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FBIS3-51466_0 | Robaina Denies Secret Relations With U.S. | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Report by Nikola Vadjon] [Text] Luanda, 15 Jan (EFE) -- Cuba does not maintain "even remotely" secret relations with the United States other than the existing contacts, Cuban Foreign Minister Roberto Robaina said today in Luanda. The Cuban diplomat was interviewed by EFE before leaving the Angolan capital, where he was received by President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos and high-ranking officials of the government, parliament, and the government's Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). "Current contacts between Cuba and the United States are limited to immigration talks, which have not reached a stalemate; certain Coast Guard-border guard contacts; some joint operations against drug traffickers; and a telecommunications deal that is at a deadlock," Robaina said. Roberto Robaina emphasized that the new element in Cuban-U.S. relations "is that (President Bill) Clinton's administration has yet to use the aggressive language that characterized relations between the two countries during Republican administrations." "Even though that doesn't mean much, it is something that may surprise certain people," Robaina said, adding that, personally speaking, he would rather not become "overly enthusiastic." The Cuban foreign minister said he is frequently asked if, as head of Cuban diplomacy, he does not feel some frustration because some of Cuba's hopes have not been fulfilled -- meaning the normalization of relations and a suspension of the economic embargo imposed 30 years ago by Washington for ideological reasons -- with the arrival of the Clinton administration. Robaina said: "I feel no frustration whatsoever, because, personally speaking, I made no plans beyond what is happening and because I understand that the new U.S. Administration is not what it really wants to be." The Cuban diplomat thinks President Clinton is being subject to heavy pressure, above all from the most "reactionary" members of the Cuban community in the United States, who preclude any constructive steps toward Cuba. Without mentioning U.S. black leader Jesse Jackson's recent visit to Cuba, the Cuban minister, who is visiting Angola for the first time since he replaced Isidoro Malmierca in the post last year, admitted that "there are other nobler areas" where work can be done concerning the United States. He said the goal is to create an appropriate atmosphere to someday allow the emergence of much more important elements of the U.S. people and to encourage the normalization of relations between these two countries, which are separated by a mere 150 |
FBIS3-51473_0 | 1993 Crime Shows Increase | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Report by Josefa Bussi] [Text] The highest government and party leaders have said that 1993 was the most difficult year for our country. The lack or absence of basic products and services and the excess of currency, among other problems, affected the people and boosted black market activities, discouraged people from going to work, and created an overall high degree of social indiscipline. As a result of this and other problems, by mid 1993 the difficulties worsened and crime, in all its forms, increased, as did enemy activities and vandalism. In light of this situation, the mechanisms of the Sole Surveillance and Revolutionary Combativeness System were reactivated at all levels. In Havana, where more than 30 percent of the crime occurs, more than 2,700 citizens were arrested, representing more than 84 percent of the cases brought to trial. One of the most frequent crimes that affected the people the most was the stealing of bicycles. The number of these crimes has dropped significantly, especially in Havana Province, City of Havana Province, Sancti Spiritus Province, and Matanzas Province. According to specialists of the National Revolutionary Police General Directorate, the number of crimes, such as assaults, forceful entry, and cattle rustling, and other economic crimes, has dropped. Likewise, homicide and assaults have decreased. Although, after analyzing some of the statistics resulting from the work done by the Sole Surveillance System with the support of the people, we cannot say that there has been a decrease in crime, I do agree with the specialists that criminal activity has been curbed and that the people are more secure. We are beginning 1994, a year in which the causes for crime will continue. Therefore, it has become necessary that in addition to the preventive and coercive measures being implemented, the causes for crimes be pinpointed and alleviated so that the revolutionary and hard working Cuban people will remain secure, something to which they have been accustomed for the past 30 years. |
FBIS3-51474_0 | Social Security Budget To Increase | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] The resources which the State Committee for Labor and Social Security has allocated for pensions, retirement benefits, and loans for 1994 is approximately 1.8 billion pesos. This figure surpasses the 1993 expenses, which benefited over 1.383 million people despite Cuba's dire economic difficulties. Social Security accounts for the biggest portion of the expenses and recipients since it includes pensions, retirements, disabled workers, and maternity and sick leave. The loans to low income people, including single mothers and the elderly who receive these benefits in the form of food and services, surpassed 36 million pesos in 1993. |
FBIS3-51475_0 | TRABAJADORES Stresses Social Security `Guarantee' | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Social Security subsidies are a guarantee consubstantial with the humane nature of the Revolution and the life-long dream of several generations. This is why they will never be eliminated. This was explained in the newspaper TRABAJADORES, which also explained the difference between subsidies to enterprises and social security benefits. The newspaper stressed that subsidies are given to state enterprises to make up for losses and drops in prices. Social security subsidies, on the other hand, are money allowances given to workers when they are disabled, either temporarily or partially, due to illness or accidents. |
FBIS3-51478_0 | * Unemployment: Men 11 Percent, Women 46.7 Percent | Language: Spanish Article Type:CSO [Article by Margarita Cordero] [Text] About a million individuals capable of working are currently unemployed in the Dominican Republic. According to the population projections drafted in 1991, based on the data on the labor force in the Demographic and Health Survey (ENDESA-91), the total domestic population in the economically active category was about 3.7 million. Males accounted for 2.2 million of this figure, and females for 1.5 million. There is no great variation in the unemployment situation between the rural and urban areas, although the percentage of the workers who are unemployed is slightly higher in the latter. When the unemployment figure is broken down by sex, however, the women's situation clearly reveals their social disadvantages. While only 11 percent of the men are unemployed, this is the case for 46.7 percent of the female population. And there is one fact that would be hard to believe if it were not well-documented. Unemployment is higher among those with high-school education than among those without. The data in question are contained in the monograph entitled "The Labor Force in the Dominican Republic," edited by demographer Nelson Ramirez. This study was based on the results obtained in the Demographic and Health Survey carried out by the Institute for Population and Development Studies (IEPD), one of the entities of the Dominican Association for the Welfare of the Family (PROFAMILIA). A novel method was used to measure the levels of popular participation in economic activities and the unemployment rates. In an approach different from those traditionally used, the ENDESA-91 included in the unemployed category "not only the individuals who were looking for work during a reference period (the week preceding the survey) and those who plainly declared themselves to be unemployed, but also all the individuals prepared to work for pay or profit." With this approach, the survey regarded as unemployed all those individuals who want to work but were not seeking employment because of their conviction that they were unlikely to find jobs (a group with significant weight in the underdeveloped societies). Thus the rates determined as a result of this study differ from those based on the figures in the population census. Nor are they the same as the figures obtained in the occasional manpower surveys carried out by government bodies and organs. At the time the ENDESA-91 was completed, 67.9 percent of the population 10 years of |
FBIS3-51489_0 | Police Arrest Eight in Connection With 8 Jan Explosion | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [From the "24 Hours" newscast] [Text] On the afternoon of 10 January, the Judicial Police of the Federal District arrested eight people -- seven men and one woman -- who are allegedly responsible for an explosion that took place early on 8 January at the underground parking lot of the University Square Commercial Center in Mexico City. These people, who claimed to belong to the National Democratic People's Front, were turned over to Juan Calderon Fernandez, criminal judge no. 30 of the Federal District. [Begin Calderon recording] They are charged with or are allegedly responsible for committing the crimes of proven theft and injuries, proven damage to private property, inciting terrorist acts, and association to commit crimes. [end recording] The arrested are: Ismael Guerrero Garcia, Lorenzo Baez Salas, (Ruben Alejandro Bailer Hernandez), Faustino Hernandez Guzman, Juan Bautista Daniel, Jose Segura Ramirez, and Jose Noe Mejia Colin -- all of whom are being held at the Southern Prison in Mexico City -- and Antonia Martinez, held at the Eastern Preventive Prison. The legal status of these eight people will be clarified on 13 January. They are responsible for an explosion at University Square, where one person was injured. |
FBIS3-51500_0 | Peace Demonstration Held in Mexico City 12 Jan | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [From the "Vector 21" newscast] [Text] At exactly 1630 [2230 GMT] this evening [12 January] a demonstration for peace in Chiapas State left the Revolution Monument and headed to El Zocalo Square in Mexico City. Thousands of members of people's organizations, independent worker's unions, political parties, student groups, and human rights advocates make up this enormous contingent. The demonstrators -- singing, chanting, and waving banners -- asked for a peaceful solution, not an armed solution, to the conflict in that region. They chanted: Peace yes, war no. Traffic remains insane, mainly in downtown Mexico City, as groups of demonstrators continue to converge on the square. Fortunately, no serious incidents have been reported thus far. Security operations are being carried out by 600 units from the General Secretariat of Protection and Highways and coordinated with the District Judicial Police. As of this moment, no incidents have been reported. Main roads and avenues such as Paseo de la Reforma, Juarez and Hidalgo Avenues, Lazaro Cardenas and Francisco Madero Street, and others have suffered the consequences of the demonstration. It should be pointed out, however, that commuters have realized the significance of the grand demonstration and, instead of expressing their anger, have understood the message of peace for Chiapas. The obvious roads have been blocked throughout the two hours of the demonstration, but alternate routes have also been overcrowded. The commentary here is that fortunately no incidents have been reported up to now, except for the heavy traffic, especially around this main square in Mexico City. Thousands of voices are calling for peace in Chiapas State. [Paris AFP in Spanish at 0056 GMT on 13 January transmits a 150 word, Mexico City-datelined report that notes "more than 100,000 demonstrators, according to observers, chanting 'Death to the Institutional Revolutionary Party' and 'Salinas is a murderer,' filled the plaza in front of the National Palace." The report also states that "the demonstrators paraded an effigy of Emiliano Zapata, crying vivas to Zapata and painting the Zapatista National Liberation Army symbol on walls as they marched." According to AFP, the crowd chanted "Death to the bad government," "cease the bombings," and "massacre or Indians," reminiscent of "the slogans used in Latin America during the 1960's and 1970's."] |
FBIS3-51513_0 | Eighteen Persons Injured in Two Bomb Attacks | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Guatemala City, 20 Jan (NOTIMEX) -- Unidentified individuals detonated a bomb in front of the National Congress and another in front of the National Printing Press [Tipografia Nacional], injuring 18 persons early this morning, voluntary firemen reported here today. The source indicated that the explosive device, which blew up in front of the Congress building at 0500 [1100 GMT], only caused property damage. The source added that the other bomb blew up very early in the morning in front of the bus stop in the vicinity of the National Printing Press where 18 persons were seriously injured. The firemen said the bomb that exploded in front of the Congress building contained high explosives but the one in front of the National Printing Press was a fragmentation grenade. The attacks took place during an increase in Legislative and Executive Branch campaigns in favor of popular consensus and campaigns by radical groups and peasant organizations opposing the political event scheduled for 30 January. |
FBIS3-51522_1 | Foreign Minister Robaina Continues African Tour Discusses Changing Diplomacy | with capitalists whether we like it or not," he acknowledged. "I am not one of those who believes that all capitalists are bad," but "to trade under the pressure my country is undergoing is extremely difficult," he pointed out. In reference to the U.S. blockade and the fall of the Soviet Union, Robaina explained that "conditions" in Cuba "are abnormal. My country cannot trade as it wishes and with whom it wishes. We would first have to disclose who are investing and how they are doing it. But we cannot do that. If we did," there would be, "pressure ... blackmail and persecution against anyone who decides to do business with us." Nevertheless, Robaina expressed optimism with respect to future relations between Cuba and the United States. "I do not believe that the new generation of Americans is injected with that virus of aggression against a country that does not represent a threat to the United States," he pointed out. "I cannot believe," he stated, "that now that we are about to begin a new century, countries such as Cuba and the United States, which are merely 90 miles apart, can continue to live as we are currently living." I am "convinced that there must be a solution, but the solution must not imply that my country ceases to exist as a country. If it means that we have to revert to being the United States' back door, then we prefer that the solution never be found." Robaina indicated that during his visit to New York last September he noticed that "the American people are becoming more aware of the senselessness of this relationship. Our message is being heard and more people are now aware that Cuba is not the hell it is depicted as being." Robaina explained that "at the government level there is no contact whatsoever, except with the Coast Guard -- border guard contacts with some joint action against drug trafficking. In addition, we are discussing a telecommunications project, but there are many differences and many stumbling blocks." In recalling his experiences in Angola from 1988 to 1989 when he was a member of an "internationalist" contingent, the Cuban foreign minister stated that "there has been no greater experience in my personal life." It "was the most important stage of my life," he reiterated. "In Angola we were able to modestly contribute to Namibia being what it |
FBIS3-51522_3 | Foreign Minister Robaina Continues African Tour Discusses Changing Diplomacy | aware that Cuba is not the hell it is depicted as being." Robaina explained that "at the government level there is no contact whatsoever, except with the Coast Guard -- border guard contacts with some joint action against drug trafficking. In addition, we are discussing a telecommunications project, but there are many differences and many stumbling blocks." In recalling his experiences in Angola from 1988 to 1989 when he was a member of an "internationalist" contingent, the Cuban foreign minister stated that "there has been no greater experience in my personal life." It "was the most important stage of my life," he reiterated. "In Angola we were able to modestly contribute to Namibia being what it is today, to its independence." He added that "the pages my country wrote in Angola were written most of all for Angola, not for Cuba." Robaina, who at 37 is the youngest member of the Cuban Government, expressed his "amazement" at the interest caused by his appointment. "I am simply a visible face, maybe one of the most visible," he insisted. The Cuban minister added, "I don't see why the appointment of a minister my age should be a surprise when there are 5 million Cubans who are younger than 30." Our "fundamental priority lies in the surroundings we inhabit," he pointed out before proceeding to explain that Cuba's priority is in the "Caribbean and Latin American" region, but that Cuba must maintain "special relations" with Africa. "My country is what it is because of Africa. Cuba is a mix of Spanish and African," he explained and added that Cuba, "has much to contribute in some fields, such as education, health, medicine, and human resources." In addition, the minister declared that he is "passionately mad about human rights, because of the human aspect of my job," but believes that Cuba is being unjustly accused when "we are one of the countries where more human beings know that they have rights. Ten million Cubans know they have rights because they know they are humans," he indicated. "The reality for millions of human beings who inhabit this earth is much more tragic because they are not recognized as human beings and they neither know how to read or write. Who speaks about child prostitution and who is organizing it? Who speaks about the sale of children's organs? Who speaks about xenophobia," the minister asked before concluding. |
FBIS3-51529_0 | Menem, Ministers Dispel `Uneasiness' Over Possible `Uprisings' | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] (DYN-NA) -- President Carlos Menem and several of his ministers united in an effort to dispel public uneasiness over the possibility of popular uprisings such as those that broke out recently in Santiago del Estero and Chiapas, Mexico. "Poverty has diminished by truly unheard-of proportions," President Menem told reporters at Jorge Newberry Metropolitan Airport shortly before departing for Mar del Plata. "Thus the possibility of any kind of social unrest can be dismissed." Turning to what critics have pegged as one cause of the riots in Santiago del Estero last month, when unpaid workers torched the provincial Government House, Menem denied that his administration's economic policies and cost cutting would lead to further rebellions. There is no austerity programme here," said Menem, "what there is is a process of change and transformation that has made possible this stability and this growth." The head of state also defended his convening of a sub-Cabinet one week ago Wednesday to address the need to monitor and prevent potential revolts. The public is asking for security," he said. "You yourselves are constantly saying through the media that it is necessary to implement measures that insure security, the defence of life, property and the freedom of the individual." Interior Minister Carlos Ruckauf seconded Menem's attempt to end speculation over new measures the government may take to avert potential violence. The government is not "proposing a witch hunt, nor do we want to instill any policy of fear in the public," Ruckauf told Radio del Plata. Instead, he explained, the administration is seeking to boost co- ordination among federal and provincial police and the Border Guards. Ruckauf defended the government's plan to provide new equipment to police officers and criticized those who call for better protection but complain about the cost. The minister sought to downplay the likelihood that an occurrence similar to the New Year's Day uprising by the Zapatista National Liberation Army in Chiapas, Mexico could happen in Argentina. "In no way do we compare Chiapas with the episode in Santiago," said Ruckauf. "We never said in any words that pockets of guerrilla activity exist here." Regarding the situation in Santiago Ruckauf pointed out that local officials have been charged with corruption and the national government "is hoping too to find those responsible for the collective damage perpetrated upon residents" there. In addition, the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff denied that Army |
FBIS3-51546_0 | Chamber of Commerce Official on U.S. Aid Cut | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] The Salvadoran Chamber of Commerce and Industries has expressed support for the decision by the U.S. Congress to reduce economic aid by 70 percent because this will make El Salvador less dependent on the United States. Ricardo Montenegro, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industries, noted, however, that this reduction might affect several national reconstruction projects which depend on foreign aid. Montenegro believes that during the past year our country achieved substantial economic growth. Therefore, we are more likely to become independent of foreign aid. This economic growth will increase year after year and foreign aid, such as that from the United States, will become dispensable. [Begin Montenegro recording] We are pleased about this. We had been told that the aid would be suspended gradually. It is becoming a reality. We have always believed and felt that as Salvadorans we should become self-sufficient and stop depending on friendly countries. [end recording] This year the U.S. Government might reduce aid to the country from $230 million to $94 million, which is 70 percent. Although the Chamber of Commerce and Industries views this measure with good eyes, it is anticipated that some projects to be carried out in keeping with the national reconstruction plan may experience some delay. [Begin Montenegro recording] It could be that some projects, especially those involving reconstruction, might be delayed if the aid is cut definitely or in large amounts. We are certain that the U.S. Government is quite aware of the country's situation. We don't think they will make substantial aid cuts. [end recording] |
FBIS3-51547_0 | Foreign Minister Comments | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Report by Boris Zelada; from the "YSU Radio News" newscast] [Text] Foreign Minister Dr. Miguel Angel Salaverria has said our country has not yet received official notification of the reduction in U.S. aid to this country. According to him, since 1985 economic aid has declined and will continue to decline until 1996, when it will disappear completely. Consequently, the central government has prepared a series of plans aimed at solving the situation in a firm and specific manner. [Begin recording] [Salaverria] Our plans have been made taking into account the projected aid reduction. The news has just been publicized, but we knew six to eight months ago that aid would be reduced. Now, when you referred to an aid package last year totaling over $200 million, this includes other forms of aid and not direct aid. For instance, during the war there were years in which we received approximately $100 million worth of military aid. Now we have no military aid, as we no longer need it because the war is over. This may be the great difference in all this. Later, military aid was cut to $90 million, $70 million, $40 million, and so on. It was difficult to keep it at $13 million last year. And now we are faced with no military aid, because we do not have a war. [Unidentified reporter] However [words indistinct] reconstruction of the country [words indistinct] made calls to help. Several governments offered assistance [words indistinct] offers have not materialized. Does the Foreign Ministry [words indistinct] to bring in this aid? [Salaverria] Yes. This effort to receive aid offers is an everyday task not only for the Foreign Relations Ministry, but also for the Planning and Finance Ministries. [end recording] Meanwhile, the official stressed that Salvadorans who have relatives in Los Angeles, California, must advise them to appear before the Federal Administration for Managing Emergencies, known by its English acronym, FEMA, or call this institution at 1-800-525-0321, or call the Los Angeles Red Cross at 213-739-4543 to receive aid. Salaverria explained U.S. institutions provide humanitarian aid to all persons, regardless of their official immigration status, which basically is not considered in determining humanitarian assistance to disaster victims. |
FBIS3-51565_6 | Solidarity Party Presents Abridged Platform | of stopping crime, including civic institutions. -- To reinforce the border police, the National Air Service, and the National Maritime Service through adequate training, equipment, resources, and supervision so they can confront drug trafficking organizations successfully. -- To create the community police, incorporating the community and its representative organizations in the prevention of crime. Justice and Community Most of the time, criminal cases in the community are treated as police cases by corregidores, who lack the proper scientific approach and training to deal with the complex problem of the origin and evolution of crime. Because of this, Solidarity proposes the following: -- To train corregidores in properly handling this problem, supporting them with interdisciplinary professional teams in charge of instructing the Panamanian family to prevent, rather than punish, crime by reinforcing the family institution. -- To transform the national prison system to rehabilitate criminals. The system should respect human rights and effectively reincorporate into civilian society the citizens who have served their sentences. Transportation and Communications Several studies carried out on this will determine the possible solutions to the problem of transportation and means of communications, establishing a strategy of expanding the network of highways that would solve the vehicle traffic problems in Panama City into the next century. The possibilities that this network might be built based on a toll system and with private and mixed enterprises facilitates the option for solving the vehicle traffic problem that is becoming unbearable. There are economic and social problems and, particularly, the family-related problems that the vast majority of the public transportation users must endure. This is because users must spend up to three hours before and after work commuting for no reason other than the huge traffic congestions. Therefore, we propose the following: -- Recover the national highway network whose maintenance has been neglected, mainly the Transisthmian Highway, and widening two additional highways. To continue expanding the four lanes on the Pan-American highway with views to turning it into a freeway all the way to Chiriqui. To build the Colon-Cocle highway, Chepo-Darien highway, and the Bocas-Chiriqui highway. -- To develop a network of highway communications in the central provinces in order to guarantee an incentive for production. -- In the metropolitan area, to build the Northern Corridor, the Southern Corridor, or the Coastal Corridor. To develop a broad and scientific program of traffic signs, traffic lights, widening of streets and avenues, |
