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FBIS3-10779_0 | 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 8 and 12 March. Radio Reloj at 2030 GMT on 8 March reports that the Efrain Alfonso Brigade from Villa Clara has reached 2 million arrobas of cane, cut during the current harvest. This brigade has thus been granted the Giron Victory Flag for this achievement. This is the second brigade to reach 2 million arrobas. The national secretariat of the Cuban Workers Federation has sent a congratulatory note to this organization, which is committed to cutting 3 million arrobas of sugarcane during the current harvest. Tele Rebelde and Cuba Vision Networks at 0100 GMT on 9 March reports that approximately 60 sources are being developed in Holguin to obtain energy. Great progress has been achieved in using nonconventional energy sources in this province, following national guidelines for energy production, one of the two most important programs in the country. In Holguin there are currently 458 windmills, 48 biogas plants, 21 minihydroelectric dams, and three hydraulic dams, while in 1989 there were only five energy sources. Radio Rebelde at 1000 GMT on 9 March reports that the Ministry of Construction is at present doing remodeling and expansion work at eight airports with a view to contributing to developing Cuba's tourism infrastructure, and hopes to finish the work in 1994. The work is being done at the Jose Marti, Varadero, Ciego de Avila, Camaguey, Holguin, Manzanillo, Santiago de Cuba, and Cienfuegos airports. Work is also being done on landing strips used by tourists in Cayo Coco, Santa Lucia, and Mayajigua. More than 14 million pesos will be invested in these construction works. In the same newscast, Radio Rebelde reports the members of the Eliseo Camano Agricultural-Livestock Cooperative located in Piloto, Consolacion del Sur Municipality, Pinar del Rio Province, have finished the tobacco planting in 18 of the 20 caballerias planned for the current campaign. The coop's president said the coop expects to harvest a record 5,000 quintals during the current harvest. The tobacco campaign is going extremely well in general in the province. Radio Rebelde also reports that a new therapy room with a 12-person capacity has been inaugurated at the general hospital in Baire, on the Isle of Youth. The installation has the latest technology and qualified, experienced personnel. An emergency intensive-care room and | Roundup of Economic Activity |
FBIS3-10791_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Excerpts] Victor Manuel Rebolledo, the minister secretary of government designate, yesterday pointed out that U.S. authorities are favorably disposed toward incorporating Chile into NAFTA. "The time is ripe for the Clinton administration to propose that Chile join NAFTA and for the U.S. Congress to put the approval of such a proposal on the `fast track' [preceding two words in English]," he stressed. Rebolledo explained that pursuant to U.S. domestic regulations, the executive branch must submit for Congress' approval the names of the countries with which the United States intends to sign a free trade agreement. He moreover stated that both nations might initiate negotiations on this issue during the second half of this year. In any case, the minister-designate -- a PPD [Party for Democracy] deputy at present -- asserted that Chile is deemed the "natural candidate to sign a free trade agreement with the United States." Rebolledo reported that this was one of the main achievements of the recent trip he made to the United States at the invitation of the U.S.-Chilean Chamber of Commerce. Besides his scheduled activities with U.S. businessmen having an interest in Chile, Rebolledo took advantage of his stay in the United States to meet with government officials. [passage omitted] Upon being asked about a possible visit to the United States by Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle once he assumes office as president, Rebolledo noted that in order for the new president to do so, he needs to be officially invited by the U.S. Government first. Notwithstanding this, he said that in view of what he noticed during his contacts with U.S. Government officials, the Clinton administration might "be planning to have the president visit the United States during the course of this year." [passage omitted] Rebolledo further stated that U.S. Vice President Al Gore has proposed holding a hemispheric summit meeting during the second half of this year which would be attended by all the heads of state from the Americas. He remarked that he hopes that Chile will be able to play an important role both in the arrangement and the development of this summmit. | Official: Chile `Natural Candidate' for NAFTA |
FBIS3-10825_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Santa Fe de Bogota, 13 Mar (DPA) -- The Colombian Government described today's legislative elections as a "success," stating the voting signified the triumph of peace and democracy over the violence perpetrated by those who sought to curtail citizens' rights. According to Government (Interior) Minister Fabio Villegas, "the Colombian people's civic-mindedness triumphed in the face of a minority which, hopefully, has heard the majority's repudiation of their violent practices." The official referred to in this regard the actions of communist guerrilla groups that in the past weeks increased attacks to sabotage the elections. Villegas said the subversives perpetrated several attacks, which all the people repudiated. He referred to especially the kidnapping of 32 electoral authorities in the eastern Department of Santander, which caused the suspension of the elections in the small town of Carcasi. A little more than 17 million people over 18 years of age were eligible to vote, but the small turnout at the polls, a habit of Colombians that this time increased due to intense rain, raises the fear of increased abstentionism. There was a 45-percent abstentionism in the legislative elections held in 1990. This figure increased to 70 percent in 1991 when a new Congress was elected, after the National Constituent Assembly, which promulgated another Constitution that year, promoted the dissolution of the legislative body. The voters elected Ernesto Samper as the presidential candidate of the ruling Liberal Party, because, according to unofficial reports aired on radio networks, he obtained at least 46.3 percent of the votes. The Liberal Party elected its candidate in an internal "Popular Referendum" availing itself of the infrastructure of the elections. If the results are confirmed, as it is taken for granted, Samper will be the Liberal Party presidential candidate who will run against Conservative Party presidential hopeful Andres Pastrana in the May elections. | Government: Legislative Elections `Success' |
FBIS3-10840_1 | ideas with our neighboring countries, and from there we can project our image to the rest of the world. Uruguay has followed two different approaches in its foreign policy, stemming precisely from its strategic location: the meridian policy and the parallel policy. The latter referred to the unavoidable influence exerted by Argentina and Brazil on Uruguay's geopolitical situation. The meridian policy, on the contrary, has to do with the fact that Uruguay is located in a region where the River Plate Basin is of necessity a point of reference. Therefore, in light of its geographic location as the bridge country, the country with extensive grasslands, it plays a very significant role as an outlet, as a port for the shipping of products from the River Plate Basin made up of Paraguay, Bolivia, important regions of Brazil, and principally the Argentine Mesopotamia [Misiones, Corrientes, and Entre Rios Provinces]. This meridian policy entails devising a subregional policy that is mindful of and builds on the strategies followed by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Bolivia. It is within this context that the country's policy on issues like the waterway, or the channels, is analyzed. It is against this backdrop that the conditions for being the outlet for the region's production -- which will enable Uruguay to strengthen its position at subregional and especially regional levels -- take shape. The process of consolidating strategies that range from subregional to hemispheric, from Ibero-American to global, must be achieved with openness and professionalism. The Uruguayan outlook has thus gone beyond merely commercial considerations in deciding to join Mercosur [Common Market of the South]. This decision was well received by political parties, and was passed with unanimous approval in the Senate. Uruguay's path toward integration was to a certain extent already predetermined. In fact, Uruguay's joining Mercosur was like a person jumping onto a moving bus. The alternatives Uruguay had, in CAUCE [Argentine-Uruguayan Agreement on Economic Cooperation] and PEC [Trade Expansion Protocol], would have been eliminated when the integration process between Brazil and Argentina concluded. Uruguay thus had no alternative but to join Mercosur in order to avoid losing all its alternatives, and to have a say in the many decisions to be made by this organization concerning both political and trade matters. Within the framework of Mercosur, Uruguay's option is to gamble on the enlarging of the market so that trade between its members will be increased. | Foreign Minister Outlines Policies |
FBIS3-10854_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Yesterday, Onusal [UN Observers for El Salvador] Director Augusto Ramirez Ocampo called the recent political incidents very worrisome, particularly the attack on the Mario Valiente caravan and the attack on Arena [Nationalist Republican Alliance] deputy candidate Julio Gamero. "These attacks go against the agreement signed by the parties before Onusal," Ramirez Ocampo said. The diplomat explained that as election day approaches, naturally political temperatures increase and more political rallies are held, however, the rallies held this past weekend were very worrisome. Given this, Dr. Ramirez Ocampo said that currently, Onusal is meeting with all the presidential candidates and asking them to watch their language and to recommend to their supporters that they comply with the fair campaign agreement, without verbal or physical violence, signed last year. In addition, he called on the population in general to be calm and to hold democratic elections, like the Salvadoran people and the international community want. Regarding the previously mentioned cases, the head of Onusal stated his organization is acquiring information to inform those involved at a later date. When asked if the commitment made by the candidates is being violated, Ramirez Ocampo clearly said that aside from the aforementioned events, there have been no other regrettable incidents despite the fact that the parties have scheduled political activities at the same times and places. Ramirez Ocampo concluded, "Onusal has been present at 655 political rallies, and it has confirmed that citizens and candidates have observed the commitment made, which will not be affected by the latest incidents." | Onusal Director: Violence `Very Worrisome' |
FBIS3-10867_1 | which, hiding behind AID, "expects to conduct a parallel and independent vote count during the presidential elections in Mexico." In light of this intention to oversee the elections, six parties represented in the Chamber of Deputies have unanimously condemned this sham. Legislators of the Institutional Revolutionary Party, the National Action Party, the Party of the Democratic Revolution, the Popular Socialist Party, the Cardenist Front for National Reconstruction Party, and the Authentic Party of the Mexican Revolution have not hesitated to point out that "it is one thing to accept foreign observers -- because, whether or not we like it, the eyes of the world will be upon Mexico -- but it is another thing to accept meddling by another nation." The legislators' opposition to this move is legitimate. It is not possible to let the United States supervise our government, especially now that our government has made much progress in guaranteeing transparency in the elections. If the dependability of our electoral registry is as good or better than that of the U.S. electoral registry, if our election materials possess features that make them practically unforgeable, if steps have been taken to create a tribunal in charge of investigating electoral crimes, and if the presence of international observers is being permitted as long as these observers do not belong to or sympathize with any of Mexico's political parties, then any parallel vote-counting by another nation is unacceptable. What will be decided and done by the Mexicans can only be overseen by the Mexicans. With this in mind, the position of U.S. AID and the U.S. House of Representatives Budget Committee makes no sense. Here, however, the situation that is emerging could be similar to that created by Representative Torricelli, who, armed with the sword of xenophobia, has launched himself against Mexico on many occasions. This type of attitude cannot be tolerated from a country that claims, at least in its public pronouncements, that it is a friend of Mexico. Only two options are valid in the face of the sham being planned by AID and some members of the U.S. House of Representatives. One would be that the U.S. Congress recant and apologize to our Chamber of Deputies. The other is that the government of Bill Clinton allow the Mexicans to oversee the forthcoming U.S. elections in order that we may show the United States how to hold absolutely clean elections. | Editorial Decries U.S. Move To Count Votes |
FBIS3-10875_4 | to implement these types of actions. We are also going to ensure that state funds deposited in private banks will be used to promote development and job creation. That is the fourth measure I would implement. The fifth measure is to confront this government's shortcomings in terms of the peace plans. We will solve the land problem that has not been solved. We will compensate former soldiers and national policemen with programs for their reintegration into the country's economic life. We are going to handle the problems faced by the war disabled from both sides. We will allocate the necessary funds to develop the institution that has been created for them. Those are the first and most important measures we will adopt. In sum, I will prove during my first few months in office that we are going to make changes, but changes that reflect an intelligent combination of modifications and continuity. [Funes] Dr. Zamora, you still have a minute. You have presented a concise plan for the first 100 days, but I would like to ask you another question. There is a real problem, the root of which is governing. The economic measures to be implemented in those first days also calls for a process of agreement among the various sectors, particularly the economic sectors. How will you accomplish this? You represent a coalition of leftist parties. One of the biggest doubts the various sectors have is whether the left is capable of achieving a modicum of understanding among the different groups in light of the country's current situation and whether the left is capable of governing. [Zamora] If there was ever anyone in this country who worked toward an understanding [26-second break in reception]. [passage omitted] [Funes] Thank you very much. According to the drawing, Edgardo Rodriguez Eigenhart, National Solidarity Movement [MSN] candidate, is next. [Rodriguez] The MSN proposes several measures. The first is related to the structural adjustment program. We would request a meeting with the IMF and the Inter-American Development Bank [IDB] to adopt measures related to the problems caused by our country's structural adjustment. We are worried, because we know there are private meetings going on now between the World Bank, IDB, IMF, and the government to discuss a possible devaluation that would be implemented after the elections. Second, we would seek international cooperation, especially for land transfer projects. We would seek international cooperation at | Presidential Candidates Hold Debate |
FBIS3-10875_15 | is possible to quickly develop the cattle industry almost immediately. Right now, when we tour those areas and review agricultural activities, we realize the great efforts that are being made. Therefore, it is just a matter of giving the sector the encouragement and incentives it needs. We are also working on some nontraditional products. Although some Fusades [Salvadoran Foundation for Economic and Social Development] programs have not been successful, we have gained some experience in exporting nontraditional products. As you can see, all these measures focus on sectors that are currently facing more difficulties, but which are capable of recovering in a short period of time, as I just said. This group, of course, includes the reformed sector. The configuration of landownership has changed, and consequently we must pay more attention to cooperatives and [word indistinct]. The cooperatives problem, which are now facing a very difficult financial situation, could be resolved or eased through special plans. As for the political aspect of your question -- criticism about the concentration of wealth -- I would like to say that if we analyze policies that existed 20 or 30 years ago, those policies could seem inadequate today even though they were correct at that time. Therefore, we can say with absolute certainty that during its government, the PCN achieved significant economic growth, social development, and to some degree paved the road for the political development we now have. These criticisms are groundless and seem to respond more to political interests than to real situations that clearly and specifically belong to the past. [passage omitted] [Funes] We have a question for Rodriguez. You mentioned tax evasion and you proposed treating it as a crime. Specifically, how could this practice be eliminated; what specific measures would you implement during the first 100 days of your government to eradicate the problem of tax evasion in order to collect more revenues for the state? Would you be willing to use 10 percent of the taxes for the renovation of jails and in that way reduce crime? [Rodriguez] We believe guaranteeing compliance with our laws is a matter of political willingness. We believe it is possible to obtain additional income for the state through more efficient, productive, technical controls of the Salvadoran general tax system. For example, we believe there is a shortage of personnel and real capacity to handle the value added tax, VAT. We have | Presidential Candidates Hold Debate |
FBIS3-10876_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [From the "YSU Radio News" newscast] [Text] On Sunday [13 March], the Nationalist Republican Alliance [Arena] charged that militants of the former guerrilla organization attacked a Saturday march by the ruling party in San Salvador. Two people were injured, one of them by a bullet. An Arena communique disclosed that one citizen was beaten, while a young woman was shot. Both were taken to a San Salvador hospital. On Saturday, thousands of Arena supporters marched along the streets of San Salvador to close the campaign. According to the communique, some of the marchers were attacked by hooded men who burned tires; threw bottles, stones, and water balloons at the marchers; and later physically attacked Arena supporters. On Saturday night, Arena publicly urged Ruben Zamora, leftist presidential candidate, and Jorge Shafik Handal, coordinator of the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front, to control their supporters. Meanwhile on Sunday, the Office of the Ombudsman for Human Rights condemned the violent events, and, without blaming any political party, said the human rights of those who were demonstrating peacefully had been violated. | Arena Communique Reports Attack on Marchers |
FBIS3-10878_4 | us most under the current circumstances. However, is this hope justified? [Rodriguez] Of course. There is the sugarcane recovery program. We have to keep in mind that our fields have been highly exploited, which makes the soil lose its fertility. It is therefore necessary to fertilize the land used for sugarcane. The lack of fertilizer, first, and the lack of herbicides, second, have resulted in a significant drop in sugarcane production. This hope is justified because we are very seriously working in the recovery program. Today, the main goal of the Basic Cooperative Production Units [UBPC's] is to restore sugarcane production to former levels. Whenever sugarcane production is restored, the harvest will of course regain its rate, which had been stabilized at the 8-ton mark. We have to return to that level of harvest. [Santana] You also spoke of the steelworking industry. I am still not clear. You spoke about this industry in light of the importance of production of equipment for other industries? [Rodriguez] For other industries.... [pauses] The steelworking industry is capable of building mills, and also many other types of equipment. It is capable of manufacturing pumps. Significant investments are being made. This industry puts out a considerable amount of electricity and telephone cables. It is also a great provider of spare parts. It is a tremendous producer of steels, not only carbon steels, but also stainless steel, which is now produced in Cuba. I believe that the potential of this industry, which has taken years to shape -- this is not something done overnight -- is marked by the specialization of its workers, technicians, and engineers. This allows us to use this industry to develop the country and also as a source of exports. [Santana] Once again on tourism: I understand that Cuban tourism has performed favorably in terms of international marketing in recent months. Is this true? What do you know about it? [Rodriguez] Yes, I have read about this issue. I believe it is very interesting that Cuba is already being seen extensively by tourists in the Caribbean Basin. It is predicted that by the end of the century, the Caribbean will be the world's top spot for tourism. Cuba is not competing with many Caribbean islands today. There are very small Caribbean islands -- perhaps slightly larger than the Isle of Youth -- that welcome 1 million tourists. We are beginning to develop. | Signs of Economic Reactivation Outlined |
FBIS3-10878_6 | We began tourism late. We must remember that it is difficult to reduce that distance. Of course, we must keep the U.S. blockade in mind. The greatest number of cruise ships in the Caribbean and around Cuba, transporting approximately 8 million tourists, are based in Miami. These are American businesses. The blockade bans all those ships, although they skirt every Cuban coast without touching Cuban ports. This, undoubtedly, affects us seriously. I believe that despite this, tourism is arriving. We have many European, particularly German and Canadian, [as heard] tourists. Latin American tourism is also beginning to increase. I believe that this will fulfill those predictions that Cuba will welcome 1 million tourists. [Santana] In what measure is this reactivation the result of the opening to certain foreign capital investments on one hand, and on the other, the result of the increase in our productivity and quality, in the economic effort based on efficiency and controls? [Rodriguez] I believe it is a combination of all these things. The foreign capital investment has allowed us, first of all, to access markets, access technologies and capital. This is the case with tourism. We said that tourism is one of the model industries of this reactivation. Foreign capital not only forms part of the tourism industry, it also plays a role in reactivating other important industries within Cuba. I believe this has played a role. Undoubtedly, the increased awareness of Cuban workers -- better yet, the collectives -- of the need to perform more efficiently, work better, and even come to believe that the products must be consumed immediately and not be produced to be stored away, and with poor quality, becoming aware of all these things has resulted in higher efficiency, which today cannot yet be seen in any plans because the Cuban economy has just completed the process of decline. [Santana] How can we guarantee the soundness of that reactivation being experienced? [Rodriguez] First of all, we have to consolidate the Cuban economy on the basis of our national structures -- to defend what is ours, to advocate the best possible use of our resources, and learn to work with high levels of efficiency, economizing, and using true economic controls. There is no need to think that a foreigner is needed to teach this to us. I believe we have foreigners here teaching us very interesting things, but we can also | Signs of Economic Reactivation Outlined |
FBIS3-10879_3 | Osvaldo, why has this term emerged, and why has this phenomenon occurred in the world economy? [Rodriguez] First, let us begin with why it emerged in Cuba. It was the shortage in state supplies to the population that enlarged and consolidated this type of economy, which we can call underground or informal economy. Undoubtedly, it is nourished by excess currency that is not backed by goods. That is its origin. I wish to point out that this existed or coexisted before, with financial stability, when there were undoubtedly deficiencies in the official market of products that were in great demand. We could talk about shoes, for example. [Roque] Yes, I believe that having discussed here the concepts of black-market and underground economies, we can see that it is not a phenomenon that has only now emerged, but as you said, it existed in parallel with the stability of certain years. I can remember that in the eighties -- I call this period the golden decade because we were very stable, especially with food products -- there were some products that were also sold on the street in that way. It was not a black market, but you needed to go to this underground economy to satisfy the need for products that you could not find on the official market. [Rodriguez] Yes, this study I was talking about makes an interesting point: During the period of financial stability, the population's expenses in the underground economy did not exceed 20 percent. I would also like to answer the other part of your question on how it emerged. I am sure that in your trips to Mexico you have seen the illicit street vendors. This underground economy is more prominent in Latin America and underdeveloped countries. It is the economy of immigrants in developed countries. [Roque] These people do not pay taxes. That is probably one of the main things that make it an underground economy: It is not controlled by the state. [Rodriguez] Right, they are not officially authorized. [Roque] There it has its beginnings. Here in Cuba it has a different beginning. [Rodriguez] Here it has other causes. Necessity is what drives this economy. The main difference between the presence of an underground economy in that market economy and in our economy is that over there they compete below official prices. [Roque] And the necessities are different. [Rodriguez] Yes, of course. | Journalists Discuss Underground Economy |
FBIS3-10890_1 | the human rights situation in the entire world. Any reference to Brazil in that report is received in Brasilia with outrage even, and the executive branch does not seem to understand that the human rights issue is a universal concern. Although no one expected it, a top U.S. Government official touched on this issue in rude language during a meeting of the UN Human Rights Commission. But this is what happened in Vienna last week. We were described as a country where "street children go around in the garbage looking for food and are hunted for sport." Vivian Derryck went even further, saying "that negligence is too close to savagery to be called anything else." During the Collor administration, the Foreign Ministry feared the problem of children and human rights would allow a broad international campaign against Brazil like the campaign carried out against the Medici administration in relation to the massacre of Indians. Unfortunately, by the inertia of the government and the indifference of broad sectors of society, there are still cases that, taken out of context, allow speeches like Mrs. Derryck's to be delivered to audiences that receive them well despite the prompt and harsh answers from the Brazilian representatives. Even now in Londrina there was an ad published in a newspaper inciting the killing of minors involved in holdups. The psychopathy of the ones who ran the ad is not taken into account by the people in the nongovernmental organizations and the U.S. diplomatic corps, which writes the human rights report. In fact, this is similar to the "hunted for sport" referred to in the Candelaria massacre. When in international meetings the real efforts made by nongovernmental civilian organizations, different churches, and officials of some states to improve the situation of children are ignored, it is natural for the federal government to feel justly hurt by the abuse typical of student body elections, which can only be replied to by denying the moral authority of the U.S. Government to make this type of abuse. Unfortunately, however, this is the situation we will have to live with for many years. Mainly because the increase of juvenile crime in association with the economic crisis, unemployment, and the indifference to moral values are making people insensible and inclined to deal with this problem in the simplistic manner, and many times with the complicity of officials who are blind to everything. | Editorial Comments on U.S. Human Rights Report |
