strict measures against the party. PKK offices in Germany and other parts of Europe have been closed. An inclination to cooperate has also emerged from the governments of Syria and Iran and from Kurdish leaders in northern Iraq. In its handling of PKK terrorism, Turkish policy is based on suppressing it and rapidly implementing immense investment projects in southeast Turkey to improve public services and standards of living, hoping to achieve tangible results soon. The parliament-- approximately 25 percent of the members of which are Kurds--the press and the media and the various academies are involved in a broad dialogue on the proposed or possible solutions to the problem of backwardness in southeast Turkey to end PKK terrorism. ['Abduh] Some human rights organizations have accused the Turkish security forces of burning down and destroying (1,000) villages in southeast Turkey and of carrying out arrests and torture. What about the Kurdish man's rights? [Cetin] The allegation that (1,000) villages in southeast Turkey were burned down and destroyed is a deliberate distortion of the facts. The truth is that the security forces asked inhabitants living on the outskirts of villages to move further out or to towns where the people can be protected against PKK terrorism. Turkey has made substantial progress in human rights in the past few years. There might be individual violations once in a while but the awareness of human rights is growing daily among the citizens in our country. No excesses are being tolerated. Another important point is that the UN machinery has not accused Turkey of violating human rights. Turkey's human rights record must be assessed in light of the forceful terrorist campaign the PKK troops are launching. Egypt can easily understand this. ['Abduh] The deputy chairman of |
FBIS3-38725_6 | Cetin Interview on Iraq, Iran, Terrorism | the various academies are involved in a broad dialogue on the proposed or possible solutions to the problem of backwardness in southeast Turkey to end PKK terrorism. ['Abduh] Some human rights organizations have accused the Turkish security forces of burning down and destroying (1,000) villages in southeast Turkey and of carrying out arrests and torture. What about the Kurdish man's rights? [Cetin] The allegation that (1,000) villages in southeast Turkey were burned down and destroyed is a deliberate distortion of the facts. The truth is that the security forces asked inhabitants living on the outskirts of villages to move further out or to towns where the people can be protected against PKK terrorism. Turkey has made substantial progress in human rights in the past few years. There might be individual violations once in a while but the awareness of human rights is growing daily among the citizens in our country. No excesses are being tolerated. Another important point is that the UN machinery has not accused Turkey of violating human rights. Turkey's human rights record must be assessed in light of the forceful terrorist campaign the PKK troops are launching. Egypt can easily understand this. ['Abduh] The deputy chairman of the Islamic Welfare Party in Turkey has stated that the West is using its protection of Iraqi Kurds to back the PKK and fight the Islamic tide in Turkey. As an example, he mentioned the U.S. ambassador's visit to southeast Turkey in an effort to surround the Islamists in Turkey. [Cetin] The American ambassador's visit aimed to achieve nothing of this sort. Since the beginning, U.S. policy has firmly opposed terrorism and the PKK. This was announced on various levels. The visit had nothing to do with an alleged fight against the Islamic tide. ['Abduh] Prime Minister Tansu Ciller has recently affirmed that Turkey will not relinquish secularism in any circumstances. How are you going to deal with the growing fundamentalist tide in Turkey? [Cetin] Secularism is one of the basic principles on which Turkish democracy is built. It provides freedom of expression. Expressing religious views has always been one of the features of political life in Turkey. This expression has always occupied a complementary position. Fundamentalism is excessive religious fanaticism that seeks to overthrow secularist democracy. Secularism does not deny Islam. And it is not a call to isolate Islam from national life. Conservative religious trends are not new |
FBIS3-38726_0 | PKK Reportedly Moving to Iran, Armenia | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Ankara--Officials in the Turkish capital suspect the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) may be moving its forces from northern Iraq to Iran or even Armenia following last Friday's [28 January] air strikes on Zhalah. The development is expected to put more pressure on Ankara's ties with Tehran aimed at curbing regional terrorism. Official sources said they expect now more than ever for Iran to abide with its guarantees to Turkey and fulfill its obligations underlined in mutual security protocols. There are already reports that some of the wounded PKK militants have been transferred to the so-called Halil Cavus camp, some 70 kilometers from Zhalah, in Iranian territory. Officials said on Monday that although an exact damage report was still not available with regard to last Friday's air strikes on the PKK camp in Zhalah, some 110 kilometers from the Turkish border, the separatists could not use the camp again. The camp, consisting of underground tunnels, caves, at least 21 buildings and dozens of tents, has reportedly been totally destroyed. Military sources say one of the main priorities of the operation had been to make the area unusable for the terrorists. According to Chief of Staff spokesman Col. Cogu Silahcioglu, constant monitoring of PKK wireless communications over the past three days has shown that none of the separatist units in the region can raise anyone at Zhalah. Meanwhile, regional sources have said that (Ferhat) Osman Ocalan, brother of PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, is currently in Iran and suspected of being in Orumiyeh. Official sources say that since they are not able to use Zhalah again, the remainder of the PKK forces in the region would seek a new camp. About 1,600 terrorists were thought to be in Zhalah at the time of the attack. One view is that the PKK may return to its camps in Iraq, near Ochnevieh, and use these for both training and cross-border attacks into Turkey. This depends mainly on Iran's sincerity in its pledge to Ankara to hit back at terrorism. If not, the PKK can continue to shelter in Iranian territory in which it has had a constant force of 800-1,000 fighters up till now. According to another view, some of the leading militants may be transferred to Armenia where the PKK has official protection and aims at opening a major training camp. Osman Ocalan has had constant relations with |
FBIS3-38727_1 | `Secret Flights' Transport Arms, Militants to Yerevan | land in Yerevan. The four flights weekly between Odessa and Aleppo "during the off season" drew the attention of the officials. They had the Tupolev-154 aircraft, which are capable of accommodating 164 passengers, followed on radar and established that they landed in Yerevan after crossing through Turkey's airspace. Meanwhile, the officials also established that the passenger aircraft from Russia's Aeroflot company, take off from Aleppo, fly to Sochi, and later proceed to Yerevan. This information indicates that the arms embargo on Yerevan has been breached. Considering the few passengers who fly from Aleppo, the officials have decided that the aircraft transport arms and terrorists to Yerevan. The information gathered by the officials through intensive intelligence work has confirmed the concern that foreign aircraft are transporting arms and Workers Party of Kurdistan [PKK] terrorists from Syria to Yerevan. The Turkish Foreign Ministry has cautioned Ukraine and Russia on the matter, noting that Turkish Air Force units will intervene and their aircraft will not be allowed into Turkey's airspace if the flights are maintained. The military sources have said the PKK militants who are transported to Yerevan infiltrate into Turkey to carry out terrorist activities. Later, some of them return to Armenia and the others move from the eastern part of Turkey to the southeastern region to cross into Syria, carrying out terrorist activities as they go. The flights from Aleppo are also a means of supplying arms to the PKK. All this was discovered early in 1994. The frequent flights of the two companies from Aleppo to Odessa and Sochi drew official attention. The Turkish Air Force units followed them, and the foreign planes were observed on radar to land in Yerevan. The officials believe that many flights have taken place between Syria and Armenia through Turkish airspace, and large quantities of arms and ammunition have been transported to the Armenians and the PKK. Meanwhile, the General Staff has ordered the Turkish Air Force to continue to follow closely all the aircraft that take off from Aleppo to fly to the CIS countries. The military sources have ascertained that the Ukraine Airlines Company and Aeroflot, which are in a difficult financial situation, demand a very high price for their charter flights. The officials are trying to establish who provides the arms that are transported from Syria to Armenia and the number of secret flights that have landed in Yerevan so far. |
FBIS3-38730_0 | Daily Views U.S. Lifting of Embargo Against SRV | Language: French Article Type:BFN [Commentary by Nathalie Mattheiem: "Washington Makes a Gesture Toward Hanoi"] [Excerpts] Wasington -- In lifting the U.S. trade embargo on Vietnam -- President Clinton has finally overcome the political, historical, and personal obstacles to the measure which business circles wanted. This was a decision made easier by the Senate's adoption, during a general foreign policy debate, of a recommendation that this should be done, supported in particular by veterans and former prisoners of war from both parties. The President needed all the help he could get on this sensitive subject: The organizations representing families of soldiers reported "missing in action" (MIA's) during the Vietnam War reject this additional step toward the normalization of relations between the former enemies, with, in particular, the opening of American Government offices in Hanoi. [passage omitted] It is therefore easy to understand that the President should start by expressing his conviction that his decision would make a full search possible: The progress in cooperation with Vietnam is tangible, he said, and the United States itself is devoting more effort to this question than at any other time in its history, the President said, citing the practical results obtained since he came to office. His decision was the result of careful consideration, he added, and was supported by all the experts inside and outside the White House: Vietnam's cooperation would be more effectively guaranteed by a policy of "involvement," but without going as far as "normalization," than by any continuation of the country's isolation. Is this really the end of the famous "Vietnam syndrome?" Many people in the White House, the Capitol, and the country, hope so. It is not completely certain, as demonstrated by the hostility which the President encountered last year when he paid his respects at the "wall," the memorial to the people who died in that war. As the President himself admitted, a whole generation is obsessed by the desire to know what happened to the soldiers who never came back, after the last repatriation of prisoners under the Nixon administration. However, over the years, this feeling has gradually given way to the desire to "be reconciled" with the past. [passage omitted] For American firms, the time to rush into this market, now described as "enormous," has certainly arrived: The big business lobby and oil companies at Westinghouse had been waiting impatiently for months. Forced to go through |
FBIS3-38740_1 | Mayhew To Propose New Political Settlement | be long before the bombs and bullets -- from loyalist as well as republican paramilitaries -- add more names to the death roll. Sitting in his elegant office in Belfast's Stormont Castle, Sir Patrick Mayhew, the Northern Ireland secretary, was concerned with these realities. In an hour-long interview he insisted the Anglo-Irish declaration signed in December by Mr John Major and Mr Albert Reynolds, the British and Irish prime ministers, would in the end provide the basis for durable peace. Sir Patrick refused to speculate publicly on the odds of an early end to the violence, but he gave the impression of a man preparing for the long haul. Intelligence reports on his desk almost certainly confirm the competing doves and hawks in the IRA have decided for the time being to put internal unity ahead of peace. Sir Patrick's message was that, whatever the IRA does in the short term, the joint principles laid down in the declaration are inviolable. The two governments had spelt out that Ulster could not be coerced into a united Ireland. Nor would Britain take on the role of a "persuader" in seeking to break the province's links with the rest of the UK. But it would not stand in the way of Irish unity if that was ever the democratic wish of a majority in the north. As Sir Patrick put it: "Each government has shown that it understands and accepts the validity of the aspirations of each side in the divided community...each government has agreed that the future of Northern Ireland will be decided by the wishes of the people living in Northern Ireland. And that is terribly important." The republican charge that Britain is an imperialist power was no longer sustainable. Northern Ireland is no Gaza Strip or Cyprus, where people are denied access to the ballot box. Despite Mr Clinton's decision this week, Sir Patrick is convinced that agreement between London and Dublin on the province's future will lead to progressive international isolation of the IRA. Meanwhile, the two governments would give impetus to efforts to reinstate devolved administration in Northern Ireland and to enhance co-operation between north and south. Sir Patrick will table [present] within two weeks an outline plan for a new political settlement. The plan -- to be presented to the Ulster Unionist party, the mainly-Catholic Social Democratic and Labour party [SDLP] and the non-sectarian Alliance party |
FBIS3-38742_3 | Minister Comments on Pergau Project, Aid Programs | government, poverty reduction, human development, to improve the status of women, and to tackle environmental problems. These objectives are all in the long-term interests of Britain. We need a more stable, prosperous, open world economy. Many of the most effective ways of helping achieve these objectives also help Britain in a more immediate way. Our membership of organisations such as the World Bank gives British firms the right to bid for their contracts. The contracts we win are, in fact, worth more than the money we put in. And it is right for us to use the expertise and skills of consultants and companies, along with volunteer agencies, to help run our projects and programmes. Much of the criticism I read and hear has been directed at the aid and trade provision (ATP). Anyone would think that this was the aid programme. In fact, in 1992/93 it accounted for less than 5 percent of the aid programme -- a little in excess of 90m pounds of a total of more than 1.9bn pounds. By comparison, in the same year we spent 290m pounds on humanitarian assistance. Since the aid and trade scheme was invented -- by a Labour government -- 272 projects have been approved. They cost 1.4bn pounds of ATP and have brought export business of 3.9bn pounds. You have all seen the allegations that we are distorting our aid programme to secure arms contracts. Let me be clear. We do not -- and, while I am the minister responsible, will not -- link our aid to the sale of arms. We have the sixth largest aid programme in the world. We give a higher proportion of our aid to the poorest countries than other major donors. Our record on humanitarian aid is second to none. The professionalism and impact of our work in health and population, in education, in slum improvement, in forests -- I could go on -- are widely admired. The Development Assistance Committee -- the club of donors which judges its members -- has praised the effectiveness of the way the programme is run. We are leaders in pressing for solutions to the debt problems of the poorest countries. We press for better government, for respecting human rights, for sustainable economic policies. These are the issues to which we do link our aid. The British aid programme involves taxpayers' money. It should be widely debated. |
FBIS3-38744_1 | Ending SRV Embargo `Lays Ghosts' of U.S. Defeat | patiently followed the general road map laid out by George Bush, another president who, in the first flushes of victory after the Gulf War, must surely have been tempted also to come to terms with Vietnam. America's Vietnam casualty list is long indeed, since President John Kennedy's fateful steps to contain the communist tide over 30 years ago. It must begin with the 67,000-plus soldiers who never came home and the many more who returned maimed in body and mind, the first returning U.S. soldiers not to be welcomed as conquering heroes. It took many years, and more controversy, for their sacrifice finally to be recognised in the shape of the Vietnam Memorial on the Washington Mall. It is a recognition like no other -- a long low dark gray wall etched with the names of everyone who died -- and its juxtaposition next to the heroic and classical Lincoln Memorial speaks volumes. The plight of the dead and the survivors is now embedded in popular culture, recognised in films and books beyond number. Words and images from that era still resonate the "domino theory," Agent Orange, the Tet offensive, the My Lai massacre and subsequent trial of Lt William Calley, the pictures of the little Vietnamese girl burning from napalm, of the execution of a captured Vietcong and of helicopters whirring above the U.S. embassy in Saigon as the last Americans were evacuated. Few, if any, generations, have been so seared by a foreign conflict which found the nation so divided. The chalice inherited by the "best and the brightest" in government, who flocked to Washington with Kennedy and mostly stayed with Johnson, was poisoned. Many tuned out and turned off, their contributions to society so much less than they might have been. A few sought consolation in different forms of public service -- like Robert McNamara who, perhaps, salved his wounds and guilt as defence secretary with two distinguished terms as president of the World Bank. But he rarely spoke about Vietnam and only now is putting together memoirs of the period. Political victims abound. Lyndon Johnson, faced with turmoil in the streets of Washington and around his country, decided not to run for re-election in 1968 and died, a broken man, three years later. His Democratic Party, under Hubert Humphrey, not only lost the presidency in 1968 but took years to come to terms with Vietnam, holding |
FBIS3-38749_0 | SPD Politician Calls For Bombing Serbian Positions | Language: German Article Type:BFN [Text] Hamburg (DPA) -- Hans-Juergen Wischnewski, politician of the Social Democratic Party of Germany [SPD] and former minister of the chancellery, has come out in favor of bombing Serbian positions as a reaction to the grenade attack on Sarajevo. In the ZDF [Second German Television Channel] cast "1130 -- Eser and Guests," he said on Sunday [6 February]: "If there is no reaction to that, we can forget everything." Wischnewski warned the West against further inaction. This promotes fundamentalism in the Arab states, said the chairman of the Middle East Committee of the Socialist International who is knowledgeable about the Arab states. The indecision, especially by the Western states, gives rise to the impression that the Christian world is leaving the Muslims "in the lurch." |
FBIS3-38766_0 | Major, Reynolds To Review Ulster Progress | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Richard Savill report from Belfast: "Major and Reynolds To Meet in London"] [Text] Mr Major and Mr Albert Reynolds, Irish Prime Minister, will meet in London this month to redouble their efforts to achieve peace in Northern Ireland following the Downing Street declaration on the future of the province. The meeting, the first between the two Prime Ministers since the signing of the declaration on Dec 15, will take place on the day they attend an England-lreland rugby international at Twickenham. Senior sources in Dublin said the two Prime Ministers had been invited by the Rugby Football Union to attend the match on Feb 19. It was likely they would hold a separate meeting either before or after the match to review progress in Northern Ireland. Neither Prime Minister has set a deadline for Sinn Fein's acceptance of the declaration, but officials in London and Dublin are becoming increasingly irritated at the lack of a response from the Provisionals. In a speech to his Fianna Fail party activists in Dublin, Mr Reynolds said that two months after the declaration was signed, it was time for a decision to enable everyone to take the first step in the peace process. Mr Reynolds also voiced irritation with Sinn Fein's repeated calls for clarification from Britain alone. He said: "I do not expect to encounter from people with a republican viewpoint the attitude that it is only the British Government and their clarification that counts. The role and influence of the Irish Government is central to the peace process." ln an attempt to win back the initiative from Sinn Fein, the Irish government is expected to propose to Britain that all-party talks on the basis of the joint declaration should begin soon. Mr Dick Spring, Irish Foreign Minister, has said his government favours negotiations involving London and Dublin, and the Constitutional parties in Northern Ireland, as long as they are anchored in the joint declaration. He told Dublin's Sunday Press newspaper: "By talks we mean genuine negotiations which will build on what has been achieved in the declaration and will address all aspects of the problem and lead to a deep and lasting settlement." |
FBIS3-38775_4 | * Finance Minister, Paper View 1994 Budget Proposal * Health, Jobless Spending Fight | Lonnroth also called for radical new thinking aimed at creating new jobs in such areas as environment and education. Anne Wibble delightedly drew attention to the budget's unique appendix on the environment, but he dismissed it as being as good as worthless since it made no proposals and provided no funds. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |State Budget, 1994-95 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Revenues |Expenditures | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Item |Billions of kronor|Item |Billions of kronor| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Other revenues |38 |Investments and s-|21 | | | |o on | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Income, property |63 |Debt service |85 | |taxes | | | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Statutory social |71 |Consumption |128 | |security contribu-| | | | |tions | | | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Value-added tax a-|187 |Subsidies |297 | |nd other taxes on | | | | |goods and services| | | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Budget deficit |38 | | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Total |531 |Total |531 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Democracy's Ian Wachtmeister insisted that he would be able to accept the child care allowance bill that the government is going to submit in February only if it is paid for out of the budget for family policy. He described the government's proposal to reduce the extra allowance for more than one child as a move by the government to placate New Democracy. That opened up the possibility of more cutbacks in family policy. The 82 billion kronor that family policy is already costing can be reduced even further, he said. He spontaneously mentioned time off to care for sick children. Certain Conditions New Democracy is also placing certain conditions on its acceptance of the unemployment insurance proposal that will be presented in March. Wachtmeister thinks it will be possible to influence the deadline for terminating unemployment benefits. Wachtmeister also wants to include in discussions with the government the question of a general basic security system so that the cost of the entire social security system can be met in the future. He outlined a tax-supported basic security system paying the same as the cash labor market assistance benefit, which the party has gotten increased to 245 kronor per day. Anything over that amount would be paid for by individual contributions. New Democracy said, however, that increasing the subsidy by 400 million kronor was "ridiculous," and it feels that cutting aid to developing countries in half would be more appropriate. New Democracy's financial bill will also call for cutbacks in refugee policy. |