FBIS3-51569_0 | Further on Spread of Disturbances | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Caracas, 29 Jan (AFP) -- Several disturbances affected the Venezuelan capital at noon today. The demonstrators are protesting against an increase in transportation fares and the sales tax, although the application of the latter at the consumer level was postponed until 28 February, media sources here reported. Disturbances started near the Central University of Venezuela (UCV), in the strategic east-central Caracas area, where hooded students burned a soft drink company truck, and in secondary schools and higher education institutions in central and southwestern Caracas. Capital city firefighters showed up to extinguish the fire caused by the truck torching at the UCV and members of the metropolitan police special brigade fired tear gas at the students, who responded with rocks. The disturbances spread to the Fermin Toro Secondary school in downtown Caracas and to the Caballero Mejias Higher Education Center, in the populous area of La Yaguada, in the southwest, where residents joined the action to protest utility problems. The students protested against an increase in public transportation fares, especially the student fare, and against a sales tax although its implementation was postponed. On 18 January the increase in transportation fares led to violent student demonstrations in Puerto La Cruz, 220 km east of Caracas, where classes at universities were suspended in the wake of looting that led to the arrest of 100 persons, and in Charallave, 50 km to the south. The student protest, which was characterized by the burning of tires and closure of streets, spread to Cumana, 350 km to the east, Maturin, 400 km to the east, and to the Andean city of San Cristobal, 648 km to the southwest. |
FBIS3-51571_0 | Rioting Spreads | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Caracas, 20 Jan (AFP) -- Student revolts continued on Thursday and spread in the afternoon to Maturin, 400 km east of Caracas, where there were marches and clashes with police, according to reporters on the scene. This morning, there was violence in the small city of Ocumare del Tuy, 70 km to the south, and Villa de Cura, 100 km to the west. Last night there were riots in the streets of Caracas. There also were riots in the industrial city of Valencia, which is 80 km to the west of Caracas; in the twin cities of Barcelona and Puerto La Cruz, 220 km to the east; and in Punto Fijo, 368 km to the northwest. Vehicles were set on fire in these cities, and there was looting in some cities in the interior. In Barcelona, an 85-year-old woman was shot dead, six people were injured, three stores were looted, and one grocery distribution truck was robbed. Calm was restored in Barcelona and Maturin on Thursday, but the regional authorities ordered that both cities be placed under military control. Army troops and militarized national guardsmen were posted in the streets. In Punto Fijo, some 20 stores were looted, other shops were attacked with stones, and there was general panic. The disturbances began last week over a hike in transportation rates and a sales tax that was suspended, which ultimately led to speculation that prices would rise by as much as 300 percent. The riots first started in Barcelona and Puerto la Cruz, and from there they spread on Tuesday to Cumana and Maturin. |
FBIS3-51576_0 | Further on Implementation, Suspension of VAT | Article Type:BFN [Editorial Report] Venezuelan media monitored at Panama Bureau have been observed to carry reportage and commentary on reaction to the Venezuelan Government's implementation and subsequent temporary suspension of the value-added tax (VAT). Caracas Venezolana de Television Network in Spanish at 2350 GMT on 20 January, in its regularly scheduled "The News" newscast, broadcasts a two-minute report that notes the people of Venezuela had "serious doubts" about the VAT following its implementation -- doubts that were never adequately addressed by state agencies charged with regulating the tax. In turn, the report adds, the VAT "shocked" consumers. After noting that the VAT has been suspended, the report cuts a video recording of Deputy Defense Minister Rear Admiral Ramirez Fernandez, who says: "This is an executive branch decision that must be carried out. Nevertheless, once the effects of the VAT have been properly evaluated, it will be implemented once again." The report then cuts to a video recording of private economist Francisco Rodriguez, who says: "One of the VAT's main benefits is that it will help cut the fiscal deficit, which in turn will help reduce inflation and interest rates." The report concludes with the announcer noting that economists agree that the confusion Venezuela has experienced over the VAT's implementation has occurred in other countries in which the tax has been implemented. A day earlier, Caracas Venezolana de Television broadcasts a related report in its "The News" newscast at 1550 GMT on 19 January. This two-minute report cites other economists who say the suspension of the tax was a "wise" move. Noting that the VAT's future now depends on decisions to be made by the administration of President-elect Rafael Caldera, the report says most economists agree that the nation's fiscal deficit is quite large, adding that sooner or later drastic measures will have to be taken to control it. According to this report, economists believe "the government should keep in mind that the population is quite concerned and is in no way pleased with the current conditions." Meanwhile, Caracas EL DIARIO DE CARACAS in Spanish carries two 350-word editorials on the VAT. On page 2 of its 19 January edition, the newspaper says three things truly unite the Venezuelan people: 1) opposition to the military draft, 2) opposition to war in general, and 3) most recently, opposition to the VAT. According to the editorial, "There is nothing more unpleasant to Venezuelans |
FBIS3-51585_0 | Deputy Foreign Minister on U.S. Support for OAS Headship | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Report by Enelcys Rodriguez Calderon] [Text] The fact that the United States is announcing the name of the candidate it will support for OAS secretary general so far in advance is significant, because it shows that the North Americans' view of the OAS is somewhat different from the way Latin American countries visualize it. This was surmised from remarks by Deputy Foreign Minister Fernando Gerbasi, who, during talks with EL GLOBO, has said this is the first time the United States has disclosed the name of the candidate for the OAS position. According to Gerbasi, the North Americans "are looking at an OAS that is economy-oriented with emphasis on the idea of a free market, and thus they think integration can be thoroughly achieved through it." He feels this stand is respectable, "but it undermines the importance and significance of the OAS, an organization that should have its own political criteria, because any group of governments cannot hope to become something technical or have a partial vision of society. Society must be viewed as a whole, because, basically, any action within a society is a political action." Asked about the importance of support of the United States, as a world power, to determine the victory of the new secretary general, Garbasi has said: "We are not in a bipolar world, but it is not a unipolar world either. Perhaps this is true in the military but not in the political or economic spheres." |
FBIS3-51587_4 | MAS Secretary General Interviewed | government will take. What is the proposal you have in this regard: eliminating the VAT once and for all, and if so, what will you replace it with? What will you do? [Munoz] Let me tell you what we MAS members think, what we have proposed to Dr. Caldera, what we are discussing with him. When I say discussing I mean we are exchanging opinions. During the electoral campaign we said the VAT should be suspended, not eliminated for good. We believe it is not correct for the VAT to never have existed. There are only five countries left in the world without VAT. These are countries with different characteristics and levels of development. We said it should be suspended to determine how the tax could be created within the framework of global tax reform and, above all, within the framework of global fiscal reform. Here, when the VAT was presented as a proposal, not under the Velasquez administration but under the Carlos Andres Perez administration, the government wrongfully tried to compensate for the enormous reduction resulting from the approval of the income Tax Reform Law, which reduced payments from higher-income sectors, with the VAT. We said this was absolutely absurd, that is to reduce the income tax contribution from the wealthy to such a level. We said it was completely unfair from the social viewpoint, and erroneous from the fiscal policy viewpoint. [Palacios] Does this mean that you are thinking about increasing income tax? [Munoz] Yes. That is one.... [pauses] our first proposal.... [Palacios, interrupting] Experience has taught us that taxpayers somehow evade income tax payments.... [Munoz, interrupting] That is right, but VAT payments are also evaded. World experience indicates that the level of evasion for income tax is higher than that for VAT, but VAT payments are also evaded. It has been estimated, in places where collections are performed more efficiently, that VAT payments are evaded by at least 30 to 40 percent. [Palacios] In this fiscal reform you have announced, is there any specific measure that can be made public? [Munoz] One, we will work to reform the Income Tax Law to increase collections of this tax. Two, we will reorganize the tax collections system and will implement new collections techniques that may include hiring specific specialized companies to perform collection duties. These techniques have been applied in other countries, and even in some Venezuelan states. Three, |
FBIS3-51609_0 | Human Rights Groups Investigate Violation Reports | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Mexico City, 21 Jan (DPA) -- According to an official report issued today in the capital, Mexico's National Human Rights Committee (CNDH) has received 138 reports of homicides, missing persons, illegal arrests, abuse of authority, torture, and solitary confinement since the guerrilla conflict began in southern Chiapas State. The first case under investigation is the alleged summary execution of seven guerrilla members in the Ocosingo marketplace. Their guerrilla's bodies were found tied up with a single shot to the back of the head. The commission is also working on the case of 14 people traveling in a minibus who were reportedly killed in a 2 January clash near the Rancho Nuevo barracks, approximately 12 km from San Cristobal. Some of the bodies showed a shot to the head. The commission is also investigating the deaths of four civilians reportedly shot by the Army two days later at the same place. Regarding missing person cases, information indicates that out of 349 reported cases, 142 people remain unaccounted for. The committee said it interviewed 127 prisoners and ascertained the injuries sustained at the time of their arrest. Meanwhile, the Coordinating Board of Nongovernmental Human Rights Organizations, which is headquartered in San Cristobal de las Casas, said it had received 45 testimonies from people who are not involved in the conflict -- mostly Indians -- who were "mistreated" by the military and accused of being members of the Zapatist National Liberation Army (EZLN). The Defense Ministry announced that 20 armed, masked men yesterday held up two UNHCR representatives -- Isabelle Mariel Raeber, a Swiss citizen, and William Calderon, a Mexican -- taking their money and credit cards, on the highway to the conflict area. |
FBIS3-51620_10 | Workers Assemblies Discussed | I agree with you that it is a suggestion that should be studied. However, there are some people who have certain illnesses for which nine days' sick leave would just not be enough. If this system were implemented, then the worker would not be taken care of.... [Recio, interrupts] No. [Roque] No? Then explain it to me. Explain this to me because I am against that measure. [Recio] The suggestion does not specify nine days. The suggestion does not specify the number of sick-leave days. However, if a worker is sick for longer than the authorized number of sick-leave days, then he will be covered by social security. If this suggestion was adopted, we would put an end to the problem of the medical certificates. Anyone can get a medical certificate. You can get them wholesale. Everyone uses medical certificates. Everyone has a friend or relative who is a doctor who can get the certificates. It is really a mess. [Roque] I have to agree with you on this, but we have to study this well. We must protect the rights of the worker. [Recio] I agree. Now that we are at the end of the program, we can emphatically state that the goal of the labor and social laws is to help those who need help. In our system if you need help you will get help. What we must avoid is people using the paternalistic laws to rob the other workers and the country as well. I do believe the suggestion is good. If the worker does not take any sick leave in a year, he will be paid for those days. In other words, the worker will be rewarded for not taking sick leave. Many times workers do not show up for work for reasons other than illness. They have a headache and they do not go to work. Take an aspirin and in approximately 30 minutes you will be rid of the headache. But you know what that is like. The idea is not to help for the sake of helping. The idea is to help those who truly need help. [Roque] I believe that people, people who have always supported the Revolution, know what they want and are capable of studying the appropriate measures during the parliaments and in the workplace. [Recio] I agree with you. [Roque] Renato Recio was our guest on this program. |
FBIS3-51621_6 | Current Economic Problems, Future Discussed | offered me Canadian chicken at $2 a pound. I ask myself: Is that Cuba? Does the man who is offering me Canadian chicken at $2 a pound represent the true image of my country? He was a young man. Does he truly represent our country's youth? The other day some Argentine tourists were telling us, you were there when they were complaining about it, that some youths came up to them at the hotel and complained about the situation and the Revolution. We told them that they did not represent our youth. The youths who stick around the hotels do not represent our youth. Our youths are those who ride their bicycles 14 km to get to the Jose Antonio Chavarria University, where they are studying for a career; our youths are those who are part of the Youth Labor Army, who are at the agricultural camps in Havana, Pinar del Rio, or the eastern sector of our country as part of the Turquino Plan. Those are the youths who represent our country. There are things that bother us, things that are not nice, but they are all the result of the crisis. Three years ago this country imported $8 billion in goods. Today it can only import $1.1 or $1.2 billion. There is no doubt this country is experiencing an anguishing and critical material situation. You do not have to be very bright to understand this. This situation unleashes certain types of reaction. This situation creates certain attitudes and feelings. These reactions, attitudes, and feelings can only be changed by us. [Roque] Many of these feelings are only temporary. [Sexto] Temporary. [Roque] Many times we get home and find that there is no gas for cooking, that there is no electricity, or there is simply nothing to cook. At that moment you forget everything and begin to get mad and even fight. [Sexto] But deep down, these things do not change most of the people's support for the Revolution. [Roque] That is right. [Sexto] It is quite normal to feel irritated. It is quite natural to air that irritation. If I do not have gas to cook with, I will get mad. That is normal. However, I am sure that if that same citizen who today is upset because he has no gas, if asked to choose between the Cuban Revolution and the capitalism we are being offered from |
FBIS3-51621_7 | Current Economic Problems, Future Discussed | billion in goods. Today it can only import $1.1 or $1.2 billion. There is no doubt this country is experiencing an anguishing and critical material situation. You do not have to be very bright to understand this. This situation unleashes certain types of reaction. This situation creates certain attitudes and feelings. These reactions, attitudes, and feelings can only be changed by us. [Roque] Many of these feelings are only temporary. [Sexto] Temporary. [Roque] Many times we get home and find that there is no gas for cooking, that there is no electricity, or there is simply nothing to cook. At that moment you forget everything and begin to get mad and even fight. [Sexto] But deep down, these things do not change most of the people's support for the Revolution. [Roque] That is right. [Sexto] It is quite normal to feel irritated. It is quite natural to air that irritation. If I do not have gas to cook with, I will get mad. That is normal. However, I am sure that if that same citizen who today is upset because he has no gas, if asked to choose between the Cuban Revolution and the capitalism we are being offered from Miami, he would not hesitate to choose the Cuban Revolution. The Cuban Revolution gave that citizen something that capitalism never gave the country. [Roque] That something we are talking about on Radio Rebelde. In conclusion, Luis Sexto will summarize his opinion on today's topic. [Sexto] Briefly, what can we say? Juan Carlos, just look at the investment in the field of hydraulics in this country. How much has the Revolution invested? In 1959 we only had two, three, or four dams. Today we have 180 big dams and approximately 800 micro dams. We have experienced considerable hydraulic development that guarantees water for agriculture. We can also talk about science. We can say that today Cuba has unique products such as the meningitis vaccine. Despite the problems we are having to get the vaccine on the Latin American market, it is already being used in Latin America to save lives. We can also say that the Revolution has doubled and modernized the sugar industry, Cuba's traditional industry. Most of the country's 156 sugar mills have been improved. Their milling capacity was increased and technology improved. That is the work of the Revolution. [Roque] A new sugar mill was built. [Sexto] Not |
FBIS3-51623_6 | `Straight Talk' on Economic Proposals | People are wondering: What's cooking? Am I being prepared for something when I am told that these measures could affect me? Are they getting ready to hit me on the head? This has created uncertainty among some. [Roque] But we cannot overlook the fact that measures are measures and someone will always be affected by them. [Sexto] It is quite logical that the measures will affect some people. But let us stop and think about this a bit. I do not know what kind of measures are going to be implemented. I believe that no one in Cuba knows what measures are going to be implemented. Perhaps soon we will know. We will know once these meetings have ended and the National Assembly of the People's Government holds its extraordinary session. I believe that the people may be affected to a certain extent, and we should put the word affected in quotation marks. For example, I believe that one of the measures that could be implemented -- and any thinking person in the country would agree -- will be the elimination of some of the gratuities the government provides. The elimination of some gratuities would allow the state to balance its income and spending. One of the sources for excess currency is the imbalance between what the government receives and what it spends in social benefits, subsidies, and others. The deficit this creates is harmful to our economy. Perhaps some of these gratuities should be eliminated, but first we must study how this elimination will affect the people. Up to now we have been enjoying many services for practically nothing. Let us say that from now on we have to pay for the products included in the school ration book. What is the cost of a workbook and pencil compared to free medicine and free education? [Roque] Luis Sexto is asking what would happen if parents had to pay for pencils and workbooks. This is something we get for free. [Sexto] People would say that eliminating things like this affects them. And if we had to pay for uniforms, well, that would be for children with scholarships. Uniforms are usually bought at the store. Right now we do not have enough uniforms. I also believe we could increase the amount we pay for electricity. What we pay for electricity is practically nothing. What would a few centavos mean if we |
FBIS3-51625_0 | New Locally Built `Train-Buses' Begin Operating | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Commentary by Roberto Morejon; from the "Evening Information Review" newscast] [Text] The Cuban mechanical steel industry kept up the hope over the past few years of economic restriction of manufacturing urban buses with a high percentage of locally made parts. Even though parts are scarce, the truth is that the goal has been partially achieved. Already rolling down the Havana streets are 32 of the first order for 60 buses called train-buses, due to their high passenger capacity, with hitches to adapt platforms or semi-trailers with the appropriate body. Each vehicle requires about 3,000 parts, in addition to 1.5 tons of metal, and some materials obtained by convertible foreign exchange. But the main manufacturing work is the responsibility of a group of workers at an enterprise located on the outskirts of Havana. The train-buses, which have a capacity of 350 passengers, attract the attention of the Havana residents, who are tired of the severe scarcity of buses over the past four years, resulting from the termination of the parts supply contracts with Hungary. With parts sent from Hungary, Cuban workers assembled up to 800 vehicles a year, but following the collapse of the socialist bloc, the agreements ended abruptly. As a result of the known external factors, Cuba's purchasing power dropped from $8 billion in 1989 to $1.7 billion in 1993, an amount that is insufficient to purchase very expensive buses in the Western market. Although it is not the most maneuverable vehicle for urban transportation, the train-bus has been called on to play the role of a surface metro to alleviate the heavy demand by the people of Havana, although it will not be able to eliminate the current severe shortage of buses. We cannot forget that the service is also affected by spare parts shortages and fuel limitations. The authorities therefore call on Cubans to continue to use bicycles and animals in the country's interior. In the middle of the acute Cuban urban transportation limitations, the 200 train-buses that are to begin service in Havana, plus an equal number of donated buses, constitute a modest, albeit insufficient, injection into the service. But this does not mean that the efforts to build these types of vehicles in Cuba are any less valuable. |
FBIS3-51688_1 | Lack of Control on DEA Activities Questioned | to representatives of the governments with whom it maintains relations. The Vienna Convention establishes that it is not necessary for an embassy to inform a host government on the functions of its embassy personnel because it is understood that their activities will be strictly restricted to diplomatic norms. There is a clear contradiction, however, between the work done by the DEA agents and these norms which are being ignored by both the DEA and the rest of the U.S. embassy members, who on more than on one occasion have openly intervened in internal Bolivian affairs. The main subject that interests us -- that is, the "safe houses" that the DEA keeps in several Bolivian cities where alleged drug traffickers are questioned -- deserves official explanation. Claiming that the national police do not merit confidence because connections have been found between some officers and drug traffickers does not justify a third party carrying out the duties of the Bolivian State. Both the district prosecutor and the Human Rights Assembly of Santa Cruz have said that these agents ignore Bolivian laws and their actions are not controlled by our national authorities who have limited themselves to say: "There is no smoke without fire." What is worse, the DEA chief refuses to receive a national deputy in his office to discuss the charges. We must recall that this is not the first time that this kind of irregular procedures by the DEA has been made public. During the last administration, former Interior Minister Carlos Saavedra Bruno was very concerned about charges that were made and he said he would ask the U.S. Embassy for a report on the activities of these "diplomats." The subject was not discussed again, however, because of the election campaign flurry. But the fact that the issue has again come to the limelight shows that it cannot be controlled by our authorities. And this cannot be so. Following the announcement that the new U.S. drug enforcement policy has ruled out the militarization of the issue and efforts will be concentrated on police interdiction -- which certainly is good news -- it is necessary to establish clear rules that must be respected by any kind of foreign "advisers" in this field. Beside preserving our national sovereignty on such a sensitive subject, the establishment of an agreement will help the two countries to maintain relations in an atmosphere of mutual respect. |