FBIS3-10896_0 | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] President Carlos Menem said that he was "in complete agreement" with a document released on Wednesday [9 March] by the Catholic Church that outlined its recommendations for the reformed Constitution including a guarantee of greater separation of the three branches of government. The President also said during a press conference at Government House that "nothing could be decided" about Raul Matera, the number two candidate on the ruling Justicialist Party's Federal Capital slate of potential delegates to the Constituent Assembly, until a complete diagnosis was made. Matera was admitted to the Otamendi Clinic on Wednesday with pneumonia. Menem added he had tried to visit Matera, who is also science and technology secretary and serves as the head of the city Peronist Party. At the same time the President said he supported the concept of a separation of powers but did not directly respond to the Episcopal Conference of bishops' assertion that the executive branch had experienced "uncontrolled growth" during his term. However, he said, any final decision "depends fundamentally on what the people say through the reform process under way." He added that Church-state relations were "normal." In their statement the bishops left open the possibility that future presidents might be of different religions -- currently the head of state is required under the Constitution to be a practicing Catholic -- but rejected the possibility of an atheist leading the country. Reacting to that last statement Lomas de Zamora Suffragan Bishop Juan Carlos Maccarone yesterday [10 March] stated that the Church had in fact "left open" the issue of the head of state's religion because it was not a priority and did not have a mandate from the Episcopal Conference. Interior Minister Carlos Ruckauf meanwhile declined to comment on the Church statement, saying that was the duty of the Foreign Ministry's religion department. Legal and Technical Secretary Carlos Corach, the leading candidate on the ruling Justicialist Party's slate of potential delegates to the Constituent Assembly, took issue with the bishop's statement on the separation of powers. "The executive branch has not increased its powers," he said. Among the opposition the Radical National Committee, in a statement signed by party Chairman Raul Alfonsin, said the bishops' declaration "contributes to the general consensus" required for reform. Alfonsin added that the Church's concern for the growth in the executive branch's powers "without a doubt coincides" with his own | Menem: Church, State `in Complete Agreement' |
FBIS3-10896_1 | same time the President said he supported the concept of a separation of powers but did not directly respond to the Episcopal Conference of bishops' assertion that the executive branch had experienced "uncontrolled growth" during his term. However, he said, any final decision "depends fundamentally on what the people say through the reform process under way." He added that Church-state relations were "normal." In their statement the bishops left open the possibility that future presidents might be of different religions -- currently the head of state is required under the Constitution to be a practicing Catholic -- but rejected the possibility of an atheist leading the country. Reacting to that last statement Lomas de Zamora Suffragan Bishop Juan Carlos Maccarone yesterday [10 March] stated that the Church had in fact "left open" the issue of the head of state's religion because it was not a priority and did not have a mandate from the Episcopal Conference. Interior Minister Carlos Ruckauf meanwhile declined to comment on the Church statement, saying that was the duty of the Foreign Ministry's religion department. Legal and Technical Secretary Carlos Corach, the leading candidate on the ruling Justicialist Party's slate of potential delegates to the Constituent Assembly, took issue with the bishop's statement on the separation of powers. "The executive branch has not increased its powers," he said. Among the opposition the Radical National Committee, in a statement signed by party Chairman Raul Alfonsin, said the bishops' declaration "contributes to the general consensus" required for reform. Alfonsin added that the Church's concern for the growth in the executive branch's powers "without a doubt coincides" with his own party's worries. Differing with the Church was the Argentine Society for Gay-Lesbian Integration [SIGLA], which warned that the Catholic Church's stance "puts the civil rights and the rights of minorities at risk." SIGLA noted in a statement issued yesterday that "the Catholic Church is endowed with privileges that the other religions lack." In other political news: -- Dario Cipollini, the former secretary for ex-Radical Deputy Luis Medina Allende, was summoned to testify yesterday in court on charges he bribed Peronist legislators during Cordoba's 1986 Constituent Assembly. -- The Trotskyist Left Socialist Front (FIS) yesterday presented its list of candidates for the April 10 Constituent Assembly election. The coalition, which opposes constitutional reform, will be led by Movement Toward Socialism's Nora Ciappone and former Socialist Workers Movement Deputy Luis Zamora. | Menem: Church, State `in Complete Agreement' |
FBIS3-10932_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Santa Fe de Bogota, 11 Mar (EFE) -- The Colombian Catholic Church has not sent bishops to meetings with guerrillas in Cuba, said Pedro Rubiano Saenz, president of the Colombian Episcopal Conference, today. Rubiano, Cali archbishop, told Radio Cadena Nacional (RCN) the local media which had published information on the bishops' attendance to a "summit" with Colombian rebels in Havana should give the names of the alleged participants. The priest categorically denied Nel Beltran, bishop of Sincelejo (northwest Colombia) and mediator between the government and rebels, had traveled to Cuba, as reported by the Santa Fe de Bogota media. The worst thing that can happen to the nation during this election period is not to say the truth, said the president of the Episcopal Conference when referring to the conflict caused by the bishops' participation in talks with rebels. Rubiano Saenz added "there must be an intention behind the news that are given in that manner, with half truths, as they remain up in the air." Several Santa Fe de Bogota dailies and newspapers published on 8 March photographs of Luis Madrid Merlano, bishop of the Tibu petroleum area (northwest), meeting with guerrillas in the mountains. The priest explained these were "pastoral dialogues" seeking peace in his region. | Alleged Bishop-Guerrilla Meeting in Cuba Viewed Episcopal Conference Head Denies `Summit' |
FBIS3-11007_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Report by Javier Dario Restrepo from the "24 Hours Newscast"] [Text] People did not come out to vote yesterday the way they have in the last 15 years despite the fact there were over 600 campaigns seeking votes. All the politicians' machinery proved ineffective when it came to getting voters motivated. [Begin recording] [unidentified person] I do not care if I did not vote. [Unidentified reporter] Don't you care? [Unidentified person] No. [end recording] This woman was part of the 68 percent of the population who did not vote. If yesterday's elections are compared to those in the last 15 years, they represent a setback in voter turnout. From 4 million voters in 1978, we went to 5.5 million in 1982, nearly 7 million in 1986, over 7.5 million in 1990, and back to 5.5 million yesterday. Political expert Hernando Gomez Buendia commented on this phenomenon. [Begin Buendia recording] A high voter turnout is very dangerous because it signifies there is a big conflict and people feel threatened by a very serious decision to be made. It is normal to have a high abstention rate. In parliamentary elections in Colombia, Sunday's figure is not disastrous. [end recording] In addition, few people voted yesterday because the Congress' image does not excite people. There is no faith in parties either; the ballots were confusing to many people, and it rained. Given these reasons, yesterday's election was not seen as a classical game of politics -- a games that fill the public stadiums -- but as a game played in the Olaya Stadium. | Election Abstention Rate Reported at 68 Percent |
FBIS3-11018_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] During a meeting yesterday to assess the current situation in Paraguay, the Paraguayan Bishops Conference [CEP] and the Confederation of Paraguayan Clergy [Confederacion de Religiosos del Paraguay -- Conferpar] urged the public to assume an effective commitment to national unity, through a moralization campaign, so as to be able face the socioeconomic crisis the country is experiencing. Moreover, the communique states that although a democratic process has started, the government has still not managed to set up a socioeconomic structure that will benefit the weakest. During the CEP-Conferpar meeting held in Ypacarai yesterday, the bishops, priests, and nuns issued a communique voicing the need for effective commitment to national unity through a moralization campaign, so to be able to face the socioeconomic crisis the country is suffering through. The communique issued by the religious group maintains that they welcome "with happiness" a democratic regime that, among other things, made it possible to win public liberties. It notes, however, that this is not the case in the socioeconomic field, which is "marked by a series of factors and by an economic policy in which the social aspect has not been taken into account, and which encourages the defense of individual interests to the detriment of the common well-being." It then adds that, "sadly," one can witness every day the growing deterioration in the country's socioeconomic situation, and especially the situation of peasants, workers, and the poor, "who are the most affected, and continue to be denied the benefits to which they are entitled by law. This situation is even worse in the case of the indigenous communities." The clergy maintain that the solution to social problems cannot be found through violence and government repression against these sectors of society. In this regard they explain that the solutions will be found within a framework of dialogue and freedom, where none of the sectors resort to the use of force. The communique goes on to state "that we have also seen that privileged people and groups have distorted the moral values by means of a way of life based on moral, psychological, administrative, political, and juridical corruption, which is reflected among other ways in the deficient administration of justice, and in the lack of essential health, education, and housing services." In view of this panorama of progressive impoverishment of the people the clergy reasserted their "preferential treatment of | Clergy Issue Communique Supporting Poorest Sectors |
FBIS3-11018_1 | for effective commitment to national unity through a moralization campaign, so to be able to face the socioeconomic crisis the country is suffering through. The communique issued by the religious group maintains that they welcome "with happiness" a democratic regime that, among other things, made it possible to win public liberties. It notes, however, that this is not the case in the socioeconomic field, which is "marked by a series of factors and by an economic policy in which the social aspect has not been taken into account, and which encourages the defense of individual interests to the detriment of the common well-being." It then adds that, "sadly," one can witness every day the growing deterioration in the country's socioeconomic situation, and especially the situation of peasants, workers, and the poor, "who are the most affected, and continue to be denied the benefits to which they are entitled by law. This situation is even worse in the case of the indigenous communities." The clergy maintain that the solution to social problems cannot be found through violence and government repression against these sectors of society. In this regard they explain that the solutions will be found within a framework of dialogue and freedom, where none of the sectors resort to the use of force. The communique goes on to state "that we have also seen that privileged people and groups have distorted the moral values by means of a way of life based on moral, psychological, administrative, political, and juridical corruption, which is reflected among other ways in the deficient administration of justice, and in the lack of essential health, education, and housing services." In view of this panorama of progressive impoverishment of the people the clergy reasserted their "preferential treatment of the poor," expressing solidarity and support for the initiatives taken for the sake of the common well-being, seeking "a fair distribution of assets, a broad land reform policy, aid and organization for peasant settlements, fair prices for agricultural products, the recovery of ill-begotten property, salaries commensurate with the cost of living, and the fair demands of workers and peasants, who have a right to use nonviolent means in their search for a more dignified life." The communique also states that, taking into account the social situation prevailing in the country, the national citizenry must assume the commitment through a moralization campaign to face the socioeconomic crisis we are enduring. | Clergy Issue Communique Supporting Poorest Sectors |
FBIS3-11023_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Commentary by Roberto Morejon from the "Evening Information Review" newscast] [Text] With the alleged purpose of collectively defending democracy and promoting economic growth while advancing on a strategy of sustained development, the United States will hold a so-called Summit of the Americas in Miami, Florida. According to the official announcement made by President William Clinton himself, the meeting will be held in early December with the conspicuous absence of an invitation to the Cuban Government. The meeting will call for the creation of a mechanism capable of promoting George Bush's so-called Initiative for the Americas which seeks to open new inroads for U.S. capital and for filling the gap that -- for obvious reasons -- the United States cannot fill by way of the Ibero-American Summits. Through a consensus of the participants, the three Ibero-American Summits reached common stands on certain issues based on mutual respect and the sovereign rights of each nation. By virtue of its own right and by invitation of the organizers, Cuba has attended these Ibero-American Summits. This has disturbed the power brokers in the United States who insist on isolating the Cuban Government. The U.S. authorities are highlighting the fact that Cuba has been excluded from the Summit of the Americas guest list. No one should be deceived as to the not-so-secret purposes of giving the meeting a certain anti-Cuban flavor when economic issues of the utmost interest to Washington are scheduled to be discussed. We must not forget that challenges to maintaining the U.S. blockade against the island are growing in Congress, the executive branch, political institutions, the press, and other spheres of U.S. society. Those who advocate tightening the blockade do not like the steps taken by Cuba and its neighbors on the subcontinent to establish commercial ties that are mutually advantageous and encourage investments by Latin American entrepreneurs on the island. The venue for the so-called Summit of the Americas is very suggestive. Naturally, one becomes very suspicious of the fact that the city of Miami was selected, because this is a city where extreme right-wing Cuban immigrants still control powerful media outlets. We will wait and see what the definite agenda of the Miami meeting, which will be discussed when Vice President Al Gore visits the region, will be. It will not be easy for him to find support for anti-Cuban maneuvers, if this is one of | Exclusion From Summit of Americas Criticized |
FBIS3-11026_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] U.S. Ambassador James Cheek on 14 March said that on 21 March U.S. Vice President Al Gore will propose to President Carlos Menem the need for Congress to pass a law creating the status of repentant within a group of new legal weapons against drug trafficking. Cheek thus confirmed what was reported by CLARIN on 14 March. In order that Gore's proposal not sound like diplomatic pressure, Secretary for the Prevention of Drug Abuse Alberto Lestelle said "it is very probable" that Gore and President Menem will discuss this sensitive subject. "There is absolute coordination between Argentina and the United States on this subject," Lestelle pointed out. During a news conference on 14 March to report on Gore's agenda here, Cheek said the "United States has been suggesting and endorsing the laws approved by Congress that, I understand, are supported by the Argentine Government and the majority of Congress." In order to clarify any doubt, the U.S. ambassador added: "We have stressed the need for the approval of these laws in order to give the Argentine Government the necessary cooperation." In this manner, Cheek referred to the draft bills that create the status of repentant, informer, undercover agent, and controlled delivery of drug shipments, which the powerful DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) demands to make the struggle against drug trafficking in our country "more efficient." DEA experts believe that with these new laws drug traffickers can be fought "more efficiently." Besides asking to approve these laws, Washington also wants the military to give their logistical support to the security forces in this struggle, although it understands that "for the time being" it is not necessary. U.S. Antinarcotics Under Secretary Robert Gelbard [title as published] last week gave signals about these two subjects to officials from the Argentine Foreign and Interior Ministries and the Secretariat for the Prevention of Drug Abuse. Following a ceremony in the Communications Secretariat headed by Oscar Gonzalez, Ambassador Cheek referred to the U.S. interest in the approval of a law including, among other subjects, the status of repentant. The U.S. concern over these laws began to be expressed mainly after the Mar del Plata Penal Court for Economic Crimes released Colombian John Arroyave Arias, who was involved in the Shrimp Operation. After learning about Cheek's statements, Lestelle said he believes the draft bill he sent to Congress 20 days ago "will be | Gore's Planned Talks on Drug Laws Reported |
FBIS3-11027_14 | was time to end the rhetoric regarding poverty, about which so much has been said. How do you propose to fight extreme poverty? Where will you obtain the funds for this? Why was nothing said about the crusade against poverty? [Frei] Well, as you know one of the priorities of our government is to fight poverty. We believe it was a priority of the Aylwin government, and that great progress was made in this field. In early 1990 an agreement on tax reform was reached which provided additional income to fight poverty. This tax reform was renewed last year thus allowing us to fight poverty without causing a fiscal deficit, inflation, or upset the macroeconomic balance. Regarding specific actions, first I will preside over the social intraministry committee to fight poverty. I will personally preside over this committee. I have been working on this project with the ministers of the area to come up with concrete proposal. We believe this subject is of national importance and, therefore, are will invite private sector organizations, like the Hogar de Cristo and similar organizations that are in permanent contact with the poorest sectors. We will invite all nongovernment organizations, the commercial and production sectors, etc., and all Chilean sectors because we believe this is a priority national issue. We will permanently emphasize this subject and I believe that -- more than just talking -- we need to know what to do, how to do what is necessary, how to make the state apparatus more efficient, how to control expenditures and investments in the poor sectors and ensure they reach the people. Many times the money gets never reaches its final destination due to the excessive red tape, etc. We will work on this right from the beginning with decisions and efforts of the entire state apparatus. [passage omitted] [Moderator] Persio Dalvel, Concepcion daily EL SUR. [Dalvel] Mr. President. You have expressed the need to give preferential treatment to the poverty problem. How do you ratify that priority with the recent purchase of weapons for the Army and the belief that the Armed Forces must be constantly modernized? [Frei] I firmly believe that there is no arms race nor that the Chilean Armed Forces are purchasing new equipment. They are merely replacing very ancient equipment. For example, the Chilean Air Force wants to replace its Hawker Hunter planes that are 25-30 years old and | President Frei Holds News Conference |
FBIS3-11041_0 | 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 12 and 16 March. Radio Reloj at 1504 GMT on 12 March reports that Matanzas Province is outstanding in controlling borers through biological means. In 1993, despite the nation's resource shortages, some 48 million borer-eating flies were released to control the pests in 78,000 caballerias. It is estimated that borers are responsible for losses of between 9,000 and 130,000 tons of sugar per year. Radio Reloj at 1509 GMT on 12 March reports that the Eliseo Caamano Agriculture-Livestock Production Cooperative in Consolacion del Sur Municipality, Pinar del Rio Province, expects to harvest 5,000 quintals of tobacco during the current campaign, a record figure in the co-op's 15 years of existence. The co-op has harvested 250,000 poles of tobacco to date, almost 50 percent of the expected harvest. Radio Rebelde at 1800 GMT on 12 March reports that Ciego de Avila Province has had the biggest white grapefruit harvest in history, 14,500 tons in the 1993-94 campaign. In the same newscast, Rebelde reports that exploitation of a small gold mine in the Castellanos multimetallic deposit in Minas de Matahambre, Pinar del Rio Province, will begin next month. The engineer in charge of extraction and processing says the gold is in tiny particles that will have to be extracted from the soil. He says approximately one pound of gold, worth $6,000 on the world market, can be obtained from every 500 tons of soil. Putting the mine into operation will provide jobs for over 200 excess workers from Pinar del Rio's mining enterprise. Exploiting the mine has been made possible through an investment of approximately 3 million pesos. Radio Reloj at 1500 GMT on 14 March reports that in three days of work members of the Antiaircraft Defense and Revolutionary Air Force reached 142 percent of potato picking, a great labor feat. In San Antonio de los Banos, Havana Province, 250 DAAFAR members are supporting the food program on orders of the high command. Lieutenant Colonel (Juan Avelero), deputy chief of the troops, has said that in Havana 2,000 men from various Western Army units helping pick tomatoes will remain for some 30 days to work in the potato harvest. Radio Rebelde at 1255 GMT on 15 March reports that the Siguaney factory in Sancti Spiritus | Roundup of Economic Activity |
FBIS3-11041_1 | in Minas de Matahambre, Pinar del Rio Province, will begin next month. The engineer in charge of extraction and processing says the gold is in tiny particles that will have to be extracted from the soil. He says approximately one pound of gold, worth $6,000 on the world market, can be obtained from every 500 tons of soil. Putting the mine into operation will provide jobs for over 200 excess workers from Pinar del Rio's mining enterprise. Exploiting the mine has been made possible through an investment of approximately 3 million pesos. Radio Reloj at 1500 GMT on 14 March reports that in three days of work members of the Antiaircraft Defense and Revolutionary Air Force reached 142 percent of potato picking, a great labor feat. In San Antonio de los Banos, Havana Province, 250 DAAFAR members are supporting the food program on orders of the high command. Lieutenant Colonel (Juan Avelero), deputy chief of the troops, has said that in Havana 2,000 men from various Western Army units helping pick tomatoes will remain for some 30 days to work in the potato harvest. Radio Rebelde at 1255 GMT on 15 March reports that the Siguaney factory in Sancti Spiritus is producing a new variety of gray cement which has proven very resistant to salt water and good for many uses, including blocks. Specialists point out that its production allows the factory to save 10 kwh of electricity and 26 kg of oil per ton: in other words, 11 percent less than what was traditionally required. Radio Reloj in its 2030 GMT newscast on 15 March reports the following: "The Colombian subsidiary of the English hotel chain (Forte) has, at Cubanacan's request, taken over the administration and marketing of the (Las Yagrumas) Hotel in San Antonio de los Banos." Cubanacan president Abraham Maciques confirms: "Cubanacan has signed similar joint ventures -- which guarantee a market, experience, and technology -- with prestigious hotel groups from Spain, the Netherlands, Jamaica, Germany, and Canada." In Sancti Spiritus Province since January, 300 caballerias of cane have been cultivated using oxen. The province's Basic Cooperative Production Units, agricultural-livestock cooperatives, credit and services cooperatives, and state organizations own over 1,600 teams of oxen. Sector workers intend to cultivate some 2,800 caballerias of land using ox teams, in addition to working on self- sufficiency plots and the planting, collecting, and transportation of cane. The Ministry of the | Roundup of Economic Activity |
FBIS3-11051_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Report by Lucy Castillo from the "Extravision" newscast] [Text] Alexander Watson, U.S. assistant secretary of state for inter-American affairs, is in Nicaragua to gather information, not to discuss issues that are strictly Nicaraguan internal affairs. This statement was made by National Assembly President Luis Humberto Guzman. Guzman explains Watson's visit by saying he is in Nicaragua on a fact-finding mission. This morning, Watson met with the leaders of the political parties in parliament, with the exception of UNO's leaders, and with the president of the legislative branch. Sergio Ramirez, the leader of the Sandinist National Liberation Front's [FSLN] legislative representation, characterized the U.S. State Department's report on human rights in Nicaragua as being biased. [Begin Ramirez recording] I told him the human rights report looks like an expression of an ingrained antagonism I think should be expunged from the relations the United States maintains with the sector of Nicaraguan society represented by us Sandinists. In many ways, this report is anti-Sandinist and biased. [end recording] Contradicting the human rights report, Watson reported in his speech at the U.S.-Nicaraguan Chamber of Commerce that the Clinton administration acknowledges the Sandinists comprise a legitimate Nicaraguan political force, which maintains all of the rights and responsibilities granted to every political party. In response to a reporter's question, National Assembly President Luis Alberto Guzman said internal Nicaraguan affairs must only be discussed among Nicaraguans. [Begin Guzman recording] We mentioned the constitutional reforms issue, but I insisted that we discuss these issues with the understanding that these are strictly Nicaraguan affairs. In no way did I request counsel or recommendations on what we should do in terms of such issues. These matters were discussed as a courtesy afforded to any foreign visitor, but I insisted that this would not be done in any way to solicit opinions or counsel on what we, the Nicaraguan people, should do. I truly understand that these are matters that concern us, the Nicaraguan people. [end recording] This evening Watson met socially with various national political, social, and economic leaders. | Sandinist Leader Decries U.S. Human Rights Report |