FBIS3-38799_0 | UN Envoy Says Ankara Prompted ICO Communique | Language: Turkish Article Type:BFN [Text] The pressure is on to use military force in the wake of the massacre that occurred in Sarajevo last weekend and resulted in the death of 68 people. At Turkey's initiative, the Islamic Conference Organization [ICO], which is composed of 52 Islamic countries, is calling on the UN Security Council to convene an urgent meeting today in order to lift the arms embargo against the Bosnian Muslims. Ambassador Inal Batu, Turkey's permanent UN representative, held a news conference in New York where he said that the ICO communique will be delivered to the UN and NATO secretaries general and to the UN Security Council president today. Ambassador Batu pointed out that the communique expresses the ICO countries' reaction to the latest incidents in Bosnia-Herzegovina. He added that the letters sent by President Demirel and Foreign Minister Cetin to the presidents and foreign ministers of NATO member countries have been delivered to UN Secretary General Butrus-Ghali as UN documents. |
FBIS3-38803_0 | Turkish, German Parliamentarians Discuss PKK | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Ankara, Feb 7 (A.A) -- Talks between Turkish and German delegations headed by Turkish Parliament Speaker Husamettin Cindoruk and his German counterpart Rita Sussmuth ended in Ankara on Monday [7 February]. AA was told that the two country delegations discussed the activities of the separatist terrorist PKK [Workers Party of Kurdistan] organization in Germany, political and economic issues between Turkey and Germany. The two delegations adopted the idea of contributing to the solution of the problems of nearly two million Turkish workers in Germany. |
FBIS3-38830_1 | `Intense Consultations' Continue | the 22-month-old war appears to have stung Western nations into moving ahead with a broader purpose: to finally end the siege of the predominantly Moslem Bosnian capital. European Community foreign ministers on Monday called for the immediate lifting of the siege "using all the means necessary, including the use of air power." The United States seemed to be of the same mind. "We will respond to the specific, rather narrow request of Butrus-Ghali but we will not be limited by that," U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher said Monday. The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation has already offered its warplanes to end the strangulation of Moslem communities, provide "close air support" to endangered UN troops and reopen Tuzla airport in northeastern Bosnia. But Butrus-Ghali has so far refused to give clearance for such operations amid fears they could provoke reprisals against the 10,000-strong UN force on the ground and bring the humanitarian effort to a halt. Beyond such considerations is the question of how effective bombing the Serbs would be. Military experts say that close air support for ground troops is feasible, offensive bombing raids is another matter. They say air power could take out stationary artillery positions but would be unable to eliminate the big guns or the highly mobile mortars if the Serbs moved them around in the hills surrounding Sarajevo. A NATO military source said ground troops and weapons would be needed to secure the hills but the 16-member alliance has done no planning for such an eventuality. He saw little likelihood of adding more troops to the 2,900 currently in the capital, most of them French. France has been the only nation willing to up its contribution significantly to protect the UN-designated "safe area." No country has shown the stomach for a full-scale military action to bring peace which German Chancellor Helmut Kohl said would require hundreds of thousands of troops with no guarantee of success. NATO leaders, seeking to restore their battered credibility, renewed their airstrike threats last month and U.S. President Bill Clinton and French President Francois Mitterrand said that this time they better be ready for action. France proposed this week giving the Serbs an ultimatum to distance their big guns from Sarajevo. Britain, the other major contributor to UN troops in Bosnia, appeared to shed some its earlier reluctance to call in air raids. But differences remained among the allies, with little enthusiasm |
FBIS3-38864_0 | Polls Survey Referendum Vote on EU Membership Mood `Favorable' Now | Language: German Article Type:BFN [Conrad Seidl report: "Turn of the Mood in Favor of EU"] [Text] Linz -- The mood in favor of Austria's joining the European Union (EU) has never been as favorable as it is now. This succinct conclusion is drawn by Werner Beutelmeyer, head of the Market Institute in Linz, from the poll concluded at the end of January for DER STANDARD's monthly European Barometer. For this conclusion Market relies on several indicators: - First, Austrians are regularly asked how they would decide if a referendum were held right now. Last summer, after a long period to the contrary, there was a majority in favor of EU membership. This majority was, however, lost again by autumn. - More decisive is the assessment of the general mood by those polled. Market asks: "What do you think: How do most Austrians currently view joining the EU?" Last June, when 40 percent of those polled were in favor of membership and 37 percent against, those same pollees believed that a majority would be against EU membership. At that time 34 percent said that a majority would be against membership, 31 percent assumed that there would be a majority in favor of membership. In the meantime, this relationship has clearly changed: Now 33 percent think that the majority is in favor of membership; only 24 percent think that there is a majority against the EU. - Another indicator is the assessment on whether joining the European Community or the EU would bring personal advantages or disadvantages for those polled. For months, right until last autumn, there had been a majority that expected primarily disadvantages for themselves. Since then, however, there has been a clear and steady change, particularly in this respect. Market chief Beutelmayer thinks that the reason for the change in mood is the current reporting on Austria's negotiations in Brussels. In this connection, it is important to see that Austrian positions are defended seriously. However, the referendum has been far from "won." One out of four Austrians is undecided. |
FBIS3-38866_0 | Ulster Peace Proposals To Remain `Secret' | Language: English Article Type:BFN [By Phillip Johnston, political correspondent, and Richard Savill in Belfast: "Ulster Peace Ideas To Be Kept Secret"] [Text] Proposals aimed at pushing forward the search for a political settlement in Northern Ireland are to remain secret while ground for possible agreement is explored, it emerged last night. Senior Government sources said the three parties involved in bilateral talks would be given an assessment of them in the next 10 days. But they will amount to "thoughts" rather than a blueprint for action and will not be published. Last week, Sir Patrick Mayhew, Northern Ireland Secretary, disclosed he intended to "float" ideas for devolving powers to the province and setting up cross-border policy groups to demonstrate that the political process was not waiting upon an answer from Sinn Fein and the IRA to the Downing Street declaration. The proposals, thought to include a new assembly for Northern Ireland, are aimed at giving "focus and direction" to the debate. It is hoped that Sinn Fein will accept the declaration as a basis for entering the democratic process. But it was stressed in Whitehall last night that they would not be able to unravel any agreements made once talks between the Government and the various parties have resumed on the new basis. A "taking stock" meeting Between Mr Major and Mr Albert Reynolds, Ireland's Prime Minister, will take place in London on Feb 19, some two months after the declaration was signed. Speaking in Dublin yesterday Mr Reynolds said that an early commitment to peace was now the test of true Irish patriotism. He warned republicans that the nationalist community as a whole stood to suffer most and risked losing ground if the declaration was rejected and IRA violence continued. The time for a decision on peace was approaching, he said. "Nobody should succumb to the dangerous illusion that there is much more that can be offered at this stage of the peace process. Democratic governments will not be influenced by the threat of continued violence." The Sinn Fein annual conference at the end of the month is increasingly being seen as a watershed for the Republicans. Mr Dick Spring, Irish Foreign Minister, said there were no fixed deadlines for a response but the conference seemed "a date of importance." Sir Patrick, speaking in Londonderry, said the Government was prepared to move to the next stage without Sinn Fein |
FBIS3-38872_0 | Ulster Peace Proposals To Remain `Secret' | Language: English Article Type:BFN [By Phillip Johnston, political correspondent, and Richard Savill in Belfast: "Ulster Peace Ideas To Be Kept Secret"] [Text] Proposals aimed at pushing forward the search for a political settlement in Northern Ireland are to remain secret while ground for possible agreement is explored, it emerged last night. Senior Government sources said the three parties involved in bilateral talks would be given an assessment of them in the next 10 days. But they will amount to "thoughts" rather than a blueprint for action and will not be published. Last week, Sir Patrick Mayhew, Northern Ireland Secretary, disclosed he intended to "float" ideas for devolving powers to the province and setting up cross-border policy groups to demonstrate that the political process was not waiting upon an answer from Sinn Fein and the IRA to the Downing Street declaration. The proposals, thought to include a new assembly for Northern Ireland, are aimed at giving "focus and direction" to the debate. It is hoped that Sinn Fein will accept the declaration as a basis for entering the democratic process. But it was stressed in Whitehall last night that they would not be able to unravel any agreements made once talks between the Government and the various parties have resumed on the new basis. A "taking stock" meeting Between Mr Major and Mr Albert Reynolds, Ireland's Prime Minister, will take place in London on Feb 19, some two months after the declaration was signed. Speaking in Dublin yesterday Mr Reynolds said that an early commitment to peace was now the test of true Irish patriotism. He warned republicans that the nationalist community as a whole stood to suffer most and risked losing ground if the declaration was rejected and IRA violence continued. The time for a decision on peace was approaching, he said. "Nobody should succumb to the dangerous illusion that there is much more that can be offered at this stage of the peace process. Democratic governments will not be influenced by the threat of continued violence." The Sinn Fein annual conference at the end of the month is increasingly being seen as a watershed for the Republicans. Mr Dick Spring, Irish Foreign Minister, said there were no fixed deadlines for a response but the conference seemed "a date of importance." Sir Patrick, speaking in Londonderry, said the Government was prepared to move to the next stage without Sinn Fein |
FBIS3-38881_3 | Poll Indicates Low Approval for CDU/CSU | CDU/CSU can turn these figures around as much as they want: At the moment, the coalition is so far removed from a majority among the population as Helmut Schmidt with his Social-Liberal team in the past. Together with the Free Democratic Party of Germany [FDP] (8 percent), the CDU/CSU would get 42 percent of the votes. The SPD and the Greens (10 percent), on the other hand, would get 49 percent of the votes and thus have a sufficiently solid majority in the Bundestag, because, in addition to the PDS, Republikaner (3 percent) and "others" (2 percent) would not enter the Bundestag either. However, if the parties were to take into consideration only these results, they might reckon without their actual host, namely those who have not yet decided. A total of 26 percent of those eligible to vote do not yet know which party they will vote for. The struggle for votes will focus primarily on them because their decision can change the election result to such an extent that it will give the lie to the election forecasts. The real surprise, however, which everyone -- from Helmut Kohl and Theo Waigel to Klaus Kinkel and Rudolf Scharping -- can enjoy is the low number of those Germans who would not vote at a Bundestag election. On behalf of FOCUS, Basis Research asked 1,500 people eligible to vote (of them 1,000 in western Germany) and only 12 percent of them answered: "I will not vote." This means that the turnout would definitely be over 80 percent. Thus, the often- mentioned "disenchantment with politics" would just be an empty shell. The Bundestag elections will be won by those who give a convincing answer to the dominant question: Who will finally lead us, how and when, out of the economic low and get the almost 4 million unemployed back to work? All over Germany, the present "general" economic situation is rated very poorly: 49 percent say it is "bad" or "very bad." Only 15 percent think it is "good" or even "very good" (1 percent). A total of 35 percent think it is neither good nor bad. This mood is bound to send shivers down the spines of politicians, unless there were the replies to the following question: "How do you assess your personal economic situation?" To this question, 6 percent replied "very good," 53 percent "good," 30 percent "neither good |
FBIS3-38900_2 | Newspaper Views Ahtisaari Election Victory | than boys in senior high school, more women than men in colleges. Growing numbers of women are living in one-person households and growing numbers of women are shouldering an often heavy economic and social responsibility for their own lives. Why should they not help themselves to their share of political life? More than different halves of the brain, changes to the traditionally so hierarchical management structures of companies and organizations are having their effect. With a new company culture women now have a more level playing field. Rehn has inspired women for the March elections next year and they have at the same time become a more attractive proposition for the political parties, even though this will not mean that the problems will be easier to solve. As the new president, Ahtisaari will have more to learn than did Mauno Koivisto. Koivisto had been prime minister at a time of change and he had been prime minister on another occasion. Coming from what is potentially the biggest party does have some political advantage, but it also represents a risk. Koivisto had a striking degree of personal integrity -- something that Ahtisaari should also demonstrate for his own reckoning after an election campaign that does not make this task any easier. The most important current issue is the EU [European Union] negotiations. Will the president give in to a EU offer or will he remain firm on government demands -- and to what extent? Will he be able to help the prime minister to keep the government together in the conflicting pressures that will surround an offer from the EU? How will he deal with a possible delay to membership or a no to membership from the government? Given the greater degree of parliamentary government and the changed foreign affairs arena it would be good if Martti Ahtisaari were to begain as soon as possible to create his own Foreign Affairs Council as a forum in which the party leaders can reach agreement on fundamental foreign policy questions so that they do not become a source of divisive political disagreements. The people have had their say. Martti Ahtisaari as head of state is a new element in the picture. The new presidential election system could have divided the country if there had been other finalists in the second round -- now it is back to everyday life in a united Finland! |
FBIS3-38919_1 | Repercussions From Intervention in Bosnia Viewed | massacre of civilians in Sarajevo last Saturday [5 February] took Washington and the strong ones in the European Union [EU] by surprise at a time when, after two years of regressions and contradictions, the Western powers seemed to be formulating a joint course toward the confrontation in Bosnia: The United States had made it clear that its vital interests were not at stake in the Bosnian confrontation, Chancellor Helmut Kohl had opposed any form of military intervention either by air or land, and Britain saw its initial reservations justified. The initial reaction by the West to the Saturday tragedy proved that the dynamic of a blunt clash, of a "dirty war," could at any time upset the priorities and planning of diplomacy: The open wound of the battlefront in the besieged Bosnian capital means not only terror and blood for the civilian population but, at the same time, it is a time bomb capable of blowing up all that has been achieved through difficult negotiations among the three opposing sides. Therefore, defusing this time bomb becomes an urgent priority. The fact that not only the international community but also the Serbian leaders in Bosnia seem to realize this is a message of optimism. At the same time, it is obvious that every time the strong ones in the West are obliged to deal with the feasibility of a military intervention in Bosnia, an open war front, they add to the repercussions of every decision they make the potential confrontation fronts in the Balkan south. It is clear that even hostilities on the most limited scale against Serbian targets would give a "green light" to all those who like to revise the status quo that was formulated with the Bucharest treaty in 1913: The vision of a Greater Albania and a Greater Bulgaria, and Ankara's irredentist legacies [ipothikes] in Bulgaria would cease to be the "worst possible scenario" of the NATO staff maneuvers on paper and would become the result of an uncontrolled Balkan complication. Of course, the planning with which the "12" foreign ministers yesterday approached the dramatic developments in Bosnia does not mean that the nightmare of a general conflagration in the Balkans has been removed once and for all. This likelihood will remain open until a final settlement, with the guarantee of the international community, of the pending issues that emerged from the dissolution of the Yugoslav Federation. |
FBIS3-38930_0 | Germany's Suessmuth Concludes Contacts | Language: Turkish Article Type:BFN [Announcer-read report over video] [Text] German Bundestag President Rita Suessmuth has stated that violence and terror cannot achieve any political aims and added that only stopping the bloodshed can achieve the development of cultural identity. Concluding her contacts in Turkey, Suessmuth returned to her country. Suessmuth and Husamettin Cindoruk, speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, held a joint news conference at Ankara's Esenboga Airport. Stating that very useful exchange of views were conducted, Suessmuth said that primarily the PKK [Workers Party of Kurdistan] terrorist organization issue was discussed. Explaining that views were also exchanged on Turkey's cultural mission in the Asian countries, the Bosnia-Herzegovina issue, and the situation of Turks living in Germany, Suessmuth said that there was agreement on the PKK terrorist organization issue. Recalling that the PKK was banned in Germany, Suessmuth added that terror and violence cannot achieve political aims and that the development of cultural identity can be achieved only after bloodshed is stopped. Suessmuth explained that during her visit, the two countries' parliaments had established working groups to put into order the citizen and voting rights of the Turks living in Germany. Cindoruk, in turn, said that Turkey's aim -- since Ataturk -- is to unite with Western democracies thus becoming a European country. Explaining that Turkish and German parliamentarian workings groups were established during the guest speaker's visit, Cindoruk stated these groups will make every effort to solve the problems existing between the two countries. Cindoruk further stated that Turkey is not only a country which aims at democracy but it is a country which is getting on with democracy and added that this gives his German colleagues a feeling of security. |
FBIS3-38934_0 | PKK Militants Claim Zhalah Camp Undamaged | Language: Turkish Article Type:BFN [Selin Caglayan, Faruk Balikci, and Saban Sevinc report: "The PKK Is Reluctant To Leave Zhalah"] [Excerpt] A team from HURRIYET has succeeded in traveling to the Zhalah Camp in northern Iraq, which was bombed by Turkey last week. The Workers Party of Kurdistan [PKK] militants were reluctant to show the current situation of their camp to the correspondents. They claimed, however, that only seven of their colleagues were killed in the air attacks and noted: "We are not afraid of bombs. As you have observed, we are still here in the camp." We reached the vicinity of the camp with great difficulty. We arrived in an area that had many craters created by exploding bombs. That area was 500 meters from the Zhalah Camp. One of the PKK militants who blocked our way identified himself as the person in charge of the camp. He claimed the Turkish newspapers are being used as an tool, and said we could not enter their camp. The correspondents said: "If you claim the Turkish Government is lying, then you should allow us to enter to determine the true state of affairs." However, the PKK militants were determined not to allow us into their camp, which had been destroyed by the military aircraft. Two buildings close to the entrance of the camp seemed to be intact. However, the main camp was hidden deep in the canyon. The PKK militants refused to show us the results of the bombing raids. Although the PKK militants claimed that no damage was caused to the camp, a resident of Shele village, which is near the Zhalah Camp, said: ``The Turkish aircraft dropped many bombs. It was like hell. Even Saddam Husayn was not bombed by the United States to that extent. I saw buildings collapse." He also said he was in the camp when the Turkish aircraft attacked. It has been ascertained that the bombing of the camp frightened nearby villagers a lot. However, residential areas and civilians around the camp were unharmed except for some individuals who were smuggling contraband goods on mules. The journalists did not observe any damage in the villages around the camp. The PKK militants claimed that the Turkish aircraft dropped their bombs from an altitude of 20,000 meters [as published] to stay out of range of their antiaircraft guns. They also claim that they shot down two aircraft, but |
FBIS3-38965_0 | Tindemans Criticizes EU `Inability' in Bosnia | Language: French Article Type:BFN [Article signed RHR (JWI): "European People's Party, PPE, Severely Criticizes `Inability' of Twelve in Bosnia"; as released by Brussels BELGA Database] [Text] Strasbourg, 8 Feb (Belga) -- Leo Tindemans, president of the European Parliament's Christian Democrat group, on Tuesday [8 February] severely criticized the inability of the "Twelve" of the European Union (EU) to take a joint stance in the light of the tragic unfolding of events in Bosnia. Reacting in Strasbourg to the conclusions of the Council of Foreign Ministers, which on Monday in Brussels had asked for the "immediate lifting" of the siege of Sarajevo but did not issue an ultimatum and left the decision to NATO, Mr. Tindemans stressed that the Europeans remained divided. "This inability strips the Maastricht Treaty of its credibility: the treaty precisely provides for the application of a joint foreign and security policy, starting this year," underlined the former Belgian prime minister. He went on to qualify the stance taken by the "Twelve" as "an example of cheap phraseology." Mr. Tindemans observed that the EU member states were sheltering behind NATO. "That organization is at least credible," he said, "but the same cannot be said of Community policy." The leader of the Christian Democrat group has for a long time been saying that other measures ought to have been taken to end the carnage in the former Yugoslavia. "If no measures are implemented, then we should lift the arms embargo on Bosnian Muslims," he said. |
FBIS3-38972_1 | Andreatta Warns Against Building `New Walls' | achieved by the West thanks to the determination and cooperation of all Western countries. "The disappearance of the Soviet Union may have given the impression that this close cooperation is no longer indispensable. That is a mistaken impression," he said. Andreatta went on to warn against a growing "nationalisation of security perceptions. Dangers, of a lesser intensity than in the past but not necessarily less imminent, are perceived differently in different capitals," he said, explaining that this posed difficulties in presenting a common front, as had proved the case regarding former Yugoslavia. Another key concern expressed by the minister is that "transatlantic relations should not return to conflictual games." He hailed the successful outcome of the GATT re-negotiation talks as a move in the right direction, but called for a sort of arbitration court (along the lines of the European Court of Justice) to rule on trade and legislation disputes between the United States and the European Union. Returning to his central theme, Andreatta drove home the need for a recognition that "economic factors have become a component of security, and not merely one of its instruments. The new world order we are trying to build, with less optimism but no less enthusiasm than a couple of years ago, cannot ignore economic considerations," he said, pointing up the importance of the new Partnership for Peace with East Europe including economic programmes. This, in turn, called for a deepening of links between the European Union and East European countries, he said, recalling the recent Italo-British proposal to extend cooperation to the second and third pillars of the Maastricht Treaty, regarding political and justice links. As for the Mediterranean, Andreatta said that the creation of a single market spanning its northern and southern rims should be one of the main international objectives of this decade. He stressed the importance of Western assistance -- with the security pay-off this can bring -- being in the form of "trade, not aid. The best form of assistance we can give is access to our rich markets," he said. He rejected the charge of Russian ultra-nationalist Vladimir Zhirinovskiy, that the West's assistance to Russia masked "colonisation" goals, stressing that its aim was to "expand the global market. Having stable and satisfied neighbours" would then contribute to greater security, he reiterated. Moving closer to home, he said that "the end of Eastern Socialism must not be replaced |