FBIS3-51689_0 | Foreign Official Discusses Falklands Sovereignty | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Buenos Aires, 23 Jan (NA) -- Foreign Ministry Secretary General Andres Cisneros has said that if Argentina continues with its present policies over the Malvinas Islands, "inevitably, some day, it will discuss the issue of sovereignty with Great Britain in a nontraumatic way." Cisneros justified Argentina's policy of approach to the Malvinas Islanders saying: "The better the Malvinas Islanders get along, the more they exploit their own resources, the quicker they will realize that they can only do it with us. They will realize they can grow economically and as a society associating themselves with the only neighbor God gave them on earth, that is, us." He flatly denied to Radio Continental that such approach policy showed government "weakness," adding that he is convinced the policy "will inevitably lead to a discussion of the sovereignty issue in a nontraumatic way." Cisneros praised the Argentine Government decision to propose to the British Government the removal of the mine fields buried on the islands during the 1982 war. "When offering to cooperate in the removal of the mines that we planted we are not just fulfilling international norms that almost no one else respects, but we are giving an example to the world about the civilized behavior of a country that has been at war with another but which does not want to kill civilians unwillingly after the war ended," Cisneros said. "The work of removing mines is not easy, but neither is it impossible," Cisneros said, adding that "Argentine technology is good to manufacture and to clean a mine field and we are well prepared for the job." The official said: "The lesson Argentina and Great Britain are giving the world on the civilized way to proceed after a war is exceptional." Cisneros said: "Although international treaties mention it, very few countries do what Great Britain is doing in the Malvinas Islands; investigating their own alleged war crimes." Cisneros confirmed that U.S. President Bill Clinton is intent on organizing a summit with the presidents of all the Americas, except Cuba and Haiti, adding that "U.S. foreign policies during the past five years have tended to include guidelines on the entire region." "They are integrating proposals that seek to create links with the rest of the Americas to determine consistent policies for the entire continent," Cisneros said, adding that "corruption and poverty are two issues that concern |
FBIS3-51695_6 | Carles Candidacy Proclamation Speech | the culture of the Panamanian people, and in teaching new careers, professions, and techniques. The educational reform should take into consideration the recommendations and proposals presented by the teachers themselves in a detailed study they have presented in this respect. Our university system is becoming increasingly distant from the technological and scientific realities of today's world, as well as from the job markets of the present and future. Thus, this all demands a thorough reorganization of its research, scientific, and academic work so that it can comply with its true mission and offer society well-trained personnel, as well as qualified and capable technicians and scientists that will fully join national development. Eradicating illiteracy should go hand in hand with a permanent educational, technical, and professional improvement of the entire population. No Panamanian should be deprived of the right to an education. Public entities such as the IFARHU [Human Resources Education and Training Institute], Inaforp [National Institute for Professional Training], and IPHE [Panamanian Special Rehabilitation Institute] should be strengthened, expanded, and modernized, offering them and promoting the effective use of the resources and facilities necessary for their activities at a national level. Improvements should be made to the existing educational centers for training workers, farmers, and technicians, such as the INA [National Institute of Agriculture] and other professional training schools such as the Professional and Technical Institute. The educational efforts set forth by private enterprise and the church should also be worthy of permanent recognition and support. 5. Women, Children, and Family In their eagerness to find jobs, Panamanian families have gradually separated and children have left school and jeopardize their lives in search of an income to survive. Responsible fatherhood can only be achieved through the individual's full education as a primary cell of the family, which is the main nucleus of society. Such an education can only be accomplished where there is an educational system for that fundamental purpose. The role of women, as well as their full participation in all public and private tasks and duties, should not be underestimated at any level of government activity. National codes and laws will be duly corrected so that every form of discrimination against women will cease. In the area of labor, particularly, job creation plans must be developed to guarantee womens' rights and the principle of equal salary for equal labor. However, what we do for men and women to |
FBIS3-51695_14 | Carles Candidacy Proclamation Speech | community. In the commitment that we have acquired to offer Panamanians an opportunity to a better life, we will give priority to the adequate delivery of the services the state offers the people. This is not an issue of availability of funds. This is a problem of complying with the functions and responsibilities assigned to each entity and government office, and within them to each and every one of the public servants. -- If each one does his duty and public services are rendered in an efficient, reliable, trustworthy, and prompt manner, we will begin to alleviate some of the factors that influence poverty,... -- If children learn in schools... -- If the sick are taken care of and healed at the hospitals,... -- If transportation improves,... -- If electricity, water, and telephone services are cheaper and more efficient,... -- If the ports and airports work better,... -- If the entities of culture and sports offer better services,... -- If garbage is collected and the streets are cleaned,... -- If public security is effective,... -- If the judges enforce the law,... -- If customs inspectors restrict contraband,... -- If the PTJ units fight drugs,... -- If employees receive adequate protection under the labor law and investors are stimulated to take on risks and thus create new job opportunities for the youth,... -- If, in summary, the government fulfills its obligation to render services, it will be because there is a president who makes decisions. This is what I am offering you and what I am planning to be: A president who will make decisions for the benefit of the people. We must do that in the first 100 days of the government. Once the country has surpassed this initial phase of establishing a government that fulfills its functions and makes decision, we will have taken firm steps down the paths of economic growth and social justice. If a government cannot render the basic services that the people need and for which it assigns the necessary resources and for which it has the necessary infrastructure, then this government cannot even try or engage in more complicated tasks. This will be a government that knows how to provide the necessary guidance so that all Panamanians will work hard for the change we want and for making Panama the fatherland of all, a government that will achieve the participation of the community, which |
FBIS3-51711_2 | * Lagos on Elections, Interparty Relations | an intelligent way of dealing with a dilemma and, in passing, lent tremendous legitimacy to Eduardo Frei in our world. [Gonzalez] We also saw that the PS [Socialist Party]-PPD world is afraid of confrontation. [Lagos] Well...Life has been tough (He laughs mischievously). [Gonzalez] Aren't you afraid of it? [Lagos] No. What is more, confrontation is part of the democratic system. The results of the senatorial elections, which appear elsewhere in this paper, are tremendously encouraging. Just look at how the senatorial candidates of the PDC [Christian Democrat Party] and the PR [Radical Party] did and how the PS-PPD did. They were quite even, which enables us to look to the future with optimism. Competition is not bad for us. [Gonzalez] Isn't there a fear of losing positions, ground, power? [Lagos] That would be very petty thinking, and I would rather think about other things...But it takes all kinds. I do think that a lot of people became set in their ways. There were friends of the congressional world who thought that if there were two candidates or a confrontation, they would lose their seat. And just look at where we stand. I have once again traveled around Chile supporting our candidates because they are all running against the DC [Christian Democracy] or someone backed by the DC. When all is said and done, there is competition. I have always said: the party that has the presidential candidate has a very big advantage. [Gonzalez] Has it been hard for you to play the supporting role on stage? [Lagos] Actually...no! I have accompanied Frei and when I do so, I am number two, in the background, because that is my place. The truth is that I have not found it hard! [Gonzalez] How are your relations with the PPD? [Lagos] I have good relations with my friends in the rank and file, in the regions, and we have had a different way of approaching certain problems with their leaders. You are talking about a party that has come of age and that does what it feels it ought to do. [Gonzalez] Is your heart divided between the PS and the PPD? [Lagos] No, my heart lies firmly with a single agenda, and this is what has to be pursued, and in earnest. We have walked a long road, and the time has come, not tomorrow or the day after. These are not |
FBIS3-51719_0 | Economy Minister Cavallo Interviewed | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Interview with Economy Minister Domingo Cavallo by Paz Tejerina, Facundo Landivar, and Eduardo De Simone: place and date not given] [Text] [LA NACION] Industrialists complain because many provinces are prejudiced against removing the tax on gross income. Will cost reduction be merely an illusion? [Cavallo] Productive sectors must be patient. We managed to get the Fiscal Pact signed and every province will now begin to provide benefits to a growing number of industries. Within a few months -- in all provinces -- the effect of reduced taxes and contributions will fully reach agricultural, manufacturing, mining, fishing, and construction industries. We hope tourism will also be included, as will passenger and cargo transportation. [LA NACION] The official estimate foresees an annual reduction in costs of 4 billion pesos. But when? [Cavallo] We hope that by the middle of this year all sectors throughout the nation will fully enjoy tax and social security benefits. [LA NACION] Why do the provinces object to transferring their pension fund to the nation? [Cavallo] Because there are strong interests around each fund. Some want the privileged provincial retirement system to continue. Some funds allow retirement at 45 on very high pensions. [LA NACION] Which provinces are they? [Cavallo] Almost all. The provinces also have a very large social security deficit. This averages at about 150 million pesos per month. [LA NACION] What will you do to stop unemployment from growing? [Cavallo] We have the intensive work program. The Ministries of Labor, Education, and Economy are carrying out training programs for our youth. This program will be intensified. [LA NACION] Is unemployment the weak part of the plan? [Cavallo] No, this plan is creating more jobs than what the Argentine economy has created. During the six years of Raul Alfonsin's administration 700,000 jobs were created while during the four years of President Menem's government 1 million jobs were created. What happened is like that which occurred in Mexico and in Chile: A greater participation of women in the labor demand. [LA NACION] Will the social works system be deregulated? [Cavallo] We will work with the ANSSAL [National Health Insurance Administration], the Labor Ministry, the CGT [General Confederation of Labor], and the unions on various fronts. First we must reorganize social works to improve services. Some union social works are very good but they can still be improved. Others, however, are lost causes and |
FBIS3-51719_3 | Economy Minister Cavallo Interviewed | capital. I do not have a target for this. I believe it depends on the will to invest. [LA NACION] Does it not worry you that in the last few months the deficit is above all projections, including the projections of the economic team? [Cavallo] No, because there was no target. Figures were prepared at the request of the IMF. The important thing is to have growing exports. Last year's growth was 7 percent and this year it will probably grow to between 10 and 12 percent. A repeat of what happened under the Austral plan must be prevented, when exports fell because there was greater consumption and also in some way what happened to investments within the context of relative prices and the organization of the economy which completely discouraged investment. What is happening with exports is very interesting: The exports that are increasing most are those with greater added value. This shows that an industrial reorganization is taking place in Argentina. Products are being produced directly to be sold abroad. [LA NACION] Is this not happening because there is no room on the domestic market: Some say consumption has reached saturation point or is even declining? [Cavallo] No. Consumption continued to grow last year at 4 to 5 percent, which is quite high. Of course, it is very good that consumption grew less than the GDP because this means domestic savings increased. Very few countries in the world increase their consumption at 3 percent or more per year. [LA NACION] Nevertheless, it seems that consumption has been concentrated in a small segment of society while the great majority are unable to fulfill their basic requirements. [Cavallo] Consumption level and growth rate are very different concepts. Some families still have a very low consumption because we inherited a country in which for decades there has been both stagnation and a constant worsening in the distribution of income. I admit that there still are segments of the population that have low levels of consumption but, overall, everyone is consuming more. [LA NACION] Does the Menem-[Cordoba Governor] Angeloz pact and the single voting ticket in Cordoba affect you? [Cavallo] On the contrary, I am an economist; a single ticket enables us to save resources and efforts. [LA NACION] Will you be a candidate for the Constituent Assembly? [Cavallo] If there had not been a single list I would have considered it. |
FBIS3-51723_0 | Roundup of Economic Reports Through 13 Jan | Article Type:BFN [Editorial Report] The following is a compilation of reports on economic activities monitored through 13 January. Source is cited in parentheses following each item. Industrial production in 1993 registered its highest level in the past 14 years, despite increases in the unemployment and underemployment rates. According to polls by the main economic consulting firms, industrial production in 1993 increased 2.7 percent compared with 1992, and 1.4 percent compared with 1987. The high industrial production level is the result of the sustained levels of capital inflow, totalling $13 billion in 1993. (Buenos Aires LA NACION in Spanish 10 Jan 94 p 14) The Association of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers has reported that automobile production registered the historical record of 342,350 units in 1993, an increase of 30.7 percent compared with 1992. Sales increased 31.4 percent. A total of 311,213 units were sold on the local market, and 29,976 sent abroad. (Buenos Aires LA NACION in Spanish 13 Jan 94 Section 2 p 1) |
FBIS3-51745_0 | More on TRABAJADORES Analysis of Problems | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Havana, 24 Jan (PL) -- The TRABAJADORES weekly, official organ of the Cuban Workers Federation (CTC), in today's edition urges an objective analysis of the problems in each center, instead of extrapolating attention to the national problems. The current financial imbalances must be solved by acting on the offer-demand principle, states an editorial in the weekly paper which also points out the need for eliminating its causes. The Cuban economy is burdened by an excess of circulating currency of approximately 10 billion pesos (the same amount of dollars as per the official exchange rate) and annual subsidies in excess of 4 billion pesos to profitless enterprises, according to official data. Since a few weeks ago, and after the last convocation of the National Assembly of the People's Government (parliament), the CTC called on its affiliates to analyze the internal causes of the economic crisis in the country and propose measures to reverse it. The editorial points out that at the first such meetings there has been a tendency in some work centers to "think little about the problems, weaknesses, and errors that undermine their own daily work." In this regard it proposes that the administrations present to those assemblies an economic analysis of their management and proposals for improving them, drafted by the main administrative official of each unit and in understandable terms. After admitting that there are production plans which are "tainted by paternalism" which include "large components of the inefficiency (...) we mean to fight," the editorial expresses the need to reduce the costs of production and create, in places where it does not yet exist, an instrument for determining them. |
FBIS3-51747_0 | Council of Ministers Secretary on Slow Economic Recovery | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Havana, 14 Jan (PL) -- Carlos Lage Davila, secretary of the Council of Ministers Executive Committee, stated today that Cuba has the potential to accomplish a slow economic recovery despite the current severe limitations in resources. Even though 1994 will be very difficult, very trying, we trust that certain activities will improve during the year, added Lage--who is also a member of the Communist Party of Cuba Political Bureau--in statements to the national television news. He said the availability of resources is directly related to the 1992-1993 sugar harvest, when production was approximately two million metric tons less than estimated, resulting in lost revenues of more than $450 million. He admitted, however, that the Cuban economy has a very slim chance of protecting itself against the negative repercussions resulting from external factors, such as the reinforced U.S. economic, financial, and commercial blockade against the island. Lage's statements were made in the central eastern Province of Ciego de Avila, where he said the recovery of the sugar industry constitutes an indispensable condition to surpass the current Cuban economic crisis. |
FBIS3-51748_0 | Workers Propose Bond Issue To Improve Finances | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Report by Alejandro Gomez] [Text] Havana, 12 Jan (PL) -- One of the measures proposed by workers to improve finances is the creation and sale of bonds of the fatherland, which would be purchased voluntarily, without interest or with a soft interest, and redeemable within five to 10 years. Workers at a canned food factory discussed this proposal, along with other suggestions like paying for sports and cultural events, increasing electricity charges, and seizing money and goods that were obtained illegally. The discussion at that Cuban industry is a sign of what will happen at all work centers in Cuba on 30 January after more than 400,000 labor leaders conclude their analysis of these topics. Despite the social cost of many proposals, most Cuban workers agree on the need to adopt a program to reorganize the country's finances, a program that is indispensable to apply other measures with a view to overcome the serious crisis that the nation is facing. With regard to this, the government also recognized the urgency of making these decisions, but at the same time it issued a call to preserve the achievements of the Cuban socialist project, such as in health and education, which are free to all inhabitants of the island. The last session of the Cuban parliament -- 27 and 28 December -- analyzed the country's economic situation, but no agreements were reached because, it was learned, a process of consultations and explanations to the population was needed first. Cuban experts considered that the main guidelines for a possible program to improve the financial situation will stem from the people's opinions. Such a program could be approved by the Cuban deputies during a special session that is to be convoked for that purpose. According to these experts, the fact that there is a budget deficit of 4.2 billion pesos and that over 10 billion pesos (at par with the dollar at the official exchange rate) are in circulation demand the adoption of certain measures to control it. This latter problem is considered one of the most harmful because it contributes to a drop in efficiency and productivity and increases a lack of labor discipline and interest. But the solutions, the experts said, must include measures to improve profitability in most state enterprises because, according to official statistics, 69 percent of them are operating at a loss. |
FBIS3-51788_0 | PRD Clashes With Police Leave 16 Injured | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [From the "Good Morning From Mexico" newscast] [Text] On 23 January three clashes between riot police from the General Directorate of Public Security and Traffic and over 200 members of the Party of the Democratic Revolution [PRD] occurred in Tlalmanalco, Mexico State. Sixteen persons were injured -- three of whom were shot -- and 15 were arrested. The clashes occurred after a group of PRD members blocked both lanes of the Mexico-Cuautla road to protest the victory of PRI [Institutional Revolutionary Party] member Susana Plaza Aguilar during the 14 November election for a new municipal president. Due to this incident, after removing the PRD members, surveillance was increased at the city council office in Tlalmanalco to prevent demonstrators from seizing the installations. |
FBIS3-51794_0 | Editorial on Economic Adjustments, Workers' Role | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [From the "Evening Information Review" newscast] [Text] The Cuban newspaper TRABAJADORES today said in an editorial that the key goal of our economy is to be as efficient as possible and that the most reasonable way to achieve this is by reducing costs, increasing productivity, and making the best use of the raw materials available to us. In touching on the process of debates now under way in Cuba, TRABAJADORES said the basic objective is assessing the economic and financial conditions at each working center to evaluate the country's economic situation and the effects of financial imbalance in the economy. The editorial stressed that with the authority they have earned by staying in their jobs, workers, today more than ever, are demanding high standards of labor discipline, because what is at stake is the defense of the genuine interests of workers, peasants, and students. The editorial said that Cuban workers are concerned and reject the intolerable presence of crime, its ties to the black market, and its incidence in social and labor discipline, and the editorial demanded from the authorities the implementation of drastic and exemplary measures at all levels. It added that reality has forced us to make economic adjustments, which we will model after a socialist and Cuban pattern, using democratic formulas that are really unthinkable within other societies. |
FBIS3-51796_0 | Matanzas Education Sector To Undergo Streamlining | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Beginning in February, education workers in Matanzas Province will analyze at the base level the need for rational exploitation of the work force in this sector and will advocate higher efficiency for teachers as well as nonteaching personnel. Without implying a reduction in educational budgets, workers are seeking solutions that would allow consolidation of classes in several schools, establish multidisciplinary principles, and fill the entire teaching and work schedule of the personnel. This will undoubtedly result in the elimination of a number of positions. However, according to preliminary analyses, only 2,500 workers out of 22,000 will lose their posts. These workers will take retraining courses, sabbaticals, or other forms of education, including informal education alternatives, to maintain their ties with the education sector even if they end up working in a sector such as the minibrigades. Ninety-eight percent of the children in Matanzas are enrolled in school, with one teacher for every 14 students in all grades and subjects. Highly developed countries have one teacher per 30 or more students. The state budget for education for 1994 is 75 million pesos; in the decade of the eighties, it reached 82 million pesos, proving that education is a priority despite difficulties. |
FBIS3-51797_0 | Commentary on State Enterprises, Subsidies | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Commentary by Roberto Morejon; from "The Seven O'Clock News" newscast] [Text] At the assemblies convoked by Cuban labor unions due to the need to reorder financially the country and to increase efficiency, workers have insisted on the need to unearth the causes of the insensibility of a group of enterprises. During the regular period of sessions of the National Assembly of the People's Government, it was established that only 31 percent of Cuban state enterprises are profitable and that subsidies totaled 4.6 billion pesos--that is, 73 percent more than in 1989--during 1993. Despite the fact that external factors are negatively affecting the island, it is a fact that efficiency must increase at all levels, and financial discipline must improve. The subsidies to which some unprofitable enterprises became accustomed have an unfavorable effect on labor productivity and labor discipline [words indistinct], because in Cuba there is a very flexible labor legislation that does not contemplate different remunerations concerning each individual's contribution for a same profession. Things will change this year, at least as far as subsidies are concerned, if we observe the statements made by Finance Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez, who explained recently that to grant subsidies, the financial situation of organizations and enterprises will be examined. The entities showing deficits will be forced more than ever to collect their accounts receivable, prior to requesting subsidies from the state budget. Up until last September the business sector had 2.8 billion pesos in accounts receivable, a factor that results in difficulties and the ensuing diversion of resources. Authorities and Cuban unions are certain the irregularities in the collections and payments [words indistinct] enterprises generate discipline and [words indistinct]. As part of the people's democracy inherent to the indigenous social product, the unions will decide once more, however, [words indistinct] this time, it consists of overseeing in situ how the payments imbalance among enterprises are resolved. Cuban workers [words indistinct] the battle of all society to reduce and eradicate unprofitability of a group of entities [words indistinct]. |
