TributespouredinfromaroundtheworldThursdaytothelateLabourPartyleaderJohnSmith,whodiedearlierfromamassiveheartattackaged55.InWashington,theUSStateDepartmentissuedastatementregretting"theuntimelydeath"oftherapier-tonguedScottishbarristerandparliamentarian."Mr.Smith,throughouthisdistinguishedcareeringovernmentandinopposition,leftaprofoundimpressiononthehistoryofhispartyandhiscountry,"StateDepartmentspokesmanMichaelMcCurrysaid."Secretary(ofStateWarren)ChristopherextendshisdeepestcondolencestoMrs.SmithandtotheSmithchildren."InBonn,theheadoftheGermanSocialDemocraticParty,RudolfScharping,saidinastatementhewas"veryaffectedbythesuddendeathofJohnSmith."AgoodfriendofGermansocialdemocracyhasleftustooearly.Hewasveryclosetoachievinghislife'sgoalofmakingtheLabourPartythelargestpoliticalforceinBritain"andwouldbe"cruellymissed"inEurope,hesaid.HongKongGovernorChrisPatten,aformerConservativePartychairman,offeredhiscondolencestotheSmithfamilyandsaidhisformerpolitcalopponentwasa"goodanddecentman,widelyrespected."InFrance,FrenchPresidentFrancoisMitterrandsentamessageofcondolencestoSmith'swidowElizabethandtoLabourPartygeneral-secretaryLarryWhitty.TheheadoftheFrenchSocialistPartyMichelRocardtoldFrenchradioThursdayhewas"shockedandstunned"bySmith'sdeath:RocardhadspentWednesdayeveningwithSmithandhiswifeafterattendingthelaunchinLondonoftheLabourPartycampaignfortheEuropeanelections."Hewasingreatshapelastnight,andthiscameasashocktome,"Rocardsaid."JohnSmithwasafervantEuropean.HefoughtforaGreatBritainthatwouldhavealeadingroleinthebuildingofEurope."InBrussels,EuropeanCommissionPresidentJacquesDelors,aFrenchsocialist,saidSmithwas"afriendandcompanioninthestruggleforjusticeandsolidarity."Hewouldbe"sorelymissedbyallwhoarestrivingforprogressand,inparticular,byalltrueEuropeans."ThePartyofEuropeanSocialistsalsoexpresseditssorrow.Partypresident,BelgianForeignMinisterWillyClaes,said:"ScotlandandBritainhavelostagreatman,Europehaslostagreatallyandthesocialistfamilyhaslostagreatleader."WehavelostnotjustagreatfriendbutaconvincedandconvincingEuropeanwhoseidealsandworksprangfromdeeply-heldmoralconvictionsandsenseofjustice."InLisbon,PortugueseSocialistPartygeneralsecretaryAntonioGuterressentamessageofcondolencestoSmith'swidow.InLondon,theSocialistInternational,expressedits"profoundsadness"inalettersignedbypresidentPierreMauroy,aformerFrenchSocialistpremier,andgeneralsecretaryLuisAyale.Smithwasthegroup'sdeputypresident. FrancewouldnotjoinaUSmilitaryinvasionofHaitiaspartofanefforttorestoredemocraticrule,FrenchForeignMinisterAlainJuppesaidThursday.Juppe,inWashingtonfortalkswithUSofficials,saidhetoldUSPresidentBillClintonthatParishadruledoutparticipationinsuchaninvasionforce,whichhasbeensuggestedasanoptionbyClintonandurgedbysomemembersofCongress."Iconfirmedthatmilitaryinterventiontokickoutthemilitaryleadershipisoutofthequestionforus,"JuppetoldreportersinWashington.TheFrenchdiplomatmeanwhilereiteratedhiscondemnationofthemilitaryregimeinPort-au-PrinceandthenamingWednesdayofinterimpresidentEmileJonassaint,whomJuppedescribedasa"puppetwithnolegitimacy."HesaidFrancewasworkingtoenforcethelatestUNSecurityCouncilresolutioncallingforstiffersanctionsifthemilitaryrefusestoleavepowerandrestoredemocracybyMay21.FrancealsowaspreparedtoparticipateinaUNmultinationalforcetohelptrainanewHaitianpoliceforceoncedemocracyisrestored,Juppenoted.JuppesaidsuchaforcewasintheprocessofbeingsenttoHaitilastOctoberbeforethecollapseofanagreementtorestoreexiledpresidentJean-BertrandAristide.InanimplicitcriticismofUShandlingofthematter,Juppesaid,"Unfortunatelytheboat(withUSandCanadiantroops)turnedbackbecausetherewereafewpeoplemakingnoiseontheport." ChinesedissidentsintheUnitedStatesgenerallyfavorapartialwithdrawalofBeijing'sprivilegedtradingstatustargetingstate-ownedfirms,notcompleterevocation,dissidentleaderssaidhereThursday.TherearedifferingviewsamongthedissidentcommunityintheUnitedStatesonthebestwaytoadvancehumanrightsinChina,but"anoverwhelmingmajoritydoagreeonthemiddlepolicyoftargetedrevocation,"ZhaoHaiching,thepresidentoftheNationalCouncilforChineseAffairs(NCCA)toldapressconference.ChinahasclearlynotmadethesignificantoverallprogressonhumanrightswhichPresidentBillClintonsaidlastyearwouldbeneededifheweretoextendBeijing'smostfavorednation(MFN)tradingstatusbeyondJune3,Zhaosaid.ButwithdrawingMFNaltogetherwouldmakeeveryonesufferforthegovernment'sintransigence,saidZhao,whosegroupcoordinatesdissidentgroupsintheUnitedStatespushingforhumanrightsanddemocracyinChina.RevokingMFNjustforproductswhichcomemainlyfromstate-ownedenterpriseswouldcontinueUSpressureonthegovernmenttoimproveitshumanrightsrecord,whilenotpunishingtheprivatesectorandmarketeconomywhicheverybodywantstopromote,Zhaosaid.ZhaoalsosaiditwastheUnitedStates'sownfaultthatitsdecisiontofirmlylinkMFNtohumanrightsthisyearhadnotbornemorefruit.MixedsignalsfromWashingtonhadconvincedChina"thatalltheyhavetodotowinMFNisplaytough,andtheyhavebeendoingso,"Zhaosaid.EconomicofficialsinthegovernmentmadeitclearearlythatrevokinghumanrightswouldbeaneconomicdisasterfortheUnitedStates.ChinesedissidentWangJuntao,jailedforhispartinthe1989pro-democracymovementwhichwascrushedintheTiananmenSquaremassacre,isinWashingtonthisweekmeetingwithlawmakersandUSofficials.Wangsaidthathisreleasewasamiracle,buturgedtheinternationalcommunitynottoforgetallthepoliticalprisonersstillbehindbarsinChina.WangwastomeetwithClinton'snationalsecurityadvisorAnthonyLakeThursdsayandAssistantSecretaryofStateWinstonLordFriday. TheAzerbaijanienclaveofNagornoKarabakhwastornbyfurtherfightingThursdayasunconfirmedreportsofapossiblenewceasefirecirculated.RussianforeignministrysourcessaidaceasefireaccordwasagreedWednesdaybetweentheAzeriandArmeniandefenceministersaswellaspro-ArmenianseparatistforcesfightingtoprisetheenclavefromAzeriadministration.TheareahasalargelyArmenianpopulationbutfallswithinAzerbajian.TheaccordwasduetohavecomeintoeffectovernightbutaspokesmanfortheArmenianrebelsintheprovincetoldAFPtherehadbeenmerelyaphotocopiedexchangeofpropositionsWednesdayonapossiblelayingdownofarms.Armenia'sdefenceministermeanwhiletoldAFPthatYerevanwasinnowaypartytoadecision.KarabakhtroopsaccusedAzerbaijanoflaunchinganattackThursdayonthebackofintensiveartillerybombardmentsaroundAgdam,justbeyondtheeasternedgeofthedisputedenclaveandnowunderArmeniancontrol.ITAR-TASSquotedtheAzeriministerofdefenceassayingBaku'sforceshadformorethan24hoursbeenengagedinclasheswiththeaimofretakingtwovillagesinnorthernKarabakh.AspokesmanfortheRussianforeignministrycalledonthewarringpartiesto"respectscrupulously"thereportedceasefireagreementbutalsoquestionedthewillingnessoftheirpoliticalmasterstoseekapeacefulsolution.Manyearlierceasefireaccordshavebeenbrokenintheconflictwhichhasclaimedmorethan20,000livessincefightingbrokeoutinFebruary1988.Peacetalkschairedbytheinter-parliamentaryassemblyoftheCommonwealthofIndependentStatesfailedlastweekinKirghizstan. Thistime,NigelMansellwillnotbeleftbehindonarestart.TheEnglishracer'sbidforvictoryherelastyearinhisfirstIndianapolis500wasfoiledwheneventualwinnerEmersonFittpaldiandrunner-upArieLuyendykpassedhimwhenamid-racecautionperiodended.ThatwashowManselllearnedpassingwasallowedonthe2.5-mile(4k)ovalhereassoonasthegreenflagwaves,notatthestart-finishline."Therestartwasapainfullessonregardingtherulesoftheracetrack,"Mansellsaid."Therearesomedifferentruleshere.NowIknowaboutthem.Iwasn'taspreparedasIwillbethisyear."ThereigningIndy-carserieschampionwillbeamongtopcontendersinSaturday'sbattleforpolepositioninthe78thIndy500.TimetrialsfortheMay29racecontinuethenexttwoweekends."I'moptimistic,yes,butconfident,no,"Mansellsaid."It'sgoingtobeatoughweekend.Thistrackstandsaloneaskingofthecircuits.Itcarriesalotmoreexcitementforthedriver.It'sincrediblydemandinghere."Mansell'sCosworth-poweredLolahasatopspeedof227.969mph(364.750k/hr)duringthisweek'spracticesessions.ThatranksfifthfortheweekbehindBrazilian'sFittipaldiandRaulBoesel,Canada'sPaulTracyandMansell'steammate,MarioAndretti."I'mpleasedwithmyspeeds,"Mansellsaid."Wewillworkonthecarandtrytogoalittlequickeryet.WhenIcamebackherethefirstdayIwasprobablyaone.NowI'mmaybeasixonalearningscale.I'llbeuptonineor10bySaturday.Butittakestime." MansellwentontofiveIndy-cartriumphsandtheseriestitlelastseason,butwellrememberstheonethatgotaway."LastyearImadesomemistakeshereandI'mnotgoingtomakeanyexcuseswhytheyhappened,"Mansellsaid."Thestrategywillbeverymuchthesame.ThistimeI'mmorecomfortableandawareofalotmoresituations.IwilltrytomakesureI'mingoodshapeandgetthefirst400milesoutoftheway,thenyoureallyhavetostartchargingandracingandgoforit."Mansell'sIndyrookieoftheyearperformancemademostpeopleforgethewsinjuredjustamonthearlierinacrashatPhoenixinhisfirstovaleffort."ThisyearIcanwalkandit'ssomuchbetter,"Mansellsaid."Ihaveacomfortlevelmentallyandphysically.Aftertheaccidentonthefirstoval,alotofpeoplesaid,'Itoldyouso.'Tohavethedoggeddeterminationtocomebackanddowellontheovalsshowedalotofpeople."Despitefourovaltriumphslastyear,Manselldoesnotfeelhehasthecircuitsmastered."I'mstilllearningabouttheovals,"hesaid."Ihaven'tadaptedreally.OvalracingispureracingandIhavealwaysthoughtofmyselfasaracer.YougetintrafficandyouhavedogfightsandIforgetI'monanoval."Mansellhasnotforgottenwhattheovalshavemeanttohim,however."WinningtheIndy-carchampionshiphadmoreimpactthanwinningtheFormulaOnechampionship,"hesaid."Iwasrunner-upthreetimesbasicallyfrom1986,sowhenweeventuallydidwinFormulaOne,everyonewassorelieved.Winninghere,everybodywasmoreshockedandsurprised."js94bb IraqiVicePrimeMinisterTerekAzizlobbiedUNmembersinNewYorkThursdaytolifttheoilembargoagainsthiscountry.NextweektheSecurityCouncilistoreviewthesanctionsimposedagainstBaghdadfollowingtheinvasionofKuwait,andwesterndiplomatsarepredictingthatthefour-year-oldembargowillremaininforce.AzizsaidthecouncilshouldacknowledgethatIraqhascompliedwithUNresolutionsandthatconditionsforliftingthesanctionshavebeenmet.SomemembersofthecouncilrefusetorecognizetheprogressBaghdadhasmadetowardmeetingtheUNdemands,AzizsaidfollowingameetingwithNigeria'sIbrahimGambari,whoholdsthecouncil'srotatingpresidency.IraqisparticularlykeenongettingridoftheoilembargoinreturnforitsagreementtomeetUNdisarmamentrequirementsandhasarguedthatthealliednationshadnotkeptuptheirendofthebargain.AzizsaidtheUnitedStatesandBritainshould"decideiftheyareincompliancewiththeresolutionstheythemselvesvotedorareusingthoseresolutionstoreachspecial,unilateral,politicalobjectives."Thevice-primeministeristomeetwithseveralSecurityCouncilmembersbeforeTuesday'ssessiontoreviewtheembargoaswellaswiththeheadoftheUNcommissiontooverseeIraq'sdisarmament,RolfEkeus.ThecommissioniscurrentlyworkingonasystemformonitoringIraq'sweaponscapabilitieslong-termwhichdiplomatssaidcouldbeoperationalbyJuly.Asix-monthprobationaryperiodwouldberequiredbeforethecommissioncouldverifyBaghdad'scompliancewithalltheconditionstotheSecurityCouncil,whichwouldthenconsiderliftingthesanctions,sourcessaid. TwoRAFHerculestransportplanesairlifted148foreignevacuees,mostofthemBritish,toCyprusThursdayfromSanaaastheyfledthefightinginwar-tornYemen.TheevacueeswhoarrivedatLanarcaairportlaterboardedaBritishAirwaysairlinerboundforGatwickairport,insouthernBritain.TheBAplanewasduetotouchdownat1:20a.m.(0020GMT)Friday.TheplaneshadflowninfromDijoubtitoSanaaearlierThursdaytopickuptheevacuees.BritishconstructionworkerMichaelWildsaidhehadheardtheblastfromaScudmissilefiredbysouthernforcesintothecentreofSanaaonWednesdayfromhishotel1,000metresaway.Ithadshatteredhishotelroomwindows.HequotedlocalYemenisassayingthat43peoplehadbeenkilledand10injuredintheattack.TheofficialagencySABAsaidWednesday25civilianshadbeenkilledintheattackontheYemenicapital.AHungarianneurosurgeon,whoaskedtobenotidentified,said"medicalsuppliesareextremelylow"atthemainAl-ThawrahospitalinSanaawherehehadbeenworking.Hesaidtheoperatingtheatresinthe500-bedhospitalwerebarelyfunctioningandvirtuallyallthehospitalforeignstaffmostlyBulgariansandIndianshadleft.About10Jordaniandoctorsarrivedatthehospitalafewdaysago,hesaidHeaddedabout15Somalirefugeescaughtinthefightingbetweenrivalnorthandsouthforceswereadmittedwithseriousbulletwounds."Atleasttwoofthemdiedlater,"hesaid.PilotFlightLieutenantNickYoungsaidcommunicationsatSanaaairportwere"excellent"andpraisedthehelpofferedbytheYemeniauthorities.Hesaidhesawnodamagetotheairport,despitereportedbombingraidsbysouthernjetswhentheconflicteruptedlastweek.Therewere75evacueesononeplaneand73ontheother.About20wereAmericans,buttherewerealsoDutch,NewZealanders,SwissandHungariansonboard.Theevacueeswereonlyallowedtobringoutamaximumof20kilosofluggageperperson.OilworkerswhowereworkingwithYemen-HuntOilintheMaribfieldinnorthernYemensaidabout200oilworkershadstayedbehindtokeepoperationsrunning.SomesaidSanaaappearedtobea"ghosttown"withmanyshopsclosed,andlongqueuesatpetrolstations.WildalsoaddedthatthesouthernYemenSocialistPartybuildinginthecapitalhadbeendevastatedinanattackandtheItalianembassyhadbeenhit.Morethan4,000foreignershavenowfledthecountrysincefightingeruptedbetweennortherntroopsloyaltoPresidentAliAbdallahSalehandsouthernforcesbackinghisrivalAliSalemal-Baid. ErnieElswasbacktohisbestwhentheSpanishOpenbeganatwindyClubdeCamphereThursday.TheSouthAfrican,whomakesahabitoffalsestarts,hadsevenbirdiesinhisfive-under-par67totaketheleadfromZimbabwe'sMarkMcNultyandEngland'sStevenRichardsonandPeterMitchell.ElsrocketedtohisfirstEuropeanTourvictorybackinJanuarywhenhebeatworldnumberoneGregNormanbysixstrokesintheDesertClassicinDubai.ButhemissedthehalfwaycutatStMellioninEnglandlastweekwhenhereturnedfollowingatwo-weekbreak."IwasabitrustybutIdidn'twanttomisstheelectionsbackhome,"saidthe24-year-oldfromJohannesburg.McNultyhadfivebirdiesongreensthatbecameveryfastinthewindandsun."Theywerejustmypace.Ilikedthemverymuch,"hesaid.HewasplayingonlyhisthirdeventontheEuropeanTourthisseasonafterinjuringhisshoulderplayingbeachcricketwithhischildren.SeveBallesteroswaswellsatisfiedwithhisfirstround72despitebeingfiveshotsbehindEls.LastweekBallesteroshad16parsandtwobirdiesinhisfinalroundattheBensonandHedgesOpenatStMellionforhisfirsttournamentsuccessformorethantwoyears.Todayheparredthefirst11holesandhisonlytwobogeyscamewhenhemissedathree-footputtatthe13thandasix-footeratthe14th."IhavebeenverysteadyandIshouldhavehadamuchbetterscorebecauseImissedfivebirdiechancesinthefirstnineholes,"hesaid.Richardson,whohasmissedthecutinsixofhislastseventournaments,hithisbestformoftheyearwhenhecoveredhisfirstnineholesinasix-under-par30.Buthecouldn'tkeepitup,cominghomein38. FrenchForeignMinisterAlainJuppesaidThursdaythataUSSenatevotecallingforaunilateralliftingofthearmsembargoonBosniawasamatterofinternalpoliticsintheUnitedStates."Igottheimpressionthatthisisamessageforinternalusebecausethetwoamendmentsadoptedarecontradictory,"JuppesaidaftersenatorsapprovedtwoseparatemeasurescallingforamultilateralliftingoftheembargoandunilateralactionbyWashington."IwasabletopickupfrommydiscussionsthattheHouseofRepresentativeshadnointentionofapprovingacompulsorymeasure,"headded.JuppesaidthathisdiscussionswithPresidentBillClintonandSecretaryofStateWarrenChristopherreinforcedtheideathatWashingtonwasnotmovingtowardaunilateralliftingoftheembargotohelptheMoslem-ledBosniangovernmentdefenditself. TwoRAFHerculestransportplanesairlifted148foreignevacuees,mostofthemBritish,toCyprusThursdayfromSanaaastheyfledthefightinginwar-tornYemen.TheevacueeswhoarrivedatLarnacaairportlaterboardedaBritishAirwaysairlinerboundforGatwickairport,insouthernBritain.TheBAplanewasduetotouchdownat1:20a.m.(0020GMT)Friday.TheplaneshadflowninfromDjiboutitoSanaaearlierThursdaytopickuptheevacuees.BritishconstructionworkerMichaelWildsaidhehadheardtheblastfromaScudmissilefiredbysouthernforcesintothecentreofSanaaonWednesdayfromhishotel1,000metresaway.Ithadshatteredhishotelroomwindows.HequotedlocalYemenisassayingthat43peoplehadbeenkilledand10injuredintheattack.TheofficialagencySABAsaidWednesday25civilianshadbeenkilledintheattackontheYemenicapital.AHungarianneurosurgeon,whoaskedtobenotidentified,said"medicalsuppliesareextremelylow"atthemainAl-ThawrahospitalinSanaawherehehadbeenworking.Hesaidtheoperatingtheatresinthe500-bedhospitalwerebarelyfunctioningandvirtuallyallthehospitalforeignstaffmostlyBulgariansandIndianshadleft.About10Jordaniandoctorsarrivedatthehospitalafewdaysago,hesaidHeaddedabout15Somalirefugeescaughtinthefightingbetweenrivalnorthandsouthforceswereadmittedwithseriousbulletwounds."Atleasttwoofthemdiedlater,"hesaid.PilotFlightLieutenantNickYoungsaidcommunicationsatSanaaairportwere"excellent"andpraisedthehelpofferedbytheYemeniauthorities.Hesaidhesawnodamagetotheairport,despitereportedbombingraidsbysouthernjetswhentheconflicteruptedlastweek.Therewere75evacueesononeplaneand73ontheother.About20wereAmericans,buttherewerealsoDutch,NewZealanders,SwissandHungariansonboard.Theevacueeswereonlyallowedtobringoutamaximumof20kilosofluggageperperson.OilworkerswhowereworkingwithYemen-HuntOilintheMaribfieldinnorthernYemensaidabout200oilworkershadstayedbehindtokeepoperationsrunning.SomesaidSanaaappearedtobea"ghosttown"withmanyshopsclosed,andlongqueuesatpetrolstations.WildalsoaddedthatthesouthernYemenSocialistPartybuildinginthecapitalhadbeendevastatedinanattackandtheItalianembassyhadbeenhit.Morethan4,000foreignershavenowfledthecountrysincefightingeruptedbetweennortherntroopsloyaltoPresidentAliAbdallahSalehandsouthernforcesbackinghisrivalAliSalemal-Baid. FreshadvicefromAmericantennisguruNickBolletieripropelledBorisBeckerintohisbestclaycourtshowingfortwoyears.TheGermansloweddownenoughtobeatFrenchmanCedricPioline6-3,6-4.BeckerlastgotthisfaronclayinHamburgtwoyearsagowhenhewasbeatenbycompatriotMichaelStichinthesemi-finals.Bolletieri,whonurturedAndreAgassi,JimCourierandMonicaSelesintheirformativeyears,hasbeenwiththeGermanforthreemonths."Nickmakesworkfun,"Beckersaid."WehavebeenworkingonclayforfourweeksandeverydayIfeelthatIamplayingalittlebitbetter." Fortyyoungfar-rightwingersarmedwithknivesandstickschasedagroupofTurksthroughtheeasternGermantownofMagdeburgThursday,injuringfiveofthem,policesaid.ThegroupcameacrosstheTurkishpeopleattheendoftheafternoonandchasedthemthroughthecentreofthetown.Police,whosaidtheymade15arrests,didnotdetailtheconditionofanyofthefiveinjured. TottenhamHotspur,theLondongiantswhonarrowlyescapedrelegationfromtheEnglishPremiership,couldyetgodownafterbeingaccusedofmaking"irregular"loanstoplayers.EnglandstarPaulGascoigne,nowwithItalianclubLazio,wasallegedtobeoneoftherecipientsoftheloans,saidtohaverangedfrom25,000poundsto70,000pounds.In1990SwindonTown,newlypromotedtotheold-styleDivisionOne,wererelegatedtoDivisionThreeafterbeingfoundguiltyofsimilarcharges.OnappealtheywerefinallyplacedinDivisionTwo.AlthoughtheFootballAssociationcouldrelegateSpurs,aheavyfineismorelikelyastheallegedoffencesoccurredwhenTottenhamwereunderthejurisdictionoftheFootballLeague.Athree-manPremierLeagueinquiryteamspentmorethansixmonthsinvestigatingtheallegationsandtheinquiryiscontinuing.Theloanswereallegedlymadetoplayersbetween1985and1989.Theyweresaidtobeworthmorethan400,000poundsbutwereneverrepaid.TheallegedoffencesoccurredbeforeAlanSugartookcontrolwiththenowEnglandmanagerTerryVenablesin1991.FurtherinvestigationscouldrelatetomoneyallegedlyofferedbyTottenhamtoenticeschoolboystosignfortheclub.NorthLondonrivalsArsenalwereamongseveralclubswhorecentlycomplainedofan87,000poundsofferbySpursto13-year-oldschoolboyScottParker.FAchiefexecutiveGrahamKellysaidTottenhamhad14daysinwhichtoanswerthecharges.Sugarclaimedhehadplayedamajorroleinbringingthebusinessofthepossibleirregularpaymentstotheattentionofthegame'sauthorities."AssoonasIgainedfullexecutivecontrolofTottenham,followingthedismissalofMrVenablesinthesummerof1993,IcalledameetingwiththeFAandthePremierLeagueforthepurposeofalertingthemtopossiblepastirregularities."Venableshadhisprivatebusiness,Edennote,woundupintheLondonHighCourtonThursdayafteritranupadebtof183,750poundstohisformerclub.Themovewasafurthertwistinthelong-runningdisputebetweenVenablesandSugar.Venableshasaonemillionpoundlegalactionpendingagainsttheclubforwrongfuldismissal,aswellasaclaimfor100,000poundsbacktaxagainsttheInlandRevenue. Acapsulecontaininghighlyradioactivecesium137wasstolenfromafactoryinUkraine,InterfaxquotedsecurityofficialsassayingThursday.Policehadnoindicationastowhostolethecapsuleinwhattheydescribedasaseriousincident.Aspokesmansaidthecapsulemayhavebeenopened.ThreeemployeesatthefactoryinNikolayevweretakentoKievandKharkovforcheck-upsafterdisplayingsymptomsofradiationcontamination,whiletenotherswereundergoingon-the-spottests. Closeofplayscoreonfirstdayofthree-daytourmatchbetweenMiddlesexandNewZealandatLord'sonThursday.NewZealandFirstInningsB.A.YoungcCarrbShine11B.R.HartlandcBrownbShine12M.J.GreatbatchcPooleybFeltham14K.R.RutherfordcRamprakashbShine0S.P.Flemingnotout67S.A.ThomsoncBrownbFeltham5A.C.ParorecBrownbTaylor36G.R.Larsennotout2Extras(lb3,w1,nb4)8Total(6wkts,66overs)155Fallofwickets:1-22,2-31,3-31,4-68,5-82,6-146ToBat:M.N.Hart,D.J.Nash,D.K.MorrisonBowlingShine16-5-55-3,Johnson14-5-25-0,Taylor9-3-24-1,Feltham13-5-19-2,Weekes14-3-29-0dm94 TheUScommunicationsgiantITTannouncedplansThursdayfora750milliondollarhotelandcasinoinLasVegas."DesertKingdom,"whichistobecompletedbyearly1997,willcovermorethan13hectares(32acres)withitshugecasinoand2,500-roomhotel.Constructiononthecomplexwillbeginthisyearusingthelatestwater-conservationtechnologyandlaborcostsaloneareestimatedtoreachsome500,000dollarsaday.Oncecompleted,thecasinowillemployabout5,000workers.Theproject,whichwillbefinancedthroughbondissues,followsthemassive2,500room"Luxor"hotel-casinowhichopenedlastyearinLasVegastothetuneof300milliondollars.ITTownstheSheratonhotelchain,whichcompanypresidentKapioltassaidreceived140,000requestsforlodginginLasVegasthisyearthatitcouldnotmeet.ITTSheratonhas400hotelsin61countries.Itsrevenueslastyearreached3.2billiondollars.ITTposted23billiondollarsinrevenuesfor1993andprofitswereup28percentto219milliondollarsforthefirstquarterofthisyear. CloseofplayscoresonfirstdayofEnglishcountychampionshipmatches.Chelmsford:Kent191(TRWard67),Essex25-0.Cardiff:Yorkshire202-5(RBRichardson59,RJBlakey51notout)vGlamorgan.Leicester:Somerset209-6vLeicestershire.Nottingham:Durham242(WLarkins91),Nottinghamshire4-0.TheOval:Derbyshire177-6vSurrey.Hove:Hampshire267-9(RASmith124,WKMBenjamin51notout)vSussex.Worcester:Gloucestershire155-4(BCBroad76)vWorcestershire. RussianultranationalistVladimirZhirinovskysaidThursdayhehadapproachedPrimeMinisterViktorChernomyrdinwithaviewtohispartybeinggivenplacesinthegovernment,Interfaxsaid.ThemeetingcamedaysaftertheentryintoChernomyrdin'steamofDemocraticPartypresidentNikolaiTravkin,acentristgenerallyopposedtoPresidentBorisYeltsin.Travkindidnotreceiveaspecificportfolio.Zhirinovskysaidhehadspelledoutthreewayshispartycouldreceivegovernmentalpositions,preferablythoseofdefenceandinterior,alongwiththecounter-espionageportfolio.HisLiberalDemocraticPartyalsohasitssightsonthepostsofjusticeminister,aswellasthetreasuryandtheministryforprivatisation."Theheadofthegovernmentnowhastoreflect,"Zhirinovskysaid."Andwetooaregoingtoreflectonthepositionwearegoingtoadoptinfuturevis-a-visthegovernment."Chernomyrdin'sofficedidnotcommentonthenationalistleader'sstatements.Zhirinovskyhashadtheforeignministry,thedefenceministryandtheinteriorporfolioinhissightsfortheLDPsinceDecember'sparliamentaryelectionsgavethepartynearly70seatsinthelowerhouseofparliament.Herecentlyalsodemandedtheresignationofsixministers. WorldCupfansatStanfordStadiuminCaliforniaandinWashingtonarealmostcertaintobefencedin,againstthewishesofFIFAandtournamentorganizers,WorldCupchairmanAlanRothenbergconfirmedThursday."ThepositionoftheorganizingcommitteeandFIFAisclearandconsistent--weareagainstfencing,"Rothenbergsaid."Ultimatelyit'sthelocallawenforcementthathasresponsibilityforthesafetyandsecurityofthepublic.Wedon'thaveanyabilitytovetotheirdecisions."HesaidpoliceinDallaswerealsoinfavoroffences,butwerestilldiscussingtheissue."Weonlyhavethepowerofpersuasion,"Rothenbergsaid."ThereisstillachancetheremightbemodificationinDallas.We'renotawareofanypossiblechangesatStanfordStadium(inPaloAlto,California)oratRFKStadiuminWashington."ThoughmanyEuropeanclubshavefences,RothenbergsaidthetrendinEuropewasawayfromfencing.FenceswerebannedinEnglandin1989after95LiverpoolfanswerecrushedtodeathatHillsboroughStadiuminSheffieldduringanFACupsemi-final.HealsosaidorganizersbelievedthebulkoffansatWorldCupmatchesdidnotposeathreattothesafetyofplayesandofficialsonthepitches."Two-thirdsofourticketshavebeensoldintheUnitedStates,"hesaid."Allourdemographicsindicatethatisafamilyaudience,amotherandfatherandtwokids.That'sagroupasunlikelytoanythingdamagingasanygroupyoucanthinkof."RothenbergsaidthefootballassociationsincountrieswherehooliganismisrifehadefficientmethodsofpreventingknowntroublemakersfrombuyingCuptickets."Itisveryunlikelythatpatronsoftouroperatorsaretroublemakers,"hesaid."Andtheticketsdistributedthroughthenationalassociations,theyhaveaprettygooddistributionmechanismwheretheyscreenwhobuys.Theytendtoknowwhohooligansareanddon'tselltothem."bb94 IndiaThursdayofferedrewardsforinformationleadingtothearrestofanallegedunderworldleaderand43othersuspectsinBombaybombblastslastyear.TheCentralBureauofInvestigationputaprizeof50,000dollarsonDawoodIbrahim,whoallegedlycontrolsacriminalempireinthewesternIndiancityfromanunknownsafehavenabroad.ThesameprizewasofferedforthearrestofAbdulRazak"Tiger"Memon,hissuspectedassociateinthechainofbombblastswhichkilledmorethan300peopleinBombayinMarchlastyear.Rewardsdeclaredforthearrestoftheothersuspectsrangebetween25,000rupees(833dollars)andonemillionrupees(33,333dollars).Ibrahimandthe43others,mainlyMoslemmembersoftheBombayunderworld,havebeendeclaredfugitives,thebureausaid.Accordingtotheagency,IbrahimsentarmsandexplosivesbyseatotheIndianwestcoastwhereoneofhisaccomplicessecuredasafelandingwiththehelpofunnamedcustomofficials.Thetransportationofthearmsandexplosives,theirstorageinsafehousesinandaroundBombayandtheblastswerehandledbyMemonandhisbrothers,itsaid.TheblastsrockedprominentcommerciallandmarksincludingtheBombayStockExchangeandAirIndiaheadquarters,killing317peopleandinjuringnearly1,000,intheworld'sworsturbanterroristattack.InvestigatorsallegetheMarch1993explosionsweremastermindedbyIbrahiminvengeanceforattacksonMoslemsbyHindumilitantsduringcommunalriotsthatragedinBombayintheprecedingDecemberandJanuary.TheriotseruptedfollowingthedestructionoftheBabrimosqueinthenortherntownofAyodhyabyHinduzealotsonDecember6,1992. A1947massacreofnativeTaiwanesepeopleistobementionedforthefirsttimeinhistorytextbooks,officialssaidThursday.Acompilationboard,madeupofscholarsandexperts,hascompletedadraftofthenewschooltextbookincludingdetailsofthemassacrebyNationalisttroopswhichusedtobeataboosubjecthere,educationofficialssaid.Themassacre,knownastheFebruary28Incident,whichsawthousandsofnativeTaiwanesepeoplekilled,hasharmedrelationsbetweenTaiwannativesandimmigrantsfromChinaformanyyears.TheNationalistgovernmentstillruledmainlandChinaatthetimeitsenttroopstosuppressriotsinTaiwan,whichhadrevertedtoChineseruleafterJapanwasdefeatedattheendofWorldWarIIin1945.TheriotswerestartedbynativeTaiwanesewhoclaimedtheywerebeingruledhigh-handedlybytheNationalist-controlledlocalgovernmentinTaiwan.Nowfirstyearjuniorhighschoolstudentsherewillbeabletolearnofthemassacreinthebook,tentativelyentitled"KnowingTaiwan,"fromthestartofthe1995academicyear,theofficialssaid.Thebookwillalsopresentdetailsoftheeconomic,socialandpoliticalconditionsduringthemartiallawperiodfrom1949to1987.TheNationalistsfledtoTaiwanfromthemainlandafterbeingdefeatedbythecommunistsinthe1949civilwar. ChinareplacedthreeministersonThursday,theofficialXinhuapressagencyreported.TheministriesofRadio,FilmandTelevision,GeologyandMineralResourcesandtheAuditingAdministrationallgotnewchiefs,thereportmonitoredinHongKongsaid.SunJiazheng,50,takesoverasradio,filmandtelevisionminister,fromAiZhisheng;SongRuixiang,54,isnewheadofthegeologyandmineralresourcesministry,succeedingZhuXun,andGuoZhenqian,61,becomesAuditor-general,replacingLuPeijan.ThenewradioministerwasheadofthepropagandadepartmentoftheJiangsuProvincialPartyCommitteeandisacommunistpartycadre.Songwasviceministerofthegeologyandmineralresourcesminister.HispredecessorZhubecomessecretary-generaloftheChinesePeople'sPoliticalConsultativeConference.Guo,aformervice-governorofthePeoples'BankofChina,isdecibedbyXinhuaasbeing"familiarwiththemacro-economyandacapableleader."TheappointmentswereconfirmedbyChina'sparliamentattheseventhsessionofthestandingcommitteoftheNationalPeople'sCongress,whichendedThursday,thereportsaid. ChinesePresidentJiangZeminThursdaydefendedthe1989militarycrackdownonpro-democracyprotestersinTiananmenSquare,sayingChina'sstabilityandprosperityhaddependedonit,Xinhuareported.JiangmadethecommentsinameetingwithvisitingMalaysianPrimeMinisterMahathirMohamad,theofficialnewsagencysaidinareportmonitoredhere."Abadthinghasbeenturnedintoagoodthingandasaresultourreformandopeningprogramhasforgedaheadwithsteadier,betterandevenquickerstepsandouradvantageshavebeenbroughtintofullerplay,"Xinhuaquotedhimassaying."Historyshowsthatanythingconducivetoournationalstabilityisgood,"Jiangsaid."ThestabilityofChinaisnotonlyneededforChina'sowndevelopment,butwillalsobenefitthestabilityofAsiaandtheworldingeneral,"headded.MahathirsaidhehadbeenencouragingMalaysianbusinessmentoinvestinChinaandthathisgovernmentwassatisfiedwiththesteadygrowthofeconomicandtradetieswithChina,thereportsaid.ReferringtohismeetinginWashingtonwithUSPresidentBillClintonshortlybeforehisarrivalinChina,Mahathirsaidhehadstressedthatonecountryshouldnottrytoimposeitsviewsonanother,Xinhuasaid.HeaddedthathehadexpressedhisoppositiontoWashington'susingrenewalofChina'sMostFavouredNation(MFN)statusasawaytopressureBeijing.ClintonisduetomakeadecisionbyJune3onrenewingMFNstatusforChina.EarlierMahathirmetChinesePremierLiPeng,withbothsidesapprovingofdevelopingbilateralties.TheyalsoagreedonusingdialoguetosettletheSpratlyislandsissue.ThetinyislandsintheSouthChinaSeaarebelievedtohaveimportantoildepositsunderthemandarealsoclaimedinwholeorinpartVietnam,Brunei,thePhilippinesandTaiwan.MahathirisinBeijingtoattendahigh-profileinternationalseminaronChina'seconomicfuture,whichendedFriday. ArgentinahavecalledofftheirtwofootballinternationalsinJapanafterJapaneseauthoritiesrefusedteamcaptainDiegoMaradonaentrybecauseofhisdrugsrecord.OsamoIghami,firstcounselattheJapaneseembassy,saidArgentineFootballAssociationpresidentJulioGrondonahadtoldhimofthedecision.IghamisaidthejusticeministryrulingwhichbarredMaradonawasirreversible.TheJapanesejusticeministryrefusedMaradonaavisabecauseitsaidhehadbeenimplicatedindrugcasesmorethanonce.MaradonawasarrestedinBuenosAiresin1991forcocainepossession,andfivemonthslaterwasgivena14-monthsuspendedsentencebyanItaliancourtforusingcocaine.Hewasalsosuspendedfrominternationalcompetitionfor15monthsin1991and1992aftertestingpostiveforcocaineuse.Thejusticeministry'simmigrationbureau,however,grantedavisatoClaudioCaniggia,whorecentlyendeda13-monthsoccerbanforhisallegeduseofcocaine.CaniggiawouldhavebeenallowedtogotoJapanbecausehehadnotfacedcriminalcharges.ArgentinehadplannedtoplayJapanandFranceinJapanaspartoftheirWorldCupbuildup. A26-year-oldanorexic'sfightforsurvivalhunginthebalanceThursdayastheBritishwomanawaitedtheoutcomeofamediabiddingbattleforherexclusivestory.Thewoman,whosetwinsisterhasalreadydietedherselftodeath,wasrelyingontheoutcomeofabattlebetweensuchBritishmediagiantsasGranadaTelevisionandtheDailyMirrornewspapertopayhermedicalbillsatanexclusiveclinicwhichspecializesinbringingvictimsofanorexiaandbulimiabacktotheworldoftheliving.SamanthaKendall,26,isduetocheckinsometimenextweekattheMontreuxSocietyforEatingDisordersclinic,inaconvertedmansioninthisposhPacificcoastcity.ButfirstsheisscheduledtoappearinNewYorkontheMauryPovitchShow,atelevisionchatshowontheFoxTelevisionNetworkwhichhasagreedtopaysomeofKendall'sexpenses.Then,ifeverythinggoeswell,KendallwillbeflowntoBritishColumbiatocheckinforbetweensixmonthsandayear,saidtheclinic'sspokeswomanLaurieWinnStanley.WinnStanleysaidthecostofthetreatmentcouldrunanywherefrom75,000Canadiandollars(54,000US)to200,000dollars(144,000US),dependingonthepatient'slengthofstay."Inourexperience,"WinnStanleytoldAFP,"shewillneedtobehereforatleastsixmonthsand,dependingonherprogress,shemighthavetostayforayear."Sowehavetobefairlysurethatourcostswillbecovered.Weareanon-profitorganisationandwearenotabletocarrythecostsourselves."HencetheimportannceofthemediabiddingbattleinBritain."We'veadvisedthefamilyhowtogoaboutit.Butthemother(Susie,47)hasn'tlistenedtous.IbelieveshegaveatelevisioninterviewinBritainforjust2,000pounds(lessthan3,000USD)."Theyreallymustgetthemoneytogether."WinnStanleysaidshewaswaitingfornewsfromBritainaboutthebiddingbattle.ShesaidsheunderstoodthebiddersincludedGranadaTelevision,CentralTevisionandtheDailyMirror--"itseemsGranadaandtheDailyMirrorarethefront-runners,butthere'snoshortageofbidders." IfSamantha'sbidforthemoneyissuccessful,herbidforlifewillstartnextweekinwhatWinnStanleydescribedas"alargemansionwiththreesuiteswithuptotwopatientsineachsuite."WinnStanleysaidthat,initially,Samanthawouldneedaround-the-clockcareduringwhichshewouldbehand-fedbytwoprofessionalcarers."Thereisnoforce-feeding,therearenotubes,"insistedWinnStanley.Stagetwo,oncethepatienthasreturnedtoapatternoffairlynormaleating,istherapy,saidWinnStanley."It'sintensive,"shesaid."It'saverysupportingenvironment."Samantha'sproblemsbegan13yearsagowhensheandhertwinsister,Michaela,madea"slimmingpact"whentheyweresickofbeingteasedatschoolforbeingoverweight.Butnearlyfourweeksago,Michaeladied--sufferingfromanorexianervosa,theso-calleddieter'sdisease.Michaelaweighedjust25kilos(56pounds)whenshedied.AshockedSamanthaappearedonBritishtelevisionthisweekadmitting:"Idon'tknowhowmuchtimeIhaveleftbecausethedietinghasdonesomuchtomybody."Appearingemaciatedandcadaver-like,Samanthatoldanotherreporterinaseparateinterview:"Mybonesarestickingoutsomuchnowthatit'stoopainfultoevenlieinthebath."Thegirls'mothersaidthetwinseachweighed82kilos(182pounds)whenas14-year-oldstheymadetheirpactwhichwouldprovesodeadly.Despitemassivedropsinweight,psychiatriccounsellingandhospitaltreatment,thegirlscontinuedtheirdeathdietintoadulthood.hfw/emn150212Mai94 