FBIS3-38974_0 | Italian Doctors in Sarajevo | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Unattributed article: "Italian Doctors Treat Victims of Bosnia War"] [Text] Rome, 7 Feb (ANSA) -- Twelve people among more than 200 wounded in Sarajevo Saturday [5 February], when a mortar round killed 68 people in the city's marketplace, are expected to arrive in Italy today for hospitalization here and a team of Italian doctors, surgeons and paramedics will be in place in the Bosnian capital by the end of the week for the treatment there of victims of the violence, the Foreign Ministry reported. A communique issued today said Italy will also send first aid medical supplies in coordination with the World Health Organization. As announced Saturday by Foreign Minister Beniamino Andreatta, the head of the emergency intervention unit at the ministry's Department for Development Cooperation, Minister Vitaliano Napoleone, and Agostino Miozzo, a medical expert on the department staff, arrived in Sarajevo yesterday. The Italian surgeons will work in the main Sarajevo general hospital, the Kosovo Hospital, in conjunction with WHO and will be equipped with medical kits sent over. Ten days ago, the communique disclosed, Doctor Miozzo was in Sarajevo where he conferred with Bosnian authorities who requested pediatric surgeons and specialists in facial and jaw surgery, neurosurgeons, and those with experience in rehabilitation surgery and war wounds. Following the arrival yesterday of the doctor and the chief of the emergency unit, the two Italians made arrangements for sending twelve of the victims of the Saturday shelling to Italy, where they will be placed under the care of the Social Affairs Service of the premier's office. (Reported today in the central Adriatic port city of Ancona, near the Falconare Marittima Air Base, were preparations for the arrival of a Canadian Air Force Hercules C-130 transport plane with 15 of the people wounded in Sarajevo Saturday. Accompanying them on the flight, conducted for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, will be an unknown number of relatives of the victims. (The first six, all between ages 17 and 25, were scheduled to leave Sarajevo in the early afternoon and the second group some time later in the day, the Social Affairs Service and Italian Red Cross said. (It was also learned that an 11-year-old, Vladan Rajcevic, who was among those wounded in the marketplace, was still in critical condition in Ancona's Salesi Hospital where he is under treatment for a perforated lung. The boy's parents, Danilo |
FBIS3-38978_0 | Applicant Countries Reject EC Position on Agriculture | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Unattributed article: "Membership Negotiations Confirm Differences With Four Applicant Countries"; as released by Brussels TEXTLINE database] [Text] The new phase of membership negotiations between the Community and the four applicant countries, which were held this Tuesday [8 February], confirmed the existence of difficulties between member states (in defining the "common positions") and with the applicants (which reject certain aspects of these "common positions"). On Tuesday morning, member states had: (a) defined their position on agriculture by accepting the Commission proposal on the immediate alignment of prices (with the possibility of transitional national compensation payments); (b) noted certain differences over regional policy (definition of regions of Nordic countries falling under Objective 1); (c) confirmed their position on the problem of transit through Austria. In the afternoon, these total or partial positions were presented to the applicant countries in four separate successive sessions. The applicants confirmed that: (1) they reject the Community position on agriculture; (2) Austria does not accept that the current transit agreement would expire three years after membership and asks that it remain valid until 2004; (3) all four maintain for the most part their demands on regional matters. |
FBIS3-38982_8 | Adams Visit `Crippled Special Relationship' | a measure of the state of relations between the countries that this was not automatically granted. Instead, at the last minute and sandwiched between other meetings, a grudging 10 minutes was given to Major. Clinton listened to the case but, to the prime minister's disappointment, made no promises. In Washington, some administration officials argued to Clinton that by letting Adams in, he would play a key part in securing peace in Northern Ireland. The president had just returned from a successful trip where he had met President al-Asad, of Syria, to discuss peace. He had also brokered the famous handshake on the White House lawn between Yasir 'Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin, the Israeli prime minister. By January 26, it was clear that the White House was not going to be deterred from granting Adams a visa and so the Foreign Office agreed a compromise. Adams would be asked: Would he personally renounce violence and work to end violence in Northern Ireland? Would the IRA and Sinn Fein work for peace on the basis of the proposals evolved by Major and Reynolds? The British knew that if Adams answered either question positively it would be a big step forward. He had never renounced all violence and had refused to sign up to the peace proposals with unspecified "clarifications." London was confident that he had been cleverly boxed in. On Friday, January 28, Adams was summoned to the American consulate in Queen Street, Belfast, for a 90-minute meeting with Valentino Martinez, the consul-general. Faced with the questions, the Sinn Fein leader replied: "If I accept those, I might as well retire to the mountains." Martinez pressed Adams, but he refused to either condemn all violence or accept the peace proposals. In a cable to Washington that afternoon, Martinez firmly recommended denying the visa. But immediately after he left the consulate, Adams gave an interview to NBC news in which he said that he did indeed condemn violent attacks on innocent civilians and that the peace proposals were a useful framework. It was this form of words, rather than those given to Martinez, that was relayed by Soderberg to senior officials in Washington later that day. The British embassy received a copy and was asked for its comments. It pointed out that nothing Adams had said was new and that he had very specifically not accepted the two questions that had been put |
FBIS3-38984_0 | Bonn `Will Not Tolerate' Islamic Extremists Crimes | Language: German Article Type:BFN [Text] Bonn (DPA) -- The Federal Government has assured Algeria that it will not tolerate criminal acts by Islamic fundamentalists. As the Bonn Foreign Ministry reported on Tuesday [8 February], FRG Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel promised this in Brussels on Monday during a meeting with his Algerian counterpart, Mohamed Saleh, which focused on the ban on political activities by Rabah Kebir, which had been announced by Bonn. Kebir, who has applied for asylum in Germany, belongs to the leadership circles of the extreme, militant "Islamic Salvation Front" (FIS) in Algeria, which the government holds responsible for numerous murders of foreigners. |
FBIS3-39012_0 | Problems Caused by U.S. Interest Policy Viewed | Language: German Article Type:BFN [Article by Thomas Schmitt: "More Problems for the Bundesbank"] [Text] Trade in foreign exchange is insecure. After the United States increased interests, the dollar abruptly jumped up three pfennigs. Since then, however, it has remained at 1.76 German marks [DM]. Once more, rumors are spreading that the Bundesbank intervened in the market to slow down the rise of the dollar. There was no indication of it in the past few days but even the possibility seems to somewhat restrain the market. Further Upswing for Dollar Likely The Bundesbank is probably happy with this reaction. The protectors of our mark want to force short-term interests further down, and a major devaluation of the German mark vis-a-vis the most important currency in the world would not fit into this concept. Nevertheless, the Central Bank Council will probably have to put up with another revaluation of the dollar. The U.S. economy is simply growing too vigorously at the moment. Moreover, the chance for higher U.S. interests will lure money from Germany across the Atlantic. Dollar rates of DM1.80-1.85 this year have become more likely. A strong dollar does not prevent a further loosening of monetary policy in Germany, and thus in most countries in West Europe. Yet it is certainly an obstacle. For the Bundesbank it will become more difficult to find the right moment for the next small step. The decisive factor will be how quickly the dollar is now revalued. A rapid increase in leaps would be dangerous, as this process might easily get out of hand. If, however, the markets are prepared and the dollar moves within narrow margins, then the next interest cut might be less dramatic. Thus, it was a wise decision for the Bundesbank to advertise the next securities repurchase agreement, again at a fixed interest of 6 percent. This calms down the market, gives the German mark some respite, and once more proves the Bundesbank's commitment to stability. Since 2 December, the rate for money market transactions has been constant, and the discount rate has been stable since 21 October. Since last Thursday there has been no news regarding the third key rate; individual participants in the market speculated with an interest tender. This procedure would have given banks the chance to force down the pension rate through their tender behavior. Yet, the Bundesbank obviously did not want to give a signal |
FBIS3-39017_0 | Left Extremists Threaten Opponents With Violence | Language: German Article Type:BFN [Peter Scherer report: "Manhunt With Video Films"] [Text] Frankfurt/Main -- German left-wing extremists are now using secretly made video films against their potential terrorism victims. The "black films" were produced, as the extremists claim themselves, at a high cost, and show "persons, structures, and meeting places" of political opponents, that is, of right-wing extremists or suspected right-wing extremists. As of now, it should be possible to "take them to task at any time, be it in their favorite restaurants or in their apartments," a paper of the Antifascist Action says, which the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution [BfV] considers as belonging to autonomous groups from the Rhine-Main area who are ready to use violence. The filmed "wanted posters" are accompanied by a topical militant brochure, giving details such as names, photographs, and addresses of the "militant fascists." In the area of Aschaffenburg, 23 "targets" are listed, in Frankfurt 14, in Hanau 7, and in Mainz 5. In addition, the lists also contain the car license plates of the "target persons," who must "be stood up to wherever they are." One of the persons listed has been the target of left-wing extremist violence several times. After an attempted arson attack on his car, the perpetrators justified their attack as follows: "There are enough reasons to put a stop to the plans of such swine as.... We will get them all. Antifascist resistance must not peter out with slogans and limit itself to pure symbolism." Acts of violence by the autonomous groups are not limited to the Rhine-Main area. In Berlin, too, people have been called to participate in "Volxsport" [distortion of "Volkssport," which means "popular sport"], which is a synonym often used in the milieu to mean attacks. "Wanted posters" were also printed by the Hannover paper RAZZ "to serve as a basis for all antifascist forces who have recognized the necessity of directly combating and politically isolating neofascism." In the view of the BfV, a new wave of violence in Germany's extremist scene threatens because of the mutual publication of "political hit lists" -- at the end of last year the neo-Nazi brochure EINBLICK published the names of "anti-German and antinationalist forces." The so-called Revolutionary Cells are also involved in that. In a position paper, their women's group -- Red Zora -- has now committed itself for the first time again after a |
FBIS3-39027_1 | Daily Sees Conflicting Fisheries Interests Within EU | racking France in a context comparable to last winter's illustrates the failings of a European Union structure which -- treaties, regulations, and summits notwithstanding -- is more interested in lofty principles than in the daily life of men. Fishing is one of the sectors which are being shaken up by the globalization of trade. But unlike cereals, fishing was virtually ignored by our GATT negotiators. For the last 10 years, especially since Spain -- whose fishing fleet is Europe's largest -- joined the Common Market, fishing has mostly been dealt with from Brussels rather than Paris, Copenhagen, or Madrid. The European Commission proposes and enforces orientation prices for major species; it organizes market support; it ensures that structural adjustment aid packages do not turn into operating subsidies; it sets the exact size of fishing nets; it comes up with the idea of monitoring fishing boats via satellites; and it sets the quantities of fish each country is allowed to catch. Above all, commissioners are in charge of negotiating trade treaties with maritime countries such as Argentina or Russia and, in exchange for an authorization for European trawlers to operate in their waters, the products of such countries are granted preferential access in Europe. Since customs duties never exceed 18 percent (2 percent for salmon), they never really amount to a deterrent likely to bring tangible meaning to the principle of Community preference. Even within Europe, there is a strong bone of contention between countries with a substantial fishing industry (France, Spain) and Northern countries (united around Denmark, Britain, and the Netherlands). The latter have powerful fish processing industries and purchase mostly low-priced fish outside the European Union. Their commercial interests are opposed to those of the Paris-Madrid axis. This is why the requests which France regularly submits to the EU in the hope of obtaining guaranteed prices or a protective clause are greeted with caution by its partners, which fear that any interventionism, even temporary, will work counter to the free-trade philosophy. Nevertheless, the "European fishing community" needs to become stronger. Indeed, what is at stake in the negotiations with Scandinavian countries -- and especially Norway, whose well-managed waters remain well-stocked with fish -- is nothing short of crucial in the field of fishing. What a gain should Community waters extend as far as the Svalbard archipelago! But what will Britanny's David do when he has to face Scandinavia's Goliath? |
FBIS3-39032_0 | PDS Economist Outlines Economic Program | Language: Italian Article Type:BFN [Giacomo Bonessa report: "Occhetto: `League Comrades: Turn to Me'"] [Excerpt] [passage omitted] These are the details of the prestigious game that PDS [Democratic Party of the Left] economist Visco has played. Decentralize Tax Yields -- Taxes will not be decided and collected by the government only. Half of them will end up in Rome and the other half will be set and administered by the regions and the municipalities, which until now do not have any responsibility. The local authorities will thus have to be directly responsible for the services rendered to the citizens in proportion to the taxes raised. This project will be easy to realize because it already exists in federal states like the United States, Canada, Germany, and Switzerland. End to the Fiscal Jungle -- The system of the thousand heavy taxes which obsesses taxpayers will be drastically simplified. Local income tax, ICIAP [local tax for professionals], health tax, various health contributions, regional surtaxes. The tax system will also be simplified because a shopkeeper should not be required to carry out the same bureaucratic tasks as a large company. The financial administration will be called to undertake a major effort to hit evaders with maximum severity, but also to provide reimbursements in time. Less Tax for Everyone -- Our companies are the most heavily taxed in Western Europe. The tax rate will be reduced from 52.3 to 40 percent. Receipts can be maintained at the same level by simply doing away with the laws which favor tax dodging and removing provisions for special categories and reductions like the one which [Forza Italia leader] Berlusconi had made to measure in order not to pay tax on assets allocated to TV from 1985 to 1990. There is also a need to untax social security contributions and reduce indirect burdens for all those activities (like many craft activities) where the income is below the average. Another need is for incentives for companies to take on registered unemployed persons or workers looking for their first jobs. Taxes on Treasury Certificates and Wealth Worth -- These are categorically excluded, even if the tax on government securities and bonds will be standardized at 12.50 percent. The hard line of the Communist Renewal which insists on a "wealth tax" will be softened. Taxes on Shares -- This is the magician's trick which has backfired. Visco assures people that there will |
FBIS3-39053_1 | Iran's `Reactionary' Activities Reported | b. Organization of meetings to enlighten Turkish citizens on the Islamic Revolution. c. Organization of the activities of Iranian students who study in Turkey. d. Organization of the legal or illegal travel of Turkish citizens who sympathize with Iran's views to Tehran to receive religious training. e. Establishment and surveillance of the opponents of the Iranian regime in Turkey and the individuals and groups that carry out activities against the Turkish Government. f. Activities aimed at gathering information on Turkey. The report stressed that the Iranian cultural centers spearhead the establishments involved in intensive propaganda activities and noted that the speakers in the meetings, seminars, and panel discussions that are held in those centers address both the Iranian and the Turkish citizens. The report also drew attention to the question of headdress in the universities and said that the Iranian missions exploit that problem and use it as propaganda material in order to influence the students. Furthermore, it said that the Iranian students have a significant role in Iran's propaganda activities, which defend the view that secularism is a state of heresy and criticize the principles and reforms of Kemal Ataturk, founder of Turkey. The report stressed that several Iranian students are responsible for distributing leaflets and documents, controlling the situation and behavior of Iranian students in Turkey, selecting Turkish students to be sent to Iran, establishing contacts with extremist religious groups, and broadening the propaganda on Iran's revolution and Shia practices. The report asserted that publications play an important role in the Iranian missions' propaganda activities and noted that Iranian magazines, newspapers, brochures, booklets, and cassette tapes are dispatched to Turkey in diplomatic pouches. It stressed: "Meanwhile, the Iranian cultural centers distribute or mail their publications, including the books they publish on religious festivals and other important days, to the Turkish citizens free of charge." The report said that the Iranian officials have also focused attention on the Sunni sect in Turkey. It noted the following: "It is common knowledge that the Iranian officials are making an intensive effort to weaken the concept of Islam in the Sunni people and establish non-Shia marginal groups among the followers of the Sunni sect who will be influenced by the Shia concept of Islam and will agree that Shia is the true sect in Islam. In fact, they have had many books, magazines, and other printed material published by the printing houses |
FBIS3-39059_0 | Owen `Very Skeptical' About Bosnia Cease-Fire | Language: French Article Type:BFN [Article signed SM/HS: "Meeting in Geneva of Countries Neighboring Former Yugoslavia. Satisfaction of European Union Mediator David Owen"; as released by Bern ATSA/SDAA database] [Text] Geneva, 9 Feb (ATS) -- Mediator David Owen said on Wednesday [9 February] evening that he is very satisfied with the meeting of the foreign ministers of the seven countries neighboring the former Yugoslavia. The participants think that a peaceful solution must be found to end the war in Bosnia, the co-chairman of the International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia, said. On the other hand, Mr. Owen was very skeptical about the new agreement reached between Serbs and Muslims in Sarajevo on Wednesday. This agreement makes provision for a cease-fire from noon Thursday and the withdrawal of the Serbian batteries to positions on the hills which overlook the Bosnian capital. In this connection, the European Union mediator pointed out that numerous agreements had already been reached in the past, without ever being respected. He pointed out that the Geneva meeting was the first meeting around one table by all the foreign ministers of the Balkan states. The discussion related to the consequences of a possible lifting of the arms embargo on Bosnia. It also examined the effects of the economic embargo imposed by the United Nations on the new Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). The Italian foreign minister explained that all the states present in Geneva had declared their agreement on maintaining the economic embargo. The states represented in Geneva were Italy, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Albania. Turkey was invited but was not present. It apparently decided not to attend at the last minute, arguing that the meeting had little chance of producing practical results, according to some diplomatic sources. |
FBIS3-39060_0 | States Neighboring Ex-Yugoslavia Meet in Geneva Austria Supports Military Intervention | Language: German Article Type:BFN [Eric Frey report: "Bosnia Conference With Neighboring States"] [Text] For the first time since the outbreak of the Balkans conflict, the neighboring states of the former Yugoslavia were officially involved in the search for a peaceful settlement on Wednesday [9 February]. At the invitation of the international mediators Lord Owen and Thorwald Stoltenberg, representatives of eight states met for a "private" conference in Geneva, convened at short notice. Apart from Austria's Foreign Minister Alois Mock, the foreign ministers of Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Albania, and the Hungarian deputy foreign minister attended the meeting. The Turkish foreign minister canceled his participation at the last minute. Officially, only economic issues -- the impact of the sanctions on the remaining Yugoslavia and economic reconstruction after a peace agreement -- were on the agenda. Yet observers in Geneva noted a deeper political background: Owen and Stoltenberg might try to induce some neighboring countries with closer relations with Serbia, such as Greece and Bulgaria, to exert political pressure on Belgrade. The meeting was dominated by the NATO consultations on a military strike against Serbian positions in Sarajevo. Mock vehemently supported a military intervention by the United Nations and supported the most recent French initiative for air strikes. Instead of merely adopting resolutions, the world community must effectively implement human rights, Mock stressed before the beginning of the talks: "Power without rights leads to tyranny, but rights without power leads to ridicule. An aggressor simply does not take the 25th warning and the 30th resolution of the Security Council seriously any longer." Mock stressed the same issues in a speech to the UN Human Rights Commission, which is currently convening in Geneva. He welcomed the quick nomination of a UN human rights commissioner, decided at the human rights conference in Vienna in June 1993. During a short meeting with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Sadako Ogata, Mock endorsed the creation of a new relief organization that should be jointly run by Muslims, Croats, and Serbs. |