FBIS3-11075_2 | to more goods and services, thus avoiding illegal trade and contraband. From another viewpoint, in order to make the struggle against inflation successful (and so, in turn, its monthly average drops) the Economy and Finance Ministry program must widen its scope so it channels the huge funds being received by the AFP [Pension Fund Administration Board] and the CTS [Severance Pay Fund] in a more rapid and effective manner so the financial and banking systems can make better and faster investments. It should be pointed out, however, that the accumulation of resources is not always positive if it is not designed to accumulate international reserves. The same goes for the funds being obtained through the privatization of public enterprises. For example, the money -- which up to a point was unexpected in the case of the sale of the CPT [Peruvian Telephone Company] and Entel [National Telecommunications Enterprise] -- must be earmarked for adequate and profitable social projects because if not, we may soon find that the foreign currency is converted into national currency with an eventual negative impact on the inflation rate. An additional aspect is, precisely, that the monetary policy must continue to be administered with great care. We must not forget that 80 percent of the primary monetary supply is expressed and endorsed in dollars. And if the resources are not used with full guarantees and in a profitable manner in the short and medium term, we could be faced with inflation nourished by strictly monetary factors or by an exaggerated increase of expectations. Moreover, and it is good to point out, although we are on a good footing, especially compared to the previous government, the essential thing in order to avoid a price increase and other concomitant factors is to avoid new political changes. When political instability is generated -- 1994 is an electoral year -- the expectations of the productive and financial agents may become excessive and cause an increase in the cost of living that, under current circumstances, would be extremely negative. Therefore, in sum, currently Peru is on the right path in its struggle against the inflation monster. However, what is worrisome is the fact that after four years of government, its economic model, which undoubtedly has its positive aspects, especially in the market liberalization, continues to follow an extremely slow pace that must not last much longer. Regardless of the unchanged indicators | EL COMERCIO: Effort Must Be Made To Speed Up Economic Reforms |
FBIS3-11090_1 | Of course, one can also interpret the maintenance of the embargo against Cuba as a warning to the rest of Latin America," a warning that a high price is paid for any reduction in U.S. influence on the continent. "The Americans," Allende sighs, "make demands on us about human rights and democracy. But they are just excuses. They do not want Cuba to follow an independent course." These demands are largely linked to domestic U.S. politics, she says. There are more than 1 million Cubans living in the United States, and they are U.S. citizens and voters who are hostile to the Castro government. Wealthy exiles finance the election campaigns of U.S. politicians like Torricelli, who ensured that the Cuban embargo was further tightened at the end of 1992. "Not all of them are hysterics who want to further strengthen the embargo," according to Allende. "Others do not want that at all. In April, we will talk with those exiles who accept that Cuba makes its decisions itself." The distinction between "fanatics" and other Cubans in the United States is a new element in Havana's attitude. Until recently all exiles were regarded as "gusanos" (worms) and defectors who had betrayed their country. The deputy prime minister speaks passionately in support of the democratization carried out by Cuba within the one-party system. "What is democracy?" she asks. "Does it only exist in one form, such as the one applied in the United States? For me, it still means government by the people. In Cuba the people participate in the government. Where else are planned economic measures subjected to popular consultation in the workplace?" Allende refers to the planned government cutbacks, the introduction of a progressive income tax, and other far-reaching changes, which after an initial debate in parliament, are being discussed in the factories under the leadership of the trade unions. The minister defends last year's general elections. "It was the people who chose the candidates for the election lists," she says. "Directly and by secret voting." She agrees with parliamentary Chairman Ricardo Alarcon. He said proudly that "the political map of the world would look very different if everywhere, like in Cuba, the people selected the candidates, rather than the political machines greased by the financial powers." Havana feels that Washington, with regard to Cuba, limits the concept of "human rights" to individual and political rights, while discounting economic and | Allende: Government Wants `Normal' U.S. Ties |
FBIS3-11090_2 | their country. The deputy prime minister speaks passionately in support of the democratization carried out by Cuba within the one-party system. "What is democracy?" she asks. "Does it only exist in one form, such as the one applied in the United States? For me, it still means government by the people. In Cuba the people participate in the government. Where else are planned economic measures subjected to popular consultation in the workplace?" Allende refers to the planned government cutbacks, the introduction of a progressive income tax, and other far-reaching changes, which after an initial debate in parliament, are being discussed in the factories under the leadership of the trade unions. The minister defends last year's general elections. "It was the people who chose the candidates for the election lists," she says. "Directly and by secret voting." She agrees with parliamentary Chairman Ricardo Alarcon. He said proudly that "the political map of the world would look very different if everywhere, like in Cuba, the people selected the candidates, rather than the political machines greased by the financial powers." Havana feels that Washington, with regard to Cuba, limits the concept of "human rights" to individual and political rights, while discounting economic and social rights. "There are human rights in Cuba, which are not even discussed in other parts of the world," Allende says, referring to free education and health care and the absence of hunger and poverty. "In addition, Washington violates human rights itself," she says. "U.S. companies are not allowed to trade with us and U.S. tourists are not allowed to go to Cuba." Nicanor Leon Cotayo, a columnist for the Trabajadores trade union newspaper and member of the Communist Party's Central Committee, also calls the U.S arguments for the embargo excuses. "The original justifications given for the embargo were that Cuba was a danger to U.S. security, that it encouraged subversion in Latin America, that it was the ally of the Soviet Union, that it intervened in Angola. With the passing of time they could no longer use these arguments. Now human rights and democracy have once again come to the forefront in their arguments." Nicanor Leon says: "But when Washington had to explain to the United Nations why it supported the embargo, it dropped all these arguments and maintained only the demand for compensation for nationalized U.S. interests in Cuba." Only the United States is still making problems about | Allende: Government Wants `Normal' U.S. Ties |
FBIS3-11103_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Article by Daniel Santoro; copyright CLARIN] [Text] The United States has reiterated its "subtle" request that the Argentine Government make antinarcotics action "more efficient" by opening two battle fronts. On the one hand, Washington wants more legal weaponry to be given to judges and to the police "this year," incorporating -- for example -- the case of "repented" persons in Argentine law, in reducing the penalty of detainees who provide information on drug trafficking. The U.S. Administration also pointed to the need for the military to provide logistical support (without engaging in combat with drug traffickers) to security forces. Foreign diplomatic sources, however, have told CLARIN that the powerful DEA (the U.S. antinarcotics agency) believes that "for the time being" this step is not necessary. These precise and clear signals of what Washington wants were conveyed by DEA head Robert Gelbard [title as published] to officials at the Foreign Ministry, the Interior Ministry, and the Antinarcotics Secretariat during his stay in Buenos Aires last week. The sole reference to the Argentine military becoming indirectly engaged in the fight prompted a debate within the government, causing its anticipated rejection by the military. However, according to the same sources -- who preferred to remain anonymous -- the DEA has another priority that comes before this one: incorporating, among others, the following provisions in the antinarcotics legislation: Informers: Depenalize the actions of persons who, while not being criminals, provide information about drug traffickers. The repented: Judges should be allowed to reduce penalties in return for information. This case is regulated by law in other countries. In Spain, for example, it was applied to the case of "repented" Andy Cruz Iglesias, who reported to Spanish judges the Argentine connection of an international dollar-laundering gang, which originated the so-called Yoma affair in Argentina. Undercover agents: Policemen should be allowed to infiltrate traffickers' organizations, under judicial branch control. Judicial branch controlled shipping: International drug-trafficking operations should be allowed to continue in order to arrest the gang in the receiving country. The objective of these measures, which are added to the reiterated claim for increasing control over the "laundering" of narco-dollars, is to prevent the crimes linked with drug trafficking and to try to catch the heads of the organizations. DEA priorities for Argentina are consistent with the U.S. concern about the releasing of Colombian John Arrayave Arias, one of the men involved | Defense, Foreign Ministries Disagree Over U.S. Proposal |
FBIS3-11105_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Article by Paz Tejerina] [Text] Foreign Minister Guido Di Tella on 9 March forecast that if Argentina is on the list of countries chosen by the United States to join NAFTA, "we would not be able to join it until 1987." Bilateral negotiations with Washington to join NAFTA will not harm Mercosur [Common Market of the South], he added. The Argentine position, however, is still undefined. The economic plan launched by Brazil in the past few days created expectations among the negotiators and even a political position in Brazil in the face of its new international situation. The truth is that Argentina continues to strongly defend Mercosur even though the other member countries turn their back on the agreement. The importation of subsidized wheat from the United States and Canada is an example of this. Foreign Trade Under Secretary Carlos Kesman said he will again ask the Brazilian Government to apply compensatory rights for the measure. Since 9 March, Argentine and Brazilian negotiators have put on the table in the Argentine Foreign Ministry the policies they must follow during the next 10 or 20 years. Now that Brazil finds itself supported by an economic plan, it will attempt to turn away from its previous policies. In principle, there are two subjects that must be discussed: On the one hand, whether Argentina should join NAFTA together with the rest of the Mercosur member countries. On the other hand, whether to establish a more flexible system by which each country could individually negotiate its membership. How will this mechanism be applied? The Argentine negotiators answered this with complete silence. Now, what is the position chosen by Argentina? Kesman answered: "For the time being we will join NAFTA together with Mercosur." Economy Minister Domingo Cavallo believes the last word has not been spoken yet and the position expressed by Kesman could be modified in hours. In turn, the United States believes that if Brazil joins NAFTA it would represent a trade exchange of $800 million, while it would only amount to $46.6 million with Argentina, Kesman said. It is clear that the United States does not care whether Mercosur can join NAFTA in bloc or partially because its interest is centered mainly on Brazil. The best move for Brazil now is to consolidate its position in South America, and Argentina plays an essential role in this strategy. In order | Trade Partnerships With Mercosur, NAFTA Viewed |
FBIS3-11106_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Interview with Foreign Minister Guido Di Tella by LA NACION correspondent Graciela Iglesias in Paris -- date not given] [Text] [Iglesias] What commitments are involved in OECD membership? Are there any fees to be paid? [Di Tella] Yes. A yearly fee will have to be paid. The amount still must be established, but it will be established on the basis of a small percentage of our gross domestic income. Being an OECD member represents ample benefits, especially because the membership represents a "certificate of quality" for our country -- not only in the economic field but also in other significant fields for the OECD like human rights, respect for democracy, and political stability. I am convinced that this is so to the extent that as soon as we become full-fledged OECD members, the international banks' interest rate for Argentina will be reduced. [Iglesias] Beyond the Chiapas events, Mexico is another Latin American country that soon will become an OECD member. Mexico, however, is not a Development Center member. Why is Argentina following that strategy? [Di Tella] It will enter at the end of the year. I do not harbor any doubts. And this makes our acceptance unavoidable. Mexico used a different path because it had specific U.S. support stemming from the NAFTA issue. [Iglesias] And who supports Argentina? [Di Tella] Our actions. [Iglesias] Nevertheless, it is known that the Japanese delegation opposed Argentina's entry at the OECD council. [Di Tella] It was not the Japanese position alone. The OECD was reluctant to increase the number of its members. It does not want to go from 24 to 40 members. Their requirements involve domestic policy (respect for human rights, democracy), foreign policy (cooperation), and market economy. Not all the developing countries have these conditions. We now are able to portray a consistent model in this regard. Our international policy is one of cooperation. We do not view conflict as a basis for our relations. We have good relations with Chile, Brazil, the United States, and the United Kingdom in everything except one issue. [Iglesias] Concerning this issue, you have told LA NACION that your British counterpart gave you satisfactory explanations on the shipment of a Harrier plane to Chile, his visit to the Malvinas Islands on 2 April, and [Margaret] Thatcher's visit to Santiago. What were these explanations? [Di Tella] Among other things, Douglas Hurd told me | Foreign Minister Praises Entry Into OECD |
FBIS3-11108_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Unattributed commentary] [Text] One of the weak legs in the economic plan is shaking a bit more. Last year's trade deficit reached 3.6 billion pesos. But the members of the economic team do not seem to be worried. As a counterbalance, it was officially announced that the February inflation rate was zero, while wholesale prices dropped 0.2 percent. Economic Programming Secretary Juan Llach said that with these results Argentina has reached the cost of living percentage of the developed countries. Reaching a trade balance in the short term is, however, very far away. LA NACION was able to learn from a reliable source at the Economy Ministry that December 1993 imports reached 1.55 billion pesos and exports 1.05 billion pesos. For some analysts, the figures for the first 11 months of last year published by INDEC [National Institute of Statistics and Census] should cause alarm. In 1992 the negative balance reached 2.8 billion pesos, and in only one year the trade balance has registered a significant deficit. During 1993 the deficit grew more than was expected by Economy Ministry officials, who find an explanation in an increase of capital goods imports. They said: "The country is re-equipping itself." But the truth is that the increase in capital goods imports was minimal compared to the high increase in the balance of payments. In 1992 the increase in the balance was 37.5 percent, while in 1993 imports grew 40.9 percent. A difference in the deficit of 700 million pesos in 12 months is not small, and everything seems to indicate that this trend will continue. In 1993 exports grew at a rate of 7 percent, while imports went over that figure, reaching an 11 percent increase. The arguments used by the aides of Economy Minister Domingo Cavallo have created concern among some analysts, who do not doubt their assertion that the same negative trend will continue in the next few months. Trade with the United States would be one of the main reasons that the Argentine trade balance is in the red every month. Of the total deficit, about 2.2 billion pesos is reportedly with that country. Argentine imports from NAFTA were 18.3 percent higher than in 1992. Of the 3.7062 billion pesos in imports, 92 percent came from the United States. The other face of the coin was improvement in trade with Mercosur [Common Market of the | Commentary Views `Weak Legs' in Economic Policies |
FBIS3-11117_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Rangoon, 14 Mar (PL) -- Cuban Foreign Minister Roberto Robaina described as positive the talks held in this capital with Myanmar (former Burma) Prime Minister Than Shwe and several government officials Approached by the local media, Robaina, who has already spent a week visiting Asian countries, said that they discussed many issues concerning the development of political and economic bilateral relations. Although no agreements were signed during his visit, Robaina pointed out that broad prospects to develop ties between the two nations were created. This is the first trip a ranking Cuban official has made to Myanmar. Meanwhile, President Than Shwe conveyed to Robaina his government's wish to exchange delegations of specialists and businessmen to explore trade prospects between the two nations. He also indicated that both Myanmar and Cuba are the target of similar manipulation campaigns by the West and because of that, he added, they need to know each other better. Myanmar, a nation bordering China and India, produces mostly rice (15 million tons a year), although it has large mineral deposits and timber reserves. Its economy today is beginning to flourish in the area, especially with regard to foreign investment. Its leading trade partner is China, although other countries in the area have a steady relationship with this country. In addition to being greeted by President Than Shwe, Robaina met with counterpart Ohn Gyaw, Chamber of Commerce President U Koko Gyi, Development and Planning Minister Brigadier General Abel, among other government officials. Yesterday, Robaina visited several new communities on the outskirts of Yangon, the Shwedagon Pagoda, which is the largest Buddhist shrine in the world. He also visited a university and the Yangon sports complex, where a Cuban boxing trainer has been working since 1993. During all the meetings, the hosts expressed their interest in the current Cuban situation and in seeking new forms of cooperation that yield mutual benefits. Robaina and his delegation will leave today for Cambodia, and will later visit India, Malaysia, and Vietnam in the last phase of his Asian tour, which has also included Indonesia, Thailand, and Laos. | Robaina Continues Visit to Asian Countries Terms Burma Talks `Positive' |
FBIS3-11123_2 | apply for permanent residence in a year. This option is repeatedly denied to other applicants. The daily, weekly, monthly, and annual publication of the number of Cubans who, according to U.S. statistics, avail themselves of this possibility after leaving Cuba illegally is part of the anti-Cuban strategy being implemented by Washington. Of course, this policy is complemented by repeated rejections given to many Cubans who go to the U.S. Cuban Interests Office in the island's capital to request a visa to visit their relatives or to opt for residence in the United States. An immigration agreement signed years ago by the governments of the two countries states that Washington will authorize up to 20,000 visas for Cubans, but the Cuban Government has repeatedly accused the other party of violating this agreement by granting a ridiculous number of travel permits. This contrasts with Havana's evident easing of its immigration process, which now allows any citizen over age 20 to travel freely, as long as he has the required visa to the place he wants to go. Because accepting Haitian refugees is not a U.S. political priority, the conditions established for these people are completely different. All boats taking these emigrants to U.S. territory are intercepted and forced to return to their place of origin, even though this might mean, according to repeated reports by Haitian organizations, delivering them back into the repression from which they escaped. Tragic events such as this are repeated and, more than once, have caused international scandals, as was the case of the confinement of thousands of Haitians at the Guantanamo Naval Base that is occupied by the United States in eastern Cuba. These Haitians were detained there for months and lived in dire conditions. Nevertheless, on this occasion, the tragedy reached unsuspected proportions, because the refusal to help the 35 Haitians who were trying to find haven in the United States simply turned them into food for sharks; indeed, those who could help them were absolutely unconcerned about this. An eloquent depiction of the U.S. position was the desperate attempt made by another Haitian to pass himself off as a Cuban named Felipe Gonzalez, but the authorities discovered his true identity and arrested him upon his arrival in U.S. territory. Haitian protests and the tragic results of the aforementioned event could definitely become a powerful topic of discussion at the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva. | Haitian Deaths Blamed on U.S. Immigration Policy |
FBIS3-11124_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Commentary by Javier Rodriguez] [Text] Havana, 11 Mar (PL) -- It appears that the U.S. blockade on Cuba -- which is harmful to the Cuban economy, which the island occasionally sidesteps, and which is being questioned in the United States -- is destined to develop growing cracks. According to analysts and observers, the signs pointing in this direction are becoming increasingly clear while the Cuban economy is showing a modest reactivation, and foreign investments in the country are growing. The intense business activities being conducted on the island and the increase of foreign investors who want to negotiate with Cuba to participate in various industrial and service sectors are unprecedented in the entire history of the revolutionary process that began in 1959. According to official sources, 413 commercial enterprises from about 40 countries already have subsidiaries in the country, and 129 economic agreements with foreign firms have been signed. Right now, buzzwords that touch on production, productivity, and the concepts of quality and cost control are being heard not only from knowledgeable economists and foreign businessmen, but also from workers in the parliaments in the workplace, as well as on the job. This setting will gradually, but definitely, lead to a cleansing of the domestic finances and to investments that are necessary in sectors severely hampered as a result of years of U.S. hostility and the disappearance of the European socialist bloc. This means that the Cuban people, who have grown used to coming up winners in a countless number of difficult situations over the past four decades, are now focusing their efforts on overcoming an adverse situation characterized by economic and supply restrictions imposed by international circumstances. At the same time, important political decisions, such as the convoking to "the Nation and the Emigrants" conference in April, are being adopted. This is the latest step taken along the path of normalizing relations between the government and Cubans living abroad. In addition to contributing to the reuniting of families and to a certain degree of participation by emigrants in national affairs, the meeting is another factor that contributes to inspiring trust in the soundness of the current global policy of the Antillean nation. Things being as they are, the ongoing blockade imposed 32 years ago and maintained by successive U.S. governments that have wanted to liquidate the Cuban revolutionary process is increasingly showing various signs of | Commentary Contends U.S. Blockade Breaking Down |
FBIS3-11129_0 | Article Type:BFN [Editorial Report] The following is a compilation of reports on Venezuelan economic developments monitored through 15 March. Orinoco Iron and Steel Works, Sidor, and Colombian Steel Works Corporation, Acesco, signed an agreement allowing Sidor to open an office in Bogota. According to Sidor, Colombia is one of the corporation's main sheet metal customers, and "having an office in Bogota will allow Sidor to compete with similar suppliers from Japan and Brazil." Company officials reported that "this agreement is part of the overall economic integration process." (Caracas EL NACIONAL in Spanish 10 Mar 94 p E11) Overall exports dropped 53.2 percent in January compared with January 1993. The Central Statistics and Data Processing Office, OCEI, reports that exports totalled $414 million. Meanwhile, imports fell 43.3 percent for the same period. Experts said "Venezuela's 1993 economic situation was the worst in recent years." Inflation closed at 50 percent for the year, the bolivar was devaluated 35 percent, and the deficit hit 3 percent of the GNP. (Hamburg DPA in Spanish 0006 GMT 10 Mar 94) Nontraditional exports to the United States increased 27.6 percent during 1993 while imports fell 8 percent. The Foreign Trade Institute (ICE) and OCEI reported that the United States purchased products worth $746.3 million in 1993, which is 23.1 percent of total Venezuelan nontraditional exports. Imports from the United States dropped about $444.3 million, although such transactions totalled 12.13 percent of Venezuelan exports in general. (Caracas REPORTE DE LA ECONOMIA in Spanish 11 Mar 94 p 15] Fedecamaras, Venezuelan Federation of Associations and Chambers of Commerce and Industry, has issued its monthly inflation report. The study shows that inflation dropped in February to 1.9 percent, a 55.8 percent decrease from January 1994 and 26.9 percent less than February 1993. The main contributors were home expenditures, clothing, and food and drink. (Caracas EL NACIONAL in Spanish 12 Mar 94 p E10) Following congressional approval of the Emergency Banking Law, the finance commission approved the Public Credit Bill, which will fund the former. Acting Finance Minister Luis Grisanti said the bill "will not have inflationary effects and will not force the Central Bank of Venezuela to print money without appropriate reserve funds." He stressed the need to restore financial equilibrium, as "solving the financial difficulties of several Venezuelan banks is closely related to the process of restoring trust." He added that "this will in fact bring down inflation, | Roundup of Economic Developments |