UNSecretaryGeneralBoutrosBoutros-GhalirecommendedThursdaythattheUnitedNationsclearlydefinetheboundariesaroundthesixdesignatedsafeareasinBosnia-Hercegovina.InareporttotheSecurityCouncilreleasedThursday,thesecretarygeneralalsosaidthatUNProtectionForceshavebeenstretchedtothelimitandshouldnotbeaskedtoestablishmoresafehavensinBosnia-Hercegovina.TheUnitedNationsshoulddefinepreciseboundariesforthesixexistingsafeareasofSarajevo,Srebrenica,Tuzla,Zepa,GorazdeandBihac,Boutros-Ghalisaid.Brckohadbeenproposedasanothersiteforasafearea.TheUnitedNationsestablishedthesixsafezonesabout18monthsagotoprotectBosnianMoslempopulationsconcentratedinthoseareasfromrelentlessBosnianSerbianattack.ThedifficultyinusingalreadyoverburdenedpeacekeepingforcestoestablishthezonesandprotectthepopulationmakessafehavensatemporarysolutionandprecludestheUnitedNationsfromcreatingmoreofthem,hesaid."UNPROFOR,overstretchedandunderresourcedasitisinrelationtoitscurrentmandates,doesnothavethecapacitytorushfromcrisistocrisisindifferentareas."Itisneitherconfigurednorequippedformandatestofightortoholdground,"hesaid,addingthatitisdesignedforquickdeploymentratherthanfixedposition."Thesefactorsdictateclearlimitstotheconceptofsafeareas,"hestressed.Healsopointedtoarecentcouncilresolutiondemandingahalttoallprovocativeactioninsecurityzones,ademandapparentlyaimedatBosnianMoslemswhohaverecentlybeenaccusedofviolatingrulesgoverningthesafeareas."Itmustberecognizedthatsafeareasdonotinthemselvesrepresentalong-termsolutiontothefundamentalconflictinBosniaandHercegovina,whichrequiresapoliticalandterritorialsolution,"hesaid. FeyenoordbeatseconddivisionNijmegen2-1intheDutchCupfinalontheirownpitchhereonThursday.ItwasFeyenoord'sthirdwininfouryearsandninthall-told.RuudHeusopenedthescorewithaseventhminutepenaltyandFeyenoordwentfurtheraheadthroughJohnvanLoeninthe80thminute.BennieDekkerscoredaconsolationgoalforNijmegeninthelastminute.DutchCupFinalFeyenoord2(Heus7pen,vanLoen80)Nijmegen1(Dekker90)Att:43,000 OncedubbedIndia-No-Placebecausenothingexcitingeverhappenedhere,thiscentralUScityispreparingforitsgreatestweekendever.AlongwiththetraditionalexcitementofpolequalifyingfortheIndianapolis500,thecityplayshosttoavisitbyUSpresidentBillClintonandtwosold-outNationalBasketballAssociationplayoffgames.AddaStarTrekconventionandsportsmemorabiliashowtothemixandyouhavethebusiesteventscheduleheresincethe1987PanAmericanGames."It'squiteaweekend,"IndianaPacersvicepresidentDaleRatermansaid."Sportsfanshereareexcited.They'vereallycaughtthefever."Indy500timetrialsbeginSaturday,withmorethan250,000peopleexpectedatIndianapolisMotorSpeedway.QualifyingcontinuesSundayasracersattempttofillthe33-carfieldfortheMay29race.ButaddingtotheexcitementaretheIndianaPacers,whohaveadvancedtothesecondroundoftheNBAplayoffsforthefirsttimeever.TheyplayAtlantahereSaturdayandSundayafternoonsindowntownMarketSquareArena,whilethequalifyingcontinuesonthewestsideoftown. "WewantalittleMaymadnessofourown,"IndianaguardReggieMillersaid."Weknowthisisabigtimeatthespeedway,butIwouldliketoseesomeofthedriversatourgame."MillermighthavetowaituntilSunday,aftermostofthetopracershavemadethefield.ButhevowstosupportanydriverswhosupportthePacers."IwanttoseeEmmoFittipaldi,RaulBoesel,MarioandMichaelAndrettiandtherestcheeringforus,"Millersaid."I'veneverbeentothespeedway,butiftheycome,Iwillgothere.That'safairtradeoff."TheNBA-Indy500conflicthascausedthegreatestproblemforIndianapolismediasportscoordinatorBillYork,whohandlespressdutiesforthespeedwayaswellasthecity'sNBAandNationalFootballLeagueclubs.Hecannotbeintwoplacesatonce,sothe60-year-oldmanagerwillhandlefirst-dayspeedwaydutiesandrejointhePacersonSunday."It'stooinvolvedouthereonSaturdaywitheverybodyqualifying,"Yorksaid."It'sashametohavetomissoneortheother."ReportssaidClintonfeelsthesameway.RumorshavehimscheduledtoattendatleastpartofthePacers'gameand500timetrials.HeishereforapoliticalmeetingandtodedicateamemorialtoBobbyKennedy.ClintonattendedtheUScollegebasketballfinalsbecausehishome-stateArkansasRazorbackswereinvolved.js94bb TheSenatedefiedPresidentBillClintononThursdaybyapprovingameasurethatwouldrequiretheUnitedStatestoliftthearmsembargoagainstBosniaunilaterally.Althoughtheamendment,approved50to49,haslittlechanceofbecominglaw,itundercutClintonadayaheadofinternationaltalksinGenevaonresolvingtheconflict.TheplanproposedbySenateRepublicanleaderBobDolewouldforcetheUSadministrationtodisregardthe1991UNembargoandclearthewayforUSarmsshipmentstohelptheBosniangovernmentdefenditselfinthetwo-year-oldwar.AlthoughClintonhaspressedforamultilateralliftingoftheembargo,hehasmaintainedthataunilateraleffortbyWashingtoncouldundermineotherUNactionsaroundtheworld.ThemeasuregoestotheHouseofRepresentatives,whereitwasexpectedtohavelittlechanceofpassage.Butevenifitwereapproved,Clintoncouldvetothemeasure,andatwo-thirdsmajorityofbothhouseswouldbeneededtooverridetheveto.SenateDemocraticleaderGeorgeMitchellsaidthemeasurehadnochanceofbecominglaw.Earlier,senatorspassedbyanidentical50-49marginanamendmentsponsoredbyMitchellcallingonClintontoseekaconsensusamongUSalliestolifttheembargo.Byplacingthetwoamendmentsinthesamebill,senatorsappearedtogivecontradictorydirectivestothepresident. "LiftingthearmsembargoistheonlyfeasibleoptionthatwillpermittheBosniangovernmenttodefenditself,"saidSenatorJosephBidenfollowingthevoteonthebill.TheadministrationhadnoimmediatecommentonthevotebutStateDepartmentspokesmanMichaelMcCurrysaidearlierthatpassingthemeasurewouldbe"problematic."HealsosuggesteditwouldsendaconflictingmessagetoGeneva,whentheforeignministersfromEurope,RussiaandtheUnitedStateswillbemeetingtodiscusstheBalkanconflictFriday.EuropeandRussiahavearguedthatanendtothearmsembargowouldescalatethefightingandquashanychancetoresolvetheconflictdiplomatically.InNewYork,adiplomatsaidthattheSecurityCouncilwasunlikelytoapprovearesolutionliftingtheembargo,notingthatevenifithadamajorityamongthe15membersRussiawouldbesuretovetoit.Lastyear,aresolutionintroducedbyMoslemandnon-alignedcountriestoexemptBosnianMoslemsfromthesanctionswononlysixoftheninevotesnecessarytopass.Fivenon-alignedmembersandtheUnitedStatessupportedtheresolution.EarlierSadakoOgata,theUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforRefugees,saidthatliftingthearmsembargowouldnothelpeffortstobringpeacetoBosnia-Hercegovinaaftermorethantwoyearsofbrutalwar."Fromahumanitarianpointofview...thenumberoneobjectiveIwouldliketoseeachievedisaceasefire.Numbertwoisapoliticalsettlement,"shesaid."Ihopeallthemeetingsanddecisionswouldleadtothesetwoobjectives."BosnianPrimeMinisterHarisSilajdzichadappealedtomemberstopassthebill,andthankedDoleandDemocraticSenatorJosephLiebermanforintroducingit."ThehopesoftheBosnianpeopleareturnedtotheUnitedStatesSenate,"hesaidrecently. TheArgentineFAwasbelievedtobenegotiatingwithChileandDenmarktoreplacethematchesinJapan.TheywouldplayChileinBuenosAiresandtraveltoCopenhagenbeforegoingontoplayscheduledmatchesinTelAvivandZagreb. TheUSgovernmentplanstohelpsend2,000busesfromaroundthenationtoAtlantaforuseatthe1996Olympics.TheFederalTransitAdministrationplanstouse16milliondollarsindiscretionaryfundstohelppaytodeliverandpreparethebuses,whichwillbefittedwithcommunicationsequipmenttopromoteschedulingflexibility.Thebuseswillbeidentifiedbytheircitiesoforigin.TransitauthoritiesinNewYork,Houston,Birmingham,NewOrleans,St.Louis,Orlando,PhiladelphiaandthestateofNewJerseyhaveplegedbusessofar.Gamesorganizerspredict1.5millionvisitorswillfloodAtlantaeachdayoftheOlympics.PartsofthecitywillbeclosedtoprivatecarsandspectatorswilluseAtlantacitybusesandtrainsandtheborrowedbusestoreachevents.bb94 AformerItalianhealthministernicknamedTorquemadaforhisinquisitorialraidsonhospitalstounmaskfraudwasarrestedoncorruptionchargesThursday,judicialsourcessaidinNaples.ThearrestofFrancescoDeLorenzooftheLiberalPartycomesafteraninvestigationintobribespaidbypharmaceuticallaboratoriestoaministryofficial,towingovernmentbackingforhigherprices.Theformerminister,chargedon67counts,isaccusedofreceivingsevenbillionlira(4.5milliondollars)inbribesbetween1990and1992.ThechargesalsocoverhisrelationswithadvertisingcompanieswhichcarriedoutAIDSpublicawarenesscampaigns.DeLorenzo,56,isaneminentdoctorandpopulartelevisionpersonalitywhosefamilyisdescendedfromtheNeopolitanaristocracy.Hemadehismarkbycampaigningagainsthospitalfraud,earningthenicknameTorquemadaafterdescendingonwardstounmaskcorruption.ButhewasforcedtoresigninFebruary1993afterhis89-year-oldfatherwasarrestedforreceivingcommissiononthesaleofabuilding. GunmenburstintoahouseinnorthBelfastThursdayandkilledamanatcloserange,policesaid.TheoutlawedloyalistorganisationtheUlsterFreedomFighterssaidtheycarriedouttheattackinacalltoalocalradiostation.AccordingtoaspokesmanforSinnFein,thepoliticalwingoftheoutlawedIrishRepublicanArmyfightingBritishruleinNorthernIreland,thevictimwasaCatholicagedaround20butnotaSinnFeinmember.Thekillingbroughtto24thenumberofpeoplekilledinsectarianviolenceinNorthernIrelandsincethestartoftheyear. Blue-chipstocksralliedThursdayamideasinglong-terminterestratesafterthegovernmentreleasedfiguresshowinginflationundercontrol.TheDowJonesindustrialaveragerose22.80pointstocloseat3,652.84.Onthebroadermarket,advancersoutpaceddecliners1,184to977with659sharesunchanged.Some274millionshareschangedhandsontheNewYorkStockExchange.Onthebondmarket,interestratesonthemain30-yearTreasurybondfellto7.57percentfrom7.59percentWednesday,asignofeasinginvestorfearsofinflationandhigherrates.TheratesdeclinedfurtherearlierinthedaybutreboundedafterSanFranciscoFederalReservepresidentRobertParrysuggestedhemightfavorboostingshort-termratesagain.Thedeclineininterestratescameafterthereleaseofagovernmentreportshowingwholesalepricesfell0.1percentinApril,surprisinganalysts.Thereports"relievesomeofthefearthattheeconomywasgoingtoexplodeontheupside,"saidAlfredGoldmanofA.G.EdwardsandSons.ButheaddedthatinvestorsstillhavenotruledoutanotherinterestratehikebytheFederalReserve,whichhasalreadyraisedratesthreetimesthisyear.Allied-Signalrose1-1/2to35-3/4,Sears1-1/4to48-3/4andPhilipMorris3to50-1/2.ITTfell1-1/4to82-3/4afterannouncingplansforanewLasVegascasino,TexasInstrumentswasoff1-1/4to71-1/2andJ.PMorgan3/4to61-5/8. ThePLOonThursdaygaveIsraelapartiallistofmembersofthePalestinianauthorityduetotakepowernextweekinGazaandJericho,thechiefPalestiniannegotiatorsaid.NabilShaathtoldapressconference"the(Palestinian)cabinethasbeenformed,IjusttransmittedittoYitzhakRabin,"theIsraeliprimeminister.HesaidthePLOhadagreedwithRabinthatthenewauthority"willbefunctionalfromWednesday."Butheaddedthelistgivenwasstillincompleteasithadonly15ofthe24(eds:correct)members.Theotherninewouldbeappointedinthreeoffourdaysatthelatest.HesaidthemembersincludedPLOchairmanYasserArafat,FaisalHusseini,theleadingPLOofficialintheoccupiedterritories,HananAshrawi,formerspokeswomanofthenegotiatingteam,SaebErekat,headofthePalestinianteamtothebilateraltalksandShaathhimself.HesaidArafatwasduetoentertheautonomousterritoriesinJunebut"Arafatmayhavesomesurprisesforus,anditcouldhappenbeforethatdate."ShaathjustifiedsendingthepartiallisttoRabinsaying"theIsraeliswanttobesurethatweareserious."ButSamirGoshe,leaderofthePopularStruggleFront,deniedinTunisthathehadofficiallyagreedtotakepartintheauthority,sayinghehadmadehisinvolvementconditionalona"democratisation"ofthePLO'sworkingmethods.HesaidhehadbeensurprisedtoseehisnameonthelistannouncedbyShaath.APalestinianofficialatthePLOheadquartersinTunissaidArafatwillcontinuehisconsultationsovertheremainingpositions.AccordingtoShaath,thePLO'sofficesforforeignaffairs,refugeesanditsrelationswithIsraelandJewishorganisationswouldstayinitsTunisheadquarters. Underlastweek'sPLO-IsraelaccordonimplementinglimitedPalestinianself-ruleintheGazastripandtheWestBanktownofJericho,theauthorityisduetotakeoveronMay25.MeanwhileinJerusalemapolicespokesmansaidRabinhadagreedtoadraftplantosetupaspecialpolicesectiontodealspecificallywithissuesrelatingtoPalestinianautonomy.UndertheprojectdevisedbyPoliceMinisterMosheShahal2,000menwillbetemporarilybasedintheMaaleiAduminsettlementintheoccupiedWestBank.ThespokesmansaiditsrolewouldbetosupervisetheorganisationofIsraeli-PalestinianpatrolsinGazaandJericho.Thepartiallistannouncementcameas20PalestinianpolicemenarrivedintheJerichoregion,andanothergroupof300policemenwasduetobedeployedinGazalateronThursdayfollowingtheinitial300.PalestinianpolicechiefNasrYussefsaidtheIsraelipulloutfromGazaandJerichowouldbefinishedbynextWednesday.Inall,9,000PalestinianpolicemenareduetobedeployedinGazaandJericho. EasyGoer,whoserivalrywithSundaySilencedefinedthe1989USracingseason,diedofnaturalcausesThursdayatClaiborneFarm.Theeight-year-oldstallianwasasonofAlydar.Hewon14of20starts,withfivesecondsandonethird,andwasretiredin1990afterearningmorethan4,873,770dollars.EasyGoerwasthechampion2-year-oldof1998.Hewonhisfirstthreestartsin1989andstartedasfavoriteattheKentuckyDerby,whichhelosttoSundaySilence.Hefinishedrunner-uptoSundaySilenceinthePreakness,butruinedSundaySilence'sbidfortheTripleCrownwithaneight-lengthvictoryintheBelmont.bb94 ElevenFrenchaidworkersheldhostagebyBosnianSerbsforcesforthelastmonthwillprobablybefreednextweek,theBosnianSerbnewsagencySRNAsaidThursday.Chargesagainstthe11,accusedofsmugglingweaponstothemainlyMoslemBosnianarmy,"willberevisedintheirfavour"andhandedtothecivilcourts,saidtheagency,quotingsourcesclosetoBosnianSerbleaderRadovanKaradzic."Itisexpectedthat(their)preventivedetentionwillbeliftedfromnextweekandtheywillbereturnedtofreedom,"theagencysaid.EarlieronThursday,France'sForeignMinisterAlainJuppetoldanewsconferenceinWashingtonthatthegroupmightbefreedinthenextdayortwo.JuppesaidFrancehadletitbeknownitwouldnotacceptthis"parodyofjustice"andwouldnotbargainfortheirfreedom."Ifthenewsisconfirmed,itwouldbetheculminationofadailyeffortbyFrenchdiplomacy,"Juppesaid.Thereliefworkers,membersofagroupcalledPremiereUrgence(FirstAid),havebeenheldinaSerbprisonsinceApril8intheSarajevosuburbofLukavica. The47thCannesInternationalFilmFestivalopenedThursdaywithjurypresidentClintEastwoodstealingtheshowevenbeforetheworld'sbiggestfilmfestgotunderway.Asthetheworld'scinemaindustrysettledintoitsseatsforthe12-daycinematicbanquet,Eastwooddominatedproceedingswithhishumourandincidentallywithhisloveofmusic.AttheofficialinaugurationceremonyattheGrandTheatreLumiereintheFestivalPalacehere,FrenchactressJulietteBinochedeclaredthefestivalopeninamulti-lingualaddressreflectingthefestival'sglobalstature.StartinginChineseandfinishinginFrench,BinochewelcomedthemovieindustrytotheFrenchriviera."Ideclarethe47thInternationalFilmFestivalopen,"shesaid,toloudapplause.ButevenbeforetheceremonyEastwoodmadeCannes'daybypledgingthatthenext12daysshouldbefortheaveragefilm-goerratherthanartspecialistsorcritics."Ihaven'treallydoneanystudyingforitbecause...we'regoingtobeviewingstrictlyfromanamateurpointofview,"saidtheactor-turneddirector,presentinghisjurytothepress."Someofusmayhavehaveactedascriticsatonepointoranother,butforthemostpartitsjustasfilm-goers,"hesaid.And,breakingtheiceatapressconference,hepraisedhisvice-president,FrenchactressCatherineDeneuve."She'smuchprettierthanAlGore,"hesaid.Thenattheinauguralceremony,hostedbyBinoche'scompatriot,FrenchactressJeanneMoreau,Eastwoodagainstoletheshowwhena"surprise"saxophonefanfare,includingaserenadebysaxophonistArchieShepp,greetedhisarrivalonstage.Eastwood,directorofthe1988hommagetoCharlieParker"Bird"andknownforhisloveofjazz,lookedsuitablygrateful,beforehelpingMoreauwelcomehiseightjurymembersontothestage.Theinauguralceremony,broadcastliveonFrenchtelevision,wasfollowedbythepremiereofthefestival'sopeningfilm,"TheHudsuckerProxy"byUSfilmmakingbrothersJoelandEthanCoen.Thebrothersscoredahitin1991bytakingthePalmed'Orintheirfirstappearanceherewith"BartonFink."Buttheyplayeddowntheprospectofarepeatperformance,sayingtheyweresimplyhappytohavebeeninvitedback,withtheirlatestoffering,aromanticcomedysetonWallStreetstarringTimRobbinsandPaulNewman.Inall23filmsinthefestival'smaincompetitionarehopingtosucceedJaneCampion's"ThePiano"andChenKaige's"FarewellMyConcubine"aswinnersofthePalmed'OronMay23.Aswellasthemaincompetition,filmsarealsobeingshownoutofcompetitionincategoriescalledUnCertainRegard(ACertainRegard),theDirector'sFortnightandtheCameraD'Or,forfirst-timefilmmakers.AretrospectiveofFrenchfilmiconJeanRenoirhasalsobeenorganizedtomarkthe100thanniversaryofhisbirth,andaselectionofthefilmsofFedericoFelliniisalsoonoffer.OnFridaythecompetitionpropergetsunderwaywiththeFrenchfavourite"LaReineMargot"(QueenMargot)byPatriceChereau,starringIsabelleAdjani,and"DuLiShaDai"(Confuscius'Confusion)byTaiwan'sEdwardYang. NorthernforcesloyaltoPresidentAliAbdallahSalehsaidlateThursdaytheyhadshotdownasouthernwarplaneovertheroadtothestrongholdofAden.AnorthernmilitaryspokesmantoldtheofficialnewsagencySABAthatnortherntroopshadalsolaunchedaseriesofairraidsagainsttheairportinAtaq,inShabwaprovinceabout300kilometres(180miles)eastofAden.AsthebattleragedaroundthestrategictownofAlDaleh,hesaidthatnorthernforceshadseizedSoviet-builtT-62tanksinAbyan,southeastofAden,aswellasarmsandammunitionfromAlDaleh.EarlierInformationMinisterHassanAhmedal-Lozisaid:"ThetownofAlDalehhasfallen"tonortherntroops.AidofficialsinAdensaid60families,numberingaround300people,hadarrivedthereafterfleeingAlDaleh90kilometres(55miles)northofAden,andwerebeinghousedintwoschools.Asthetwosidestradedclaimandcounter-claim,LozisaidnorthernforceshadcapturedasouthernmechanisedbrigadebasedatKharaz,about130kilometres(80miles)westofAden.ButbothreportsweredeniedbythesouthernleadershipinAden,whichsaidanoffensivehadbeenrepelledandnortherntroopshadbeenpushedbacktoKataba,10kilometres(sixmiles)furthertothenorth.SouthernspokesmeninAdensaidtheylaunchedacounterattackandretookpositionstheyhadlosttotheirnorthernrivals.EarlierThursdaysouthernforcessaidtheyhadshotdownthreenorthernwarplanesandsunkawarshipintheKharazregionnearthestrategicBabel-MandabStraitsontheRedSea.Saleh'sGeneralPeople'sCongresscalledonYemenistorallyto"thesideoflegitimacytoscupperandcondemnthecrimescommittedbythebloodiedBaid"referringtooustedVicePresidentAliSalemal-Baid.InacommuniquepublishedinSanaatheGPCcalledontheYemenisto"openlycondemntheterroristbandandthetraitorsintheheartofthe(southern)YemenSocialistParty."ThearmiesoftheformerNorthandSouthYemenhavebeenlockedincivilwarsincelastThursday,shatteringtheuneasyfouryearunionbetweentheconservativenorthandMarxistsouth.Meanwhile,theArabLeagueheldameetingwithYemenileadersinSanaatotrytobrokeraceasefirebetweenSalehandBaid.Theirfeuderuptedintoall-outwarlastThursday,withsouthernairraidsandScudmissileattacksonSanaaandanorthernoffensivetargetedonAden. Adeathrowinmatewantstheworldtoseehisexecutionashefightsawarden'sorderbanninghisdeathbeingbroadcastonnationaltelevision.Thetelevisingofhisdeathwillbringmeaningtohislife,saidconvictedkillerDavidLawson.Itwillalsodrawattentiontothechronicdepressionheclaimsledhi8mtokill.Stateofficialssaidtelevisingthedeathwillmakeaspectacleofwhatshouldberegardedasomberevent.Astatesupremecourtjudgeisexpectedtoruleontheissueshortly.LawsonisslatedfordeathonJune15.Hewasconvictedofmurderwhenheshotamanduring1980homebreak-in.ExecutioninNorthCarolinaisbygasorlethalinjection.NorthCarolinahasexecutedfivepeoplesinceresumingthedeathpenaltyin1984,allbyinjection.Lawsonhasuntilfivedaysbeforehisexecutiontodecidewhichmethodhewants.NorthCarolinabarscamerasatexecutions,butallowsfivereporters,includingonefromtelevision,towitnessthedeaths.Theeventreopensdebateontheissue.NationaltalkshowhostPhilDonohuehasjoinedLawsoninhisrequesttotheNorthCarolinaSupremeCourttooverturntheban.Attemptsin1991byaCaliforniatelevisionstationtoshowthegas-chamberdeathofaninmatefailedwhenajudgeruledagainstthebroadcastandorderedtapesofthedeathdestroyed."Itwouldonlysatisfythethirstforvengeancethatisunwarranted,"saidGeorgeGerbner,deanemeritusoftheAnnenbergSchoolofCommunicationsattheUniversityofPennsylvania."It'saghoulishspectaclethat'sboundtohaveabrutalizing,desensitizingeffectonapublicalreadyjadedbyimagesofviolence,"headded.SecretaryofCorrectionFranklinFreemansaidtheexecution"shouldnotbeturnedintoacircus."HesaidtheeventssurroundingtheexecutionofserialkillerJohnWayneGacyonTuesdayinIllinoisdemonstratehispoint.PeoplewaitedoutsideGacy'sprisoninafestiveatmosphere,withvendorssellingT-shirtssaying"NoTearsfortheClown."Gacy,abuildingcontractorwhooftenentertainedatpartiesdressedasaclown,wasexecutedformurdering33youngmenandboysduringthe1970s."Theconductcertainpeopleexhibitedthereisanexampleofthekindofconductthatwouldbeinspiredbypublicbroadcastofexecutions,"saidFreeman. Hesaidtelevisingtheeventswouldbethemodern-dayequivalentofpublichangingswhichattractedhundredsofvendorsandspectatorsbeforetheywerehalted.ThelastpublichanginginNorthCarolinatookplacein1910.Lawsonsaidthebroadcastwouldhighlighttheplightofpeoplewhosufferfromchronicdepression.HesaidhewasnotawarehesufferedfromituntilhewasonDeathRow."I'mahumanbeingandnotamonster,"saidLawsonTuesdayduringaninterviewwithNBCtelevision."It'sallaboutmakingthewholestorypublicinordertohelpsomebodyelsewho'ssuffering,"saidMarshallDayan,Lawson'sattorney. LaviniaMilosovici,GinaGogean,NadiaHateganandSimonaAmanarwonthewomen'stitleforRomaniaattheEuropeanteamgymnasticschampionshipshereonThursday.Result1.Romania117.785pts,2.Russia115.422,3.Ukraine115.221,4.France113.409,5.Belarus113.085,6.Spain112.674,7.Letvia110.309,8.Israel109.823,9.Greece109.235,10.Italy108.984 Killingsandthreatsofincreasedviolencehaveovershadowedpreparationsforapresidentialvotenextweek,eventhoughthepartiessignedacivilitypacttoguaranteepeaceduringtheballoting.Alreadyaround30peoplehavediedinpoliticalviolenceduringstreetprotestsandralliesfortheMay16pollthatpitsPresidentJoaquinBalagueragainstJoseFranciscoPenaGomez,ablackleaderoftheDemocraticRevolutionaryParty.Mostrecentsurveysputtheminadeadheat.AlsorunningisformerpresidentJuanBoschoftheIndependentRevolutionaryParty.Boschwasoustedina1965coup.BalaguerandPenaGomezurgedtheirsupportersThursdaytorefrainfromviolenceduringthefinalcampaignevents,whichconcludeSaturday.Thetwoleadingcandidatessigneda"CivilityPact"onTuesday.Despiteplentyofelectionslogansthereisinfactfewdifferencesbetweenthecandidates.AllpraisecurrenteconomicstructuraladjustmentprogramsandplanstosellstateenterprisespushedbytheInternationalMonetaryFundandWorldBank.Buttheoppositionhasarguedthat87-year-oldBalaguer,whoisnearlyblind,istoooldtoremainpresident.Bothleadingcandidateshavepromisedtocreatejobsfortheestimated30percentoftheeconomicallyactivepopulationthatisoutofwork.Bothhavealsopromisedhighersalariesandimprovedaccesstoeducationandhealthcare.TheDominicanRepublic's7.3millionpeopleareabout15percentwhite,10percentblackand75percentmixedrace.Percapitalincomeisabout790dollarsannuallywhileabout20percentofthepopulationisilliterate.Someofthe2.5millionresidentsofthecapitalalsobeganhoardingfoodinanticipationofdemonstrations."Thisisnormal,theyalwaysdothis,"onesupermarketmanagersaid."Peoplebuyjustincase,butthatdoesnotmeanthattherewillbeproblems."NerveswereshakenwhenJacintoPeinado,thevicepresidentoftherulingChristianSocialReformistParty,saidWednesdaythathehadinformationthattheoppositionhadplanstoholddemonstrationsonMondayafternoontodisruptvotingforpresident,30senators,120deputiesand103mayors.AndtheDemocraticRevolutionaryPartyaccusedtherulingpartyofinstructingitsobserverstocontesttheresultsofanyvotingstationswheretheoppositionprevailed. "Theelectionwillbecleanandpure,"saidBalaguer,whoisseekingathird,four-yearterm."It(thepact)willcalmcitizensfrightenedbydisagreeableevents."Butthepacthasnotentirelycalmedthenation'snerves.InatelevisionappearanceearlyWednesday,PenaGomezspokesominouslyofplansbytopmilitaryofficerscalledOperationScorpiothathedeclinedtodetail."IhaveinformationthatOperationScorpioexpressedjudgementsthatIdonotwanttorepeat,"saidPenaGomez,whohaspledgedtoimprovethelotofthenation's23,000soldiers.Armyspokesmansaidthatsoldierswouldbeintheirbarracksthroughouttheweekendunlessneededtorestoreorder.Inafour-paragraphstatementreleasedThursday,themilitarychiefsofstaffsaid:"Theoccasionhasarisentoemphasizethatpublicorderwillbemaintainedfirmlyandenergetically,inobediencewithdemocraticnorms."TheOrganizationofAmericanStates(OAS)hassentateamof47observersfortheelection.Alsoaspartofthepact,mediatedbyRomanCatholicchurchofficials,partiespromisedtowithdrawoffensivecampaignadvertisementsthathavedominatedthisCaribbeannation'scampaign.ButasofmiddayThursdaytheywerestillbeingbroadcastontelevisionandradio. ThedollarlostgroundagainstthemajorcurrenciesThursdayinNewYorkexchangeastradersawaitedmoredataoninflationtrendsintheUnitedStates.Goldfell1.90dollarsfromWednesday'sclosingpriceto379.90dollarsanounce.Around5:00p.m.(2100GMT),thedollartradedat1.6675Germanmarksagainst1.6690markslateWednesdayand104.22yenagainst104.30.Thegreenbackalsofellto5.7200Frenchfrancsagainst5.7250Wednesday,0.6669poundssterlingfrom0.6693and1.4245Swissfrancsagainst1.4255.JimMooreofAmericanSecurityBanksaidtraderswereawaitingagovernmentreportFridayonretailpricestogetabetterpictureofinflation.AreportThursdayshowedwholesalepricesfell0.1percentinApril.TradingwaslightwiththemarketshesitantaheadofnextTuesday'smeetingoftheFederalReserveOpenMarketCommittee,whichcouldtakeactiononshort-terminterestrates. DoublechasersManchesterUnitedareprayingthatsmallwillnotbeautifulinSaturday'sFACupFinal.TheEnglishgiants'marchtowardstheirsecondsuccessiveleaguetitlewastwice,ifultimatelyonlytemporarily,stoppedinitstracksbyChelsea'seconomy-sizedstrikeforce.Onbothoccasions,United'snormallyunflappablecentrebacks,SteveBruceandGaryPallister,remindedoneofthosecartoonelephantswhoarescaredstiffofmice,astheywerespunonewayandthenanotherbythelikesofDennisWise,JohnSpencer,MarkSteinandmostnotably,GavinPeacock.PeacockandStein,inparticular,willhavegoodreasontoapproachwithconfidenceanoccasionforwhichmanywouldrelyonbravado.Theformer,withhispenetratingrunsfromdeeppositions,scoredbothgoalsinsuccessive1-0victoriesatStamfordBridgeandOldTrafford.Thelatter,whomadeanunexpectedreturnfrominjurytoscorethetwogoalsthatrelegatedSheffieldUnitedlastweek,alsohitabraceearlierintheseasontogivehisformerclub,StokeCity,a2-1first-legvictoryoverUnitedintheLeagueCup.Asapair,theyhavethatchalkandcheesefactorthatwoulddojusticetoacoupleofbuddymoviecops:Peacock,theclean-cutChristianwiththecollegeboylooks;Stein,thecallowragamuffin,whohashadtotaketheslowroutetothetop,weigheddown,accordingtohisfirstmanagerDavidPleat,bytheheftychiponhisshoulder.HisangryyearsatLuton,QueensParkRangers,OxfordUnitedandStokenowapparentlybehindhim,theCapeTownbornstrikeraffordedarefreshinglymodestresponsetolastweek'striumphantcomeback."IwouldnotsayIhaveguaranteedmyfinalplacebutIthinkIhavegiventhegafferadecisiontomake,"hesaid.WithChelsea'sdiminutivequartethavingarelativelyfreeroletoharassUnited'sbackfour,heavyresponsibilitywillfallontheanchorpositioninmidfield.RomanticasitmaybetovisualisetheBlues'player-managerGlennHoddlestruttingtheCupFinalstageforthefourthtime,at36hewouldnotrelishtheprospectofanafternoonchasingthedeepshadowsofUnited'sorchestratorEricCantona.MuchwillbeexpectedthenofarguablyHoddle'sbrightestyoungprotege,EddieNewton,whoat22hasthepotentialtojointheEnglandmidfielddynastyofRobson,PlattandInce.ProvidedCantona'spenetrativepassingisnothinderedbyWembley'sunseasonallylonggrass(itissignificantthattheFrenchmanhashitpeakformonthewornend-of-seasonpitches)andGiggsandKanchelskisfindthefreedomtopittheirwitsagainstClarkeandSinclair,itisreasonabletoconcludethatUnitedcanmakeitthirdtimelucky. AlexFergusonside'sdefeatatStamfordBridgecouldeasilyhavegonetheotherway,andtheOldTraffordsetbackwasthestartofanearlyspringblip,nowwellbehindthem.IfFergiefailstobecomethefourthdouble-winningmanagerthiscentury,hewillatleasthopehisdecisiontobringbackgoalkeeperPeterSchmeicheldoesnotbackfireonhim.TheDane'sfumblesatWimbledon,andagainstOldhamintheFACupsemi-final,nottomentionhissentry-stylereluctancetoleavehispostsoncrosses,havebeenputintostillmoregrimperspectivebystand-inGaryWalsh'sconfidenthandlinginUnited'slasttwomatchesagainstSouthamptonandCoventry.UnitedfanscanonlyhopethatSchmeichel'sassurancesthathehasrecoveredfromhisankleinjuryaremotivatedmorebyconvictionthanbyhisdesperationtomakeupformissingtheLeagueCupfinalagainstAstonVillathroughsuspension.Chelseasupporterswillbeencouragedbyhistory,which,albeitmarginally,weighsagainstUnitedemulatingTottenhamin1961,Arsenalin1971andLiverpoolin1986bypullingoffthedouble.IfUnited'sonlyuncappedplayer,SteveBruce,doeslifttheCup,managerFergusonsaysthedoublewillbededicatedtotheclub'srecentlydeceasedpatriarch,SirMattBusby,whoselegendary"babes"failedinasimilarquestin1957atthefinalhurdleagainstAstonVilla.UnitedthemselvesfoileddomesticdoublechasingbidsbyLiverpoolin1977andEvertonin1985,withCupFinalvictories.Liverpoolfailedagainin1988whentheywerebeatenatWembleybyWimbledon.FrankMcLintock,Arsenal's1971double-winningskipper,believesUnitedwilltriumph,buthehaswarnedthemagainstwhathecallsthe"JacktheLad"syndrome.TheformerScotlanddefendersaid:"Theimportantthinginasituationlikethisistokeepyourfeetonthegroundandavoidthinkingyouarebetterthanyoureallyare."Assoonasanyonedoesthattheycangetnailed.Youcancomeunstuck."Liverpoolalwayshadaknackofbringingpeopledowntoearth.Wetriedtocopyitanditworkedforus."McLintockrecalled:"WehadCharlieGeorge,whoinsomewayswaslikeCantona."Hecouldpingtheball40yardswiththeoutsideofhisfootlikeatabletennisball."Butaspectslikeclosingpeopledownanddenyingopponentschancesarejustasimportantastheglitterofthegame."ProbableteamsManchesterUnited:Schmeichel;Parker,Bruce,Pallister,Irwin;Kanchelskis,Keane,Ince,Giggs;Cantona,Hughes.Substitutes;Walsh,twofromMcClair,Sharpe,RobsonChelsea:Kharine;Clarke,Johnsen,Kjeldbjerg,Sinclair;Burley,Newton,Peacock,Wise;Spencer,Stein.Substitutes;Hitchcock,Hoddle,Cascarino