FBIS3-51801_0 | Roundup of Economic Activity Reported 15 to 21 Jan | Article Type:BFN [Editorial Report] The following is a compilation of fileworthy reports on economic developments in Cuba carried on Havana radio and television in Spanish between 15 and 21 January. Radio Rebelde at 1000 GMT on 15 January reports that a research biochemist at the institute for citrus and other fruit crops recently won an award from the Ministry of Agriculture for obtaining a set of reagents and a blend for the development of a reaction, the purpose of which is to diagnose quickly and with 96-percent effectiveness the tree virus called "the virus of sadness" [el virus de la tristeza] which causes great damage to citrus crops worldwide. "The Cuban reagent is obtained from the blood plasma of previously immunized laboratory animals. The monoclonal antibody is capable of recognizing this tree virus before symptoms are present. This allows one to determine, after a sampling, the rate of incidence of the disease and fight it effectively and more cheaply. A reagent for the same purpose imported from Spain used to cost Cuba $2,000 per milligram. Our product has a production cost of $45. The market is being studied with a view to marketing the product for between $800 and $1,200 per milligram." Radio Progreso at 1200 GMT on 17 January reports that in 1993 the Heroes of Playa Giron Contingent, part of the Union of Caribbean Construction Enterprises in Varadero, produced 50 million pesos in tourist works despite a 35-percent drop in available material resources and electricity. The contingent is currently completing the Gaviota Cuatro Hotel. Radio Rebelde at 1800 on 17 January reports that the Pinar del Rio Provincial Assembly has approved its 1994 budget of 198 million pesos, to which Pinar del Rio Province contributes 82.7 million. The state must contribute the remaining 115.1 million, which is approximately 30 percent less than its contribution in 1993. Radio Rebelde at 1800 GMT on 18 January reports that the 60th Anniversary of the October Revolution Enterprise in Holguin has completed the first ten Cubar-90 rice combines, part of the 60 promised for delivery by July. The report adds that it costs $90,000 to build each of these machines and that they represent a savings of $900,000 for Cuba. Plant workers also plan to rebuild 120 KTP-2 sugarcane combines, according to a Radio Rebelde report at 0000 GMT on 20 January. Radio Reloj at 2046 GMT on 19 January reports that |
FBIS3-51824_5 | Gaviria Interviewed on U.S. Troop Presence | to making our Armed Forces more professional. Not only that, but we would end cooperation, equipment supply, maintenance, and intelligence that allow us to fight crime. [EL TIEMPO] President, but Juanchaco is not the only case. What were the U.S. planes that overflew Barranquilla this weekend up to? [Gaviria] According to what the Military Forces General Command and the FAC [Colombian Air Force] reported to me, the weekend Barranquilla overflights had been legally authorized earlier. The Civil Aeronautics Board, through the Directorate of Air Operations, had information on the Atlantic coast areas that this type of aircraft was going to overfly. Colombia, in its fight against drug trafficking, receives support from the United States and other countries. We do not have all the equipment or the required technology to support with technical intelligence the struggle against drug trafficking. On the basis of current agreements that seek to repress illegal drug trafficking, the Defense Ministry requests, when conditions warrant, the support of U.S. planes that are specially equipped to detect airplanes that have not filed a flight plan. It is worth mentioning that overflights by U.S. airplanes are authorized by Decree No. 1692 of 1992. The overflights are to inform the Colombian authorities on the presence of unauthorized planes and that any other measure, such as chasing these airplanes, is exclusively the responsibility of the FAC and other national authorities. You might be asking yourselves why the air traffic controllers did not know? Because there are ongoing investigations of air controllers involved in drug trafficking. There are also people who are interested in stirring up false sovereignty debates, encouraged by dark sponsor. If we are concerned about defending our air space sovereignty, the true threat does not lie in joint operations with the help of friendly countries. Danger to sovereignty, to Colombian society, and air security arise with the hundreds of illegal flights, without flight plans, and with perverse motivations, carried out by gun runners and drug traffickers over our territory. The authorized overflights are precisely an act of sovereignty to prevent our air space from being used with impunity by Colombia's true enemies. [EL TIEMPO] How many air surveillance radars has the United States installed in Colombia? Who operates them and who uses the information they collect? [Gaviria] Currently, the United States has installed four radars. The locations, facilities, and equipment are under the command, operation, and responsibility of Colombian |
FBIS3-51834_0 | Roundup of Economic Developments Through 25 Jan | Article Type:BFN [Editorial Report] The following is a compilation of reports on Cuban economic developments monitored through 25 January. Source is cited in parentheses following each item. The Spanish airline Aviaco sold eight Fokker F27-600 airplanes to the Cubana de Aviacion airlines enterprise for $7.5 million. The agreement between Aviaco and Cubana de Aviacion includes $6 million for the eight aircraft and stocks of spare parts, and $1.5 million to train the crew and maintenance staff. (Madrid EFE in Spanish 1057 GMT 18 Jan 94) |
FBIS3-51859_0 | Defense Bulletin Notes Increase in Chiapas Crime | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Bulletin No. 25 issued by the Mexican National Defense Secretariat on 24 January; place not given; from the "24 Hours" newscast] [Text] The National Defense Secretariat [NDS] is still receiving complaints from civilian residents of the war zone. Among the latest complaints are those filed by members of the board of directors of the Conasupo [National Company for Basic Commodities] Southeastern Distribution Company, Inc., who said that at 1130 on 20 January, on the Palenque-Benemerito de las Americas highway in Chiapas, near the 200-km marker, Messrs. Ube Tancheita, Fidel Mendoza Paredes and Roberto Sanchez Sanchez, drivers of three Conasupo vehicles, were attacked by a group of armed individuals who took their money. Likewise, employees of the National Immigration Institute announced that in that same area and on the same day Fernando Sandoval Flores, Marcos Espinoza Aguilar, and Martin Au Rivera were attacked by approximately 30 armed individuals who were dressed in gray tops and dark pants and had their faces covered. Their assailants robbed them of 850 new pesos. Meanwhile, Jose Transito Burguete Najera reported on 22 January that on 30 December he left 80 head of cattle at his El Jordan ranch in the municipality of Ocosingo and when he returned for them on 18 January he was attacked in La Nueva Estrella, a town in the same municipality, by 40 individuals who had rifles and were dressed in brown uniforms with large handkerchiefs around their necks. These men held Burguete Najera for 24 hours, demanding payment of 5,000 new pesos and four head of cattle. Since Burguete did not have the money they took four heads of cattle and a 3-ton pick-up. On that same day Armando Aguilar Castellanos, owner of the El Porvenir ranch in Ocosingo Municipality, reported that on 20 January approximately 40 armed transgressors appeared at his home and stole his pick-up. The perpetration of these types of crimes is becoming quite frequent; this has been confirmed by Mr. Antonio Robelo, a representative of the state cattle breeders' association, who disclosed that up until yesterday in Las Margaritas Municipality alone, over 1,500 head of cattle have been lost. Robelo also disclosed that the transgressors have [shot] several peasants in their backs for attempting to desert from the armed groups. The NDS has received a copy of communique No. 007/94 with today's date, addressed to the president of the republic, signed by |
FBIS3-51871_0 | Congress Urged To Approve Dual-Purpose Military Goods Bill | Language: Portuguese Article Type:BFN [Article by Maria Helena Tachinardi] [Text] The government is waiting for Congress to approve a bill to establish controls on the export and import of dual-purpose military goods (for civilian and military purposes and directly linked services) prior to negotiating our entry into the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), an organization created by a group of countries in 1987 to control the export of technologies and systems that can contribute to the proliferation of missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Draft bill 2530/92, which is included in the executive branch message 36/92, has already been approved by the Chamber of Deputies Economy Committee and has a preliminary favorable opinion of coordinator Fabio Feldmann, of the Consumer Defense, Environment, and Minorities Committee. His advisers state that the report will be finished by the end of the month and will be included the amendments proposed by the Navy Ministry last week. The draft was also sent to the National Defense, Science and Technology, and Constitution and Justice Committees. Having been approved by two committees -- because the Foreign Ministry already has the approval of the Environment Committee -- the government will now ask for very urgent discussion of the bill using a procedure that sends the bill directly to the plenum without passing through other committees. Diplomatic sources have stated that the government wants to increase Brazilian credibility before the international community. To become a member of the MTCR, Congress must first approve the bill controlling the export of dual-purpose materiel. Congress must also ratify the quadripartite nuclear safeguards agreement among Brazil, Argentina, the Brazilian-Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control (ABACC), and the amendments to the Tlatelolco Treaty that ban nuclear weapons in Latin America. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee postponed voting on both items last week. A diplomatic source commented: "Brazil's participation in the MTCR comes under the nonproliferation policy." By approving the bill, Brazil will be prohibited from passing technologies received from industrialized countries to countries considered untrustworthy, such as Iraq, North Korea, and Libya. The bill sent to the Chamber of Deputies in August 1992 provides for the creation of an international importation certificate by which importers commit themselves to refrain from exporting certain goods without previous authorization of the appropriate Brazilian authorities. The bill also creates a delivery verification certificate to confirm the entry of the product into the importing country. The bill anticipates |
FBIS3-51889_2 | * Results of Congressional Elections Analyzed | a smooth flow of legislative business in the new session will not be easy. This outlook, although it may seem a bit alarming, is also rather static. We are assuming there will be no breaking of ranks within the parties that have won seats. However, there are reasons to believe this is not very likely. Take COPEI, for example. It will be under pressure from Convergence, and some of its followers may decide to leave the fold rather than oppose a "social christian" government headed by the founder of their own party. However, this is a two-way street. In the long run, COPEI could pick up defectors from Convergence as some lawmakers grow disenchanted with the government or find other reasons to shift allegiances. Causa R has undergone explosive growth, and it remains to be seen if new members assimilate and toe the line. Experience indicates that this sort of movement that sweeps into existence with no clear ideology is prone to division. Given the likelihood of a fluid situation, the party with the most to gain is clearly AD since it is less susceptible to erosion either from within or without. Stability gives AD lots of resources and plenty of bargaining chips. But that is not all. A new factor that must be considered is that half the members of the new Chamber represent single-member districts, and this poses a threat to parliamentary cohesion. Representatives of single-member districts regard themselves as first-class lawmakers who won office on their own merits and by forging personal ties to those who elected them. This gives them a great deal of liberty in the face of pressure to toe the party line. All these factors presage a Congress that is highly unpredictable and hard to rule. Paradoxically, however, this could offer a way out of some of the problems of governing and legislative relations that are bound to arise in the coming year. Despite the prospect of some ugly spectacles, there is reason to hope that defection, restructuring, and realignment will combine to produce a pro-government alliance or an opposition open to constructive agreement on certain basic issues. There is, however, another scenario to be considered. The president-elect has reserves of prestige, ability, and tenacity that transcend the election results. Intensive use of this political capital could put Congress on the defensive in the eyes of public opinion and force the creation of |
FBIS3-51891_4 | * Extent of Tax Evasion Detailed | bolivars on social security deductions first climbed to 15,000 and last year reached 45,000. "And even though tax hikes were necessary," he said, "the problem is that payroll taxes were the only ones that rose. "The problem is that there is a direct tax on work. This combined with the system of social benefits makes jobs more expensive in Venezuela. So companies tend not to raise wages because it also raises their liabilities. Every increase triggers a jump of 18 percent in the payroll tax." Adding payroll and income taxes together shows how much individuals are paying. "Only those with incomes above 2,000,500 bolivars a year pay taxes comparable to the deductions from the wages of workers making less than 45,000 bolivars a month. "Instead of direct taxes on those with higher earnings, they are imposing more direct taxes on workers. The Venezuelan tax system has strongly contributed to lower wages by overtaxing work while losing its ability to collect from individuals." Once the value added tax and the tax on corporate assets are approved, Garcia expects they will help ease the tax situation in Venezuela. That will leave the income tax in need of three major reforms. Drastic measures are needed to eliminate exemptions, such as the one for agriculture, that are still on the books. Slashes are also needed in the deductions allowed as investment incentives and in many personal tax deductions. When the income tax reform took effect, he recalled, the number of individual taxpayers dropped from 1.3 million in 1991 to only 350,000 in 1992. "We tax 1.75 percent of a population of 20 million and 5.4 percent of the work force," he pointed out. Garcia thinks the cap on payroll taxes must go. He wants this done in order to benefit workers, not companies, and he wants tax delinquency to be punished. "The problem here is that the only sanction with a jail term is the one against tax collectors who keep the money. It is curious that in Venezuela violations of the tax laws are not regarded as crimes," he said. Likewise, he added, the agency that collects the taxes has to be fully autonomous. It must be autonomous administratively, and it must have its own budget. The way to achieve this is to give the agency a budget equal to a percentage of "between 2 and 3 percent" of revenues from nonpetroleum taxes. |
FBIS3-51897_0 | National Guard Seizes Control of Town in Wake of Violence | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Los Teques, Venezuela, 26 Jan (AFP) -- Journalists who were eyewitnesses report that today at about 2000 GMT (1600 local time) the militarized National Guard seized control of the streets and avenues of this sleepy community located 20 km southwest of Caracas. Los Teques became the stage of violent student demonstrations during the funeral of a high school student killed last night by a teargas grenade. According to related reports, demonstrators hurled rocks at regional and municipal government installations (of Miranda State, which extends to the east and southwest of Caracas). Demonstrators also set two vehicles on fire. Jessica Diaz, a 16-year-old high school student, died last night during a student protest, when she was struck in the head by a teargas grenade. In the morning, tense calm was reported in Los Teques as a vigil for Diaz concluded amid expressions of sorrow by her classmates, who gathered under strong police surveillance. Under the watchful eyes of the militarized National Guard, violence erupted when the funeral procession began marching toward the local cemetery to bury Diaz. [Paris AFP in Spanish at 2119 GMT on 26 January transmits a related 150-word, Puerto La Cruz-datelined report that adds: "Witnesses today said that student demonstrations, which have been shaking Venezuela for two weeks so far, have again spread to the tourist city of Puerto La Cruz, where a truck driver was injured and 11 students were arrested."] |
FBIS3-51901_1 | Official On Falklands; Relations With Brazil, Chile | the justification is not enough" when he referred to the Malvinas Islands, and he explained that the current policy on this matter is centered on negotiations with Great Britain. Thus, Cisneros answered a series of criticisms by expert Federico Ruiz Guinazu, who maintained that "the Foreign Ministry is mistaken regarding the Malvinas" because it does not center its demands on the basis of "sound rights that must be reiterated repeatedly." Cisneros stresses: "Isolation alienated the country from the world's centers of power, it caused a confrontation with the United States at an immense cost, and it systematically alienated it from the rest of Latin America; although the country tried to establish a minimum of ties with the continent's countries, in the end we ended up clearly being the unpopular party." He defended the current policy when he indicated that Brazil and Chile had never been "potential partners because they had always been two of our hypothetical military opponents." The Malvinas was the third hypothesis, "which ended up with the country embarking on a war with the country that is the owner of the world's third-largest navy, an ally of the planet's most powerful nation, a policy-making partner in NATO [acronym given in English], and a permanent member of the UN Security Council." The official highlighted the fact that currently trade with Chile has tripled in view of reciprocal investment amounting to several million dollars, and that Brazil "is the main purchaser, the second- largest supplier, and it is a partner in a common market [Common Market of the South], together with two other members, that will change the region's history." Regarding the Malvinas, Cisneros maintains that in this matter "a community of interests and the joint exploitation of resources that will, in time, provide the basis of coexistence that one day will help in agreeing to a non-traumatic transfer of sovereignty" is currently being sought. "The negotiating alternative evolves, not from the replacement of the law, but as a second stage that is logically the continuation of the basically legitimate alternative, which for 50 years has demonstrated that it is capable of obtaining the justification for us, but not the islands." Cisneros said in a signed note to a Buenos Aires morning newspaper. In this respect, he indicated that Argentina has always pointedly and efficiently demanded Argentina's rights over the islands at each and every one of the appropriate forums. |
FBIS3-51920_6 | Journalists on Purge of Illegal Wealth | on the radio, and the wealthy know that measures against them are going to be taken, this gives them a chance to seek solutions to their problem. However, you mentioned that the people are aware of all of this. Since the people are the ones calling for the eradication of the wealthy, are asking the authorities to please eliminate this social scum, the people need to support the authorities -- police and courts -- in order to eradicate them. We must have witnesses. In order to sentence someone in court, we need witnesses. [Rodriguez] Undoubtedly, these people are preparing. The people are surely aware of this, and need to be on alert so they can provide the required information. It is obvious that these people will try to get rid of their Cuban money, probably in large amounts, by converting it into goods. It is known that many of them have done this on other occasions when they felt threatened by a change in the currency. Now, there is much talk about a change of currency. I do not know if this will happen or not. However, there is much talk about it. I am convinced that they have tried to mend their finances -- to put it in economists' technical terms. There are also those who have changed their Cuban currency into foreign currencies to protect themselves from a change. [Roque] It is being said that foreign currency exchange rates have increased recently in the black market precisely because of this. [Rodriguez] That is not all. I remember that it used to be said --- before the unions implemented the new system -- that in order to get a table in a restaurant you need to generously bribe the maitre'd. Who can afford a 200, 300, 400, 500-peso bribe to get a table but those who have made that money easily? No one who works for his money can afford to do this. These people corrupt anyone they come in contact with. They corrupt their families, and even their neighbors. [Roque] We need to remain alert. [Rodriguez] Yes. I believe we need to be very alert, need to keep our eyes wide open. The Cuban people should be on the lookout for this type of criminal who nowadays hurts us the most. I believe that all criminals hurt us. However, the wealthy do the most material and moral damage. |
FBIS3-51922_1 | PCC Member On Economic Situation in Pinar del Rio | adopt, and which we are doing, is discussing in each workers' meeting the process being carried out jointly with the Cuban Workers Federation, the workers' parliament in the workplace, discussing the things that can be done there to reduce production costs, to be more effective in our activities. These are the main measures. [Cabrera] Excuse me, Marrero, how much did Pinar del Rio lose last year? [Marrero] Some 400 million [currency not specified] taking into account the losses in the agriculture and construction sectors, the Minaz, and even the expenses incurred by the people's government. According to the latest figures we have been assessing, the loss totals approximately 389 million [currency not specified]. We must also mention other measures, as you said, which are being adopted. But the essential ones are: how to produce more and how to produce more effectively. And at what level are we taking these measures? We are taking them at the level of the people's council. This a subject being discussed at the people's council. We can see how our president, the members of our council are participating in each of these centers, evaluating suggestions, seeing what can be done, and where are our failures, seeking to solve these problems. If we manage to reduce our loss by 50 percent this year, it will be 200 million [currency not specified], and 200 million with other measures. But this is not easy to achieve. However, we see that 50 percent is due to inefficiency in production. We are seeing this in an essential sector. We are seeing this in the agricultural area, especially that having to do with tobacco. We are getting ready for a historical harvest. The climate is good, but we can see that salary cost in the tobacco field is 50 percent of our salary costs in other places. We can better employ our labor force, we can reduce the daily movements of workers; we can better organize our battalions, and the Basic Cooperative Production Units [UBPC] will work more efficiently. So, there is an economic awareness which is leading people to see where they are spending each centavo, where are our resources are invested to make our production more efficient. [Cabrera] How is the government working to.... [Station announcer] Well, we have lost our communications with Pinar del Rio Province. We are going to try a new contact later through Radio Guama. |
FBIS3-51934_0 | Two Injured in Protest | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Basseterre, St. Kitts, 26 Jan, CANA -- At least two persons were reported to have been injured here Wednesday after police moved to disperse a crowd of opposition St Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) supporters calling for fresh general elections. The protest outside government headquarters coincided with the start of a new parliamentary session at which members of the National Assembly, chosen in inconclusive general elections last November 29, took their oaths of office. Eyewitnesses said there were loud explosions as police fired stun grenades to keep back the crowd and clear the way after the ceremony for the exit of Governor-general Sir Clement Arrindell, Prime Minister Dr Kennedy Simmonds and other officials. One of the two persons taken to hospital for treatment, had head wounds after reportedly being struck with a baton by a police officer. |