FBIS3-11141_1 | but the government continues implementing them because we are fully convinced that we will overcome the current difficulties. The changes, which also have an important influence on foreign relations and seek to meet the needs of the new times, began in 1990. They are part of a reorganization process aimed at making governmental actions meet the dynamic international changes that have had a dramatic impact on the lives of Cubans. These comments were made by Luis Suarez, a Cuban expert on international matters who heads the Cuban Center for Latin American Studies. Suarez was specially invited for President Frei's installation and has held several talks on the Cuban situation with Chilean Government experts and Chilean Foreign Ministry officials. In Suarez' opinion, the current Cuban process cannot be called a transition process because these changes began 35 years ago. Considering the U.S. policy regarding Cuba, which is translated into an economic blockade, he does not believe the Cuban situation is critical: [Begin Suarez recording] A country that is only 90 miles away from the United States, a country that has had its national identity attacked by a power as huge as that of the United States -- which lies hardly 90 miles from its borders -- finds the task of building a national and popular democracy very hard, complex, and arduous. Such a task cannot be achieved overnight. Therefore, when people talk to me about a Cuban transition, I tell them that the Cuban transition began 35 years ago when Fulgencio Batista's brutal military dictatorship was ousted and Cuba began to build this superior sort of democracy that all peoples in the world should yearn to have. [end recording] Suarez' option for the type of government being enforced in his country did not prevent him from seeing the difficulties faced by the Cuban Government. He said the economic blockade is a powerful obstacle to any sort of change and has a dramatic impact on the people. Paradoxically, he admitted that if the blockade were suspended, it would have a conflictive impact on his country. Suarez believes that a society that is blocked and besieged develops a culture appropriate to that type of harassment. In his opinion, however, it is important to count on active and concrete international solidarity. He pointed out that this solidarity was translated into $50 million last year and it has prevented the island from being ideologically isolated. | Cuba Expert Discusses `Very Deep' Changes |
FBIS3-11142_2 | in the asphalt mixture, with solid experience obtained in Matanzas and Villa Clara. Radio Rebelde adds that Cuba received almost 250,000 tourists last year as a result of Cubanacan operations. This represents almost 40 percent of the foreign tourists visiting the country. These operations have brought some $96 million to the country, although financial contributions by other tourist companies, such as civil aviation, have increased this figure to $700 million. Cubanacan's manager said that tourism activity in 1994 will surely meet Cuba's goal of 30,000 rooms to shelter 1 million tourists, who would leave $1 billion in the country. In the same newscast, Rebelde reports that Chinese Ambassador to Cuba Xu Yicong has delivered a donation of clothing and school supplies for the municipalities of Arroyo Naranjo and Playa. Pedro Chavez, president of the Havana Provincial Assembly, and other local officials were present at the ceremony. The Chinese ambassador said that this donation is a contribution of the embassy personnel to the country's efforts in these difficult times. Radio Progreso at 1200 GMT on 17 March reports that the breakdown of one of the generators of the Carlos Manuel de Cespedes thermoelectric plant in Cienfuegos has caused blackouts in the capital and other parts of the country, including some circuits not usually affected because of the existence of food processing plants or other establishments of priority importance. Extreme efforts are being made in this plant to restore the supply of electricity as soon as possible. In the same newscast, Progreso reports that Sugar Industry Minister Nelson Torres Perez has noted the importance of the current stage for sugar production. Speaking on behalf of the coordination and support group and of the commander in chief, he stressed the crucial need to increase production and to defend efficiency. Progreso adds that workers of the petroleum drilling and extraction company in the municipality of Cardenas in Matanzas have promised to extract approximately 1 million tons of crude oil this year. Engineer Marcos Aguilera, company director, said they intend to produce 230,000 tons by the end of March, which is 28,000 tons more than the current plan. Last year the company produced 815,000 tons of crude, or 158,000 tons more than in 1992. Radio Rebelde at 1000 GMT on 17 March reports that workers of the 1 de Mayo Industrial Gas Plant in Havana are working hard to put the generator back into operation | Roundup of Economic Activity |
FBIS3-11160_0 | Language: French Article Type:BFN [Text] The UN/OAS international civilian mission has publicly noted the increase in violence in Port-au-Prince over the past few days. The mission, which resumed its activities on 31 January, is currently investigating 21 cases of extrajudicial executions and of suspicious deaths that occurred in the capital during the first 15 days of March. Sixteen of those victims were from the slum neighborhood of Cite Soleil. The victims include a student, Mesilia Mesadieux, who was murdered in Delmas 19, and Dady Pierre, who was killed in Cite Soleil. In the latter case, the mission quotes witnesses who saw military personnel and two armed civilians. Furthermore, the mission counted 50 cases of murder between 31 January and 28 February. The victims include 12 members of grassroots organizations and an Army officer killed in Carrefour-Feuilles. In concluding its report, the UN/OAS international civilian mission condemned the growing number of extrajudicial executions and suspicious deaths, and has asked the Haitian Armed Forces to take measures to end this cycle of violence. The assessment made by the Port-au-Prince police should also be pointed out: 883 people were arrested for various reasons during the month of February. Two hundred thirteen of the detained were released, and 424 were referred to the court. | UN/OAS Condemns Increase in Capital Violence |
FBIS3-11165_1 | this. The agreement also establishes a series of exceptions and the possibility of granting licenses. This provision will guarantee, through the appropriate legislation, the existence of sufficient competition in the market. The agreement also establishes a transition of 11 years for developing countries before the full implementation of the measure. This is natural, because developing countries were granted a period of transition of between 30 to 40 years to end their agricultural subsidies. [CLARIN] Which is the main hurdle blocking a solution to this conflict? [Challu] The problem is that we accept the GATT agreement, with all its consequences, but foreign laboratories do not understand it that way. That is the problem. There is haste, and we suffer pressures. Why do they refuse to wait until the end of the year, and want a law now? Because they have the possibility of threatening us with unilateral economic sanctions. At the end of the year, when all congresses in the world approve a similar law, the possibility of imposing economic sanctions will end. [CLARIN] Is one of the sanctions the refusal to let Argentina join NAFTA? [Challu] We understand it to be an unacceptable argument. It would be reasonable to expect concessions in exchange for something else within NAFTA. But it would be absurd to accept what they are requesting without offering anything in exchange. [CLARIN] Will you continue to work on the issue at Government House and in Congress? Six months ago you met with the president. [Challu] They heard our arguments carefully. But now things have changed, because we signed the GATT agreement. This is why we are today telling the United States and foreign laboratories, which are always telling us to continue on the legal path, that today the legal path is to respect GATT. [CLARIN] Is it necessary to introduce changes into the draft bill now in Congress in order to accommodate the GATT principles? [Challu] We must introduce a series of changes in the bill to include the transition period and the flexibility to grant licenses. [CLARIN] What will happen if Congress approves a law that meets all U.S. requirements? [Challu] Consumers will foot the bill. Medicine prices will increase between 250 and 300 percent, not in the long term but immediately, as happened in Italy when a patents law was approved. Besides, the bill will affect the balance of payments, because we will have to | Pharmaceutical Director Views U.S. Patents Conflict |
FBIS3-11165_2 | of 11 years for developing countries before the full implementation of the measure. This is natural, because developing countries were granted a period of transition of between 30 to 40 years to end their agricultural subsidies. [CLARIN] Which is the main hurdle blocking a solution to this conflict? [Challu] The problem is that we accept the GATT agreement, with all its consequences, but foreign laboratories do not understand it that way. That is the problem. There is haste, and we suffer pressures. Why do they refuse to wait until the end of the year, and want a law now? Because they have the possibility of threatening us with unilateral economic sanctions. At the end of the year, when all congresses in the world approve a similar law, the possibility of imposing economic sanctions will end. [CLARIN] Is one of the sanctions the refusal to let Argentina join NAFTA? [Challu] We understand it to be an unacceptable argument. It would be reasonable to expect concessions in exchange for something else within NAFTA. But it would be absurd to accept what they are requesting without offering anything in exchange. [CLARIN] Will you continue to work on the issue at Government House and in Congress? Six months ago you met with the president. [Challu] They heard our arguments carefully. But now things have changed, because we signed the GATT agreement. This is why we are today telling the United States and foreign laboratories, which are always telling us to continue on the legal path, that today the legal path is to respect GATT. [CLARIN] Is it necessary to introduce changes into the draft bill now in Congress in order to accommodate the GATT principles? [Challu] We must introduce a series of changes in the bill to include the transition period and the flexibility to grant licenses. [CLARIN] What will happen if Congress approves a law that meets all U.S. requirements? [Challu] Consumers will foot the bill. Medicine prices will increase between 250 and 300 percent, not in the long term but immediately, as happened in Italy when a patents law was approved. Besides, the bill will affect the balance of payments, because we will have to pay some $500 million annually to the United States over patents, instead of the $30 million we currently pay. Besides, at this time we have a balance of trade deficit of $3 billion with the United States. | Pharmaceutical Director Views U.S. Patents Conflict |
FBIS3-11175_1 | if the PT is successful at the polls. Many of the proposals in the PT government program, which is still under discussion, directly contradict the Constitution and would entail making deep changes in nearly all its chapters. By way of example, the endorsement of abortions to be performed at state-run health care centers jars directly with Article 5 of the Constitution, which guarantees the inviolability of the right to life and thus bans abortion. Another example of conflict is the PT's proposal to guarantee the right of homosexual couples to get married at a registry office, to have access to social security benefits, or to share or bequeath their assets to one another. Paragraph 3 of Article 226 of the Constitution clearly recognizes the family unit to be the stable union between a man and a woman, thus excluding a union between people of the same sex. The PT wants the Armed Forces' role to be circumscribed to defense of the borders, while the Constitution in Article 142 provides for other duties, such as enforcing law and order and guaranteeing constitutional authority. The PT is campaigning for voluntary military service, while Article 143 of the Constitution stipulates that it is compulsory. The PT program proposes creating a Defense Ministry, to "guarantee cohesion in defense policy and reduce the corporate interests of each branch of the Armed Forces." Article 91 of the Constitution, however, takes the existence of the three military ministries (Army, Navy, and Aeronautics) for granted. The federal system of government does not escape from this conflict, either. The PT intends to decentralize power and financial resources so that they will be equitably shared between the federal government, states, and municipalities. This would require amendments to Articles 25-31 and to Article 145. The PT program jars with several points on the organization of the three branches of government as provided for in the Constitution. The PT program's defense of the principle of "a vote for each citizen," in referring to representation in the Chamber of Deputies, goes against Article 45 of the Constitution, which stipulates that all states are to be guaranteed a minimum of eight deputies and a maximum of 70. Other examples include the PT's proposal to eliminate the revisory role of the Senate, which goes against Article 65, and the items pertaining to party affiliation and parliamentary immunity, which go against the provisions of Article 55. | Program Requires Constitutional Changes |
FBIS3-11179_3 | a PSDB leader with ties to Senator Mario Covas. "We have already had Collor I, and now here comes Collor II," is the ironic comment by Luiz Carlos Santos (PMDB, Sao Paulo), government leader in the Chamber of Deputies. And economist Edmar Bacha, special adviser to the minister of finance, said at one meeting: "With a friend like Ciro, Fernando doesn't need any enemies." But the festival of attacks on the PSDB's possible allies in a presidential campaign must not be regarded as a foolish political move by the governor. It is a strategic necessity for anyone needing to make room for himself in the presidential race. In distancing himself from all the political bosses, Ciro is trying to come across as a politician who is different. "I am not building my candidacy because I am not part of the old crooked politics," Ciro said in an interview with CBN radio on Thursday the 3d. Everyday routine in the Ceara state administration proves, however, that he is very much like other governors. On the pretext of preserving a mangrove swamp, Ciro Gomes established the 600-hectare Coco Park. In that region he built the best roads in Fortaleza--providing access to the Iguatemi Shopping Center owned by the family of the PSDB's president, Tasso Jereissati. The matter of the cholera outbreak exemplifies the gap between talk and practice. The state took first place in the country [in number of cholera cases] in March 1993. The ineffectiveness of the PSDB administration can be judged from a report by the Ministry of Health. "It needs to be emphasized that in the 10 months since it took first place, [cholera] cases have risen from 21.89 per 100,000 population to 335.38 per 100,000, an increase of approximately 1,500 percent," says the report. That jump in the number of cases at the start of this year had an even more perverse cause: the Workers Canal, the most sparkling achievement of Ciro Gomes's administration. Built in 105 days by 11 construction firms and 5,000 workers, it cost $48 million and was supposed to prevent water rationing in Fortaleza, whose 2 million residents were suffering their third year of drought. When the canal water arrived, it was brackish, and the rationing system of 48 hours with water and 48 hours without continued despite the rain that had started falling, and most of the capital's 700,000 shantytown dwellers began using | Leadership Style of Ceara Governor Gomes Viewed |
FBIS3-11189_0 | Article Type:BFN [Editorial Report] The following is a compilation of reports on Mexican economic developments monitored through 15 March. According to a survey by EL FINANCIERO NORESTE EMPRESARIAL, the 12 most important industrial groups in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon State experienced a 3 percent drop in profits because of instability in the international markets, the economic recession in Mexico, the high cost of money, and a drop in the peso's competitiveness compared to the U.S. dollar. (Mexico City EL FINANCIERO in Spanish 7 Mar 94 p 12) According to the National Iron and Steel Chamber, Mexican iron and steel companies will invest $500 million this year; 50 percent of which corresponds to the modernization process and environmental protection measures to be adopted by the Northern Steel Group. (Mexico City EL FINANCIERO in Spanish 7 Mar 94 p 12) According to Jorge Tamayo, general director of the Mexican National Railroads, railroad freight has increased 5 percent over the past two years but it has still not reached 1987-88 levels when almost 60 million tons were transported by railroad. (Mexico City EL FINANCIERO in Spanish 7 Mar 94 p 36) According to the National Institute of Geography, Statistics, and Data Processing, 508,000 manufacturing workers lost their jobs in 1993. It also said that by the end of 1993, only 46.5 percent of the economically active population, estimated last year to be approximately 25.38 million people, had formal jobs. (Mexico City LA JORNADA in Spanish 9 Mar 94 pp 1, 52) Even though Aeromexico and Mexicana de Aviacion airlines sustained 249 million pesos in losses in 1993, the consortium that operates both companies did better than its six closest foreign competitors. (Mexico City LA JORNADA in Spanish 10 Mar 94 p 47) Mexican Petroleum (Pemex) and Protexa have announced the creation of an air freight service company with domestic capital. Pemex will participate with 49 percent of the stocks, and Protexa will be the leading shareholder. (Mexico City LA JORNADA in Spanish 10 Mar 94 p 47) The Confederation of Mexican Workers revealed that during the current administration, 10 million Mexicans lost their jobs and those with jobs do not receive any benefits, social security benefits, and earn less than the minimum wage. It described the labor situation in the country as "alarming" because new jobs were not created between 1992 and 1993. (Mexico City UNOMASUNO in Spanish 10 Mar 94 p 9) Inflation | Roundup of Economic Developments |
FBIS3-11194_2 | the view of all the jurists, it is more than evident that the case of the La Cantuta massacre does not properly fall within the competency of the military tribunals, because it does not derive from the military's functions, for it is not credible that those functions include the assassination of students. The case clearly falls within the competency of the ordinary courts, involving as it does the assassination of civilians. And this is set forth in the Penal Code. For these reasons, the civil investigating judge, Cubas Villanueva, placed an official written request on the military tribunal that it transfer the case to the court having original jurisdiction. This request, having been refused, produced a jurisdictional dispute. As set forth in the law, the solution of that dispute devolves upon the Criminal Division of the Supreme Court of Justice, and requires four votes in favor of one jurisdiction or the other. In executive session, the Criminal Division vote was three for the military jurisdiction and two for the ordinary jurisdiction, thus requiring under the law that another Supreme Court magistrate be called in to cast a vote. At this point, however, the Congress stepped in and passed a law providing that for the determination of competency only a simple majority is required, and stipulating, in an incredible aberration, that this provision "is applicable to all proceedings presently in course, without requiring new voting." Thus, under its true name, it is a law determining that the La Cantuta case is to be tried by the military tribunals. Third, the law thus passed is illegal and therefore not enforceable, because it cannot replace the provisions of an organic law, which is of a higher category and specifies that the deciding votes must be four in number. It is contrary to the Constitution, in that, according to Article 139, "No authority may take over a pending case that is before the courts"--which this is--"nor interfere in the exercise of the functions of the courts." It is doubly contrary to the Constitution because, according to Article 103, "No law has retroactive force nor retroactive effect..."; and to stipulate in the new law that it is applicable immediately to proceedings in course is to enact a retroactive provision. Fourth, and gravest of all, the CCD's action obviously constitutes an intolerable intrusion by the Legislative Power upon the Judicial Power. As the CAL [Lima Bar | Newspaper Terms La Cantuta Law `Intolerable' |
FBIS3-11208_1 | some tourists -- are returning to what used to be battlefields. Fujimori's free trade policy has curbed inflation and turned our country into the fastest growing economy in the Americas. It is hardly surprising that he now enjoys overwhelming popularity among his fellow countrymen. Despite all this, Fujimori has been unable to achieve one crucial victory -- to be accepted by the U.S. Government. Some U.S. officials say Fujimori's achievements will always be stained by the harsh tactics he used to redress that state of affairs. In April 1992, President Fujimori dissolved Congress, suspended the Constitution, and took almost total control of the country on the grounds that this was the only way to prevent the savage Shining Path from seizing power and to end dilatory tactics in the Peruvian Congress which thwarted the economic reform. Peruvians applauded Fujimori's decision to wage a war against the guerrillas and to undertake economic reforms. The United States, however, condemned his actions and suspended its economic aid even though Fujimori kept his promise of holding Parliamentary elections to draft a new Constitution. Human rights associations and leftist groups displayed more concern about this than about the suffering of the Peruvian people when their lives were at the mercy of Shining Path terrorists -- at the mercy of whom they still are to a certain extent because the Shining Path killed 750 people last year. U.S. Congress leaders and President Clinton contend that it is impossible to settle the issue of U.S. economic aid to Peru unless Fujimori takes additional steps to strengthen the democratic process and to improve respect for human rights in Peru. Nevertheless, the Clinton administration does not consider democracy to be a top priority when dealing with countries that are more strategically important. Washington openly endorsed Yeltsin when he dissolved the Russian Parliament last year. Fujimori argues that Yeltsin undoubtedly drew his inspiration from Peru and that Russian intelligence services consulted their Peruvian counterparts before Yeltsin's action. Private investors have already reached their own conclusions concerning Peru and are expeditiously acting to support our country through their investments because it offers so many possibilities, is making headway to consolidate its stability, and its president enjoys enormous popularity at home. It is high time for the Clinton administration to give up its hypocritical and moralistic attitude, which it readily overlooks whenever interests dictate, and to resume its economic aid to Peru. | Commentary Urges Resumption of U.S. Aid |
FBIS3-11212_6 | simply confesses his crime, in which case Article 369B of the Code of Criminal Procedure should be applied. - The application of Article 369E of the procedural statute is predicated upon cooperation with justice authorities. Indeed, the aforementioned regulation is part of the legal institution known as "surrender to and cooperation with justice authorities," which is aimed at imposing the proper penalties on those who have violated other people's rights but who have agreed to abide by the social and legal order. That is also the reason why the appearance is made exclusively before the prosecutor general of the nation or his deputy. - The provisions that set forth rewards for cooperating with justice authorities distinguish between two situations: that of persons who are being prosecuted and that of persons who are not. As for the first case, it necessarily implies that the authorities have evidence of the person's guilt, so coming forward and cooperating effectively are among the many criteria taken into consideration in the discretionary decision to grant the benefits provided by law (literal E), Article 369A. Now, if the person is not being criminally prosecuted, Article 369B of the Code of Criminal Procedure should be applied. It was specifically designed to address such cases, which is why it is entitled "Benefits for Persons not Being Prosecuted." Its second paragraph states: "If the person giving testimony freely and spontaneously confesses his participation in punishable acts, pursuant to Article 33 of the Political Constitution, and cooperates to ensure that justice is done, an investigation shall be opened in his case...." It should be noted that in this case, appearing before the authorities is not one of the criteria for deciding whether to grant benefits, and, therefore, it was expressly excluded as a reason for granting benefits during the debate and passage of the law in the Congress of the Republic. - From the above, it is concluded that as we interpret Article 369E of the procedural statute, the following prerequisites would have to be met for its application: a. That there be effective cooperation in the administration of justice, in accordance with the criteria that govern such matters. b. That there be a preliminary investigation or formal probable cause proceeding. c. That such proceedings result in sufficient evidence to prosecute anyone who is thought to be involved in criminal activity or who has come forward to provide such evidence. | Justice Minister Sends Letter to de Greiff |
FBIS3-11229_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] ARENA [Nationalist Republican Alliance], the ruling party, was unable to maintain the absolute majority it obtained when the official vote tally for Sunday's elections started; and the results indicate a runoff election will be needed. ARENA, with a conservative ideology, continues to drop little by little from the 51.22 percent it initially had when 50.31 percent of the votes were counted and as the vote tally continues. The Salvadoran electoral law stipulates a runoff election must be held between the two leading candidates if none of the seven candidates who participated in the elections obtain more than 50 percent of the votes. Former San Salvador Mayor Armando Calderon Sol, 45, expected to win the first round while his main opponent, leftist coalition candidate Ruben Zamora, will regroup for the runoff election and try to win it with the support of other opposition groups. Zamora, a combative 52-year-old politician who has lived in exile, has 27.85 percent of the votes in the presidential elections, and it is likely his vote percentage will also drop. His closest rival, Christian Democrat Fidel Chavez Mena, has 13.98 percent; and votes for the candidates of four minority parties totals less than nine percent. There was 46.9 percent abstentionism and this figure is considered high given the expectations raised by the first elections to be held in El Salvador following the 1992 Peace Accords. The leftist coalition attributed the low voter turnout to critical mistakes in the voter registration list, which prevented thousands of citizens from exercising their right to vote. Specifically speaking, the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front, FMLN, a former guerrilla organization that disarmed and became a political party a year ago, blamed ARENA for the irregularities and accused it of fraud. Referring to the elections for Legislative Assembly deputies and municipal officials, the percentages are similarly distributed to the presidential election votes, with an overwhelming advantage for ARENA. In the deputy elections, the Conservative Party obtained 45.35 percent; the left, 31.15 percent; and the Christian Democracy, 14.51 percent; while municipal power is distributed in this manner: 44.65 percent for the conservatives; 26.61 percent for the coalition; and 17.39 for the third group. These results do not offer ARENA much of a difference compared with the previous presidential elections held in 1989, in which Alfredo Cristiani -- who will relinquish the presidency on 1 June -- won the post | TSE Releases Preliminary Election Results ARENA Falls Short of 50 Percent |