Hundredsofjubilantresidentsfinallytrackeddownavanguardof20PalestinianpoliceofficersastheywaitedoutsideJerichoThursdayreadytotakeoverfromtheIsraeliarmy.Another40officersand386policemen,formerlybasedinIraq,areduetofollowFriday,astheIsraelisrelinquishcontroloftheWestBanktowntothePalestiniansundertheautonomydealsignedonMay4.MilitarysourcessaidtheofficerswillbepartoftheJerichocoordinationofficeinchargeofjointIsraeli-Palestinianpatrolsinthearea."Ifallgoeswell,alltheJerichoregionwillbeinPalestinianhandsbyFridayafternoon,"saidColonelHerzl,amemberofthecommmitteewhosefullnamewaswithheldforsecurityreasons.ItwasonlyafternightfallthatresidentsfinallymanagedtofindtheofficerswhowerespendingtheirfirstnightintheWestBankintheshadowoftheJewishsettlementVeredJericho.ManytownspeoplewhohadgatheredearlieronthemainroadintoJerichotowelcomethemenhadspentafrustratingdaychasingaroundasthepoliceweretakenonatourtoinspecttheJerichoregion.Butdespitethelatehourmorethan200men,womenandyoungsterseventuallyturnedouttogivetheofficersahero'swelcome.Theofficers,newrifleshungacrosstheirshouldersembracedwell-wishers,aswomenululatedwithjoy.Thenightpromisedtobelongasmorepeopleheardoftheofficers'arrivalanddroveuptothefarm."Wewouldhavewaitedupallnighttoseethem,"saidMusbahKhalil,25."Thisisagoldenmoment.NowIreallyfeelI'malive,notlikebefore."GeneralYomTovSamia,headoftheIsraelidelegationtotheIsraeli-Palestinianmilitaryliaisoncommittee,saidearliertherewerestill"detailsaboutsecuritytosortout"afterjointtalksabouttheIsraelipullout.Butheaddedtheyhad"studiedtheproblemofjointpatrolsandwearereadytoleave."ThePalestinianofficers,whowereeachgivenaKlashnikovoraCarlGustavrifleonleavingtheborder,hadlunchedwithseniorIsraeliofficers,theninspectedthe62squarekilometers(25squaremiles)thataretocomeunderPalestinianautonomy.TheIsraeliarmyisalsoredeployinginGazatoprotectthe4,000settlerswhoremainthereandpulledoutofRafahtownearlierThursday,wherethefirst300policehavealreadyarrived.PalestinianpolicechiefNasrYussefsaidtheIsraelipulloutfromGazaandJerichowouldbefinishedbynextWednesday."Ourforcesarereadytocomeimmediately.Moreoverwehavethefeelingthatwearefinallyinourowncountry,"Yussefsaid.EarlieraPLOofficialtoldAFPthatmorethan300membersofthenewPalestinianpoliceforceboundfortheGazaStripwerestuckattheRafahborderterminalwithEgypt.Herefusedtoelaborateonthedelay,butsaidtheIsraelishadnothandedouttheapplicationformsforidentitycardsforthemen,ex-soldiersofthePLO'sPalestineLiberationArmy.Butabout300policecrossedtheAllenbyBridgefromJordanlateThursdayandheadedfortheGazaStripviatheWestBankandIsrael,aPalestinianspokesmansaidinAmmanTheywillbethefirstarmedPalestinianstocrossIsraeliterritoryunderIsraeliarmyescort.UnliketheovercrowdedGazaStripwithitspopulationofabout800,000,theJerichopolicearetakingoveraquietoasisof15,000people,whichisknownasboththeoldestandlowesttownintheworld.Meanwhile,theIslamicResistanceMovementHAMASshotandwoundedanIsraelisoldierandatruckdriverinthefirsttwoattacksontheGazaStripsinceautonomywaslaunchedaweekago. AgroupofRussiandeputiesledbyIvanRybkin,presidentoftheDuma,istogotoChinaFridayforafive-dayofficialvisit,aparliamentaryspokesmansaidThursday,quotedbytheagencyITAR-TASS.ThedelegationistovisitametalworksandtheShenzheneconomiczoneborderingHongKong,saidDmitriBiriokov,spokesmanoftheDumaorlowerhouse.ThetripcomesaheadofanofficialvisittoChinabyPrimeMinisterViktorChernomyrdinlaterthismonth.InBeijing,officialssaidThursdaythatvisitwouldtakeplaceonMay26to29.InMoscowthepremier'sofficeconfirmedthatChernomyrdinwouldvisitattheendofthemonthbutdidnotgiveprecisedates. Spanishfootballreachesboilingpointthisweekendasthelastdayprovesdecisiveforthethirdyearrunningamidrumoursofcorruption.DeportivoLaCoruna,athometoValencia,areapointaheadofJohanCruyff'sBarcelona,whoentertainUEFACuphopefulsSevillaattheNouCampstadium.SpanishpressisspeculatingoverallegedhandoutstoValenciaplayersfrommysteriousCatalonianintermediaries.TwoyearsagopressreportsclaimedTenerifeplayerswerepayedfromaBarcelonasourcefortheirlast-ditchhomevictoryoverRealMadridwhichhandedBarcelonathetitle.HistoryrepeateditselflastseasonwhenTenerifebeatMadrid,againonthelastday,tobringBarcelonatheirthirdconsecutivechampionship.AndthepressonceagainclaimedBarcelonabackershadmadeillicitpayments.FurthercontroversyhascomeaboutoverthetimingofthematchesofbothDeportivoandBarcelona.TheSpanishfederationhasbroughtforwardthosefixtures,andtheAthleticBilbao-TenerifematchtoSaturdayat8:30pm(1830GMT).LaCorunapresidentCesarAugustoLendoirocomplainedbitterly,sayingSundayticketshavebeenonsaleforweeks.LendoiroagreedBarcelonashouldbeabletoaltertheirschedulebecausetheyplayintheEuropeanCupfinalagainstACMilaninAthensnextWednesday.But,realisingDeportivowouldhaveadistinctadvantageshouldtheCataloniansplayadayearlier,LendoirohasappealedtotheSpanishfederation,andmayevenresorttolegalaction.Deportivoareunderstandablywaryaboutanypossibleoutsideinfluences.DeportivohavewonnothingintheirhistorywhileBarcelonahavewon13Spanishleaguechampionships,22SpanishCups,pluseightEuropeancrowns.ShouldDeportivocarryoffthetitle,itwillbemainlythanksto16-goalBrazilianstrikerBebeto,andthemeanestdefenceintheleaguewhichhasconcededjust18goalsin37matches.BarcelonawereboostedbythehappyoutcometothekidnappingofRomario'sfatherwhichallowedtheBraziliantoconcentrateonfootball.RiodeJaneiropolicefreedhimafteramassivemanhuntlastingsixdays.BenficacrossthecitytoSportingLisboninatop-of-the-tableclashinPortugal.Sporting,apointbehind,willgotopwithfourmatchesremainingiftheywin.BobbyRobson'sPorto,threepointsbehindBenfica,areawaytosixth-placedVitoriaGuimaraes.Montpellier,whoknockedoutOlympiqueMarseilleontheirwaytothefinal,faceAuxerrefortheFrenchCup.MontpellierbeatLens,conquerorsofchampionsParisStGermain,whileAuxerrebeatNantesinthesemi-finals.MontpellierwontheCupattheirfirstattemptin1990.Auxerre'sonlyappearanceinthefinalwasin1979whentheywerestillintheseconddivision.TheylosttoNantesafterextra-time. ItalianAndreaPeronwontheeighthstageoftheTourDuPontcycleraceonThursdaybutRussianViatcheslavEkimovkepta34-secondleadintheoverallstandings.Peron,a1992Olympictime-trialsilvermedallist,brokeawayinthelast15kilometerstowinthe201-kmstagefromBannerElk,NorthCarolina,infivehours35minutes47seconds.BritonSeanYateswassecondin5:36:37andDjamolidinAbdujaparovofUzbekistanwasthirdin5:36:39.Ekimov,theeight-timeworldtrackchampion,finishedeighth,inthesametimeasAmericanLanceArmstrong,whoremainedsecondintheoverallstandings."WecontrolledtheracefromthestartandI'msatisfied,"saidEkimov."ButIdon'tknowaboutthetimetrial.LanceandIhavethesamechancetowin,butit'sshortandflat,soitlookslikemyrace."Friday'sninthstagetakesthefield214kilometerstoCharlotteNorthCarolina.The12-day,1,700-kmraceconcludesSundayinWinston-Salem,NorthCarolina.Armstrong,theworldroadracingchampion,admittedthathewouldhavedifficultymakingupthegaptoEkimov,whoisexpectedtodominatetheclosingtimetrialonSunday."Thereisa90percentchanceheisgoingtowin,"Armstrongsaid."Myonlyopportunityisifhecracksorsomethingelsehappens."bb94 Thecollapseofathree-million-dollarbogusbillingscamlandedaformernavalchiefpettyofficerinjailhereThursday.JamesMcGill,53,sobbedandapologizedtohisfamilyasUSDistrictJudgeJohnA.MacKenziejailedhimforsevenyears."IwasselfishinwhatIdid.Iapologizetoallofyou,"saidMcGill.AuthoritiesindictedMcGillinJanuaryon430countsoffilingfalseclaims,mailfraud,moneylaunderingandtaxevasion.HepleadedguiltyinFebruaryunderanagreementwiththegovernment.McGill,whowasasupplyclerkwith22yearsinthenavy,usedhisknowledgeofnavyrequistionmethodstodefraudthegovernment.Afterleavingthenavyin1981hejoinedthemerchantmarinesonMilitarySealiftCommandshipsuntilheresignedin1990.In1989hebeganaschemelastingfouryears,submittingfalseclaimstothenavyforpaymentonsuppliesthatwereneverordered.Hisficticiouscompany,UniversalSupplyandServicesInc.,tookinover3milliondollarsfromthenavy.Hereceivedover100checksrangingfrom7,400dollarsto60,000dollars.Thescamfellapartwhensomeonenoticedhesubmittedrequestsforashipinstorage.McGillspentsomeofthemoneyongamblingandopeningarestaurant,butgavemostofitawaytohischurchandfriends.Heagreedtorepaytheremainingmoney. Morethan100peoplehavebeenkilledinthepasttwoweeksinclashesbetweenthetwomainKurdishgroupswhichhavesplitnorthernIraq,leadersfrombothsidessaid.ThefightingbetweenthePatrioticUnionofKurdistan(PUKofJalalTalabani)andtheDemocraticPartyofKurdistan(DPKofMassudBarzani)endedearlythisweek,theysaid.TheDPKhastakenthecontrolofthenorthwesternofKurdistanaroundthetownofDahuk,whilethePUKhadseizedthesoutheast,aroundSulaymaniyah,anAFPcorrespondantsaid.ThetwogroupssharewiththeIraqiNationalCongress(INC)theprovinceofArbilinthemiddleoftheKurdish-controlledareaofnorthernIraq.TheINC,whichsaysitrepresentsalltheKurdishandArabfactionsopposedtoIraqiPresidentSaddamHussein,brokeredaceasefireagreementonSunday.ItisbasedinSalaheddinnearArbil.Thefightingeruptedafteraprivatequarrel,thePUKsaid.TheonlyclauseoftheceasefiresofarimplementedprovidesforINCmilitiamentocontrolcheckpointsintheArbilprovince,alongwithequalnumbersofPUKandDPKfighters.INCofficialKanaanMakkiyatoldAFPMoslemShiitefightersfromsouthernIraqwerechosentobedeployedonthecheckpoints.ThetworemainingclausesoftheMay8agreement,thathavenotbeenyetimplemented,provideforprisonerexchangesandthehandingbackofcapturedoffices.MakkiyasaidthePDKhasgiventheINC,whichistosupervisetheprisonersexchange,alistof93peoplewerebeingheldbythePUK.ADPKofficialdeniedhisgroupattackedthePUKinDahuk."Weonlysurroundedtheirofficestoforcethemtosurrenderpeacefully,"hetoldAFP.PUKspokesmanMohammadTuficsaidhisfaction"hastakenover"theDPKofficesinSulaymaniyahonlyafteritsownofficesinDahukwereattacked.MostofthecasualtiesfollowedthePUKassaultonQalatDizzaandRaniya,neartheIranianborder,onMay2,sourcesfrombothpartiessaid.TwelvewerekilledinSulaymaniyahand12inSalaheddin.TheofficialIraniannewsagencyIRNAreportedonMondaythat2,800werekilledinthefighting. TheTreasuryDepartmentandFederalReservehavenearedagreementonplanstomergetheFedandthreegovernmentagenciestosavemoney,saidFedGovernorJohnLaWareThursday.TheTreasuryDepartmenthasestimatedthatthegovernmentcouldsave150millionto200milliondollarsannuallyandthebankingindustryaboutonemillioniftheFederalReserveismergedwiththeFederalDepositInsuranceCorporation,OfficeofThriftSupervisionandComptrolleroftheCurrency."ThereissubstantiallynodifferencebetweenusandtheTreasuryonthis,"saidLaWare."It'sreallyjusttechnicalities."TheFedwillcontinuetohaveoversightover38USbanksunderanaccordthattheTreasuryDepartmenthasseemedamenableto.LaWarealsoseemedoptimisticthattheUSCongresswouldliftthe1927MacFaddenAct,whichrequiresbanksthatwanttodobusinessinseveralstatestosetupwhollyownedsubsidiariesineachstateinwhichtheyhavebranches.Theagreement,whichhasbeenapprovedbytheSenateandHouseofRepresentatives,couldgointoeffectbeforetheendoftheyear.Thesingledifferencebetweenthetwoversionsisthetreatmentofforeignbanks,whohavebeenaskingforyearstobegivenpermissiontooperatehere.ThesenatewouldrequirethemtocreateaUSsubsidiarywhiletheHousewouldgivethemequaltreatmentwithUSbanks.USbanksarecurrentlylobbyingforlegislationthatwouldrequiretheirforeigncompetitorstosetupsubsidiariesherecompletewithboardsofdirectors--puttingthemonthesamefootingasUSbankswhowanttoengageininterstatetrade.ThebankssaythatliftingtheMacFaddenActwouldsave10billiondollarsannuallyandmakebankingeasierforthe60millionAmericanslivingnearstateborders.LaWarealsosaidhewasopposedtoaplantostrengthenregulationsonderivativeproducts,financialinstrumentssuchasfuturesoroptions."Derivativesarenotnew,notmysteriousandifmanagedproperlylikeanyrisk,notspecificallydangerous,"hesaid.TheFedhasnottakenanofficialpositionontheissue. ForeignevacueesairliftedfromSanaabytheBritishRoyalAirForceThursdaysaidpeopleweredesertingthecapitalofwar-tornYemenandshortageswereworsening.TwoRAFHerculestransportplanesairlifted148foreigners,mostofthemBritish,toCyprusfromSanaa.Theevacuees,manylookingexhausted,includedbabiesandyoungchildren.TheyspentabouttwohoursatLarnacaairportbeforeboardingaBritishAirwaysDC-10planeboundforGatwickairport,southofLondon.SomehadwitnessedthefightingwhicheruptedaweekagobetweennorthernandsouthernforcesandwereinSanaawhenaScudmissileslammedintoadensely-populatedareaofthecityWednesday,causingatleast53casualties.Seventy-fiveevacueesarrivedononeHerculesC-130and73ontheother.TheplaneshadflownintoSanaafromDjiboutiearlierThursday.Thegroupincludedabout20Americans,aswellassomeDutch,NewZealanders,SwissandHungarians.BritishconstructionworkerMichaelWildsaidtheblastfromtheScudmissilewhichhitSanaaWednesdayshatteredwindowsinthehotelwherehewasstaying,1,000metres(yards)fromtheimpact.HequotedlocalYemenisassaying43peoplewerekilledand10injuredintheattack,whichflattenedeighthouses.Manyofthevictimswerechildren.TheofficialnewsagencySABAsaidWednesday25civilianswerekilledbytheScud,firedbysouthernforces,andPresidentAliAbdallahSalehputtheoverallcasualtytollat53.WildaddedthatthesouthernYemenSocialistParty(YSP)buildinginthecapitalhadbeendevastatedinanorthernattackandtheItalianembassywasalsohit.AHungarianneurosurgeonwhoaskedtobenotnamedsaid"medicalsuppliesareextremelylow"atthemainAl-ThawrapublichospitalinSanaa,wherehehadbeenworking.Hesaidtheoperatingtheatresinthe500-bedhospitalwerebarelyfunctioningandvirtuallyallthehospital'sforeignstaff--mostlyBulgariansandIndians--hadleft.About10Jordaniandoctorsarrivedatthehospitalafewdaysago.Thesurgeonsaidsome15Somalirefugeescaughtinthecrossfirewereadmittedwithseriousbulletwounds,and"atleasttwoofthemdiedlater."Thehospitalwashitbyelectricitycutsandtherewasvirtuallynomaintenance,hesaid.OneoftheHerculespilots,FlightLieutenantNickYoung,saidcommunicationsatSanaaairportwere"excellent"andpraisedthehelpofferedbytheYemeniauthorities.Hesaidhesawnodamagetotheairport,despitereportedbombingraidsbysouthernjetswhentheconflicteruptedlastweek.Theevacueeswereonlyallowedtobringoutamaximumof20kilogrammes(44pounds)ofluggageperperson.YvonnaRienens,aDutchteacherwhowasataninternationalschooljustoutsideSanaa,said150ofthe200teachersandpupilsattheschoolhadalreadyleft.ShesaidshesawmanyYemenisleavingSanaaforvillagesoutsidethecapital,somewiththeirgoats,andcarryingonlyafewpersonalbelongings,suchasmattresses.OilengineerswhowereworkingfortheUScompanyYemenHuntOilintheMaribfieldeastofSanaasaidabout200oilworkershadstayedbehindtokeepoperationsatthefieldrunning.Itproducesupto60,000barrelsofoilperday.SomeofthemsaidSanaaappearedtobea"ghosttown,"withmanyshopsclosedandlongqueuesatpetrolstations.VeronicaPickton,aBritishtouristfromBasingstokeinsouthernEngland,saidtherewerefrequentelectricityandwatershortagesatthehotelinSanaawhereshehadbeenstayingforaweek.However,therewere"nosignsofpanic"amonglocalresidents.Morethan4,000foreignershavenowfledthecountrysincefightingerupted.Britainearlierorganisedanevacuationof225non-BritonsfromSanaa.Around800Britons,mostlyoilworkers,livedinYemenbeforethecivilwarstarted.SomewhowerebasedaroundAden,thesoutherncapital,havealreadybeenevacuatedbysea. AformermemberoftheBritisheliteSASregimentdiedfromtheeffectsofabulletwoundhereceivednearly19yearsbefore,acoroner'sinquestfoundThursday.Sergeant-majorTonyFlemingwaswoundedin1975whilehisunitwasaidingthegovernmentofOmanagainstrebelforces.Thebulletpiercedhislungandlodgedinhisspinalcolumn,leavinghimparalysedfromthechestdown.Doctorsgavehim10yearstoliveatmostbuthesurvivedforalmosttwicethat,studyingArabicatuniversityandreturningtoOmantobecomeacaptainofthesultanate'sspecialforces.HefinallydiedofpneumoniainMarchafterhisconditionsuddenlydeteriorated.Theinquestwasheldtoestablishthathehaddiedofwoundsreceivedonactiveservice. TelecomNewZealandannouncedaprofitFridayof528.1millionNZdollars(304millionUSdollars)fortheyearendedMarch31,up15.4percentfromlastyear's457.7milliondollars,excludingabnormalrestructuringcosts.Operatingrevenuewasup22.7milliondollarsto2.497billiondollars.Thiscomparedwitha53.3milliondollardeclineinrevenuethepreviousyear.Telecomcutitsemployeenumbersby25percentduringtheyear.Telecom'soperatingexpensesfortheyearweredown64.7milliondollarsto1.612billiondollars,excludingabnormalrestructuringcosts.ThemajorityownerofTelecomisaconsortiummadeupofBellAtlanticandAmeritechoftheUnitedStates. Malawi'sprovisionalconstitutionwillbevotedintolawbyparliamentbeforenextweek'smulti-partygeneralelections.LovemoreMunlo,chairmanoftheall-partyNationalConsultativeCouncil(NCC)whichisoverseeingMalawi'stransitiontopoliticalpluralism,toldjournalistshereThursdaythatparliamentislikelytomeetMay15toendorsetheconstitution.Munlo,whoisthecountry'sattorney-generalandjusticeminister,saidtheconstitutionwillcomeintoforceafterthenewgovernmenttakespoweraftertheMay17polls.Hesaidaparliamentarycommitteewillcollectandexaminethepublic'scommentsandcriticismoftheprovisionalconstitution,andadefinitivebasiclawwillbedrawnupwithinayear. TheSenatedefiedPresidentBillClintononThursdaybyapprovingameasurethatwouldrequiretheUnitedStatestounilaterallyliftthearmsembargoagainstBosnia.TheplanproposedbySenateRepublicanleaderBobDolewouldforcetheUSadministrationtodisregardthe1991UNembargoandclearthewayforUSarmsshipmentstohelptheBosniangovernmentdefenditselfinthetwo-year-oldwar.Althoughtheamendment,approved50to49,haslittlechanceofbecominglaw,itundercutClintonadayaheadofinternationaltalksinGenevaonresolvingtheconflict.ClintonhaspressedforamultilateralliftingoftheembargobuthasmaintainedthataunilateraleffortbyWashingtoncouldundermineotherUNactionsaroundtheworld."ThepresidentreallyunderstandstheSenatesentimenthere,"saidWhiteHousespokeswomanDeeDeeMyers."HehasopposedthearmembargoinBosniafromthebeginning.We'vepursuedotheroptionsandasaresultwe'vemadesomeprogressonthegroundinBosnia."ButMyerssaidaunilateralliftingoftheembargocouldencourageothercountriestoignoreUNsanctionsonSerbia,NorthKoreaandothernations.ThemeasuregoestotheHouseofRepresentatives,whereitwasexpectedtohavelittlechanceofpassage.Butevenifitwereapproved,Clintoncouldvetothemeasure,andatwo-thirdsmajorityofbothhouseswouldbeneededtooverridetheveto.Earlier,senatorspassedbyanidentical50-49marginanamendmentsponsoredbyMitchellcallingonClintontoseekaconsensusamongUSalliestolifttheembargo.Byplacingthetwoamendmentsinthesamebill,senatorsappearedtogivecontradictorydirectivestothepresident. "LiftingthearmsembargoistheonlyfeasibleoptionthatwillpermittheBosniangovernmenttodefenditself,"saidSenatorJosephBidenfollowingthevoteonthebill.StateDepartmentspokesmanMichaelMcCurrysaidearlierthatpassingthemeasurewouldbe"problematic."HealsosuggesteditwouldsendaconflictingmessagetoGeneva,whereforeignministersfromEurope,RussiaandtheUnitedStatesweretodiscusstheBalkanconflictFriday.EuropeandRussiahavearguedthatanendtothearmsembargowouldescalatethefightingandquashanychancetoresolvetheconflictdiplomatically.AttheUnitedNationsadiplomatsaidthattheSecurityCouncilwasunlikelytoapprovearesolutionliftingtheembargo,notingthatevenifithadamajorityamongthe15membersRussiawouldbesuretovetoit.China'sUNrepresentative,ChenJian,saidtheUSSenateactioncouldcreatenewproblems."Chinaisnotinfavorofmeasureswhichcouldescalatethewar.Wecouldjudgeagainstthisbackground,"theBeijingdiplomatsaid.Lastyear,aresolutionintroducedattheUNbyMoslemandnon-alignedcountriestoexemptBosnianMoslemsfromthesanctionswononlysixoftheninevotesnecessarytopass.Fivenon-alignedmembersandtheUnitedStatessupportedtheresolution.EarlierSadakoOgata,theUnitedNationsHighCommissionerforRefugees,saidthatliftingthearmsembargowouldnothelpeffortstobringpeacetoBosnia-Hercegovinaaftermorethantwoyearsofbrutalwar."Fromahumanitarianpointofview...thenumberoneobjectiveIwouldliketoseeachievedisaceasefire.Numbertwoisapoliticalsettlement,"shesaid."Ihopeallthemeetingsanddecisionswouldleadtothesetwoobjectives."BosnianPrimeMinisterHarisSilajdzichadappealedtomemberstopassthebill,andthankedDoleandDemocraticSenatorJosephLiebermanforintroducingit."ThehopesoftheBosnianpeopleareturnedtotheUnitedStatesSenate,"hesaidrecently. Policearrestedsome50peopleThursdayafterright-wingyouthsarmedwithknivesandstickschasedforeignersthroughtheeasternGermantownofMagdeburg,injuringtwoofthemseriously.A40-stronggroupoffootballfansattackedforeignersoverseveralhoursafterparadingthroughthetowncentregivingNazisalutes,apolicespokesmansaid."Theyindulgedinarealhunt,"thespokesmansaid.Threeoftheforeigners,whosenationalitywasnotspecified,receivedknifewoundsandtwowerebroughttoanearbyhospitalinaseriouscondition.Twooftheattackerswerealsolightlywoundedandpoliceweretryingtodeterminewhetherasixthpersoninjured,aGerman,wasoneoftheaggressors.Anightclubwasseriouslydamagedduringthefighting.Theextremistslaterattackedacafewheretheirvictimshadtakenshelterbeforemorethan200policearrivedonthescene,arrestingbothextremistsandforeigners,thespokesmansaid.Theentirepoliceforcehadbeenplacedongeneralalertduringtherampage,headded.Extreme-rightviolencecaused22deathsinGermanylastyearcomparedto15in1992,butthenumberofattackshaddroppedinthefirstfewmonthsofthisyear. PhiladelphiafirstbasemanJohnKruk,whomissedthefirstsixgamesoftheseasonaftersurgerytoremoveacanceroustesticle,willhaveanoperationonhisrightkneeonFriday.Krukwillhavearthoscopicsurgerytoremoveloosecartilagefromthejoint.Heisexpectedtomissthenextthreeweeks."Icouldn'tmove,Icouldn'trun,"hesaid."Iwouldn'tsayitwasaffectingthewayIhit,butsomepeoplesaidIwasn'tcomingthroughonmyfrontside."Krukhasaveraged.313withonehomerunthisyear.Hesaidthecancerandthekneeproblemhadmadeitatoughseasonsofar."IknowmywayaroundthehospitalbetterthanIdothestadiumrightnow,"hesaid.bb94 PresidentBillClintonsaidwillnotrushintochoosinghisnextnomineetotheSupremeCourtashemissedtheThursdaytargetdatehehadsetfortheannouncement.ThewaitcouldsignalachangeintheClinton'schoices,withthepresidentpossiblyavoidingcontroversyovernominatingInteriorSecretaryBruceBabbitttothepost.ClintonsaidTuesdayhewouldmakeanannouncementbyThursday,buttheonlywordThursdaywasthathewouldholdoff.Hesaidhewouldresist"allthepressureoftimedeadlines.""Onthesematters,"Clintonsaid,"Itendtokeepmyowncounselmorethanonotherthings....Itisoneofthefewthingsthatthepresidentjustdoesonhisown,ofcourseultimatelywiththeadviceandconsentoftheSenate.""Iknowthatthishasnowbecomethemostpressingstoryinthecapital,butthisisreallyastorythatwillhaveimplicationsforyears,indeedperhapsfordecadestocome,"Clintonadded.Clinton'sdecisiononhisappointmenttothehighestcourtinthelandisnowexpectedbyFriday,givingtimefortheSenatetoconfirmhischoicebeforetheirsummerrecess.Leaks--particularlyfromsenatorsconsultedaboutpossiblecandidates--haveindicatedthatClintonhasnarrowedhischoicetothreenames.NamedforlifetotheSupremeCourt,theninejusticeshaveahugeroleindeterminingthecourseofAmericansociety.Inrecentdecades,thecourthasendedsegregation,givenblackspoliticalpowerandlegalizedabortion,rulingswhichwillhavealastingimpactonthecountry.Clinton'shesitationisalsoduetotheoppositiontheformerArizonagovernormightfaceinhisconfirmationhearingsintheSenate,wherehisreputationasastaunchliberalandhispoliticalratherthanlegalbackgroundcouldbeliabilities.The55-year-oldBabbitthasriledseveralmemberswithhiszealouseffortstoreformthegovernment'smanagementofthecountry'snaturalresourcesandhiscrusadetoputenvironmentalconcernsaheadofeconomicinterests. Thetwootherleadingcandidatesarebothjudges.RichardArnold,whoisfromClinton'shomestateArkansas,andStephenBreyerofMassachusetts,arebothconsideredmoderates."Theywouldbeslamdunksforthepresident,"andeasilyconfirmedsaidUtahSenatorOrrinHatch,therankingRepublicanontheJudiciaryCommittee.Arnold'shealthproblemsareanissueandalsoworkingagainsthimishisconnectionwithArkansas,whereClintonwasgovernor.TheWhiteHousewantstoavoidanyhintofinfluencepeddling.Clinton'snomineewillreplace85-year-oldJusticeHarryBlackmunwhodecidedtoresignafter24yearsontheSupremeCourt.ClintonnamedhisfirstSupremeCourtjusticelastJune:RuthBaderGinsburg,knownasamoderateandanabortionrightsadvocate. TheWhiteHousesaidThursdaythattheUnitedStatesandFrancehadreacheda"commonapproach"onBosnia-Hercegovina,onedaybeforeaGenevameetingontheformerYugoslavrepublic.Inabriefstatement,theWhiteHousesaidthatPresidentBillClintonandFrenchForeignMinisterAlainJuppe"agreedtheministerialmeetingoffersasanimportantopportunityfortheUS,Franceandtheinternationalcommunitytocontinuecopperativeeffortstopressthepartiestotheconflicttonegotiateapoliticalsettlement."JuppearrivedinWashingtononWednesday,determinedtoconvinceWashingtontoforceBosnia'swarringpartiestoagreetoapeaceplan."Itisnotamatterofimposingapeaceplanonthepartiesthattheydon'twantbutofputtingpressureonthemtoacceptit,"hesaid.Clintonontheotherhand,hadbackedaplantoconvinceEuropetoliftthearmsembargoonBosnia'sMoslems.JuppemetwiththepresidentattheOvalofficeearlyThursdaytodiscussBosnia.LeavingtheWhiteHouse,Juppesaidhewaspleasedwiththe"convergence"betweenWashingtonandParis,buthealsoacknowledgedthattherewerestildetailstoworkout.TheGenevaconferenceFridaywillbringtogethertheforeignministersofBritain,France,Germany,RussiaandtheUnitedStates,aswellasBelgiumandGreece. TwoNigeriansoldierswerekilledinthedisputedBakassipeninsulainanincidentblamedonCameroon,NigeriantelevisionreportedThursday."Cameroonhasonceagainconfirmedthatsheistheaggressor,"armedforcesspokesmanColonelOkonEdewasquotedassaying."WhileNigeriahasbeenplayingtheroleofagoodneighbourbyresortingtodiplomatic,politicalandtraditionalmeanstoresolvethedispute,CameroonhasconsistentlydisplayedarrogantagressionwhichresultedinthedeathoftwoNigeriansoldiersrecently."Ede'sstatement,whichgavenofurtherdetailsoftheincident,calledontheinternationalcommunitytotakenoteof"anotherveritableactofprovocation"byCameroon.EarliertheofficialNigeriannewsagencysaidheadofstateGeneralSaniAbachahadheld"crucialconsultations"onnationalsecuritywithhisarmedforceschiefsThursdayinthecapitalAbuja.ThesituationinBakassi,anarearichinnaturalresourceswherethetwosideshaveconfrontedeachothersinceJanuary,wasonetheagendaaswellaspoliticalandeconomicconditionsinNigeria,theagencysaid. TelecomNewZealandFridayannouncedaprofitof528.1millionNZdollars(304millionUS)fortheyearendedMarch31,up15.4percentfromlastyear's457.7milliondollars,excludingabnormalrestructuringcosts.AstheresultwasannouncedanacademicsaidTelecomwasmakingtoomuchmoneyandmight,asaresult,attractattentionfromregulatoryauthorities.Operatingrevenuewasup22.7milliondollarsto2.497billiondollars.Thiscomparedwitha53.3milliondollarsdeclineinrevenuethepreviousyear.Telecomcutitsemployeenumbersby25percentduringtheyear.Telecom'soperatingexpensesfortheyearweredown64.7milliondollarsto1.612billiondollars,excludingabnormalrestructuringcosts.Staffsheddingwasreflectedingrosspersonnelcosts,whichfell11.6percentovertheyear,andwasthemajorfactorina3.9percentdeclineto1.612billiondollarsinoperatingexpenses.AtMarch31Telecomhad202accesslinesperoperatingemployee,comparedwith142ayearearlierand123inMarch1992."Thepaceatwhichthenumberofpersonnelcontinuestodeclinewillhingelargelyontheintroductionofnewsystems,thetimingofwhichisdifficulttoforecastprecisely,"chairmanPeterShirtcliffeandchiefexecutiveRoderickDeanesaidintheirannualreview.About1,000morejobsaretobeeliminatedthisfinancialyear.MeanwhileVictoriaUniversityprofessorofaccountingDonTrowsaidFriday'sprofitwastoomuchforanearmonopoly.Hesaidthatifprofitscontinuedtogrow,thenthecompanyisforecasttoreachmorethan680milliondollarswithintwoyears,andtheregulatoryCommerceCommissionmaybeforcedtoconsiderthequestionofexcessiveprofits.Thereturnworksouttomorethan20percentoninvestment,thehighestforanypubliccompanylistedontheNewZealandStockExchange.At680milliondollarsthatreturngrowsto30percent;unheardofinalargecompanyinacountrywithlowinflation.Oncestateowned,TelecomisnowhalfownedbytwoAmericancompanies,AmeritechandBellAtlantic,withtherestownedbysmallshareholdersandNewZealandandoverseasfundmanagers.Trowsaidtheprofitreturnwasveryhighforautilitywithsecurecashflowsandprofitsunlikelytobebadlyaffectedbyeconomicdownturns.HesaidTelecomwasstillinapositionofsubstantialprotectionasitsmaincompetitor,ClearCommunications,hadnotyethadthechancetoprovideeffectivecompetitioninthelocalcallingmarket.Friday'sresultshowrevenuegrowthof22.7milliondollarsor0.9percentcomparedwitha2.1percentdeclineintheyearendedMarch1993.Thenumberoftelephoneaccesslinesgrew3.8percent,nationalcallvolume9.9percent,internationaloutward11percentandinternationalinward12.4percent.Directoriesandtariffrevenuegrew13.1percentandincomefromenhancedservices23.6percent.TheaverageofbothnationalandoutwardinternationalcallpricesinMarchthisyearwasaround15percentlowerthanayearpreviously."ThedirectorsseesignificantprospectsforgrowthinproductsandservicesbasedonthecapabilitiesofTelecom'sintelligentnetworkandmoderntransmissionsystems,"theannualreviewsaid."MarketpenetrationandintensityofuseofmanyofTelecom'sproductsandservices,includingtollcalling,enhancednetworkservicesandmobileservices,arestilllowcomparedwithothercountries,"itsaid. In33yearsofracing,EmersonFittipaldihasneverhadanenginethisgood.ThereigningIndianapolis500championgavetheMercedespowerplanthisultimatepraisehereThursdayafterdrivinghisPenskecartothemonth'sfastestlapinpracticeforthe78thIndyrace.TheBraziliancircledthe2.5-mile(4km)ovalin39.05secondsat230.438mph(368.700km/h).Fittipaldireachedatopspeedof245mph(392km/h)."I'veneverbeen245mphbeforeinmylife,"Fittipaldisaid."Thisisthelimit.Ohmy.Thatmustbealotinkilometers.Idon'twanttoevenseeitinkilometers.I'llkeepitinmiles."Fittipaldi'stopspeedreplacedanotherBraziliandriver,RaulBoesel,atoptheIndypracticespeedlist.Boesel'sbestwas230.403mph(368.644km/h)."WeseemtoberunninginthesametimeslotmorethananybodyotherthanthePenskes,"Boeselsaid."Wehavebeenconsistentandwehaveagoodbalanceonthecar."FittipaldiandhisMercedes-poweredRogerPensketeammates,AlUnserJnrandCanada'sPaulTracy,arefavoritesinSaturday's100,000-dollarpolebattlefortheMay29race.FittipaldiwonhisonlyIndypolein1990,oneyearaftertakinghisfirstcheckeredflagatIndianapolisMotorSpeedway.TheMercedesengine,designedbyEnglishmotormakersMarioIllienandPaulMorgan,takesadvantageofextraboostallowedstockblockengines.Therulewasaimedatallowinglow-budgetteamstobecompetitivehere,butPenske'smultimillion-dollarinvestmentinanenginelegalonlyherehasmadehiscarstheonestobeat."Therealityisthereismuchlessofanadvantagethanpeoplethink,"Fittipaldisaid. TheadvantageisenoughforFordmotorracingdirectorDanRivardtoseekrelieffromIndyraceofficials.MostcontendershereusehisFord-CosworthenginesacrosstheIndycircuit,butPenskecouldmakethemuncompetitive."We'reworkingwiththespeedwaysowecanallworkwiththesameengineering,"Rivardsaid."Thespeedwayisfacedwithsomeverytoughchoices.Theyhavetomakethedecision(onchangingrulestokilltheMercedes)."RivardandCosworth'sSteveMillerbothsaidtheycouldbuildanIndy-onlyenginesimilartoMercedesfornextyeariftheymust.NewrivalsHondaandToyotawouldlikelydothesame."We'renotadversarialinthis,butwewanttoknowwhat'sgoingon,"Rivardsaid."IfthePenskeshaveanyluckatall,theycouldbeunstoppable."EvenrivalsagreetheMercedesdriversaelikelytobreakthetrackrecordssetbyRobertoGuerreroin1992.Theyare232.482mph(371.971km/h)forafour-lapaverageand232.618mph(372.188km/h)forasinglelap."It'sgoingtobeludicrous.We'reheretoqualifyinthesecondorthirdrow,"Britain'sNigelMansellsaid.Unser,whohastestedtheMercedesover520miles,dislikesthefavoredrole,saying:"We'renotalockforthepole.Youcanhaveallthehorsepoweranditwon'tmatterunlessyoucangetaroundthecorner."Buthisfather,four-timeIndywinnerAlUnserSr.,likeswhatheseesfromhisson'sengine."Weknowtheengineiscapable.Penskedoesn'tletthingssitbackandrelax,"hesaid."Whetheritwillstanduponraceday,nobodyknows.Ibetyouitwillbeastrongmotorallday,though.Penskewouldn'tcomeherewithoutagoodideaitwouldholdup."js94bb