FBIS3-51941_0 | Continued Reporting on Transportation Strike Ministers Give News Conference | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [News conference by Pablo Vigil, construction and transportation minister, and Government Minister Alfredo Mendieta with unidentified reporters on 25 January in Managua; from the "This Morning" newscast -- recorded] [Excerpt] [passage omitted] [Reporter] Does this mean you will not continue the talks with the transportation commission [words indistinct] Engineer Vigil? [Vigil] Absolutely not. We will continue to talk with all groups. We will always be willing to debate, discuss, and hear their opinion on the communique. We are always willing to participate in discussions. [Reporter] [Words indistinct] stop the strike decreed by the transportation commissions [words indistinct] since Monday? [Vigil] We believe the measures are quite beneficial for the transportation sector and the general public. That includes the production sector, which will also enjoy the benefits. We do not think there is any reason to continue the stoppage. We are giving an overall solution, a clear and positive solution, to members of the transportation sector, the people in general, and all groups that have not supported the stoppage to achieve peace and help the economic reactivation. Thus the growth process we began in January will not be obstructed by a situation that might be extremely dangerous. That is why we have decided to solve many of the problems discussed during the preliminary meetings, and the solutions are included in this document. [Reporter] The communique and the talks you held have [words indistinct] official communique. [Vigil] In most cases, yes. [Reporter] When will the [words indistinct]? [Vigil] The measures taken by the Nicaraguan Government are intended to guarantee peace for the citizens and to overcome the impasse once and for, because it has cost the government between 7 and 8 million cordobas. We will recover the sum with better tax collection, meaning by increasing the efficiency of the administration. There will not be any new taxes. This must be quite clear from the beginning. We will make tax collection more efficient to create the revenues outlined in the budget, which was submitted to the National Assembly. [Reporter] [Question indistinct] [Vigil] We can try. The next agreement will be based on established policies and current prices at the international level. [Reporter] What happens [words indistinct] if the strike continues and the [words indistinct]. What will the government do tomorrow? [Vigil] Minister Mendieta will answer that question. [Mendieta] First it is important to emphasize the government's efforts to find |
FBIS3-51943_0 | Continued Reporting on Transportation Strike Police Report 2 Dead | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Report by Ernesto Garcia from "The Nation Radio Newspaper" newscast] [Text] The National Police [PN] confirmed this afternoon that two people have died and two others were seriously injured, all Hondurans. A police report states the dead as Carlos Mejia and an unidentified Honduran woman, and the injured as Hondurans Abel and Lorena Dubon Pazos. The tragic accident occurred 7 km on the Northern Highway, which was blocked by a bus belonging to the Unidos Transportation Cooperative, license plate GB-0109. The bus was participating in a three-day-old strike called by transportation personnel against the Chamorro administration. The name of the bus' owner that caused the fatal accident is still unknown. Commander Franco Montealegre, PN inspector general, presented a final count of those arrested in the wake of violent disturbances involving transportation carriers, which started early today and lasted until noon today at the PN Station No. 6, when the relatives of those arrested opposed their transfer to police installations. The police leader reported 206 arrested so far. He added that 19 minors, between the ages of 13 and 14 years old, were released. The cooperatives with the largest number of arrested members are: the 2 August Cooperative with 12; Jorge Salazar Cooperative, 22; Ricardo Morales Cooperative, 31; (Arlensiu) Cooperative, 36; and Democratic Efforts Cooperative, 20. The police report states that 12 of those arrested do not belong to a cooperative. Commander Montealegre categorically denied that the police fired on the relatives of those arrested at noon today at the PN Station No. 6. He also denied the police attacked media representatives: [Begin Montealegre recording] [Words indistinct] it is said they used excessive force. Quite the contrary, they faced heavy resistance during the operation [words indistinct] there are no injures, as they claim. That is, the police acted prudently. The police acted in a legitimate fashion. The transportation carriers' actions [words indistinct] they violate the rights of others. [end recording] There are still roadblocks in front of the Sandinist Barrales-Vallejo Cooperative headquarters at this time. A police cordon, which was established about 100 meters from the roadblock erected by the Sandinist cooperative, is still in place. The military controls the main roads. Police checkpoints are still in place, and groups of transportation strikers are still picketing the area. |
FBIS3-51946_2 | * Mistakes, Improvements in Economy Discussed | percent and a further erosion of per capita income. Policies and Undesired Effects Unemployment and underemployment rose to over 50 percent of the economically active population; a third of the nation's households are living in extreme poverty. Deregulation and privatization of the economy, intended to reduce state intervention and shift more responsibility to the private sector, have not helped to stimulate the economic and productive process. On the contrary, the state has been reduced, but its regulatory capacity has not grown stronger; instead, this process has created greater disruption in the production and circulation of goods and services, with negative effects on the population. The existence of a certain overvaluation of the cordoba in relation to the dollar, the high degree of indexing of the economy, and the rapid tariff-lowering process were factors which, rather than helping to develop markets, have distorted markets. These policies have deepened the economic recession and produced a greater concentration of income. As production has continued to fall, the economy has grown more vulnerable to the vagaries of foreign aid. Therefore, uncertainty and difficulties related to the availability of foreign resources may influence changes in economic policy; these factors fed the inflationary spiral and people's expectations. The major policies of 1993 that shored up the stabilization program produced undesired effects. Among those are: - a) Credit policy. Keeping interest rates high was a stimulus to attract resources for the financial system, although they do not support a real credit expansion that will promote production. High interest rates combined with the loan guarantees demanded by commercial banks have barred access to credit for a large number of small producers. - b) Exchange policy. The strong indexing of the economy has kept the exchange rate from serving as a stimulus for export production. Maintaining an overvalued exchange rate in the absence of other complementary policies has slashed gross international reserves, making economic stability even more vulnerable. The Rainy Season, a Positive Factor - c) Fiscal policy. The monetary policy of 1993, which continued to impact on domestic demand, brought about a reduction in real income, leading to a highly restrictive spending policy. This had the effect of worsening the economy in general, causing a deterioration in basic services and higher unemployment. - d) Fixed investment, estimated at 13 percent of the GDP, remained depressed. Public investment, which represents about 60 percent of the total, was less strong |
FBIS3-51950_0 | * Terrorist Attacks in November Dropped Drastically | Language: Spanish Article Type:CSO [DESCO SPECIAL REPORT No. 31: "Political Violence in Peru Today," issued by Peru's Center for Development Studies and Promotion (DESCO)] [Text] November has seen less political violence than almost any other time during the 13 years of war. During this month, there were 36 subversive actions, resulting in 42 deaths: six military personnel, one police officer, 11 civilians, and 18 alleged subversives [as published]. In a way, it was predictable that Shining Path [SL], especially, would pull back in November, after launching a larger number of actions for two months in a row in September and October. This month's actions occurred primarily in Lima, which is still in first place with 20 attacks (56 percent). SL focused most of its bombings on private businesses. There were three car bombings during the month, two of them in commercial areas in Miraflores and Camacho, while the third one went off near an Army barracks. The second-largest number of assaults took place in the jungle region, with eight actions (22 percent). In the province of Leoncio Prado, there were six clashes, two of them open confrontations between subversives and security forces. The other four battles arose out of countersubversion actions by the Army. And in Leoncio Prado and Huanuco, subversives carried out annihilation attacks against civilians. The central region was in third place out of four, with five assaults (14 percent). Two of these actions were successive confrontations involving the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) and the Army in Chanchamayo Province. The other two were SL bombings in Huancayo Province. Last place in terms of subversive actions was taken by the northern region, with three assaults (8 percent). Two of the incidents involved the MRTA; in one they jammed the radios of the Chimbote National Police and in the other they rescued two of their members as they left the Chimbote courthouse. Terrorist Attacks by Region: November - 1. Lima 56% - 2. Jungle 22% - 3. Central 14% - 4. Northern 8% As for the number of casualties, the central region occupied first place with 24 (57 percent). All were members of the MRTA, killed in clashes with Army troops in the province of Chanchamayo. In second place was the jungle region, with 14 casualties (33 percent). Six were Army soldiers who died in two battles with SL in Leoncio Prado Province. In addition, eight civilians were killed |
FBIS3-51954_4 | Callejas Addresses National Congress | will be handed over to the new government, which will assume office on 27 January. Diseases which have ravaged the child population were put under control. We have tackled the terrible cholera with determination via prevention drives, the speeding up of construction of latrines, and by making the people aware of the need to take sanitary measures to defeat the epidemics that crossed our border to obliterate the lives of hundreds of Hondurans. In the social area we have sympathized with sectors that for a long time have been relegated or excluded as the result of neglect. For this reason, we have established a bonus for unwed mothers, an economic aid instrument to help them take care of the basic problems of their children, children whose extreme poverty has barred access to food and education. In addition, school bags and footwear were given out to the children of many schools in municipalities, villages, and hamlets via the family assistance program. My administration's relationship with rural and urban workers has been consistent with a policy of understanding, within the patriotic purpose of maintaining a climate of harmony, which translates into national well-being. Fellow countrymen, ladies and gentlemen, deputies, before I hand over the presidential office, I would like to express my deep satisfaction over the fact that, with the cooperation of worthy and distinguished Hondurans and well-known international jurists, it fell on me to end the old territorial dispute with our neighbor, El Salvador. The century-old controversy, which weighed down on the two countries like a dissociating factor of the regional peace, ended with a fair ruling, which confirmed our sovereign rights on the sacred national territory. I will keep this achievement, which we Hondurans share proudly, as a reminder of what we can do when we join forces. At all times, and regardless of political inclinations, we contributed as Hondurans to a common cause, which in time had alienated us from the unionist principles envisioned by the immortal hero of La Trinidad. Ladies and gentlemen, deputies, today, during my last official intervention as Honduran president and in the presence of a new Congress elected by the people, I would like to recognize the entire nation, because we have demonstrated again our people's political maturity and deep-rooted reliance on democracy. I am leaving my performance as president printed on history's pages so that what I wanted to do for my homeland |
FBIS3-51980_0 | Roundup of Economic Activity Reported 24 to 26 Jan | Article Type:BFN [Editorial Report] The following is a compilation of fileworthy reports on economic developments in Cuba carried on Havana radio and television in Spanish between 24 and 26 January. Source is listed in parentheses following each item: Radio Reloj at 2040 GMT on 24 January reports that accelerated repairs are being made at the Republica Dominican Mill in Carlos Manuel de Cespedes municipality, Camaguey Province. Originally, the Rebublica Dominicana Mill was not scheduled to participate in the grinding in Camaguey this harvest. It was later decided that the mill would participate "because of the importance to the nation to produce as much sugar as possible." Radio Reloj at 2042 GMT on 24 January notes that production in Matanzas Province has decreased. According to a statistical study, the province produced 777 million pesos' worth of goods in 1993, which was 71 percent of the amount that had been projected. "In comparison with a similar earlier period, Matanza's economy showed a decline of almost 21 points, felt most strongly in the sugar industry." Radio Rebelde at 1255 GMT on 25 January reports that 400 caballerias of tobacco have been planted in Pinar del Rio. Some 4,000 students are participating in the planting. Radio Reloj Network at 2030 GMT on 25 January reports in its 30-minute newscast that: The plant at the Ignacio Agramonte Sugar Mill that produces the product called "sorbitol," a sugarcane by-product, produced over 300 tons of the product in 1993. "Sorbitol" is used in making toothpaste, diet foods, pharmaceuticals, and other things. The plant has the capacity to produce 10,000 tons a year in the Villa Clara and Camaguey plants. Also obtained were 217 tons of glucose. The local industries of Contramaestre municipality, Santiago de Cuba Province, brought in 5 million pesos for the state in 1993. "Esteban Lazo, secretary general of the Communist Party of Cuba for the province, urged local industries to improve quality and design, and to increase prodcution of certain very important products, such as shoes for school children, workers, and the population in general." "Over 13 million passengers were transported within Matanzas in 1993 thanks to the efforts of the state inspectors, who also created a favorable atmosphere for moving some 1,000 metric tons of various types of merchandise. During that period, the more than 230 men and women commonly known as `yellows' [because of the color of their uniforms] collected slightly more |
FBIS3-51984_0 | UN Consultant Issues Communique Condemning Blockade | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Report by (Roberto Cavala) from the Havana Convention Center -- live] [Text] This is a last-minute report. I am speaking to the Cuban listeners of this station's live radio news program from the Convention Center where the Board of the Central American Commission for the Defense of Human Rights [Codehuca], a nongovernmental organization [ngo] with consultant status at the United Nations, is addressing the issue of human rights in Cuba. The chairperson of this commission read a document to reporters accredited to this Fourth Latin American and Caribbean Meeting for Solidarity, Sovereignty, Self-Determination, and the Lives of our Peoples. [Begin unidentified speaker recording] 1. The commission strongly and categorically condemns and repudiates the U.S. blockade against Cuba as unjust, cruel, and inhumane, and because it represents an inexcusable violation of international law -- the international human rights law and the established precepts and rules for coexistence among nations. 2. It urges the U.S. Government to immediately comply with the resolutions of the UN General Assembly to end the economic, commercial, and financial blockade against Cuba. 3. It urges the United Nations to demand that the U.S. Government comply with its resolutions through established mechanisms, as it has done with resolutions affecting other nations. 4. It lauds the Cuban Government and people for their important achievements, successes, and transformations in spite of the suffering caused by the nefarious, protracted blockade. 5. It supports the worthy, exalted, patriotic struggle by the Cuban people and Government against the U.S. blockade, and its respect for international law. 6. It respectfully but strongly urges the nations and the people participating in this meeting to adopt vigorous measures and initiatives intended to strengthen solidarity their sister nation, Cuba, in its struggles and its dreams to build a more just, more humane, and more democratic society. The people of Jose Marti need and demand it. Their unfaltering struggle, their poignant sacrifice of so many years, and their unrenounceable hope deserve it. Respect for human rights means peace. [Signed] The Central American Commission for the Defense of Human Rights, Codehuca. Havana, 27 January 1994. [end recording] |
FBIS3-52006_0 | * Minister Views Government Strategy, Drug Policy * U.S. Cooperation | Language: Spanish Article Type:CSO [Article by Edwin Miranda V.; first paragraph is editorial introduction] [Text] La Paz 25 December (LOS TIEMPOS)--The Clinton administration has promised to provide $180 million in 1994 for programs for the fight against narcotics trafficking in Bolivia. Bolivia will be the only South American country which will not have significant reductions in the aid which it receives in the form of financial cooperation with the United States Government in the struggle against narcotics trafficking. This was officially announced by Minister of Government German Quiroga Gomez. In the course of the exclusive interview he granted to the editors of LOS TIEMPOS in La Paz Quiroga stated that in the framework of "uninterrupted North American aid" Bolivia expects to receive about $180 million in 1994. These will be new resources earmarked for providing support for the struggle against drug trafficking, as well as for undertaking alternative development strategies through an effective program of substituting other crops for coca leaf production by peasant farmers. This assistance will be based on "promises made by the administration of President Bill Clinton to Bolivia during the visit by President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada to New York on 28 September, during the most recent meeting of the United Nations General Assembly." Growing External Aid According to the explanation provided, North American aid in the field of fighting against illicit drug trafficking is directed at the interdiction of the traffic, alternative development, crop eradication, and the implementation of integral development projects in the Chapare and Yungas areas, where coca leaves have been traditionally produced. Quiroga said: "Bolivia has signed financial and technical cooperation agreements with the United States since 1990." At the same time he pointed out that North American financial cooperation is closely related to the help which it provides to the Bolivian balance of payments. He added: "For this purpose it has been spending between $40 and $60 million annually." However, at the same time he made clear that this significant amount of help has been conditioned on the eradication of a certain number of hectares of fields in the Chapare and Yungas areas which were planted to coca leaves. On this point he emphasized that it is possible that in 1994 the total amount of aid for this purpose "will decline because of the fact that Bolivia, as of this date, has not eradicated the number of hectares planted to coca |
FBIS3-52006_1 | * Minister Views Government Strategy, Drug Policy * U.S. Cooperation | Clinton to Bolivia during the visit by President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada to New York on 28 September, during the most recent meeting of the United Nations General Assembly." Growing External Aid According to the explanation provided, North American aid in the field of fighting against illicit drug trafficking is directed at the interdiction of the traffic, alternative development, crop eradication, and the implementation of integral development projects in the Chapare and Yungas areas, where coca leaves have been traditionally produced. Quiroga said: "Bolivia has signed financial and technical cooperation agreements with the United States since 1990." At the same time he pointed out that North American financial cooperation is closely related to the help which it provides to the Bolivian balance of payments. He added: "For this purpose it has been spending between $40 and $60 million annually." However, at the same time he made clear that this significant amount of help has been conditioned on the eradication of a certain number of hectares of fields in the Chapare and Yungas areas which were planted to coca leaves. On this point he emphasized that it is possible that in 1994 the total amount of aid for this purpose "will decline because of the fact that Bolivia, as of this date, has not eradicated the number of hectares planted to coca leaves which it promised to complete by December 1993." The second type of United States cooperation is related to the Ibta-Chapare Project, which essentially is aimed at the industrialization of a large part of the tropical area of the Department of Cochabamba. Quiroga explained that this technical aid is aimed at promoting alternatives, in terms of products and crops, in areas producing coca leaves. New Projects During the meeting of the Consultative Group of the World Bank which took place a short time ago in Washington, Bolivia proposed to the international financial community the possibility of approving "greater economic support and better programs for the promotion of products other than coca leaves." Alternative development plans of this kind are presently being carried out in areas where coca leaves have traditionally been planted. According to the minister of government, the Bolivian committee which visited Washington and was led by the minister of finance and economic development presented for the consideration of the international financial community a new proposal for alternative development for the areas which have traditionally produced coca leaves. |
FBIS3-52014_3 | * Amorim Views Principal Events of 1993 | is sizable and will bring benefits. In addition, there is GATT's role in laying down rules, another area in which considerable progress was made. Establishment of the World Trade Organization was another very important advance, since that institution will be able to actually regulate international trade. Brazil participated actively in those negotiations. [Recena] What did its participation consist of? [Amorim] There were seven years of hard work, and we made a very big contribution. It is good for Brazil that the agreement in question was possible. It is important to emphasize that the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs consistently conducted those negotiations in an efficient manner with the cooperation of the Ministries of Finance, Agriculture, and Industry and Commerce. I feel that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be given credit for the coordination effort: the effort to conduct those negotiations, which were the most complex negotiations to date in the field of trade and economy. [Recena] What were relations with the United States like in 1993? [Amorim] I have just returned from a visit to the United States. It was a short visit but one involving a lot of work. I met with many officials, among them Secretary of State Warren Christopher and the White House security adviser, Anthony Lake. I have heard many favorable comments about that visit. I took the opportunity it provided to present the Brazilian viewpoint with great frankness, stressing something that was not being sufficiently emphasized: the fact that our points of agreement are much greater than our disagreements. But public opinion in both countries and even some government circles focus more strongly on the disagreements. It may be natural to do so, but it is not right, because then the focus is on 5 percent of the issues at most and ignores the fact that we agree on the other 95 percent. [Recena] How did you approach that subject? [Amorim] The message that I tried to convey, and I think it was well received, well understood, and accepted, was this: precisely because Brazil is a country with its own specific characteristics and the same basic principles as those guiding U.S. society--democracy, a market economy, and respect for human rights--well, at the same time that we have those things in common, we also hold different views on various subjects. And a good partner is not one that reflects the other. A good partner is |