FBIS3-39071_0 | FRG's Kinkel Details Support for NATO in Bosnia | Language: German Article Type:BFN [Claus Gennrich report: "Germany Is Not Merely a Spectator"] [Text] Bonn, 10 February -- Chancellor Kohl discussed the decision of the NATO Council with U.S. President Clinton on Wednesday night [9 February]. Kohl assured Clinton of German support for the position of the alliance, aimed at threatening the Serbs with air strikes and at continuing talks among the warring parties in Geneva. Kohl talked with Clinton about the statement that the president issued shortly afterward, in which he mentioned the two goals. As became known in Bonn, possible forms of indirect German participation in military operations were not discussed. Foreign Minister Kinkel announced on Thursday that nobody has approached Germany so far. He added: "We will do what we can from a legal viewpoint, and if we receive any requests, we will comply if we can." Kinkel mentioned considerations concerning logistic aid. "We cannot support the alliance partners morally and refuse to comply with requests that we can actually fulfill from a legal viewpoint." Germany will try to ensure that. Military participation is not possible because of the German constitution. Kinkel pointed out Germany's political efforts to come closer to a negotiated result on the basis of the Juppe-Kinkel plan. This concept is still being pursued. "Germany is not merely a passive spectator." In view of Germany's size and responsibility, Germans are participating in observer missions of the European Union. German pilots are taking part in the airlift for Sarajevo and the supply of other Bosnian towns by air. Also, the Bundeswehr is involved in AWACS surveillance flights. However, these flights will not be affected by "possible air strikes." Kinkel also mentioned the participation of the Federal Navy in monitoring the Adriatic Sea and the involvement of German customs officials in ensuring the observance of the embargo against Serbia-Montenegro on the Danube. Germany has so far paid 612 million German marks for humanitarian purposes, which is more than any other European country has provided. Nearly 400,000 refugees from Bosnia-Herzegovina have been accepted by Germany -- twice as many as all the other Europeans states put together. On Wednesday, Kinkel spoke several times on the telephone to U.S. Secretary of State Christopher. Tarnoff, Christopher's under secretary, and Redman, the U.S. observer at the Geneva negotiations, visited London, Paris, and Bonn. A change in the cool U.S. attitude so far adopted toward the Geneva negotiations became apparent. According |
FBIS3-39071_1 | FRG's Kinkel Details Support for NATO in Bosnia | of the Juppe-Kinkel plan. This concept is still being pursued. "Germany is not merely a passive spectator." In view of Germany's size and responsibility, Germans are participating in observer missions of the European Union. German pilots are taking part in the airlift for Sarajevo and the supply of other Bosnian towns by air. Also, the Bundeswehr is involved in AWACS surveillance flights. However, these flights will not be affected by "possible air strikes." Kinkel also mentioned the participation of the Federal Navy in monitoring the Adriatic Sea and the involvement of German customs officials in ensuring the observance of the embargo against Serbia-Montenegro on the Danube. Germany has so far paid 612 million German marks for humanitarian purposes, which is more than any other European country has provided. Nearly 400,000 refugees from Bosnia-Herzegovina have been accepted by Germany -- twice as many as all the other Europeans states put together. On Wednesday, Kinkel spoke several times on the telephone to U.S. Secretary of State Christopher. Tarnoff, Christopher's under secretary, and Redman, the U.S. observer at the Geneva negotiations, visited London, Paris, and Bonn. A change in the cool U.S. attitude so far adopted toward the Geneva negotiations became apparent. According to Kinkel, the talks focused on how the "political process" might be revived through cooperation between the European Union and the United States on the NATO decisions. Bonn officials noted that Washington wants to assume a "more active role" and "participate in the political procedures." The "European plan of action" might serve as a basis. The "overall concept of the Europeans" includes the demilitarization of Sarajevo and its protection by the United Nations. German diplomacy will try to implement this concept together with Washington. Kinkel stated that Russia should be involved "as much as possible." The foreign minister called on the Serbs, Croats, and Muslims to contribute to "achieving a peaceful settlement" at the Geneva negotiations which resumed on Thursday. This is not possible without the parties to the conflict, he added. Kinkel expressed the hope that this time the cease-fire for Sarajevo agreed on Wednesday morning will hold. "It is in the interest of all of us that the decisions of the NATO Council and of the foreign ministers of the European Union do not have to be implemented." If the parties to the conflict take the warning seriously, what the NATO Council demanded might be achieved without air |
FBIS3-39071_2 | FRG's Kinkel Details Support for NATO in Bosnia | to Kinkel, the talks focused on how the "political process" might be revived through cooperation between the European Union and the United States on the NATO decisions. Bonn officials noted that Washington wants to assume a "more active role" and "participate in the political procedures." The "European plan of action" might serve as a basis. The "overall concept of the Europeans" includes the demilitarization of Sarajevo and its protection by the United Nations. German diplomacy will try to implement this concept together with Washington. Kinkel stated that Russia should be involved "as much as possible." The foreign minister called on the Serbs, Croats, and Muslims to contribute to "achieving a peaceful settlement" at the Geneva negotiations which resumed on Thursday. This is not possible without the parties to the conflict, he added. Kinkel expressed the hope that this time the cease-fire for Sarajevo agreed on Wednesday morning will hold. "It is in the interest of all of us that the decisions of the NATO Council and of the foreign ministers of the European Union do not have to be implemented." If the parties to the conflict take the warning seriously, what the NATO Council demanded might be achieved without air strikes. "If not, all those involved must know that NATO is serious this time." Kinkel stressed that UN Secretary General Butrus Butrus-Ghali approved the decisions that evening in a telephone conversation with NATO Secretary General Woerner. The European members of the Security Council, England and France, did not consider any new decisions by the Security Council necessary. They believe that Resolutions 824 and 836 and the decision by the NATO Council are sufficient as a basis for action. A spokesman for the secretary general, who stated that a new Security Council resolution is required, has meanwhile announced that he did not have enough information. Kinkel described possible future developments as follows: "If it is considered necessary after the 10-day period on 20 February, the UN secretary general will make a decision and issue the combat order. If Sarajevo should continue to be shelled, measures will be taken on the spot by the UN commander in chief in cooperation with NATO." If Serbian guns "should reappear" after an air strike, "a second operation might be needed." Yet the foreign minister expressed the hope that the U.S. attitude and the NATO decision might form the basis of a political settlement. Besides Sarajevo, |
FBIS3-39086_0 | Neighbors of Ex-Yugoslavia Prepare Security Paper | Language: German Article Type:BFN [DER STANDARD report: "Vienna Increasingly Involved in Mediation"] [Text] Geneva -- In the future Austria will be more involved than before in the international mediation in the Bosnian conflict. On Wednesday [9 February], at a conference of the seven neighboring states of ex-Yugoslavia, the participating foreign ministers decided to develop a security paper together with the Western European Union (WEU) and the CSCE. Foreign Minister Mock stated that this document is to point out the danger of an escalation of the conflict. Moreover, the foreign ministers of Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece, and Italy are planning a follow-up meeting to discuss the effects of the sanctions against the rest of Yugoslavia. The international UN expert commission for war crimes has documented 55,000 cases since 1992 and will present them later to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, according to Cherif Bassiouni, its head. Most of the victims are Bosnian Muslims. |
FBIS3-39090_0 | UK MEP's Oppose Draft EU Constitutional Provisions | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Christopher Lockwood report: "Tory Euro-MPs Fight Threats to Sovereignty"] [Text] Strasbourg -- The EC Centre-Right group to which Britain's Conservative Euro-MPs [MEP's] are affiliated yesterday tabled a draft constitution that is likely to be embarrassing in the run-up to the June elections for the European Parliament. It will also embarrass the Labour Party which, a spokesman said, favoured adopting the constitution as a basis for discussion but did not endorse all its provisions. The document, if adopted, would commit Britain to abandoning border controls; accepting majority voting on foreign policy; ending the system of rotating EC presidencies, and accepting vast increases in the power of the European Parliament -- where Britain holds only 15 percent of the seats. The constitution was proposed by Mr Fernand Herman, a member of Belgium's Centre-Right Social Christian Party, and draws support from much of the European People's Party (EPP), the loose grouping to which Tory Euro-MPs belong. Mr Leo Tindemans, the Belgian leader of the EPP, said yesterday that he favoured adopting the constitution as a basis for discussion. But all 32 Conservative Euro-MPs are committed to voting against it, in the latest rift between the pro-federalist parties of Europe and the British contingent, whose future in the EPP group is far from secure. A vote on a resolution which "approves this constitution as a basis for wider discussions" and commits Parliament to circulate it among EC officials and member governments is expected to take place later today. It is likely to go through. But the chances of the constitution ever being adopted are remote. The details are, however, a good guide to thinking among the Christian Democrat partners of the Conservative Party. Many of the ideas are likely to surface in the run-up to 1996, when government heads are due to decide the next stages in the integration of Europe. Enthusiasts for federalism pointed out yesterday that the Single European Act and the Maastricht Treaty both had their genesis in a similar kite-flying exercise by the Euro-Parliament 10 years ago. British Conservative Euro-MPs and officials have reacted in horror to some of the constitution's provisions. The proposals that most offend Britain's notions of sovereignty are: The EC's unelected and barely accountable bureaucracy would have the sole right to suggest foreign and security policy initiatives to the European Commission. These would then go to an EC vote and need only |
FBIS3-39091_0 | Social Opt-Outs May Undermine UK's EU Position | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Rory Watson article: "London Opt-Outs Dent Brittan's Job Prospects"] [Text] The opt-outs which British Prime Minister John Major gleefully negotiated from the Maastricht Treaty may, three years on, come back to sabotage the chances of a British politician succeeding Jacques Delors as Commission president. In a remarkably frank outburst last December, the French Socialist MEP [Member of the European Parliament] Claude Cheysson, a former foreign minister and European commissioner, stated that it was inconceivable that a Briton could take on the top Commission post after the country had shunned monetary union and vast tracts of planned social legislation. The attack demonstrated some of the unexpected obstacles that Sir Leon Brittan, the external economic affairs commissioner, who had just emerged with plaudits from negotiating the GATT Uruguay Round, faces in his campaign to succeed Delors. This, and London's failure to win in the hosting of the European central bank, may be political repercussions of Britain's less-than-total commitment to Maastricht's goals. But legal repercussions of the EMU [European Monetary Union] opt-out are unlikely to be felt for several years. Similarly, the clarifications on European citizenship, defence, justice and home affairs which Denmark subsequently negotiated to the treaty have caused the Union few legal difficulties. But it is in the area of social policy that the Union now faces its greatest challenge -- a situation where legislation might apply to 11 members but not to the United Kingdom. London has been accused of trying to operate social dumping -- reducing social cost to attract investment from its European competitors. But it is the legal implications that are haunting policy-makers. The obstacles became apparent this week with the Commission's latest proposal to establish works councils, calling on multinational firms in the Union with at least 1,000 employees to inform and consult their staff. The proposal is directed at employer groups and trade unions in the hope they can agree on a consultation mechanism. But if this fails, there may be moves to enforce the measures in the 11 countries that subscribe to Maastricht's Social Chapter. Under the scheme, a multinational with branches in Britain could ask employers and unions to participate although the management would be free to refuse. More controversially, the Commission proposes that British-based staff of other EU [European Union] companies be counted when calculating whether the level of 1,000 employees, which activates the consultation measures, has been |
FBIS3-39113_4 | Dailies Discuss Military Troops in Bosnia Intervention Assailed | or for the difference between two of them? And with whom and whose behavior should it take sides -- with the Muslims, the Croats, and the Serbs, every one of whom is tactically superior in another place and at another time? To all these questions there is no clear answer to justify a serious military intervention. Whoever, instead, starts some air strikes himself acts dangerously on the basis of that helplessness that he allegedly wants to fight. In this situation the West can have only three goals: First: Preserving its own security. It is not endangered by the war in Bosnia. It is also absurd to claim that NATO's credibility is at stake. As regards its actual purpose, self-defense in the alliance, Bosnia has never called it into question. If at all, Bosnia casts doubt on the credibility of new out-of-area goals. Second: Containing the Balkan conflict. This is difficult but possible. However, it would be made more difficult by direct intervention in Bosnia. It is very likely that the Russians would leave the coalition in the UN Security Council. Third: Continuation of humanitarian aid. This is possible only if the aid workers are not turned into combatants or hostages of the warring parties -- e.g. through pointless military actions by the West. This is truly no heroic program. However, it is much more realistic than the heroism of some tactical air strikes without a strategic goal. Such a concept cannot pacify Bosnia -- and cannot satisfy the world. After the peoples' spring of 1989 the world must again adjust to the terrible realization that peoples also wage war -- and to how horrible wars are in detail; to the fact that there are, by the way, conflicts where one can help and those where one cannot even act as a balancing influence; and, above all, to the fact that, before taking any action, it must be carefully determined what kind of conflict one is dealing with. A terrible war is raging in the Balkans -- one of many that we usually like to ignore. Europe is helpless. This is true -- and it is depressing. However, how helpless it is would become completely obviously only when it engaged in a military intervention in this war just for the sake of pretense. And then, only then, would Europe bear its own guilt -- for this helplessness and for this war. |
FBIS3-39114_3 | Dailies Discuss Military Troops in Bosnia Intervention Urged | Sarajevo, the protection zones, and other endangered areas in Bosnia-Herzegovina." On the weekend, UN Secretary General Butrus-Ghali called on NATO to prepare for air strikes at Serbian positions. Everyone knows that bombing the artillery positions in the mountains around Sarajevo or firing missiles at the besiegers of Tuzla and Srebrenica will not end the war, because military force can never settle this conflict. However, one must finally set a sign against the mass murder in Bosnia -- 200,000 dead in two years. "Words of dismay are no longer sufficient," Tadeusz Mazowiecki, the UN rapporteur for the former Yugoslavia, told the Geneva Human Rights Commission. No sensible person will underestimate the enormous risks that a military intervention entails. The Serbs could retaliate against the lightly armed blue helmets and thus further endanger the deliveries of aid to the starving civilian population. The Muslims could feel encouraged in their resistance against a compromise at the negotiations. The NATO attacks could hit innocent people. The war could escalate further. However, this is not likely. When U.S. President Clinton threatened with attacks last year, the Serbs gave in immediately. When nothing happened, they once again stepped up the pressure on the besieged towns. At the Geneva negotiations their aggression has always been rewarded so far, and the same goes for the aggression of the Croats. The negotiators of the European Union and the United Nations could negotiate in a much tougher way if the diplomatic efforts were backed up by credible military pressure. It is a terribly difficult decision. Everyone who weighs the pros and cons feels torn apart. Are the potential negative consequences of intervention more important than the visible consequences of nonintervention? On the other hand: Could not thousands still be alive if the international community had thought of its responsibility in time? Historical memory might make the decision of one's conscience easier: Shevaq Weiss, the president of the Israeli Knesset, addressed a moving appeal to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council: "The continuing actions of genocide in Bosnia are a sign of shame for human society." And he added: "We, as members of a people that was the victim of such massacres while the world looked on in silence, cannot participate in such a cover-up." If Europe does not want to betray its civilization once again in this blood-soaked century, it must counter the barbarism with military force. |
FBIS3-39116_0 | Rejects Russian Hegemony Claims | Language: German Article Type:BFN [Interview with Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel by Karl-Ludwig Guensche; place and date not given: "Kinkel: Yeltsin Must Take Certain Things Into Consideration"] [Text] [Guensche] Minister, the characteristic feature of Germany's Russia policy is the motto "massive aid to strengthen the reformers." Has this policy not failed? [Kinkel] Certainly not. There is no alternative to this policy. To support the reform forces is not only Germany's policy but all significant countries pursue the same course. What we must achieve in Russia is that the developments toward law-governed and market-economy structures become irreversible, and that the revolutionary process comes to a standstill -- or, at least, to a consolidation so that this huge, important country can embark on quieter tracks. [Guensche] The figureheads among the reformers have abandoned ship.... [Kinkel] That is not quite true either. You are obviously alluding to Gaydar and Federov. It is true that the resignation of the two men was not a good signal because both had a good reputation in the West, for example at the IMF, the World Bank, among economic experts, and because one thought that they would be capable of implementing the necessary economic reforms that are so decisive for the political success of the Russian reforms. Yet, the real figurehead for the Russian reforms is President Yeltsin. [Guensche] Prime Minister Chernomyrdin has spoken of the end of the market romanticism.... [Kinkel] Some of Mr. Chernomyrdin's recent remarks, if he really made them in the way they were received outside, were indeed somewhat irritating. Still, I think that he supports Yeltsin's policy. [Guensche] Mr. Illrionov, Chernomyrdin's economic adviser, has given up this week. Are all these events not serious warning signals? [Kinkel] Yes, they are warning signals. However, could anybody really expect the enormously difficult Russian transformation process from dictatorship to democracy, from total controlled economy to the market economy to have taken place rapidly and without any problems? My answer is: no. Problems, adjustments, setbacks were bound to occur. Still, this must not influence our policy of support for the reform forces. I repeat that I do not see any alternative to this policy. [Guensche] Is it not also a warning sign when President Yeltsin announces that he would defend more strongly the interests of the 25 million Russians living in the "immediate neighborhood," that is to say in the former Soviet republics? [Kinkel] Yeltsin is under pressure |
FBIS3-39126_0 | Fishermen Blockade Southern Ports To Protest Imports | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Marseille, France, Feb 14 (AFP) -- Fishermen started a dawn blockade of four ports in southern France Monday [14 February] as fishermen throughout France attacked lorries suspected of carrying cheap imports of foreign fish. Around 15 fishing boats blocked access to the ports of Marseille, Fos sur Mer, Port Saint Louis du Rhone, and Port de Bouc at 0700 (0600 GMT). More boats were set to join the blockade during the day. The fishermen, who have been on strike since Friday, have called for a meeting with the right wing president of the regional council, Jean-Claude Gaudin, to discuss their demands for guaranteed fish prices and an end to foreign imports. The blockade was mounted without violence, and without much early effect on traffic, authorities said. In a separate action early Monday, 100 Breton fishermen intercepted two refrigerated trucks on the Paris-Lille motorway, dumping several hundred kilograms of fish and goods they believed to be cheap imports, sources said. The fishermen, who had traveled in 30 cars from their northwestern Finistere department, staged the two-hour protest action at the toll post at Chamant. They urged passing motorists to go through without paying tolls. Police deployed nearby did not intervene and there were no incidents. The fishermen initially sought to head for the huge Rungis wholesale market south of here -- where some 100 riot policemen have been deployed -- but then drove north. Around 30 fishermen occupied a toll post at Saint Arnoult en Yvelines, south of Paris, for three hours after emptying the fish cargo of two Spanish lorries, separate sources said. The occupation, in which motorists were waved through the poll without paying, ended at 0700 (0600 GMT). The fishermen were reinforced by a 50-strong coach party of fishermen who burned the salmon and cod cargo of two Spanish lorries after intercepting them at a service station on the A10 motorway. All 80 fishermen headed for Brittany, sources added. In Dreux west of Paris, police also intercepted a busload of 50 fishermen carrying clubs, pickaxes and flares. Thursday, French fishermen massively voted to continue a 10-day strike, rejecting their union's call to return to work and an aid package negotiated by their leaders with the government on Tuesday. The negotiations followed violence the previous week culminating in a daylong pitched battle in the Brittany capital of Rennes where a fishermen's delegation negotiated with |
FBIS3-39161_0 | PKK Claims Responsibility for Bombing | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Ankara, Feb 12 (AFP) -- A policeman and 19 Kurdish separatist rebels have been killed in a skirmish with security forces at Silopi, near Turkey's border with Iraq, local officials said Saturday [12 February]. A group from the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) fell into an ambush Friday evening while attacking government offices with missile-launchers, according to security officials at Diyarbakir, responsible for the predominantly Kurdish eastern regions now under a state of emergency. In Istanbul, the military wing of the PKK claimed responsibility for a bomb explosion Saturday morning in Tuzla, 60 kilometres (38 miles) east of the city, which killed five people and wounded at least 30, according to the latest toll. All of the dead or wounded were army officer cadets. The home-made bomb, hidden in a rubbish bin at a railway station, went off shortly after they were let out for the weekend. A press statement released later by the pro-Kurdish agency Kurd-A said the bombing was carried out by an "underground revenge group" of the Popular Army for the Liberation of Kurdistan. Some 60 people have been killed this month alone in separatist skirmishes in the east and southeast of the country, according to an AFP tally based on official reports. There has been a total of 11,000 deaths, including 3,300 civilians, since the start of the Kurdish rebellion in 1984. |