FBIS3-11236_1 | president and vice president of the Republic, for deputies to the Legislative Assembly, and for municipal councils throughout the country will take place on the same day as the result of a very fortunate concurrence of the electoral calendar as established by the Constitution. It is a day when all elected offices will be renewed. To this we add the significant fact that these elections are the first to be held free of the dark scenario of the war behind us. The electoral system has been improved by the constitutional reforms, which fully guarantee that the elections will be honest and functional, with the vote of each citizen in every part of the country being valuable and secured and contributing to the general will, which is what will decide who should lead the fate of the country from the various posts in the years to come. Thus, this is a great opportunity to continue consolidating our democracy, and that is why it is such an important responsibility to go to the polls to vote. That vote is the only legitimate weapon of citizens who want to build a fatherland with freedom, security, and stability. This Sunday, young people, adults, and the elderly -- women and men -- must go to the polls. With our votes we will decide on the leadership of the next government. We will do it with our votes, not with weapons. We will do it with the force of reason, not with unreasonable force. Nobody should exclude himself from this great task. Abstention is self-exclusion, and nobody wins by it, much less the nation. Dear fellow countrymen; everything is prepared so Sunday's elections will be exemplary. The electoral and security mechanisms are ready to guarantee the honesty and tranquillity of the elections. In addition, the eyes of the world are on these elections, which are taking place within the framework of pacification that has merited the respect and admiration of the international community. In this context, we want to commend the work of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, which has efficiently fulfilled its role. The legitimacy of the process and the free expression of Salvadorans is guaranteed. Fellow countrymen; all that remains to be done is for you to go to your polling station next Sunday and freely cast your vote according to your conscience and inclination. Go with your family members, with your children, because an | Cristiani Discusses Upcoming Elections 19 Mar |
FBIS3-11256_2 | that there are values that cannot be lost. [Passage indistinct] even life. [Passage indistinct] for peace because you know that history is full of martyrs. [Passage indistinct] of ideas. This is why we are meeting here. [applause] We, through resistance, [words indistinct] for the life of ideas, morale under the present situation, struggle, continue working, do not lose our optimism, and trust confidence. We believe that our effort will also be fruitful in the material sphere. This is very difficult because of all these things I have been explaining. Very hard. However, we do not lose hope that we will eventually overcome this. We do not lose our hope of winning. We are willing to resist as long as these blockades last. What we are saying is easy to say but hard to do because we have to deal with millions of people, millions of human beings who are making sacrifices everyday, suffering everyday; whose morale, commitment, and fighting spirit we must try to keep high. This is why I say that to work and struggle under the present conditions is very difficult. Someone said that faith can move mountains, and we are witnessing that here. [applause] Faith in what is fair keeps us moving mountains. We shall continue moving mountains. This is the reason for the tremendous gratitude which I, as well as all the people, feel for your efforts and struggle, for your courage and heroism. There is more than physical heroism, there is a type of heroism which is even more difficult: moral heroism. Inside the United States, you are giving a great example of moral heroism by organizing this movement and waging this struggle. You are fighting at the most strategic site -- inside the United States. We also appreciate that you are gaining ground, you are being successful, and are creating a greater awareness of this struggle. You are also writing an unforgettable page in the history of relations between our two nations, in the history of brotherhood between the American and Cuban peoples. In our view, you are the representatives of the best of the tradition, history, and virtues of the American people. It is in this sense that a great mountain has been growing, in this case of love and gratitude for what you are doing. I did not want under any circumstances to fail to meet with you for a few minutes. | Castro Meets With Friendship Caravan Members TV Broadcasts Meeting |
FBIS3-11264_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Many international news agencies have reported from Washington that scores of influential political figures participated on 17 March in a heated debate at the U.S. Congress on the appropriateness of the United States' maintaining the blockade against Cuba, an anachronism in the postwar era. The law on free trade with Cuba, a proposal submitted by New York Democratic Party Representative Charles Rangel, with the support of most black and Hispanic congressmen, was the subject that prompted fiery deliberations at a House of Representatives Ways and Means subcommittee. The Spanish television station Univision last night reported that this subject prompted one of the most bitter debates with conflicting arguments expressed by supporters and opponents of the blockade. It is time to put an end to the Cold War because 34 years of blockade against Cuba have not yielded the expected results, Rangel said, defending free trade among nations. His stance was also supported by California Democratic Party Representative Esteban Torres, who termed sanctions against Havana as ineffective and anachronistic. The following congressmen also supported this stance: Jose Serrano from New York, Bernard Sanders from Vermont, and politicians such as Reverend Jesse Jackson and other supporters of an end to the blockade who were also present at the session at the Capitol. Grouped on the opposite side were figures of the anti-Cuban extreme right such as Robert Torricelli from New Jersey, Lincoln Diaz-Balart and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen from Florida, and Jorge Mas Canosa, head of the ultraconservative Cuban-American National Foundation. Officials from the Department of State who also support the continuation of the blockade were also present at the 17 March session. | U.S. Congress Debate on Blockade Reported Havana Radio Notes Debate |
FBIS3-11266_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Commentary by Roberto Morejon; from the "Evening Information Review" newscast] [Text] Health should not be used as a political weapon. This statement acquired unheard of implications when it was pronounced on 17 March on the floor of the House of Representatives of the United States, the nation that has held an economic blockade, which includes food supplies and medicines, against Cuba for the past three decades. The demand was presented by (Julie Finesilver) in her argument against the U.S. siege against Cuba on the occasion of a draft bill submitted by Democrat Charles Rangel. The presentation by (Finesilver), a pharmaceutical company consultant, was the one, among various speakers who participated before a House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee subcommission, that caused a great impact. During a marathon session in which tens of interventions, which also included positions supporting the blockade against Cuba, were heard, the insistence of solid arguments, such as those of Congressman Jose Serrano and civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, were evident in favor of a rational handling of the island. [sentence as heard] The debate was a solid reflection of the weakened influence of followers of the so-called Torricelli Law, which is aimed at intensifying the blockade's impact on 11 million Cubans. Politicians, businessmen, representatives of the Cuban community residents in the United States, and other individuals went to the podium to speak in favor of or against the blockade; nevertheless, the idea that the Unites States suffers steep economic losses as its hostility against Cuba prevails was emphatically reiterated. One of the most objective arguments was that of (Finesilver) who, when she displayed a box of PPG [expansion unknown], pills used in Cuba to lower cholesterol levels, expressed regret the box was empty, because the blockade prevents North American citizens from acquiring the product despite its international recognition. A devastating truth was felt in the room when the speaker stated Cuban and North American scientists could work together if the blockade were lifted. Only because there is a trend in the United States in favor of lifting the inhuman measures, only because of this did the U.S. House of Representatives begin debating such a conflictive issue. Irrefutable opinions such as those of Mrs. (Finesilver) were heard at that time. | U.S. Congress Debate on Blockade Reported Radio Comments on Debate |
FBIS3-11268_1 | no longer exists if it existed at all and that the embargo should be removed. I had hearings on this bill, and we have had many people in the Congress to agree. And I think that with all the witnesses, there is an overwhelming belief that the purposes that existed for the embargo before do not exist now and that it should be removed. "The problems that we do have is that there are many people in the United States who believe that the rights of Cuban people to speak their minds and the terms of the type of government that they would have are held in jeopardy if they speak out against the Cuban Government. The Cuban Government, of course, says that this is not so, that people do have the opportunity to say anything that they want, and so, therefore, I think that now that we have established an area of differences that we also can establish an area of debate and that is exactly where we are at this moment. [Gill] "Thank you so much I will translate for a few seconds." He states that the embargo, or the blockade, is established due to relations between Cuba and the United States. At the present moment this situation has changed completely, and if there is an area of differences there should also be an area of dialogue and mutual exchange. [Cavada] The listeners would like to know about the future of your bill. What other steps would be followed because the Cuba people are interested in learning of this future. [Gill] "Mr. Rangel, which will be the next steps in Congress concerning the project? [Rangel] "Well, since there is an overwhelming feeling that the embargo has nothing to do with the security of the United States and since many of the business people believe that indeed the United States is losing as a result of not participating in trade with Cuba, as we have established with the North America Free Trade Agreement, then what remains is some concern about the type of government and the type of conditions that exist as relates to the human rights of the Cubans. Of course some of us believe, that support the bill, that the embargo has caused an undo hardship in terms of lack of food and medicine, in terms of the pain and suffering of the people in Cuba. So, | U.S. Congress Debate on Blockade Reported Reporters Speak to Rangel on Ties |
FBIS3-11269_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN ["Our Opinion" commentary by Orlando Contreras] [Text] The initiative by U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel in presenting a bill that would normalize trade relations with Cuba has the [words indistinct] and the courage to do so. It has also put on the front page the debate over whether it is advisable for the United States to continue following the schemes of the Cold War or to modify its views and values and adopt a more realistic policy in a different world. Can any intelligent person in the United States continue arguing that Cuba presents or represents a threat to the national security of the world's greatest military power? If one were to make an objective analysis one would see that none of the conditions, claimed to have existed by nine U.S. Administrations in order to apply, maintain, and even strengthen the blockade against our country, currently exist. As a matter of fact, the events that they used in the past were not modified to please or to acquiesce to a policy of pressure but as a result of factors that exclusively involve Cuba and the countries with whom it maintained the determined commitments which Washington considered dangerous for its security, demanding their cancellation. Our presence in Africa, and the presence in Cuba of some units from the former Soviet Union were not ended because our country was acquiescing to U.S. pressures, but because of sovereign decisions between the parties involved. Maybe it was the unwavering position that Cuba has maintained and will maintain, or the sharp defense of the national sovereignty and our right to self determination that provoked anger among the leading members of the U.S. Administrations. At one time there was a more appropriate climate for such an exacerbated position. Today, it has been said that the Cold War is over. The Soviet Union no longer exists. There is not one Cuban soldier in Angola, a sovereign decision between those involved. Today, the most fierce sectors of the counterrevolution in Florida are losing their influence very rapidly. An important sector of the Cuban emigres wants dialogue; it does not accept the blockade. They claim to have other values and interests. A more rational attitude is gaining ground among intellectuals, entrepreneurs, and many U.S. politicians, who do not want to hear anything about a Cold War, but would prefer to hear of trade, mutual interests, trips, | U.S. Congress Debate on Blockade Reported `More Rational Attitude' in U.S. Seen |
FBIS3-11279_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Commentary by Roberto Morejon] [Text] The balance of the workers' proposals on how to make factories more efficient and how to improve the nation's finances has begun to be reported in the 14 Cuban provinces and the special Isle of Youth municipality today. It is immediately obvious that the wide array of suggestions and evaluations will be very useful to the parliament. This leading government organization last December studied measures to confront the negative balance of domestic finances. Prior to approving those measures, the organization decided to see what the consensus was among the people. The unions accepted the initiative and have held approximately 80,000 grass-roots meetings which, after almost three months of constant conferences to hear opinions, concluded this Wednesday. Following this free flow of opinions, it was observed that there was consensus on several possible measures for correcting domestic finances. Other ideas were widely discussed but did not receive unanimous support. Among the most accepted considerations were the implementation of actions with greater economic efficiency, the elimination of nonessential gratuities, the closure of nonproductive centers, and the implementation of monetary, fiscal, and price measures to face the significant fiscal deficit of 4,200 billion pesos, which has the same value in dollars according to the official rate. The majority was in favor of increasing the price of nonessential articles and others items that are necessary but which have such low prices that they do not even cover production costs. Workers also favored measures to encourage savings and understood the need to implement a tax system. There is not much information on tax systems because they do not exist in Cuba, so the issue was obviously cause for concern. There was no consensus on a possible change of currency given that such a measure could be ineffective in the long run. Thousands of Cubans, however, proposed establishing commitments to freeze funds for several years. These are some of the numerous considerations handled in the so-called parliaments in the workplace, which was the name given to the trade union assemblies that followed the last meeting of the People's Government National Assembly in December. Provincial and national union leaders will today begin to study the proposals and ideas presented by the rank and file, a process that should portray more clearly the opinion of the majority of Cuban workers about economic matters. | Workers' Proposals To Improve Economy Lauded |
FBIS3-11321_7 | of the consolidated financial system to grant credits for uses other than the financing of such operations. This would happen because the private sector would have to borrow (domestically or abroad) or liquidate assets in order to finance the purchase of shares and pay cellular telephone duties. The main assumptions of the program were: 19-percent inflation, a 5-percent increase in the GDP, the accumulation of international reserves held by the Bank of the Republic amounting to $450 million, a 27-percent expansion in the private sector's portfolio (financial savings), a 37.5-percent increase in the credit granted by the consolidated financial system to the private sector, and a 28-percent increase in the financial sector's holdings (excluding the Bank of the Republic). The results of an analysis of macroeconomic consistency show that a fiscal surplus of 298 billion pesos, equivalent to 1.48 percent of the GDP, would have to be generated. The required surplus is smaller than that projected for the public sector, as previously noted. This means that, instead of excessive financial pressure from the public sector, we shall have a promising situation from the standpoint of credit available to the private sector, which in turn will permit growth in credit, and therefore in investment, far exceeding the anticipated growth in the GDP. Conclusions We believe that the picture described in this article ends once and for all last year's debate on uncontrolled public spending, and completely frees the government of any fiscal responsibility for any possible increase in the peso. The government has taken the necessary measures to guarantee exchange stability throughout the year and achieve the goal set for inflation. In contrast with the views of economic experts connected with the different political campaigns, the government believes firmly that inflation should steadily drop by the year to one-digit levels and has made a major fiscal adjustment in order to achieve this goal. However, what is perhaps of greatest political importance is that the program will not only provide a balanced fiscal administration, but a prosperous one as well. We are working to provide the next administration with resources and room to work financially. Turning the good prospects that we present into a reality will then depend on the Bank of the Republic's proper handling of monetary and exchange policies and on the fiscal responsibility of the next administration. We have done all we could on the fiscal and exchange fronts. | Finance Minister Outlines 1994 Goals, Policies |
FBIS3-11332_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Caracas, 18 Mar (EFE) -- Official sources confirmed today the Venezuelan Government will study the possibility of renewing oil supplies to Cuba based on an agreement with Russia. Venezuela supplied between 60,000 and 70,000 barrels of oil per day to Cuba up to the latter part of 1991, based on an agreement in which the former Soviet Union supplied a similar amount of oil to the refineries of state-owned Venezuelan Petroleum in Europe. Venezuelan Energy and Mines Minister Erwin Arrieta said the possibility of renewing this agreement "is an international policy decision" which the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry will handle. The initial agreement was suspended after the Soviet Union disappeared, but both Russian and Cuban authorities, who have visited Venezuela, have expressed their interest in renewing the agreement. Arrieta did not reveal if the agreement will continue under the former premises. A Russian delegation that visited Venezuela in late 1993 reported the idea is for Cuba to pay for the oil by supplying them with sugar. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Burelli Rivas said this week Cuban authorities have "a great interest" in reaching an agreement on this matter and that it will be one of the topics to be discussed during Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomydin's visit to Venezuela in June. | Government To Study Possible Oil Supplies to Cuba |
FBIS3-11344_0 | Language: Portuguese Article Type:BFN [Text] Cuban Ambassador to Brazil Jorge Bolanos has said the U.S. attitude toward Cuba "is changing." He said there is no longer consensus among U.S. citizens of Cuban descent about whether Washington's economic embargo -- which has been in force since 1960 -- should be maintained. "Most are against it," he said. Bolanos, 55, was interviewed by FOLHA during a farewell dinner offered by the Brazilian-Cuban Chamber of Commerce in Sao Paulo. He said it was "entirely contradictory" for the United States to maintain the embargo on Cuba since revoked in February the similar sanctions it imposed on Vietnam. "Both countries are Communist, both have a single party system, and both have a centralized economy." Bolanos does not believe the UN Human Rights Commission 11 March decision to condemn Cuba reflects the country's isolation. "It just proves the organization is subordinated to the United States." He said he believes the opening of the Cuban economy will not destabilize its political system. He cited the former USSR as an example of the "illusion of capitalism" and mentioned the PRC and Vietnam as examples of Communist countries that have modernized their economies without losing political stability. Bolanos, the first ambassador to Brazil since the two countries resumed diplomatic relations seven years ago, will become the Cuban deputy foreign minister. | Cuban Ambassador Sees `Changing' U.S. Attitude |
FBIS3-11364_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] In the Argentine city of Mar del Plata, Cuban Vice President Jose Ramon Fernandez has charged that the U.S. State Department has circulated threats against businessmen who intend to trade with Cuba. After calling the blockade the U.S. maintains against Cuba for over three decades criminal, Fernandez said that, despite those pressures, every day there are more and more foreign investors, particularly in tourism and petroleum exploration. Fernandez was attending a Panamerican Sports Organization meeting in Mar del Plata. | U.S. State Department `Threatens' Traders |
FBIS3-11368_0 | Language: French Article Type:BFN [Excerpts] A serious hope for disentangling the situation in Haiti has yet to emerge. After the series of congresses and conferences and the plan of the parliamentarians, political parties and groups are multiplying proposals aimed at lifting the country out of deadlock. The following is a report by Wilker Fecond: [Begin recording, in Creole] [Fecond] While the parliament is divided, plans are coming from everywhere. Proposals are being made to get Haiti out of the difficult deadlock it is experiencing today. Reactions continue to come from political parties and people's organizations, each perceiving the situation differently. Reynold Georges, leader of Alliance for the Liberation and Progress of Haiti [ALAH], has reacted against the statement of the National Coalition [CN]. We remind you that the CN asked the Army to assume power so as to end the suffering and misery of the people. This statement has greatly shaken ALAH because it maintains its stance asking for the resignation of the head of the Army, which it considers the only way to resolve the crisis. [passage omitted] In the same vein, Saint-Martin People's Movement [Mouvman Popile Senmaten, MPSM] says in a statement to Signal FM that the country's problem is not the matter of a plan, but rather is compliance with what was contained in the Governors Island agreement to facilitate the return of President Aristide to power. [passage omitted] For its part, the Association of Young Haitian People's Power [Asosyasyon Jen Pouvwa Popile Ayisyen, AJEPOPOA] takes another stand, asking both President Aristide and General Cedras to step down. At the same time, the coordinator of this organization, Jude L. Jean-Jacques, has asked the Army to give the people a little leeway to go into the streets to demonstrate their discontent with all that is happening in the country. [Jean-Jacques] Without doing anything wrong, in order and discipline, without disorder or looting, we will go into the streets as early as next week carrying our placards of demands to say no to Gen. Cedras, no to Father Aristide, yes to democracy, yes to a national solution, and yes to a responsible power working in the interests of the Haitian people. [Fecond] This is how the situation is and many observers are wondering how long it will take Haiti to find a way to peace and reconciliation [and out of] the critical situation it is experiencing today. [end recording] | People's Groups Propose Solutions to Crisis |
FBIS3-11373_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Article by Marcelo Bonelli; all names as published] [Text] Bill Clinton's Democratic administration is studying the demands submitted by 30 U.S. businesses asking for the immediate application of trade sanctions against Argentine manufacturers that export to the U.S. market. The initiative is being evaluated by the U.S. trade representative, the influential and incisive Michael Kantor, who less than a week ago had a harsh and unusual conversation with President Carlos Menem. The U.S. official is studying possible sanctions at the request of the powerful U.S. pharmaceutical industry due to the approval of the patents law here. The demand presumably implies (if it succeeds) the setting of quotas, the elimination of preferential import systems, and tariffs for several Argentine manufactured goods that might include textiles, steel products, petrochemicals, and leather products. The U.S. trade representative is precisely studying whether to term Argentina "a priority foreign country." This in fact means the following: The Democratic administration's Commerce Department is beginning its evaluation to immediately apply every type of trade reprisal. The request is contained in a confidential document CLARIN had exclusive access to. In the document, influential U.S. business people ask that Argentina be qualified an "offensive" nation on the question of trade because they believe Argentina is "resisting" the implementation of an adequate policy in the intellectual property field. Adequate, of course, for U.S. industry interests. The two demands are really contradictory. Bilateral trade is frankly negative for Argentina. The deficit amounted to $2.4 billion in 1993. Despite all of this, the U.S. corporation known as the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association [title in English] (PMA), which was created to lobby [preceding word in English] for the powerful multinational laboratories, demands sanctions. These are the words that are used in that secret paper [preceding word in English]: "In sum, we believe that the following four countries are so offensive in their practices, policies, and actions, and that they continue to resist efforts to improve their respective intellectual property measures that they do not merit being named as foreign priority countries: Argentina, Brazil, India, and Turkey." The pharmaceutical industry of the north does not stop there, and it suggests the implementation of Resolution No. 301 with which the United States threatened Japan in the trade war declaration. The letter is only signed by Gerald Mossinghoff, who holds the post of PMA head. It is exactly two pages long. A copy | Kantor, Menem Talks Said `Harsh,' `Unusual' |
FBIS3-11373_1 | on the question of trade because they believe Argentina is "resisting" the implementation of an adequate policy in the intellectual property field. Adequate, of course, for U.S. industry interests. The two demands are really contradictory. Bilateral trade is frankly negative for Argentina. The deficit amounted to $2.4 billion in 1993. Despite all of this, the U.S. corporation known as the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association [title in English] (PMA), which was created to lobby [preceding word in English] for the powerful multinational laboratories, demands sanctions. These are the words that are used in that secret paper [preceding word in English]: "In sum, we believe that the following four countries are so offensive in their practices, policies, and actions, and that they continue to resist efforts to improve their respective intellectual property measures that they do not merit being named as foreign priority countries: Argentina, Brazil, India, and Turkey." The pharmaceutical industry of the north does not stop there, and it suggests the implementation of Resolution No. 301 with which the United States threatened Japan in the trade war declaration. The letter is only signed by Gerald Mossinghoff, who holds the post of PMA head. It is exactly two pages long. A copy of the document is to be found in the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires. This is not a secret to the government. CLARIN also has been able to detect the presence here of three PMA representatives. They have been here since 15 March. They have contacted top members of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies. Between today and 17 March they will hold meetings at the Foreign and Economy Ministries. They are three PMA heavyweights -- Warren Wells, vice president for Latin America, and directors Lesly Ackerman and Bruce McPhil. These businessmen also are demanding a total ban against Argentina's access to the common market formed by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The document states precisely: "Other Latin American countries have expressed their wish for access to NAFTA. The PMA believes that even before negotiations for this access begins, the U.S. trade representative must be sure that the region's national laws on patents must comply with NAFTA's standards regarding intellectual property." In this case Argentina will remain out of NAFTA. Or, at least it will not figure in the first list of countries that Clinton will make known in May. The PMA groups 30 large multinational enterprises. It invoices | Kantor, Menem Talks Said `Harsh,' `Unusual' |