FBIS3-52016_1 | * New 1994 Budget Proposal Detailed | stages call for adopting the URV [Real Value Unit] and subsequently making it a strong currency. "We are freeing ourselves of the need to use inflation and corruption to balance the budget. We are exchanging those instruments for negotiation, which is the only alternative we have left, since the other choice would be dictatorship." Surrealism--Bacha explained that in previous years, the Executive Branch would send Congress an "unrealistic" budget and get back a "surrealistic" law. Since it was impossible to execute the expenditures called for in that law, the administration would guarantee those expenditures, wait for inflation to erode values, and make the money available. The result of that game has been the increase in inflation. In its budget revision, the government is working with real interest rates of 15 percent for 1994, since there will be no more indebtedness. That will help reduce debt service, which should decline from $8.7 billion in 1993 to $7.7 billion in 1994. "That drop is feasible, since we will no longer have a deficit of $22 billion to finance," says Bacha. Effort However, the Legislative and Judicial Branches are not making the same effort as the Executive Branch to cut spending. The Chamber of Deputies, the Senate, and the National Accounting Office will receive about $305 million for investment and operations in 1993 [as published]--51 percent more than their probable actual spending level in 1993 (expenditures included in the original 1993 budget or in supplemental budgets passed during the year). The courts will receive $699.6 million, or 42 percent more than the $470 million they received in 1993. For its part, the Executive Branch will receive $43.1 billion, or 17 percent less than the $52.1 billion received in 1993. A number of ministries have been given special treatment, however, examples being the military ministries (EMFA [Armed Forces General Staff], Army, Navy, and Air), which will receive $2.2 billion for operations and investment. That is an increase of 48 percent over 1993 and the result of tough negotiating with the economic area. Administration Expects To Collect $84 Billion The administration expects to achieve record collections of $84.6 billion in taxes, compulsory contributions, and fees in 1994. Those revenues, the largest in the country's history, will consist of the following: Import tax (II): This tax is imposed on Brazilian imports and will bring in $2.12 billion, or 0.47 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), in |
FBIS3-52016_4 | * New 1994 Budget Proposal Detailed | are expected to total $3.74 billion, or 0.83 percent of GDP. Employers' and employees' social security contribution: Here the administration estimates that revenues will total $20.6 billion, or 4.55 percent of GDP. Government employees' social security contribution: Government employees are expected to contribute $2.05 billion, or 0.45 percent of GDP, in 1994. Other (including supplemental port fees, military pensions, contributions to the training wage, amounts due from the freight supplement and modernization of the merchant marine, and so on): Revenues from these taxes are estimated at $4.03 billion, or 0.89 percent of GDP. Other revenues (including the contribution based on lottery revenues): The administration expects to obtain $1.5 billion, or 0.35 percent of GDP, from this type of collection. Bill Predicts 4-Percent Rise in GDP The administration is expecting GDP to be about 4 percent higher in 1994 than in 1993. "Studies conducted by the administration, backed by indications relative to the basic parameters for projecting national accounts, suggest the advisability of adopting a forecast to the effect that GDP in 1994 will increase by about 4 percent compared to 1993," the administration has announced in a message sent to Congress with the budget for 1994. The message sent by President Itamar Franco regarding the General Budget of the Union supports the economic team's position that it is necessary "to restore normal operating conditions in the Brazilian state so that it will be possible to stabilize the economy and guarantee social justice." And for that very reason, it says that the administration and various segments of society must be prepared to carry out the difficult task "of balancing the national accounts." "To do that, decisions by the National Congress are essentially and fundamentally necessary in order to provide the Executive Branch with the tools making it possible to overcome the difficult situation we find ourselves in today." Wages--The administration also expects to spend 681 billion cruzeiros, or 5.3 percent of GDP, on personnel expenditures and charges (including both active and retired personnel). Those projections, contained in the message sent to Congress along with the budget bill for 1994, were made, the administration says, in accordance with the prime rule that the government's basic payroll in 1994 cannot exceed the 1993 payroll. On the basis of its analysis of the current economic situation and the macroeconomic scenario for 1994, the administration announces in its budget bill that "the main problem in |
FBIS3-52017_0 | CNDH Reports on Chiapas Situation | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Report by Samuel Prieto Rodriguez in San Cristobal de Las Casas from the "Good Morning From Mexico" newscast] [Text] The National Human Rights Committee [CNDH] issued from San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas State, a report on its work in Los Altos de Chiapas. According to the report, there has been an individualized follow-up investigation of the legal situation of 131 persons reportedly arrested, including three minors. Of those persons, 60 have formal arrest warrants against them, and 58, including one minor, are free. It is also known that 18 persons who are Guatemalan, Salvadoran, and Honduran nationals are at the disposal of the immigration authorities in Tapachulas for violating the General Population Law [Ley General de Poblacion]. The CNDH reports that out of 400 missing person reports, 278 people have been located. Regarding the criticisms from nongovernmental organizations -- particularly from Amnesty International -- the CNDH said it believes the time will come for them to settle those differences. For the time being, the CNDH said, it is focusing all its attention on complaints and its work in support of the civilian population. On another topic, Samuel Ruiz, bishop of San Cristobal de Las Casas, said all the Mexican people, regardless of their religious preferences, must get involved in the search for a profound solution to the problems brought up during the conflict. Ignacio Diaz De Leon, executive secretary of the Inter-Religious Council meeting in San Cristobal de Las Casas, said the role of the Council is to raise society's consciousness regarding the dignity of the indigenous groups. |
FBIS3-52034_0 | Bomb Blasts Create `Unrest' on Eve of Public Workers Strike | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [From the "Telepress" newscast] [Text] A terrorist attack which caused a blackout in a large part of Guatemala and diverse acts of violence contributed this Thursday to create a climate of unrest in the country. This has occurred on the eve of a public workers strike, which according to the strike promoters, will be joined by over 200,000 workers. The uncertainty heightened in the wake of the decision by the Transportation Coordinating Board to paralyze activities this coming Tuesday. This measure could leave the country without a normal fuel supply during the strike. The explosion that we mentioned earlier injured three persons who were identified as: Lydia Bolanos, 32; Carlos Bolanos, 35; and Ramon Hernandez, 32. Mrs. Bolanos is employed by the computer section of the National Police and happened to be passing by the area. The shrapnel scattered up to a radius of 5 km, reaching the Kennedy and Galilea neighborhoods of Zone 18. [sentence as heard] There were reports of other bomb explosions in the outlying part of the city, in Panorama neighborhood in the city of San Cristobal. [Begin recording] [Volunteer firefighter Aguirre] Thus far we have received reports of three bomb blasts that occurred in Las Ilusiones neighborhood in Zone 18 where the electricity towers were damaged. Also, it was reported that another electricity tower was damaged on the Pacific highway at the 22-km marker. Our units were dispatched to the area and are searching for possible casualties. Also, we received a report of another bomb explosion in Panorama in the city of San Cristobal. [Unidentified reporter] Mr. Aguirre, can you tell us if these bombs have caused any casualties? [Aguirre] Yes, we learned that three persons injured in Ilusiones neighborhood were taken to the general hospital in Zone 6 for emergency treatment. [Reporter] How badly were they injured? [Aguirre] Up to the moment, we learned that they sustained cuts, bruises and injuries to several parts of their bodies. [Reporter] Mr. Aguirre, can you tell us about a gasoline station on fire in Zone 11? [Aguirre] Yes, at this moment units 29, 31, and 37 are trying to control a big fire on 16th Street in Zone 11. Thus far it is not known what caused the fire. [end recording] |
FBIS3-52048_0 | Article Analyzes Washington-Havana Rapprochement | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Article by Moises Perez Mock] [Text] Havana [dateline as received] -- Without 1994 looking like a period of special perspectives for a change in the relations between Havana and Washington -- according to Cuban Foreign Minister Roberto Robaina -- the recurring topic today has renewed standing. Recent revelations from Carlos Rafael Rodriguez, one of the historical leaders of the revolutionary process, regarding failed negotiations for the solution of the dispute, have brought to the table this affair, which was broadly discussed by local specialists over recent times. The accusations that on 25 May 1978 then U.S. President James Carter leveled against Cuba for alleged participation in the attack by Katanguese troops on the Province of Shaba in southern Zaire, shattered the possible start in New York of the Cuba-U.S. dialogue. According to Rodriguez, he was to hold a secret meeting that day with Secretary of State Cyrus Vance to begin the search for a solution to the crisis between the two governments, which at that time was already two decades old. "That battle -- he said -- ended with the clarification of the truth: Cuba had not participated whatsoever in the adventure (in that African country), but the opportunity to start negotiations had passed." Three lusters after the failed negotiation attempt, Rafael Hernandez, head of the Inter-American Relations Department at the nongovernmental American Studies Center (CEA), is one who believes that the regional situation is very favorable for normalization of the ties between Cuba and the United States. The Latin American countries have gradually improved -- since the beginning of the 70's -- their relations with the island, the majority recognize Cuba's determination for national independence and sovereignty and even advise that Washington's policy hinders international free trade and is counterproductive and harmful for the Cuban people, he says. In his article "Learning From the Cold War: The U.S. Policy Towards Cuba and Vietnam," which recently appeared in the CUADERNOS DE NUESTRA AMERICA magazine, the analyst remembers that even today Cuban exiles interfere in the adoption of a rational policy by Washington toward Havana. The most dramatic impact of a new U.S. policy toward Cuba would be precisely on the conduct of the U.S.-Cuban community, he warns. In a panel discussion held in mid-December 1993, on the 15th anniversary of the CEA, the investigator returned to the subject and spoke about the possible solution of the |
FBIS3-52048_2 | Article Analyzes Washington-Havana Rapprochement | conflict between the two countries. The analysis -- he said back then -- must start from two basic premises: The impossibility of sidelining the antagonistic interests and values that separate Cuba and the United States (beyond the greater or lesser will for a diplomatic arrangement) and the fact that the accounting of costs and benefits in a general scenario of negotiation is not to be reduced to something as simple as balancing a checkbook. According to his criteria, the main cost Washington will have for mending its diplomatic agenda with Havana is dealing with attitudes and predispositions established over three decades in the security and foreign relations organizations and in Congress. Also, [Washington] will have to recognize the Cuban Government in fact and by law and return to Cuban sovereignty the Guantanamo Naval Base, a naval and aerial resource in the Caribbean it has held for almost a century. However, he adds, that last action will allow an improvement in the relations and an exploration of forms of constructive coexistence between the armed forces of the two countries and will ease -- in fact -- cooperation in topics such as the struggle against drug trafficking, naval and aerial security, among others. Other benefits the White House could obtain at the negotiating table are the awakening of a political basis of interest groups -- especially economic -- which up to now do not work as lobbies [previous word in English] due to the rigidity of the U.S. policy toward the island. Also, the total or partial lifting of the blockade will benefit the U.S. private sector and eliminate a point of discord with Latin America and several industrialized countries and a tense topic in the deliberations of international organizations. The solution of the conflict with the northern neighbor means for Cuba immediate benefits: The mere reduction of the hostility favors its national interests, makes possible access to new markets and the flow of capital, and broadens the surface of bilateral contact. However, rapprochement with the United States also has costs for Cuba, says Hernandez. In the first place, the rapprochement between the two countries, although seen as necessary in purely economic terms, may divide national consensus on the political and ideological planes at a time when cohesion is of strategic importance. Also, the presumed irruption of U.S. capital in the Cuban economy -- amid a process of reforms -- could be |
FBIS3-52053_1 | Article Praises New Honduran Administration | of Ronald Reagan and George Bush intervened in Honduran governments, rendering the country a veritable "aircraft carrier" for policies implemented by Washington on the Central American isthmus. Multinational Terrorism These murders -- perpetrated with the advice and participation of Argentine soldiers, Nicaraguan contras, and U.S. agents -- took place under the military government of Policarpo Paz Garcia (1976- 81) and during the civilian presidencies of liberals Roberto Suazo Cordoba (1982-86) and Jose Azcona Hoyo (1986-90). General Paz Garcia culminated the series of military governments that Honduras endured throughout the seventies. Paz Garcia was a close ally of Anastasio Somoza's regime in Nicaragua. He later organized a constituent assembly that confirmed him in his post and regulated the transition to civilian rule, guaranteeing that civilian governments would exclusively favor the oligarchic leaders of the traditional Liberal and National Parties (conservative). Gen. Paz Garcia's first successor, Suazo Cordoba, submitted his administration to U.S. policy, lent it for intervention against the Sandinist government and the Salvadoran revolutionary process, and passed an "antiterrorist law" that prohibited strikes and gave free rein to paramilitary groups. During his term, Honduras tolerated the permanent establishment of U.S. troops and contra bases in its territory -- approximately 15,000 men -- as well as an extraordinary increase in the size and cost of the Honduran Army, which doubled the number of troops and acquired a modern air force. Approximately 1,200 Americans provided training and logistic support, participating directly in military operations in addition to organizing provocative "joint" maneuvers with the participation of up to 7,000 U.S. troops. The management of the huge foreign military "aid" generated widespread corruption within the Armed Forces as well as in traditional political circles. This continued throughout the term of Azcona Hoyo, who developed a plan for privatization and reduced public spending -- without affecting the military -- which ended in failure and dramatically harmed the country's social situation. Just as Suazo had in the past, Azcona also maintained the oligarchy's control over the Liberal Party, preventing the development of different political options within the organization. Subjected to a plan for Nicaragua and El Salvador that was foreign to Honduras, the country's economic, political, and moral structures were profoundly deformed. Such frustrations led to the election in 1989 of conservative Rafael Callejas, now the outgoing president. Following the liberals' defeat and transfer to the opposition, there emerged within the liberal sector a more civilized |
FBIS3-52053_6 | Article Praises New Honduran Administration | accessories, thus dealing a harsh blow to their plans to obstruct any changes. Fervently supported by Honduran humanitarian organizations, the revealing document -- which implicates current Armed Forces Chief General Luis Alonso Discua -- was coldly received by spokesmen for the outgoing government and rejected by the military hierarchy. Military spokesman Colonel Napoleon Santos said that it is part of a "well organized" campaign "to discredit the institution by blaming us for things that cannot be proven." Another spokesman said the report is based on "statements to the media made by biased individuals or on rumors that are simply inconsistent." The Armed Forces announced that it will not open its archives on the missing persons to which Valladares had no access for his investigation. Meanwhile, President Callejas came out in defense of impunity, saying that the civilian and military authorities involved cannot be legally prosecuted because they had already received a previous stay of proceedings for the same charges in the past decade. Upon learning of the lawsuit filed by the Committee of Relatives of Missing Detainees in Honduras requesting that Congress suspend Gen. Discua from his post so he can be prosecuted, Callejas added that Valladares' report "has no legal foundation and will not be pursued by the respective authorities." Callejas alleges that the initiative "revives hatred and opens old wounds." The root of this concern lies in the fact that former President Ronald Reagan and his ambassador to Honduras, John Dimitri Negroponte, are among the people implicated by the commissioner and the humanitarian organizations. The outgoing Congress avoided the request to suspend Discua. However, in response to public pressure, the Supreme Court of Justice ordered common courts in the areas where disappearances took place to begin proceedings and arranged for a group of prosecutors to examine the report to establish which cases will require penal action. Although the current conservative court is not trusted by the humanitarian organizations, the initiative is relevant because the next Congress -- controlled by liberals and strongly influenced by the Reina brothers -- will appoint new justices. Meanwhile, the president-elect maintains that "Valladares' brave work constitutes an immense effort that cannot remain a temporary report." Reina pledged that the new government will work with determination to follow up on all of its implications. If that is the case, actions will speak for themselves and we will see changes of an increasingly democratic nature. |
FBIS3-52054_1 | Article Asks Is Cold War Truly Over? | have its territory unconditionally inspected by IAEA officials. This occurred after it was accused of making preparations to construct a nuclear weapon. Although there are ongoing negotiations, the situation in the peninsula continues to be tense. The anti-Korean campaign started at the beginning of 1993. The London SUNDAY TIMES affirmed the DPRK was on the verge of constructing the atomic bomb in an extensive April report. In its 28 November 1993 edition, the U.S. magazine NEWSWEEK, adding fuel to the fire (or maybe a little more "ice" to what was left of the Cold War), labelled the DPRK as "public enemy No. 1." The publication affirmed that the United States, the IAEA, and South Korea are "convinced" the North Koreans are dangerously close to constructing the atomic bomb. The Russian case: When the one-time powerful Soviet Union ceased to exist in December 1991, the consolidation of friendship and relations between Russia and the United States reached unprecedented levels in the military field. In addition to disarmament agreements, on 8 September 1993 a memorandum of understanding was signed between the U.S. Defense Department and the Defense Ministry of the Russian Federation. This was, according to the document, within the framework of "leaving behind forever the years of nuclear confrontation and superpower rivalry." Some U.S. officials have reiterated that Russia is no longer an enemy of the United States, and therefore the possibility of a nuclear attack being initiated against the United State from Russian territory has been reduced Nevertheless, the U.S. combat forces' training program maintains a high level of periodic offensive actions. According to the so-called strategists, their main adversaries are the former USSR republics that have nuclear weapons, particularly the Russian Federation. Their activities include several nuclear rocket targeting tests and the implementation of massive strategic bombings. The report labeled "Total Revision: Forces for a New Era," presented by Les Aspin, U.S. secretary of defense, dated 1 September 1993, after reasserting that the Cold War is over, acknowledges: "The dangers that nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction represent, including the dangers associated with the proliferation of chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons, associated with the high levels of those weapons that are still present in the former Soviet Union." [sentence as received] General George L. Butler, chief of the U.S. Armed Forces Strategic Command, in statements to THE NEW YORK TIMES at the beginning of March, in referrence |
FBIS3-52054_3 | Article Asks Is Cold War Truly Over? | to the "target" of U.S. intercontinental rockets, said: "We do not only concentrate on the former Soviet Union but also on any potentially hostile country that possesses or that is attempting to possess weapons of mass destruction. It appears the Cold War is not over... definitely not for the Russians either. The Cuban case: The Cuban-U.S. conflict gained a new dimension following the revolution's victory on 1 January 1959. Nevertheless, its roots date back many years before Churchill's speech, and even before the springing up of socialism as a system. It is rooted in the imperialists' appetite for the "sugar island," their theory of a "ripe fruit," and based on the Monroe Doctrine (America for the Americans) and other similar theories. The U.S. Administrations has attempted to isolate, weaken, and defeat the revolution through invasion, the well-known assassination attempts, the economic blockade (taken to its highest levels ever), hostile propaganda, and all types of harassment. During the "Cold War," the United States considered Cuba a USSR satellite and, therefore, a threat to its national security. This is the reason for those Sunday nuclear targeting tests against the small island, while the majority of its resident slept or were getting ready for their daily voluntary work in the countryside and the cities. Although for some theoreticians, the Cold War was officially over in December of 1991, the empire's policy toward Cuba has turned more dramatic since then. The stepping up of the economic blockade with the so-called "Law for Democracy in Cuba," know as the "Torricelli Law," represents one more escalation in this "specific cold war" the U.S. Government is waging against Cuba. This comes at a time when the world is rapidly expanding measures that encourage free trade. But revolutionary Cuba, the Cuba that has always been ready to help everyone, does not have rights. Cuba must be persecuted; it must be cornered, strangled, and starved if it does not surrender; this is how things are in the economic, political, and military fields. The U.S. Armed Forces will use any pretext to maintain a permanent presence in areas near Cuba -- whether the struggle against drugs or the situation in Haiti. Several U.S. Navy warships and Coast Guards ships are always kept a short distance from our coasts. The U.S. Armed Forces have continued to carry out extensive exercises and maneuvers around our nation, despite the alleged end of the |
FBIS3-52058_1 | Editorial Urges U.S. Examination of Peruvian Human Rights | policies preserves human rights. He should also reflect on whether it is not actually true that human rights are now more respected than they were four, seven, or 10 years ago. It is true for a simple reason, which we will tirelessly repeat: There is a consistent antisubversive strategy that is based precisely on a systematic alliance with people: on respectful treatment, "civic support," and help for their defense organizations; on intelligence work that does not make use of violence; on a system of summary trials which has become more flexible, and has in fact prevented all attempts to take justice "into one's own hands"; and last but not least, on legal pincers made up of strong penalties with a simultaneous legal path toward repentance. If there is anything on which almost all Peruvians agree, it is that this strategy should not be modified, and even less so "substantially" modified, as Americas Watch put it. Contrary to what had happened up until four years ago, people no longer feel terror of the Armed Forces. Now people invite them, help them. No one wants to change this policy. It turned out to be positive and successful precisely because it is based on respect for people's human rights. No one is in a better position than Ambassador Watson himself, who is acquainted with the previous situation, to make this comparison, to verify how far the Peruvian human rights record has advanced over the past three years, and consequently to verify the magnitude of the lies of those who charge that Peru has adopted a systematic human rights violation "pattern." Quite the contrary. There is a tremendous difference with previous times: in the treatment given to people, in the penalties imposed on terrorists, in the treatment of prison inmates, and in participation by the people. Ambassador Watson can help dismantle this gigantic infamy against Peru, this disinformation campaign which, far from recognizing and praising this substantial progress, has ignored -- we do not know whether deliberately -- that the great news in Peru is not the La Cantuta Prison case, because there were dozens of cases like this in the 1980's, but the implementation of the strategy based on support for the people and on respect for their human rights. This is how the Armed Forces fortunately understood things in 1990, and it is what the international community should praise, instead of condemning. |