FBIS3-39162_1 | PKK's ARGK Gives Casualty Figures for 1993 | 868 policemen, counterguerrillas, agents, collaborationists, and civil servants were killed and some 343 were wounded. A total of 1,056 village guards, including 16 village guard chiefs, were killed. Some 674 of them were wounded. Some 881 Turkish special warfare fighters were detained and 36 soldiers were captured. Those detainees who were convicted of crimes by trial were punished; the rest were released. The captured soldiers were released on the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the PKK [Workers Party of Kurdistan]. Some 26 tourists who entered Kurdistan in violation of ARGK regulations were held as guests. Later, in response to initiatives by delegations from their respective countries, they were released. 2. A total of 796 guerrillas -- this number includes bodies that were not captured by government forces -- were martyred in this same period. Some 316 guerrillas were wounded. Twelve of the injured were taken prisoner and were executed on the spot where they were captured. 3. The following are the hardware and provisions seized from the Turkish Armed Forces during 1993: -- 10 anti-aircraft guns - 70 heavy and medium automatic weapons - 982 long-barrel rifles - 57 flame throwers - 36 rocket launchers - 9 howitzers - 3 bomb-throwing [bombaatar] guns - 3 sniper rifles - 165 pistols (with 147,289 various caliber bullets) - 1996 [gun] magazines - 106 hand grenades - 145 mines - 150 kg of dynamite sticks - 167 rocket shells - 121 two-way radio sets - 105 binoculars -- Considerable amounts of gun accessories, ammunition belts, military uniforms, documents, various other military hardware, and 4.58 billion Turkish Lira. -- 17,932 sheep and goats, and 915 cattle In addition, two warplanes, 38 helicopters, 36 tanks, 119 police armored cars, and 864 military and civilian vehicles belonging to the state were destroyed and put out of action. 4. Some 2,138 people resigned as village guards en masse in 178 villages and individually in other villages as a result of guerrilla operations. Some 34 military garrisons that could not defend themselves against the guerrillas were evacuated. Some 147 schools used for military purposes and the evacuated garrisons were burned down by the guerrillas and people's militia. These regions were cleared of the enemy forces and taken under guerrilla control. 5. More that 1,000 protest marches, boycotts, funeral ceremonies, shop closures, political observations, hunger strikes, marches and similar actions were organized to protest Turkey's terrorism in Kurdistan. |
FBIS3-39163_0 | Changes in PKK Command, Possible Peace Offer Reported | Language: Turkish Article Type:BFN [Report by Sinan Onus] [Text] Ankara--It has been learned that the PKK [Workers Party of Kurdistan] will replace its provincial commanders in the near future. The provincial commanders in Zhalah [northern Iraq and western Iran], Botan [region around Hakkari], and Amed [region around Diyarbakir] have already been replaced. The only area in which changes will not be made is Dersim [region around Tunceli], one of the eight provinces. KURD-A will issue a statement once the commanders in the remaining provinces are also replaced. It has been reported that soon after the replacement of the provincial commanders, the PKK will make a "call for peace" on the eve of local elections. The PKK has thus far replaced the commanders in three provinces. Numan Celik replaced Osman Ocalan [brother of Abdullah Ocalan] in Zhalah. Murat Karayilan was appointed to Botan. "Munzur" replaced Semdin Sakik in Amed. From among the replaced provincial commanders, only Munzur is "more moderate" compared to the commander he replaced. Doctor Baran, the commander of Dersim Province, remains in his post. It was reported that PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan gave the following reason for these changes: "Younger provincial commanders are being appointed. A rejuvenation operation has started inside PKK." |
FBIS3-39164_0 | Army, PKK Clash in Cizre Using Heavy Weapons | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Ankara -- Security forces and militants of the outlawed Workers Party of Kurdistan (PKK) fought for hours in the border town of Cizre this week, as tension reached a peak during a state campaign to repopulate the settlement. Local sources told the TURKISH DAILY NEWS that two people were killed and 35 shops were destroyed in the clash, which began on Monday and continued until Tuesday morning. Sources said the fighting erupted with a PKK bomb attack on an armoured vehicle parked in the street. Witnesses noted that security forces had helped locals back to their houses before the clash began, telling them not to come out, for their own safety. Anti-aircraft guns, RPG rocket launchers, light anti-tank weapons and machine guns were used in the clash, during which a branch office of the Ziraat bank and several PTT buildings were hit. The Cizre office of the pro-Kurdish OZGUR GUNDEM was hit by two rockets. Witnesses said that if the security forces had not escorted residents back to their homes, there could have been many casualties. On Tuesday the OZGUR GUNDEM reported on its front page that a total of 16 civilians, two of them children, had been killed in Cizre over the past month. Locals suspect that there is a systematic campaign underway to influence the results of Cizre's polls in the upcoming March 27 local elections. In the past month, dozens of families living in the Cudi neighborhood of the town have reportedly been forced out of their homes by paramilitary village guards, who moved in. Other houses were torched so that they could no longer be used. On Monday, police raided the office of the Cizre reporter of SABAH newspaper, Ramazan Imrag. They abducted him and took him to a nearby government building, where he was beaten for hours. Imrag said he suspected that he was being punished for reporting on developments in Cizre to Sabah's private television channel, ATV. He was told that this was a "warning" and if he continued to do "what he had been doing," he would be killed. Recently, state forces in the region started a campaign along with influential tribe leaders to repopulate crucial settlements which are known to sympathize with the PKK. In Diyarbakir, there was a "march to condemn terrorism" this weekend, during which a total of about 250 people marched through the streets, |
FBIS3-39165_0 | `Stalemate' With Syria on Terrorism Viewed | Language: Turkish Article Type:BFN [Column by Sedat Ergin: "Stalemate in the Talks With Syria on Terrorism" -- all punctuation as published] [Text] Syrian Foreign Minister Faruq al-Shar' conveyed similar views to Foreign Minister Hikmet Cetin and Prime Minister Tansu Ciller during the tripartite summit in Istanbul on Friday, 4 February. He said: "Yes, we agree that a problem does not exist at the present time. However, we wish to consider the future on matters related to the transnational waters. Our producers and farmers wish to see a document on that vital matter, which concerns their future..." The views al-Shar' conveyed merely reiterated Syria's position. Recalling that Turkish statesmen signed protocols calling for "an agreement between the two countries on transnational waters," al- Shar' urged that the two sides move to hold talks on the matter. Meanwhile, he asked: "Why have Turkish officials failed to fulfill their promises?" Likewise, Hikmet Cetin's and Tansu Ciller's views reiterated Turkey's position. For example, Cetin responded: "We do not wish to create a problem for Syria on the question of transnational waters. However, considering the anxiety of our press, parliament, and people about acts of terrorism and their conviction that Syria supports terrorist activities, we cannot conclude an agreement with your country at the present time. This state of affairs must be removed. No anxiety must exist over security. Under the existing conditions, concluding an agreement on transnational waters may be interpreted as a step linked with terrorist activities. That would be wrong. A problem does not exist on the supply of transnational waters at the present time. Why do you not agree to cooperate to remove our anxiety about terrorist activities?..." The Syrian foreign minister responded: "Syria does not support terrorist activities against Turkey. That is impossible. Workers Party of Kurdistan [PKK] camps do not exist in the al-Biqa' Valley. We have conferred with Lebanese officials on that matter. Not a single camp remains. Furthermore, PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan is not in Syria." An interesting point was that al-Shar' went as far as saying that "Abdullah Ocalan has several European passports and is able to use them to freely travel anywhere he wishes." Cetin insisted that the Turkish side has evidence confirming that Ocalan is still in Syria. Al-Shar' replied: "That may have been so in the past. However, he is not in Syria at the present time. We are committed to the promise |
FBIS3-39165_1 | `Stalemate' With Syria on Terrorism Viewed | cannot conclude an agreement with your country at the present time. This state of affairs must be removed. No anxiety must exist over security. Under the existing conditions, concluding an agreement on transnational waters may be interpreted as a step linked with terrorist activities. That would be wrong. A problem does not exist on the supply of transnational waters at the present time. Why do you not agree to cooperate to remove our anxiety about terrorist activities?..." The Syrian foreign minister responded: "Syria does not support terrorist activities against Turkey. That is impossible. Workers Party of Kurdistan [PKK] camps do not exist in the al-Biqa' Valley. We have conferred with Lebanese officials on that matter. Not a single camp remains. Furthermore, PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan is not in Syria." An interesting point was that al-Shar' went as far as saying that "Abdullah Ocalan has several European passports and is able to use them to freely travel anywhere he wishes." Cetin insisted that the Turkish side has evidence confirming that Ocalan is still in Syria. Al-Shar' replied: "That may have been so in the past. However, he is not in Syria at the present time. We are committed to the promise we have made. We cannot be involved in any terrorist activity against Turkey. How can we support an initiative against Turkey's territorial integrity when we support Iran's and Iraq's territorial integrity? That would also affect Syria." Obviously, Syria has not made a significant change in its position, regardless of Turkey's persistent diplomacy on terrorism and high-level U.S. pressure. Syria continues to demand that past Turkish promises be fulfilled and Ankara, suspending its past promises, insists that "the question of security be settled before the question of transnational waters is resolved. The only important element in the dialogue between the two countries is the limited steps Syria has recently taken on the PKK problem. A high-ranking government official informed us yesterday: "We have received several reports on that matter. We are aware that Abdullah Ocalan is in Syria. However, it seems that his freedom of movement has been considerably reduced." This was an indication that certain steps have been taken by Syria on the problem. The present issue is that the limited measures Damascus has taken have not been effective enough to convince Turkey to reconsider its approach on the question of transnational waters. Syria continues to hide Abdullah Ocalan, who |
FBIS3-39168_4 | Papandreou Discusses Macedonia, Bosnia, U.S. Ties | forget this. There are tremendous responsibilities in this. Since 16 December [1991], the course has been charted. Now we have military intervention to implement peace. It is an incongruous scheme. The military intervention has no goal. What is the goal of the intervention? Is it to strike at one of the three parties to the dispute and the conflict--Serbia? Is it designed to make it bend on its knees? What problem would this solve in the region and what are the possibilities of the war expanding? I don't want to be more precise or any clearer this time. But there is a possibility of the war expanding. We adopted a firm stance at the NATO summit, which is why the decision then was quite good. I don't forget, we should not forget, that the European Union's decision on Monday was a great success for the Greek Presidency, I believe. But the same foreign ministers, within the NATO framework, have decided on something that, in my opinion, is a major blunder. [Correspondent] Prime Minister, why didn't the Greek side exercise the right of veto. [Papandreou] It can, it could. It did not exercise it because then we would also have become part of the Yugoslav crisis. We have undertaken a responsibility. We said clearly why we are not participating and we will not allow the AWACS [Airborne Warning And Control System] to move from Aktion or the Greek crews to participate in the AWACS in the event of war. Greece is very, very clear: We are staying out of the military intervention in the Balkans. We consider it disastrous. [Correspondent] Prime Minister, given the major crisis in Bosnia and the possibility of a more general conflagration, how do you judge the U.S. move to recognize Skopje? Does it contribute to stabilization or does it contribute to destabilization? [Papandreou] Our position is clear: It does not contribute to stabilization. What would contribute to that is pressure to have concessions made, that is, to eliminate the aggressive, irredentist nature of this state so that we can return to a dialogue. Then, there would be normalization and a contribution to peace in the region. [Correspondent] You pinned many hopes on the White House. Have they been belied now? Could it be that this option was wrong? [Papandreou] Look, it is not an issue of an option. It was a good--and there is a good--relationship. |
FBIS3-39201_1 | Most Obstacles to EU Membership Seen Removed | is especially important to an electorate who, in 1978, voted against commissioning a nuclear reactor near Vienna. In addition, agreement has been reached on the regional fund and relative financial benefits. Arrangements with Japan worth 62 billion schillings ($5bn) on Austrian-made components in imported Japanese cars have also been confirmed. The Austrian interpretation that Maastricht is compatible with neutrality has also been accepted. Austria adopted permanent neutrality in a constitutional law passed by parliament in 1955. This means it will never accede to military alliances, nor permit the establishment of foreign military bases on her territory. Most Austrians associate neutral status with peace, stability and prosperity. With the end of the Cold War, neutrality cannot have the same meaning as in the past, nor offer the same guarantees of security for the future. With the prospect of increasing regional and ethnic conflicts Austria's position is more vulnerable than ever. Its security can be found only within the framework of a common policy with the European Union. As regards EU membership, Austria will agree to join the West European Union [WEU] as an observer. It is keen to develop comprehensive security arrangements emerging out of the EU, WEU, NATO and CSCE. Austria intends to make a full contribution and to show solidarity with its partners. Despite this progress, some hard-core issues are yet to be settled. The most delicate of these relate to agriculture, secondary residences and transit traffic. Several problems remain. Does the internal market come into effect immediately on entry or will Austrian produce and markets be granted a transitional period? The government is pushing for a transition of four years because there are adaptation problems for many farmers who would go to the wall, or have to be supported by generous subsidies. The question is whether the EU would be prepared to share the burden. Austria will be a net contributor to EU coffers and a suitable arrangement seems likely. The second agricultural problem concerns quotas for future Austrian production in the Union, namely beef, milk, sugar, pork, wine, wheat and other agricultural products. On this the EU has so far failed to make a satisfactory offer. A solution will probably be found. On the delicate issue of transit traffic, the EU must agree to continue with the present valid agreement. Secondary residences is more a psychological than an economic or political question. Here one has to respect |
FBIS3-39209_0 | Secret Services' Cloak of Secrecy Criticized | Language: Danish Article Type:BFN [Report by Ib Konrad Jensen, Jens P. Skaarup: "Police Intelligence Service Is `Top Secret' -- Even German Legislation Is Stamped `Confidential' at Meetings"] [Text] The Folketing and the PET [Police Intelligence Service] intend to lift a corner of the heavy veil of secrecy with plans for greater openness surrounding the intelligence service's work. When democracy has to defend itself against attack from its own citizens, it does so in a cloud of suspicion against the outside world that borders on pure hysteria. The means and methods are so secret that only a handful or so of people know them. Even the identities of the opponents, the 12,000 possible enemies of society, are confidential and only spoken of in general and opaque terms, faceless and nameless. A parliamentary committee in the Folketing recently received a pile of documents with descriptions of how politicians and public authorities in the countries that are our neighbors have tried to open up their intelligence services. The documents were collected by the PET for the use of the five members of the special control committee for the intelligence services. As an ingrained reaction, the PET stamped all the documents as confidential. The five committee members could not even reveal anything to the public of a bill that had previously been put before the German Bundestag. The German bill was generally available in its home country, but in Denmark it had to be kept secret. Cold War Rules of Play According to the most recent figures from the PET, the service employs some 350 full-time agents and office staff to keep an eye on Danish and foreign nationals. Additionally, there are approximately 50 loosely attached police personnel from each of the country's 54 policing districts and an unknown number of informers who either volunteer or are paid to supply the PET with information and observations. The bulk of the permanent staff is stationed in the headquarters at Bellahoej in Copenhagen, while smaller groups are stationed in the service's six regional offices. Their tasks are described in a booklet that was drawn up in 1953 during the Cold War's deep-freeze period by Hans Haekkerup, the then Social Democratic justice minister. The manual broadly describes whom the PET is to keep an eye on, what means may be used, and how the service is generally to conduct itself. The details of the job -- which |
FBIS3-39211_0 | Serbia's Milosevic Asks Greece To Mediate Bosnia Conflict | Language: Greek Article Type:BFN [Text] Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias will meet with Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic in Belgrade tomorrow in his capacity as president of the European Union's Foreign Ministers Council. Government spokesman Evangelos Venizelos announced Mr. Papoulias' one-day visit, noting that the goal is to seek an immediate, viable, and peaceful solution to the Bosnian problem. Milan Milutinovic, ambassador of New Yugoslavia in Athens, this morning conveyed a request from Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic to former Prime Minister Konstandinos Mitsotakis to undertake an initiative for the solution of the Yugoslav crisis. Last Saturday [12 February], Mr. Mitsotakis had a long telephone conversation with Mr. Milosevic. After his meeting with the honory chairman of New Democracy Party, the Yugoslav Ambassador expressed the hope that Mr. Mitsotakis will finally undertake an initiative, but did not define the content of this initiative. However, a little later, the office of the former prime minister issued a written statement in which Mr. Mitsotakis calls upon the Government to undertake an initiative for a solution to the Bosnian crisis by virtue of the fact that it occupies the presidency of the European Union. Mr. Mitsotakis stresses that now, as was the case in the past, Greece must play its role decisively in defending peace. He further points out that Greece cannot remain a speechless and weak observer of historic developments which concern it directly and probably dramatically. Diplomatic observers have described this statement as Mr. Mitsotakis' first move in Slobodan Milosevic's request for mediation, and they were sure that it will be followed by contacts between the former prime minister and the Government and probably by some initiatives abroad. |
FBIS3-39214_2 | Hopes NATO Ultimatum Remains Warning | surprised our Western partners. [Van Velthem] What did you say to your NATO hosts concerning their recent ultimatum addressed to the Serbian forces in Bosnia? [Zhelev] I see this initiative as remaining within the framework of measures to achieve a peaceful settlement. It is the final stage in such a process and I hope the ultimatum will fully accomplish its role as a warning, without having to be implemented. The parties involved in the conflict and to whom it is addressed must clearly understand that NATO, in committing itself so categorically, cannot now turn back. It is up to them to make every effort to favor a diplomatic solution to the crisis. [Van Velthem] Bulgaria itself is suffering from the embargo on Serbia.... [Zhelev] This is true, we have suffered enormous financial losses due to the sanctions. More than the other neighboring countries -- with the exception of Macedonia -- as Bulgaria is the most isolated and all gateways to the West must pass through Serbia. This is why we have raised the matter of compensation, especially indirect compensation: The reevaluation of our foreign debt, investment aid, and funding for regional infrastructure projects in the communications and transport sectors. In particular the highway linking Istanbul and Sofia, via Skopje, to Italy. Or the highway between Salonica, Sofia, and the Bulgarian port of Vidin on the Danube. [Van Velthem] A motion of censure against the government -- which is accused of slowing down reforms -- has just been rejected in Sofia. Can Bulgaria afford a political crisis? [Zhelev] In Central Europe and the Balkans, crisis -- political and economic -- is always with us. It is the price we must pay for changing from one system to another. But there is no turning back. We should clearly distinguish between the restoration of communism, which is excluded, and the return to power of the former Communists, which is plausible. The essential thing is to continue with the reforms, the identity of those charged with the task is of secondary importance. Today, in East Europe and especially in Bulgaria, the former Communists of the nomenklatura -- who have money and key positions -- are becoming genuine capitalists. Sometimes even including certain groups which tend towards Mafia-like practices. [Van Velthem] You yourself have been accused of being a "neo-Communist" by your former friends, who are now in opposition.... [Zhelev] These are just arbitrary accusations. |
FBIS3-39216_7 | Kohl Views Future of European Union | international public -- in particular in view of the spread of organized crime and the international drug mafia. We must assume that, in 1993, the drug mafia has smuggled an amount into Europe -- primarily, of course, into the hard-currency countries -- that corresponds to the budget of the Kingdom of Belgium. One need not be an expect to realize the changes that can be caused by this in the substance of our community. Since the wirepullers and helpers of crime operate all over Europe and all over the world nowadays, we must organize the struggle against them accordingly. No country in Europe is able to master this growing danger on its own. In the interests of our citizens we want open borders in Europe. However, this must not go hand in hand with a loss in internal security. With Europol we have taken a first step toward pursuing the struggle against international organized crime together and with determination. In talking with my European colleagues, I emphatically express the conviction that the instruments of the Maastricht Treaty are not yet sufficient. Beyond them, we must think about what we can do specifically -- not least on the basis of the experiences gathered by the U.S. authorities -- in combating organized crime and the drug mafia. Third: In particular from the German viewpoint, the development of a common foreign and security policy is an existential question. We have more neighbors than any other country in Europe. We have lived in peace for 48 years now, but it would be a fateful error to believe that this is guaranteed for eternity. The evil spirits of the past are not only alive in the Balkans. We need Europe's political unification so as to prevent any relapse into the national rivalries of former times. Some sort of elevated free-trade zone is not sufficient for this purpose. War and peace in Europe depend on whether we manage to build this "European home" firmly, so that it can weather any storm and cannot be destroyed anymore. In the future, the Europeans can only master the great foreign and security policy challenges together. The war in the former Yugoslavia, not least, has demonstrated the current limits of the European Community in crisis prevention and crisis management. For two years, we have seen the terrible pictures of the suffering people in Sarajevo and elsewhere on the television news |