FBIS3-11374_3 | small and mid-sized businesses in the interior. The principle of reciprocity is very common in the legislation of major nations. In Argentina's case, however, it has not yielded significant results, to judge by the delays and inaction on various requests by Argentine banks to open branches in major financial centers. The primary explanation of this is our country's relatively minor financial bargaining power in the world. Other, more powerful nations have a better chance of success in applying this principle, for example the United States in its trade dispute with Japan. The economic authorities have no doubt observed the difficulties of reciprocity and, as a result, chose the potential advantages of financial competition. The opening of the local market to foreign banks is largely a political issue. In past decades this would have been unthinkable, as was foreign involvement in other areas of the economy, especially those regarded as "strategic," such as energy, petroleum, gas, and railways. Current political, economic, and technological developments show that many economic and financial borders are being erased. Foreign firms already have a major presence in the banking sector. So the liberalization will probably mean, above all, the opening of more branches of the foreign banks that are already here, which until now have been restricted from doing so. The decision does not give free rein to establish all kinds of banks and branches, as this will in any event remain subject to the regulations and approval of the Central Bank. A very important facet of the debate has to do with how much this decision will help to lower interest rates. A likely result is that competition will improve the productivity and efficiency of banks, regardless of how many domestic, foreign, and state-run banks are already in operation. It is doubtful, however, whether the wide spread between bank interest rates on loans and on deposits is due mainly to the lack of competition. There are other, major factors, such as large reserve requirements, the many burdensome regulations and activities that the banks must endure by government mandate, and also, to some extent, the tax on financial transactions, which pays for the costly, bureaucratic system of social benefits for the sector, or labor legislation. Action will also have to be taken on this front in order to truly lower interest rates so that they cease to represent a drag on the competitiveness of Argentine producers. | Competitiveness of Financial Markets Viewed |
FBIS3-11384_2 | participation in UN military missions sponsored by the United States. An independent source has reported in addition to the announced summit and to the UN military expeditions, Gore and Menem will discuss regional integration and free trade agreement processes, such as the one signed by Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Argentina's forming part of that pact has become a top objective of the Argentine Foreign Ministry and Presidency. Despite this, the Clinton administration is conditioning that step to the approval of a medicines-patent law, which would negatively affect Buenos Aires. The U.S. ambassador in Argentina, James Cheek, said this week the patents issue is a "top priority" of his mission in Argentina. This statement drew criticism from opposition politicians who accused him of pressuring the South American country. Argentine observers have explained the law (on trademarks), whose discussion the Argentine parliament has delayed one year, would help the U.S. medical industry and harm 20 Argentine pharmaceutical laboratories. Local experts have said the market in question involves approximately $2 billion annually. They report, despite the fact there are no essential differences between Washington and Buenos Aires over Argentina forming part of the free trade agreement, time is against a quick solution. The U.S. side wants to have established by the end of April the countries with which it will negotiate their participation in the free trade agreement, but the Argentine Congress will debate the patents matter at the beginning of May, and there is no guarantee it will approve it, said Jose Genoud, president of the Senate Industries Commission. Gore and Menem, who will preside over the opening session of a world meeting on telecommunications tomorrow, will also discuss matters related to the strengthening of the struggle against drug-trafficking, a polemic issue considering the meddling attitude made evident in U.S. statements. In addition to suggesting a series of legal measures against money laundering and other similar issues, the United States has pointed to the suitability of Argentine soldiers fighting the scourge (drugs), something Argentine laws forbid. U.S. investments in Argentina are another important issue on the Gore-Menem agenda. Two U.S. giants, AT&T and GTE, among others, will invest $200 million at the end of this month to purchase the rights of Mobile Cellular Telephone in the country's interior. While waiting for Gore's visit, Menem met twice with U.S. millionaire David Rockefeller who said he has "much trust" in Argentina's future. | PRENSA LATINA Views Gore Visit to South America Gore Visit to Buenos Aires Viewed |
FBIS3-11385_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Buenos Aires, 18 Mar (PL) -- Cuban Vice President Jose Ramon Fernandez reported here today that the United States is exerting "all kinds of pressure" against foreign investors interested in doing business with his country. While attending a meeting of the Pan American Sports Organization in Mar del Plata, 400 km from the capital, Ramon Fernandez said the U.S. State Department has threatened those businessmen who intend to trade with Cuba. After saying the blockade applied by Washington against the island for more than three decades was criminal, the vice president of the Council of Ministers said that despite U.S. pressure, the number of potential investors in Cuba is on the increase. In statements to PRENSA LATINA and an Argentine television station, Fernandez noted there has been an increase of partnerships with foreign firms in the areas of tourism, petroleum exploration, and others. Regarding a recent UN resolution on alleged human rights violations on the island, Fernandez explained the resolution resulted from a "political vendetta" by the United States, which cannot forgive us for Cuba's example to the rest of Latin America. The Cuban leader discussed the progress made by his country in the area of human rights. He described the functioning of participative democracy in Cuba and affirmed that the people play an active role in the current ongoing process. Also, Fernandez cited the existence of important rights in Cuba, such as the right to have access to health facilities, education, food, social security, and assistance. He cited statistics that showed the island in a favorable light when compared to the most developed countries. Since the victory of the revolution in 1959, there has not been one single missing or tortured person in Cuba, Fernandez emphasized. When questioned about relations between Havana and Latin America, Fernandez said these ties were broad-based, and he insisted on the need to work toward regional integration. Cuba, he concluded, is seeking to strengthen everything that unites the region and to overcome insignificant issues that separate us. | U.S. Accused of Threatening Foreign Investors |
FBIS3-11387_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [By Mary Simon] [Text] Geneva, 11 Mar (PL) -- After approving more than 100 resolutions, the 50th session of the UN Human Rights Commission ended with a feeling of uncertainty about the commission's impartiality and credibility. The concern about impartiality, closely linked to the credibility factor, is based on the Commission's attitude toward specific subjects, such as the people's right to self-determination, economic, social, cultural, and children's rights. Although generally those points are given importance on the agenda, when discussed they are viewed with a sense of critical selectivity toward developing nations. In contrast, extremely serious matters that prevail in the so-called industrialized societies, where for example there is social and labor discrimination against women, are overlooked. Selectiveness is also used when judging specific countries where special rapporteurs have been appointed, even though within the commission, no one doubts that the alleged violations requiring specific supervision do not exist. A very interesting example is Cuba, which has had an appointed special rapporteur whose mandate was the result of U.S. political manipulation of the island's situation since 1990. Of the 108 resolutions adopted, those referring to topic 12 on the agenda -- violations occurring anywhere -- the majority condemn Third World countries, while similar texts linked to practices in the industrialized West are nonexistent. Many participants of the forum continue to wonder how much longer they must wait before the principles of impartiality, nonselectiveness, and objectiveness return to the Commission, and some even wonder if they were ever present. Other sectors besides the 53 Commission-member countries, such as nongovernmental organizations (ONG) have described the 50th session results as unbalanced. In evaluating the meeting, Reed Brody, director of the International Human Rights Juridical Group and the person who coordinates the efforts of more than 3,000 ONG, said it is very easy to condemn small countries, but when it comes to powerful countries that commit violations, destroy ethnic identities, or maintain thousands of prisoners, the Commission is paralyzed. By observing the countries where rapporteurs have been appointed (Afghanistan, Cambodia, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, South Africa, Sudan, and the former Yugoslavia), it is obvious that no West Europe country is on the list. The 50th session, however, heard numerous reports of violations against immigrants, racial discrimination, mistreatment, and abuse of power by police forces in countries like France, the United States, and the UK, to mention a few. A | Impartiality of UN Rights Commission Questioned |
FBIS3-11387_1 | concern about impartiality, closely linked to the credibility factor, is based on the Commission's attitude toward specific subjects, such as the people's right to self-determination, economic, social, cultural, and children's rights. Although generally those points are given importance on the agenda, when discussed they are viewed with a sense of critical selectivity toward developing nations. In contrast, extremely serious matters that prevail in the so-called industrialized societies, where for example there is social and labor discrimination against women, are overlooked. Selectiveness is also used when judging specific countries where special rapporteurs have been appointed, even though within the commission, no one doubts that the alleged violations requiring specific supervision do not exist. A very interesting example is Cuba, which has had an appointed special rapporteur whose mandate was the result of U.S. political manipulation of the island's situation since 1990. Of the 108 resolutions adopted, those referring to topic 12 on the agenda -- violations occurring anywhere -- the majority condemn Third World countries, while similar texts linked to practices in the industrialized West are nonexistent. Many participants of the forum continue to wonder how much longer they must wait before the principles of impartiality, nonselectiveness, and objectiveness return to the Commission, and some even wonder if they were ever present. Other sectors besides the 53 Commission-member countries, such as nongovernmental organizations (ONG) have described the 50th session results as unbalanced. In evaluating the meeting, Reed Brody, director of the International Human Rights Juridical Group and the person who coordinates the efforts of more than 3,000 ONG, said it is very easy to condemn small countries, but when it comes to powerful countries that commit violations, destroy ethnic identities, or maintain thousands of prisoners, the Commission is paralyzed. By observing the countries where rapporteurs have been appointed (Afghanistan, Cambodia, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, South Africa, Sudan, and the former Yugoslavia), it is obvious that no West Europe country is on the list. The 50th session, however, heard numerous reports of violations against immigrants, racial discrimination, mistreatment, and abuse of power by police forces in countries like France, the United States, and the UK, to mention a few. A dozen industrialized nations were mentioned in the ONG reports and even in the rapporteur's report on the sale of children, child prostitution, teen pornography, illegal adoptions, and the illegal commercialization of transplant organs, but none were subject to rapporteurs or condemned. | Impartiality of UN Rights Commission Questioned |
FBIS3-11392_3 | to watching sports competitions for free, which caused more than headaches during the organization of the Central American and Pan-American Games; or the reality of free, complex, and costly surgical operations, such as aesthetic surgery, for no clinical or humanitarian reason. Expenditures which the state has mostly paid, like science and technology, sports, art and culture, have begun to be considered as important ways of generating resources and are rapidly becoming not only self-financed, but considered to be revenue earners. Expensive Enterprises Cuba puts the most emphasis on the business sector to achieve increased efficiency and productivity to stem the economic deterioration caused by the new realities, which the condemned Torricelli Law plays no small role through increased harassment. A high-ranking CEF official told this journalist that to reverse the current situation, state subsidies for losses by the state enterprises need to be reduced to a minimum. This past year, the sugar and agricultural sectors were the worst, needing more than 4 billion pesos. Generally speaking, it has been said that 69 percent of Cuban productive businesses receive subsidies, therefore, only 31 of 100 enterprises contribute to the state budget. Therefore, it is not enough to reduce investments -- a development mortgage -- to effectively stop the budget deficit. Steps The measures that have already begun to be applied with little publicity but with significant effect are aimed at decentralizing even further the administration of what has been budgeted by the state with a spending limit for certain financial allotments to prevent excesses (in salaries, for example, to avoid arbitrary job creations). Likewise, the idea is for greater financial resource disbursement freedom and to make them more productive while not deviating from the general plan of overall economy development. The course that is being followed contributes greater flexibility to budget activities so as to increase self-financing without forgetting to see that assigned funds are being used as they were intended. Therefore, each part of the economic puzzle should fit properly in the Cuban social pattern. A complex struggle is taking place, and it must be won in order for Cuba's social income-expenditures to balance in an unbalanced world. Achieving this will guarantee future, stable, and harmonious development, which will allow one to remember the current special period Cuba is facing as the feverish state a body feels from the effects of a vaccine intended to save it from serious illness. | Article Examines Budget Difficulties |
FBIS3-11396_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Havana, 15 Mar (PL) -- The main applications of nuclear techniques in Cuban agriculture include the genetic improvement of crops, diagnostic control of seeds, and insect radiobiology to reduce the use of pesticides. Dr. Adolfo Rodriguez Nodals, director of the Institute of Basic Research on Tropical Agriculture [Inifat], said that they are also working on developing the Nitrogen 15 marking system [marcaje] to improve fertilizers. Rodriguez Nodals explained that over 20 scientific organizations, which constitute the Group for the Research and Application of Nuclear Techniques in Agriculture [GIATNA], are participating in this project. In less than six years since its creation, GIATNA is experimenting with cutting-edge technologies. According to a communique from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO] that was disclosed recently, modern agriculture can be productive because it efficiently uses new scientific and technological knowledge. Just when FAO General Director Jacques Diouf advocated a "new agricultural revolution," Cubans are proving the effectiveness of the application of novel techniques on crops. The yield of three rice varieties through the use of radiation to induce new genetic characteristics in plants is among the scientific results obtained by Cubans, and it exemplifies the peaceful use of nuclear technologies. In addition to this, progress is being made in the application of radioactive isotopes in phosphoric fertilizers and the training of personnel in dosimetry and radiation safety. The 200 researchers of Inifat, which was established in 1904 as Cuba's central agricultural research station and which was considered back then unique in Latin America, are working in the areas mentioned. | Nuclear Technology Used To Improve Agriculture |
FBIS3-11401_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Brasilia, 21 Mar (EFE) -- Uruguay has proposed seeking a consensus candidate in the elections for OAS general secretary to be held in Washington on 27 March. This proposal was made in Brasilia today. Uruguayan Foreign Minister Sergio Abreu pointed out that the initiative for seeking a consensus candidate "may seem a vague response, but it is in fact a responsible one" given the atmosphere of confrontation arising from the candidacies of Colombian President Cesar Gaviria and Costa Rican Foreign Minister Bernd Niehaus. The third aspirant for replacing Brazilian diplomat Joao Baena Soares is Venezuelan Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Burelli, who together with Abreu is participating in the two-day meeting of Rio Group foreign ministers which was inaugurated today at Itamaraty, the seat of the Brazilian Foreign Ministry. The Uruguayan Foreign Minister noted that the controversy between groups of countries -- Central America and the Caribbean support Niehaus, whereas North and South America endorse Gaviria -- may lead to a split in the organization, which could have an adverse effect on the tenure of the next secretary general. Abreu neither gave many details about his initiative, nor did he put forward for consideration the name of a possible candidate. He said that his proposal had met with the approval of the Rio Group delegations, especially those from countries that fear a split in the OAS. Abreu stated: "The OAS ought not to go to elections with a confrontation. If we leave things as they stand now, we will start the new tenure of the General Secretariat with an entrenched split." Seven of the 13 Rio Group nations -- Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Colombia, and Peru -- support Gaviria on the grounds that his election will bring prestige to the OAS, as he has successfully discharged his duties as Colombian president, his four-year term in office expiring in August. Although his country supports Gaviria, Argentine Deputy Foreign Minister Fernando Petrella seconded the idea of debating a consensus formula. Within the Rio Group, Chile, Guatemala, and Trinidad and Tobago endorse Niehaus' candidacy. Only Venezuela endorses Burelli. The other members of the group have not yet decided for whom they will vote. Uruguay is in favor of reaching a consensus on the candidacy, and Ecuador -- which had pledged to support Niehaus in 1993 -- has recently indicated that it will not come to a decision until | Uruguay Proposes Consensus Candidate |
FBIS3-11416_1 | Mas Canosa represents a group that does not believe in a peaceful solution to the situation in Cuba, and expects that the change will be accompanied by acts of violence against the regime. That certainly is very dangerous because it could lead to a civil war that would completely devastate the country. The main difference between us is that we endeavor to talk with Castro's government and seek a political solution. [LIDOVE NOVINY] Do you get any help from the international community? [Montaner] Yes. There is a group of Christian democrats and a group of social democrats in our Liberal Union. They both maintain contacts with the international centers of their respective movements. We have encountered great understanding and help in the postcommunist countries, also in the Czech Republic, which, as a former communist state, knows what it means to have a communist government. [LIDOVE NOVINY] What are the main obstacles in Cuba's transition to democracy? [Montaner] First of all, it is Castro's obstinacy. He created a dictatorship and is now attempting to change it into a Chinese-type regime, wherein the capitalist economy is controlled by the communists. For a number of reasons, however, what works in China has no chance of success in Cuba. [LIDOVE NOVINY] Do you really believe that the fundamental changes that await Cuba can be implemented by peaceful means? [Montaner] Before 1989, we believed that a peaceful transition was impossible. The changes in Central Europe, which transpired without bloodshed, gave us hope that the Cuban transformation could take a similar course. The only possible way is a dialogue with the opposition. If it was possible in your country, Poland, and Hungary, why not in Cuba? [LIDOVE NOVINY] If a violent coup took place after all, would the United States intervene? [Montaner] I am convinced it would. If a civil war took place, the United States would be interested in an intervention. It certainly would result in an international conflict. [LIDOVE NOVINY] What will be the priorities of the first Cuban postcommunist government and how much time is needed to reform the country? [Montaner] The first democratic government should orientate itself toward the market and democracy. As far as the reforms are concerned, it will depend on political consensus. If the fundamental political agreements are reached, within four to five years the new Cuban Government can overcome the worst difficulties. The situation in the country is | Opposition Leader Views Likelihood of Change |
FBIS3-11418_8 | we have no other choice but to resign ourselves once and for all to the "girls" who go around holding up aging tourists, as our colleague Soledad Cruz learned while writing this piece. One even hears with some frequency the tolerant apology, the conformist indulgence toward those who throng to our hotels and thoroughfares, trading sex for dollars. There are even those who take the ostrich attitude, suggesting that prostitution be assigned a street in Havana that is less popular than Fifth Avenue, a practice followed in most of the world's cities. It is a hypocritical theory, a kind of duplicity that would lump us together painfully with those who practice it. Fortunately for us, we continue to use the exact same definition of "prostitution" given by the dictionary. It is what it is: debasement, vile use made of a thing, rather than a sign of modernity and free sexual expression by which some would try to justify it. These are the very people who forget that we were once the victims of it, that Cuba was the great prostitute of the Caribbean and, whether they want to admit it or not, following the Revolution, that there was not a single district where it was tolerated or a single woman who had to sell herself in order to eat. That is still the case. Our prostitution is notoriously one of a kind. This is probably the only place on earth where it is practiced for the sole purpose of enjoying luxuries. The romantic world of La Dame aux Camelias or those poor creatures who in so much good and bad literature alike debased love just to survive is totally foreign to those practicing the so-called "oldest profession in the world" in this country. This is borne out by the research done by JUVENTUD REBELDE over a period of months, by interviews with dozens of persons who frequent the milieu and who admit selling themselves to anyone willing to pay and without feeling anything remotely connected with love. Although the motives of those engaging in prostitution are not all the same--there is evidence of family abandonment, the practices of teenagers seeking the recognition of peer groups--there is a general moral and human deterioration among these persons who, in addition to viewing life with deep cynicism, feel no inherent need for virtue, dignity, or decorum. They are afflicted with an absence of | Report Reveals Reasons for Prostitution |
FBIS3-11418_11 | is not something that we have to resign ourselves to tolerating permanently. Nor does the fact that it now exists in proportions difficult to measure, threatening in certain sectors to monopolize relations with foreigners, mean that we must tolerate it, much less give our blessings to it. We even believe it is possible to cure it, to stop its spread in time. Moving toward austerity, goodness, honesty, and decency, viewed as discretion and nobility of customs, is not enough if the family and our surroundings, our centers of work and study, do not harshly penalize such forms of conduct. Without turning into policemen of sexual mores, without turning to castrating morality, it is time to say what we think, time to call such attitudes by their real name and--in an attempt to to duck the issue--stop hiding behind the country's situation or the equally hypocritical phrase that "everyone is free to do with his/her body what he/she wishes," as if both things pardoned the vanity, selfishness, ambition, and criminal result of such an attitude. It is a fact that the economic depression catalyzed the phenomenon, but the "bad seed" already existed. Its origins lie in the home which worships trash and needs great ostentation to conceal the internal vacuum. How else is one to interpret the fact that all the persons interviewed by JUVENTUD REBELDE have decent homes, their families have a living income, some even work and earn a good wage and yet, it is not enough! In the face of all this, we still have to defend staunchly one's enjoyment of the human body, the freedom to love, a freedom that neither needs nor demands payment, one that thrives without betrayal of the soul. In a country that freed itself from it, why take on that shameful spectacle of Fifth Avenue and other streets of Havana crowded with this new breed of prostitutes? It is not irrelevant to recall the tradition of the tribe of Amazon women that once baffled a famous novelist: Living without identity was the sanction imposed on the women who traded their favors for crystal beads and fake feathers. They could not paint themselves with the solar signs or colored stripes that were the secular guarantee of dignity and beauty. Without a face to show, without any personal traits with which to worship the gods, they were no one. They had only their shame. | Report Reveals Reasons for Prostitution |