FBIS3-52060_0 | * Terrorist Attacks in November Dropped Drastically | Language: Spanish Article Type:CSO [DESCO SPECIAL REPORT No. 31: "Political Violence in Peru Today," issued by Peru's Center for Development Studies and Promotion (DESCO)] [Text] November has seen less political violence than almost any other time during the 13 years of war. During this month, there were 36 subversive actions, resulting in 42 deaths: six military personnel, one police officer, 11 civilians, and 18 alleged subversives [as published]. In a way, it was predictable that Shining Path [SL], especially, would pull back in November, after launching a larger number of actions for two months in a row in September and October. This month's actions occurred primarily in Lima, which is still in first place with 20 attacks (56 percent). SL focused most of its bombings on private businesses. There were three car bombings during the month, two of them in commercial areas in Miraflores and Camacho, while the third one went off near an Army barracks. The second-largest number of assaults took place in the jungle region, with eight actions (22 percent). In the province of Leoncio Prado, there were six clashes, two of them open confrontations between subversives and security forces. The other four battles arose out of countersubversion actions by the Army. And in Leoncio Prado and Huanuco, subversives carried out annihilation attacks against civilians. The central region was in third place out of four, with five assaults (14 percent). Two of these actions were successive confrontations involving the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) and the Army in Chanchamayo Province. The other two were SL bombings in Huancayo Province. Last place in terms of subversive actions was taken by the northern region, with three assaults (8 percent). Two of the incidents involved the MRTA; in one they jammed the radios of the Chimbote National Police and in the other they rescued two of their members as they left the Chimbote courthouse. Terrorist Attacks by Region: November - 1. Lima 56% - 2. Jungle 22% - 3. Central 14% - 4. Northern 8% As for the number of casualties, the central region occupied first place with 24 (57 percent). All were members of the MRTA, killed in clashes with Army troops in the province of Chanchamayo. In second place was the jungle region, with 14 casualties (33 percent). Six were Army soldiers who died in two battles with SL in Leoncio Prado Province. In addition, eight civilians were killed |
FBIS3-52075_12 | Cristiani on Crime, Peace Accords, Economy | send criminals to court would cause two problems: One, we would be somehow contradicting constitutional norms; two, soldiers are not exactly trained to play a role in public security. They are trained in a completely different area. They do not know how to handle certain cases; for example, they do not know what to do in case of a traffic accident. Consequently, we would be involving personnel who are not trained to perform a complex task. We think the Armed Forces can play a dissuasive role; meaning, they can perform their military exercises in broad daylight, using roads where most of these incidents occur. In our opinion, the Armed Forces can play a dissuasive role, and this does not violate the Constitution, because--even if they find someone involved in a criminal action at a given moment--we must remember that the Constitution also authorizes a citizen's arrest. This can be done by anyone who finds a person en flagrante delicto. We do not believe it is beneficial to authorize personnel who are not adequately trained in public security techniques to carry out these tasks, not to mention the doubts regarding the constitutional provisions. [Farrar] Thank you very much. [Cardenal] Thank you. The fourth question is asked by Miss Norma Jimenez of Channel 4. [Jimenez] Mr. President, I will be brief. What was the most difficult decision you had to adopt during your term, meaning, a political decision that was extremely difficult to adopt, and why? [Cristiani] I believe the most difficult decision was adopted late in 1989 concerning the advisability of continuing a negotiation process. I think--speaking for myself and the government level--we felt betrayed by the FMLN's [Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front] attitude, because it had signed an agreement and then planned an offensive that caused so much bloodshed and destruction; nevertheless, the decision we have adopted was to continue the negotiation process, because we were convinced it was the only way to achieve a long-term solution, while the opposite meant we would have to face a conflict for a much longer time, with the consequences this would entail for the country and the people. We now believe the correct decision was adopted even though you may recall the feedback we received from an extremely large number of groups was that we could not talk with people who even betrayed a process that had recently started. [passage omitted] [Farrar] Do |
FBIS3-52075_22 | Cristiani on Crime, Peace Accords, Economy | eight, or 15 colones for lunch plus a bus ride. My specific question is whether you have been working for the poor among the poor. A 1-percent reduction has been the result [words indistinct]. [Cristiani] I would like first to say that someone lives in extreme poverty when he receives no income whatsoever. The most important thing is to begin by helping those who possess the least. Those who have a job are better off than those who have nothing and, in addition, have no income. Approximately 150,000 new jobs have been created. These jobs are determined by observing both the number of people who pay quotas to the Social Security Fund and statistics. This figure is the number of jobs for which have been accounted. This means 150,000 people can no longer be regarded as extremely poor. Regardless of the accuracy of your figures, it would be necessary to determine how many people are jobless and how many of them are now employed. In this regard, I quote John Paul II, who says the problem of extreme poverty will not be solved if production is not established and if jobs are not created. It is also necessary to talk about the standard of living; that is, the care of the people. We can mention several indexes. The United Nations has certain parameters to measure a society's standard of living. One is life expectancy, which statistically has improved from 57 to 65 years. [passage omitted] In the health sector, the budget has increased from approximately 300 million to a little more than 700 million colones. More and more, we have been using our own resources, not foreign resources. This refutes the person out there who says we still depend on foreign resources. The fact that we succeeded in lowering our imports from 24 to 9 percent indicates foreign assistance is becoming less and less. Figures taken out of context, without analyzing the state budget or state investment situation as a whole, may not suitably mirror the general situation. [passage omitted] Since the beginning of the administration, the trend has been a reduction of budget investments in the nonsocial sector and an increase in the budget percentage apportioned to the social sector; that is, the percentage of investments in the social sector is growing, and this trend should continue. [passage omitted] Adjustment policies are required only when there are distortions. I |
FBIS3-52078_0 | Central Bank President on Decrease in U.S. Aid | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] A 60-percent cut in U.S. financial aid to El Salvador will not have a major impact on the Salvadoran economy, Central Reserve Bank President Roberto Orellana Milla said yesterday. The official pointed out that the country's economy will be sufficiently strong to bear this without major problems by 1996 when the effects of this cut will be felt in projects. He explained that economic programs for 1994 and 1995 will not be affected. Orellana pointed out that the effects of the cut will reportedly start to be felt in 1996, "but by then the country will be nearly independent due to economic development and an increase in funds sent to El Salvador by relatives living abroad." International aid "has been used to support infrastructure reconstruction projects and repair damage caused by the guerrillas during the recent conflict." Orellana pointed out that funds sent by relatives to El Salvador are a reality of the country's economy because they constitute aid sent by Salvadorans working in the United States and this amount will not decrease. |
FBIS3-52085_0 | Christian Democratic Leader Questions U.S. Troops' Mission | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Christian Democratic Party (PDC) President Miguel Angel Montaner said that the U.S. offer to send a unit of 600 military engineers to build schools in the country was questioned during President Juan Carlos Wasmosy's last meeting with political leaders. The main objection was that the social action offered in the package was small while the armed presence was very strong. The political leader, who is a member of the president's official entourage currently touring Ecuador and Peru, said Ambassador Jon Glassman's offer on 10 January "was not laid out very well and probably will have to be brought up again or will be rejected." What was laid out wrong? It was really a request for social action, but a very small one, with very strong participation by U.S. armed personnel to carry out exercises, but not joint exercises with our troops but with Ministry of Public Work forces. We think the proposal was badly laid out because the promised social action is small. They propose building eight schools, a program that any parents association can undertake, and some eight artesian wells, all with a large military detachment. Their presence could create problems at a time we are consolidating our democracy. It is not convenient for the U.S. image as a leading democratic country and it is not convenient for the image we, Paraguayans, must have of ourselves. Montaner said that as a result of a meeting at the presidential residence, "President Wasmosy has taken up the responsibility with a lot of integrity and without involving anyone. He has assumed the responsibility. I think the offer must be rejected. On the other hand, we can tell the Americans that we really need help fighting drug trafficking and implementing social action programs, but not with the proposed political style." Asked if the president will reject the U.S. offer, Montaner said: "The proposal was made to the president of the Republic and he will be responsible for rejecting it." |
FBIS3-52104_1 | Jordan Insists on Securing Water Rights in Talks | an interview with the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Dr. Haddadin said article three of the agenda of the Jordanian-Israeli bilateral talks, which was concluded recently, states that both sides should get their legitimate share of water sources shared by them. The issue will be discussed in official talks between the two sides as soon as the coming round of the Arab-Israeli bilateral talks starts, he said. Dr. Haddadin said Jordan would focus in the negotiations on a sub-agenda which would include all the points related to the water of the al-Yarmuk and the Jordan Rivers. Jordan, he said, has rights to international rivers it is sharing with other countries in accordance with international charters. But, he added, the Jordan River's tributaries in Jordanian territory, south of the al-Yarmuk River, are internal valleys whose water had been used since the 1950s to irrigate lands in the eastern Jordan valley. and thus, are considered Jordanian waters. Reviewing Jordan's plans to exploit the Jordan River, Dr. Haddadin said Jordan has prepared a plan to use the river and its tributaries in 1939 and the plan aimed mainly at irrigating lands in the eastern Jordan Valley. The plan was updated in 1950 for the same purpose. On the other side of the river, before the establishment of Israel, the Jewish agency had drawn counterplans for the use of the Jordan River. Following the establishment of the Jewish state in 1948, Israel had drawn two more plans, he added. The Israeli plans had always clashed with the Jordanian ones, and even the Israeli ambitions in Arab water had exceeded the borders of Palestine and included plans to use the al-Litani River in Lebanon, he said. Dr. Haddadin noted that Israel draws water from the Jordan River to the Palestinian coast for agricultural projects and even to the Negev Desert to reform lands while the Jordanian water plans have only concentrated on the use of the river's water in the Jordan Valley basin itself. Israel's attempts to control Arab waters continued after 1967, when Israeli occupied the West Bank and the Golan Heights, and the Israelis put under their control most of the Jordan River's sources and tributaries north of Tiberias Lake, he said. He added that Israel also managed to control the sources of the al-Yarmuk River after the 1967 war, thus violating all international standards and charters on the use of joint water sources. |
FBIS3-52183_0 | Unknown Group Claims Attack on SLA | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Marj 'Uyun, Lebanon, Jan 1 (AFP) -- Israel's proxy militia in south Lebanon came under attack on Saturday [1 January] but suffered no casualties, the South Lebanon Army (SLA) militia said. Guerrillas opened fire with rocket-propelled grenades and heavy machine guns at an SLA position in Sujud on the edge of Israel's self-declared "security zone," the militia said. The attack was claimed in a statement issued in Beirut by a hitherto unknown movement, "The Arm of the National Revolution." The group said the Muhammad Salim group of that movement carried out the attack. Salim, who was killed five years ago, was a leader of the pro-Damascus secular National Social Syrian Party in Lebanon. Elsewhere, guerrillas fired three Katyusha rockets overnight Friday at the areas around Marj 'Uyun, headquarters of the Israeli army and SLA in the occupied zone, but caused no casualties, the police said. On Tuesday the pro-Iranian Hizballah militia pounded the security zone, notably Marj 'Uyun, firing more than 100 Katyusha rockets and heavy artillery shells, and launched some 20 attacks against SLA positions. Israeli helicopters carried out a series of retaliatory raids against positions of the fundamentalist movement which left four people dead, including three Hizballah guerrillas. Hizballah has spearheaded daily attacks on Israeli and SLA forces in south Lebanon since Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization signed a limited Palestinian autonomy accord on September 13 in Washington. The anti-Israel attacks come ahead of a summit this month in Geneva between U.S. President Bill Clinton and his Syrian counterpart Hafiz al-Asad, to discuss the resumption of Syrian- Israeli and Lebanese-Israeli peace talks. |
FBIS3-52201_1 | Vatican Recognition Criticized | Israel. Following the end of the war of oil in the Persian Gulf and the beginning of Middle East peace talks, Vatican started extensive efforts to have presence in these talks. However, the Zionist regime had set establishment of official relations as a condition for Vatican's presence in the talks. Nevertheless the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two sides was an obstacle in view of Vatican's policy toward the Zionist regime. Vatican, too, considered the implementation of the 1947 UN resolution in which the international administration of Bayt al-Muqaddas [Jerusalem] had been envisaged as the prerequisite for establishing relations with Israel. However, international conditions over the past couple of years have been such that Vatican seems to have withdrawn from its position. In the document signed by Vatican and the Zionist regime, no reference has been made to Bayt al-Muqaddas, while Vatican has rejected the issue of Jesus Christ's betrayal by the Jews. In this relation the spokesman of Vatican, while referring to the unnecessary nature of the implementation of the UN resolution, stressed that the Catholic Church no longer supports UN resolutions on Bayt al-Muqaddas. In the meantime, in the document signed by Vatican and Israel, the question of freedom of religion in harmony with the laws of the Jewish state has been envisaged. Nevertheless this issue has not reduced worries that the Jewish state may treat Christian sects from a superior position. On this basis, recognition of Israel by Vatican has caused a negative reaction among Christian sects with the retreat of Vatican policy toward the issue. In the meantime, although the White House has welcomed Vatican's recognition of the Zionist regime, this issue has been condemned by the opposition Palestinian organizations and parties. The two Popular and Democratic Fronts for the Liberation of Palestine in a joint statement have announced that under the conditions that the suppression of the Palestinian nation still continues, this recognition will not help to end Palestinian and Arab territories' occupation by the Zionist regime. Political analysts believe that in the view of the nature of the Zionist regime and the Jewish state's performance since the occupation of Palestine, which are based on superiority of Jews, religious discrimination, and rejection of other religious minorities and faiths, recognition of Israel by Vatican is considered as a mere political move and one can not conceive any worthy role for Vatican in this connection. |
FBIS3-52204_0 | Refugees From Iraqi Marshes Entering Country | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Ahvaz, Khuzestan Prov., Dec. 29, IRNA -- 114 more Iraqis residing in marshlands in southern Iraq entered Iranian region of Hur ol-Hoveyzeh in this southern province Tuesday [28 December]. The refugees said that the southern marshlands of Iraq were extremely insecure for the marshlanders because of the continuing attacks by the Iraqi Army. 'Ali 'Ubayd, from al-'Amarah, said that more Iraqis were moving towards Iran due to artillery attacks of the Iraqi forces on the marshlanders. Rahim Ja'far Qathan, from al-Basrah, said that the 4th division of Iraqi Army deployed in the marshlands had destroyed and set afire numerous residential units in the marshes including 150 houses in al-Basrah. Another refugee, Nazim Sarhan also from al-'Amarah, remarked that the Iraqi forces had moved inhabitants of the villages to unknown places after demolishing their houses. He noted that the Iraqi Army tortured the marshlanders and added that there was no information on what happened to the people arrested by Iraqi forces. Meanwile, the governor of Dasht-e Azadegan city in Khuzestan Province, said that new facilities had been allocated to house 1,300 Iraqi refugees now living in this area. The refugees are now suffering from the shortage of foodstuffs and medicine. |
FBIS3-52253_0 | Further on Fighting Among Kurds in North PUK Fighting `Islamic Movement' | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Paveh, Kermanshah Prov., Dec. 30, IRNA -- Sporadic clashes between forces of Iraq's Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and Islamic Movement of Iraq's Kurdistan still continues in northern Iraq. PUK forces have called on members of the Islamic Movement to give up and said that they have smashed positions of the Islamic movement. However, according to sources close to the Islamic movement, they have pushed back Jalal Talabani forces from al-Tuwaylah region. According to the Islamic movement forces under the command of Mullah 'Uthman 'Abd-al-'Aziz, in overnight fightings, at least six PUK members were killed and five others were taken captive. No independent source has yet confirmed the reports. Meanwhile, mediatory efforts by leader of Iraq's Democratic Party of Kurdistan (DPK) Mas'ud Barzani to patch up differences between the rival groups have failed. The withdrawal of Barzani from the leadership council of Iraq's Kurdistan is a sign of his failure to end the hostilities. Other reports speak of fresh clashes between Talabani and Barzani forces in Irbil region, 20 kms southeast of al-Sulaymaniyah. In light of the recent clashes, political observers believe that none of the two main rival groups in northern Iraq are able to run an independent Kurdish government. |
FBIS3-52255_0 | Further on Fighting Among Kurds in North PUK's `Crimes' Condemned | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tehran, Jan. 3, IRNA -- Iraq's Islamic Action Organization (IAO) condemned the recent crimes committed by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) forces. In a statement, the IAO severely condemned the killing and execution of ulema, attack on mosques and burning of the holy quran by PUK forces. The statement called on the warring sides to stop their fightings and noted that the clashes harm the security and stability of the country and benefits none of the belligerent parties. According to the statement, the continued clashes are an excuse for the arrogant powers to keep Saddam in power. |
FBIS3-52256_0 | Further on Fighting Among Kurds in North Islamic Movement Claims Towns Seized | Language: Turkish Article Type:BFN [Text] It has been reported that the clashes which erupted 10 days ago in northern Iraq between forces affiliated with Jalal Talabani and the pro-Iranian Islamic Movement of Kurdistan are continuing. In a statement to ANATOLIA agency in London, the Islamic Movement of Kurdistan declared that its forces seized the townships of Balkhah and Ahmad Awah, which occupy a strategic point from a transportation standpoint. The statement denied reports that 'Uthman 'Abd-al-'Aziz, leader of the Islamic Movement of Kurdistan, was captured last week by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan led by Talabani. The statement noted that 'Abd-al-'Aziz is currently conducting talks in Salah-al-Din to stop the clashes with Mas'ud Barzani. The statement further claimed that in the recent clashes, Talabani's forces were helped by Iranian communist Kurdish organizations and former PKK [Workers Party of Kurdistan] militants. Charging that the recent elections held in northern Iraq were rigged, the statement said that Barzani and Talabani failed to keep their promises to renew the elections and everyone should learn that Talabani's words cannot be trusted. |
FBIS3-52257_0 | Further on Fighting Among Kurds in North Talabani Preparing `Large-Scale Attack' | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Text] Baghdad, 3 Jan (INA)--Reports from al-Sulaymaniyah, northeastern Iraq, have said that the Jalal Talabani's clique has assembled a large number of its armed men in Hawraman to launch a large-scale attack on the members of the so-called Islamic Movement of Kurdistan. Earlier, this movement announced that it resumed its armed operations against Jalal Talabani's clique and seized the Ahmad Awah mountains overlooking the al-Sulaymaniyah-Halabjah highway. The Islamic Movement of Kurdistan also announced that the villages of Balkhah, Byara, and Tawilah are now under its control and that it killed 15 people and arrested 25 members of the Jalal Talabani group. |
FBIS3-52258_0 | PUK Commentary on Victory Over Islamic Movement | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Station commentary] [Text] Our talk yesterday should have dealt with the phenomenon of extremism and revanchism [al-salafiyah] in Islam, in view of the danger, difficulty, and [word indistinct] that such radicalism poses to the noble Islamic religion. The rapid succession of events prevented this, however. At the same time, my personal closeness to these rapid events during two full nights and two full days in the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan's [PUK] operations rooms provided a motive for writing this commentary. PUK leaders ran the operations with a presence of mind that demonstrated wisdom, experience, and political, military, and psychological competence. The telephone did not stop ringing, and there was an endless flood of volunteer fighters. Everyone in the operations room, particularly the PUK leaders, were emphatically determined that no harm should befall venerable al-Sulaymaniyah and its dear citizens, especially the women and children. The sight of veteran peshmergas, those who fought in the difficult battles of the past, streaming to the place with their weapons in hand was unforgettable. I even saw among them a group of elderly men and others in suits and ties who came late at night to take up arms. Women, children, and innocent men were killed or wounded when the terrorists turned their mortar fire, katyushas, and Grads against peaceable homes. Doctors and nurses hurried to help the wounded at all hours of the night and day, spurred on by their professional sense of duty and patriotic and humanitarian sentiments. Their honorable and humanitarian action is difficult to forget. This is only a small part of what I saw. On the subjects of war and politics, we declare: What happened was not a war between the PUK and the Muslims. Before the matter was settled decisively, as we have seen, the PUK made strenuous efforts on all levels to resolve the issue peacefully. Political parties in the Kurdish liberation movement made valuable efforts to salvage the situation and safeguard the citizens' lives. However, the extremist, terrorist, radical movement sought a war of extermination. We can see now how the consequence was the end of the terrorists' extremism. We have seen how citizens, normally uninvolved in politics, participated in deciding the issue for the good of Kurdistan and its people, not merely for the good of the PUK. Yes, it has been a national victory. We have driven off the specter of |
FBIS3-52259_0 | Turkish Paper on Islamic Movement in Kurdistan | Language: Turkish Article Type:BFN [Column by Hasan Cemal: "As the Hizballah in Iraq Appears on the Scene"] [Excerpt] An Islamic organization has surfaced in northern Iraq to carry out armed activities in that part of the country. It has identified itself as the Islamic Movement in Kurdistan [Kurdistan Islamci Hareketi, IMK]... The IMK militants attacked the supporters of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, which is headed by Jalal Talabani. The attacks took place last Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday. The militants also clashed with the supporters of Mas'ud Barzani, leader of the Democratic Party of Kurdistan. The incidents were in Raniyah, Kifri, and Kujah... The Hizballah in Iraq has established itself in Kuldazah and Raniyah, which are close to Iran's border. That organization is not represented in the Federal Assembly of Kurdistan, which is based in Irbil, because it only secured 5.1 percent of the votes in the elections in 1992. Seven percent of the vote was needed for representatin. Iran's Support The Hizballah organization in Iraq is mainly supported by Tehran... It has received aid from Iran in the form of cash, arms, and provisions, particularly since 1991. That is common knowledge. According to Ahmad Bamarni, who is a close associate of Jalal Talabani, the Hizballah organization is also supported by Saudi Arabia and even by Afghanistan... That organization's ideology is based on Imam Khomeyni's teachings. Naturally, that provides for Tehran's support... Nevertheless, the Hizballah members have not renounced their religious sect. They are the followers of the Sunni sect. Of course, that accounts for Saudi Arabia's support. The recent weakening of the economy in northern Iraq has had a significant bearing on the strengthening of the Hizballah organization. The gradual worsening of poverty has disappointed the people in the region. Consequently, that state of affairs has nourished Islamic radicalism, as has been the case among the Palestinian people and in Algeria. Obviously, Islamic radicalism has strengthened as a result of poverty and the central administration's failures. Beards and Islamic Dress We met Ahmad Bamarni a few days ago. Referring to the Hizballah organization, he said: "We have a university in Irbil. It provides education for 5,000 students. We have colleges for agricultural and medical studies in Dahuk. We also have an institute for veterinary studies and a medical college in al-Sulaymaniyah... Students from many families do not attend them because they are poor. However, the IMK gives them an |