FBIS3-39218_1 | EC Action Plan Proposes Expanded Police Cooperation | considering how to pool national information on everything from terrorism to traffic offences to divorce settlements. According to a confidential action plan already agreed by the 12 governments, Europol's remit is to expand from monitoring the drugs trade to dealing with illegal immigrants, pollution and traffickers in stolen cars, works of art and nuclear materials. The latest European plans go further still, considering ways of enforcing driving bans and chasing fathers for maintenance payments across the continent. According to a leaked "priority action plan," a working party of interior ministry officials is investigating "harmonising the conditions for combating illegal immigration and illegal employment" -- a reference to the personal identification cards used in most EC countries. British officials acknowledged last night that the discussion was going ahead. But despite recent reports that Mr Major was attracted to the ID scheme, sources said the conclusions would not be binding on British ministers. They said the aim of the discussion was to "share best practice" across the EC. "We'll be looking at those who find carrying ID cards beneficial," said a source. In countries such as Belgium it is an offence punishable by imprisonment not to be carrying an ID card at all times. At the centre of these plans is a "European Information System," due to be running by the end of the year. This potentially vast data bank is the subject of acute controversy, with Denmark leading calls for privacy to be respected. The convention establishing it has yet to be settled. The Government, strongly supported by Germany, sees European-wide co-operation as the best means of tackling cross-frontier crime. The plan's main purpose is to launch a clampdown on criminals, illegal immigrants and bogus asylum-seekers. It envisages a European archive of images of forged documents, a European inventory of terrorist acts, a European data-collection system on criminal methods and new measures against "drugs tourism" and prostitution rings. One group of 12 national experts is even looking at ways of increasing co-operation on government phone-tapping and other forms of "electronic interception." Another group has been charged with finding a way of communicating driving bans to other police forces. It is due to report by June. A group is also looking at ways of extending the Brussels Convention on enforcing court judgments to include "family matters and succession." It would ensure that maintenance awards can be enforced in all 12 EC countries. |
FBIS3-39225_1 | EU Transportation Ministers Discuss `Swiss Issue' | February] in Athens. During the informal Council, they assessed the state of the negotiating mandate with Switzerland. The European ministers feel in particular that "the debate on the issue of the transit of Community vehicles weighing more than 28 tonnes must be resumed." The draft negotiating mandate drawn up by the Commission in Brussels on 16 September will be submitted for the approval of the Twelve by 18 April, said European Transportation Commissioner Abel Matutes. The Greek minister said there was "clear resistance from Switzerland concerning the transit problem and the problem of flexibility regarding the matter of the 40-tonne trucks." "However," continued the Greek minister, "Switzerland's presence in the European Economic Area [EEA] is absolutely essential." According to him, "the issue must be revitalized and a standstill must be avoided." "We therefore endeavored," he concluded, "to select the positive points where there is a convergence of views in order to resume the dialogue with Switzerland so that the geographical area of Switzerland would indeed become an integral part of the EEA." Most of the participants in Athens asked Switzerland to relax its regulations in order to make it possible to increase the number of trucks that benefit from an exception to the 40-tonne trucks. For Greece, which is currently EU president, Bern must make concessions. In Swiss diplomatic circles in Athens, the emphasis is being placed on participants' desire to avoid a confrontation with Bern. Negotiating Mandate "I am completely in favor of resolving the Swiss issue once and for all," the European transportation commissioner told ATS. "Today, I noted the willingness of all the member states to conclude the matter and to give the Commission the negotiating mandate for a transportation agreement with Switzerland." In September, the European Commission proposed draft negotiating guidelines. According to this text, the negotiations should mainly pursue two objectives: obtaining more openness from Switzerland for European trucks weighing 40 tonnes, and facilities for Alpine transit. In exchange, Swiss airlines and long distance trucks will be able to gain access to the European transportation market. For the EU, the sectorial negotiations with Switzerland are part of an overall approach. The negotiators will have to seek out a balance on a sector-by-sector basis, as well as globally. It is understood that a transportation agreement will only be able to enter into force at the same time as an agreement on the free movement of workers. |
FBIS3-39251_0 | Major on Fifth Anniversary of Rushdie Fatwa | Language: English Article Type:BFN [By Sian Clare, PRESS ASSOCIATION lobby correspondent] [Text] The Prime Minister today marked the fifth anniversary of the late Ayatollah Khomeyni's death threat to author Salman Rushdie by warning Iran it could not enjoy "full and friendly relations" with the rest of the world until it was lifted. But as John Major issued a statement backing Mr Rushdie, Iran renewed its threat to the author's life. Javad Larijani, an adviser to Iranian president Hashemi Rafsanjani, said: "We consider Rushdie as a man who tried to betray Islam, to downgrade Islam and to downgrade the sentiments of more than one billion Muslims. So...he does not deserve to exist." On February 14, 1989, Ayatollah Khomeyni, then leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, issued his death threat -- or fatwa -- against Mr Rushdie and others associated with the publication of the author's book The Satanic Verses. Mr Major said in his statement: "I met Salman Rushdie last May to demonstrate the Government's full support for his fundamental rights. "I have been heartened by the way in which many governments around the world have demonstrated their support both by meeting Mr Rushdie and in their discussions with the Iranian government. "We all want to make clear to the Iranian government that they cannot enjoy full and friendly relations with the rest of the international community unless and until we can be satisfied that there is no further direct or indirect threat from the Iranian authorities to Mr Rushdie's life, or to that of others associated with his book. "I hope very much that they will listen to the message." When on Tehran radio Ayatollah Khomeyni pronounced on Mr Rushdie for alleged blasphemy, his words changed the Indian-born author's life, led to a breakdown in relations between Europe and Iran, and sparked violence across the Muslim world. Now, despite statements that Mr Rushdie intends to resume a more normal life, there is little prospect that he will be able to do so. So serious is the death threat that ever-watchful Special Branch bodyguards still move him from safe house to safe house. In the first five months of his "captivity" he was shifted 50 times. Hitmen have already killed the Japanese translator of The Satanic Verses and attacked the Italian translator. Last October, the Norwegian publisher of the novel was shot and seriously wounded outside his home in Oslo. |
FBIS3-39252_0 | Clarke on EU Monetary, Economic Integration | Language: French Article Type:BFN [Interview with British Chancellor of the Exchequer Kenneth Clarke before his visit to France by LE FIGARO correspondent Jacques Duplouich in London on 7 February -- first paragraph is LE FIGARO introduction] [Excerpts] Chancellor of the Exchequer Kenneth Clarke today arrives in Paris for a 48-hour visit. He will meet Prime Minister Edouard Balladur, Economy Minister Edmond Alphandery, Budget Minister Nicolas Sarkozy, Raymond Barre, and Bank of France Governor Jean-Claude Trichet [passage omitted] [Duplouich] Everyone agrees that you are a convinced pro-European who is intent on establishing Great Britain at the heart of Europe, following in the footsteps of John Major. Unlike your European partners, you continue to harbor just as many reservations as ever when it comes to Economic and Monetary Union [EMU], the single currency, the European central bank, etc. [Clarke] John Major's government is a pro-European government. And I intend to ensure that Great Britain participates fully in the implementation of the second phase of EMU. Naturally, we have our own views on how the Union should organize itself. Consequently, I would like to see greater emphasis placed on the economic convergence of our countries than on the arbitrary establishment of a calendar proclaiming European integration. We are continuing to argue in favor of a free market, of a privatized economy, and of anything that might help us to resolve the structural causes of unemployment, especially the costs incurred by business and the burden of bureaucratic regulations. [Duplouich] However, sterling is not going to rejoin the exchange rate mechanism of the European Monetary System (EMS) so soon. [Clarke] I still believe in the virtues of a system of stable parities, and the pound's Black Wednesday [16 September 1992] did not make me change my mind on this. However, I am not certain that the best way of obtaining stable parities will involve reestablishing links between our currencies within narrow bands of fluctuation. We will have to talk about this in due course, when we have made progress regarding the convergence of our economies. In any case, the pound will not rejoin the exchange rate mechanism during the current British legislative term, which will theoretically end in 1997. [Duplouich] In order to remain competitive globally, especially among the industrialized nations, will the countries of the European Union have to simultaneously review both their social legislation and their laws governing work organization? [Clarke] Yes. However, |
FBIS3-39266_1 | * Post-GATT Situation Discussed by Sector * Agricultural Sector Assessed | for its part, will be reduced by 36 percent in value. The reduction commitments will not apply to the "less-developed countries." A first assessment can be made. The Americans emerge from the agreement as the principal winners, inasmuch as their system of subsidies is not altered by the final document. This is because one of the advantages they still enjoy is that their domestic prices are close to those quoted internationally. There is a greater disparity between the prices guaranteed to the producers in Europe and international prices. Despite everything, the Europeans have not come out of these accords too badly. The bulk of the guidelines had already been established by the Common Agricultural Policy of the Union (CAP). But a new reform of the CAP is to be expected in the years to come (additional restrictions on the production of beef). While subsidized exports will be reduced, those exports that are not subsidized may increase thanks to the opening up of certain markets. In France, the producers of basic foodstuffs such as grains and beef will suffer as a result of the agricultural accord. On the other hand, it will benefit the manufacturers of processed or "luxury" products such as wines, poultry, cheeses, and dairy products. "There has been a psychological and political overinvestment where this issue is concerned," Michel Rainelli, a professor at the University of Sophia-Antipolis, believes. "Economically, this is a satisfactory agreement for France. But it is difficult to pursue this discussion with the farmers. Instead of taking agriculture as a whole into account, the debate has become polarized around the oleaginous crops and wheat. But the wine producers are aware of the opportunities provided by the opening up of the markets." The assessment is clearly less favorable for a certain number of other countries. The producers in the Cairns group (Australia, Argentina, Canada, etc.), who fought for a real opening up of the agricultural markets, are likely to have to pay the cost of an understanding between Europe and the United States. In the short run, it is the developing countries that will be the main losers as a result of the accords, according to Abdelaziz L. Alaoui, a Paribas Bank economist. They will no longer benefit from the exemption allowed them on the subsidized European wheat they receive. The social consequences to be expected from a rise in prices are likely to be harsh. |
FBIS3-39268_0 | * Post-GATT Situation Discussed by Sector * Maritime Transportation Reviewed | Language: French Article Type:CSO [Unattributed article: "An Ominous Status Quo"] [Text] The agreement reached in December does not include any decision pertaining to the maritime transportation sector. The signatories of the GATT have begun a new round of negotiations on this single issue. An agreement should be reached by the end of 1996. Between now and that time, the status of most favored nation will not apply to this sector. Europe had proposed opening up maritime transportation (with the exception of coastal shipping between two ports in a given country) to competition. But while the European nations have almost entirely opened up their markets, they have not been able to obtain reciprocal treatment from the Americans, who have a very protectionist policy in this sector. For a long time, the Americans in this sector have benefited from federal legislative protection of their activities, which gives them priority on the domestic market. The negotiators submitted minimal offers with regard to the opening up of their markets. Countries like Japan, Mexico, and Korea followed suit. Without result. The European shipowners reject the institutionalization of the current situation, wherein they come up against protectionism in numerous countries, while at the same time competitors can attack them on their own home ground. Therefore no offer was included in the global accord, and new negotiations will be launched. Between now and the end of 1996, none of the parties should be able to strengthen their protectionist arsenals, except by means of retaliatory measures. But the Central Committee of French Shipowners (CCAF) would have preferred a freeze, followed by the dismantling of the protectionist regulations. According to one market analyst, the heaviest losers as a consequence of this accord are likely to be the Asian countries, Taiwan in particular (Evergreen is the largest international shipowner), and the countries of northern Europe, such as Denmark, for example. Greece will also be affected. |
FBIS3-39274_0 | * Post-GATT Situation Discussed by Sector * Ministry Document Summarized | Language: French Article Type:CSO [Unattributed article: "The Industry Ministry's Document: Sensitive Areas"] [Text] When he met with the press last Wednesday [12 January], Gerard Longuet took the opportunity to set forth a first assessment of the results obtained for France in the course of the Uruguay Round negotiations. This assessment is contained in a booklet of 35 pages. We are mentioning here the portions pertaining to certain sensitive parts in our industrial sector. - The European Union has refused to further open up its market for a number of nonferrous metals and is demanding the effective elimination of nontariff obstacles by our main competitors. In order to maintain the 115,000 jobs in their aluminum sector (of which 15,000 are in France), the European nations won agreement on the maintenance of tariff barriers in a market that is suffering seriously from world overproduction. - It was not possible to achieve a multilateral agreement on steel because of the continuing disputes between the United States and the exporter countries (European Union, Japan, Korea), and because of the fact that a decision on the restructuring of the European iron and steel industry is still awaited. The discussions be continue. In the absence of an agreement, the sector would be integrated in the GATT system in 18 months. - The customs duties on the electronic products of the major public enterprises (100,000 jobs in Europe, 14,000 in France) have not been lowered. This is a very sensitive sector because of the manpower costs, the research and development efforts, and the risks involved in the shifting of production facilities to Central and East European countries. - Despite the mutual opening up agreed upon by the Americans and the Japanese in the semiconductor sector, the European nations will continue to monitor the development of this technology closely. This is something a tariff schedule cannot do, and this leaves room for the fear that the established regulations might be circumvented. - The duties on telecommunications and data-processing equipment were the subject of closed negotiations in which the Europeans, Americans, and Japanese participated. This industry in France, where its capacity to compete depends heavily on manpower costs, will have to adapt gradually to a new situation, particularly with regard to telephone sets, on which the duty has been reduced to zero. |
FBIS3-39291_1 | Expanded Too Fast | of policemen in the PET has risen from 33 to 242. That represents an increase of 733 percent. By comparison, the police force as a whole has grown by only 153 percent over the same period, figures reached by SONDAGS POLITIKEN's study of the police staff analyses. The more policemen employed at the PET, the greater the proportion of police working according to methods and budgets which are so secret that not even the Folketing's special control committee can find out anything about them. Only the very broad guidelines for the PET's work are presented to the committee. A number of former justice ministers with whom SONDAGS POLITIKEN has been in touch say that the growth in the PET's staffing levels, and hence budget, has taken place without political interference. "It is not the result of a politically driven wish to increase the staffing of the PET. It is a plan adopted by successive Danish commissioners of police, and one which I am in fact quite happy with. The world is after all no less troubled than it ever was," former Justice Minister Hans Engell (KFP [Conservative Party]) said. Between 1982 and 1992 alone the numbers of crime police employed in the PET grew from 100 to 143. Of all the departments under the commissioner for police, that unquestionably makes the PET the one to have received most new resources. The flying squad, which helps the regional police forces to tackle the most serious crimes, has grown from only 68 to 75 employees over the 10-year period. Another equally hard-pressed department, the fraud squad, has had its strength built up by a mere two detectives to a total of 32. Chief Constable Birgitte Stampe, PET, justifies part of the growth in the service's personnel by citing two technical factors: A number of PET police were previously paid by the ordinary police force, but were later transferred to the PET's payroll. And since 1983 the PET has had to guard the members of the royal family and carry out other guard duties for people at risk. That takes 30 bodyguards. "Although I cannot give you any figures, it is true that these factors do not entirely account for the growth in personnel. But the remainder can be explained by the fact that intelligence work today requires more staff than before. That is the threat assessment picture," PET boss Birgitte Stampe said. |
FBIS3-39301_2 | Committee Chairman Interviewed on Kurdish Struggle | the Kurdish and Cypriot struggles, Yeoryiadhis says: "You have answered this question yourself ... [ellipsis as published] There is no struggle and this is why I insist that since we are not fighting, we must at least help those who fight for us. It may seem unlikely that the Turkish Army in Cyprus will either be blocked because of an expansion of war and Turkish domestic problems or will have to withdraw. The latter option is possibly more unlikely because the reservists can cover their needs, but the possibility that the Army will stay blocked remains. "We must see this and understand that our only way out is to respect the political factor that, on the one hand, causes Turkey's financial bankruptcy--the Turkish pound was devalued 20 percent during a stock exchange crash--and, on the other, causes a political crisis. There is no government that can make a decision on a Cyprus solution. There is no willingness and this is the most basic issue." Yeoryiadhis is then asked which countries support the Kurds and who helps them. He answers: "The Kurdish people, the PKK [Workers Party of Kurdistan], which was established in 1978 is based on a basic principle, the people's self-rule. It does not try to secure help from foreign countries so it does not become dependent. Foreign help causes dependence. We have the example of the Iraqi Kurds. Their continuous dependence caused the Kurdish people in Iraq to be destroyed. "Kurdish assistance mainly comes from the Kurdish people themselves, the immigrants. There are about 1.5 million Kurds in Europe alone. Kurdistan's National Liberation Front has some 300,000 active members in Europe who contribute to the Kurdish struggle. Assistance from others in the international community is not ruled out." Discussing which countries are friendly toward the Kurdish people, Yeoryiadhis remarks: "There is a significant opening in Europe. Greece is friendly toward the Kurdish struggle, as is Cyprus, Belgium, the Scandinavian countries, Austria, Italy, and Spain. Basically, the only countries that oppose the Kurds are France and Germany, which follow the Turkish policy on the Kurdish issue because of interests in Turkey." Asked how the Americans see the Kurdish struggle, Yeoryiadhis replies: "The Americans oppose Turkey's division because they consider it a factor of stability in the Middle East, a factor against Iran and Islamic fundamentalism. But, they obviously favor the creation of a political state, particularly in northern Iraq." |
FBIS3-39301_3 | Committee Chairman Interviewed on Kurdish Struggle | people's self-rule. It does not try to secure help from foreign countries so it does not become dependent. Foreign help causes dependence. We have the example of the Iraqi Kurds. Their continuous dependence caused the Kurdish people in Iraq to be destroyed. "Kurdish assistance mainly comes from the Kurdish people themselves, the immigrants. There are about 1.5 million Kurds in Europe alone. Kurdistan's National Liberation Front has some 300,000 active members in Europe who contribute to the Kurdish struggle. Assistance from others in the international community is not ruled out." Discussing which countries are friendly toward the Kurdish people, Yeoryiadhis remarks: "There is a significant opening in Europe. Greece is friendly toward the Kurdish struggle, as is Cyprus, Belgium, the Scandinavian countries, Austria, Italy, and Spain. Basically, the only countries that oppose the Kurds are France and Germany, which follow the Turkish policy on the Kurdish issue because of interests in Turkey." Asked how the Americans see the Kurdish struggle, Yeoryiadhis replies: "The Americans oppose Turkey's division because they consider it a factor of stability in the Middle East, a factor against Iran and Islamic fundamentalism. But, they obviously favor the creation of a political state, particularly in northern Iraq." Asked to comment on the declaration of war against the Kurds by Turkish Prime Minister Ciller, Yeoryiadhis says that such declarations are common but various Turkish officials give different dates as to when a new offensive will begin. Yeoryiadhis adds: "There is some confusion on an exact time because they try to hide the real picture and avoid world reaction. The developments, though, show the opposite. Turkey's economy is continuously being destroyed and there is a political crisis." Furthermore, Yeoryiadhis says: "It seems that Turkey will not make it [against the Kurdish uprising] to the year 2000. This year, the Kurds will strongly attack tourism in Turkey, aiming at exhausting its economic resources, mainly foreign currency, so that it will not be able to finance the war against them." Yeoryiadhis is then asked to explain why there are so many Kurds in the occupied part of Cyprus, since the Kurds are at war with the Turks. He responds: "The Turks' basic policy is to evict the Kurds from the Kurdish areas to minimize the war. They have emptied and destroyed more than 800 Kurdish villages in Kurdistan. They do the same thing with the other nationalities in Asia Minor. There |