FBIS3-11420_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Salvadorans woke up today without knowing the final results of Sunday's general elections and with the expectation of a runoff election to choose the new president. More than 63 percent of the votes have been tallied and the Supreme Electoral Tribunal [TSE] reported that the ruling Nationalist Republican Alliance, ARENA, with a right-wing tendency, and its candidate, Armando Calderon Sol, have failed to achieve an absolute majority, although they lead the count with 49.6 percent. Calderon Sol's closest rival, Ruben Zamora, leader of the leftist coalition that includes the former Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front guerrilla groups, obtained 26.6 percent. The Christian Democratic Party continues in third place. Its candidate, Fidel Chavez Mena, has received 15 percent of the votes. He is followed by the conservative National Conciliation Party, which chose Roberto Escobar Garcia as its candidate and which received only 4.5 percent of the votes. The other parties that participated in the elections -- Authentic Christian Movement, a center-right party, and the evangelical parties, the Unity Movement and the National Solidarity Movement -- have smaller percentages. TSE preliminary results indicate more than 49.92 percent of Salvadorans abstained from demonstrating their sympathy for a given political party. These results are similar to the polls conducted by various organizations at the national level. The results indicate an average of 40 percent of the population did not express their preference. The figures, however, might change as the tally of votes from Sunday's general elections continues. | Failure to Achieve Majority Vote Confirmed |
FBIS3-11450_2 | creation of educational infrastructure for the Guaranis. Finally, the Guarani Higher Institute for Bilingual Intercultural Education would be established. According to the 22 January issue of PRESENCIA, Maria Calvo, under secretary for ethnic affairs, said that the extension and consolidation of bilingual education into "captive" areas is one of the most important steps taken to mobilize those Indian groups who remain in illegal servitude. She acknowledged that this task will not be easy because of opposition by landlords who have accused "literacy campaign workers" of preparing "an armed revolution" and of "fomenting a workers uprising," as reported by PRESENCIA "Reportajes" section of 23 January. Other reactions to PRESENCIA'S report on slavery in the Chaco came from Human Rights Commission officials in the Chamber of Deputies who resolved to take concerted action with government and nongovernmental organizations to end these human rights abuses, according to 22 January PRESENCIA. A few days before the 28 January presidential visit to Camiri, Guarani People's Assembly (APG) spokesman, Guido Chumiray, was reported by the 24 January issue of PRESENCIA to have met with the Secretary for Ethnic Affairs Ramiro Molina to review a list of demands to be submitted to the president at that time. First on his list, the paper said, was the "legal recognition of Guarani territory" to halt the tide of confiscations, remedy unequal land distribution, eliminate illegal servitude, and stem migration to the cities. The list also called for the creation of a Guarani Development Fund for the implementation of agricultural projects in the Chaco among the "free" communities. Projects would include irrigation systems, agricultural research centers, credit for the purchase of machinery, the rehabilitation of arable land, the purchase of livestock, and marketing promotion. The secretary observed, according to the daily, that the situation of slavery for thousands of Guaranis in the Chaco is a decades-old problem and acknowledged their "subhuman" living and working conditions as well as the extermination and extinction of other Indian groups. He agreed that current land legislation needed to be modified, but that it should be done in coordination with other secretariats and representatives of Indian groups. Following President Sanchez de Lozada's visit to Camiri, PRESENCIA 29 January reported that "with the official establishment of the [Guarani] Council, the government partially acceded to APG demands on the subject of education but maintained a discreet silence with respect to the other demands submitted in La Paz." | _o_ President Responds to Guarani Demands |
FBIS3-11464_0 | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] The Argentine trade deficit was nearly $3.7 billion in 1993, considerably more than the 2.5 billion that had been estimated by the Economy Ministry in its three-year plan "Argentina in growth." These figures, which were released yesterday by the INDEC [National Institute of Statistics and Census] census bureau, also show that 1993's deficit exceeded the previous year's deficit of $2.6 billion by some $1.05 billion. Last year's deficit is evident from comparing total imports, which were $16.79 billion, against total exports, which totalled $13.09 billion. Economy Minister Domingo Cavallo insists that these figures aren't alarming if you consider the increased amount of capital goods that are being imported. According to Cavallo this trend means that companies are modernising and bringing their technology up to world standards. During 1993 the purchase of capital goods increased by 33 percent, going up from $3.1 billion to $4.12 billion. Concerning exports manufactured goods increased by 29.8 percent, fuel and energy by 13.1 percent while the export of raw materials dropped 6.5 percent. As to imports consumer goods coming into the country increased by 10 percent, spare parts by 8.4 percent, cars by 7.1 percent while 7.1 percent less fuel was imported. Argentina's main suppliers were: the United States $3.86 billion-worth of goods, Brazil $3.57 billion, Germany $1.02 billion and Italy $980 million. Argentina's main markets abroad were: Brazil which bought $3.57 billion worth of Argentine goods, the U.S. $1.273 billion and Holland $1.270 billion. | 1993 Trade Deficit Surpasses Estimate by $1.2 Billion |
FBIS3-11467_1 | partnership [preceding words in Latin]. The purpose now is to see that the other party is doing well. It is also true that we began a difficult year and that our problems are real. Argentina can talk with the United States about joining NAFTA but cannot negotiate its entry by itself as long as it is a member of Mercosur [Common Market of the South]. The fact that Argentina is enjoying the prestige of being invited to join NAFTA does not hurt us. For the time being Brazil is not interested in NAFTA. We think that we must follow the path opened by President George Bush through the Rose Garden Agreement. This agreement is also known under the formula 4+1 and was conceived within the framework of the Americas Initiative. [Etchebarne] Would Brazil's proposal to create a free trade zone in South America also hurt Mercosur? [Castriota de Azambuja] The train of integration goes through Mercosur. Brazil's absolute priority is Mercosur's customs unification. Negotiations with other South American countries refers to a free trade zone, and Argentina has being invited to join Brazil in the negotiations. [Etchebarne] Will there be agreement on external duty levels? [Castriota de Azambuja] Of course. In June we will agree on an external duty level. The humility earned through defeats caused by the failure of policies implemented through the 1980's makes agreement between the two countries easier. Brazil thought it could be self-sufficient. That was the dream, the national objective. To import was almost tantamount to treason. We contracted several bad bets during the 1980's which destroyed the Brazilian dream. It was thought oil prices would increase. For strategic reasons we purchased oil from Iraq instead of from our neighbors. We bet heavily on African trade but the matter did not work out. Then we bet heavily on protectionism. [Etchebarne] What about relations with the United States? [Castriota de Azambuja] The United States has its own master plan [preceding two words in English] based on NAFTA, but Brazil cannot accept negative preferences. Mexico's digestion will not be easy. The country has serious problems, as the kidnapping of the Banamex [National Bank of Mexico] president shows. It seems Chile will be the next country to join NAFTA because it is the only country that has done everything it had to. The Americas summit in December will be important for defining our relations with the United States. | Brazilian Ambassador Views Relations With Argentina, NAFTA |
FBIS3-11474_0 | Language: Portuguese Article Type:BFN [Article by Celso Pinto from Sao Paulo] [Excerpts] Since interest rates on the U.S. market rose on 4 February, the international market for Latin American securities has shrunk dramatically. Interest rates took a jump in absolute and relative terms, and international and Brazilian institutions had enormous losses. After the initial panic, the market has stabilized in the past few days, but the loss was inevitable. It now remains to be seen whether it was only a regular adjustment of a market that has experienced an extraordinary rise for more than one year, or whether some basic conditions underwent lasting changes. The manager of one of New York's most important international investment funds told GAZETA MERCANTIL that the market will recover "slowly and partially." He expects a "substantial drop" in Eurobonds and other securities offered by developing countries, including Brazil, for this year. He believes costs will rise and the financial flow reduction might affect stock market investment. [passage omitted] Profits on debt certificates (the "Brady's") and Eurobonds from developing countries already have jumped significantly. The crisis was triggered by the increase in U.S. interest rates. Treasury 30-year securities, the market's most sensitive indicator, which were paying 6.3 percent at the end of January, jumped to 6.9 percent (on 9 March they were paying 6.85 percent). Since T-bonds are the gauge, the basis of comparison for the market, it was only natural that the yield on all securities should have edged up. What happened, however, is that the increase was much higher than proportionate. Or in other words, the "spread" [preceding word in English] on securities from Latin American countries vis-a-vis T-bonds shifted gears. This is obvious comparing quotations published by the U.S. investment bank Bear Stearns on 21 January, before the crisis, with the current ones. In Brazil's case, the spread of bonds on interest in arrears (IDU [expansion unknown]) increased from 477 points to 600, the "exit bonds" [preceding two words in English] from 383 to 488, and the "new money bonds" [preceding three words in English] from 434 to 565. For Argentina the damages was even greater because the FRN's [expansion unknown] spread jumped from 302 to 478. Even the spread on Mexican "discount bonds" went from 160 to 232 points. This increase also affected the quotation of Latin American Eurobonds in the secondary market. The "spread" on several Brazilian papers increased from 10 | Impact of Increase in U.S. Interest Rates Assessed |
FBIS3-11476_0 | Language: Portuguese Article Type:BFN [Text] Brasilia -- The United Nations estimates that between 70 and 80 percent of the chemical substances used in processing cocaine in Peru and Bolivia are either manufactured in or shipped through Brazil. The statement was made yesterday by Herbert Schaepe, secretary of the UN International Board on Narcotic Drugs [Junta Internacional de Estupefacientes da ONU]. Schaepe requested that Brazilian Justice Minister Mauricio Correa report on Brazilian compliance with three agreements on the control of drug production and use. Noncompliance with these international agreements will make it difficult for Brazil to obtain resources to fight the drug trade. According to Schaepe, the opinion of the Board is important for the disbursement of these funds. The Board -- which is headquartered in Vienna, Austria -- consists of 13 member countries, which will evaluate the Brazilian Government's reports. The United Nations is concerned about Brazil having become a route for cocaine substances, as well as about the consumption in the country of 80 percent of the world production of Fenproporex, a basic appetite suppressant that causes physical and psychological dependence. Fenproporex is an anorectic amphetamine that is used in Brazil, namely by drug stores filling up prescriptions issued by "obesity doctors" to patients who are seeking to lose weight. In addition to dependence, Fenproporex causes irritability, depression, and increases the heartbeat. This drug is more dangerous when it is used with other pain relievers. According to the United Nations, the Brazilian Government is not informing the Board about controls adopted in these two cases. Justice Minister Correa said that the reports requested by the United Nations will be filed in the next few days. He noted that during the Collor administration the Health Ministry discontinued its controls over use of legal drugs such as appetite suppressants. He said the Brazilian Government is willing to comply with all of its agreements. | UN Asks Government To Report on Precursors, Drug Use |
FBIS3-11490_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] "The elections of the century" are now part of history, and for the international community El Salvador has opted for the thorough development of its democratic progress. This was confirmed by more than 3,000 international observers who were at the polling sites throughout the country. They were there since the Voting Table Boards were installed up until the time the vote count was carried out by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal in the Presidente Hotel. From Perquin, Morazan, Venezuelan Enrique Ter Horst, who will be the new UN Observers for El Salvador (Onusal) chief, has told PRENSA GRAFICA "the patience with which the electoral process was carried out and the people's will and determination to vote made us realize a page has been turned in El Salvador's history, inaugurating a new, truly democratic and participative era." Onusal participated with 900 representatives from 52 countries. As did the rest of the delegates, the missions observed aspects such as voter registration, the supply of electoral equipment, the composition of the Voting Table Boards and any delays in their installation, and in ballot receipts. Reports will be officially presented during the week. The international observers were made up mostly of official missions, such as the U.S. Mission headed by Brian Atwood, the AID administrator who claimed to be "very satisfied at having thus reaffirmed U.S. support for the consolidation of the democratic process in El Salvador." The importance of these elections brought to our country observers who do not belong to established organizations. Many are members of churches and student groups, as is the case of the Moecen (Mission of Electoral Observers of U.S. Citizens), which had 500 delegates. Four of the delegates were U.S. congressmen. "Our commitment demonstrates support for the people's decision and wish to carry out an important role in securing peace," U.S. Democratic Congressman Dan Hamburg of California, said. Attending personalities included Ignacio Lozano (1976-77) and Edwin Corr (1985-88), former U.S. ambassadors to EL Salvador. "I can view the process positively. Now nobody can voice criticism there is any sector without a voice or without the right to participate in political activities in El Salvador," Corr stated. He witnessed the elections in Suchitoto, Cuscatlan. The international observation of elections is relatively new and was born from an initiative of the international community, after certain governments or parties engaged in the armed conflict decided to move | More Than 3,000 Observers Witness Elections |
FBIS3-11492_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Presentation and question and answer session by Ruben Dario Carles, presidential candidate of the Civic Renewal Party, National Renewal Movement, and Nationalist Liberal Republican Movement, with students from the Technological University, Santa Maria La Antigua, and the University of Panama at the station's studios; moderated by Ricardo Samaniego; from the "Young Vote '94" program -- live or recorded] [Excerpts] [Samaniego] Good evening, Professor Carles, and welcome to "Young Vote '94." We are accompanied by students from the three universities: the Technological University, Santa Maria La Antigua, and the University of Panama. [passage omitted] [Samaniego] Here is student [first name not given] Armuelles of Santa Maria La Antigua University. [Armuelles] Good evening, professor. We all know that history is written by the winners. Former governments have traditionally used primary and secondary school textbooks to record their own interpretation of history. I would like to know how your administration will interpret the 21 years of military government, and particularly the U.S. invasion. [Carles] I believe that history is obvious, but it must be made public knowledge. There was an obscure period here when things were not communicated to the people; they were not informed. We must reveal the facts so each person can draw his own conclusions. [Armuelles] But Professor, something is missing. What about the U.S. invasion? What interpretation will be made of that? [Carles] It depends. Some say it was an invasion; others say it was a liberation. The truth is that if U.S. troops had not arrived, a military boot would still be trampling us. I was exiled for eight years. I hadn't done anything but speak in defense of liberty. At that time, anyone who spoke in defense of liberty was put behind bars, buried, or exiled. I was exiled on two occasions. The military problem intensified. It called for a military operation so the Panamanian people could rid themselves of that opprobrious, corrupt, and inefficient dictatorship. Otherwise, we would still be saddled with it. [Samaniego] [passage omitted] Student Corina Cano of the University of Panama. [Cano] Good evening. Your platform says Panama should lease the bases to the United States in exchange for an opening of U.S. markets to Panamanian products after the year 2000. Wouldn't that be the same as not receiving any direct benefit from the lease? There are other commercial mechanisms that permit the exportation of Panamanian products to U.S. | Carles Interviewed by Students on U.S. Invasion, Economic Platform |
FBIS3-11496_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Buenos Aires, 21 Mar (NA) -- President Carlos Menem has asserted that the approval of the new law on pharmaceutical patents does not represent "a full requirement" by the United States on Argentina's entry into NAFTA. The chief of state said it is "merely a sort of warning regarding our relationship." "We are doing the same over (agricultural) subsidies: We are telling the United States that they cannot continue to subsidize the sale of wheat to Brazil because it causes huge damage to Argentina." Menem said this during an impromptu news conference granted at the press room at Government House, shortly before receiving U.S. Vice President Albert Gore. | Menem Denies U.S. Conditioning Country's Entry To NAFTA |
FBIS3-11561_1 | he is saying is true: The worst part of the crisis is over. The worst part of a crisis is the period of decline toward the bottom of the abyss -- to employ a metaphor. The Cuban cattle industry has apparently halted its decline. However, it stopped at a very low level. I believe we have to stress this. The decline has stopped, but at a very low level. We can affirm that the Cuban cattle industry is undergoing a very, very critical period. I will give you some points in case: The mass of Cuban cattle is extremely inferior to the ideal in any country. Cuba ought to have a cattle population proportional to its human population. We are far from having cattle proportional to our population. Any dairy production should produce a liter-per-cow rate of....[pauses] A poor quality breed should yield six liters a day and a highly efficient breed ought to yield 12, 15, or 20. Right now, our averages are lower than that of the worst of the cattle industries. However, as Eloy said, it is true that we had dipped even lower and that in the past few months the process has stabilized and shown a gradual improvement. [Santana] What defines this? [Recio] Renato is partially correct. When I said that we are emerging from the crisis I was referring to the following: I believe that the first crisis we experienced in this industry was a subjective crisis on the part of the ranchers and cadres who manage it, in not understanding in time, nor taking measures in time to find alternative feeds that might not represent the full nutritional potential of hay but would still have avoided a further decline and complete destruction of the cattle industry. For example: If you have no hay, are you going to sit on your hands and wait until the animal dies, or plant sugarcane, king grass, or protein banks and do everything possible to keep that animal alive? This is why I said that I believe the crisis is behind us. I believe that now in the cattle sector, most comrades, managers, ranchers, and dairy workers have a higher awareness. The drop in the cattle population, which resulted in tremendous death figures in previous years, is this year experiencing a slight reduction -- although not yet total. In other words, we see a certain recovery of the | Cattle Industry Reported Recovering |
FBIS3-11563_1 | matters that have been discussed in the past, and are to be discussed again, by the National Assembly of the People's Government [ANPP]. But this was not a useless process. It has served essentially to give Cubans an awareness of the nature of national problems and of the alternatives for solving them gradually. In a society ruled by overwhelming consensus, it is impossible to adopt measures that could in one way or another affect the economy without first consulting public opinion. To save time, some might have recommended the use of the government's prerogatives. In other countries in the world, levying a tax or raising a price is not discussed with anyone. It is a quick and unexpected blow. In Cuba, however, the strength of the Revolution and of its regime lies in the principle that force must not be used against the people. The Revolution's strength comes from the people. And never before has the Revolution so greatly needed the support of the people and the workers. Because of this unquestionable fact, everything discussed during the so-called parliaments in the workplace has to be turned into a platform for behavior, a guide for action in each workplace throughout the country. Work is the lever that will boost our depressed economy. It is true that work requires material resources; that work requires a reduction in the flow of currency; and that the budget deficit must be reduced. These are unavoidable measures. Above all, however, work demands the conscientious participation of all workers. A society that belongs to all of us and is governed by all of us requires that we join in the work effort despite the lack of resources, notwithstanding the lack of incentives and despite the lack of basic goods. Work is the guarantee that will ensure that what is lacking today will not be lacking tomorrow. A work ethic is essential. We are living through difficult times, and these difficult times demand a work ethic even more urgently. Until the ANPP decides on the appropriate fiscal measures, each work center must be a parliament, and the workers must continue working like members of a parliament, fighting the bureaucratic mentality that impairs initiatives and gives rise to passivity, fighting everything that prevents the country from readjusting its economy through an entrepreneurial system that promotes efficiency. All this must be done today, and right now. (endall) 221800 fc/liautaud/lauck/en 22/2251 | Commentary Highlights Need for Work Ethic |
FBIS3-11564_0 | 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 17 and 22 March. Radio Reloj at 3052 GMT on 17 March reports that a tourist installation, the (Villa Don Lino) on the north coast in Rafael Freyre Municipality, Holguin Province, has already met its plan to bring in $450,000 in hard currency, 1.5 months before the end of the season. The manager said there are agreements with Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Canada that will allow the installation to continue receiving tourists from those countries during the month of April. Radio Rebelde at 0000 GMT on 18 March reports that Mario Medero, director of the 10 de Octubre Power Plant in Nuevitas, described as extraordinary the efforts of plant workers to find solutions to problems and increase efficiency. Last week, workers worked 14-hour shifts to solve problems in the plant, and Unit No. 3 is being repaired to increase its productivity. Radio Rebelde at 1000 GMT on 18 March reports that 21,000 caballerias of planted sugarcane fields were hand weeded during the first two months of the year: 8,000 caballerias in January and 12,000 caballerias in February. The objective for this month is to equal or surpass the record achieved during the same month in 1980 when approximately 20,000 caballerias of cane fields were weeded. Radio Reloj at 2034 GMT on 18 March reports that the 1993-94 potato harvest in Matanzas is going well. The province's agricultural organizations are expected to surpass 300,000 quintals by 19 March. The harvest is scheduled to continue until mid-April in the 145 caballerias planted in potatoes for consumption. Radio Reloj at 2057 GMT on 18 March reports that Matanzas Province has a second millionaire mechanized canecutting brigade among the National Association of Small Farmers (ANAP) forces. This second millionaire brigade is from the 19 de Abril Cooperative in Perico Municipality. ANAP has 40 mechanized canecutting groups. Radio Rebelde at 0000 GMT on 19 March reports that Carlos Martinez Salsamendi, president of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, and Javier Taverna, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Navarra Province, Spain, have signed in Havana an agreement for the exchange of publications of the two chambers of commerce; exchange of scientific-technical, commercial, and economic information; courses; symposia; and technical support -- as well as cooperation in projects for building | Roundup of Economic Activity |
FBIS3-11568_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Report by Villa Clara correspondent Boris Fuentes] [Excerpts] At 0617 today, 21 March, there was a railway accident in the place known as Cumbre, located in Placetas Municipality, Villa Clara Province. A train made up of 23 tanker cars full of oil coming from Cienfuegos Province crashed into another freight train, which was parked and waiting for the go-ahead. The crash resulted in serious injuries to two crew members. [passage omitted] Of the train's 23 tank cars, only two suffered damage, and thanks to quick action taken, it was possible to save a great part of the fuel they were carrying. Captain Ardelio Garcia, deputy provincial criminal investigations chief in Villa Clara Province, comments on the causes of the accident: [Begin Garcia recording] It is nothing more than a violation of the railway's operating regulations. The human factor. We have seen that there was an obvious violation of the right of way. [end recording] Just hours after the accident, the track had been put back in working order, and the material damages were being assessed. | Fuel-Carrying Train Involved in Railway Accident |
FBIS3-11583_1 | by Mexico and Canada, will create, its regional priorities deal with the eradication of drug trafficking, as the new Southern Command chief proposed, and trade deregulation, as international financial institutions are promoting. Under the circumstances, it is necessary to redefine bilateral relations not only politically and economically, but also jurisdictionally to ensure a trouble-free transition of the canal administration; that is, a transition that will not be at the mercy of the country's political stability. This is why the new government will have the prerequisite of restoring the part of the Panamanian state's self-determination that the 20 December 1989 invasion removed. On those grounds, leaders will have to apply daring solutions to the problems that bilateral diplomatic relations have exacerbated over the last few years, namely the post-invasion upheaval, collective mechanisms against drug trafficking, and the transition of the canal administration. In the regional arena, leaders must use dynamic solutions to reinforce the nation's presence in organizations of political consensus like the Rio Group. Leaders will even be compelled to improve hemispheric relations, which visibly deteriorated after the invasion because of the regime of rigid bilateral foreign policies. At the multilateral level, the new government will have to determine its position on GATT, not just because of the timid interest the current administration has showed, but also because of its inability to reconcile the interests of the economic sectors, which favor trade deregulation, and the industrial sectors that remain skeptical because of the uncertainty that joining this organization will generate. Given such a big challenge, there is a need for a government with leadership and the ability to establish consensus at the lowest social cost possible; a consensus that will explain in equitable and balanced terms the competitive advantages the country will have upon joining the integrationist movement. The approval of the Sea Convention Law [Convencion sobre Derecho del Mar], which was postponed for the last few years, is another pivotal issue in foreign policies because Panama holds first place in world merchant marine tonnage and is on the threshold of managing an interoceanic canal with the potential to tap maritime resources. Integrationist initiatives are usually the result of a historic process of accumulation by which states modernize their production processes by systematically embarking in international trade to seek competitive advantages to ensure strengthening their economies. These assumptions in Panama have yet to materialize. That is why it is necessary | Article Assesses New Challenges in Foreign Policies |