FBIS3-52259_2 | Turkish Paper on Islamic Movement in Kurdistan | Of course, that accounts for Saudi Arabia's support. The recent weakening of the economy in northern Iraq has had a significant bearing on the strengthening of the Hizballah organization. The gradual worsening of poverty has disappointed the people in the region. Consequently, that state of affairs has nourished Islamic radicalism, as has been the case among the Palestinian people and in Algeria. Obviously, Islamic radicalism has strengthened as a result of poverty and the central administration's failures. Beards and Islamic Dress We met Ahmad Bamarni a few days ago. Referring to the Hizballah organization, he said: "We have a university in Irbil. It provides education for 5,000 students. We have colleges for agricultural and medical studies in Dahuk. We also have an institute for veterinary studies and a medical college in al-Sulaymaniyah... Students from many families do not attend them because they are poor. However, the IMK gives them an opportunity to study, provided that the male students wear a beard and female students wear Islamic dress. In fact, the number of young people who join this organization is gradually increasing." Yes, the Hizballah organization employs several tactics to strengthen itself. Meanwhile, it also helps many people to have their own shops or establish their own businesses. I have observed the poverty in northern Iraq. In view of that, I am aware of what can be achieved even through small amounts of material aid. What Does Tehran Fear? What does Tehran, which supports the Hizballah organization, wish to achieve in northern Iraq? Bamerni replied as follows: The Hizballah organization is playing Iran's game. Tehran wishes to create instability in northern Iraq. Iran's military aircraft repeatedly bombed the northern Iraq border area some time ago. That country closed its border about three weeks ago. It closed down the border gates that give access to al-Sulaymaniyah, Hajj 'Umran, and Irbil... What worries Tehran is this: A democratic, pluralistic, and secular system is being established in northern Iraq for the first time. Political parties exists in Irbil and other large cities. There are newspapers, magazines, and radio networks. The people are expressing their opinion. The people also appear on television. The modernization process has made Tehran feel very uneasy. Iran's officials fear that the Kurds in Iran and the rest of Iraq may decide to adopt a similar model. They believe that that would be an unfavorable example for their country. [passage omitted] |
FBIS3-52260_0 | Paper Warns on `Foreign Schemes' in Kurdistan | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Text] Baghdad, 30 Dec (INA)--The newspaper AL-'IRAQ has warned against foreign schemes to destroy Iraq's Kurdistan. In an editorial entitled "The Truth Will Prevail," AL-'IRAQ today says this terrible scheme was assigned to agents of the foreigner after they abandoned all nationalistic feelings and mortgaged their will to serve the enemies of Iraq and its unity and stability. The paper adds: Observers are raising big questions about the objectives behind the various recent security breaches in Kurdistan and the role of the foreign hands that move the agents to sabotage security and stability and push the region to a phase of escalating fighting that will substantially harm the basic interests of the Iraqi Kurds. The paper expects eliminations and countereliminations among the so-called parties to grow into a more serious phase that will threaten the lives of citizens in Kurdistan. The destructive consequences of this phase, the paper says, may affect the entire situation there. The paper notes the suffering of the citizens of Iraqi Kurdistan as a result of the fighting among the agents which is reaching villages, towns, and districts in Irbil and al-Sulaymaniyah. The paper notes a sharp and clear contrast between the state of tranquillity, stability, and security that prevailed in Kurdistan under the 17-30 July Revolution and the free, dignified life it had under the canopy of the homeland on the one hand, and the current dark and tragic state after the agent cliques took control, on the other. The paper concludes its article by saying that this fact exposes the allegations and phony slogans that were raised to serve as pretexts. |
FBIS3-52291_0 | U.S. Officials Cited on Pan Am Affair | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tripoli, al-Kanun [Dec] 31, JAMAHIRIYAH NEWS AGENCY -- The former head of American intelligence, (CIA), William Webster has said that the accusation made against nationals from the Great Jamahiriya implicating them in the downing of a Pan Am airline, stems from political intentions which are related to the so-called `peace' process and the attempt to gain allies in the gulf war. The American roving ambassador for anti terrorism affairs during Bush's term, Jerry Braemer, gave press statements saying that the levelling of accusations against Libya was related to the so-called `requirements' of the peace process in the Middle East and the issue of Western hostages held in Lebanon. John Murphy, a relative of one of the victims of the Pan Am American airliner said that the families of the victims of the plane were smelling something fishy emanating from this turnabout in the case against Libya. |
FBIS3-52359_0 | Opposition Urges Caution in Dealings With U.S. | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Text] Damascus, 30 Dec (SANA)--The Iraqi Islamic bloc, which opposes the Iraqi regime, has stressed its desire to bring down the Baghdad regime and set up an alternative regime in a united Iraq that respects the rights of all parties. In a statement issued today, the Islamic bloc noted the need to defend the unity of Iraq's people and entity as an objective in the interests of all parties in Iraq. The Islamic bloc called for rejecting any plans or policies that would fragment or divide Iraq. The statement calls for the setting up of an alternative regime in Iraq that respects human rights, particularly the right to free expression, as stipulated in all laws, religions, and international charters. The Iraqi Islamic bloc added that America wants to use the Iraqi opposition to pressure the Iraqi regime, if this regime hesitates to carry out its orders. The bloc added that America will hint to the Iraqi regime that the opposition will be the alternative if that regimes rebels against it. America, the bloc said, will only enable the opposition to topple the Baghdad regime if it finds that it is more capable of achieving its interests. The Islamic opposition called on the forces of the Iraqi opposition to be alert and cautious in their dealings with the United States. |
FBIS3-52361_2 | Paper Views Release of Assets in European Banks | facing Iraq as a result of the unjust blockade imposed on it and that the lack of foreign currency has affected efforts to meet the needs of the local commodity and service markets. On the instructions of the Political Command, the Central Bank of Iraq has tried to ease the pressure on foreign currency by taking measures to cover basic consumer needs and to increase the demand for the Iraqi dinar on foreign markets, thus affecting its exchange rate against foreign currencies in parallel markets. The following measures were taken: 1. To allow arrivals to Iraq to bring with them the sum of 1,000 Iraqi dinars per person. 2. To allow Iraqis to bring in Iraqi currency from abroad on condition it is declared on foreign transfer form No. 8 and an account is opened with this currency at a licensed bank. Withdrawals from these accounts are not permitted for a two-year period from the date of deposit. These accounts will receive the 15 percent interest rate enjoyed by similar deposits. 3. To allow Arab citizens to bring in their capital in Iraqi dinars for investment purposes in industrial and agricultural projects designated by the Ministries of Industry, Agriculture, and Irrigation. Iraqi dinars brought in for this purpose will be considered as operating capital and expenses for the projects contracted and without any obligation to transfer the profits. 4. In implementation of President Saddam Husayn's directives on 13 July 1992, it was decided to allow citizens to make withdrawals and deposits in their foreign currency bank accounts without restrictions and without their being asked to declare the source of these foreign currency funds. 5. In line with Paragragh No. 4 above, it has also been decided to suspend the provisions on outside transfers that required banks be contacted for selling purposes and for all provisions dealing with the possession of foreign currency. 6. Iraqis who have accounts outside Iraq are permitted to bring these funds into Iraq and open accounts in licensed Iraqi banks or to use these accounts to import basic foostuffs. When AL-JUMHURIYAH asked about the measures to combat inflation, the Central Bank source said that the Iraqi economy during the period preceding the 30-state aggression against Iraq had come close to a balanced economy. But, the aggression and the unjust economic blockade have been a major reason for the spiralling inflation the Iraqi money market is experiencing. |
FBIS3-52365_2 | Information Minister on Reopening of Gulf Port | Iraq. He added: We cannot turn back those people, who, we think, have begun to understand the suffering of and injustice inflicted on Iraq and the effect the blockade is having on its people. We responded favorably to them on humanitarian grounds and we hope they will make their voices heard to their governments and to the officials and people in their countries in the hope that awareness may move to end the injustice and repression against Iraq. The Iraqi information minister praised the good relations between the Iraqi and Turkish peoples. He said: We sensed from the brothers in Turkey -- including party, professional, and trade union leaders and parliamentarians -- only sincere feelings toward us. We have trade links with Turkey. We expect an increase in trade links between the two countries through the thousands of trucks that enter Iraq with foodstuffs. They barter these goods for gasoline and kerosene, which they take to sell in Turkey. We hope these convoys will continue to supply particularly foodstuffs and medicine, to help lessen the burden on the Iraqi people that is caused by the blockade, Hammadi adds: Some 50,000 people live in the Diyarbakir area. Cafes, restaurants, hotels, and resorts can be built on a 120-km stretch of road to serve drivers and truck convoys. It is expected that between 17,000 and 20,000 trucks loaded with goods, particularly rice and legumes, will enter Iraq daily. Trade links with the Diyarbakir area date back more than 50 years and Iraq used to import legumes, particularly good quality peas, from that area. Asked about his expectations on the resumption of Iraqi oil exports via Turkey, Hammadi said: Al-Bakr harbor, which extends 25 km into the sea, is ready to receive tankers and export oil. The harbor was repaired and made ready for work two years ago. As for exports via Turkey, Turkey alone can answer this question and determine the date. Asked about lifting the unjust blockade and Iraq's compliance with the UN resolutions, and whether there were still any requests which Iraq has to fulfill, the information minister said Iraq has implemented all UN Security Council resolutions. He said it is time now to lift the blockade imposed on Iraq and we expect matters to become clear in February. Asked about recent U.S. moves to secure a UN Security Council resolution calling on Iraq to recognize Kuwait and stop action |
FBIS3-52379_1 | Results of Habibi's Visit to Turkey Examined | of the late Turkish president, Turgut Ozal, in April 1993 many political analysts had expressed the opinion that the period of friendly relations between Iran and Turkey had passed away along with the deceased Turkish president. This group of analysts focussed on a series of parameters which reflected the personal preferences of president Ozal, and arrived at the conclusion that mutual ties between Iran and Turkey were founded on personal factors and decisions. In practice, however, it has been proven that the above conclusion is erroneous, and the reason is quite obvious. Common interests between the two countries are of such depth and range that no political leader in Turkey can escape the conclusion that maintaining and even expanding cordial relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran is a necessity in view of the national interests of Turkey. It cannot be denied of course that there are many influential groups in Turkey that would like to function as the agent of the Western pressures of Iran. These influential groups are mainly scattered in the Turkish press and army. The influence of the Zionists among the Turkish press is quite obvious and even the Turkish statesmen do not try to deny it in their negotiations. But the prevalent conditions in the world and in the region does not allow them to appear as final determining forces on the political arena. The geographical region formed by Turkey-Iran provides the Europeans with the natural access to Asia. In fact political leaders in the two countries could arrive at early solutions for minor differences such as the presence of opposition forces in both countries, as soon as the leaders are able to view bilateral ties between Iran and Turkey within the context of a global perspective of political issues. The propaganda campaign launched by the Western media last year on the supposed rivalry between Iran and Turkey in the Central Asian countries also proved to be a misconception in practice. Once again the realities of political life have shown that no fierce competition is practicable or even advisable. The Central Asian countries are so poor and so much in need of assistance, that there will always be scope for activity no matter how much is done in that region. Furthermore, both Iran and Turkey are facing so many economic problems that they can invest in the Central Asian republics only on a limited scale. |
FBIS3-52382_0 | Alliance With Iraq, GCC Suggested | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Unattributed commentary] [Excerpts] Oil prices continue to fall steadily. During last Wednesday's [29 December] exchanges in European markets, the price of all varieties of crude oil fell to its lowest level in the last five years. [passage omitted] The West's double standard with regard to international trade is quite clear. On the one hand, the West has invariably called for lifting tariffs and restrictions and has promoted the notion of free trade; on the other hand, by imposing heavy tariffs on fossil fuels, it has violated the most fundamental principle of free trade. Some economic analysts believe that at present, the countries of the Middle East region can bring their economies out of the present vulnerability only by ending their reliance on income generated by a single product and expanding their sources of foreign exchange earnings. The members of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC], together with Iran and Iraq, can form a powerful alliance in connection with the oil issue. Due to their common cultural and historical traits and their good understanding of production capacities, and also in view of the fact that they hold control over the most vital source of energy for the industrial countries of the world, these states are able to deal with the harmful policies of Europe and America with regards to gasoline. They can, perhaps, impose heavy tariffs on European and American products, thereby making amends for part of of the losses incurred by the fall in oil prices. In the same way that the Western world waged a devious confrontation against the oil-producing countries in 1973, now is the time for the OPEC member states to pave the way for real growth without reliance on oil income. The OPEC member states can achieve this growth by transforming their production structures, lessening their reliance on income generated by oil, and finally, by enhancing the rich culture of work and contentment -- which are, after all, characteristics present in Islamic countries. [passage omitted] |
FBIS3-52385_2 | Reports on Desire To Resume Ties With Egypt Dismissed | to legitimize the Zionist entity in Islamic public opinion and try to make the international Islamic revival look like a futile attempt that leads nowhere. Since we consider that the Islamic Republic of Iran is the base of the international Islamic revival, spreading doubts and despair among the Islamic public about this regime's positions is considered the most important issue in the Islamic world. Portraying the Islamic revival movement as futile offers the greatest support for Zionism. Islamic revolution leader Ayatollah Khamene'i's unequivocal and firm stand on important international and Islamic world issues, particularly those dealing with confronting America and supporting the Muslim Palestinian and Lebanese revolutionaries against the Zionist entity that occupies Palestine, has always been the main factor in confronting and foiling the media schemes of the enemies of the Islamic revolution. Regarding the resumption of ties between Tehran and Cairo, the Islamic revolution leader adopts a firm and unequivocal stand on this issue, exposing the true nature of this regime which is hostile to Islam and dominates Egypt. He defined the Islamic Republic's foreign policy to our diplomatic institutions. The London-based Arabic newspaper AL-SHARQ AL-AWSAT claimed recently that Iran's first vice president discussed with Syrian officials during his recent visit to Damascus the resumption of ties with Cairo. The paper also claimed that the Syrian officials expressed satisfaction with the progress of these talks during their meeting with the Egyptian prime minister. The first vice president's office refuted these claims and said that the Iranian and Syrian officials did not discuss ties between Tehran and Cairo. Naturally, adopting a firm and decisive stand on the traitorous Egyptian Government requires genuine faith in this issue; such a government will fall because it is separated from its people, is subservient to satanic forces, and is hostile to Islam. The foreign diplomatic agencies of the Iranian Islamic Republic adopt firm and honest stances in the excercise of foreign policy. Even Westerners themselves realize that the Cairo regime is dying and believe that the situation of the Mubarak government is very similar to that of the shah's government in 1978. By accusing the Islamic Republic of Iran of having a desire to resume ties with the Egyptian Government, the hireling newspapers and media that serve the reactionary countries in the region seek to save the Camp David rulers in Cairo from the crushing blows that the domestic opposition is dealing them. |
FBIS3-52386_1 | Commentary Views U.S. `Threats,' `Pressure' | Nations like a puppet in their hands, the Americans are disgracefully trying to save themselves from the Somali quagmire. THE WASHINGTON TIMES article comes at a time when Secretary of Defense Les Aspin has resigned in view of the defeat of America's unrestrained diplomacy in Somalia and when, under the crushing pressures of American public opinion, the President had no alternative but to immediately accept his resignation. This is one side of the coin. But the other side should be sought in the torturing loneliness that America is facing in its confrontation with the Islamic revolution. The Zionist circles' propaganda in America is a reflection of the failure that America has constantly met when seeking Europe's cooperation in confronting the Islamic revolution. At least before the U.S. presidential elections, some political analysts believed that such American pressures on its allies to encourage them to side with America against the Islamic Republic of Iran was only the policy of the Republicans and that the Democrats were not as insistent as the Republicans on this. But now it has become clear that basically such methods constitute American policy in general and not the policy of either Bush or Clinton in particular. In other words, from the point of view of the White House, hostility to the Islamic Republic of Iran is not a tactic but a strategy. America's strategy is to portray Islamic Iran as a regional and world threat; and they use the tactic of saying that the Islamic Republic of Iran is a threat to the region, to its neighbors, and to world peace and security, and that it should be confronted. The Americans believe that through this policy they can apply all-around economic, political, and especially military pressure and thus hinder Iran's economic growth. The 15-year experience of hostile American stances vis-a-vis the Islamic revolution and, especially, the eight-year experience of the oppressive and imposed war against the Islamic Republic of Iran were testimony to two realities. The first one is that in a world filled with profit-seeking economic rivalries and competitions, the breaking down of economic, political, or military walls and neutralizing hegemonistic plots is not a complicated matter; the other fact is that there is a basic necessity for a country in a region which has been the scene of American-made crises for a decade to strengthen its defensive structure and strive to achieve military and economic |
FBIS3-52393_1 | Energy Official Details Nuclear Achievements | of funds to impede their work. They have built several major parts for a nuclear power plant that were previously imported, and have not let external impediments stand in the way of the smooth operation of their program. Pakistan's first nuclear power plant was supplied by Canada some 20-22 years ago, but due to international pressure it soon stopped supplying uranium, fuel, heavy water, and spare parts. This was a great challenge for Pakistan, which our scientists accepted with great dexterity. They succeeded in keeping the plant operational by utilizing local resources. China is the only country that has provided a 300-kilowatt nuclear power plant, now being constructed at Chashma. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed said that we are capable of building nuclear power stations. Nuclear energy is indispensable for Pakistan. Pakistan has no option but to use nuclear technology to increase electricity production, because it cannot meet all of its energy requirements by utilizing such conventional energy production resources as water, oil, gas, and coal. The country is facing power blackouts due to the shortage of electricity. The nuclear energy chief said there are 6,550 nuclear medicine centers in various countries around the world, of which nine are in Pakistan. Several of these centers will be set up in the country to help diagnose and treat complicated diseases. The private sector will be encouraged to play a role in this field as well. He added that nuclear technology is also being used in the agricultural field, and 18 new crop varieties have been discovered. Ashfaq Ahmed declared that Pakistan's nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes. Nuclear power plants generate 70 percent of the world's electricity. France meets 75 percent of its energy requirements with nuclear power plants. There are 424 nuclear power reactors in the world. Therefore, there is no reason why Pakistan should be asked to refrain from utilizing nuclear technology to increase electricity production, improve health care facilities, and boost agricultural production. As far as the question of rolling back the nuclear program is concerned, it is entirely a political issue, and the nuclear scientists have nothing to do with it. The Chashma nuclear power plant will start producing electricity in 1997-98. Pakistan needs several similar nuclear power plants. If France had not refused to supply the nuclear reprocessing plant for enriching uranium, Pakistan would have been able to set up nuclear power stations by now. In any |
FBIS3-52394_0 | U.S. Accused of Targeting Islamic Countries | Language: Urdu Article Type:BFN [Editorial: "The Atom, American Concern, and Islamic Countries"] [Text] The distinguished journal ECONOMIST has disclosed that the United States has decided to intensify surveillance of nuclear facilities in Muslim countries because of fears about the possible proliferation of nuclear arms in Islamic countries by the end of this century, and that it will take military action against them if they do not refrain from making atom bombs. Pakistan is the only country in the Islamic world that has acquired the capability to manufacture nuclear weapons. According to American experts, Iran is making serious efforts to manufacture nuclear weapons, but it may take eight to 10 years to succeed in this task. Besides, the Islamic countries are so rich with oil wealth that any one of them may become inclined to acquire nuclear weapons. The apprehensions of the United States and its allies reflect their thinking and logic. Pakistan has assured the Clinton administration in clear-cut terms that its nuclear program is meant only for peaceful energy purposes, that it does not have any intention of manufacturing nuclear weapons, and that it will strictly adhere to its policy of not transferring nuclear technology to any other country. Despite this, the United States is not ready to trust these assurances. Besides Pakistan, the United States is also planning to take to task those Muslim countries that may attain nuclear capability within eight to 10 years, as well as those with the financial capacity to buy such weapons. This clearly shows that to establish world supremacy under the new world order, the United States is targeting Islamic countries by raising the specter of nuclear proliferation. Under one pretext or another, Iraq and Libya have already been U.S. targets. Other Islamic countries -- especially Pakistan and Iran -- should work out a common strategy to foil these American designs. |
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