FBIS3-39306_1 | Daily Summarizes Turkey-Azerbaijan Agreement | territorial integrity, including the nonviolation of each other's borders, in accordance with the UN Charter. b. The two sides will quickly establish the mechanisms required to promote cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, social, and other fields with a view to further strengthening their relations. c. The two sides will maintain uninterrupted high-level contacts on bilateral relations and international issues. d. In accordance with the accepted legal principles and norms in international relations, the two sides will try to improve bilateral cooperation in every field. They will quickly move to effect the necessary legal arrangements for that purpose. e. The two sides reaffirmed that occupation of territories by the use of force and acquisition of international recognition or legal status for occupied territories is inadmissible. f. Stressing that safeguarding the territorial integrity of the regional countries will contribute toward establishing peace, stability, and security in the Caucasus, the two sides will closely cooperate and help each other on those issues on a bilateral level and within the framework of the international organizations of which they are members. g. If one of the two sides is attacked by a third country or countries, the other will take the necessary measures to help it. h. While taking measures individually to maintain their national security and solve their defense problems, the two sides will exchange information and cooperate to carry out mutual activities [karsilikli faaliyet] within the framework of their close friendly relations. i. The two sides will attach importance to promoting relations between their parliaments. j. The two sides will create opportunities for establishing relations between their political, social, and economic establishments and for exchanging delegations between them. k. The two sides will draw up a more favorable system for cooperation in trade and in the economic and financial fields. l. The two sides will create the conditions required for the exchange of technological information and for investments to promote their economy. m. The two sides will work to improve their free market economy system by exchanging information on and experience of economic reforms and their efforts to improve their economic management systems. n. Reconfirming the agreements they reached on transit and transport through their territory in the past, the two sides agreed to conclude separate agreements for additional arrangements in that field. o. The two sides adopted various decisions to promote their cooperation in the communications, fine arts, and cultural fields. |
FBIS3-39309_0 | Increased Incidents of Human Rights Violations Noted | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Report by Sinan Yilmaz] [Text] Ankara--Turkey's human rights record has suffered another blow with an increasing number of deaths and abuses occurring in the past year, according to a recently issued report by the Ankara-based Turkish Human Rights Association (IHD). In announcing these findings in its 1993 annual report the IHD said that because of the rapid increase in human rights abuses, this year it would begin issuing reports on a monthly basis. The association said that in 1993, attacks by security forces on groups and individuals increased as did extrajudicial deaths (killings by security forces without due legal process), especially in Istanbul. In the Southeast 3,750 civilians were killed and 1,490 wounded in ongoing clashes and there is still no solution in sight to the Kurdish problem. The association, whose report concentrated on alleged rights violations by the security forces and state agencies, did not refer to deliberate attacks on civilian targets by the outlawed Workers Party Kurdistan (PKK). It did, however, accuse Ankara of hiding Turkey's economic and social realities behind the excuse of terrorism. No mention was made in the report of the PKK's systematic campaign in the southeast which targeted engineers, teachers, students and civil servants, but association sources said that in 1994, such activities would be closely monitored. The commentary noted that 1993 had been a negative year regarding democratization and human rights and said that "day by day Turkey is being dragged into darkness." It continued that all criticism of current economic, political, social and cultural policies was regarded by the authorities as a criminal offense and that any struggle for rights was faced with new bans and oppression. The report also noted that the debate on capital punishment had resurfaced in 1993 and that nothing had yet been done regarding the formation of a ministry of human rights as had been promised by the coalition government. State Minister Mehmet Kahraman has recently threatened to resign if the proposed ministry is not established. Observers have said that in the past, governments had been very keen to declare their opposition to human rights abuses while at the same time denying that there have been any violations. The failure, however, to establish a human rights ministry, is cited as the main obstacle in proving that the coalition government is sincere on this issue. The IHD's 1993 human rights summary listed 21 people |
FBIS3-39315_2 | Bulgaria's Zhelev Signs NATO Document 14 Feb Speaks at Ceremony | for Russia to become committed to European security, without encouraging the imperial ambitions of certain would-be dictators," Mr. Zhelev said. Speaking of the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, President Zhelev said they were a challenge to Bulgaria's security and caused -- through the international sanctions -- formidable difficulties for this country's economic reform. "Bulgaria's policy to the Yugoslav crisis was and remains principled, consistent, peaceful and inspired by good intentions. I am sure it will be given credit by our Western partners, by all civilized and democratic countries," Mr. Zhelev said. "I am convinced that the North Atlantic alliance has made a good choice by seeking a new type of security in integrated Europe through the joining of the new democracies. This is a momentous process which helps democracy strike strong roots in East Europe and bear fruit that will not have a bitter after taste for the people who overthrew communism full of hope, self-confidence and a firm belief in a worthy future that the West would support," the Bulgarian president said about Partnership for Peace. He pointed out that for Bulgaria, the concept of security has military, as well as economic, social, political and humanitarian dimensions. Mr. Zhelev recalled that the idea of cooperation with NATO meets with broad public support in Bulgaria, and that Bulgarian Parliament was the first in East Europe to adopt a special declaration on the Partnership for Peace plan. Mr. Zhelev stated that Bulgaria is ready to adjust its defense policy to that of the European democracies, the United States and Canada. President Zhelev said Bulgaria is the only East European country invited to join Partnership for Peace, which borders on two NATO members in the Balkans -- Greece and Turkey. He added that Bulgaria had reached a good level of cooperation in the political, economic, military and military-technical sectors with them. "Its most valuable asset is a remarkable `transparency' in relations, which transcended the measures envisaged in the Armed Forces in Europe Treaty so that we ourselves expanded them on a bilateral basis," Mr. Zhelev said. He also pointed out that "Bulgaria cannot remain indifferent to the fact that the military balance in the Balkans does not match the new political realities in so far as some Balkan countries have not acceded to the European agreements and therefore their arms are not under control." President Zhelev is expected back in Bulgaria tonight. |
FBIS3-39339_1 | Brittan Interviewed on GATT, Mediterranean Issues | set out my ideas on the EU's everyday affairs. [Bassets] You and Mickey Kantor have presented the GATT final agreement very well, but the agreement on services is not substantial. Audiovisual products have been excluded. One might say it is like the Maastricht Treaty, with more exceptions than rules. [Brittan] I do not accept this description and do not recognize this analysis, because it is incorrect. In the services sector, we have laid down strict rules which are very useful for Europe. In the case of audiovisual products we had an insistent demand from the United States that we dismantle the limited protection we have for our culture and commit ourselves to go no further. We have not dismantled our system of protection, and we have not committed ourselves for the future or made it our duty to do so. I believe that in this respect the Community can be very satisfied. More generally, this is the greatest dismantling of tariff and nontariff barriers in history. Therefore it cannot be said that it is an empty shell. [Bassets] But it is, in services. [Brittan] That is not true in services either. You have to look at the agreement as a whole, which means an extensive reduction of tariffs and the removal of many barriers. The trading system's operating rules have been strengthened, and this prevents the Americans or anybody else from adopting measures unilaterally. We are going to set up a world trade organization -- a central concern of the EU, which met with U.S. opposition. All this has been achieved, including the services sector in this; in some cases through specific agreements and in others through agreements on the negotiating framework within new rules. [Bassets] Allow me to contradict you. You and Kantor took up the negotiation when an attempt was being made to avert catastrophe, and you succeeded, but you cannot deny that many of the chapters have been shelved and that the expectations which were aroused have not been satisfied. [Brittan] It is the first time that services have been included in an international agreement, and so it is not strange that the agreements are not as spectacular as was hoped. What was achieved in addition to goods -- in intellectual property, which is especially important for Europe -- must also be taken into account. But I insist that it is not true that there is no |
FBIS3-39339_4 | Brittan Interviewed on GATT, Mediterranean Issues | of a loss of weight and influence. Do you believe that this is well-founded? [Brittan] There are two different points in your question. One is the aim on which the Community should concentrate now, and the other is the specific countries' rights and influence. The Commission has traditionally supported the small countries, and I believe that it is right that it should continue to do so, but Spain is not a small country. It is a large and influential country, and I would even say one with increasing influence in all fields, and so I do not believe that it should be concerned about loss of influence as a southern country. The other problem is what the EU should now concentrate on. I believe this is where the greatest changes have occurred with the end of communism. There should clearly be a balance with respect to the southern countries, a balance which should mean a greater development of our own Mediterranean policies and particular care in relations with the southern Mediterranean countries. Not, as is said, in order to stop immigration to Spain or wherever. It is a broader issue than all this. I do not wish to express my disagreement with current policies but rather to support strongly a balance of policies, also aimed at North Africa. [Bassets] Spain's weight in the European institutions is less than is appropriate in terms of its size, principally in key posts, if it is compared with countries such as France or Germany, which have played the leading role in European building. Do you believe that things should change over the next few years? [Brittan] Curiously, the United Kingdom shares the same impression. This happens not because there is unfair discrimination with respect to certain countries. It is a result of history and of national cultures and traditions. We should encourage the people in the less represented countries to submit their candidacies, and then they must be supported in order to adjust the current situation. [Bassets] You present yourself as a perfectly orthodox commissioner with respect to the current institutional framework, and say that you disagree with the British Government, but the latter is supporting you in your candidacy. Are you the antifederal candidate? [Brittan] My stance cannot be identified with that of the British Government. I have been an explicit and persistent supporter of economic and monetary union. I believe that it |
FBIS3-39341_0 | Commissioner `Hopeful' on Schengen Agreement | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Unattributed article: "Statement by Vanni D'Archirafi on Delay in Schengen Agreement"; as released by Brussels TEXTLINE database] [Text] In a statement on the new delay in enforcement of the Schengen Agreement on the abolition of controls on people at borders, European Commissioner Raniero Vanni d'Archirafi began by saying that the "true value" of technical difficulties that have been an obstacle to the system should be taken into account. No political meaning (which they do not have or, if at all, only very slightly) should be attributed to them. Once more, Mr. Vanni d'Archirafi stressed what a difficult exercise this was, mainly because the member states do not all make the same interpretation of the former Article 8a (now Article 7a) on the abolition of controls on people at the borders of the Union. Be this as it may, Mr. Vanni d'Archirafi sees some "hopeful elements." These mainly lie in the attitude of the German Chair of the Schengen Group (until end June), in the fact that "even Austria" has officially asked for observer status with the Schengen Group, and in indications according to which "it is not to be ruled out that the Danish position may develop along the same lines." Furthermore, the Commissioner recalled that "at least 95 percent, if not 97 or 98 percent, of free movement has already been achieved." Although some controls still exist (mainly because security problems have not been settled), the right of free movement is not disputed. He went on to say that the European Commission has proved its will to take concrete initiatives at the appropriate moment by proposing decisions concerning visas and the convention on external frontiers, and it plans to make other proposals in close sequence over coming months. Despite the above explanations, the judgment of MEPs [member of European Parliament] on the European Commission's attitude is very severe. If, by European elections in June, Schengen is not in force, then the European Commission will have failed on one of the most important questions, said German Christian Democrat Karl von Wogau for whom the present situation is a "scandal." Mr. Jarzembowski, also German Christian Democrat, agreed that the "Commission has failed," and that the purely intergovernmental path which had been chosen also failed: European Union, he said, needs Community solutions, and the European Parliament is ready to contribute. The MEP moreover encouraged Italy, Greece and Portugal |
FBIS3-39347_0 | Human Rights Reports Criticize Ulster Security Forces | Language: English Article Type:BFN [David Sharrock report: "U.S. Report Attack Ulster Security Forces"] [Text] Belfast -- The role of the security forces in Northern Ireland is strongly criticised in an official United States report to be shown to President Clinton before his meeting with John Major this month. Two other human rights reports published this week call for an independent public inquiry into alleged collusion between security forces and loyalist paramilitaries. President Clinton will be briefed on the State Department report before he meets the Prime Minister in Washington on February 27. Its contents, should they be raised at the meeting, will further sour the "special relationship" between the two countries, strained by Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams's visit to New York last week. The report gives details of recent killings and judicial proceedings. "Although no deaths resulted from shootings by security forces (in 1993), charges continued that soldiers resorted to lethal force precipitately and carried out a `shoot to kill' policy," it says. "Security forces, both the army and Royal Ulster Constabulary [RUC], frequently harass citizens verbally, particularly young people in areas where community support for terrorists is considered strong. Security forces have also been accused of more serious incidents of physical mistreatment." In Political Killings in Northern Ireland, published today, Amnesty International accuses the Government of evading its duty to investigate "mounting evidence of collusion between government forces and groups like the banned Ulster Defence Association [UDA] that oppose any change in Northern lreland's status quo.... The Government must make every effort to show equal concern for all members of the population, by guaranteeing equal protection." And the Belfast-based Committee on the Administration of Justice has this week published a report on allegations of harassment in connection with incidents involving the use of lethal force. Of 20 families interviewed by the Committee, nine reported that their deceased family member had received death threats by police or soldiers. All three reports note the killing of some 350 people by the security forces since 1969. Most were Catholics, about half of whom were unarmed. Up to 1991, 21 security force members were prosecuted for killings using firearms. Nineteen were found not guilty, one was convicted of manslaughter and given a suspended sentence. Only one, a soldier, was convicted of murder. Although given a life sentence, he served just over two years and was then reinstated in the army. Amnesty says: |
FBIS3-39349_1 | Newspapers Consider Current UK, U.S. Relations Relations Worst `Since Suez' | not only admired her when she was prime minister but still admire her. That is why her picture is on that flier. The Tories, when they ditched Mrs Thatcher, may possibly have been doing the right thing by their party, and for its fortunes in Britain. But they were throwing away a great asset in international relations, especially relations with America. And Britain acquired, in place of that asset, a liability. If Britain repudiated that marvellous Margaret Thatcher, well, there must be something wrong with Britain, mustn't there? As for Mr Major, his name and image carry hardly any connotations here. But for those who do know something about him, the connotations are negative, consisting mainly of a vague impression that he is the guy who stabbed Mrs Thatcher in the back. The deterioration shows in a number of ways. There is the decision to ignore British protests and sell aircraft with advanced radar to Argentina. That could not have happened under Mrs Thatcher. There is increasing talk of an emerging Franco-American leadership, especially over Bosnia. Britain is presented as dragging its feet over Bosnia. I believe Britain was right to oppose the drift towards military intervention. But for the present it is the French who are giving a lead in the direction favoured by popular opinion in America. Then there is the small but revealing episode of Gerry Adams and his visa. First of all, Mr Adams would not have been granted an American visa while Mrs Thatcher was prime minister. Mrs Thatcher inspired fear, both in Washington and in Dublin. Mr Major inspires nothing in particular, in either capital. Since the Downing Street Declaration of 15 December, with its fatal concession of the Hume-Adams wording on self-determination, Albert Reynolds has been under the impression that he can get away with pretty well anything where the present British government is concerned, even getting an American visa for the political head of the Provisional IRA, while the IRA's "armed struggle" against Britain continues. The granting of that visa was one symptom of a general deterioration in Anglo-American relations. But the consequences of granting the visa have accelerated the deterioration. This was not mainly a result of Gerry Adams' anti-British tirades on Larry King Live and elsewhere. These reached huge audiences but embarrassed his more respectable sponsors, who had bought the line that Mr Adams is now an earnest seeker after |
FBIS3-39354_2 | Most Obstacles Removed | NATO and CSCE. Austria intends to make a full contribution and to show solidarity with its partners. Despite this progress, some hard-core issues are yet to be settled. The most delicate of these relate to agriculture, secondary residences and transit traffic. Several problems remain. Does the internal market come into effect immediately on entry or will Austrian produce and markets be granted a transitional period? The government is pushing for a transition of four years because there are adaptation problems for many farmers who would go to the wall, or have to be supported by generous subsidies. The question is whether the EU would be prepared to share the burden. Austria will be a net contributor to EU coffers and a suitable arrangement seems likely. The second agricultural problem concerns quotas for future Austrian production in the Union, namely beef, milk, sugar, pork, wine, wheat and other agricultural products. On this the EU has so far failed to make a satisfactory offer. A solution will probably be found. On the delicate issue of transit traffic, the EU must agree to continue with the present valid agreement. Secondary residences is more a psychological than an economic or political question. Here one has to respect the Alpine people's wishes not to be submerged or destroyed by rich city people. These last points are essential preconditions if the government is to go ahead with a referendum, which could take place on 12 June. Austria is prepared to negotiate beyond the March deadline and even into the autumn to achieve the best deal for its farmers and the Tyroleans. This is vital not only for their well-being but also for a positive outcome to the referendum. If the coalition government of Social Democrats and Christian Democrats feels its conditions have not been met and the referendum is likely to go against membership, it would prefer to wait. Much hinges on Austria, because then Sweden and Finland would be unable to organise their own referendums. Austrian negotiators, however, are optimistic all will work out on the day. Polls show a consistent, albeit narrow, pro-EU majority. They show that Europe is now seen as the most important Austrian issue -- above immigration, jobs and terrorism. Pundits are predicting a 55 per cent majority in favour of Europe, but many voters are still undecided and the government cannot count its chickens before they hatch. The small Green |
FBIS3-39357_0 | Daily Criticizes International Community's Bosnia Policy | Language: Dutch Article Type:BFN [Paul De Bruyn commentary: "Price of Short-Sighted Policies and Lack of Courage"] [Text] Since NATO issued the ultimatum against the Serbs, which had become inevitable, an international political situation has arisen which shows parallels with the one just prior the Gulf war. Then, too, the world counted down the time to the moment when the deadline would expire, and then, too, the deadline led to increased diplomatic activity to try to avoid a fatal explosion. For the time being most Western governments are assuming that military action will not be necessary. They are counting on the Serbs and the Bosnian Government Army to hand over their heavy weapons to the United Nations within the deadline. Such positions show again -- in so far as that was still necessary -- that no one is burning to really intervene. That is the big difference with the Gulf war. Then, Western leaders were determined to join battle with Saddam Husayn, no matter what the consequences. The Bosnian tragedy soon will have unfurled itself before everyone for two years and no one has ever shown the same determination. Despite the far more serious human rights violations, the bloodbaths, the "ethnic cleansing," the destruction of everything a Western democracy claims it believes in, no Western leader has ever taken action to make it clear that enough was enough. That is not simply linked to a painful lack of courage, but has just as much to do with a lack of strategy. The truth, which no one likes to hear, is that this crisis has demonstrated the limits of the West's power and possibilities in the most painful way. The West has allowed itself to be dragged into a swamp from which it was impossible to escape. The only way out of the policies followed up to now is ever greater involvement at an ever higher cost, with diminishing chances of a real solution. It is strange to hear Foreign Minister Willy Claes now admit this. Even at the time of the Bosnia conference in London in August 1992, everyone who had followed the crisis could unerringly predict this scenario. By carrying out air strikes against Serb positions, NATO hopes to break through this spiral. And much is at stake for the organization. The Western military alliance also shares the impotence of the European Union and the United Nations. What it comes |