FBIS3-11585_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] A few hours after the brief visit by U.S. Vice President Albert (Al) Gore to Buenos Aires, the balance made by Argentine officials was positive though not noisy, while U.S. officials felt that the points they wanted to conciliate in relations with Argentina are clearer than ever. Gore's tour, which included Bolivia and continued in Brazil, is a preparatory visit for the Summit of the Americas that President Bill Clinton called for December in Miami, and to which Argentina wants to arrive in the best possible condition. However, Gore's cascade of public praise for Argentina's economic boost, privatization policy, signing of nonproliferation treaties, and commitment to peacekeeping missions did not lighten the warnings and deadlines -- which are closer every day -- that he emphasized for complying with bilateral agenda topics. -- First of all, Gore exerted full pressure for approval of a patents law. Like Foreign Trade Secretary Mickey Kantor made a week ago, Gore made it clear that if the law is not approved there will be commercial sanctions, and the swift pace toward NAFTA -- the free-trade agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada -- will be lost. Argentina, Chile, and Colombia are candidates to join NAFTA. -- Menem and his cabinet resorted to all sorts of gestures and phrases to prove the government's political will to promote the bill requested by the United States. But they had to admit that it will be impossible for them to have the bill approved before 30 April (the deadline the United States set to begin considering sanctions), but they promised to have it approved in a few days by the Senate committee studying the bill. -- When commenting on the bill's details, Argentine officials hinted that beyond the law that will be approved by Congress, it will be the law's regulations -- to be issued by the executive branch -- that will set the tone for effectively enforcing the intellectual property law. -- In return, Menem once again, and rather unsuccessfully, demanded that the United States give up its agricultural subsidy policy, which has seriously harmed Argentine interests. He once again listened to Gore make an old excuse: The issue of subsidies is very broad, involves all GATT talks, and the United States will not do it unilaterally while Europeans do not give up their own policy. -- As for Menem's initiative to | Results of Gore's `Positive' Visit Evaluated |
FBIS3-11596_2 | ship entering Haitian territorial waters. Therefore, we ask President Mitterrand to stop this ship now, in Guadeloupe -- because the ship will just have to go right back to where it came from. It might as well even carry extra fuel, so that it does not stay even an hour longer in Haitian territory. [end recording] On the other hand, ALAH [Alliance For the Liberation and Progress of Haiti] leader Reynold Georges has dissociated himself from the position taken by FRAPH and Capois-La-Mort. Georges thinks this French humanitarian aid could help prevent the death of children in Haiti. [Begin Georges recording, in Creole] If a country feels it cannot let the Haitian people die of hunger and wants to offer some aid, I believe we must accept the aid -- because there is no glory in death. I believe that the aid must come, otherwise many children will die; and I think the reason those people would prefer that the aid not arrive is because they want to capitalize on the death of those children. We think the aid should come. If not, then FRAPH should give it! Along with all the other people who continue to support the coup d'etat -- because since 1986 the Army has been choosing the governments and then overthrowing them [end recording]. Attorney Mireille Durocher Bertin opposes the arrival of the French humanitarian aid. [Begin Durocher recording]...consciously and categorically refuse humanitarian aid however derisory it may be, if it can prevent even a single child from dying of hunger. However, we must, it is our duty to, protest against the hypocrisy of certain nations that, after strangling us, seem to supply us with a slight breath of air for an artificial, false, derisory, temporary resuscitation. When France -- which is still calling for tightening the economic sanctions against Haiti -- says that it wants to feed 50,000 children for four months, I would like to ask France: What will happen to the other millions of children that it is starving? They want to reduce us to our simplest expression, on the pretext of imposing on us, with Mr. Aristide's return, a so-called democracy. France wants to punish its former rebellious colony and use it as an example to the other black nations. If they really want to help the women and children of Haiti, they should stop interfering in our internal affairs. [end recording] | Groups Organizing `Mobilization' Against French Aid |
FBIS3-11660_0 | Language: French Article Type:BFN [Excerpts] Dejean Belizaire has thumped the table with his fist. Belizaire, president of the Alliance for Parliamentary Cohesion [ACP], has shouted: Meddling! In Belizaire's opinion, it is not up to U.S. Ambassador to Haiti William Lacy Swing to ask the parliamentarians elected on 18 January to respect the New York pact. The following is a report by Daly Valet: [Begin recording, in Creole] [Valet] The nation's political crisis has begun to deteriorate. The problems of the high cost of living and the blackouts have turned the country, especially Port- au-Prince, into a hell. If the political authorities fail to take action, there could be social explosions leading to civil war in Haiti. Dominican President Joaquin Balaguer has not ruled out this danger, because hunger drives the wolf out of the woods. The U.S. Government also is aware of the fact that the worst can happen if the country's political crisis continues. This is why William Lacy Swing, U.S. ambassador to Haiti, has turned into a malevolent, master voodoo priest [yon papa boko] who wishes to bring the zombies that the Governors Island agreement and New York pact constitute back to life. The ambassador has disinterred the dead bodies of these two political documents, and is asking all the signers to respect their signatures. Regarding the [contested] parliamentarians elected on 18 January, the U.S. ambassador is very firm: He has asked them to respect the New York pact, which requires them to abstain [from participating in parliamentary activity]. This has angered Dejean Belizaire. [Belizaire] To become senator, on 18 January 1993, I campaigned under the slogan: The nation's independence is in danger. We must defend it. So I can hardly understand how today I, a senator of the Republic and a Haitian citizen, could be in such a situation, to have to obey orders given by Mr. Swing. Dejean Belizaire is a legitimate citizen. The parliamentarians elected on 18 January are legitimate citizens. We are therefore telling the ambassador that he has gone too far in his meddling in the country's internal affairs. They may be able to give orders to President Aristide, but they cannot give orders to the senators elected on 18 January. [passage omitted] [Valet] The U.S. ambassador's statements have angered the entire group of legislators elected on 18 January. All of them have used nationalistic words to reply to the ambassador, and have | U.S. Ambassador's `Meddling' Angers Parliamentarians |
FBIS3-11679_3 | States in that field, it is necessary to accept some rules. It is not a question of giving in to a big stick policy. The members of NAFTA -- Mexico, Canada, and the United States -- have defined a minimum level for the patents law, and this is what is being negotiated. What would be best for us, reject NAFTA and not have a patents law, or have a patents law with some limitations and join NAFTA? President Carlos Menem decided for the second option. There is a 1 May deadline to prepare a report on the countries with which there is an interest in starting negotiations. Based on that report the president will submit his final proposal to Congress on 1 July indicating the countries with which it is suggested that negotiations be started. [Crivelli] Will Senate approval be enough to avoid a conflict, or will it be necessary to have the approval of both chambers? [Granillo Ocampo] I don't believe it will be necessary to have the approval of both chambers. They know it involves different powers, and what must be shown is progress in the right direction. [Crivelli] The Whitewater affair affecting President Clinton had wide press coverage in Argentina. What is its real impact on the American people? [Granillo Ocampo] This affair is obviously overblown. The latest U.S. poll shows that 16 percent of the American people believe the president could have done something wrong, and 84 percent believe he did not. Also, there is nothing against Clinton. No accusation against him has been made, and he is not under investigation. The accusations published by the press are only possibilities, and have been greatly exaggerated. [Crivelli] What is the objective of the summit of presidents to be held in December in Miami? [Granillo Ocampo] The objective is to prepare a work agenda for the region, including issues that interest President Clinton and the Latin American presidents. In other words, the definition of regional policies is a multilateral issue; it will emerge from the talks among all parties involved. The idea is also to emphasize the importance of Latin America for the Democratic administration. The meeting could also be interpreted as an equivalent to the Americas Initiative of the Republican administration. Argentina is an important spokesman for the region. We have been previously consulted, and helped create the idea, the agenda, and the site for the summit. | Envoy to U.S. on Trade, Patents, Gore Visit, Clinton Agenda |
FBIS3-11682_1 | $160.8 million in the comparable period in 1992 to $119.1 million in 1993. The Dominican economic products traditionally exported are sugar and its derivatives, coffee, cacao, tobacco, and minerals. They have accounted for more than 90 percent of the export totals. The rest of the goods exported are principally nontraditional products. In recent years, nontraditional products have gained in importance. The "Other Products" category, made up basically of nontraditional products, showed a cumulative export total of $143.1 million pesos. This figure covers 11 months of last year, and it exceeded the total for the exports in this category made throughout the whole of 1992--$139.5 million, according to the Central Bank publication. Various business organizations have been issuing public warnings about the increasing deficit in the Dominican trade balance and its consequences. In the view of many economists, the gradual decline in goods has been offset by the export of services, in the tourism and free zone sectors in particular. There are various interpretations of the exports from the free zones. Some are based on the figures provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce, while others take the figures provided by the Dominican Government as the point of departure.. The foreign-exchange income of the Central Bank obtained as a result of free-zone operations came to $5.9 million pesos in the period between January and June, according to the figures shown in the foreign-exchange balance table published in the quarterly bulletin of the banking institution. That publication carried the figures on the gross domestic product (GDP) up to the month of September 1993. They show growth of 1.5 percent, at constant 1970 prices, including the mining sector. It is notable that this publication carried a calculation of the additional product without including the mining sector, since viewed separately, that showed a decline of 42.1 percent, the publication indicated. In answer to questions posed by our editor recently, the governor of the Central Bank estimated that the GDP might show an increase of 3-4 percent. However, this official noted, by way of reservation, that the final figures have not yet been made available. The commitment made by the Dominican Republic to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the year just past was to achieve product growth of about five percent. Certain foundations that make estimates in this connection predicted that growth would come to less than 1 percent. The foreign-exchange balance came to | Central Bank Reports $1.49 Billion Trade Deficit |
FBIS3-11682_3 | about five percent. Certain foundations that make estimates in this connection predicted that growth would come to less than 1 percent. The foreign-exchange balance came to $643.4 million pesos in gross reserves in the January-November period, down from the figure reported in the month of August, which was $714.2 million pesos. The document in question revealed that the foreign income included in this balance actually obtained from the export of goods came to $300.5 million pesos, the lowest figure in recent years. However, the figure for the service category (which includes tourism) was $630 million pesos. The sector in service exports that is most effectively integrated in the economy is tourism. However, it accounted directly for the generation of only 40,000 jobs throughout the country. On the contrary, the declining goods-export sector directly generated more than 200,000 jobs, thus revealing the level of its integration into the economy. An economy that has an unemployment rate of 28 percent, with more than 600,000 idle workers, requires economic activities that generate as many jobs as possible, the development theoreticians say. Currency issues as of the end of last November showed a balance of 13.5088 billion pesos, exceeding the currency issues for the comparable period in 1992 by 31 percent, this publication reported. The inflation reported for the period between November of 1992 and November of 1993 was 2.54 percent, with each month being compared with its counterpart of the preceding year. In this instance, no proportionality between the one and the other can be seen as one of the factors explaining the expansion of currency issues. This is an indication that the increase of 31 percent during a 12-month period, when inflation was only 2.54 percent, was due to other reasons. The expanded supply of currency came to a total of 31.3574 billion pesos, revealing an increase of 24 percent in the period of 12 months between November of 1992 to November of 1993. The bulletin also shows that savings and term deposits came to 17.010 billion pesos, with a large part of the currency issued remaining in the vaults of the commercial banks, in their current accounts in the Central Bank, and in the cash reserve funds of that bank. The potential inflationary effect of an increase of 31 percent in currency issues in 12 months was totally canceled out by the liquidity reserves of the banks and the cash funds. | Central Bank Reports $1.49 Billion Trade Deficit |
FBIS3-11683_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Our companion Elizabeth Diaz Otero has reported the following: Luis Donaldo Colosio sustained a bullet wound in the head, near the right temple and two bullets in the abdomen, not one, but two. The Institutional Revolutionary Party [PRI] presidential candidate sustained three bullet wounds. He is undergoing surgery. He has lost a lot of blood, which has been replenished by the doctors of Central Hospital in the city of Tijuana, Baja California. Luis Donaldo Colosio is being transferred at this moment to the (?Schlips) Clinic in La Joya, California, where he will be treated by doctors who approximately 45 minutes ago were alerted to receive Mr. Colosio in order to give him proper treatment. Regarding the attackers, two persons are under arrest. One is between 20 and 25 years of age. The young man has curly hair. He was arrested by the PRI presidential candidate's security agents. The group is headed by General Ramiro Garcia Reyes. They were arrested by agents of the Judicial Federal Police [PFJ] garrison in Tijuana. Neither the motives are known, nor the names of the perpetrators. Witnesses to the incident said that as of 1905 [time as heard] veritable chaos has prevailed in the city of Tijuana. We are awaiting more information regarding this attack. | Colosio Shot, Killed in Attack During Tijuana Campaign Stop Shot Three Times |
FBIS3-11684_0 | Article Type:BFN ["The Key Facts of the Elections" -- EL TIEMPO headline] [Text] After analyzing the results of the 13 March elections, the following data appears to be most relevant: Absenteeism prevailed. On this occasion it reached the alarming figure of 70 percent. There was a strong surge of independent movements, especially the Christians, thanks to a lack of unity and discipline among the traditional parties. The 19 April Movement-Democratic Alliance [AD M-19], which was the "star" [vedette] of the 1991 elections, was the big loser, because it was left with no seats in Congress. These are some of the most interesting aspects of the parliamentary elections after analyzing all the data. EL TIEMPO presents a summary of the most interesting points of the 13 March elections. The parliamentary map could suffer slight changes next week as soon as the general vote count concludes. Apathy The country had not registered such abstention levels in the past 15 years. Little more than 5 million out of 17 million Colombians qualified to vote actually voted. The negligent attitude shown by the voters contributed, to a great extent, to the generalized debacle of dozens of candidates, many of whom have ample experience. Paired with this trend, "political bosses" lost weight and electoral density. Galanism suffered a collapse. Its Senate representation is limited to the seat of Narino leader Parmenio Cuellar. Veteran leaders of this political force, such as Rafael Amador, Maria Cristina Ocampo, Mauricio Guzman, and Arturo Sarabia Better, were left out. Liberalism also lost important figures in Congress such as Orlando Vasquez Velasquez and failed to have elected new and outstanding persons such as Juan Lozano, former private secretary of Luis Carlos Galan. One of the highest abstention rates was registered in Santa Fe de Bogota -- 75 percent. The capital city district elected representatives with only 8,000 votes. Strength of the Minorities In contrast to the collapse of the AD M-19, which until prior to the elections was defined as the first great minority, the Christian movement registered a surprising rise. The Christian Movement, C-4 [expansion unknown], Lay Movement for Colombia, and National Christian Party secured three senators with heavy voting. They are currently disputing a fourth seat. It will all depend on the result of the recount of votes garnered by Ponco Renteria and Claudia Rodriguez de Castellano. We must stress that women have progressively won greater participation in the | Notes Gains, Losses |
FBIS3-11699_2 | the ones by which we have traditionally directed our work. Joining that world, while keeping our own line and saving the essential factors, is the process on which we have embarked. It is very hard and very difficult, but by being alive it has begun to show at least that it exists, and the 100-odd entrepreneurs -- or non-entrepreneurs -- or the 100-odd businesses that foreign firms have opened in Cuba prove that we can trade with the capitalist world without giving up the socialist plan that we chose. There are difficulties, but it is possible to trade. [Bernales] Please make a brief commentary on the progress in Cuban-Chinese relations. [Robaina] There are fine relations with China; there is a high level of exchange and communication, which I believe had its crowning point with the Chinese president's recent visit to Cuba. In addition, China has many important experiences that we have to evaluate, without the idea of mechanically copying them but with the idea of studying them in order to make progress. [Bernales] In the past four years, relations with Russia and with the former Soviet republics had to forcefully change for Cuba. How are they now? [Robaina] There is high-level communication with Russia, but everyone knows that Russia is experiencing a tremendously complex internal process that has nothing to do with the level of communications with Cuba. There are more or less normal relations with the other former Soviet republics. But both the former Soviet republics and the former socialist countries are experiencing an internal process that calls for strong adjustments in order to define some of their foreign policy guidelines. [Bernales] How are diplomatic relations with Chile, taking into account that there is no Cuban embassy in that Andean country? [Robaina] Relations and communications are in good shape. Much noise has been made as to whether we were invited to the Chilean inauguration. It is an exclusively Chilean matter; they decided to invite a group of people based on concepts and a policy that we, like any other country, can respect. We are not desperate about our diplomatic relations, and we are not trying to accelerate contacts either. Our communications have reached a certain level. There is an increasing number of economic links that can be established. We should not despair. Everything will come in due time. The time will come when both Chileans and ourselves will find | Robaina Discusses Government's `New Orientation' |
FBIS3-11699_3 | we have embarked. It is very hard and very difficult, but by being alive it has begun to show at least that it exists, and the 100-odd entrepreneurs -- or non-entrepreneurs -- or the 100-odd businesses that foreign firms have opened in Cuba prove that we can trade with the capitalist world without giving up the socialist plan that we chose. There are difficulties, but it is possible to trade. [Bernales] Please make a brief commentary on the progress in Cuban-Chinese relations. [Robaina] There are fine relations with China; there is a high level of exchange and communication, which I believe had its crowning point with the Chinese president's recent visit to Cuba. In addition, China has many important experiences that we have to evaluate, without the idea of mechanically copying them but with the idea of studying them in order to make progress. [Bernales] In the past four years, relations with Russia and with the former Soviet republics had to forcefully change for Cuba. How are they now? [Robaina] There is high-level communication with Russia, but everyone knows that Russia is experiencing a tremendously complex internal process that has nothing to do with the level of communications with Cuba. There are more or less normal relations with the other former Soviet republics. But both the former Soviet republics and the former socialist countries are experiencing an internal process that calls for strong adjustments in order to define some of their foreign policy guidelines. [Bernales] How are diplomatic relations with Chile, taking into account that there is no Cuban embassy in that Andean country? [Robaina] Relations and communications are in good shape. Much noise has been made as to whether we were invited to the Chilean inauguration. It is an exclusively Chilean matter; they decided to invite a group of people based on concepts and a policy that we, like any other country, can respect. We are not desperate about our diplomatic relations, and we are not trying to accelerate contacts either. Our communications have reached a certain level. There is an increasing number of economic links that can be established. We should not despair. Everything will come in due time. The time will come when both Chileans and ourselves will find that conditions are appropriate; there is no need to hurry. What I can assure you is that having no ambassadorial-level relations is not an obstacle to fluent communication. | Robaina Discusses Government's `New Orientation' |
FBIS3-11701_0 | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] The Zimbabwe-Cuba Friendship Association today expressed full support to negotiations being carried out by U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel, a Democratic Party representative, seeking the lifting of the economic blockade against Cuba. The association sent a message to Rangel who this week submitted a bill to Congress demanding the end of the inhumane U.S. policy against Cuba. | End of Embargo on Cuba Supported in Zimbabwe |
FBIS3-11702_3 | delegations to the secret U.S. Interest Section document. On this topic, Mora responds: "I believe this document favored the vote. In other words, it was an element that supported something we had been saying for several years, which is also recognized by the great majority of the members of the United Nations. The document caused a great deal of bewilderment among the U.S. delegation. It was a scandal where they had been caught red-handed in their action of condemning alleged human rights violations in Cuba, when it was demonstrated through the document that it was all a great lie." In that sense, Mora goes on to say that the document was important because it characterized those people and groups in the United States who are interested in subordinating the revolution to the will of the empire. Regarding the special rapporteur Caballero says: "The Cuban people should not feel complexes or be worried about the fact that there is a special rapporteur or that the Cuban case is on the agenda of the Human Rights Commission." He goes on to say: "The international community, including countries allied with the United States, understand that in Cuba there is no systematic violation or problem with human rights. That is well understood by the international community. Sometimes -- Ivan has seen this -- after voting against us many of these delegates approach us to excuse themselves and to say that they are sorry that they voted that way, but that they had been forced to do so. In other words, there is an understanding on the international arena that we do not have this type of problem in Cuba." Caballero adds: "The most important thing is that just a few days ago, in New York, the Latin American group endorsed Cuba's reelection to the Human Rights Commission." Answering Resillez's question on the group of Nobel Prize Winners who will visit Cuba, Mora remarks: "The Foreign Ministry is studying the composition of the group that will visit us. We reject the imposition of the special rapporteur since it was done violating all the procedures established by the United Nations, but at the same time we have absolutely nothing to hide. That is why we want international personalities, Nobel Prize winners, to see what our actual situation is. It will be a good opportunity for them to see the effects of the U.S. blockade against Cuba." | Officials Discuss Human Rights Issue |
FBIS3-11707_0 | Article Type:BFN [Editorial Report] The following is a compilation of reports on economic activities in Argentina monitored through 24 March. The World Bank has agreed to grant Argentina a $508.5 million loan that will be used to promote market capital. It also approved a $100 million credit for the health sector. (Buenos Aires CLARIN in Spanish 15 Mar 94 p 20) The National Institute of Statistics and Census reported that the Argentine trade balance registered a $3.6956 billion deficit in 1993 with exports at $13.090 billion and imports at $16.786 billion. It was $1.0588 billion more than in 1992, when the deficit was $2.6368 billion. Argentina's main purchasers are Brazil with $2.790 billion, the United States with $1.273 billion, and the Low Countries with $1.270 billion, which represents 41 percent of 1993's exports. (Buenos Aires NOTICIAS ARGENTINAS in Spanish 2327 GMT 17 Mar 94) | Roundup of Economic Reports |
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