FBIS3-39359_2 | Daily Comments on EU Expansion to Eastern States | future wars in Europe. The same approach is required for East Europe. This whole region is in a sort of hibernation. Rather than having governments representing a social contract which has been achieved from below, East Europe still has political structures and constitutions which are imposed from above, and leaders who are determined to instill their people with democratic principles. Barring a few exceptions, the first generation of postcommunist leaders is rightly convinced of the mission which Europe can fulfill. If their efforts remain fruitless, then eventually these leaders will probably be replaced by more sinister politicians. This logic has never got through to Brussels. The East Europeans, rather than being warmly welcomed in West Europe, received a full broadside of protectionist self-interest. In the short term East Europe's agricultural products are its strongest export sector. As a European cereals producer, Poland is second only to France; its potato harvest is as big as the whole of the EU's put together. Hungary is an efficient meat producer. But the EU, where despite the promised reforms half the budget still goes on the common agricultural policy, was not prepared to allow the East Europeans to sell their products on European markets. France even blocked a compromise proposal under which Hungary, in its first year as an associated country, would be allowed to export an extra 550 tonnes of beef to the Union. Last year, the Union decided to make its trade policies more flexible, but they are still restrictive and arbitrary. For example, over the last 10 years East Europe halved its steel production, while the EU member states increased their steel production by 20 percent. Yet the East Europeans are still accused of "dumping" their steel on European markets and punished with high tariffs. The Western leaders spoke of lofty principles and the bureaucrats in Brussels played their quota game as before. A cynical game was taking place behind the scenes. After the end of the Cold War, France was obsessed with binding the German giant into a closely united Europe, and until this goal was successfully reached it vetoed the enlargement of the Union. The United Kingdom, determined to prevent this, made impassioned calls for East European membership, above all to weaken cohesion within the Union. Both countries agreed on one thing: That the East Europeans themselves played no role. But what had not been understood in either Paris |
FBIS3-39363_0 | Russian Minister Prefers KfW to EBRD | Language: German Article Type:BFN [Report signed "hg": "Russia: Finance Minister Wants To Hold Course"] [Text] Frankfurt/Main, 11 February -- Russia will stick to the reform course even under the current, more difficult conditions and will strive for further progress in the negotiations on restructuring its old debts. This was indicated by Andrey Kasmin, deputy finance minister of the Russian Federation, speaking in a series of lectures at the Reconstruction Loan Corporation [KfW] in Frankfurt. The main goal of the "medium tough" stabilization policy remains the further reduction of inflation. There are particular expectations from cooperation with Germany; in this connection, Kasmin thinks that the relations with the KfW are more effective than those with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development [EBRD] in London. Furthermore, Kasmin did not want to leave unchallenged the impression that there is a permanent contradiction between the policy of the Finance Ministry and the attitude of the Russian Central Bank. In reality, there is now rather sensible cooperation at expert level, which is not so much noticed in public. This exchange is effective, and the parliamentary committee for supervising the central issuing of loans also has an influence on the Russian Central Bank. At the moment, however, the problem consists in restructuring the way the Central Bank is constitutionally anchored. In this respect, one must make certain pragmatic concessions during a transition period. This also applies to the issuing of loans to industry by the Central Bank. Here one has to take into consideration the social interrelationships of the large industrial and economic institutions. This sets limits for the restrictive course in monetary and loan policy. Nevertheless, it is necessary to make a really serious start with restructuring the real economy in Russia. This is the only way to ensure a future for the Russian economy. If one follows a tough course, which will logically be painful, one must keep the consequences of social dissatisfaction under control. if the current path is continued, however, and an uncontrolled influx of money permitted, it is possible to predict that Russian economy will completely collapse. For the First Time Saving With Positive Real Interest Rate Last year financial policy certainly made progress, Kasmin explained. After all, in December the inflation rate was reduced to a monthly rate of 13 percent, which, of course, is still extraordinarily high by Western standards. However, one has to set this against the |
FBIS3-39390_9 | PET Chief Quizzed on Operational Methods | anyway, we do not spend a lot. [POLITIKEN] Why is the size of the budget kept a secret when the numbers employed appear from the Commissioner's annual report? [Stampe] It is not appropriate to reveal anything about the size of the budget. People with a particular interest in our work must not be able to deduce the extent of our capabilities. [POLITIKEN] But that can be virtually worked out by looking up the Commissioner's report and seeing how large the staff is. Is it not paradoxical to release these figures but not the budget? [Stampe] I have no further comment to make on that question. [POLITIKEN] Hand on heart, is it not very convenient to be the head of an institution which is not accountable to the public as regards what the public actually gets for its money? Just think how the other branches of the police force or, for example, an educational establishment are often forced to justify every 1,000-kroner note they spend. [Stampe] The special circumstances surrounding the PET in this regard have no effect on the day-to-day work. There is no more to be said on that issue. [POLITIKEN] Out of consideration for state security, the PET on occasion has to turn a blind eye to less serious crime, in the hope of uncovering something larger. One example: The PET does not arrest someone for an ordinary burglary if, by letting him go free, it has a chance to uncover his links with a KGB agent. [Stampe] I have absolutely nothing to say on that subject. [POLITIKEN] Where does the threshold lie for necessary intervention, irrespective of the overriding aim of surveillance? [Stampe] No comment. [POLITIKEN] How, in general terms, does the PET tackle the following dilemma: If the PET arrests someone for a minor criminal act, the larger case is spoiled. If it does not, the PET is ignoring the police's obligation to intervene in all cases where the law is broken. [Stampe] I do not wish to say anything on that subject. [POLITIKEN] Last: Have you, prior to this interview, consulted with others on what you should say and especially what you should not say on the PET? [Stampe] No. [POLITIKEN] And finally: What does a head of the PET do when she is not monitoring her fellow citizens or citizens of foreign nationality? [Stampe] Now that is of absolutely no interest to the public. |
FBIS3-39404_0 | Azerbaijani President's Support of PKK Criticized | Language: Turkish Article Type:BFN [All quotation marks as published] [Text] Azerbaijani President Geydar Aliyev, who is on an official visit to Turkey, has not abandoned his anti-Turkish approach. He concluded secret agreements with Russia on oil some time ago. It has now become apparent that he is supporting the Workers Party of Kurdistan [PKK]. He has appointed several PKK sympathizers to the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic Internal Affairs Ministry. They have facilitated the move of PKK members from Turkey to Armenia through Nakhichevan. Furthermore, Aliyev, who is one of Moscow's underlings, has used state funds to finance and distribute DENGE KURD, a newspaper that opposes Turkey. Geydar Aliyev, who is known for his support of initiatives against Turkey, is on Ankara's agenda [as published] because of his support for the PKK. Aliyev describes Turkey as a friendly and fraternal country whenever he finds himself in a difficult situation. However, he has tried to stab Turkey in the back at every opportunity. Meanwhile, another of his deceptive moves has been exposed. Aliyev has cooperated with Armenia in providing funds and logistical support to the PKK, which is trying to divide Turkey. He has appointed PKK sympathizers, who are known to be militants, to the Nakhichevan Internal Affairs Ministry. They have facilitated the move of PKK terrorists from Turkey to Armenia and Azerbaijan. Geydar Aliyev is known as an indispensable person for Russia. He has supported PKK's printed propaganda activities in Azerbaijan. Recall that not so long ago Aliyev placed all of Azerbaijan's press organs under his control and obstructed those opposed to his regime. Meanwhile, his administration has met all the needs of DENGE KURD, from ink to paper. That newspaper is printed in Cyrillic in Baku. Furthermore, he has allowed PKK members to open 20 shops in Baku. DENGE KURD is a newspaper opposed to Turkey. Aliyev has guaranteed its distribution through the help of his administration. While conveying friendly messages to Turkey, Aliyev has exposed his true face by supporting the treacherous elements. DENGE KURD is a PKK newspaper supported by Aliyev. It describes southeastern Anatolia as a part of Kurdistan. Furthermore, it describes Abdullah Ocalan, who is the leader of the PKK terrorists, as the "national leader of the Kurdish people." The following are several passages from the October 1993 edition of DENGE KURD, which is supported by Aliyev: "The Turkish State is a servant of imperialism. The liberation |
FBIS3-39407_0 | Turkey's Mentese Links PKK With Drug Trafficking | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Strasbourg, Feb 4 (A.A) -- Interior Minister Nahit Mentese presented a file of the outlawed separatist terrorist PKK [Workers Party of Kurdistan] organization which included the organization's relations with drug traffic, it was reported on Friday [4 February]. Mentese who is currently attending a Council of Europe ministerial meeting on drugs said the file showed that PKK had links with 53 drug traffic incidents which happened between 1990-1993 adding that nearly four tonnes of heroin were seized during this time. Mentese said European security officials also confirmed the organization's activities on drug traffic. The file gives the names of the terrorists from the outlawed separatist PKK organization who were earlier caught together with large quantities of narcotics in several countries of the world and in Turkey. Meanwhile, a document published at the end of the meeting, with Turkey's initiatives, said "European countries strengthen their commitment that they will work together against terror organizations who have links with drug traffic." |
FBIS3-39408_0 | Official Disclosures on Zhalah Attack Questioned | Language: Turkish Article Type:BFN [Column by Hadi Uluengin "The Aftermath of the Attack on Zhalah Camp"] [Excerpts] Either someone is lying or an effort is being made to distort the facts. One does not need to be an astrologer to realize this state of affairs. Studying the official statements and the chronology of the developments will be enough. [passage omitted] The disclosure by the military officials after the air attack on the Zhalah Camp in northern Iraq, which has been described as the most intensive air raid since the establishment of the republic, said that the targets were completely destroyed and the Workers Party of Kurdistan [PKK] suffered many casualties. However, the PKK, Democratic Party of Kurdistan, leader Mas'ud Barzani and the Turkish journalists who visited the area have disclosed that the PKK suffered few casualties. It will be recalled that in the past General Dogan Gures, chief of the General Staff, accused those who sought a nonmilitary solution to the Kurdish problem of "making nonsensical remarks while sipping whiskey in the Bosphorus." This time, he has accused those who have questioned the air operation of "lobbying for the bandits." He has done so when even former President General Kenan Evren, who led the military takeover of the administration on 12 September 1980, has described the air attack as an unsuccessful operation. In view of this, should he also be regarded as a member of the "lobby of the bandits?" Who is telling the truth about the attack on the Zhalah Camp? It will be recalled that Tehran lodged a protest over the bombing of Iran's territory, noting that the bombs that were dropped on Iran killed and wounded several people and caused damage to property. The General Staff rejected Iran's protest. However, the information the Turkish Consulate in Orumiyeh conveyed to Turkey and the delegation Ankara sent to the region confirms Tehran's claims. In fact, it will be recalled that a government spokesman has disclosed that Turkey will compensate Iran. Considering all that, how can the discrepancy between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish Armed Forces be explained? Which of the two state establishments is telling the truth? Sources affiliated with the General Staff have said that the operation against the Zhalah Camp cost 12 billion Turkish lira. However, Deputy Prime Minister Murat Karayalcin has said that the operation cost 1 trillion Turkish lira. Which of the |
FBIS3-39410_0 | Eighteen PKK Members Captured in Adana | Language: Turkish Article Type:BFN [Announcer-read report over video] [Text] Eighteen members of the terrorist PKK [Workers Party of Kurdistan] organization, five of them women, have been captured in Adana. According to a statement issued by the Adana Governor's Office, it was determined that the suspects had participated in various killings, woundings, and bombings. The suspects are believed to have been involved in recruiting members and sending them to rural regions to extort money from citizens on behalf of the organization. Five Kalashnikov automatic rifles, many rounds of ammunition, nine bombs of various types, equipment used in making bombs, and large amounts of clothes and organizational documents were found in searches conducted of the homes and work places of the suspects. |
FBIS3-39415_2 | London, Dublin Agreement To Decide Ulster Future | exercise their right of self-determination, on the basis of consent, if that is their wish." Neither passage can give any comfort to rightwing nationalists at Westminster, let alone to die-hard unionists among Northern Irish Protestants. Such an explicit recognition by the UK of the legitimacy of the claims of Irish unity (though only by consent) is unprecedented. But the corollary of the principle of consent is that terrorism, so far from advancing the cause of Irish unity, makes it impossible. The very premise of terrorism is a denial of democracy, the total negation of consent. In Northern Ireland, the two communities are too evenly balanced to admit of a victory of one over the other. IRA terrorism cannot lead to a political victory for the nationalists, because the immediate consequence would be more terrorism by extremist Protestants, most probably a civil war. If the leaders of the IRA were to take up the offer of "reconciliation, leading to a new political framework," that would be wonderful; but it may be too much of a miracle to hope for. If they do not, then the IRA and Sinn Fein will both be politically dead meat. If they reject the opportunities offered by the declaration, they will have forfeited their claim to speak for the people of Ireland; and they will have shown that terrorism takes precedence over politics, and that Sinn Fein is ruled by the IRA, not the other way round. But whether the IRA says yes or no, the central problem in the declaration is with the definition of the concept of consent. The reason for the terrorism by Catholics and Protestants is that consent is lacking; and even if the terrorism stopped, consent would still be lacking. In fact, there is never likely to be, in our lifetimes, the kind of political majority, either for keeping or for changing the constitutional status quo, which could be counted on to produce a permanent and peaceful settlement of the Northern Ireland question. The corollary is that the medium-term future of Northern Ireland will be decided not by local parties or local majorities, but by agreement between the governments of Britain and Ireland. Sir Patrick Mayhew professes to rule out any idea of joint authority over Northern Ireland; but in strategic terms, that is precisely what is implied by the Anglo-Irish declaration. When the two governments say their aim is "a |
FBIS3-39431_0 | Daily Comments on Proposed EU Plan on Immigrants | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Report by Boris Johnson: "Europe Faces Split Over Immigrant Workers"] [Text] Brussels -- The EC Commission is heading for a clash with Britain over plans to allow the nine million legally established immigrants within Europe the right to move and work freely across the continent. Padraig Flynn, social affairs commissioner, will today unveil an audacious plan designed both to crack down on illegal immigrants and to give those already in Europe "a stake in society," EC officials said last night. The commissioner, a former Fianna Fail justice minister in Ireland, will propose that legally established immigrants in other EC countries should have the right to seek employment in Britain, even if they do not have an EC passport. The 34-point plan is likely to appall Tory backbenchers. At last year's Tory Party conference, Peter Lilley, Social Security Secretary, drew cheers with an attack on "benefit tourists" from other EC countries, and the notion of throwing open the doors to non-EC citizens is already being dismissed in London. Britain's immigration laws still tightly restrict entry to those doing necessary jobs, or those having spouses or dependent children already resident in Britain. Any legally established immigrant can apply for citizenship after four years. Germany, too, is likely to object to Mr Flynn's plan for a gradual naturalisation of "gastarbeiters," such as the Turks who can remain in Germany for generations without being entitled either to nationality or to the vote. Last night, details of the plan, which involves extensive use of dual nationality, were still being negotiated with the German commissioners, Peter Schmidhuber and Martin Bangemann. Mr Flynn's far-reaching programme involves spending EC cash on fighting discrimination, and improving housing, education and training for immigrants. It appears to make a nonsense of the Government's constant claim that Maastricht's "pillar" structure has served to decentralise decision-taking in Brussels. One EC source pointed out that before the Treaty came into force on Nov 1, the 12 interior and justice ministers held informal deliberations in remote locations across the Community, without facing a stream of proposals and directives from the Commission, let alone the scrutiny of the Euro-parliament. "Now you can have the Commission at the table," said a source. When the Flynn proposals come before Mr Howard and other interior ministers this spring, governments are likely to be much more enthusiastic about the parallel measures to keep illegal immigrants out. |
FBIS3-39431_1 | Daily Comments on Proposed EU Plan on Immigrants | right to move and work freely across the continent. Padraig Flynn, social affairs commissioner, will today unveil an audacious plan designed both to crack down on illegal immigrants and to give those already in Europe "a stake in society," EC officials said last night. The commissioner, a former Fianna Fail justice minister in Ireland, will propose that legally established immigrants in other EC countries should have the right to seek employment in Britain, even if they do not have an EC passport. The 34-point plan is likely to appall Tory backbenchers. At last year's Tory Party conference, Peter Lilley, Social Security Secretary, drew cheers with an attack on "benefit tourists" from other EC countries, and the notion of throwing open the doors to non-EC citizens is already being dismissed in London. Britain's immigration laws still tightly restrict entry to those doing necessary jobs, or those having spouses or dependent children already resident in Britain. Any legally established immigrant can apply for citizenship after four years. Germany, too, is likely to object to Mr Flynn's plan for a gradual naturalisation of "gastarbeiters," such as the Turks who can remain in Germany for generations without being entitled either to nationality or to the vote. Last night, details of the plan, which involves extensive use of dual nationality, were still being negotiated with the German commissioners, Peter Schmidhuber and Martin Bangemann. Mr Flynn's far-reaching programme involves spending EC cash on fighting discrimination, and improving housing, education and training for immigrants. It appears to make a nonsense of the Government's constant claim that Maastricht's "pillar" structure has served to decentralise decision-taking in Brussels. One EC source pointed out that before the Treaty came into force on Nov 1, the 12 interior and justice ministers held informal deliberations in remote locations across the Community, without facing a stream of proposals and directives from the Commission, let alone the scrutiny of the Euro-parliament. "Now you can have the Commission at the table," said a source. When the Flynn proposals come before Mr Howard and other interior ministers this spring, governments are likely to be much more enthusiastic about the parallel measures to keep illegal immigrants out. These include fines for those who employ them, as in the American system, and special clauses to be written into trade and aid agreements with the countries of emigration, stipulating that they should play their part in restraining the exodus. |
FBIS3-39444_0 | CBI Survey Gives `Upbeat Analysis' of Economy | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Philip Bassett report: "CBI Hails Recovery But Warns on Tax Burden"] [Text] Britain's economic recovery will not be halted by forthcoming tax increases, Howard Davies, Director General of the Confederation of British Industry [CBI], said last night. The CBI added that the recovery in manufacturing industry had spread to all mainland regions of the UK. The CBI's upbeat analysis of the economy was tempered by a warning from Mr Davies that the economy might not grow as rapidly as it had been as a result of the tax rises that are due to come into force in April. The CBI leader said that a study of past large tax rises did not suggest that a slowing down in consumer spending was inevitable, if the savings ratio fell. Giving the biennial Bridge Lecture in the City, Mr Davies said the Government would be advised to reduce interest rates "a little further" this year, especially if the exchange rate strengthened or there was some adverse effect on confidence from the tax rises. Mr Davies's remarks came after the CBI's latest regional breakdown of its authoritative industrial trends survey indicated that the recovery in manufacturers' orders has now spread to all mainland regions of the United Kingdom for the first time since the recession began. Apart from Northern Ireland, the CBI's survey showed that total orders rose in all regions, with the largest increases in Yorkshire, the South East, Scotland and Wales. Business optimism is also up in all regions, while output has risen in eight areas of the UK. Overall demand and output are also expected to rise further in all mainland regions over the next four months. But the survey shows that manufacturing employment is still falling in all regions, except Scotland, although the rate of job losses has eased. Job losses are forecast to be acute in the South East, where the CBI estimates that 16,000 more jobs will be lost alone in manufacturing industry in the first quarter of this year. However, despite the still gloomy job prospects, the survey's findings prompted optimistic views of the economy. |
FBIS3-39464_0 | Statistics Show Xenophobic Crimes Increase | Language: German Article Type:BFN [Text] Bonn (DPA) -- The number of crimes motivated by xenophobia has risen again after a temporary decline. As the Federal Government reported on Wednesday [16 February] in response to an inquiry by the Party of Democratic Socialism, the Federal Office of Criminal Investigations registered 335 such crimes last December. In October, 267 were registered, following 296 in September. The figure for November has not yet been published in the Bundestag, the response said. The 335 crimes in December consisted of 16 arson attacks, 39 attacks against persons, and 280 "other crimes," such as material damage or insults. A total of 176 suspects were reported. According to the Federal Government, during the third quarter of last year 7,076 investigations were initiated for right-wing extremist or xenophobic crimes, 25 of them for murder or manslaughter, 305 for bodily injury, 67 for arson, 172 for offenses against the laws relating to civil disorders and rioting, and 217 for anti-Semitic activities. A total of 2,250 investigations dealt with the dissemination of propaganda by organizations which are hostile to the constitution; 1,915 dealt with active demagogy, dissemination of publications dealing with violence, or instigation to racial hated; and 2,124 dealt with "other" crimes. According to the Federal Government, 3,900 investigations were discontinued -- mostly because it was impossible to find a perpetrator. |
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