Apro-Islamiclawyer,AbdelHarethMadani,whodiedinprisonlastweek,hadbeentorturedtodeath,anofficialpreliminarypathologist'sreporthasfound.TheofficeofthestateprosecutorsaidithadcalledforafinalreportandsummonedthedoctorswhocarriedouttheautopsyonMadani'sbodyformoreinformation.ProsecutorRaga'aal-Arabi,whoorderedthepathologist'sreport,isalsoexpectedtointerrogatethepolicesuspectedofinvolvementintorturingMadani.InteriorMinisterGeneralHassanal-Alfi,questionedbyjournalists,saidthematterwasstillbeinginvestigatedandthatthetruthwouldbemadepublic.TheCairoBarsaidMondaythatMadani'sdeath,notifiedtohisfamilythepreviousFriday,waspremeditatedmurder,whileEgyptianandforeignhumanrightsorganisationscalledonPresidentHosniMubaraktoclearupthematter.MadaniwasarrestedonApril26andtakenawaytoanunknowndestination.TheoppositionsaidhehadbeentryingtomediatebetweenthegovernmentandIslamicfundamentalistsintheconflictwhichhaskilledsome400peopleinthepasttwoyears. Colombia,VenezuelaandMexicoclearedthewayThursdayforathree-wayfreetradeagreementaftersettlingseverallongstandingdifferences,officialssaid.InstatementsissuedhereaswellasCaracasandMexicoCity,thethreegovernmentssaidtheGroupofThreetreatywouldbesignedattheJune15LatinAmericansummitintheColombiancapitalandwouldgointoeffectJanuary1."Thisisahistoricaccord,thesecondmostimportantinAmerica,"saidColombianForeignTradeMinisterRafaelSantos,sayingthepactwassecondinimportanceonlytotheNorthAmericanFreeTradeAgreementwithCanada,MexicoandtheUnitedStates.SantoscalledthemeasureadefinitivesteptowardthepoliticalintegrationofLatinAmerica.Toreachagreement,officialsdecidedtoexcludeVenezuelafromtextileandapparel,Santossaid,addingthattreatmentofthepetrochemicalsectorwashandledonaproduct-by-productbasis."Wecouldnotallowseveraldifferncesinsecondarymatterstosidetrackthisaccord,"Santossaid. Thedollaropenedat104.15yeninTokyoonFriday,up0.05yenfromthepreviousday'sfinishof104.10yen.TheopeningratewasslightlybelowNewYork'slateThursdayquoteof104.22yen. Reducedcostsandlessstressaremakingstateofficialsconsidermoremultipleexecutionsafterputtingtwoprisonerstodeathearlierintheweek."Theattorneygeneralistalkingtousnowaboutthenextmultipleexecution,"saidArkansasDepartmentofCorrectionspokesmanAlanAblesThursday.ConvictedmurderersJonasWhitmoreandEdwardCharlesPickensdiedbylethalinjectionWednesdaywithinaboutanhourofeachotherinthesamechamber.Ablessaidmorethanoneexecutionononedaysavesmoneyspentonpreparationsandovertime.Healsosaidprisonworkersfacelessstresswithmultipleexecutions."Nobodywantstogetupinthemorningandgokillsomebody,"saidAbles.Twoormoreexecutionsonthesamedate"wouldlessenthatanxietythattheofficersarefacedwith,"saidJimClark,presidentoftheInternationalAssociationofCorrectionalOfficersinWashington."Itshouldsavethetaxpayersaconsiderableamountofmoneyandwecertainlyencouragemultipleexecutions,"saidDennisMartin,executivedirectoroftheNationalAssociationofChiefsofPolice.Arkansascalledin32extrastatepolicetotheprisonWednesdaynightalongwithover45otherpeoplenotnormallyonduty.MultipleexecutionswereoncecommonintheUnitedStates.Arkansasexecutedtwopeopleonfourseparatedatesin1960.UntilWednesday,nomultipleexecutionshadtakenplaceintheUnitedStatessincetheSupremeCourtreinstatedthedeathpenaltyin1976.Executionsarearebecomingmorefrequentwithprisonersconvictedsince1976reachingtheendoftheirappeals.WhitmoreandPickensbroughtthedeathtotalto239since1977.Morethan2,800peoplearesittingonDeathRowintheUnitedStates.ThenextmultipleexecutioninArkansascouldtakeplaceinJulyorAugust,saidAbles.Thestatehas41inmatesonDeathRow. ChinesedissidentsintheUnitedStatesgenerallyfavorapartialwithdrawalofBeijing'sprivilegedtradingstatustargetingstate-ownedfirms,notcompleterevocation,dissidentleaderssaidhereThursday.TherearedifferingviewsamongthedissidentcommunityintheUnitedStatesonthebestwaytoadvancehumanrightsinChina,but"anoverwhelmingmajoritydoagreeonthemiddlepolicyoftargetedrevocation,"ZhaoHaiching,thepresidentoftheNationalCouncilforChineseAffairs(NCCA)toldapressconference.ChinahasclearlynotmadethesignificantoverallprogressonhumanrightswhichPresidentBillClintonsaidlastyearwouldbeneededifheweretoextendBeijing'smostfavorednation(MFN)tradingstatusbeyondJune3,Zhaosaid.ButwithdrawingMFNaltogetherwouldmakeeveryonesufferforthegovernment'sintransigence,saidZhao,whosegroupcoordinatesdissidentgroupsintheUnitedStatespushingforhumanrightsanddemocracyinChina.RevokingMFNjustforproductswhichcomemainlyfromstate-ownedenterpriseswouldcontinueUSpressureonthegovernmenttoimproveitshumanrightsrecord,whilenotpunishingtheprivatesectorandmarketeconomywhicheverybodywantstopromote,Zhaosaid.ZhaoalsosaiditwastheUnitedStates'sownfaultthatitsdecisiontofirmlylinkMFNtohumanrightsthisyearhadnotbornemorefruit.MixedsignalsfromWashingtonhadconvincedChina"thatalltheyhavetodotowinMFNisplaytough,andtheyhavebeendoingso,"Zhaosaid.EconomicofficialsinthegovernmentmadeitclearearlythatevokinghumanrightswouldbeaneconomicdisasterfortheUnitedStates.ChinesedissidentWangJuntao,jailedforhispartinthe1989pro-democracymovementwhichwascrushedintheTiananmenSquaremassacre,isinWashingtonthisweekmeetingwithlawmakersandUSofficials.Wangsaidthathisreleasewasamiracle,buturgedtheinternationalcommunitynottoforgetallthepoliticalprisonersstillbehindbarsinChina.OnWedenesday,WangcalledforWashingtontoaintainpressureonChinabutnotbywithdrawingMFNWangmetforhalfanhourattheWhiteHousewithnationalsecurityadviserAnthonyLake,withnodetailsavailablefromthetalks,officialssaid. NewYork'sSupremeCourtupheldalowercourtdecisionThursdaydenyingfilmstarWoodyAllencustodyofthreechildreninabittercourtbattlewithhisex-loverandformerleadingladyMiaFarrow.ThecourtalsoorderedAllentopay1.2milliondollarstocoverFarrow'slegalexpensesinthedisputeoverthecouple'ssix-year-oldbiologicalson,Satchelaswellastwochildrenadoptedbythecouple.ElkanAbramowitz,Allen'slawyer,saidthefilmdirectorandactorwas"bitterlydisappointed"bytherulingandsaidhemayseekfurtherappeals.TheappealscourtruledthatAllen,whoacknowledgedsleepingwithSoon-YiPrevin,Farrow's22-year-oldadopteddaughter,showed"anabsenceofanyparentingskill."ThecourtmaintainedanorderbarringAllenfromvisitingseven-year-oldDylanand16-year-oldMoses,whowereadoptedbythecoupleduringtheirrelationshipthatendedin1992.AllenwasclearedofFarrow'saccusationsthathemolestedDylan. Rain,lightningandwildwindswreakedhavocontheLPGAChampionshipThursday,leavingtwogolfers,AliceRitzmanandDottieMochrie,sharingtheleadwiththreestillstrandedonthecourse.Ritzmanhasneverwonatournamentin17yearsontheLPGATour.Shecardedathree-under68tosharetheleadwithDottieMochrie,onadayinwhichonly16of141golferscardedparorbetter.Golferswithearlyteetimesplayedintherain.Laterthunderstormsstoppedplayfortwohours,andafterthebreakstrong,chillywindscausedscorestoballoon."Ikindofweatheredthestorm,"saidMochrie,whowasonthelastholewhenplaywassuspended."Itwasn'taneasydaytoplay."France'sAnne-MariePalliwasdisqualifiedforpracticingduringtheraindelay.Threeothergolferswithdrew:NancyLopezwithalowerbackinjury,Spain'sTaniaAbitbolwithawristproblemandSandraPalmerafterallergiescontributedtoadisappointing40onherfirstnineholes.Lopez,winnerofthreeLPGAChampionships,saidshedidnotwanttojeopardizeherseasonbyplayingthroughtheinjury."Itwasuseless,"saidLopez,whostartedontehbackninewithabogeyanddoublebogey."IfIdidkeepswinging,itcouldhavegottenworse.Iwanttofinishtherestoftheyear."Mochrieremainedsteadyinthefaceoftheupheaval.Shemade15pars,withbirdiesatfive,12,and15."IthinkIplayedthreedifferentcourses,"shesaid."Thefirstholesindownpour,thenthewind,andthenthestorm.Withallthat,I'mpleasedwiththewayIplayed."Ritzman,42,gotto68indifferentfashion.Openingonthebacknineshebirdiedthe11thandbogeyedthenextfromlessthantwofeet.Shechippedinfrom69feetforabirdieat17,andaddedthreebirdiesandabogeyonthefrontnine."Thewindwasstrongandgusting,"shesaid."Theconditionswereprettytough.Youhadtomaintainyourpatiencetogetthejobdone."JuliInksterandNoelleDaghewereoneshotbehindtheleaders,andEngland'sLauraDavieswasinagroupoffiveon70.ThethreeplayersstillonthecoursewhendarknessfellweretocompletetheroundFridaymorning.bb94 TheSenateshouldapprovea14-year-oldtreatytocurbmillionsoflandminesfrombeinglayedaroundworldsaidPresidentClintonThursday.Senateratificationwouldbe"amatterofhumanity,commonsenseandsoundmilitarydoctrine,"Clintonsaid.InternationalrepresentativesconcludedtheoriginalagreementinGenevainthefallof1980.TheUnitedStatessignedonin1982.Sincethenthetreatyhaslanguished,thesubjectofmultipleUSgovernmentreviews.Morethan100millionlandmineslieunexplodedinatleast62countries,humanrightsgroupsreported.Theyalsosaidworldwideproductionmaybereaching10millionanti-personnellandminesannually.TheAmericanRedCrossreportedlandmineskillmorethan200civilianseveryweek.LandminesareaparticularthreatinAfghanistan,Angola,andCambodia.Clintontermedthetreaty"amodestbutsignificanthumanitarianefforttoprotectthevictimsofarmedconflictfromtheeffectsofparticularweapons."HealsosaidratificationwouldstrengthenUSeffortsurginganinternationalmoratoriumontheexportofanti-personnellandmines.StateDepartmentandUnitedNationsHighCommissioneronRefugeespersonnelwilltestifybeforetheSenateFridayontheissue. Leadingfirst-roundscoresonThursdayinthe1.1million-dollarLPGAChampionshipgolftournament(USAunlessstated.ThreeplayerstocompleteroundFriday):68-AliceRitzman,DottieMochrie69-JulieInkster,NoelleDaghe70-RobinWalton,MichelleMcGann,ChrisJohnson,LauraDavies(GB),MardiLunn(Australia)71-MegMallon,ShelleyHamlin,TammieGreen,PageDunlap,DanaDormann,AmyAlcott,JulieLarsen...72-JenniferWyatt(Canada),HiromiKobayashi(Japan),BarbBunkowsky(Canada),FlorenceDescampe(Belgium)73-GailGraham(Canada),JaneCrafter(Australia),HelenAlfredsson(Sweden)74-LisaWalters(Canada),AyakoOkamoto(Japan),LiselotteNeumann(Sweden)75-JanStephenson(Australia),AmaiaArruti(Spain)76-NickyLeRoux(S.Africa),MartaFigueras-Dotti(Spain),DawnCoe-Jones(Canada),EvaDahllof(Sweden)77-NancyHarvey(Canada)78-SallyLittle(S.Africa),SuzanneStrudwick(GB),AliciaDibos(Peru)80-TrishJohnson(GB)82-PamelaWright(GB),LucianaBemvenuti(Italy)WD-SandraPalmer,NancyLopez,TaniaAbitbol(Spain)DQ-Anne-MariePalli(France)bb94 surveyWASHINGTON,May12(AFP)-PurchasingpowerofUShouseholdshasbeenrisingandwillcontinuetorisethroughtheyear2000,theConferenceBoardbusinessresearchorganizationsaidThursday.Between1960and1990,realpercapitaincomedoubledfrom8,000dollarsto16,000dollarsayear,theboardsaid."FrequentpredictionsofanemergingdeclineinUSlivingstandardshavelittlebasisinfact,"saidConferenceBoarddirectorFabianLinden.ThesurveyfoundthatagrowingnumberofUShouseholdsarejoiningthemiddleclassandthatthe35-55agegroupwouldsooncontrolhalfthenation'spurchasingpower.Thesurveypredictedthatthenumberofhouseholdswithanincomelevelofbetween50,000and100,000dollarsannuallywilllikelygrowbyone-thirdbytheendofthecenturyandthatthenumberofhouseholdsearningmorethan100,000dollarswouldjump80percent.Increasedworkerproductivity,thegreaterparticipationofwomenintheworkforceandincreasedlevelsofeducationwerecitedasfactorsfortheincreaseinpurchasingpower. NineallegedbankrobbersandtwobystanderswerekilledwhenpolicefoiledabankrobberyearlyThursday,leavingbodiesstrewnalongafive-blockstretchofroad,authoritiessaid.ThebankrobbersenteredaBancodeColombiabranchandtookabout20,000dollarsbeforetheyweresurprisedbypolice.Policeandtheallegedbankrobbersexchangedfire,andtheninewereshotandkilledastheyattemptedtoflee.Thedeadincludedtwopassersby:ataxidriverallegedlyshotbythebankrobbersastheyattemptedtostealhisvehicleandabystander,policespokesmensaid. PioneerpsychoanalystErikEriksonwhowidenedthescopeofpsychoanalytictheorytotakegreateraccountofsocial,culturalandotherenvironmentalfactors,diedThursday.Hewas91.EriksondiedattheRosewoodManorNursingHome,saidDianaEck,aHarvardprofessorandfriend."AstheyusedtosayofGandhi,hewasamahatma,agreatsoul,verywise,verywide-ranginghumanistandsomeonewhoreallyilluminatedthestagesofthelifecyclefrombirthtodeath,"Ecksaid.EriksontrainedunderAnnaFreud--thedaughterofSigmundFreud--specializinginchildpyschology.EriksongraduatedfromtheViennaPsychoanalyticInstitute.HeextendedFreudiantheoryintoadolescenceandadulthoodandcoinedthephrase,"identitycrisis."Hewrotenumerousbooksonhumandevelopmentandwasrecognizedinhisfieldasapioneer.Hismostinfluentialbookwas"ChildhoodandSociety"(1950).Hispsychohistoricalstudies,"YoungManLuther"(1958)and"Gandhi'sTruth"(1969),exploredtheconvergenceofpersonaldevelopmentandsocialhistory.ThelatterwonthePulitzerandNationalBookAwardin1970.Laterworksdealtwithethicalconcernsinthemodernworld.Inadditiontopsychoanalyticworks,EriksonalsowrotebiographiesofJesus,AlbertEinstein,WilliamJamesandCharlesDarwin.BorninFrankfurtamMain,GermanyonJune15,1902toDanishparents,EriksonleftEuropefortheUnitedStatesin1933.HebecameanaturalizedUScitizenin1939.EriksontaughtatHarvardUniversityinthemid-1930sandreturnedduringthe1960s.HewasprofessoremeritusofhumandevelopmentandpsychiatryatHarvard.Inhislastyearshehadbeenlivingatthenursinghome.Hiswife,Joan,livednearby. ResultsonThursdayintheNationalBasketballAssociationplayoffs:Conferencesemi-finalsAtlanta92,Indiana69,seriestied1-1bb94 DiplomatsfromEurope,RussiaandtheUnitedStatespreparedtomeethereFridayamiddisarrayforyetanotherattempttogettogripswiththeconflictinBosnia-Hercegovina.AseniorUSofficialsaidtheaimwasto"focusoncessationofhostilitieslinkedwithanearlyresumptionofnegotiations"betweentheBosnianSerbsandtherecently-agreedMoslem-Croatfederation.ButheacknowledgedthattheSerbsweredemandingaliftingofUNsanctionsagainsttheirbackersintherumpYugoslaviabeforetheywouldreturntothenegotiatingtable,somethingwhichtheUnitedStatesopposes.Washington,representedbySecretaryofStateWarrenChristopher,alsowentintothetalksembarrassedbyavoteThursdaybytheUSSenatethattheadministrationshouldunilaterallyallowUSarmsshipmentstothemainly-MoslemBosniangovernmentindefianceofa1991UNembargo.USPresidentBillClintonfavoursliftingtheembargotoallowthegovernmentforcestodefendthemselves,butsaysitmustbeamultilateralmove.TheSenatevote,whilehavingvirtuallynochanceofbecominglaw,undercuthimthedaybeforetheGenevatalks.Friday'sconferencealsofollowsstrongwordsfromFrancethatitmightbeobligedtopullitsforcesoutoftheUNpeacekeepingoperationinBosniaifpeacecannotbeobtained,andcontinuingdisagreementoverhowterritorymightbedividedamongthewarringsides.ButdespiteearlierpessimismfromWashington,theUSofficialheresaiditwas"possibletoalargeextent"to"agreeonsomekindofapproach"towardsresolvingtheproblem.Hesaidthatbothsideshadindicatedinterestinacessationofhostilities,theSerbsbecauseofthe70percentofBosniatheycontrolledwas"moretheycaneffectivelyoccupy,"andtheSarajevogovernmentbecauseitwantedto"calmthingsdowninthehopenegotiationsresume."TheofficialsaidtheGenevaconferenceshouldalsoreaffirmsupportfordecisionsonthesixUN-declaredsafeareasandpreventoffensiveactionselsewhere.OnThursdayfightingwasreportedatTuzlaandBihac,bothdeclaredsafeareas,andatBrcko,apotentialflashpoint,whileaUNmilitaryobserverwaskilledandanotherseriouslywoundedontheedgeoftheSarajevoexclusionzone.UNSecretary-generalBoutrosBoutros-GhalicalledThursdayinastatementpublishedinNewYorkfortheboundariesofthesafeareas,whereMoslemsareundersiegefromSerbs,tobeclearlydefined.Healsoruledoutextendingthesafeareas,forexampletoBrcko,sayingtheUNProtectionForce(UNPROFOR)didnothavetheresourcestocoverthem."Itmustberecognizedthatsafeareasdonotinthemselvesrepresentalong-termsolutiontothefundamentalconflictinBosniaandHercegovina,whichrequiresapoliticalandterritorialsolution,"Boutros-Ghaliadded.TheUNchiefmetinParisThursdaywithcivilianandmilitarychiefsoperatingintheformerYugoslavia,includingspecialrepresentativeYasushiAkashi,UNPROFORcommanderGeneralBertranddeLapresle,peacenegotiatorThorvaldStoltenbergandhisEuropeanUnioncolleagueLordOwen.ThemeetingcoveredStoltenbergandOwen'smandatefortheGenevatalks,aswellaswaysofimprovingcommunicationsbetweenUNPROFOR,Boutros-GhaliandtheUNSecurityCouncil.AcommuniquesaidtheUNwantedtoseetheparticipantsatGenevaagreeatleastontheneedtoestablishageneralceasefireinBosniaassoonaspossibleandtodealwiththewholeproblemoftheconflictonaglobalandnotapiecemealbasis.QuestionedonthepossibilityofliftingUNsanctionsagainstBelgrade,heldresponsibleforincitingtheconflict,toencouragetheSerbstoreturntothenegotiatingtable,theUSofficialsaidthiscouldbeginoncetheSerbshadmadeaverifiedwithdrawaloftheirforcestoagreedlines.AswellasChristopher,OwenandStoltenberg,theGenevaconferencebringstogethertheforeignministersofRussiaandfivefromtheEuropeanUnion:BritainandFrancewhichhavethelargestcontingentsofpeacekeepersinBosnia,currentpresidentofthecouncilofministersGreece,itspredecessorBelgiumanditssuccessorGermany.SaturdayseesthesignatureoftheagreementbetweenBosnianCroatsandMoslemsontheirfederation,whichtheSerbshaverefusedtojoin.Thefederationhasalsocauseduneasebyclaiming58percentofBosnia-Hercegovina,morethantheGenevaparticipantshavebeenpreparedtoagree. Japan'swomen'svolleyballteamlaunchedtheirtouroftheUnitedStateswitha3-0victoryThursdaynight,takingtheirrecordagainsttheAmericansto88-57.Japancruisedtoa15-5,15-10,15-5sweepinfrontofabout3,000fans.MikaYamauchiledJapanwith19killsandtwoblocks.TeammateKazuyoMatsukawaadded12killsandfiveblocksinthewinningeffort.Thefour-citytourcontinuesFridayinKansasCity,Missouri.ThetwocountriesplayinLincoln,Nebraska,onSundayandDenver,Colorado,onMonday.bb94 SixadultsandtwochildrendiedearlyFridaywhenfiresweptthroughafurniturefactoryandsalesroominnorthernBangkok,trappingthevictimsintheirsecond-storeylivingquarters,policesaid.Irongrillesondoorsandwindowspreventedthevictimsfromescapingtheblaze,policesaid.Radioreportssaid10workersmanagedtoescape,butpolicecouldnotimmediatelyconfirmthefigure.Thecauseofthefire,whichbrokeoutataround1:30a.m.andragedforoveranhour,wasunderinvestigation,policesaid. ThefilmcensorshipboardhasdecidedthattheOscar-winningfilm"Schindler'sList"maybeshownuncutinThaitheatersdespitenudelove-makingsceneswhichcontravenelocalregulations.TheboardvotedThursdaytoliftabanimposedearlierthismonth,andthefilmwillbeshownforthefirsttimeinBangkokSaturday,aspokesmanfordistributorsUnitedInternationalPictures,SurachitChanowan,said.Ina6-4voteafterhoursofdebate,theboarddecidedthata10-secondnudesexscenewasnotafterallobjectionableasnosexorganswereshownanditdidnotprovokesexualexcitement,apoliceofficialtoldAFPFriday.Theofficialnotedthatboardmembersvotingagainstshowingthefilmuncutincludedthepressassociation,despiterecentcallsinthelocalpresstoupdateThailand's1920s-eracensorshipregulations.Othersvotingagainstrepresentedthedefenseministry,thenationalintelligenceagencyandtheThaimovieconfederation,theofficialsaid.StevenSpielberg'sepicofaGermanindustrialistwhosmugglesmorethan1,000JewstosafetyduringWorldWarII,winnerofsevenAcademyAwards,ranintotroubleinseveralcountrieswhenSpielbergrefusedtoallowanycuts.Malaysiabanned"Schindler'sList,"thengrudginglyrelented.ThePhilippinescensorshipboardvotedtocutcertainscenesuntilPresidentFidelRamosissuedadecreetoshowthefilminitsentirety.Indonesia,wheresomeMoslemorganizationscontendthefilmdemonstratesmoralsandactionswhichruncountertotheIndonesianwayoflife,remainsundecided.InThailand,whereexplicitsexshowscanbeseeninmanynightspots,filmsareroutinelycuttomeetcensorshipstandardsora90-minutetimeframe.Scenesofviolencegenerallyescapethecuts,butsceneswithnuditydonot.AnotherOscar-winningfilmnowmakingtheroundsinBangkok,"ThePiano",isbeingshownatitsfulllength,butwithscenesinvolvingnuditysmearedintoobscuritywithpetroleumjelly. TheAtlantaHawksheldIndianatothelowestpointstotaleverinaNationalBasketballAssociationplayoffgameThursday,levelingtheirsecond-roundseries1-1witha92-69victory.ThePacers'69pointswereonelessthanthepreviousplayofflowof70,setbyGoldenStateagainstLosAngelesin1973andmatchedbySeattleagainstHoustonin1982.Atlanta'sMookieBlaylockposted11points,13assistsand10rebounds--hittingdoubledigitsinallthreecategoriesforthefourthtimeinhiscareer.Atlantaledbyasmuchas61-42atonepointinthethirdquarter.Indiananarrowedthegapto65-57butcouldnotcomeanycloser.TheHawksledfromlateinthefirstquarter,whenKevinWillis'shotfromthecornerbrokea19-19tie.Atlantaled47-32athalftime.Thebest-of-sevenseriesmovestoIndianapolis,Indiana,forgamethreeonSaturday.bb94 Venezuela'sSupremeCourtclearedthewayThursdayforasecondsetofchargestobefiledagainstformerpresidentJaimeLusinchi(1984-1989),chiefjusticeRobertoYepezBoscanannounced.ThehighcourtfoundthattherewasenoughevidencetotryLusinchi,asocialdemocrat,formisappropriationoffundsfromtheNationalInstituteofRacecourses,anagencytomanageracetracks.ThenextstepwouldbeforthecourttoaskcongresstoliftLusinchi'spresidentialimmunity,saidYepezBoscan.Lusinchi,likeallex-presidents,hasalifetimeseatinthesenate.TheSupremeCourtruledinAugustthattherewasenoughevidencetotryLusinchiforcorruptioninhishandlingofotherstatefunds.Thattrialisnowin"judiciallimbo,"saidLusinchi'slawyer,MorrisSierralta.LusinchiiscurrentlyinBoston,Massachusetts,accordingtohisattorney. ChinesePresidentJiangZeminhasissuedanominouswarningthatstabilitywillbemaintainedatanycost,defendingthebloodysuppressionofthe1989pro-democracymovementjustweeksbeforeitsfifthanniversary.Withoutthe"resolutemeasures"takenbythearmyonJune4,Chinawouldnotenjoyitscurrentstability,saidJiang,whoseremarkswerecarriedonstate-runradioandthefrontpagesofallmajornewspapersFriday.ByinvokingthememoryofJune4,Jianghasissuedthestrongestwarningtodatethatthegovernmentiswillingtotakeallmeasuresnecessary--includingmilitaryforce--toeliminateanyperceivedthreattoitsposition.Sincethebeginningoftheyear,Chineseleadershaverepeatedlystressedtheparamountimportanceofstabilityandtheirrhetorichasbeenbackedupbywidespreadarrestsofdissidentsandalawandordercrackdownthathasseenasharpincreaseinexecutions.JiangmadethecommentsduringameetinghereThursdaywithvisitingMalaysianPrimeMinisterMahatirMohammad."Abadthinghasbeenturnedintoagoodthing,"Jiangsaid,referringtothe1989unrestthatatitsheightsawupwardsofonemillionpeopletakingtothestreetsofBeijinginasingleday."Asaresult,ourreformandopeningprogrammehasforgedaheadwithsteadier,betterandevenquickersteps,andouradvantageshavebeenbroughtintofullerplay,"Jiangsaid.JiangwascommunistpartychiefinShanghaiatthetimeoftheTiananmenSquaremassacreandconsequentlyemergeduntaintedbyitsbloodyaftermath,whichmakeshisunequivocalendorsementofthemilitarysupressionallthemoresignificant.Aswellasthepresidency,JiangcurrentlyholdthepostsofCommunistPartysecretarygeneralandchairmanofthepowerfulCentralMilitaryCommission. IsraeliofficialshandedoveratleastthreebuildingstoPalestinianpoliceofficersintheearlyhoursofFridayasasmallcrowdofresidentswhohadstayedupallnightcheeredon.TheIsraeliflagwasloweredandreplacedbythePalestinianflagatthecentralpolicestation,thepostofficeandacourthouse.Thesitesweretransferredformallytosome20officerswhohadcrossedoverfromJordanonThursday. IsraeliofficialshandedoveratleastthreebuildingstoPalestinianpoliceofficersintheearlyhoursofFridayasasmallcrowdofresidentswhohadstayedupallnightcheeredon.TheIsraeliflagwasloweredandreplacedbythePalestinianflagatthecentralpolicestation,thepostofficeandacourthouse,witnessessaid.Thesitesweretransferredformallytosome20officerswhohadcrossedoverfromJordanonThursday.Another40officersand386policemen,formerlybasedinIraq,areduetofollowonFriday,astheIsraelisrelinquishcontroloftheWestBanktowntothePalestiniansundertheautonomydealsignedonMay4."Ifallgoeswell,alltheJerichoregionwillbeinPalestinianhandsbyFridayafternoon,"saidColonelHerzl,amemberoftheIsraeli-Palestinianmilitaryliaisoncommmittee,whosefullnamewaswithheldforsecurityreasons."Ididn'texpectthemtohandoverthesitesthisquietway,"saidtaxi-driverAttiaBarham,40."ButtherehavebeensomanychangesinplansthatI'mnotsurprised."TheIsraelissawhowhappywewereanddidn'twanttoletusrejoice,"hesaid,referringtothediscreetwaytheofficerswereletintotheregion. India'sambitiousnuclearandmissileprogrammeswilltopPrimeMinisterP.V.NarasimhaRao'sagendaonhisvisittotheUnitedStates,hismostcontroversialforeigntripinthreeyearsinoffice.The73-year-oldIndianleader,whoembarksonthevisitSaturday,isundertremendousdomesticpressuretostanduptopersistentUSdemandstocapthecountry'snuclearregimeandfreezeitsmissiledefenceprogramme.OppositionleadershaveurgedhimtocalloffthevisittodenouncewhattheydescribeasUSarm-twistingoverthenuclearissue,Kashmir,humanrightsandtrade.NooverseasvisitbyRaohasgeneratedsomuchheatandcontroversy.BothIndianofficialsandUSdiplomatsadmitthatthetwocountrieshaveneverbeensofarapartoncrucialpolicyissues,butemphasisethatthetripisneverthelessimportanttosetthecourseforfutureties."Therearesomeissuesonwhichweagree,therearesomeonwhichwehavedifferences,"aUSdiplomatheresaid,underliningthegrowingchasm."Weshalltrytofindacommonagenda."OnThursday,RaoindicatedthatacommongroundwouldbehardtofindwhenhevowednottorollbackIndia'snuclearandmissilepoliciesunderpressurefromWashington."Aleaderwouldbeworthlessifhechangesgovernmentpoliciesduringhisvisitstoaforeigncountry,"hetoldameetingofMPsfromhisrulingCongress(I)party.RaoisunderwidespreadattackthathehasalreadybowedtoWashingtonbypostponingthefinaltrialofIndia'ssurface-to-surfacePrithvimissilethathadbeenscheduledforSaturday.Aday'ssecrettalksbetweenIndianandUSofficialsinLondonlastmonthonthenuclearprogrammeaddedtorumoursthatRaomaybequietlypreparingtosurrenderIndia'snuclearoption.CommentatorNikhilChakravartysaidonThursdayinanarticletitled"Mr.Rao,gotoWashingtonbutgowithdignity"thattheweek-longvisit"looksasonerousasclimbingMountEverest."AttherootofIndo-USdifferencesistherefusalbyNewDelhi,whichexplodedanucleardevicein1974,tosigntheNuclearNon-ProliferationTreaty(NPT)oragreetoapactonanuclear-freeSouthAsia.IndianofficialswithaneyeonChinasayanyattemptatnucleardisarmamentshouldbeglobalandnotrestrictedtoaregion.TheUSadministration,whichfearsthatSouthAsiaisapotentialnuclearflashpoint,alsowantsNewDelhinottoinductthePrithvimissileintothearmy,andtohaltresearchontheintermediate-rangeAgniballisticmissile.Thedemands,ontopofstatementsbyUSofficialsseenhereastacitlyencouragingtheMosleminsurgencyinKashmir,haveangeredmanyinIndia,wheretheUSisstillwidelyseenaspro-Pakistan.AUSproposaltosupply38F-16planestoPakistan,withwhichIndiahasfoughtthreewarsandwhichitaccusesofbackingMoslemseparatisminKashmir,hasaddedtothelistofirritants.ThestrainswereevidentonMay7whentheIndianforeignministry,inamoveunprecedentedaheadofaprimeminister'svisit,lashedoutatWashington."IndiaisequallydisappointedthattheUSapproachhasnotacceptedIndia'sposition(onnuclearnon-proliferation)andpersistswithits'all-or-nothing'approach,"aspokesmansaid.TheAmericanattempttocapthecountry'snuclearprogram"isboundtofail,"saidBrajeshMishraoftheoppostionIndian'sPeople'sParty."Theprimeministerisinnopositiontocompromiseinviewoftheoverwhelmingmoodinthecountry."Amidthefireworks,IndianofficialssaytheywilltrytosellNewDelhi'sthree-year-oldeconomicreformswhichhavemadethecountryanattractiveinvestmentcentre,inparticularforUScompanies. Indonesiandissidentsareeitherworriedoroutrightindignantoverthisweek'sannouncementthatstatesecurityforceswouldbecomemoreinvolvedinlabourdisputes.Theheadofthearmy'spowerfulsocialandpoliticaldivision,GeneralHartono,announcedthattheNationalCoordinatingAgencyfortheMaintenanceofNationalStability(Bakorstanas)wouldbecomeinvolvedinsocialconflictsfromtheiroutsettopreventthemfromspinningoutofcontrol.Inmid-April,strikesintheNorthSumatrancityofMedandegeneratedintodemonstrationsagainstthecountry'sethnicChinese,inwhichonepersonwaskilledamidstwidespreadpropertydamage.OnTuesdayHartonocriticisedIndonesia'sofficialtradeunion,theSPSI(IndonesianWorkersUnion),sayingithadfailedinitsmissiontodefendthecountry'sworkers.HisremarkswerenotwelcomedbythepresidentoftheindependentProsperityunion(officiallycalledtheSBSI),MukhtarPakpahan:"Ithinkthismovewillnotovercometheproblem.TherootofthelabourdisputeinIndonesiaisbecausethereisnofreedomforworkerstoorganisethemselves,"hesaid."ThisinvolvementbyBakorstanasorthearmyisastepbackwards,"headded.Foundedin1992,Prosperityisnotrecognisedbythegovernment,whichpreferstodealwiththeofficialSPSIonly.AccusedbythearmyofbeingbehindtheriotinginMedan,Prosperityhasseenitsfreedomofmovementfurthercurtailedeversince.Threeofitslocalofficialshavebeenarrested,andanothertwentyactivistshavebeendetained."Themoveisalsoagainstourlaw.Eventheministerialdecreewhichallowstheinterventionofthemilitarytoalabourdisputehasbeenscrappedbytheintroductionofnewministerialdecreenumber15/1994atthebeginningoftheyear,"Pakpahansaid."Itwillalsoprotecttheinterestofthebusinessmananditleadstoamilitarisation,"hesaid.Thenewmeasurewasalsodenouncedbytheco-founderofanotherindependentunion,"Solidarity"(Setiakawan)--olderthanProsperitybutnowlapsed--humanrightsactivistJohanesPrincen."Inthefirstplace,thearmyshouldlowertheinformalcostthatyouhavetopaytothemanpowerministry,themilitary,thepolice,themayorofthecity,thepeopleoftheindustryministry,etcetera,"hesaid,alludingtowhathesaysarethenumerousbribesemployershavetopaytheauthoritieshere."Weallknowthatitdoesexist,"hesaid."Theinformalcostshavetodisappear.Theprofitcouldthengoinparttothelabour."HartonodefendedthenewinvolvementofBakorstanas,callingitpartofalegitimateconcernforthestabilityofthecountry."Iftheyarenotcoordinatedfromtheoutset,socialproblemscouldincreaseandgetoutofhand...theycouldbecomeviolentandthenrequireevenmoredifficultmeasures,"hesaid.ObserversheresaidthatHartono'scarefullypreparedremarks,whichwerereadtoaseminarhereandthengivenwidespreadpublicityinthenationalmediathenextday,wereareflectionofthemilitaryestablishment'sconcernwiththesubject.TheMedandemonstratorsweredemandingtobepaidminimumwage,whichisaroundtheequivalentof1.50dollarsaday.Butmanyemployersignorethelaw,evenaccordingtothegovernmentofpresidentSuharto. SixMalaysianswerehangedhereFridayfordrugtrafficking,Singapore'sCentralNarcoticsBureau(CNB)said.Thesix,convictedoftraffickingcannabisandheroinandhelpingotherstodoso,wenttothegallowsatSingapore'sChangiPrisonatdawn.Underlocallaws,thedeathsentenceismandatoryforthoseconvictedoftraffickingmorethan15gramsofheroin,500gramsofcannabisorabettinginsuchoffences.AlmostsimilarlawsareenforcedinMalaysia.TheCNBsaidthatthehangingsraisedto59thenumberofpeopleexecutedfordrug-relatedoffencesunderSingapore'sMisuseofDrugsActwhichintroducedthedeathpenaltyfortraffickingin1975. AustraliaannouncedFridayithadwonamulti-milliondollarcontracttotrain60Vietnamesepilotstoaidthatcountry'sairsafetyandtourism.Thetwo-yearnine-million-Australian-dollar(6.5-million-US)contractwassealedbynationalflag-carrierQantasandtheAustralianAviationCollegeofAdelaide,SouthAustralia."ThisisatremendousboostforAustralia'saviationindustryandforSouthAustralia,"saidGordonBilney,ministerfordevelopmentcooperation."ThisprojectwillraisetheAustralianaviationindustry'sinternationalprofile,especiallyinSoutheastAsia,oneoftheworld'smostimportantemergingmarkets."TrainingwouldboostVientameseairsafetyandtourism,Bilneysaidinastatement.VietnamplannedtoupgradeitscurrentfleetofagingSovietaircraftandleasedmodernaircraftfromWesterncountries,Bilneysaid,andwantedtotrainitsownpilotstotakeoverfromthosecurrentlyoncontractfromoverseas.Theaviationcollegehadalreadytrained677pilotsofwhom570werefromdevelopingcountriesincludingChina,Malaysia,Indonesia,PapuaNewGuinea,theSolomonIslands,SouthKoreaandOman.ThefirstVietnamesetraineepilotswereduetoarriveinJune. JapaneseFinanceMinisterHirohisaFujiideniedFridayanewsreportthata"secretaccord"tostopthedollar'sfallhadbeenreachedlateAprilatameetingofcentralbankersandfinanceministersfromtheGroupofSeven(G7)."Therewasnosuchaccord,"Fujiitoldascheduledpressconference.Quotingunidentifiedinternationalfinancialsources,theMainichinewspapersaidFridaythattheG7agreedatthemeetinginWashingtontomaintainthedollarabovethe"psychologicallyimportant"100-yenlineagainsttheyen.Theydecidedtotakeactiontogethertodefendthedollar,partlyinresponsetoastrongUSrequest,thedailysaid.Commentingonthecurrentlystabledollar-yenexchange,Fujiisaidit"reflectedabasicideaofG7nationscloselycontactingeachother,basedonaviewthatsharpmovementsinonecountry'scurrencyisundesirable."Thedollaropenedat104.15yeninTokyoonFriday,up0.05yenfromthepreviousday'sfinishof104.10yen.TheopeningratewasslightlybelowNewYork'slateThursdayquoteof104.22yen.TheGroupofSevencomprisesBritain,Canada,France,Germany,Italy,JapanandtheUnitedStates. IndonesianForeignMinisterAliAlatashascriticisedLisbonforlaxsecurityfor41pro-IndonesianEastTimoresepilgrimsvisitingPortugal,theAntaranewsagencysaidFriday.ThegroupwaspeltedwithrotteneggsandgarbagebyajeeringcrowdonarrivalatLisbonairportTuesday.Itsleader,rovingambassadorLopezdaCruz,wascalledatraitorandmurderer.ThegroupismakingapilgrimagetotheCatholicshrineofFatima."Iamsurprisedsuchanincidentcouldnothavebeenpreventedbythelocalsecurity,"AntaraquotedAlatasastellingjournalistsThursday.HesaidifthatwashowPortugalwelcomedagroupfromIndonesiavisitingintheframeworkofconfidence-buildingmeasures,thenJakartawouldthinktwicebeforeallowinganymoresuchvisits.TheincidentcameafewdaysafterAlatasandhisPortuguesecounterpartDuraoBarrosometinGenevaforanewroundoftalksundertheauspicesofUNSecretary-GeneralBoutrosBoutros-GhalitotrytofindanacceptablesolutiontothequestionofEastTimor.IndonesiainvadedEastTimoronDecember1975andunilaterallydeclaredtheformerPortuguesecolonyits27thprovincein1976.TheUnitedNationsstillrecognizesLisbonastheadministratoroftheterritory.PortugalseveredtieswithIndonesiashortlyaftertheIndonesiantroopsenteredEastTimor. JapanwillsendtwoseniorofficialstotheUnitedStatesnextweekinabidtobreaktheimpasseintalksonbilateraltrade,InternationalTradeandIndustryMinisterEijiroHatasaidFriday.HetoldapressconferencethattheofficialstobesenttoWashingtonareSozaburoOkamatsu,hisdeputyforinternationalaffairs,andSadayukiHayashi,deputyforeignministerforeconomicaffairs. Chinahasappointed13morememberstoitsPreliminaryWorkingCommittee(PWC)--Beijing'sshadowpolicy-makingbodyinHongKong.ThePWCischargedwithmappingoutHongKong'spost-1997politicalsysteminconjunctionwithtopBeijingofficialsledbyForeignMinisterQianQichen.Thelatestappointments,whichincludebusinessmen,formergovernmentofficials,andacademiciansfromHongKong,weremadeThursdayaftertheseventhmeetingoftheStandingCommitteeofChina'sNationalPeople'sCongressinBeijing,thesemi-officialChinaNewsServicesaid.TheyincludedbusinessmanPaulCheng,chairmanofInchcapePacific,asubsidiaryofBritish-ownedInchcapePLC,andformerchairmanoftheHongKongChamberofCommerce,WongYing-wai,formerdeputytradeandindustrydirector-general,andArthurGarcia,aformergovernmentombudsman.NewPWCmembersfromtheChinesesideincludedGuoFengmin,theChineseteamleaderoftheSino-BritishJointLiaisonGroup,andWulanMulun,thedeputydirectorofXinhuaNewsAgencyinHongKong.Beijinghasnowhandpicked141advisersfromtheterritorytohelpitprepareforthetransferofsovereigntyin1997.BeijingsetupthePWCandadvisorybodiesafterGovernorChrisPattenignoredChineseobjectionsandpushedaheadwithpoliticalreformsforHongKongaheadof1997. PhilippineVicePresidentJosephEstradaFridayaskedlocalorganizersofacontroversialEastTimorconferencetoholditabroadsothePhilippinescouldavoidadiplomaticriftwithIndonesia."Letusnotinviteunnecessaryirritantstothisrelationship.Movingtheconferenceoutofthecountryisforthelargernationalinterest,"saidastatementissuedbyEstrada'soffice.EstradarecentlyreturnedfromJohannesburgwherehehadattendedtheinaugurationofthenewSouthAfricangovernment.WhileinSouthAfricahemetIndonesianForeignMinisterAliAlatastodistanceManilafromtheMay31-June2meeting,organizedbyactivistgroupshere,EuropeanjuristsandexiledFretilinrebels."Whilewerespectthehumanrightsissue,theholdingoftheconferenceisuntimelybecauseoftheongoingpeacetalksinIndonesia,"Estradasaid,referringtoJakarta'ssponsorshipofpeacenegotiationsbetweenthePhilippinegovernmentandMoslemguerrillas.Butthelocalorganizerssaidtheconference,intendedtoexposeJakarta'shumanrightsrecordintheformerPortuguesecolonyofEastTimor,wouldgoaheaddespitetheabruptandunexplainedwithdrawalofFrenchFirstLadyDanielleMitterrand,whowastohavedeliveredthekeynoteaddress.PresidentFidelRamossaidWednesdaythatbilateraltieswerestrongenoughtowithstandsuch"irritants,"butstressedthatitwouldbeunconstitutionalforManilatotrytostoptheholdingoftheconference. ThenaviesofJapanandSouthKoreawillholdtheirfirstexercisestogetherwhentheytakepartinUS-led"Rimpac"maneuversinthePacificOceanfromMay26,theDefenseMinistryannouncedFriday.ThiswillbeSouthKorea'sthirdtimeparticipatinginthebiennialexercise,"Rimpac,"since1990,butitsfirsttimeconductingmaritimeexerciseswithJapan,aministryspokesmansaid.TheexerciseswillbestagedintheWestandMid-PacificregionfromMay26throughJuly16bythenaviesoftheUnitedStates,Australia,Canada,JapanandSouthKoreatosecuremaritimetransportationroutesandpromotecombinedoperationalcapabilities,hesaid.SouthKoreawillsendtwoescortdestroyersand360menforthemaneuvers,whichinvolvetwoaircraftcarriers,58othervessels,200aircraftand25,000crewmembers,hesaid.TheUnitedStates,JapanandSouthKoreawilljointlyconduct"offensive-defensivebattlemaneuvers,"includinggunfireexercisesandguidedmissileandtorpedofiring,theministrysaid.Inthethree-nationexercise,however,USvesselswillformtwoseparatetrainingunits,onewithSouthKoreaandanotherwithJapanbecauseJapan'spost-warconstitutionallowsittotakepartininternationalexercisesonlywithintheframeworkofitsbilateralsecuritypactwithWashington,itsaid.USshipswillalsoleadasecondtaskforcewithCanadaandAustralia,theministrysaid,withoutelaboratingontheschedule. HongKong'sairlineCathayPacificAirwaysLtd.,willholdanotherroundoftalkswithdisgruntledpilotsoverpayrisesonMay23,anairlinespokesmansaidFriday.TalksbetweenmanagementandtheAircrewOfficers'Association(AOA)endedThursdaywithoutagreementinadisputeoverpayandproductivity.AirlinespokesmanPhilBurfurdsaidpilotshadbeenbriefedonchangesinserviceconditionsatThursday'smeeting."Wearehappytogiveapayrisebutitmustbeaccompaniedbyincreasedproductivity"tomaintainprofitability,hesaid.Cathayearlierhadofferedafivepercentpayraisewhichthepilotsrejected.TheAOArepresentsabout90percentofCathay's1,200pilotsandflightengineers.CathayhasalreadyreachedagreementswiththeFlightAttendantsUnionandtheLocalStaffUnion,increasingwagesbyfiveandeightpercentrespectively.Afirstofficerhasastartingsalaryof21,000HongKongdollars(2,691US)permonth,whileseniorcaptainscangetasmuchas158,000dollars(20,256US)plushousing,educationandtravelbenefits.CathayPacificreportedinMarchitsprofitshadfallen23.8percentto2.293billiondollars(294millionUS)duetoinflationinHongKongandacostlyflightattendants'strikelastyear. AChinesecourthassentencedtwoUScitizenstoprisontermsof20and14yearsfortheirpartinamajorfraudcase,involvinglettersofcredittotallingsome10billiondollars,XinhuasaidFriday.HungMoyandRaymondLee,bothChinese-Americansweresentencedto20and14yearsrespectivelybyacourtinthenorthernprovinceofHebei,theofficialnewsagencysaid.AlocalAgriculturalBankofChinaofficialwassentencedto11yearsfor"revealingstatesecrets"aspartoftheswindle. AustraliaandanumberofothercountriesareconsideringincreasedmilitaryaidtobolsterandrestructureCambodianforcestohelpthemfightthefar-leftKhmerRouge,officialsinCanberrasaidFriday.France,theUnitedStatesandsomeAsiancountriesaresaidtobediscussingthemostappropriateformofassistancebecauseofthegrowingfeartheCambodiangovermentisincapableofproperlydefendingitselfagainstamoredisciplinedMarxistguerillaforce.ButThailandwouldnotbeinvolvedandhasactuallywarnedAustraliatostayoutofCambodia,oneofficialsaid.AlthoughAustraliaisamajorsupporterofCambodia--lastmonthdoublingitsaidpackageto92milliondollars(66millionUS)--currentmilitaryaidisminimalandmainlyfocusedonmineclearanceandnavaltraining."Wearelookingatmilitaryassistance,"aforeignaffairsdepartmentofficialsaid."Butwhetherthatpackageistraining,materialorwhateverhasyettobedetermined.""Therewouldneedtobeassurancesthatwhatwasbeingprovidedifanywasproperlyutilised,notsoldoff,thattheyaregoingtotakecareofitandthatthestructureofthearmyisimprovedtotheextentthattheywouldbecomemorecompetentandbeabletousethatequipmentmoreeffectively.""TheKhmerRougearestillactive,stillbeingobtrusiveandwhileitisjudgedthattheydonothavethecapacitytooverthrowtheRoyalCambodiangovernmenttheycontinuetobeanongoingthornintheirside."ThiswaspreventingCambodiafrombeingabletomoveontodevelopmentalworkithadhopedtostartafterlastyear'selection.ThailandhadmadecleartoAustraliaitsviewthatnoothercountryshouldbeinvolvedinprovidingmilitaryassistancetoCambodia,whichBangkokbelievesshouldfightitsownbattles,theofficialsaid.ButAustralia,whichplayedakeyroleindevelopingtheParisaccordsthatbroughtameasureofdemocracyandforatimerelativepeacetoCambodiadoesnotintendtoplayaleadingroleincounteringtheKhmerRouge.ItstalkswithothercountriesarefocusedonstrengtheningthecapacityofCambodianforces."Idontthinkanycountrywantstostepoutaheadandtakethelead,partlybecausetheParisaccordspreventthattoacertainextent,"theofficialsaid."Equally,Idontthinkanycountryrealisticallywantstotakeonthatlevelofresponsibilitysotheapproachwouldbeaconcertedone."KingNorodomSihanouk,speakingafteraseriesofreversalsfortheCambodiangovernmentforcesagainsttheultra-leftguerrillas,expresseddespairThursdayforhiscountry'sfuture,andsaidmilitaryaidseemedtobeonlysolution.Buthehasalsoadmittedtothewidespreadproblemsofindisciplineandcorruptionwithinthearmy'sranks. Taiwanistocuttariffson758items,aboutone-thirdofthemagriculturalproducts,byanaverageof2.81percenttopromotefreetradeandboostitschanceofbeingadmittedtotheGeneralAgreementonTariffsandTrade(GATT,)financialofficialssaidFriday.ThecabinetThursdayapprovedarevisedtariffschedulereducingimportdutieson514industrialgoodsand244farmproductsasproposedbytheministriesoffinanceandeconomicaffairs,theofficialssaid.Therateswouldbecomeeffectiveafterendorsementbyparliament,theysaid.Averagetariffsontheaffectedindustrialitemswouldbeloweredfrom6.52percentto6.38percent,whilethoseontheagriculturalgoodswouldbecutfrom21.64percentto20.79percent.Theliberalizationmove,aimingtostimulatedomesticindustriesandbuoyTaiwan'spositioninconsultationtalkswithGATTmembercountriesoverthecountry'sbidtojointheworldbody,theofficialssaid.Thetariffreductionswouldcost94.3milliondollarsincustomrevenues,theyadded.Fruits,vegetables,juice,beefandmarineproductswereamongtheaffectedagriculturalimportswhilegeneralconsumergoodssuchascosmeticsandhomeelectricalapplianceswouldalsoenjoylowerrates,theysaid. ChinesePresidentJiangZeminhasissuedanominouswarningthatstabilitywillbemaintainedatanycost,defendingthebloodysuppressionofthe1989pro-democracymovementjustweeksbeforeitsfifthanniversary.Withoutthe"resolutemeasures"takenbythearmyonJune4,Chinawouldnotenjoyitscurrentstability,saidJiang,whoseremarkswerecarriedonstate-runradioandthefrontpagesofallmajornewspapersFriday.ByinvokingthememoryofJune4,Jianghasissuedthestrongestwarningtodatethatthegovernmentiswillingtotakeallmeasuresnecessary--includingmilitaryforce--toeliminateanyperceivedthreattoitsposition.Sincethebeginningoftheyear,Chineseleadershaverepeatedlystressedtheparamountimportanceofstabilityandtheirrhetorichasbeenbackedupbywidespreadarrestsofdissidentsandalawandordercrackdownthathasseenasharpincreaseinexecutions.JiangmadethecommentsduringameetinghereThursdaywithvisitingMalaysianPrimeMinisterMahathirMohammad."Abadthinghasbeenturnedintoagoodthing,"Jiangsaid,referringtothe1989unrestthatatitsheightsawupwardsofonemillionpeopletakingtothestreetsofBeijinginasingleday."Asaresult,ourreformandopeningprogrammehasforgedaheadwithsteadier,betterandevenquickersteps,andouradvantageshavebeenbroughtintofullerplay,"Jiangsaid.JiangwascommunistpartychiefinShanghaiatthetimeoftheTiananmenSquaremassacreandconsequentlyemergeduntaintedbyitsbloodyaftermath,whichmakeshisunequivocalendorsementofthemilitarysupressionallthemoresignificant,accordingtoanalystshere."Thisis100percentawarningtoanyoneconsideringanyopenactiontomarktheupcominganniversary,"awesterndiplomatsaid.Inthelastsixmonths,dozensofdissidentshavebeenarrestedacrossChina,effectivelyneuteringprominentpro-democracygroupsinBeijing,ShanghaiandthecentralcityofXian.China'smostcelebrateddissidentWeiJingshengiscurrentlyindetentionandcouldfacefreshcriminalcharges."ItiscertainlythemostexplicitreferencebyaChineseleadertoJune4inthepastfewyears,andthefactthatJiangwasthemouthpieceunderscorestheseverityofthemessage."Aswellasthepresidency,JiangcurrentlyholdthepostsofCommunistPartysecretarygeneralandchairmanofthepowerfulCentralMilitaryCommission."Historyshowsthatanythingconducivetooutnationalstabilityisgood,"JiangtoldtheMalaysianpremier."Inthepastfiveyears,Chinahasenjoyedeconomicdevelopment,socialstabilityandimprovedthelivelihoodofthepeople,thankstoourconsistenteffortstotakestabilityasanoverridingpriority,"Jiangsaid."Factsprovethisisabsolutelycorrect."ThefearofsocialunresthasdominatedpolicyattheveryheartoftheChineseleadershipsincethelaunchatthebeginningoftheyearoffar-reachingeconomicreformsthathavefuelledinflationandregionaleconomicdisparities."WhileJiang'stimingreflectsconcernovertheTiananmenanniversary,thereisalsoclearlyanimpliedgeneralwarningthatthegovernmentwillnotallowdiscontenttoderailthereformprocess,"thewesterndiplomatsaid.Theauthoritiesareespeciallyconcernedthatrumblingsinthecountrysideoverrisingpricesandlowincomescoulddevelopintoamajorchallengetothecommunistparty'sruralbase. AChinesecourthassentencedtwoUScitizenstoprisontermsof20and14yearsfortheirpartinamajorfraudcase,involvinglettersofcredittotallingsome10billiondollars,XinhuasaidFriday.FranciscoHungMoyandRaymondLee,bothChinese-Americans,weresentencedto20and14yearsrespectivelybyacourtinthenorthernprovinceofHebei,theofficialnewsagencysaid.TwolocalAgriculturalBankofChinaofficialsweresentencedto19and11yearsfor"revealingstatesecrets"aspartoftheswindle.ThesentenceswerehandeddownbytheHengshuiintermediatepeople'scourtlastmonthandupheldbytheHebeihigherpeople'scourtonappeal.AccordingtoXinhua,HungMoyandLeetrickedthetwobankofficials--ZhaoJinrongandXuZhiguo--intoissuing200irrevocableandtransferablestandbylettersofcredittotheamountof10billiondollars.ThelettersofcreditweretocoverthreeagreementssignedbyZhao,HungMoyandLeeinAprillastyearon"cooperativelyintroducingforeigncapitalforinvestmentanddevelopmentprojects"worthfivebillion,1.6billionand3.4billiondollars. TaiwanwillshortlyletforeigninsurersjointheirUScounterpartstooperateonitssoilaspartofanefforttoliberalisetheeconomy,financeministryofficialssaidFriday.AuthoritiesherehaveonlypermittedUSfirmstoparticipateinthelocalinsurancemarketsince1987,inresponsetostrongdemandsbyWashington.Underasetofregulationsdraftedbytheministry,insurancecompaniesfromothercountrieswillbeallowedtosetupsubsidiarieshereonareciprocalbasis,theofficialssaid.ForeigninsurancefirmscanfileapplicationstotheministryfromJune3toDecember2foroperatinglicenses,theysaid.Eachapplicantisrequiredtoholdaminimumpaid-upcapitaloftwobillionTaiwanesedollars(74.53millionUS)theysaid,addingthattheDepartmentofInsuranceundertheministrywilltakesixmonthstoprocessapplications.ThemoveisinlinewithliberalizationrequiredbytheGeneralAgreementonTariffsandTrade(GATT),theworldtradebodywhichTaiwanisseekingtojoin,andwillalsohelpTaiwan'saimofbecomingafinancialhub,theysaid.Twenty-twoUSlifeandpropertyinsurancefirmscurrentlycompetewith29Taiwaninsurersforthepotentiallylucrativeinsurancemarkethere,while23otherforeigninsurershavesetupliaisonofficesontheisland.InMay1992,theauthoritiesrevisedtheinsurancelawtolifta30-yearbanontheestablishmentofnewlocalinsurersandallowaforeignenterprisetoholdamaximum30-percentequityshareinaTaiwaninsurancecompany.Totalforeigninvestmentinalocalinsurancefirmmustnotexceed49percentofequityshare.AccordingtostatisticscompiledbytheTaipeiLifeInsuranceAssociation,14domesticinsurersenjoyedanall-timehighof19.54billionTaiwanesedollarsinoperatingincomefor1993,incontrasttoa1.52-billion-dollardeficitsufferedbytheir14UScounterparts.Amongthe28lifeinsurers,CathayLifeInsurance,ShinKongLifeInsurance,NanShanLifeInsuranceandKuoHuaLifeInsurancecorneredupto95.44percentofmarketsharelastyear.Theisland'sinsurancepenetrationratio--theratiooftotalpremiumsovergrossnationalproduct--was4.39percentin1991,comparedwith9.76percentinBritain,8.89percentintheUnitedStatesand8.7percentinJapan.Marketanalystssaidthattheratiowasrising,asTaiwan'spercapitalincomebrokethe10,000-US-dollarmarkin1992. Japan'sfirstwomanastronaut,ChiakiMukai,42,willblastoffonJuly8,ina13-daymissionaboardtheUSspaceshuttleColumbia,theMainichidailyreportedFriday.Theshuttle,whichwillalsohavesixAmericansonboard,willcarryout80experimentsinnear-zerogravityconditions,underaprogrammevettedbythespaceactivitiescommissionoftheprimeminister'soffice,itsaid.Japan'sfirstmaninspacewasajournalist,ToyohiroAkiyama,whoflewaboardtheSovietUnion'sSoyuzcraftinDecember1990.TheColumbiamissiontakesofffromtheKennedyspacecentreinFlorida. JapanwillobjecttoproposalstocreateawhalesanctuaryintheAntarcticbecauseofitslackofscientificbasis,aspokesmanoftheFisheriesAgencysaidFriday.KazuoShima,headofJapan'sdelegationtotheInternationalWhalingCommission(IWC)conferenceinMexicoMay23,saidTokyowoulddoits"utmosttoblocktheproposal."Andhewarned,"IftheproposalfortheAntarcticsanctuaryisadopted,wewillhavetohaveabasicrethinkaboutourrelationshipwiththeIWC."Shima,whoisalsodeputydirectoroftheJapaneseFisheriesAgency,saidothercountrieswerelikelytoopposethemove,amongthemNorway,oneoftheworld'stopwhalingnations.AbanoncommercialwhalingwasadoptedbytheIWCin1982butnotenforceduntil1986.NorwayandJapanwantthebanlifted."TheIWC'sclaimmakesnosense,"saidthespokesman."StatisticsreleasedbytheIWC'sscientificdivisionshowedthatsome760,000MinkewhalesexistintheAntarcticOcean,"hesaid.TheproposalforawhalesanctuarywasoriginallysubmittedbyFrance. IsraeliofficialshandedoverfivebuildingstoPalestinianofficersintheearlyhoursofFridayasasmallcrowdofresidentswhohadstayedupallnightcheeredon.TheIsraeliflagwasloweredandreplacedbythePalestinianflagatthesites,aswomenululatedandthecrowdcontinuedgrowing.Thesitesweretransferredformallytosome20officerswhohadcrossedoverfromJordanonThursday,andto40moreofficerswhocameinearlyFriday.Another386policemen,formerlybasedinIraq,wereduetofollowlaterFriday,astheIsraelisrelinquishcontroloftheWestBanktowntothePalestiniansundertheautonomydealsignedonMay4.FourPalestinianflagsflutteredontheroofofthecentralpolicestation,whichuntilThursdayhadbeenthetargetofstone-throwingchildrenandthecenterofclasheswithIsraelissoldiers.Childrenpeeredthroughthemetalfence,talkingtoPalestiniansoldierswithinforthefirsttime."TheIsraeliflaghadbeenbroughtdownbythetimewecamein,"saidAhmedAbuSaadeh,apolicemanwhocrossedoverearlierthismorning."TherewerenomoreIsraelisoldiersleft,wedidn'tshakehandswithanyofthem."ThePalestiniansalsotookoverthepostoffice,acourthouse,anadministrationbuildingandanearbysynagogue,AbuSaadehsaid.TheIsraelisarealsotoformallyhandoveramainadministrationcompoundandhistoricruinslaterFriday."Ifallgoeswell,alltheJerichoregionwillbeinPalestinianhandsbyFridayafternoon,"ColonelHerzl,amemberoftheIsraeli-Palestinianliaisoncommmittee,whosefullnamewaswithheldforsecurityreasons,saidThursday.TheJerichoareaistoremainamilitaryclosedzoneuntilthehandover,regionalmilitarycommanderIlanBiransaid.Itwill"stopIsraelishostiletothepeaceprocesscreatingtrouble,becausethistownhasbecomeasymbolofautonomyintheWestBank,"headded.Jewishsettlershadprotestedthetransferofpower,andsomemembersoftheKnesset,theIsraeliparliament,stagedasit-inatthesynagogueinprotest.ThesynagoguelieswithinthePalestinianautonomyregionbutisexpectedtobecontrolledincoordinationwiththeIsraelireligiousaffairsauthorites."Ididn'texpectthemtohandoverthesitesthisquietway,"saidtaxi-driverAttiaBarham,40."ButtherehavebeensomanychangesinplansthatI'mnotsurprised."TheIsraelissawhowhappywewereanddidn'twanttoletusrejoice,"hesaid,referringtothediscreetwaytheofficerswereletintotheregion.Thetransfertookplaceinthepresenceofonlyhalfadozentaxi-driversonthemainsquarenearthepolicestation,andabout50peoplewhohadstayedupallnighttryingtotrackdowntheofficers.Anhourlater,morethan100men,womenandchildrenhadgatheredonthesquare.Israelisoldierswerestationedonekilometer(halfamile)away,atthejunctionofaroadtheywillpatrolFridaywiththePalestinianpolice.ThePalestiniansarealsoduetotakeoveramilitarybasecalledHanan,tobechangedtoalAqsa,thenameofoneoftheirunits.TheIsraeliarmyisalsoredeployinginGazatoprotectthe4,000settlerswhoremainthere.ItpulledoutofRafahtownearlyThursday,wherethefirst300policehavealreadyarrived.PalestinianpolicechiefNasrYussefsaidtheIsraelipulloutfromGazaandJerichowouldbefinishedbynextWednesday."Ourforcesarereadytocomeimmediately.Moreoverwehavethefeelingthatwearefinallyinourowncountry,"Yussefsaid.UnliketheovercrowdedGazaStripwithitspopulationofaround800,000,theJerichopolicearetakingoveraquietoasisof15,000people,whichisknownasboththeoldestandlowesttownintheworld. USandCambodiancustomsofficialsareholdingajointanti-drugseminarhereaimedathelpingCambodiapreventthetraffickingofdrugsacrossitsborders,aUSembassyofficialsaidFriday.Theeight-dayseminar,whichopenedTuesday,isaimedat"helpingCambodiacombatinternationaldrugtraffickingandincreasecustomsskillsacrosstheboard,"USembassyspokesmanDaveMillersaid.Cambodia'slawlessnesshascontributedtotherelativeeaseoftransitofhigh-gradeheroinfromtheGoldenTriangletoitssouthernportsontheGulfofThailand.Cambodianlawdoesnotspecificallyoutlawdrugs,butsmuggling"contraband"--whichisundefinedbylaw,butinterpretedtoincludedrugsandweapons--carriesajailtermof25years. ThePhilippinegovernmentonFridayorderedtheimmediateclosureoffourprovincialairports,citinggrosssafetyhazardstoaviation.TheAirTransportationOfficesaidinamemorandumthatinternationalcivilaviationrulesandaPhilippinebuildingcode"hasbeenviolatedandcontinuouslybeingviolatedwithimpunityandtotaldisregardforthesafetyofflightoperations"intheDipolog,Bacolod,CauayanandSanJoseairports."Thiscannotbeallowedtocontinueanyfurtherasweareexposingeverydaypassengersandcrewtodanger,andpotentiallossesofproperty,"thememorandumsaid,addingthatlocalgovernmentauthoritieshadfailedtoactontheviolations.Theclosureordertakeseffectatonep.m.(0500GMT)Fridayandcoversgeneralaviationandnon-tacticalmilitaryoperations.Bacolod,inthecentralislands,andDipologinthesouthareserviceddailybythenationalflagcarrierPhilippineAirlines(PAL),whichalsofliesfourtimesweeklytoSanJosesouthofManilaandtwiceaweekinCauayaninthenorth.PALspokesmencouldnotbereachedforcommentontheorder. ShiningPathguerrillassetoffbombsoutsidesevenbanksaroundLimalateThursdayinjuringfourpeopleandcausingwidespreaddamage,policesaid.Oneoftheinjuredwastakentohospital,thesourcessaid.Theblasts,heardthroughoutthecity,causedheavydamagetosomeofthebuildings.IntheSurquillosuburb,oneexplosionshatteredwindowsina100-meter(yard)radius,policesaid.BlackoutsspreadaccrosssomeneighborhoodssouthofcentralLimaafterguerrillacommandosdamagedpowerlines.Witnessessaidrebelleafletshailingtheupcoming14thanniversaryoftheirmovementwerestrewnaroundsomeofthebombsites.PolicesaidtheattackswerepartoftheShiningPath's"celebrations"leadinguptotheirMay17anniversary.TheMaoistrebelmovement,seeminglyunshakenbyathree-yeargovernmentcrackdownthatnettedandjaileditsfounderandleaderAbimaelGuzman,hasbeenblamedfor25,000deathsinthepast14years. ThreehundredPalestinianpolicemencrossedintotheWestBankovernightfromJordanandwereheadingbybusfortheGazaStrip,anarmyspokesmansaidFriday.ThemenfromthePalestineLiberationArmywilljoin300oftheircomradeswhoarrivedintwogroupsonTuesdayandWednesdaynightsthroughtheRafahborderfromEgypt."TheycrossedtheAllenbyBridgeearlythismorningandwillprobablyenterGazafromthesouth,"thespokesmansaid.Meanwhile,inJerichotheIsraelishandedoverfivebuildingsto60PalestinianofficersintheearlyhoursofFridayasasmallcrowdofresidentswhohadstayedupallnightcheeredon.Another386policemen,formerlybasedinIraq,wereduetofollowlaterFriday,astheIsraelisrelinquishcontroloftheWestBanktownandtheGazaStriptothePalestiniansundertheautonomydealsignedonMay4.AndthreemorePalestinianpolicehadbeenstuckallnightattheRafahborderbecauseofwhatPLOofficialsdescribedas"abigproblem",butrefusedtoelaborate. JapanwillsenditstoptradenegotiatorstotheUnitedStatesasearlyasnextweekinabidtobreaktheimpasseinstalledtalks,InternationalTradeandIndustryMinisterEijiroHatasaidFriday.TheannouncementfollowedreportsthattheUnitedStateshadsofteneditstoughstanceinthetalks,whichcollapsedinFebruary.Askedifthiswasthecase,Hatatoldanewsconference:"Ratherthansoftening,it'sbettertothinkthattheatmosphereissuchthatbothsidesmustdotheirbest."ThenegotiatorsgoingtoWashingtonwerenamedasSozaburoOkamatsu,viceministerforinternationalaffairsattheinternationaltradeandindustryministry,andSadayukiHayashi,deputyforeignministerforeconomicaffairs.ForeignMinisterKojiKakizawatoldaseparatenewsconferencethegovernmenthaddecidedtoacceleratemovestowardanearlyresumptionofthetalks.ThedecisioncameduringhismeetingearlierFridaywithPrimeMinisterTsutomuHataandChiefCabinetSecretaryHiroshiKumazai,hesaid.ButKakizawasaidWashingtonhadrequestedthatTokyoavoiddiscussingdetailsofthenegotiationsinpublicforthetimebeing."TheAmericansideaskedusnottomakedisclosureuntiltheresumptionofthetalks,"hesaid. AninventiveJapanesehousingcooperativeisundercuttingmarketpricesbyasmuchasafifth,enablingittosellatinyhomeintheTokyosuburbsforthe(comparatively)rock-bottompriceof465,000dollars.Thecooperative,WestTokyoHomeCenter,purchasesthelandandcarriesouttheconstructionitself,thuscuttingoutlayersofintermediarieswhoinflatepropertyprices,theMainichidailysaidFriday.Thehome,measuring89squaremetres(957squarefeet),liesonatinyparceloflandof109squaremetres(1,171squarefeet)atHigashi-Kurume,a40-minutetrainridefromcentralTokyo.HousingpricesinJapanesecitiesarenotoriouslyhigh,althoughtheyhaverecentlydropped,reflectingthecountry'seconomicdifficulties,andthefallhasacceleratedthisyear. AnIranianJumbojetwith60tonsofexplosivesandrawmaterialsforweaponslandedinZagrebMay4inviolationofaUNarmsembargo,TheWashingtonPostreportedFriday.TwothirdsoftheshipmentwenttotheBosnianMoslemsandtheresttoCroatia,thedailysaidquotingWesterndiplomatsandBosnianMoslemsourcesinSarajevo.ThedeliveryunderscoresthefragilityoftheSeptember1991armsembargoimposedbytheUNSecurityCouncilonformerYugoslavia,andIran'scommitmenttoBosnia'soutgunnedMoslems.NewsoftheshipmentcamehoursaheadofameetingFridayinGenevaofEuropean,RussianandAmericanforeignministersonBosnia,andtheUSSenate'sapprovalThursdayofameasurethatwouldrequireWashingtontounilaterallyliftthearmsembargoagainstBosnia.PresidentBillClinton,whocouldvetothemeasureshoulditbepassedbytheHouseofRepresentatives,hascalledforamultilateralliftingoftheembargotoavoidunderminingUNactionsaroundtheworld.TheIranianBoeing747unloaded40containers,marked"HumanitarianAid,"ofexplosives,fusingequipmentandotherrawmaterialsfortheproductionofmortarsanddifferenttypesofammunition,thePostsaid.ThematerialintendedfortheBosnianMoslemswasloadedonaconvoyofgovernmenttrucks,thesourcessaid."Thisisthefirstweapons-relatedconvoyfromthehighestlevelsincethewarbegan.Itisagroundbreaker.We'rehopingformore,"aBosnianmilitarysourcetoldthedaily.WesternofficialssaidtheshipmentaddstootherforeignweaponrysmuggledintoBosnia,suchasBrazilianassaultriflesandaChilean-madeanti-tankgun,fromunknownsources.ThestreamofweaponshasimprovedthefightingcapabilityoftheBosnianMoslemforces,someoftheirofficerssaid."Tanksarenotaproblemforusanymore,"onehigh-rankingofficertoldthedaily. TwoIndianAirForceIlyushintransportplanesflewhome381IndiancitizensFridayfromstrife-tornYemen,thePressTrustofIndia(PTI)reported.TheplaneslandedinBombay,thenewsagencysaid.TheevacuationfollowedtheairliftThursdayof201IndianswhohadbeencaughtinthecivilwarinYemen,wheresome7,000Indianslive. ThreehundredPalestinianpolicemencrossedintotheWestBankfromJordanovernightandheadedbybusfortheGazaStripunderIsraeliarmyescort,amilitaryspokesmansaidFriday.ThemenfromthePalestineLiberationArmy(PLA)willjoin300oftheircomradeswhoarrivedintwogroupsonTuesdayandWednesdaynightsthroughtheRafahborderfromEgypt."TheycrossedtheAllenbyBridgeearlythismorningandwillprobablyenterGazafromthesouth,"thespokesmansaid.TheybelongtothePLA's"Badr"brigadestationedinJordanandweredrivingdowntheDeadSea,upthroughtheNegevdesertandacrosswesttotheStrip.Themenwerearmedbutwithoutmunitions,whichwereheldonlybyoneofficeroneachofthe10buses.Meanwhile,inJerichotheIsraelishandedoverfivebuildingsto60PalestinianofficersintheearlyhoursofFridayasasmallcrowdofresidentswhohadstayedupallnightcheeredon.Another386policemen,formerlybasedinIraq,wereduetofollowlaterFriday,astheIsraelisrelinquishcontroloftheWestBanktownandtheGazaStriptothePalestiniansundertheautonomydealsignedonMay4.And300morePalestinianpolicehadbeenstuckallnightattheRafahborderbecauseofwhatPLOofficialsdescribedas"abigproblem",butrefusedtoelaborate.PalestiniansourcessaidtheIsraeliauthoritiesobjectedtocertainnamesamongthe300andthatamajorargumentensued.IsraelisecurityforceshavehandedovercontrolofallthesouthoftheGazaStriptothefledglingpoliceforce,exceptfortheJewishsettlementswhichremainunderarmyprotection.SecurityinstallationsweregiventothePalestiniansatKhanYunesinthenight,thearmyspokesmansaid.FacilitiesinGazaCitywerescheduledtobehandedoveronSunday.ThePalestinianpoliceisduetohave9,000men,7,000ofthemfromPLAunitsscatteredacrosstheArabworld. Chinahasnamedapropagandaexperttoheadthecountry'sfilm,radioandtelevisionministry,anindicationthatthecommunistpartywantstostrengthenitsideologicalcontrol,politicalanalystssaidFriday.SunJiazheng,50,whohasmadehiscareerwiththepartyinJiangsuprovince,easternChina,replacesAiZhisheng,66,whohasbeenmovedtoaminorpostwiththecentralcommittee'spropagandadepartment."Namingarelativelyyoungapparatchik,knowntobeambitiousandtough,thegovernmentisshowingitsdeterminationtostrengthenitsmediacontrol,"saidawesterndiplomat.Thegovernmentistighteningthescrewseverywherebecauseitfearssocialunrestmighterupt,thediplomatadded.TheexceptionalpraisewhichPrimeMinisterLiPengheapedonSuninthePeople'sDailyFridayunderlinedtheimportancethepartyattachestohisnomination.LidescribedSunJiazhengashavinganexcellent"ideologicalandpoliticallevel"aswellasgreatexperience.Thegovernenthastakenseveralstepsthisyeartoreducepress,audiovisualandculturalfreedomsingeneral.Theauthoritieshavedecidedtolimitthenumberofparabolicantennaeusedtocapturesatelliteprogrammesandalsoplantoreducethenumberofjointcinemaproductionswithforeigncompanies.Thegovernmentregularlycriticisesartistswhotrytoproduceprogrammesindependently,particularyoungfilmproducers. TheUnitedStatesneedstostartbehavinglikeasuperpowerbyshowingcommitmenttofriendlynationsandrespectfortheirlaws,aSingaporenewspapersaidFriday.TheStraitsTimes,referringtothecaninghereofAmericanteenagerMichaelFayforvandalisingcars,saidthattherewasstill"toomuchrancour"inAmerica'smanagementof"fallout"fromtherowtriggeredbytheaffair.ThepapersaidinaneditorialthatUSTradeRepresentativeMickeyKantorwasguiltyof"grossindecency"inmovingtoblockSingapore'sbidtohostthefirstmeetingoftheWorldTradeOrganisation(WTO).ThepapersaidthatwhileKantor'smovewasclearlylinkedtotheFayaffair,thetraderepresentative'shijackingofthedecision-makingprerogativeofWTOmemberswasanindiscretionthatshouldbecondemned."Memberstatesdecidewhoshallbethehost.Singaporemayormaynotgetthevote,butitshouldnotbebecauseoftheFaycase,"itadded.TheStraitsTimessaidthatjustastheOlympicmovementwasdebasedbyargumentsoverChina'shumanrightsrecord,Kantor'smovethreatenedtodistortconductofinternationalrelationsbydraggingtheWTOintoabilateralsquabble.Thepapersaidthattheaffairraisedthespectacleoftheworld'sstrongestnationbeingmanipulatedbythe18-year-old'soverwroughtfamily,adding:"Itwasamusing,nowitgetstiresome."Fayreceivedfourlashesofthecaneonhisbarebuttockslastweekafterpleadingguiltytospray-paintingcars,peltingthemwitheggesandkeepingstolenroadsignsandflags.Thesubordinatecourtsentencedhimtosixstrokesofthecane,afineandfourmonthsjailbutPresidentOngTengCheongdroppedtwostrokesafterrepeatedappealsbyPresidentBillClintontosparetherod.TheStraitsTimesalsoaccusedtheUSgovernmentofwafflingoveradmittingSingapore'sclaimthataccountsbyFay'sfather,GeorgeFay,andhisAmericanlawyer,TheodoreSimon,ontheteenager'sconditionafterthecaningwereexaggerated.Singapore'sPrisonsDepartmentinastatementlastweekdeniedclaimsbyGeorgeFayandSimonthatthelashingleftFayunabletositduringameetingwithaUSembassyofficialandthatbloodhadrundowntheteenager'slegsduringthebeating."Ifit(theUnitedStates)doesnotbelievethePrisonsDepartmentaccount,itshouldsayoutrightthattheSingaporegovernmentislying,"theStraitsTimessaid."IftheUSacceptsitasaccurate,itowesSingaporeanobligationtobeforthright,"thepaperadded. ChinajailedtwoUScitizensonFridayinafraudcaseofstaggeringproportions,emphasizingthecampaigntostemthewaveofcrimethathassweptthecountrysinceeconomicliberalisation.FranciscoHungMoyandRaymondLee,bothChinese-Americans,werejailedfor20and14yearsrespectivelyafterpublictrialsinthenorthernprovinceofHebei,thestate-runXinhuanewsagencyreported.TheywerechargedwithbilkinganAgriculturalBankofChinabranchinHebeiof200standbylettersofcreditworth10billiondollarslastyear,althoughnomoneywaspaidout.Twoofficialsofthebank--oneofChina'slargest--werealsojailedfor19and11yearsfor"revealingstatesecrets"andforbeingconnedbythebusinessmen,Xinhuaadded.ThelatestsentenceinChina'son-goingbattleagainstendemiccorruptionwashandeddownFridaybytheHigherPeople'sCourtofHebeiProvince,whichupheldearlierconvictionsbytwolowercourts.ItcamethreeweeksbeforeClintonmustjudgewhethertorenewChina'smost-favoured-nation(MFN)tradingstatusinthefaceofpersistentconcernsinWashingtonforhumanrights."ThetimingisveryprovocativetotheUnitedStates,"oneanalystsaid.Thecase,hesaid,maycallintoquestionthesafetyinChinaofoverseasChineseofanynationality,manyofwhomhavefoundthemselvesdetainedinremotecitiesafterrunningafoulwithlocalbusinesspartners.USdiplomatsinBeijinghadnoimmediatecomment,althoughXinhuaclaimedthattheirembassyhadbeeninformedofthetrialdate"inaccordancewithaSino-USconsulartreaty."Moy,45,waschairmanofUnitedAsia(Group)Corp.,andLee,44,itsfinancemanager,butXinhuadidnotnamethepair'shometownorplaceofbusiness.TheAmericanChamberofCommerceinHongKong,towhichmostUScitizensdoingbusinessinChinabelong,hadnorecordofeithermenoroftheircompanyontheirdatabase.AccordingtoXinhua,MoyandLeetrickedthetwobankofficials,ZhaoJinrongandXuZhiguo,intoissuing200irrevocableandtransferablestandbylettersofcredittotheamountof10billiondollars.ZhaowasdirectoroftheHengshuibranchoftheAgriculturalBank,whileXuwashisdeputy.ThelettersofcreditweretocoverthreeagreementssignedbyZhao,MoyandLeeinApril1993on"cooperativelyintroducingforeigncapitalforinvestmentanddevelopmentprojects"worthfivebillion,1.6billionand3.4billiondollars,itsaid."Duringdiscussions,MoyandLeeclaimedthattheircorporationhadmanypowerfulbusinesspartnersinmanycountries,"Xinhuasaid.Lateron,when"someforeigncompanies"questionedtheauthenticityofthelettersofcredit,Lee"cheatedZhaoagain"intoagreeingtoaletter"repeatingtheirliethattheletters...causednorisktothebank."Thecourtheldthattheswindlecausedseveresocialdamage,infringedupontherightsandinterestsoftheAgriculturalBank,andseriouslyhamperedChina'sfinancialandsocialorder,Xinhuasaid. Morethan300PalestinianpolicemenbegancrossingintotheWestBankfromJordanonFridayastheIsraelishandedoverpowerinJericho.ThePalestiniansaretobeinfullcontroloftheancientcitybylateFridayifallgoeswell,ending27yearsofoccupation,IsraeliandPalestinianofficialssaid.Thefirstfivebusescarryingtheex-soldiersofthePalestineLiberationArmy,whowereformerlybasedinIraq,crossedtheAllenbyBridgeattheborderwithJordanandwereattheIsraelipostontheWestBanksideofthebridge.Anotherfourbuseswereexpectedtofollow,saidAdelBarahmi,aPalestinianemployeeattheborder.SixtyPalestinianofficersarrivedinJerichooverthelast24hoursandhadbeguntakingoverIsraeliinstallationsFridaymorning.TheIsraelishandedoverfivebuildings,includingthecentralpolicestation,thepostofficeandadministrationofficesinlinewiththePLOautonomyagreementsignedinCairoonMay4.TwentyoftheofficersarrivedThursday,andtherestcameacrossintheearlyhoursofFriday.HundredsofPalestiansturnedoutinthestreetstocelebrate. ErnestoZedillo,oftherulingInstitutionalRevolutionaryParty(PRI),cameunderfirefromhistwomainrivalslateThursday,inMexico'sfirst-everteleviseddebateofpresidentialcandidates.During90minutes,millionsofMexicanswatchedthethreeleadingcontendersintheAugust21elections:Zedillo,CuahtemocCardenasoftheleftistRevolutionaryDemocraticParty(PRD)andDiegoFernandezoftheconservativeNationalActionParty(PAN).ThesonofaformerpresidentandPRIdropout,Cardenas,60,promisedtosetupaconstitutionalassemblyin1997ifheiselectedandcalledonFernandezto"fighttogetherfordemocracy."ThepossibilityofthePRDandPANjoiningforces,politicalanalystssaid,wouldmakeZedilloaloserandputthelidonthePRI's65-yearstrangleholdonthegovernment.Fernandez,a53-year-oldlawyerandmemberofCongress,didnotrespondtoCardenas'proposalbutjoinedhimincallingfora"pluralistgovernment"andforan"endtothepartyofstate(thePRI)."Afteryearsofhearingonlythesoothingdroneofofficialstatementsontelevision,Mexicanscouldhardlybelievetheirearsastheoppositioncandidatestoreintopastandpresentgovernmentpolicy.CardenasandFernandezcalledforanendtocorruptioninthepoliceforceandthejusticesystem,tocurrenteconomicpolicy,topovertygnawingat40millionMexicans,tothepresentconstitution,totheurbanizationofthecountry,tounemploymentandjobinsecurity,andtorisingpricesandviolence.FernandezshowednomercyforZedillo."Youareherebecauseoftwotragedies:theMarch23assassinationofLuisDonaldoColosio(Zedillo'spredecessorasPRIcandidate)andthe'finger,'"thePANcandidatesaidreferringtotheage-oldtraditionofPRIpresidentstopersonallychoosetheirsuccessors."Thefirst(tragedy)youhadnothingtodowith.Thesecond,disqualifiesyoufromspeakingofdemocracy,"Fernandeztoldtheformer,little-knowneducationandprogrammingminister.CardenaspoundedthePRIbysayingthattheJuly1988presidentialelections--thatbroughtPresidentCarlosSalinastopower--werethemost"fraudulentandtainted"inthecountry'shistory,echoingthesamecriticismmadebytheoppositionandtheinternationalmediasixyearsago.AyearafterleavingthePRIin1987,hisattemptsatpartyreformhavingfailed,CardenasranagainstSalinasontheNationalDemocraticFrontticketbutwassoundlydefeatedbya51-30percentmargin.Zedillo,42,tookacalmerapproachtellingviewersthat"thefirsthurdlewewillhavetoovercomeisextremepoverty,"andpromisinga"realandthoroughreformofthejusticesystem,evenstartingfromscratch."Admittingthatthepoliceandjusticesystemwerefarfromperfect,thenewPRIcandidatecalledonMexicansto"looktothefuture,notthepast."ZedilloreproachedhisrivalsforattemptingtoexploitColosio'smurder(inTijuana),andremindedviewersthatherosefromamodestbackgroundtotwicebecomegovernmentministerbecause"Mexicoisalandofopportunity...inMexicoefforthasitsreward." PolicediscoveredthedisembowelledbodiesoffourarmymajorsinKompongSpeuprovinceborderingPhnomPenh,alocalnewspaperreportedFriday.Thebodiesofthefour,whohadbeenreportedmissing,werediscoveredbypoliceMay6,theRasmeyKampucheapapersaid.Policesaidtheywerecontinuingtheirinvestigationintothebrutalmurders.Butalocalsoldier,whowasnotnamed,toldthepaperthatthefourmighthavebeenkilledbecausetheyhadfailedtocomethroughwithjobstheyhadpromisedinexchangeformoney.Theyhadalsoborrowedmoneyandfailedtopayitback,thesoldiersaid. AmemberofIsrael'sproxymilitiawaskilledandtwootherswerewoundedFridayinaremote-controlledbombattackinIsrael'ssecurityzoneinsouthLebanon,theSouthLebanonArmy(SLA)said.Thebombwasdetonatedastheirpatroldrovealongaroadontheedgeofthezone,themilitiasaid.SLAgunnersretaliatedbypoundingtheKfarhunevillagefacingthezone,whereIranian-backedHezbollahguerrillasareentrenched.Guerrillasfiredasurface-to-airSAM-7missileWednesdayatanIsraelihelicopterasitcircledoverKfarhune,butmissed. DefyingprotestsfromThailand,AustraliaandfiveothercountriesareconsideringnewmilitaryaidforCambodiafollowingapleabyKingNorodomSihanouktosaveCambodia"fromtheyoke"oftheKhmerRouge,officialssaidFriday.TalkshavebeenlaunchedbetweenAustralia,France,theUnitedStatesandsomeAsiancountriesaboutbolsteringCambodia'sill-disciplined,oftenunpaidandpoorlyequippedmilitary,andadecisiononaidcouldbemadebyJune,theysaid.ButThailand,Cambodia'sneighbour,haswarnedAustraliaagainstanyexternalinvolvementthatcouldescalateanalreadybitterconflict,theofficialsconfirmed.ThainationalsecuritycouncilchiefGeneralCharanKullavanijayacondemnedAustralia'sinterestinprovidingmilitaryhelp,sayinganyhardwarewouldbesoldbycorruptCambodiantroopsorusedinbanditryagainsttheirownpeople,theAustralianBroadcastingCorporation(ABC)reportedFriday.ForeignMinisterGarethEvanssaidFridayinastatementAustraliawasgiving"seriousconsideration"toCambodia'srequestandwouldtakeintoaccounttheviewofothercountries,includingThailand.Thesituationhasdeteriorated,hesaid,butaddedthatanupsurgeinactivitybytheKhmerRougebeforetheonsetoftherainyseasonhasbeenatraditionalguerrillatactic,andAustraliadoesnotviewthesituationas"alarming."KingSihanouk,speakingafteraseriesofreversalsfortheCambodiangovernmentforcesagainsttheultra-leftguerrillas,expresseddespairThursdayforhiscountry'sfuture,andsaidmilitaryaidseemedtobeonlysolution.Buthehasalsoadmittedtowidespreadproblemsofindisciplineandcorruptionwithinthearmy'sranks.TheUnitedStatesonWednesdaysaiditwasconsideringproviding"lethalassistance"toPhnomPenh,butstressedtheaidcouldnotbeonaunilateralbasis.ForeignaffairsofficialLyndallMcLeantoldAFPCambodiahadaskedhalfadozencountriesforassistancebutnocountryhadyetcommitteditself."Therearediscussionsgoingonatthemomentastowhetheritcouldbedoneasaninternationalpackage,"saidMcLean,aformerAustralianchargesd'affairesanddeputydirectoroftheUNtransitionalauthorityinPhnomPenh.ButAustraliawassympathetictothesituationinwhichtheCambodiangovernmentnowfounditself,embroiledinaconflictthatwaspreventingitfromcarryingoutdevelopmentwork."Wearelookingatmilitaryassistance,butwhetherthatpackageistraining,materialorwhateverhasyettobedetermined,"shesaid.ShedescribedtheKhmerRougeasmoredisciplined,bettertrainedandorganisedandtheCambodianforcesas"abitofarag-tagbundle"ofthreepreviouslydisparatearmies."Becauseoftheeconomicdifficulties(theyare)stillnotgettingfullypaid,andtheyhavenowherenearthelevelofdiscipline,"McLeanadded."SoinlookingatwaysinwhichtheRoyalCambodianArmycouldbestrengthened,itisnotjustarmaments.Itreallydoesneedsometop-to-bottomhousecleaning,trainingandrestructuring."Therewouldhavetobeassurancesthatwhatwasprovided,ifanything,wasproperlyutilised,notsoldoff,thattheyaregoingtotakecareofitandthatthestructureofthearmyisimprovedtotheextentthattheywouldbecomemorecompetentandbeabletousethatequipmentmoreeffectively,"shesaid.AlthoughCanberraisamajorbackerofCambodia--lastmonthdoublingitsaidpackageto92milliondollars(66millionUS)overfouryears--militaryaidisminimalandfocusedatthemomentonmineclearanceandnavaltraining.Australia,whichplayedthekeyroleindevelopingtheParisaccordsthatbroughtameasureofdemocracyand,foratime,relativepeacetoCambodiadoesnotintendtoplayasimilarroleinthecurrentCambodiancrisis,McLeanstressed. AnofferbyethnicChinesetycoonLucioTanguaranteeingatwobillionpeso(71.43milliondollars)forPhilippineAirlines(PAL)inreturnforfullmanagementcontrolwasFridaybeingexaminedbythegovernment,itsbiggestshareholder.TancontrolsPRHoldingsInc,theconsortiumwhichacquired67percentofthetroubledairlinefromthegovernmentin1992,butheishamperedbyitsdominanceofthePALboard.CesarSarino,oneofsixgovernmentrepresentativesonthe14-memberboard,saidPRHoldingshadguaranteedtheairlinewouldturnatwobillion-pesoannualprofitshouldTanbegiven"fullmanagementcontrol."Tan,whoholdsfiveseatsontheboard,previouslyaskedseveralforeignentities,includingHongKong-basedRobertKuokwhomheisbelievedtohavepersonallyapproached,tobuyintothegovernment'sholdingsinPALtoensuremanagementoftheairlinewassecuredbytheprivatesector.SpokesmenforPRHoldingsandPALmanagementdeclinedtocommentonthereportedoffer.Thegovernmentholds46percentequityinPAL,33percentdirectlyandtherestthroughitscompanieswhicharemembersofthePRHoldingsconsortium.Thosecompanieshavehavepreviouslyexpressedreluctancetopartwiththeirholdings.PALsourcessaidtheairline,whichscrappeditsunprofitableRomeflightthismonth,wasindangerofgoingintothered.Revenueandprofitfiguresforfiscal1993endedMarchstillhavetobemadepublic.Itsnetprofitinthefirstninemonthsofitsfiscalyearwere56.9millionpesos(2.03milliondollars),comparedwith1.025billionpesos(36.6milliondollars)forallof1992.PALattributedthedeclinetovariouscharges,suchasadjustmentinearningfigures,expensesongroundedplanesandthewrite-offofunservicableparts. IndonesiaonFridaysaiditwas"happy"afterthewivesoftheFrenchandPortuguesepresidentsdecidednottoattendacontroversialseminaronEastTimor,theformerPortuguesecolonyruledbyJakarta."Wereceivedthisnewswithfullrelief.Wearehappy,"IndonesianforeignministryspokesmanIrawanAbidinsaid.TheorganisersoftheprivateMay31-June2seminarinManilahadannouncedthatDanielleMitterrand,awell-knownhumanrightscampaignerandwifeofFrenchPresidentFrancoisMitterrand,andMariaBarrosoSoares,wifeofPresidentMarioSoaresofPortugalwouldattend.Themeeting,attendedbynon-governmentalorganisation,intendstofocusonthestateofhumanrightsinEastTimor,whereactivistssaytensofthousandshavebeenkilledinIndonesia's18-yearrule.ThepresenceofMitterrandandSoaresthreatenedadiplomaticscandal,withIndonesiaonWednesdayvoicingangeratthePhilippinesasthechoiceofvenue,andthePhilippinesretortingthatithadnopowertoblockthemeeting.StateSecretaryMurdionosaidFriday:"Wewillnotsendaprotestnote,butwearecertainlyverydisappointedwith(theholdingof)suchaconference."IrawandeniedthatIndonesia--afast-developingeconomyandmajorpurchaserofarms--hadexertedanypressureinEuropetotorpedotheinvitations."Thosetwoladieshavetheirownjudgement,"hesaid.ForeignMinisterAliAlatassaidFridaythathewouldmakeastatementontheissuelaterMondayaftermeetingaspecialenvoyfromManila,formerforeignministerRaulManglapus,whoisscheduledtoarrivehereSunday.Irawansaid:"ifthatconferencewasprovidingjobs,orinvestmentforEastTimor,wewouldwelcomethat.Butnotwhenit'stryingtoputIndonesiainthedock." Australia'steddy-bearlikemarsupial,thekoala,couldbecomeextinctbecauseofthefrequencyofbushfiresandhousingdevelopments,theAustralianKoalaFoundationsaidFriday.Thefoundation,whichhasbeenmonitoringtheeffectsofthedevastatingJanuarybushfiresonkoalahabitatsalongtheNewSouthWalescoast,warnedtheirnumbershadbeenseverelydepleted.Researchhadfoundthatinoneareaconsideredakoalastronghold,theTweedShire,theirnumbershadfallenfrom1,000animalsper600hectares(1,482acres),toonekoalaforeveryfiveor10hectares(24.7acres)."Thedensitiesofkoalasinthewildaremuchlowerthanitwaspreviouslysuspected,"saidStevePhillips,manageroftheKoalaFoundation'sBrisbane-basedenvironmentdivision."Wesuspecttheywillbecomeextinct.Theycan'thandletheimpactswehaveimposedontheenvironmentwhetherroads,housesorfires."Phillipssaidmajorbushfiressweptthroughkoalahabitatseveryfourorfiveyears,ortwiceinakoala'sgeneration,andtheanimaltookbetween10and15yearstorecycle.Itwasimportanttoincreaseawarenessoftheendangeredspecies,asAustralianswouldneverbeabletoconquerbushfires,whichwereanaturalpartoftheenvironment,hesaid."Toomanypeopledon'tthinkoftheconsequenceswhentheythrowacigaretteoutthewindow,"hesaid. ThousandsofrefugeesfromRwanda'sethnicslaughterhavefledtonorthernBurundiandputagreatstrainonthecountry'slimitedrelieffoodstocks,theUNWorldFoodProgramme(WFP)statedFriday.InastatementfaxedtoAFPhereonFridayfromtheBurundiancapital,Bujumbura,WFPofficialssaidthegreatestinfluxwasinthenortheasternprovinceofMuyinga,wheretherefugeepopulationrosefrom2,000to20,000inlessthanaweek.ManyoftherefugeesinMuyingahavearrivedinaweakenedstate,somewithwoundsandmostwithfewornoprovisions,aWFPofficialbasedinNgozisaidThursday,accordingtothestatement.RefugeesfromRwanda,whereanestimated200,000peoplehavediedincivilwarandbloodlettingbetweentheminorityTutsiandmajorityHututribes,startedcrossingintoBurundiamonthago,buttherateofarrivalssuddenlyroselastweekastherefugeeinfluxtoTanzaniaslowed.Atotalof63,000RwandanrefugeesarenowlocatedinBurundi'snorthandnortheasternprovincesofKayanza(5,700),Kirundo(13,500),Ngozi(17,000)andMuyinga(26,500),thestatementsaid.Tomeetthegrowingneedsof900,000peoplecurrentlyaffectedinBurundi,WFPhashadtoborrowfoodfromreliefstocksalreadyinplaceforinternallydisplacedpeopleandBurundianreturnees.SeriouslogisticalconstraintscontinuetomakedeliveryofadequatefoodrationstoBurundiverydifficult,thestatementadded.BeforetheRwandanandBurundianpresidents,JuvenalHabyarimanaandCyprienNtaryamira,werebothkilledinasuspectedrocketattackontheirplanetheRwandancapitalKigalionApril6,triggeringtheHutu-TutsiwarinRwanda,WFPwasalreadyfeeding680,000BurundiansaffectedbyethnicviolenceresultingfromtheOctober21failedmilitarycoupwhichkilledBurundi'sfirstelectedpresidentfromtheHutumajority,MelchiorNdadaye.ButafterApril6,anadditional145,000BurundiansreturnedfromrefugeecampsinRwanda,andwith63,000newarrivalsfromRwanda,theWFPhastoprovidethemwithreliefuntiltheycansustainthemselvesand/orreturnsafelytotheirhomes,thestatementadded. ThePalestinianpolicewereincontrolofthesouthernGazaStriponFridayasabout300morereinforcementsarrivedandtheIsraelispulledoutoftheirlastbastion."EverythingsouthoftheriverisinthehandsofthePalestinianpolice,"aseniorIsraelimilitaryofficialsaid.Theriver,knownasWadiGaza,cutsacrosstheStripsouthoftheJewishsettlementofNetzarim.Israeliforceshoweverremaininchargeofsecurityofthe4,000settlers,mostofwhomliveinthesouthofGaza.IsraelisecurityforceshandedoversecurityinstallationsatKhanYunesinthenight,thearmyspokesmansaid.ItwasthelasttowninthesouthtobeevacuatedfollowingDeirElBalah,Bureij,NusseiratandRafah.Beforedawnthearmyhandedoverthemilitaryadministration,borderpoliceandmilitarycommandbuildingsinKhanYunesto30policemenwhohadjustenteredtheStripfromEgypt.Thearmysaidtherewasasmallceremonyandthelocalcommander,whosenamewasnotrevealed,wishedthePalestinians"everysuccess".Plansofbuildingandtelephoneswerehandedoverinthetransfer.FacilitiesinGazaCitywerescheduledtobehandedoveronSunday,PLOofficialssaid,andthetransferofauthoritytobecompletedbyWednesday.About300PalestinianpolicemenenteredtheStriponFridayandweredeployedinRafahaftertravellingfromJordanovernight,PLOofficialssaid.ThemenfromthePalestineLiberationArmy(PLA)join330oftheircomradeswhoarrivedinthreegroupsonTuesday,WednesdayandThursdaynightsthroughtheRafahborderfromEgypt.ThenewcomersbelongtothePLA's"Badr"brigadewhowerestationedinJordan.TheycrossedtheJordanRiveranddrovethroughtheWestBankaboardsixbusesandthreejeepsunderIsraeliarmyescort.TheirarrivalinRafah,astrongholdofPalestinianresistance,ignitedstreetcelebrationsandfiringintheairinarepeatofsceneswitnessedalloverthestripasthepolicehavetakenover.Meanwhile,inJerichotheIsraelishandedoverfivebuildingsto60PalestinianofficersintheearlyhoursofFridayasasmallcrowdofresidentswhohadstayedupallnightcheeredon.Another386policemen,formerlybasedinIraq,werecrossingtheRiverJordanduringtheday.TheIsraelisweresettorelinquishtotalcontroloftheWestBanktownbysunset.Howevermorethan200PalestinianpolicehadbeenstuckallnightattheRafahborderbecauseofwhatPLOofficialsdescribedas"abigproblem",butrefusedtoelaborate.PalestiniansourcessaidtheIsraeliauthoritiesobjectedtocertainnamesandthatamajorargumentensued.Only30PalestinianshadbeenallowedthroughtotakeoverKhanYunes.Israel'smilitarycommanderforGaza,GeneralDoronAlmog,toldstateradiothehandoverwasproceedingaccordingtoplan."WearecontinuingwiththepprogrammedrawnupincoordinationwiththePalestiniangenerals."Wehavesomeproblemsandtheyhavesomeproblemsbutwegetovertheproblems.""Wedon'twanttheretoavacuumontheground.Wewanttohandoverthebuildingsinanorderlyfashion."ThereisatimetablebutanywhereIsraelissoldiersremaintherecanbedifficultiesbecausepeoplecangetinthebuildingsandsmasheverything.Wedon'twantthattohappen.""Atthestarttheywillhavedifficulties.ButthepolicearethesamepeoplearethosewholiveinGaza.Ithinkthatafteraperiodofinstability,stabiltywillbeestablished."ThefactthatIamsittingdownwithPalestiniangenerals,thatIamtalkingwiththem,sortingoutproblemsaroundatableandnotwithgunsisverymoving.""Thefactthatwehaveacoordinationofficewhichisworkingnow...representseveryone'shopethatperhapsinthefuturewewillliveabetter,sharedlife,perhapswithoutalmostanyviolence."ThePalestinianpoliceisduetohave9,000men,7,000ofthemfromPLAunitsscatteredacrosstheArabworld,inlinewiththeautonomydealsignedonMay4. ThePalestinianpolicewereincontrolofthesouthernGazaStriponFridayasabout300morereinforcementsarrivedandtheIsraelispulledoutoftheirlastbastion."EverythingsouthoftheriverisinthehandsofthePalestinianpolice,"aseniorIsraelimilitaryofficialsaid.Theriver,knownasWadiGaza,cutsacrosstheStripsouthoftheJewishsettlementofNetzarim.Israeliforceshoweverremaininchargeofsecurityofthe4,000settlers,mostofwhomliveinthesouthofGaza.IsraelisecurityforceshandedoversecurityinstallationsatKhanYunesinthenight,thearmyspokesmansaid.ItwasthelasttowninthesouthtobeevacuatedfollowingDeirElBalah,Bureij,NusseiratandRafah.Beforedawnthearmyhandedoverthemilitaryadministration,borderpoliceandmilitarycommandbuildingsinKhanYunesto30policemenwhohadjustenteredtheStripfromEgypt.Thearmysaidtherewasasmallceremonyandthelocalcommander,whosenamewasnotrevealed,wishedthePalestinians"everysuccess".Plansofbuildingandtelephoneswerehandedoverinthetransfer.FacilitiesinGazaCitywerescheduledtobehandedoveronSunday,PLOofficialssaid,andthetransferofauthoritytobecompletedbyWednesday.About300PalestinianpolicemenenteredtheStriponFridayandweredeployedinRafahaftertravellingfromJordanovernight,PLOofficialssaid.ThemenfromthePalestineLiberationArmy(PLA)join330oftheircomradeswhoarrivedinthreegroupsonTuesday,WednesdayandThursdaynightsthroughtheRafahborderfromEgypt.ThenewcomersbelongtothePLA's"Badr"brigadewhowerestationedinJordan.TheycrossedtheJordanRiveranddrovethroughtheWestBankaboardsixbusesandthreejeepsunderIsraeliarmyescort.TheirarrivalinRafah,astrongholdofPalestinianresistance,ignitedstreetcelebrationsandfiringintheairinarepeatofsceneswitnessedalloverthestripasthepolicehavetakenover.Meanwhile,inJerichotheIsraelishandedoverfivebuildingsto60PalestinianofficersintheearlyhoursofFridayasasmallcrowdofresidentswhohadstayedupallnightcheeredon.Another386policemen,formerlybasedinIraq,werecrossingtheRiverJordanduringtheday.TheIsraelisweresettorelinquishtotalcontroloftheWestBanktownbysunset.Howevermorethan200PalestinianpolicehadbeenstuckallnightattheRafahborderbecauseofwhatPLOofficialsdescribedas"abigproblem",butrefusedtoelaborate.PalestiniansourcessaidtheIsraeliauthoritiesobjectedtocertainnamesandthatamajorargumentensued.Only30PalestinianshadbeenallowedthroughtotakeoverKhanYunes.Israel'smilitarycommanderforGaza,GeneralDoronAlmog,toldstateradiothehandoverwasproceedingaccordingtoplan."WearecontinuingwiththepprogrammedrawnupincoordinationwiththePalestiniangenerals."Wehavesomeproblemsandtheyhavesomeproblemsbutwegetovertheproblems.""Wedon'twanttheretoavacuumontheground.Wewanttohandoverthebuildingsinanorderlyfashion."ThereisatimetablebutanywhereIsraelissoldiersremaintherecanbedifficultiesbecausepeoplecangetinthebuildingsandsmasheverything.Wedon'twantthattohappen.""Atthestarttheywillhavedifficulties.ButthepolicearethesamepeoplearethosewholiveinGaza.Ithinkthatafteraperiodofinstability,stabiltywillbeestablished."ThefactthatIamsittingdownwithPalestiniangenerals,thatIamtalkingwiththem,sortingoutproblemsaroundatableandnotwithgunsisverymoving.""Thefactthatwehaveacoordinationofficewhichisworkingnow...representseveryone'shopethatperhapsinthefuturewewillliveabetter,sharedlife,perhapswithoutalmostanyviolence."ThePalestinianpoliceisduetohave9,000men,7,000ofthemfromPLAunitsscatteredacrosstheArabworld,inlinewiththeautonomydealsignedonMay4. BorisYeltsin'scommunistandnationalistopponentshaveagreedtodeviseajointactionprogramagainsttheRussianpresidentwhentheyholdanationalmeetingattheendofMay,pressreportsquotingcommunistpartyleaderGennadyZiuganovsaidThursday.Yeltsin'sarch-rival,formervicepresidentAlexanderRutskoiwhowasaleaderinthebloodyOctober1993hardliners'revoltagainstYeltsinbutwasfreedfromprisoninFebruary,alsocalledfortheoppositiontounite,saying"strengthliesonlyinunity,"accordingtothereports.ThetwospokeatapublicmeetingThursdaynightinvolvingahandfulofothermovementslinkedsincelastFebruaryinacoalitioncalledUnderstandingforRussia.ZiuganovandRutskoi,wholastweekcalledforthe"overthrow"oftheYeltsingovernment,repeatedtheiraimtotakeoverpowerinRussiabythe50thanniversarynextyearoftheendofWorldWarIIinEurope,whichiscelebratedonMay9inRussia.RutskoisaidthenextVictoryinEuropedaywillbe"celebratedwithouttheregimenowinpower."Rutskoitoldthemeetinghefavoredatakeoverofpower"instages."Hesaidhewouldwaituntilthetermofthepresentlegislature,toendinDecember1995,beforepreparinghimselfforthepresidentialelection.Yeltsin'scurrenttermrunsoutinJune1996.RutskoialsocriticizedtheabsenceofanyjointceremoniesbyRussiansanditsWorldWarIIWesternalliestomarkthedepartureoftheirtroopsfromGermany.Hesaidthiswasthe"priceofthedwarfishforeignpolicyledbyBorisYeltsinandAndreiKozyrev,"hisforeignminister. Britain'sthreemainpoliticalpartiessuspendedtheircampaigningfortheupcomingEuropeanelectionsonFridayasamarkofrespectfortheLabouroppositionleaderJohnSmith,whodiedonThursday.Campaigningwillnotresumeuntilafterthefuneral,forwhichthefamilyhasnotyetannouncedadate.TheLabourPartyannouncedthatitwassuspendingitscampaignonThursdayafternoon,andtheConservativesandLiberalDemocratsfollowedsuitduringthenight.PoliticiansfromallpartiesonThursday,ledbyPrimeMinisterJohnMajor,paidemotionaltributestotheLabourleaderintheHouseofCommons,whichadjournedproceedingsafterthenews.Smith,whowas55,diedofamassiveheartattack.ThepressonFridaywasunitedinmourninghissuddendeathasthelossofafutureprimeminister.TheIndependentcarriedafrontpagepicturewiththeheadline"ThemanwhowouldhaveledBritain,"whiletheTimeshailedhimasaleader"whowasoncoursetobecomethefirstLabourprimeministersince1979. JapanwillsenditstoptradenegotiatorstotheUnitedStatesasearlyasnextweekinabidtobreaktheimpasseinstalledtradetalks,InternationalTradeandIndustryMinisterEijiroHatasaidFriday.TheannouncementfollowedgrowingsignsherethattheUnitedStateshadeaseditstoughstanceinthetalks,whichcollapsedinFebruary.Askedifthiswasthecase,Hatatoldanewsconference:"Ratherthansoftening,it'sbettertothinkthattheatmosphereissuchthatbothsidesmustdotheirbest."ThenegotiatorsgoingtoWashingtonareSozaburoOkamatsu,viceministerforinternationalaffairsattheinternationaltradeandindustryministry,andSadayukiHayashi,deputyforeignministerforeconomicaffairs.ForeignMinisterKojiKakizawatoldaseparatenewsconferencethatthegovernmenthaddecidedtoacceleratemovestowardanearlyresumptionofthetalks.ThedecisioncameduringhismeetingearlierFridaywithPrimeMinisterTsutomuHataandChiefCabinetSecretaryHiroshiKumagai,hesaid.ButKakizawa,whoheldtalkshereThursdaywithUSambassadorWalterMondaleaftertelephoningSecretaryofStateWarrenChristopher,saidthatWashingtonhadaskedTokyotoavoiddiscussingdetailsofthenegotiationsinpublic."TheAmericansideaskedusnottomakedisclosuresuntiltheresumptionofthetalks,"hesaid.Thetwosidesmadesimilarpromiseslastyear,vowingnottopublicisetheirrespectiveproposalsinJapanesebusinesssectorstargettedforactioninthewide-rangingtalksaimedatreducingthecountry'shugetradesurplus.ButthepromisessoonprovedtobehollowasthetwosidesstartedtoclashoverthewordingofanagreementreachedinJulybetweenPresidentBillClintonandKiichiMiyazawa,whowasprimeministeratthetime.Theagreementcalledfor"objectivecriteria"tomonitorprogressinimplementingmeasuresinprioritysectors,whichfallintothethreebroadcategoriesofautomotivetrade,financeandJapanesegovernmentprocurement.AfterthetalkscollapsedduringformerprimeministerMorihiroHosokawa'svisittoWashingtoninFebruary,theUnitedStatesinvokedthethreatoftradesanctions,includingtheSuper301provisionofitsomnibustradelaw.ButJapanesereportssayWashingtonisnowsofteningitsapproachgiventhefragilenatureofHata'snewcabinet--Japan'sfirstminoritygovernmentin39years--andthenegativeimpactoftradefrictiononcurrencymarkets.BowmanCutter,deputyassistanttoClintononeconomicpolicy,wasquotedassayingThursdaythatWashingtonwouldnotresorttoretaliatorytrademeasuresagainstJapanifsomeprogresswereachievedinthetalks."WewillnotimposesanctionsifthereisprogressinJapan'sactions,"hesaidinanexclusiveinterviewwiththeNihonKeizaiShimbun."Withonlytwomonthsremaininguntilthe(GroupofSeven)summitinNaplesinJuly,Idon'tthinkwecansettleeverything,"hesaid,referringtomacroeconomicmeasuresandthethreeprioritysectors.But"wecan'tsaythatsettlingthegovernmentprocurementissue,whichisclosesttoagreement,wouldbeenough.Westillneedeffortstogetclosetoagreementinallpriorityareasandmacroeconomicmeasures."CuttersaidWashingtonwasstill"waitingforananswerfromJapan"tothreeconditionsforresumingthetalks--compromisesinmacroeconomicpolicies,thepurposeofthetalksandobjectivecriteria.Clintonadministrationofficials"understandthedifficulty"HatafacesinreformingtheJapanesetaxsystemalthough"itisobviousthattaxreductionisthebestwaytoreduceJapan'scurrentsurplus,"hesaid.Asfortheotherconditions,CuttersaidWashingtonwantstoclarifythattheaimofthetalkswas"toincreaseimportsandmarketaccessineachsector".HealsoinsistedthattheUnitedStateswasnotpushingfornumericaltargetsasobjectivecriteria,thenewspapersaid. Aidworkershavefoundthebodiesof88peoplemassacredinsouthernRwanda,aUNspokesmaninKigalisaidFridayasabattleforthecapitalbetweenrebelsandgovernmentforcesragedon.AbdulKabia,spokesmanoftheUNAssistanceMissioninRwanda(MINUAR),saidreliefworkersfoundthecorpsesonFridayintheButareregion,butcouldnotsaywhocarriedouttheslaughter."WethoughtthatmassacresintheButareregionhadstoppped,butitseemstheyarecontinuing,"Kabiasaid,reachedintheRwandancapitalbytelephonefromNairobi.ShellfireandshootingofeverykindcouldbeheardinKigalionFridaymorning,apparentlycomingmainlyfromrebelRwandanPatrioticFrontpositionsneartheMeridienhotel,AFP'scorrespondentinthecapitalmeanwhilereported.ThecentralAfricanhighlandnationplungedbackintocivilwarbetweentheRPF,drawnmainlyfromtheTutsiminority,andtheHutumajority,afterHutupresidentJuvenalHabyarimanawaskilledinasuspectedrocketattackonhisplaneonApril6.Aidagenciesestimatethatsome200,000peoplehavebeenslaininwholesaleethnicbloodshedduringtheweeksthatfollowed,amidamassivehumanitariantragedy.UNSecretaryGeneralBoutrosBoutros-GhalihasaskedtheUNSecurityCouncilsubstantiallytoreboostUNAMIR,whichwasoriginallysenttohelpimplementapeacesignedinAugustlastyearbutcutbackfrom2,500tojust400menaftertherenewedviolencebrokeout. TheSpanishcentralbankcutitsmainlendingrateaquarterpointto7.50percentFriday.Themove,whichfollowsasimilarcutintherateonApril22,hadbeenexpectedaftertheBundesbankcutahalf-pointfromitsdiscountandLombardratesonWednesday.AnalystsexpectedtheSpanishbanktofurthercuttherate,alreadyatitslowestlevelsincethe1970s,to7.0percentbytheendoftheyear.ThursdaythebankannouncedthatSpain'sgrossdomesticproductrose0.5percentduringthefirstquarteroftheyear,ending15monthsofrecession.Economistssaidthisyear'sgrowthwasduelargelytoexportsandthatdomesticdemandremainedsluggish. reportBOSTON,Massachusetts,May13(AFP)-USwargamesthatbeganintheCaribbeanandendedinNorthCarolinaandPuertoRicothisweeksimulatedaninvasionofHaiti,TheBostonGlobesaidFriday.Code-namedAgileProvider,themilitaryexercisesinvolved44,000troops,amphibiousvessels,fighterjetsandasubmarine,unnamedmilitarysourcestoldthedaily.TheywereplannedwithHaitiinmind,thesourcessaid.PresidentBillClintonwarnedlastweekthathedidnotruleoutamilitaryinterventiontorestoredemocracyinHaiti,andtheUNSecurityCounciladoptedhisproposaltoslapafulleconomicembargoontheformerFrenchcolony.AlthoughaWhiteHousesourcetoldthedailythemilitaryoptionwasstillintheair,militarysourcessaidtheexerciseswereintendedtoputtheoptionthroughatrialruntosmoothoutcoordinationproblems.Andtheycouldalsobeasabre-rattlingeffortbytheClintonadministrationtogoadHaiti'smilitaryleadersintoreinstatingPresidentJean-BertrandAristide,whomtheyoverthrewinSeptember1991,themilitarysourcesadded.TheswearinginofaninterimpresidentbytheHaitianSenateWednesday,however,appearstoconfirmthemilitary'sdeterminationtoresistallpressures.OrganizedbytheAtlanticCommand,basedinNorfolk,Virginia,AgileProviderincludedtheMarinesandArmySpecialForces,someofwhomlandedbysubmarine.Marinefighterjetsflewmorethan200practicesortiesduringtheexercises,thesourcessaid.Aspokesmanforthecommandsaidtheexerciseshadasatargetafictitiouscountryrunbyan"unfriendlyleader"whohadsuddenlyseizedpower.TheUSmilitaryoptionforHaitihasreceivedmixedreviewsabroad.VisitingFrenchForeignMinisterAlainJuppesaidThursdaythathisgovernmentwouldnotparticipateinsuchaventure.TheFrenchdiplomat,however,reiteratedhiscondemnationofthemilitaryregimeinPort-au-PrinceandthenamingofinterimpresidentEmileJonassaint,whomJuppedescribedasa"puppetwithnolegitimacy."HesaidFrancewasworkingtoenforcethelatestSecurityCouncilresolutioncallingforstiffersanctionsifthemilitaryrefusedtoleavepowerandrestoredemocracybyMay21. WorldCuplongshotsandhoststheUnitedStatesarefavoritesatleastinthePhilippines,whereanautographedfootballfromtheteamfetchedthetoppriceof76,000pesos(about2,714dollars)ataMissUniversecharityauctionhere.Theball,broughtinbyMissUnitedStates,FrancesLouiseParker,raisedthehighestpriceinaMay10auctionthatincludedanantiqueTaiwanteapot,century-oldprintsfromBritain,andancientsilverandbrassEgyptianplates,organizerssaid.Contestantsfrom77nationsthataretakingpartintheMay21pageantinManiladonatedthepresentstoraisefundsforlocalcharities. SevenpeoplediedinthreeandahalfweeksofpoliticaltensionbetweenrivalgroupsattheWesternAreasgoldminewestofhere,NationalUnionofMineworkers(NUM)spokesmanJerryMajatladisaidFriday.Majatladisaid"politicallymotivated"fightingbetweensupportersoftheZulunationalistInkathaFreedomParty(IFP)andtheAfricanNationalCongress(ANC)startedonApril17,ninedaysbeforeSouthAfrica'sfirstnon-racialelection.HesaidonepersonwaskilledonApril17,twoothersdiedinfightingduringtheApril26-29pollandfourwerekilledWednesday.NelsonMandela'sANCwontheelection,whiletheIFPcameinthirdaftertheNationalParty;membersofthethreepartiesmakeupthegovernmentofnationalunitythatwasannouncedonWednesday. KarlWendlinger'sconditionwasunchangedhereonFridaymorning,theAustrianFormulaOnedriverremaininginadeepcomaafterhiscrashinMonacoonThursday,hospitalofficialssaid.WendlingerwasbadlyinjuredwhenhecrashedduringapracticesessionfortheMonacoGrandPrix.Heappearedtobrakelatecomingoutofthetunnel,thefastestpointonthestreetcircuit.Hisparentsarrivedhereovernightbycar,andwentimmediatelytotheirson'sbedside.AmedicalbulletinontheAustrianwasduetobeissuedlaterintheday.TheaccidentcametwoweeksafterBrazil'stripleworldchampionAyrtonSennaandAustrianRolandRatzenbergerwerekilledattheSanMarinoGrandPrix. Ireland'srugbyunionsideseetheireight-matchAustraliantourasamajorsteppingstonetonextyear'sWorldCupinSouthAfrica,skipperMichaelBradleysaidhereFriday."Thesquadof30,including12uncappedplayers,willdevelopandlearnduringtheirthreeweekshere,"the31-yearoldscrum-halffromCorksaidafterplayersarrivedhereaheadofIreland'sfirstvisittoAustraliain15years.TheprogrammebeginsWednesdaywithanightmatchagainstWesternAustraliaatoneoftheworld'sbestknowncricketgrounds,theWACA(WesternAustralianCricketAssociation)Ground.Bradley,whomadehisinternationaldebutagainstAustraliaadecadeago,concededthatthesquad'srelativeinexperiencewouldmakeitatoughtour.EspeciallythetwoTestsinBrisbaneandSydneyagainstreigningworldchampionsAustralia."TherearealotofplayerstheAustralianpublichavenotseen,andtheseguysarelookingforwardtoexpressingthemselvesonthepitch,"hesaid."Thissidearewillingtolearnandtheylearnfast,"hesaid."Itdependsonhowgamesgo,butIbelievethatbytheendofthetourwewillbeamuchbetterside.It'sallpartofourWorldCuppreparations."TheIrishareinabuoyantframeofmindafterbeatingEnglandanddrawingwithScotlandintherecentFiveNationschampionship.CoachGerryMurphysaidextensivechangestotheteammeantthatonlyfourplayersfromthesidewhichalmostdefeatedAustraliaina1991WorldCupquarter-final,nowremained.Theyarefull-backJimStaples,wingmanSimonGeoghehan,flankerBrianRobinsonandlockNeilFrancis.ItisthefirsttimeIrelandhavetouredAustraliasince1979whentheywontheTestseries2-0.WesternAustralia,traditionaleasybeatsoftheAustraliancircuit,werethrashed39-10byNatalthreeweeksago.ButanoptimisticcoachTomBrownesaidFriday:"Wehopethistimewemaybeabletoreversetheusualresult." AmanwaskilledFridayandawomanandtwochildrenwerewoundedwhenabombexplodedintheircarintheNorthernIrelandtownofLurgan,policesaid.Policecouldnotconfirmtheidentitiesofthefourorsayiftheybelongedtothesamefamily,althoughinformedsourcessaidthemanwasamemberoftheBritishsecurityforces.ThebombwentoffasthefourweregettingintothecarFridaymorninginLurgan,about30kilometers(18miles)southwestofBelfast.Oneofthechildrensufferedmultiplefractures,policesaid,buttheconditionoftheothertwoinjuredpersonswasnotimmediatelyknown.LateThursday,a23-year-oldCatholicmanwasshotandkilledbysuspectedProtestantmilitantsinnorthBelfastandSundayanelderlyCatholicmanwasmurderedinhishomeinthewesterntownofDungannonbymembersoftheProtestantUlsterVolunteerForce. Thedollarclosedhigherat104.58yenontheTokyoforeignexchangemarketFriday,up0.48yenfromthepreviousday'sfinishof104.10yen.Dealersattributedthedollar'sadvancechieflytodollarbuyingbytheBankofJapan,thecentralbank,ontheforeignexchangemarket.Thesizeofthemarketinterventionwasnotimmediatelyclear.InvestorsboughtdollarsonpressreportsthatJapaneseofficialsweretovisitWashingtontopavethewayforresumingframeworktradetalkswiththeUnitedStates,dealerssaid.TheclosingratehereFridaywashigherthan104.22yenquotedinNewYorkinlatetradingovernight.Afteropeningat104.15yen,thegreenbackmovedbetween104.07yenand104.73yeninTokyoFriday.Spotturnoverincreasedfromthepreviousday's5.057billiondollarsto7.248billiondollars.Themarkclosedat1.6705tothedollarhereFriday,against1.6667thepreviousday. PalestiniansraisedtheirflagoverJerichoonFridayas27yearsofIsraelioccupationcametoanendandPalestineLiberationArmysoldierspouredintopolicetheautonomousenclave.TheIsraelishandedoveraseriesofbuildingsandamilitarybaseto60Palestinianofficersinpre-dawndarknessonFridaytothecheersofasmallcrowdwhostayedupallnight.TheIsraeliflagwasloweredandthered,green,whiteandblackPalestinianemblemrunupatthesites.WomenululatedwithjoyandthecrowdswelledasthenewsspreadthroughtheancientoasisontheedgeoftheDeadSea.FourPalestinianflagsflutteredontheroofofthecentralpolicestation,whichuntilThursdayhadbeenthetargetofstone-throwingchildrenandthecenterofclasheswithIsraelissoldiers.Nowchildrenpeeredthroughthemetalfence,talkingtoPalestiniansoldierswithinforthefirsttime."TheIsraeliflaghadbeenbroughtdownbythetimewecamein,"saidAhmedAbuSaadeh,apolicemanwhocrossedoverearlierinthemorning."TherewerenomoreIsraelisoldiersleft,wedidn'tshakehandswithanyofthem."ThePalestiniansalsotookoverthepostoffice,acourthouse,amilitaryadministrationbuildingandanearbysynagogue.TheIsraelislaterhandedoverthemainadministrationcompoundinanofficialceremony."Ifallgoeswell,alltheJerichoregionwillbeinPalestinianhandsbyFridayafternoon,"saidColonelHerzl,amemberofthecommmitteewhosefullnamewaswithheldforsecurityreasons.Israelisoldierswerestationedakilometer(halfamile)away,atthejunctionofaroadtheywillpatrolFridaywiththePalestinianpolice.Atthesametime,386policemenbegancrossingintoJerichofromJordanfollowing20officersarrivedThursday,and40othersintheearlyhoursofFriday.ThefirstbusescarryingthePalestineLiberationArmyunits,whowereformerlybasedinIraq,crossedtheAllenbyBridgeattheborderwithJordaninthemorning.TheywerebeingcheckedattheIsraelipostontheWestBanksideofthebridge.Anotherfourbuseswereexpectedtofollow,saidAdelBarahmi,aPalestinianemployeeattheborder.ThePalestinianpoliceforceisduetohave9,000men,7,000ofthemfromPLAunitsscatteredacrosstheArabworld,inlinewiththeautonomydealsignedonMay4.ThePLAisthePalestineLiberationOrganisation'sregulararmy.IsraeliColonelA,toldstateradio:"Assoonaswehavethegreenlightitwillonlytakeusafewhourstopullout.Wewillwithdrawbeforesunsetifallgoeswell."TheradiosaidIsraelicitizenswouldnolongerbeallowedtoenterJerichocarryingarms.ThePalestinianpolicetookcontrolofthesouthernGazaStriponFridayasabout300morereinforcementsarrivedandtheIsraelispulledoutoftheirlastbastion."EverythingsouthoftheriverisinthehandsofthePalestinianpolice,"aseniorIsraelimilitaryofficialsaid.Theriver,knownasWadiGaza,cutsacrosstheStripsouthoftheJewishsettlementofNetzarim.UndertheautonomydealIsraeliforceshoweverremaininchargeofsecurityforthe4,000settlers,mostofwhomliveinthesouthofGaza.SecurityinstallationsattheGazatownofKhanYuneswerehandedoverinthenight,thearmysaid.ItwasthelasttowninthesouthtobeevacuatedfollowingDeirElBalah,Bureij,NusseiratandRafah.Beforedawnthearmyhandedoverthemilitaryadministration,borderpoliceandmilitarycommandbuildingsinKhanYunesto30policemenwhohadjustenteredtheStripfromEgypt.FacilitiesinGazaCityweretobehandedoveronSunday,PLOofficialssaid,andtransferofauthorityontheStripcompletedbyWednesday.PalestinianpolicechiefNasrYussefsaid:"Wehavethefeelingthatwearefinallyinourowncountry."UnliketheovercrowdedGazaStripwithapopulationofnearly800,000,theJerichopolicearetakingoveraquietoasisof15,000people,knownastheworld'soldestandlowesttownat250metres(825feet)belowsealevel. PalestiniansbrokeintotheKhanYunespostofficeandstoleeverythingtheycouldcarryjusthoursaftertheIsraelishandedoverthetowntothePalestinianpolice,witnessessaid.Dozensofyouthssmasheddownthedoorsandmadeoffwithtelephones,faxmachines,desksandchairs.Itwasnotimmediatelyknownifmoneywastaken.ThedawnraidcameafterIsraelisecurityforceshandedoverthearmy,administrationandpolicebuildingsto30Palestinianpoliceofficersandpulledoutofthetown.Allpostofficesintheoccupiedterritories,whichhavebeenrunbytheIsraeliauthorities,areduetobetransferredtothePalestiniansunderautonomy.PLOofficialssaidsome300otherpolicemenwhoareduetobestationedinKhanYuneshavebeenheldupbytheIsraelissinceThursdayatthebordercrossingfromEgypt.Morethan600PalestinianpolicehaveenteredGazathisweekandbeengivenchargeofthesouthofthestrip,buttheyarenotyetoperational. AchickeninwesternIranhasbeenlayingeggsatrecordspeed,onaverageoneeggalmosteveryhour,itsproudownersaidFriday.JalilKhorshidifromKermanshahtoldIRNAnewsagencythatthechicken,ofChinesestock,produced42eggsina52-hourperiod,backedbyadietofrice,wheatandvegetables.Butitalsoeatstwiceasmuchasotherhens. UNSecretaryGeneralBoutrosBoutros-Ghali,inabidtodeflectmountingcriticismUNoperations,saidFridaythatUNmemberstatesweretoblameforanyconfusionintheworldbody'sactionininternationalcrisessuchasex-YugoslaviaandRwanda."TheUNisneutralandandcarriesoutthedecisionsadoptedbythe15states(ontheSecurityCouncil),whichincludethefivesuperpowers,"hesaidinaninterviewonFrenchradio.TheUNchiefwasintheFrenchcapitaltodiscusstheBosniancrisisaheadofaninternationalministerialconferenceonthematterFridayinGeneva.ParisearlierthisweekthreatenedtopullitsforcesoutofBosnia--wheretheyformthelargestUNpeacekeepingcontingent--ifprogresstowardsanegotiatedsettlementcannotbeobtained.TheFrenchwarningcameaheadofthemeetingFridayinGenevabyforeignministersfromtheUnitedStates,RussiaandfiveEuropeanUnionstatesincludingFranceandBritaintotrytorestarttheBosnianpeaceprocess.Boutros-GhalisaidtheUNcouldonlybe"accusedofsubjectivityinthesensethatitexecutes"SecurityCouncildecisions.Butheconcededthatmemberstatesmightget"tired"aboutmilitaryandfinancialdemandsifUNpeaceoperationscarryonendlessly.WhenaskedabouttheFrenchthreatofaforcepull-outinBosnia,Boutros-GhalisaiditwasuptotheSecurityCouncil--ofwhichFranceisapermanentmember--tofindreplacements.HenotedtheexampleofSomalia,whereafterthedepartureofUS,German,BelgianandFrenchforces,theUNoperationwashandledessentiallybyAfricanandAsiantroops."Ihavenowaytopreventamemberstatefromwithdrawingitsforces"fromaUNmilitaryoperation,"hesaid.HealsosaidheregrettedhugeoutstandingfinancialcommitmentstotheUNbymemberstates,suchastheUnitedStateswhichhesaidowesmorethanabilliondollars.ItwastheUnitedNations'duty"tohelpmemberstateseitherfindpeacefulsolutionstoconflicts,ortoserveasanalibiforstatesthatneedtheUnitedNationstoexcusetheirlackofaction."HestressedtheUnitedNationshadbeensuccessfulinrecentyearsinElSalvador,CambodiaandSouthAfrica.EveninYugoslavia,hesaid,theUnitedNationscouldclaimsomesuccesses,suchasaidsuppliedforsometwomillionrefugeesanddisplacedpeople,headingoffthespreadoftroubletoMacedoniawithaUNdeploymentand,uptonow,havingkeptthewarinsideex-Yugoslavborders. Theyareprisonersintheirowncapital,paralysedbyfearandravagedbyhunger,shelteringfromthegunfireinhotelsandchurchesandtheKigalisportsstadium.Some20,000Rwandanshavefledtheirhomesforwhattheyhopearesafersurroundingsinthecity.Thereare3,000intheAahorostadium,morethan6,000crammedintotheKingFaisalhospital,severalhundredintheMeridienhotel.TheyareinthesectorheldbyrebelsofthePatrioticFront(RPF),whichdrawssupportmostlyfromRwanda'sTutsiminority.AcrosstownwheretroopsofthegovernmentdominatedbytheHutumajorityholdsway,5,000displacedpersonshavefoundarefugeintheHolyFamilychurchandtheadjoiningschool.Thereare550moreintheThousandHillshotel.ButshellshittheHolyFamilycompoundlastmonth,killing15peopleandleavingmorethanl00wounded.Thereweresimilarattacksonthestadiumandthehospital,leavingdozensofdead.Everybodyelseblamesthewarringforces,buttheydenytargetingtherefugees."Itwasanaccident,mortarsareinaccurateweapons,"theysay.FatherWenceslasMunyeshyakashowstheholeinthechurchroof.Hundredsofpeoplearelyinginthenave,rightuptothealtar.Inabigsidechapel,RedCrossworkerstendthewounded.Manyoftherefugeesinthehotelareeducatedpeoplebrandedas"intellectuals",alongwithtraders,peopleunderthreatbecauseoftheirpoliticalallegiancesortribalaffiliation.Theysaidtheyhadreceivedwordtheywouldbemassacredbeforetheweekwasout.TheysentanSOStotheworldcommunity,askingittoputpressureontheauthoritiesheretoletthemleave.TheUnitedNationsassembledaconvoyl0daysagototake60ofthemtotheairport,butsoldiersandmilitiamenturnedthemback,woundingseveralpeopleintheprocess.UNHighCommissionerforHumanRightsJoseAyala-LassometthebelligerentsonWednesdayandThursdayandgotpromisesthatsomethingwouldbedonetoletthe"hostages"beevacuated.Somewanttomovetoneighbouringcountries,otherswanttogofartherafield,whilesomesimplywanttochangetheirprefectures,codedlanguagemeaningtheywanttogotoanadministrativedistrictheldbytheirowntribesmen.NotalltheTutsiwanttogotoRPFzones,however,forfearofbeingforciblyconscriptedtorebelranks.ArefugeeatthebrandnewKingFaisalhospitalsaidtherebelmovementexecutedpeoplewhoslippedoutwithoutpermission."Wecannolongergolookingforfirewood,foodorwater,"hesaid.Prudencespokeinalowvoice,fearfulofspiesoverhearingher.HerhusbandwasanadvisertothemurderedprimeministerAgatheUwilingiyimana,andshedoesnotknowifheisstillalive.Theordinarytownspeoplestillintheirownhomesrushoutwhentheshootingdiesdowntofilltheircanswithwaterorbuyabagofbeans.Butmostofthefugitiveshavenotventuredoutfromtheirsheltersinmorethanamonth,surethatonlydeathawaitsthemonthestreets. BenettonpickeduptheirsecondFormulaOneteamonFriday,whenmanagerFlavioBriatoretookcontrolofFrenchstrugglersLigier.Briatore,backedbytheItalianclothinggiant,hadbeenanglingformonthstogetholdoftheteam'sRenaultV-10engine,whichhaspoweredWilliamstotwoconsecutivedriverandconstructorworldtitles.Ligier'sentrepreneurownerCyrildeRouvre,whohadboughttheteamfromGuyLigierinlate1992,wasforcedtosellafterbecomingthesubjectofafraudinvestigationlastDecember.Astatement,issuedbyLigier'ssponsorsherefortheMonacoGrandPrix,saidthatofseveraloffersreceived:"FlavioBriatore'splanseemedthebestsolution,onewillenableLigiertomakeuplostgroundtechnologically,getbacktoacompetitivelevelandtherebyensureitsfuture."Benetton-Ford'sresultsinthe1994worldchampionship,itstechnicalreputation,notablyintheareaofaerodynamicsandsuspension,wereadecidingfactorinthechoice."BenettonForddriverMichaelSchumacherhaswonallthreeGrandsPrixthisseason.Briatore,whoseBenetton-FordteamisbasedinBritain,isexpectedtooutlinehisplansforLigieronSaturdayevening. ThePrincipalityauthoritiessaidonFridaythatPrinceRainierhadnoplansyettocancelSunday'srace."Thereisnoquestionofthatatthemoment,"aspokesmansaid,addingthatsuchadecisionwouldcomefromtheAutomobileClubdeMonacoandraceorganisers.ThecommentfollowsspeculationthatifWendlingerdied,theprincewouldhavetheracecancelled.Officialshereweremeanwhileawaitingtheoutcomeofadrivers'meetingwhichstartedearlierinthemorning. IndiahasthrownopenbasictelephoneservicestoforeignanddomesticprivateinvestorsinaliberalisedtelecommunicationsinvestmentpolicyunveiledinparliamentFriday.Thepolicyisaimedatusheringintheeight-billion-dollarinvestmentthegovernmentestimatesisneededtoprovidea"telephoneondemand"toitscitizensby1997.Individualshavehadtowaitfiveyearsforaconnection.CommunicationsMinisterSukhRamsaiditalsowasaimedatintroducingall"value-addedtelecomservicesavailableabroad"toraisethestandardofIndiantelecommunicationstoworldclass.Thelong-awaitedpolicy,whichhasathemeof"telecommunicationsforall,"wasannouncedontheeveofPrimeMinisterP.V.NarasimhaRao'sdepartureforavisittotheUnitedStates.MajorUStelecommultinationalssuchasUSWestInc.andMotorolaInc.havebeenwaitingtoenterthehugeIndianmarket,wherebasictelephoneserviceshaveuntilnowbeenagovernmentmonopoly. AUNmilitaryobserverkilledattheedgeoftheSarajevoexclusionzonewasaMalaysian,UNforcesspokesmanEricChaperonsaidFriday,addingthattheshellwhichhithisvehiclewas"notanaccident."AnotherUNobserverinjuredinthesameincidentThursdaywasanEgyptianbuthislifewasnotindanger,MajorChaperonsaid.HeidentifiedthedeadobserverasMajorAriffinZakaria.HesaidhisbodywastobeflowntoKualaLumpurFridayandabriefmilitaryceremonywouldbeheldinhishonoratSarajevoairport.HesaidtheEgyptianwasLieutenantColonelMohamedKamalElDin,whosufferedshrapnelwoundstohislegsandwasevacuatedbyhelicoptertoaCanadianmedicalunitinVisoko,northwestofSarajevo.TheUNmilitaryspokesmansaidasingleshellwasfiredontheirvehicleafteritgotstuckinmudatCermenica,15kilometers(eightmiles)northeastofVisoko."Itisnotanaccidentoffiring,"hestressed.ButherefusedtosaywhethertheshellhadbeenfiredbyBosnianSerbforceswhohaveapositiononlyakilometer(lessthanamile)fromwheretheobservers'truckgotboggeddown.ThetwoUNsoldiershadcalledforassistance.ThespokesmansaidaBosnianarmysoldierwasalsowoundedwhenheandacolleagueonboardatractorcameunderfireastheyweretryingtotowawaytheUNvehicle.HesaidtheBosniansoldierhadbeenhitintheback,butwasoutofdanger. MembersoftheIsraeliparliamentopenedtwodaysofinformaltalkswithPLOofficialsintheAustriancapitalonFriday.TheagendacoversautonomyinPalestinianregions,thefuturestatusofJerusalem,refugees,Jewishsettlementsinoccupiedterritories,andborders,aspokesmanfortheorganiserssaid.ThediscussionsarebeingheldattheBrunoKreiskyForum,apoliticalandscientificinstitutionnamedaftertheAustrianchancellorwhopromotedrecognitionofthePalestineLiberationOrganisation.TheIsraeliteamincludesEliDayan,headoftheparliamentarygroupoftherulingLabourParty,accompaniedbyYossiKatzandAvigdorKahalani.ThePLOsideincludesAhmedTibi,anadvisertoPLOchiefYasserArafat,AssanAbdelRahrman,PLOrepresentativeinWashington,andIbrahimKarain,fromthePLOinformationofficeinJerusalem. GATTchiefPeterSutherlandallbutruledoutFridaythepossibilityofChina'srejoiningtheworldtradebodybytheyear'send,labellingthescheduleputforwardbyBeijing"extremelydemanding."While"encouraged"bythreedaysoftalkswithseniorforeigntradeofficialshere,SutherlandmadeitclearthatChinawassomewayfromrealisingitsaimtobeinattheinceptionoftheWorldTradeOrganisation(WTO),whichreplacestheGeneralAgreementonTariffsandTrade(GATT)onJanuary1."Itisstillgoingtobeextremelydifficult,withthebestwillintheworld,toachievethetimeframewehavespokenof,"Sutherlandtoldapressconference."Thetimescheduleisextremelydemanding."TheGATTsecretary-generalalsostressedtherewas"nopracticaldifference"inwhetherChinajoinedtheinternationaltradingregimeon"January1,April1orJune1.""Reallywhatweshouldbetalkingaboutisthelikelihoodofasatisfactoryoutcomeattheendoftheday.Theendofthedaybeingnottoodistant,"hesaid.China,whichwasafoundermemberofGATTbutleftafterthecommunistscametopowerin1949,hasrepeatedlymadeitclearthatitattachesgreatpoliticalsignificancetoreadmissionbeforethenewyear.Sutherlandsaidhehadseensignsof"genuinewillandflexibility"fromtheChinesesideduringhisvisit,butaddedthatdoubtsremainedoverthetransparencyofChina'sforeigntraderegime,especiallypoliciesgoverningimportquotas,licencesandstandards."Idonotwishtominimisetheamountofadditionaldiscussionthathastobeundertaken,"hesaid. IsraelofficiallyhandedoverthetownofJerichotothePalestinianpoliceonFridaywithahandshakebetweentwogenerals.JournalistswatchedasIsrael'scentralregionmilitarycommanderGeneralIlanBiramgraspedthehandofPalestineLiberationArmyGeneralHajjIsmailtomarkthetransferofpower. ChinahasreleasedfiveChristiansfromre-educationcamps,theofficialnewsagencyXinhuareportedFriday.TheywereidentifiedasChenZhuman,YanPeizhi,XuZhihe,CuiTaiandZhangLi.Thefivehadbeensentencedtore-educationinFujianprovince,southeasternChina,Shandong,intheeastandHebeiinthenorthforhaving"disturbedpublicorderandendangeredpublicsecuritybytheirreligiousactivities,"theagencysaid. IsraelofficiallyhandedovertheautonomousJerichoenclavetothePalestinianpoliceonFridaywithahandshakebetweentwogenerals.JournalistswatchedasIsrael'scentralregionmilitarycommanderGeneralIlanBiran(eds.correct)graspedthehandofPalestineLiberationArmyGeneralHajjIsmailtomarkthetransferofpower.TheceremonytookplacebytheAllenbyBridgewhichlinksJordanwiththeWestBankafter386PalestinianpolicecrossedtheRiverJordan."Iwishyougoodluck,"Biransaid."Thankyou,"Ismailreplied."Ihopewewillbesuccessfultogetherontheroadtopeace."Palestinianyouthsshouted"AllahuAkbar"(Godisgreat)andpro-PLOslogans."Therearenow462PalestinianpolicemeninJericho,"Ismailsaid.AfirstgroupofofficersarrivedThursdayfollowedbyabout40moreovernight.Beforedawntheytookoveraseriesofofficialbuildingsrangingfromthepolicestationtothepostoffice. PalestinianswokeupFridaytofindtheirownpolicemeninchargeofthissleepyoasisaftertheIsraelispulledoutofthefirstautonomousenclave."Wewenttobedexpectinganotherdayofwaiting,"saidKhaledAbedafterrepeateddelaysinthehandoverofpowersinceautonomywasofficiallylaunchedonMay4whenIsraelandthePLOsignedanagreementinCairo."Andthenwhatasurprisethismorningwhenwesawthepolicestationwehadlearnedtohatesomuchoccupiedby...Palestinians,"the28-year-oldsaid.IsraelofficiallyhandedoverthetownonFridaywithahandshakebetweenitscentralregionmilitarycommander,GeneralIlanBiran,andPalestineLiberationArmy(PLA)GeneralHajjIsmail.Earlier,theIsraelisdiscreetlytransferredkeyinstallationstoPalestinianpoliceofficersundercoverofdarkness.FortyPalestinianpoliceofficersslippedintoJerichofromJordaninthemiddleofthenighttojoin20oftheircolleagueswhoarrivedThursday,butkeptoutofthepubliceye.Beforedawntheywerehandedoverthekeystothepolicestationwatchedonlybyhalf-a-dozentaxidrivers.ButthenewsspreadlikewildfireasaseriesofbuildingsfromthepostofficetoaJewishsynagoguewerehandedover.Wholefamiliesrushedouttothemainsquaretoseeforthemselves.Thefrontofthepolicestationwashardlyrecognizable.Green,red,whiteandblackPalestinianflagshadsubmergedthewholefacadeandflutteredfromtheroof.Whereyouthsoncedartedpastlobbingrocksattheenemybehindthehighwirefences,hundredsofPalestinianshadgatheredtothrowsweetsandkissesatthenewoccupants.Dressedinolive-greenuniformsofthePLA,Kalashnikovriflesovertheirshoulders,thepolicelookedstunnedbyitall.Theyappearedonebyonetoacknowledgethecheersandreceivethekissesfromthesurgingcrowd.Abeddecideditwasa"historic"dayforcelebrationanddidnotbothergoingtohisjobinasupermarketattheIsraelisettlementofMaaleAdumim,betweenJerusalemandJericho."MazelTov,Mabruk,"heshouted,happytomixtheHebrewandArabicwordsforcongratulations."I'msohappy.It'sthefirsttimewe'veseenourownsoldiers,Palestinians,"Abedyelled.ArabwomengavevoicetotheshrillululationsofjoyheardthroughouttheMiddleEast.Theysang,theyclappedandlaughed."Myheartisfilledwithjoytoseeourpolicemen,whoareourchildren,ourbrothers,ourcousins,"said20-year-oldSabahAtrabhanah.ShesaidshewouldprayforthereleaseofallthePalestinianprisoners"sothatpeacewillcomeatlastwiththeJews."Israelistoreleaseabout4,000prisonersinthecomingweeksaftersettingmorethan1,000lastweekinlinewiththeautonomyagreement.Throughoutthetownstrangersandfriendsembracedtomarktheoccasion.OnAllenbyBridgestreet,nearthepolicestation,severalnewpolicemenstoodguard.Carspulleduptomakesureofwhattheysaw.Pasengerswouldclimboutandhugtheguards.Furtherdowntheroad,nearthecourt,men,womenandchildrenqueueduptohavetheirphotographstakenwithpoliceofficers.AKalshnikovwashandedfromalittleboytoagrandmotherforthefamilyalbum.AcaptainfromthePLA'sAl-Aqsaunitwasondutyoutsidethecourt.After27yearsinexile,hehadnotyethadtimetogotofindhisfamilyandfriends."Itdoesn'tmatter.I'vegotplentyoftimenow,"hesaid.Howevernoteveryonejoinedinthepartyinthetownof15,000."WewanttoseealltheWestBankliberated,"saidSamyel-Muthafar."Anduntilthatisdone,thePalestinianuprisingwillcontinue,"theunemployed21-year-oldsaid. TheUScurrencywasfirmeragainstthemainEuropeancurrenciesonFridaymorning,asthemarketwaitedforpublicationofUSretailpriceslaterinthedayforfurtherindicationsoninflation.Bymidmorning,thegreenbackwastradingat1.6730marksfrom1.6675attheThursdayclose,andat104.70yenfrom104.20.DespitefiguresonThursdayshowingUSwholesalepricesfell0.1percentinApril,themarketwasstillexpectinganimminentriseinUSinterestrates,saidananalystatJPMorgan.Ariseof50basispoints"shouldbesufficienttosupportthedollar"hesaid,adding:"IfthemarketisdisappointedbytheUSFederalReserve,centralbankinterventionwillprobablynotbesufficienttopreventthecurrencyslumpingtobetween1.64and1.65marks."DealersbelievenextTuesday'smeetingoftheFederalReserveOpenMarketCommitteecouldtakeactiononshort-terminterestrates.TheBankofSpaincutitskeyinterestrateby0.25percentto7.50percentinthewakeofsimilarratecutsbyothercentralbanksthisweek.Thepeseta,however,remainedstableat82.40pesetastothemarkfrom82.57onThursday.InthewakeofBankofPortugal's0.25-pointratecutto10.75percentonThursday,theescudoreaminedfirmat103escudostothemarkfrom103.25attheperviousclose.Bymidmorning,themarkwastradingat3.4278Frenchfrancsfrom3.4292atthepreviouscloseandat956.5lirefrom956.9.ThedayafterthedeathofJohnSmith,leaderofBritain'sLabourparty,sterlingremainedfirmonuncertaintyaboutafutureleader,whichhelpsthecurrentlyunpopularrulingConservativepartyaheadoftheEuropeanelections.Thepoundwastradingat1.4985dollarsfrom1.4995attheThursdayclose,at2.5070marksfrom2.5004,156.89yenfrom156.25,2.1421Swissfrancsfrom2.1386,andat8.5883Frenchfrancsfrom8.5753.Thegreenbackwastradingat1.6730marksfrom1.6675,at104.70yenfrom104.20,1.4295Swissfrancsfrom1.4262,andat5.7313Frenchfrancsfrom5.7188.InParis,thedollarwasmarginallyhigherat1.6725marksfrom1.6685attheWednesdayclose,whiletheFrenchfrancremainedstable.MarketswereshutonThursdayfortheAscensionholiday.Bymidmorning,thegreenbackwastradingat104.65yen,andat5.7325Frenchfrancsfrom5.7220attheWednesdayclose.TheFrenchfrancremainedlittlechangedat3.4280francstothemarkfrom3.4303onWednesday.Thepoundwashigherat8.5864Frenchfrancsfrom8.5451attheWednesdayclose. ASpanishfighterplaneonNATOmaneuverscrashedintotheMediterraneanFridayafteroneofitsenginescaughtfirebutthepilotmanagedtoejectandwasunhurt,theSpanishDefenseMinistrysaid.ThepilotoftheHarrierwasquicklyrescuedbyaSpanishNavyhelicopter.Hisplane,takingpartintheNorthAtlanticTreatyOrganization'sso-calledDynamicImpactexercises,wentdownoffMajorca,nearthetinyislandofCabrera,partoftheBalearicIslandsoffSpain'seastcoast.Theministrysaidwhenthepilotrealizedanenginewasonfire,hetriedtoheadbacktoanairbaseatPalmadeMajorcabutfinallyhadtobailout. Chinaexceededby171percentits1993exportquotasetbytheAssociationofTinProducingCountries(ATPC),buthaspledgedtokeepexportsbelow20,000tonnesthisyeartofulfilitscommitmentasanewmember,ATPCsaidFriday.Chinaexported40,700tonnes,exceedingthe15,000-tonnelimititagreedtokeeptolastyear,ATPCsaidinacommuniqueattheendofitsthree-day35thexecutivecommitteemeetinghere."Beijinghadexportedabout9,750tonnesinthefirstquarterofthisyearandhasindicateditwillkeepitsexportstowithin20,000tonnesfor1994,sinceithasalreadysigneduptobeamember,"anATPCofficialsaid.China,theworld'slargesttinproducer,joinedthe10-yearoldATPCinBangkokonApril29astheassociation'seighthmember.ItsmembershipofficiallycomesintoeffectJune29,ATPCsaid.Brazil,theworld'snumbertwotinproducerandrepresentedatthemeetingbyfourmembersfromtheParanaPanemaminingbody,isanobserverintheATPC.ButitiscooperatingwithasupplyrationalisationschemeATPClaunchedin1987toexpeditedepletionofsurplusstocksandhastenarecoveryoftin'sdepressedprices."BrazilsaiditsgovernmenthasachievedcontroloverGarimpeiro(illegalmines)tinminingoperations,especiallyintheBomFuturoregion.ThisshouldenableBraziltoexpediteherentryintotheATPCinthenearfuture,"theofficialsaid.TinclosedonFridayonesenhigherat14.09Malaysianringgitakilo(2.2pounds)ontheKualaLumpurTinMarket.ATPCofficialssaidChina'sexcessiveexportslastyearhadledtoareaccumulationoftherocketingexcessstocks,exacerbatedbycontinuinglargedisposalsbytheUnitedStatesDefenceLogisticsAgency(USDLA)andnewsuppliesfromnon-ATPCmemberssuchasPeru,Portugal,RussiaandVietnam.TheATPChaddeclinedtoprovideanupdateoftheglobalexcess,whichisunofficiallyestimatedat38,700tonnesattheendofMarch,beyondsaying:"WithChina'sclosercooperation,andiftheUSDLAkeepsdisposalsdown,therewouldbesignificantdepletionthisyear."ATPC,whichhasasmembersAustralia,Bolivia,Indonesia,Malaysia,Nigeria,ThailandandZaire,accountsfor67percentoftheworld'ssupplyoftin.WhiletinindustryexpertshavecalledforBrazil'smembership,sayingitwouldbemoremeaningfulifitcameonboardafterChina,ATPCofficialssaidBrazil's1993exportof23,100tonneswas3.8percentbelowtheagreedlimit."Brazil'sexportof4,500tonnesforthefirstthreemonthsoftheyearwas10.8percentbelowitsagreedlimitfortheperiod,"theofficialsaid.OutputofATPCmemberslastyearof73,268tonneswas20.7percentbelowitsagreedlimit,whileproductionof14,258tonnesforthefirstquarteroftheyearwas26.9percentbelowtarget,officialssaid."ProducerswouldcontinueeffortstourgetheUSgovernmenttohaveamutually-agreedlongtermdisposal-plansuchthatmarketdisruptionscouldbeminimisedwhentheUSDLAdisposesoftin,"theofficialsaid.ATPCisexpectedtoformulateamoreeffectiveapproachatitsministerialconferenceinBangkokscheduledforSeptember19-20,tobeprecededbyanexecutivecommitteemeetingfromSeptember12-16,hesaid. ThemovecameadayafterChineseauthoritiesreleasedtwodissidentsbutarrestedathird,sendingmixedsignalstoWashingtonsomethreeweeksaheadofPresidentBillClinton'sdecisiononrenewingChina'smostfavourednationtradestatus.ZhangRuiyu,aChinesedissidentsentencedtofouryears'jailin1991,wasreleasedonparoleanddissidentintellectual,YuHaocheng,wasgivenpermissiontogototheUnitedStates.ButinShanghaipolicearrestedYangZhou,spokesmanoftheChineseAssociationforHumanRights.Yang'sarrestwasthefifthinamonthinShanghaiandconfirmedobservers'beliefsthatthereleaseofsomedissidentswouldnotaffecttherepressionofothersaheadofthefifthanniversaryoftheJune4Tiananmenmassacre.Anotherdissident,WeiJingsheng,isunderpolicewatchinastate-ownedresidenceinaBeijingsuburb,accordingtofamilymembers.InApril,well-knowndissidentWangJuntaowasallowedtotraveltotheUnitedStatesformedicaltreatment,afterbeingthrowninprisonforinvolvementinthe1989pro-democracymovement.Wanghadbeensentencedto13yearsimprisonment,receivingtheharshestpenaltygiventoanyleaderconnectedtothemovement.AlsoThursdaythedaughterofBaoTong,themostseniorChineseofficialarrestedafterthepro-democracydemonstrations,saidherfatherhadbeentransferedfromprisontoaBeijinghospitalaboutamonthago.Bao,62,aneconomistandformertopaidetodisgracedCommunistPartychiefZhaoZiyang,isservingaseven-yearsentenceimposedin1992for"counter-revolutionarypropagandaandincitement"and"leakingimportantstatesecrets"duringthe1989demonstrations. ThebattlefortheRwandancapitalKigalibetweenrebelsandgovernmentforcesragedonFridayastheUnitedNationssaidaidworkershaddiscovered88bodiesofvictimsofanewmassacreinthesouth.AbdulKabia,spokesmanoftheUNAssistanceMissioninRwanda(MINUAR),saidreliefworkersfoundtherecentvictimsofRwanda'sbloodlettingonThursday(eds:correct)intheButareregion."WethoughtthatmassacresintheButareregionhadstopped,butitseemstheyarecontinuing,"Kabiasaid.Hewasunabletosaywhohadcarriedouttheslaughter,whichwasanotherinstanceofmorethanamonthofgenocideamongtheminorityTutsipeopleandthemajorityHutus,estimatedtohaveclaimedalmost200,000lives.EarlyFriday,shellfireandgunfireofeverykindcouldbeheardinthecapitalofthecentralAfricanhighlandnation,apparentlycomingmainlyfromrebelRwandanPatrioticFront(RPF)positionsneartheMeridienhotel.Smallarmsfirewentonintothedayinseveralpartsofthestrife-torncity,whileKabiasaidtherewasshootingandoccasionalmortarfirearoundtheroadleadingouttowardstheairport.Pro-governmentforceswerealsofightingthepredominantlyTutsiRPFonFridayatRuhengeriinthenorthwestofthecountryandatBugeserainthesouth,Kabiaadded.RwandaplungedbackintocivilwarbetweentheRPF,drawnmainlyfromtheTutsiminority,andtheHutu-dominatedarmyandpro-governmentmilitiasafterHutupresidentJuvenalHabyarimanawaskilledinasuspectedrocketattackonhisplaneonApril6.Aidagenciesestimatethatsome200,000peoplehavebeenslaininwholesaleethnicbloodshedduringtheweeksthatfollowed,amidamassivehumanitariantragedy.HundredsofthousandsofothershavefledabroadandfacedireconditionsincampsinTanzania,Burundiandotherneighbouringcountries,whilesome20,000peopleareprisonersshelteringinachurch,astadiumandotherbuildingsintheirowncapital,inneedoffoodandterrifiedfortheirlives.LateThursday,FrenchformerministerforhumanitarianactionandfounderofthecharityMedecinssansFrontieres(MSF;DoctorswithoutBorders)BernardKouchnerarrivedinKigalibyroadfromtheUgandancapitalKampala.KouchnermetrebelleaderPaulKagame,whohasexpressedhisdeterminationtotakethecapital,andsaidhealsoplannedtomeetotherRwandanleadersaspartofanassessmentmission.Withtheevacuationofthewounded,orphansanddisplacedpeopleatthecentreofhispreoccupations,Kouchnersaid:"I'mherewearingmyownhat.That'stosaynoneatall."Lastmonth,170injuredpeople,mainlyTutsis,wereslaughteredinaButarehospitalbymembersoftheHutupresidentialguard.HutumilitiaforcesearlyinMaykilled13RedCrossvolunteersand21orphanswhohadbeentakenfromKigalitoButareinthebeliefthattheywouldbesaferthere.UNSecretaryGeneralBoutrosBoutros-GhalihasaskedtheUNSecurityCouncilsubstantiallytoreboostUNAMIR,whichwasoriginallysenttohelpimplementapeacesignedinAugustlastyearbutcutbackfrom2,500tojust400menaftertherenewedviolencebrokeout. "Therewillbeabout1,500(policemen)whenweareatfullstrength,"saidthePalestiniangeneralwhohadbeenbasedinIraquntillastweek.Aboutadozenbusesandjeepsbroughtovertheex-soldiersofthePLAwhostuckPalestiniansflagsandpicturesofPLOchairmanYasserArafatontheirrifles."I'msohappytobebackinPalestine,"shoutedoneofficer."Iwanttoplantflowersandolivetrees."There'sbeenenoughdeath,enoughkilling.Wewantpeace,"hesaid.JerichoisthefirstautonomoustownontheWestBank.ThesizeoftheenclaveisstillindisputebutIsraelhassettheareaat62squarekilometres.ItdoesnotincludeanyJewishsettlementandhousesabout15,000people. SudanesePresidentOmarelBeshironFridayblamedrebelleaderJohnGarangand"foreignintervention"forthecountry'slingeringcivilwar,andsaidGarangneverkeptpromisesmadeduringpeacetalks.AddressingreportershereaheadofanewroundoftalkstoopenMondayintheKenyancapital,Beshirsaid:"TheproblemhereisGarangpersonally."HesaiditwaseasiertonegotiatewithRiekMashar,Garang'sformerdeputyintherebelSudanPeople'sLiberationArmy(SPLA)whobrokeawayin1991toformanSPLAsplintergroupcalledSPLAUnited.WithRiek'sfaction,Beshirsaidagreementsremainedvalid,whereasGarang'sgroupwentbackonitscommitments."WithGarang'sgroup...theydonotrecognisetheagreementswhichwereachedineachsessionofnegotiations,"saidBeshir,theleaderofSudan'sIslamicfundamentalistmilitarygovernmentwhichisfightingmainlyChristianandanimistsouthernrebels."Innegotiationswithothergroups,wefindthatwenegotiateonallissuesontheagendaandeverythingthatweagreeoncontinuestobevalid,"Beshirsaid.Riek'ssplitfromGarangtriggeredaninternalwarbetweenthetwosouthernfactions,dividedalongtriballines.RiekhasrepeatedlydeniedGarang'saccusationsthathegrantsgovernmentsoldierssafepassagethroughhisterritorytoattackGarang'stroops.Beshir,inNairobifortheAfricanDevelopmentBank's30thanniversarycelebrations,willnottakepartintheforthcomingpeacetalks,atthewhichthegovernmentwillberepresentedbyparliamentaryspeakerMohamedal-AminKhalifa.RiekandGarangwillsendajointdelegation,andbothwereexpectedtoattendtheopeningsessionMonday,accordingtorebelsources.Khartoumlaunchedamassiveoffensiveagainstthesouthatthebeginningoftheyear,sendingwarplanesandtensofthousandsofsoldiersagainsttherag-tagrebelguerrillas.Khartoumapparentlyconceivedtheoffensiveasafinalpushtocrushthesouthernrebelliondrainingitsalreadyoverstretchedcoffers,diplomatssaid.ButthegovernmentforcesseemtobehavegotboggeddownandhavefailedtodrivetherebelsoutofthesouthorcuttheirsupplylinesfromUganda.Beshiralsoblamedtherebelsforafailuretoagreeonopeningsafecorridorsforreliefsuppliestomillionsofsouthernershitbyfamine,stemmingmainlyfromthedisplacementofhugepopulationsbythedecades-oldconflictbetweennorthandsouth.Beshirsaidoneofmainobstaclestopeacewas"foreignintervention,"byunnamedcountriesbankrollingtherebels."Theleadersoftherebelmovementsdonotcontroltheirdecisions,"hesaid.HeaddedthatadisputewithEritrea,whichlastyearaccusedSudanofsponsoringIslamicfundamentalistgroupsthatlaunchedcross-borderraidsintoEritrea,hadbeenresolved.HeblamedanEritreanfactionopposedtothecountry'sgovernmentfortheattacksandsaidSudanhadcurtaileditsactivitiesfollowingtalkswithEritreanrepresentativeswhorecentlyvisitedKhartoum. BoxinglegendMuhammadAlihaspassedononeofthesecretsofhissuccesstoyoungVietnameseaspirants,advisingthemnottosleepwiththeirgirlfriendsthreeweeksbeforeabout.TheformerthreetimesheavyweightboxingchampionwaswarmlyreceivedlateThursdaybyboxinghopefulsatatrainingcentreintheVietnamesecapital.AliisknownhereforhavingrefusedmilitaryserviceduringtheVietnamWar.Hewasstrippedofhisfirstworldheavyweighttitlein1970becauseofit.Butencouragedbytheenthusiasmshownbyyoungboxershere,the52-year-oldAliwhosuffersfromParkinson'sdiseasewascarriedbacktohisyearsasafamouspugilist,displayingpunchcombinationsandtestingthereflexesofhisadmiringfans."YouhavethepotentialtobecomegoodboxersandeverbodyImettodayisfast,"hesaidaftermeetingwithabout20youths,whochallengedhimassparringpartners,andpassingonsomeadvice.AlisaidhewaswillingtohelpVietnamdevelopboxingandsponsormeetingsbetweenamateurshereandintheUnitedStates.AlihasbeenonagoodwillmissionheresinceTuesdayaimedatassistinginsettlingthefateof2,234USsoldiersstilllistedasmissinginactionsincethewar.HewasaccompaniedherebythefamiliesoftwoAmericanpilotswhowerelostinactionovertheborderwithLaos,andaskedVietnameseauthoritiestoapproachtheirLaotiancounterpartsinresolvingthepilots'cases.OnThursday,AlitoldMinisterofYouthandSportsHaQuangDuthathehadmadetherightdecision"inrefusingtoserveinVietnam."AliisscheduledtoleaveVietnamSaturdayaftervisitingDanangonFriday. ChinahasreleasedfiveChristiansfromre-educationcamps,theofficialnewsagencyXinhuareportedFriday,adayaftertheauthoritiesannouncedthatajailedRomanCatholicdissidenthadbeenfreedonparole.TheywereidentifiedasChenZhuman,YanPeizhi,XuZhihe,CuiTaiandZhangLi.Thefivehadbeensentencedtore-educationinFujianprovince,southeasternChina,Shandong,intheeastandHebeiinthenorthforhaving"disturbedpublicorderandendangeredpublicsecuritybytheirreligiousactivities,"theagencysaid.ThemovecameadayafterChineseauthoritiesreleasedtwodissidentsbutarrestedathird,sendingmixedsignalstoWashingtonsomethreeweeksaheadofPresidentBillClinton'sdecisiononrenewingChina'smostfavourednationtradestatus.ZhangRuiyu,aChinesedissidentsentencedtofouryears'jailin1991,wasreleasedonparoleanddissidentintellectual,YuHaocheng,wasgivenpermissiontogototheUnitedStates.ButinShanghaipolicearrestedYangZhou,spokesmanoftheChineseAssociationforHumanRights.Yang'sarrestwasthefifthinamonthinShanghaiandconfirmedobservers'beliefsthatthereleaseofsomedissidentswouldnotaffecttherepressionofothersaheadofthefifthanniversaryoftheJune4Tiananmenmassacre.Anotherdissident,WeiJingsheng,isunderpolicewatchinastate-ownedresidenceinaBeijingsuburb,accordingtofamilymembers.InApril,well-knowndissidentWangJuntaowasallowedtotraveltotheUnitedStatesformedicaltreatment,afterbeingthrowninprisonforinvolvementinthe1989pro-democracymovement.Wanghadbeensentencedto13yearsimprisonment,receivingtheharshestpenaltygiventoanyleaderconnectedtothemovement.AlsoThursdaythedaughterofBaoTong,themostseniorChineseofficialarrestedafterthepro-democracydemonstrations,saidherfatherhadbeentransferredfromprisontoaBeijinghospitalaboutamonthago.Bao,62,aneconomistandformertopaidetodisgracedCommunistPartychiefZhaoZiyang,isservingaseven-yearsentenceimposedin1992for"counter-revolutionarypropagandaandincitement"and"leakingimportantstatesecrets"duringthe1989demonstrations. AGermancompanywhichorganisessummerlanguagecoursesforyoungGermanshasaskedfamiliesputtingthemupnottoservebeeftotheirguests,aspokesmansaidFriday.Europartnersaiditfearedthatparents,worriedbytheGermangovernment'scampaignagainstBritishbeefimports,wouldrefusetosendtheirchildrentoBritain.Bonnisconcernedbecausebovinespongiformencephalopathy,so-called"madcow"disease,canbetransmittedtoman.ThemajorityofcasesincattlehavebeendetectedinBritain.Severalhundredfamilieswhoregularlywelcomestudentsintotheirhomesinthesummerholidayshavereceivedalettertothateffect."ThereisalotofmediacoverageaboutmadcowdiseaseinGermanyatthemomentandmanypeopleareverynervousaboutit.Therewasarealconcernthattheremaybeamasscancellationofbookings,andEuropartnerhastoremaincompetitive"spokeswomanJennieParsonssaid.TheGermanauthoritieshavethreatenedtotakeunilateralmeasurestodrasticallylimitimportsofBritishbeefunlesstheEuropeanUnionreachesanagreementontheproblembytheendofMay. SyriawarnedFridayitstillinsistedonatotalIsraeliwithdrawalfromtheGolanandwasscepticalaheadofUSSecretaryofStateWarrenChristopher'ssecondpeaceshuttleinamonth."Anysettlementnotbasedonthecentralissueoflandisuseless,"anofficialinDamascussaid.Theofficial,askingnottobenamed,chargedthatIsraelhad"minimizedtheUSrolebyreducingittoamerepostmandeliveringtheIsraelipointofviewwithoutanyamendment."TheIsraelis,duringChristopher'slastshuttlebetweenIsraelandSyriaearlierinMay,hadproposed"securityarrangementsbeforeapeacetreaty,thenaphasedwithdrawaloveralongperiod,"hesaid.ButanypeacedealwithIsraeldependedonafullwithdrawalfromtheGolanHeights,whichtheJewishstateseizedfromSyriainthe1967MiddleEastandlaterannexed."SyriawillnotacceptanythinglessthanatotalpulloutfromtheGolanandsouthernLebanon,"theofficialnewspaperAth-Thawrasaid.ThetaskfacingChristopher,whoarriveshereonSundaybeforetravellingtoIsrael,isto"tonedowntheIsraelipositionandensuretheimplementationofUNresolutions"onland-for-peace,itadded."It'simportanttokeeptheprocessmovingforward,"aStateDepartmentspokesmansaidWednesday."Idon'tthinkthatitisthesecretary'sexpectationtomakeamajorbreakthroughonthistriporanytripforsometime.Therewillbealotoftrips,"saidMichaelMcCurry.AscepticalSyrianpresssnappedupthecomments."Thispessimism...istheresultofIsrael'snegativestandandthekingofproposalsandideasthatitsubmittedtoSyria,"saidAth-Thawra.ChristopherisexpectedtodeliveranIsraeliresponsetoSyrianproposals.AfterhislastshuttleinearlyMay,hebelievedSyriaandIsraelweremovingintoanewphaseintheirdiscussions.ButSyriarejectedanIsraeliplanforaphasedwithdrawaloveraperiodfiveto10years,althoughForeignMinisterFaruqal-Sharahassaidhiscountry'spositionwas"neitherobstinatenorextremist."ThelengthofChristopher'slatestmissionisflexible,dependingonwhetherhemakesprogress,accordingtotheStateDepartment. Japan'sSumitomoLifeInsuranceCo.Ltd.sufferedaspeciallossof130billionyen(1.25billiondollars)intheyeartoMarchafterwritingoffbadloansbysixaffiliates,industrysourcessaidFriday.TheindustrysourcessaidthewriteoffswerethethefirsteverbyaJapaneselifeinsurancecompanyandoffsetbysalesofpropertyandsecuritieswhichraisedsome80billionyen.Sumitomo'sunrealisedgainsonpropertyandsecuritiesholdingattheendofMarchwereestimatedatbeingsome25timeslargerat2,000billionyen. JapanesebanklendinginAprilgrew0.3percentfromayearearlier,downfrom0.5percentinMarchandarecordlowwhichreflectedbankswritingoffnon-performingloans,theBankofJapansaidFriday.Demandforfundsisunlikelytorecoverintheshorttermasbiggercompaniescontinuetorestraincapitalspending,acentralbankofficialsaid.Anotherfactorbehindtheweakdemandforloansisthetendencyofcompaniestobypasstheirbanksandborrowdirectlyfromfinancialmarkets,hesaid.Theofficialsaidgrowthinlendingwouldhavebeen0.4percentiftheimpactofwrite-offsandthestrongeryenwereexcluded.Advancesbycitybanksgrew0.1percentinApril,downfrom0.4percentinMarch,whileadvancesbytrustbanksplunged2.7percent,surpassingthepreviousa2.2percentdecline.Thedropinlendingbylong-termcreditbanksalsoeclipsedtheMarchfigure,falling0.4percentcomparedwith0.3percent.Lendingbyregionalbanksrose1.9percent,downfromtwopercentinMarch,andloansbysecond-tierregionalbanksrose1.6percent,upfrom0.8percent.Advancesbyforeignbanksplunged22.3percent,exceedingthe18.5percentdeclinerecordedinMarch,thecentralbanksaid. Aftersevenboomyears,Malaysiaisnowfightinginflationarypressuresexacerbatedbyrisingspendingandprofiteering,analystssaidFriday.AmarathonefforttofightinflationisunderwaythroughanationalcampaigntobelaunchedbyPrimeMinisterMahathirMohamadonThursday,whichaimstocurbexcessivepricehikesandget"everyMalaysianconsumer"tospendless.Theinflationrateof3.6percentlastyearwasconsideredrelativelylow,giventhecountry's8.5-percenteconomicgrowthrate,butanalystssaidsoaringwages,ampleliquidityandarbitrarypriceincreasesareputtingpressureonprices.Mosteconomistshavepredictedinflationwillriseto4.2percentthisyearand4.5percentin1995."Thereisapsychologicaltrendamongourtradersthatpricesofgoodsmustgoupeveryfewmonthsregardlessofwhetherthereisagenuineriseininflation,"saidRamonNavaratnam,thechiefexecutiveofBankBuruh.Theinflationarytrendwasreflectedbytheoverall7.4-percenthikeinpricesofnon-controlledfoodstuffsinthefirstquarter,comparedtothecorrespondingperiodlastyear,saidNavaratnam."Thesepriceincreasesaredomesticallygeneratedandnotimport-inflated.Therefore,thereshouldhavebeenmorecountervailingactiontostopthem,"Navaratnamsaid.Aprecursorofthemainanti-inflationcampaignwastheclassificationonWednesdayofbreadasacontrolleditemtoexpandaninventoryofessentialconsumergoodsofwhichthepricecannotberaisedwithoutgovernmentapproval.AnalystssaidthedynamicgrowthoftheMalaysianeconomyoverthelastsevenyears,atanaveragerateofeightpercentayear,hadledtoanestimated70-to100-percentsurgeintheincomeofMalaysia'smiddleandupperclassessince1987.Theboomhadalsobroughtaninfluxofforeignfundsmeantforcapitalandmoneymarketinvestments,officialssaid.TheMalaysianbankingsystemaloneenjoyedasurplusof7.8billionringgit(2.9billionUS)fromtotaldespositsof9.8billionringgitlastyearwhiletheoverallmoneysupplygrewbyfivepercent,officialssaid.DeputyPrimeMinisterAnwarIbrahimsaidlastweekhewasconfidentthataseriesofmeasuresimposedbythecentralbankinJanuarytomopupliquidityanddeterforeignersspeculatingintheringgitwouldhelptocapinflation.BankNegara,thecentralbank,hadincreasedthestatutoryreserverequirements(SSR)offinancialinstitutionsanddisallowedcommercialbanksfromundertakingnon-traderelatedswapsandforeigntransactionswithforeignersunderthemeasures.ItalsoimposednegativeinterestratesonthevostroaccountsofforeignbanksherebutthiswasrevokedonWednesday,althoughtheSSRwasraisedafurtheronepercentto10.5percenttocontrolliquidity."ThehigherSSRcouldeffectivelyremovesome1.5billionringgitfromthefinancialsystemmonthly,"saidNavaratnam. RivalYemenitroopsbattledFridayforcontrolofakeytownnorthofAden,asanArabLeagueteamissuedanurgentappealforaceasefireintheweek-oldcivilwar.NortherntroopsloyaltoPresidentAliAbdallahSalehandsouthernforcesbackingVicePresidentAliSalemal-BaidwerelockedinagrimstruggleforAlDaleh,whichliesneartheformerborderbetweentheoldNorthandSouthYemen.TheSanaaauthoritiesannouncedThursdaysaidthetownhadfallen,andamilitaryspokesmansaidhereFridaythat"pocketsofresistance"werebeingmoppedup.NorthernreinforcementshadbeendispatchedtoAl-Daleh,whichlies90kilometres(50miles)northofAdenonakeyroadtoasouthernairbase.ButmilitarysourcesinAdensaidsoutherntroopshadlaunchedacounter-offensiveandrecapturedsomepositionsaroundDaleh.TherewasalsoanotherbattleunderwayintheKharazregion,120kilometres(75miles)westofAden.ThedefenceministryinSanaasaidnorthernforceswereadvancingandhadinflictedheavylossesonarivalarmouredbrigade.Butastherivalcommuniquescontinuedtofly,southerncommanderColonelAliQassemTalebsaidthatthenorthernoffensivethroughKharazhadbeenbeatenbackandtheregionwascontrolledbyBaid'smen.Andasthefightingragedon,anArabLeaguemissionwasduetoholdurgenttalkswithSaleh.MohammedBayraqdar,theleague'smilitaryaffairschief,urgedYemen'sleadersto"immediatelyhalt"thefightingandopenadialogue,whichtheyhavesofarrefusedtodo.HewastogivethepresidentamessagetothateffectfromtheLeaguesecretary-general,EsmatAbdelMeguid.SalehandhisnorthernleadershipdecidedtooustBaidasvicepresidentlastweekandsackedseveralsouthernministers,brandingthem"secessionists"whoshouldbeputontrial.Baid'ssideinthemeantimehasdemandedthewithdrawalofnorthernforcesfromthesouth.SaudiArabia'sKingFahdhasspokenbytelephonewithbothSalehandBaid,andGulfstateshaveissuedappealsforanendtothefighting,whichhasshatteredthefragileunityofYemen,animpoverishedcountryonthesoutherntipoftheArabianpeninsula.Asforeignerscontinuedtofleethefighting,twoairforceC-130trooptransportsleftthePhilippinesforSaudiArabiaonFridaytoevacuateupto700Filipinos.Another580Indianshavebeenevacuatedinthepasttwodaysfromthe7,000-strongcommunityinYemen.EvacueesairliftedfromSanaabytheBritishRoyalAirForcetoldoftheirexperiencesduringastopoverinLarnaca,Cyprus.AHungarianneurosurgeonwhoaskednottobenamedsaid"medicalsuppliesareextremelylow"atthemainhospitalinSanaa,wherehehadbeenworking.Hesaidtheoperatingtheatresinthe500-bedhospitalwerebarelyfunctioningandvirtuallyallthehospital'sforeignstaff--mostlyBulgariansandIndians--hadleft.About10Jordaniandoctorsarrivedatthehospitalafewdaysago.Thesurgeonsaidsome15Somalirefugeescaughtinthecrossfirewereadmittedwithseriousbulletwounds,and"atleasttwoofthemdiedlater."Thehospitalwashitbyelectricitycutsandtherewasvirtuallynomaintenance,hesaid.OneoftheHerculespilots,FlightLieutenantNickYoung,saidcommunicationsatSanaaairportwere"excellent"andpraisedthehelpofferedbytheYemeniauthorities.Hesaidhesawnodamagetotheairport,despitereportedbombingraidsbysouthernjetswhentheconflicteruptedlastweek.OilengineerswhowereworkingfortheUScompanyYemenHuntOilintheMaribfieldeastofSanaasaidabout200oilworkershadstayedbehindtokeepoperationsatthefieldrunning.Itproducesupto60,000barrelsofoilperday.Morethan4,000foreignershavenowfledthecountrysincefightingerupted. LondonsharepricesherewereslightlyloweronFridaymorning,onthelastdayofthecurrentaccount,afterrisingonopeningonthebackofhighershareandfuturespricesinNewYork.Bymidmorning,theFT-SE100indexinleadingshareshaddipped2.4pointsto3,134.8--afallof0.07percent,afterlifting3.7pointsonopening.InParis,theCAC-40showedariseof0.65percentto2,190.98points.DealersgenerallyremainedprudentaheadofUSretailpriceslaterintheday,whichwillgivefurtherindicationsonUSinflation.InLondon,Unileverslumped36penceto1,044afterlower-than-expectedfirstquarterresults,whichshowedsluggishsalesgrowthandcontinuingproblemsinNorthAmerica,particularlyregardingdetergents.Insurancecompanieswerefirmerafteraseriesofgoodquarterlyresultspublishedthisweek:SunAllianceliftedfourpenceto325andRoyalInsurancewasupfourpenceto266.Pharmaceuticalsalsolifted,particularlyWellcome,whichrosefivepenceto584afterpublicationofastudyintheLancetmedicaljournalshowingthatpost-operativeinfusionofitsPanorexdrugreducesthedeathandrecurrencerateforpatientswithcolorectalcancer.Glaxorosefivepenceto570andZenecawasuppenceat719.BuildingstocksweremixedwithEnglishChinaClays(ECC)down17penceat479,whileRMCGroupwereeightpencehigherat878.AmongthebiggestfallswasLondonWeekendTelevision,down15penceto725.InParis,shareswerehigher,reassuredbyencouragingUSwholesalepricesonThursdayandbyadeclineintheFrench10-yearborrowingratetobelowthesevenpercentbarrierat6.89percent.Thebondmarket'sJunefutureslifted0.3percentto120.50.LVMHwas1.34percenthigher,whileTotalwasup0.92percentandEurotunnel3.56percent. WestEuropean,RussianandUSforeignministersmetinGenevaFridayinafreshefforttoagreeaworkablepeaceplanforBosnia-HercegovinaandendthecivilwarintheformerYugoslavrepublic.TheministersofBelgium,Britain,France,Germany,Greece,RussiaandtheUnitedStates,togetherwithatopofficialoftheEuropeanUnion,begantheirtalksshortlyafter1:00p.m.(1100GMT)attheUSembassy.Aftertwoyearsofdestructionanddivisionleavingtensofthousandsofpeopledead,woundedordisplaced,frustrationatthefailureofpreviouspeaceproposalshasmarkedtheweek'srun-uptothishigh-levelencounter.FranceanditswestEuropeanpartnersaresetonwrestingagreementfromUSSecretaryofStateWarrenChristopherandhisRussiancounterpartAndreiKozyrevforanagreedceasefireandpoliticalsettlementformula.FrenchforeignministerAlainJuppe,whosecountryhasfurnishedthelargestcontingentfortheUnitedNationsinBosnia,haswarnedthattheUNforceswillnotweatheranotherwintertherewithoutanagreedpeaceplan.ButtheClintonadministrationhasbeenreluctanttoseeanexistingEuropeansettlementplanimposedontheMoslem-ledgovernmentinSarajevo.TheUSSenateThursdaymeanwhilevotedtoliftthearmsembargoonBosnia,inamovetobolstertheBosniangovernmentagainsttheBelgrade-backedSerbforceswhohavecarvedouttheirown"ethnically-cleansed"territory.FranceandtheUnitedStateshaveofficiallysmoothedovertheirdifferencesofapproach,afterJuppewenttoWashingtonfortalkswithChristopherabouttheBosniasituation.TheWhiteHousesaidThursdaytheyhada"commonapproach".ItsaidtheyagreedtheGenevameeting"offersanimportantopportunityfortheUS,Franceandtheinternationalcommunitytocontinuecooperativeeffortstopressthepartiestotheconflicttonegotiateapoliticalsettlement".Juppeforhispartspokeofa"broadagreementofviews".TheFrenchministerindicatedthatajointdeclarationexpectedtocomeoutoftheGenevameetingcouldcallforasix-monthceasefire,offeragradualliftingofsanctionsagainstBelgradeanddealwiththedivisionofterritory.TheEuropeanplanapportions51percentofBosnia-HercegovinatotheCroatsandMoslems,and49percentfortheSerbs,whothroughtheirwar-gainscurrentlycontrolabout70percent.ButtheBosnianCroatsandMoslems,whounderUSauspiceshaveseparatelyreachedagreementtosetupafederationwithintheformerYugoslavrepublic,arenowdemanding58percentforthisfederation.Thepresidentoftheself-proclaimedBosnianSerb"parliament",MomciloKrajisnik,hasrejectedthedealcutinVienna,declaringthat"thepercentageofterritoryweeachreceivedependsonmanyaspectsofourstruggle.""Anythingover50percentcannotbeconsidered,"KrajisniksaidonaSerbradiolateThursday,monitoredbytheTanjugnewsagencyinBelgrade.AseniorUSofficialinWashington,whoaskednottobenamed,alsosaidtheMoslem-Croatdealwasnotinlinewithpreviousagreements.Bosnia'svice-presidentEgupGanicandprimeministerHarisSilajdzichavebotharrivedforaceremonyinGenevaSaturdaywithChristopherandCroatia'sforeignministerMateGranictoformallymarkthefederationagreement.WhatevertheoutcomeoftheGenevameeting--anddiplomatshavenotbeenveryoptimistic--thewholeBosnianquestionwillalsobehighontheagendaofameetinginBrusselsMondayofEuropeanUnionforeignministers. AmanwaskilledFridayandhiswifeandtwochildrenwerewoundedwhenanIRAbombexplodedastheyweregettingintotheirtheircarintheNorthernIrelandtownofLurgan,policesaid.Themanwasamaintenanceworkeratthelocalpolicestation.Thebomb,forwhichtheIrishRepublicanArmy(IRA)claimedresponsibility,wentoffat0720GMTasthefourweregettingintotheircarinLurgan,about30kilometers(18miles)southwestofBelfast.Oneofthechildren,athree-yearoldgirl,sufferedmultiplefracturesandcutstoherfacewhilehermotherandnine-year-oldbrotherwerehospitalizedwithlesserinjuries.LateThursday,a23-year-oldCatholicmanwasshotandkilledbysuspectedProtestantmilitantsinnorthBelfastandSundayanelderlyCatholicmanwasmurderedinhishomeinthewesterntownofDungannonbymembersoftheProtestantUlsterVolunteerForce. GATTchiefPeterSutherlandallbutruledoutFridaythepossibilityofChinarejoiningtheworldtradebodybyyear'send,labellingthescheduleputforwardbyBeijing"extremelydemanding."While"encouraged"bythreedaysoftalkswithseniorforeigntradeofficialshere,SutherlandsaidChinawassomewayfromrealisingitsaimtobeinattheinceptionoftheWorldTradeOrganisation(WTO),whichreplacestheGeneralAgreementonTariffsandTrade(GATT)onJanuary1."Itisstillgoingtobeextremelydifficult,withthebestwillintheworld,toachievethattimeframe,"SutherlandsaidatajointpressconferencewithViceForeignTradeMinisterGuYongjiang."Thetimescheduleisextremelydemanding,"headded.InafurtherindicationthatChina'splansmaybefrustrated,theGATTsecretarygeneralemphasisedthattherewas"nopracticaldifference"inwhetherChinajoinedtheWTOon"January1,April1orJune1.""Really,whatweshouldbetalkingaboutisthelikelihoodofasatisfactoryoutcomeattheendoftheday.Theendofthedaybeingnottoodistant."HealsopointedoutthatthedeadlinewasevencloserthanDecember,asthenegotiatingpartieswouldhavetoreachasubstantiveprotocolagreementonre-entrybyJuneinordertohaveanyhopeofinductingChinabeforeJanuary1.China,whichwasafoundingmemberofGATTbutleftafterthecommunistscametopowerin1949,hasrepeatedlymadeitclearthatitattachesgreatpoliticalsignificancetoreadmissionbeforethenewyear.Sutherlandsaidhehadseensignsof"genuinewillandflexibilty"fromtheChinesesideduringhisvisit,butaddedthatdoubtsremainedoverthetransparencyofChina'sforeigntraderegime,especiallyitspoliciesgoverningimportquotas,licencesandstandards."Idonotwishtominimisetheamountofadditionaldiscussionthathastobeundertaken,"hesaid.HisremarkscontrastedwithGu'sassertionthatChinahadalreadymadeenormouseffortstocomplywithGATTrequestsforimporttariffandnon-tariffreductionsaswellasincreasedtransparency.Gu,thechiefChinesenegotaiatortotheGATT,alsoaccusedsomecountriesofcreating"politicalobstacles"toChina'sre-entryandmaking"excessive"demands.AsChinaisnotyetadevelopednation,"itshouldundertakeobligations(toGATT)commensuratewiththestatusofadevelopingcountry,"Gusaid,addingthatsuchcommitments"mustbewithintheeconomicaffordabilityofourcountry."Atthesametime,hesaidhedidnotruleoutthenecessityoffurtherexplanationandclarificationofChina'sforegntraderegimeinordertoaddresstheconcernsofGATTmembers.Sutherland,however,dismissedas"simplistic"thelabellingofcountriesaseitherdevelopedordeveloping.WhilerecognitionwillbegiventotheparticulartransitionalstatusofChina'seconomy,"itisthebalanceofrightsandobligationsthatwillultimatelydeterminetherealityofChina'sstatusintheWTO,"hesaid.SutherlandalsotookissuewiththeassertionbyAssistantForeignTradeMinisterLongYongtuthattheUnitedStateswasusingtheSino-USrowovertherenewalofChina'MostFavouredNation(MFN)tradingstatustohamperChina'sGATTre-entry.Long,whoalsoparticipatedinthepressconference,saidtheUSinsistenceonlinkingMFNrenewalwithhumanrightswas"atypicalexampleofpoliticalelementsinterferingwithtrade"andwasholdinguptheGATTnegotiations.ButSutherlandappearedtodisagree,sayingtheUnitedStateshadassuredhimthatitwasconstructivelyandpositivelyengagedinseekingaspeedyresolutiontotheissueofChinesere-entry,"Ihaveabsolutelynoreasontobelievethatthatrepresentsanythingotherthananaccuratestatement,"hesaid. AnappealcourtinthisFrenchsoutheasterncityFridaythrewoutanappealbyMayorMichelNoiragainstabailorderservedwhenhewaschargedwithembezzlingpublicfundsthisyear.ThecourtalsoupheldajudicialcontrolorderalsoservedinMarchagainstNoir,aprominentconservativepoliticianallegedtohaveembezzledonemilliondollarstofinancehispoliticalactivities.The49-year-oldformertradeministerandmayorofFrance'ssecondlargestcitywasonceviewedaspotentialpresidentialcontenderbuthispoliticalfuturedimmedaftertheMarchcharges.Hewasorderedatthetimetoputupbailof2.4millionfrancs(420,000dollars).Noir'slawyerssaidtheytakethemattertoahighercourt. RussianborderguardsFridaysaidtheyimpoundedavesselboundforJapancarrying20tonnesofillicitcrabonboard.Theunit'schiefosstaff,quotedbyITAR-TASSagency,saidofficersboardedandimpoundedthe"Okhta"whenittookontheloadfromashippingtrawlerinthehighseasafterleavingaSakhalinislandportThursdayenrouteforJapan. AlonghandshakebetweentwogeneralsandthePalestiniansofficiallytookcontrolofJerichoonFriday,sparkingpopularcelebrationsafter27yearsunderoccupation.Israel'scentralregionmilitarycommanderGeneralIlanBirangraspedthehandofPalestineLiberationArmy(PLA)GeneralHajjIsmailtomarkthetransferofpowerforthefirstautonomousenclave."Iwishyougoodluck,"Biransaid."Allthebest.Ihopetocoordinateandtocooperate.""Thankyou,"Ismailrepliedthroughaninterpreter."Ihopewewillbesuccessfultogetherontheroadtopeace."TheceremonytookplacebytheAllenbyBridgewhichlinksJordanwiththeWestBank,after386PalestinianpolicecrossedtheRiverJordantoJericho.Birantoldreporters:"Partofourjobisover,anewlifeisbeginning.Wehavehandedoverauthoritytotheircommandingofficer."Palestinianyouthsshouted"AllahuAkbar"(Godisgreat)andpro-PLOslogans.Ismailsaid:"Therearenow462PalestinianpolicemeninJericho.Therewillbeabout1,500whenweareatfullstrength,"saidIsmail,whowasbasedinIraquntillastweek."Thisisagreatandhistoricdaythankstothesacrificesofourpeople."WewantpeaceandthewithdrawaloftheIsraeliarmyfromalltheoccupiedterritories,"hesaid.AdozenbusesandjeepsbroughtovertheformersoldiersofthePLAwhostuckPalestiniansflagsandpicturesofPLOchairmanYasserArafatontheirrifles."I'msohappytobebackinPalestine,"shoutedanofficer."Iwanttoplantflowersandolivetrees.There'sbeenenoughdeath,enoughkilling.Wewantpeace."ThePalestinianshadalreadyraisedtheirred,green,whiteandblackflagoverJerichobeforedawn.TheIsraelishandedoveraseriesofbuildingsandamilitarybaseto60policeofficerswhoslippedinovernightandThursday.Onlyhalf-a-dozentaxi-driverswitnessedthehistoricevent.Butwordspreadfastandwholefamiliespouredontothestreetstohailtheirheroes.WomenululatedwithjoyasthecelebrationsgotintofullswingintheancientoasisontheedgeoftheDeadSea.FourPalestinianflagsflutteredontheroofofthepolicestation,whichuntilThursdayhadbeenthetargetofstone-throwingchildren.NowchildrenthroughsweetsandkissesatthePalestinianoccupants."TheIsraeliflaghadbeenbroughtdownbythetimewecamein,"saidAhmadAbuSaadeh,apolicemanwhocrossedoverinthemorning."TherewerenomoreIsraelisoldiersleft,wedidn'tshakehandswithanyofthem."ThePalestiniansalsotookoverthemainmilitaryadminstrationbuilding,thepostoffice,acourthouse,amilitaryadministrationbuildingandanearbysynagogue.Israelisoldierswerestationedakilometer(halfamile)away,atthejunctionofaroadtheywillpatrolFridaywiththePalestinianpolice.IsraeliColonelA,whosenamewasnotrevealed,toldstateradio:"Assoonaswehavethegreenlightitwillonlytakeusafewhourstopullout.Wewillwithdrawbeforesunsetifallgoeswell."TheradiosaidIsraelicitizenscarryingarmswouldnolongerbeallowedtoentertheJerichoenclave,thesizeofwhichisstillindispute.Israelhassettheareaat62squarekilometres(37sq.miles).ItdoesnotincludeanyJewishsettlement.PalestinianpolicetookcontrolofthesouthernGazaStriponFridayashundredsmorereinforcementsarrivedandtheIsraelispulledoutoftheirlastbastion."EverythingsouthoftheriverisinthehandsofthePalestinianpolice,"aseniorIsraelimilitaryofficialsaid.Theriver,knownasWadiGaza,cutsacrosstheStripsouthoftheJewishsettlementofNetzarim.Israeliforceshoweverremaininchargeofsecurityofthe4,000settlers,mostofwhomliveinthesouthofGaza.SecurityinstallationsatKhanYuneswerehandedoverinthenight.ItwasthelasttowninthesouthtobeevacuatedfollowingDeirel-Balah,Bureij,NusseiratandRafah.FacilitiesinGazaCityweretobehandedoverSunday,PLOofficialssaid,andtransferofauthorityontheStripcompletedbyWednesday.UnliketheovercrowdedGazaStripwithapopulationofnearly800,000,theJerichopolicearetakingoveraquietoasisof15,000people,knownastheworld'soldestandlowesttownat250metres(825feet)belowsealevel.Thepoliceisduetohave9,000men,7,000ofthemfromPLAunitsscatteredacrosstheArabworld,inlinewiththeautonomydealsignedMay4. ThelatestagreementbetweenRussiaandUkraineonsharingouttheBlackSeafleetwillfail,fleetcommanderEduardBaltinsaidFriday,warningofpowercutstosomeUkrainiannavyunits.TheRussianadmiralmadethegloomyforecasttotheInterfaxnewsagency.HesaidtheRussianpartofthenavalcommandwasgettingreadytocutoffelectricitytosomeUkrainiannavyunitsintheCrimea,becausetheUkrainiansowedthefleet4.5billionrubles(2.5milliondollars).Itwasnotapoliticaldecision,since"onemustnotmixpoliticsandeconomicmatters,"hesaid.LastmonthPresidentsBorisYeltsinandLeonidKravchukconcludedanewagreementinprincipleondividingthefleet,anissuewhichhasbedevilledbilateralrelationssincethecollapseoftheSovietUnion.Butthetwosideshavefailedsincethentoagreeonpracticalmeasures."TheAprilagreementwillfaillikeallthepreviousones,"BaltintoldInterfax.HereiteratedRussianoppositiontolettingUkrainekeepbasesatSevastopolthefleetheadquarters,sayingitwas"againstallcommonsenseandhasalreadyaggravatedtensions".TheportisinCrimea,whichbelongstoUkrainebuthasaRussianmajoritypopulation. Theprosecutor'sofficeherebegananinvestigationFridayintocommentsmadebyformerRussianvicepresidentAlexanderRutskoitodeterminewhetherheshouldbeheldliableforhisrecentcallstooverthrowthecurrentregime.Moscow'sprosecutor,GuennadyPonomaryev,wasinstructedto"beginmakingverificationsconcerningillegaleventsthatoccurredMay9,"whenagatheringofradicalopponentstoPresidentBorisYeltsinwasorganized,theprosecutor'sofficesaidinacommuniquecarriedbyInterfax.TheinvestigationwillfocusoncommentsRutskoimadeduringthegatheringaswellastheburningofaRussianflagbyoneoftheprotestersandanti-semiticstatements.Rutskoiatthetimetoldthegatheriangofsome20,000peoplethatYeltsin'sregimemustbeoverthrownandhepromisedthatthecurrentadministrationwouldbereplacedwithinayear.TheRussianpenalcodeincludesarticlesforbiddingoffensivecommentsagainsttheleadershiporcallstooverthrowthegovernmentandanti-semiticpropaganda,aspokesmanattheprosecutor'sofficesaid.Headdedthattheprosecutor"wouldusethefullweightofthelawtoputanendtotheseunconstitutionalactions."RutskoiandvariousotherleadersofthefailedOctober1993revoltagainstYeltsinwasamnestiedbythenewlegislatureinFebruary.Yeltsin,whoopposedtheamnesty,warnedtherevoltleadersatthetimethattheywouldbearrestediftheybrokethelaw.TherevoltleadersrefusedlastmonthtojoinacivicpeacepactcalledforbyYeltsin,whichforbidspoliticalactionthatcouldleadtoupheaval. KarlWendlinger'sconditionwasdescribedas"stationary"hereonFridaymorning,theAustrianFormulaOnedriverremaininginadeepcomaafterhiscrashinMonacoonThursday.Butthenexttwodaysaresettobecrucial.WendlingersufferedheadinjurieswhenhecrashedduringapracticesessionfortheMonacoGrandPrix.Heappearedtobrakelatecomingoutofthetunnel,thefastestpointonthestreetcircuit.AndreFalcy,thedeputyheadofNice'suniversityhospital,quotingProfessorDominiqueGrimaudwhoisinchargeoftheunitcaringforWendlinger,wouldonlysaythattheAustrian's"stateofhealthisstationary."However,adoctorspeakingongroundsofanonymitytoldAFP:"Wendlingerisboundtosuffermajorfunctionalafter-effects,butifhepullsthroughthenext48hours,hecouldcomeoutofthisalive."Wendlinger'sparentsarrivedhereovernightbycar,andwentimmediatelytotheirson'sbedside.AmedicalbulletinontheAustrianwasduetobeissuedlaterintheday.TheaccidentcametwoweeksafterBrazil'stripleworldchampionAyrtonSennaandAustrianRolandRatzenbergerwerekilledattheSanMarinoGrandPrix. AhugeblazeFridayguttedmuchofLucerne'shistoric14thcenturytower,theSchimerturm,cityofficialssaid.Ittook150firemenaboutanhourtoextinguishthefirewhichbrokeoutjustbeforedawn,sendingflameslicking30metres(yards)high,firemennsaid.Theoldstonesofthetower,partofthecity'sancientfortifications,remainedstandingbutthewoodenbowelsofthestructureweretotallydestroyed,officialssaid.Itwasthesecondblazeinninemonthstogutanhistoricbuildinginthecity.InAugust,theKappellbruecke--awooden-coveredbridge--wasravagedbyablaze.Itwasrebuiltandreopenedafewweeksago. APalestinianpolicemanstoodguardoutsidetheancientsynagogueofJerichoonFriday,pledgingitwouldremainopentoJewsunderPalestinianself-rule."Thisisasacredplaceofreligion,"saidLieutenantAbuel-AbedashestoppedaPalestinianwomantryingtoplaceaflagattheentrance."Ihopetherewillnotbeanyproblem.Thisisaplaceofworship,opentoallinourland,Palestine."Jewishsettlers,enragedbytheinclusionofthesynagogueintheautonomouszone,havestagedprotestsit-ins,andhadtobeforciblyremovedbyIsraelipolice.TheShalomalIsrael(PeaceuponIsrael)synagoguewasoneofthelastsitesinJerichotobetransferredtoPalestinianauthorityonFridayashundredsofpolicemanarrivedtotakecharge.Outofrespect,therewillbenoPalestinianflagflutteringoverthebuilding.JustbeforethelastIsraelisoldiershadpulledoutofthesynagoguesetinfieldsawayfromthetown,threedie-hardJewishsettlersshoweduptoprayandshowtheplacewasstilltheirs,despitePalestinianself-rule.Whenthesoldiersrefusedtoletthemin,theyproducedscissorsandcutuptheirclothes."Wedothisbytradition,"saidoneofthethreemen,whohaddrivendownfromtheOfrasettlement,about20kilometers(12miles)westofJericho."Itmeansthatweareinmourning,orthatwehavegivenuplandtotheenemy."Undertheself-ruledeal,theByzantine-erasynagoguewillbeadministeredincoordinationwithJewishreligiousauthorities.Asynagogueemployeeistoholdthekeytothebuilding,whichhouses5th-6thcenturymosaics.Thesitewillopendaily,includingtheFriday-SaturdayJewishSabbath,saidaPalestinianofficer.Thearmydeclaredthesynagogueoff-limits,andregionalcommanderGeneralIlanBirandeclaredJerichoamilitaryclosedzoneuntilthecompletionofthehandover.Thegeneralsaiditwasto"stopIsraelishostiletothepeaceprocesscreatingtrouble,becausethistownhasbecomeasymbolofautonomyintheWestBank."JointIsraeli-Palestinianpatrolsaretoguardtheroadsaroundthereligioussite. Sharepricesmoveduponcontinuedbuyingsupportedbyinstitutionalinvestorsatthecloseoftheweek'stradingontheBombayStockExchangeFriday.The30-shareBSEsensitiveindexwasup27.40pointstofinishat3,808.50points.Analystssaidtradingsentimentswereimprovinggradually."ThereisalittlebitofforeigninstitutionalinvestorbuyingandalsobuyingbyoffshorefundsandIndianfinancialinstitutions,"analystManishPrasadsaid.Hesaidpricesshouldimprovegraduallywithmorecorporateresultscomingin.AssociatedCementCompanymovedup560rupeestofinishat3,550rupees,BombayDyeingwasdown2.50paisetofinishat342.50andCenturyTextilesgained50rupeestocloseat8,950.Glaxolostfiverupeestocloseat410,RelianceIndustriesgainedfiverupeestofinishat333.75,TataEngineeringwasup7.50rupeestofinishat515whileTataSteelgainedfiverupeestofinishat226.25. Nextyear'sCannesFilmFestival--the48th--hasbeenoustedfromitsnormalmid-MayslottomakewayforFrance'spresidentialelections,festivalsourcessaidFriday.Theworld'slargestfilmfestwilltakeplacefromMay17-28nextyear,aweeklaterthanitsusualprimepositioninthecalendaroftheworld'sfilmindustry.TheexactdatesoftheFrenchpresidentialelectionhasnotbeenfixed.ThefirstroundisduetotakeplaceattheendofApril,withthesecondroundtwoweekslater.TheCannesInternationalFilmFestivaltraditionallystartsonaThursdayinthesecondweekofMay,andfinisheswiththeselectionofthewinneroftheGoldenPalmontheMonday11dayslater. VenezuelanPresidentRafaelCalderahascompletedhisfirst100daysinofficewithprotestsshakingthecapitalandasombereconomicoutlookfedbya25percentplungeinthecurrencyinoveraweek.CalderatookofficeonFebruary2,justdaysbeforethecountrywashitbyabankingandfinancialcrisisthatstartedinBancoLatino,thesecond-largestbankinthecountry,anduptonowhascostthegovernment5.3billiondollarstokeepincheck."Thegovernment'shandsaretiedbyaninheritedeconomiccrisisithasonlymanagedtotacklewithband-aids,whilethemacro-economicproblemgoesunaddressed,"abusinessmantoldAFP.WhileVenezuelanswereeagerlyawaitinghisneweconomicplan,Calderaissuedadecreesuspendingeconomicsafeguardsand--againsttheadviceofexperts--cavedintoprotestsandliftedahighlyunpopularconsumertaxthathadgoneintoeffectonJanuary1.Initsplace,Calderainstitutedataxreformthatincludedhighertaxesonwholesaleandluxuryitemsandbankborrowing.TodothishemanagedtogetalawthroughCongressgivinghimafreehandineconomicmattersuntilnextweek.ButdespiteCaldera'srelativesuccessinthepoliticalarenaandinmaintainingapositivepublicimage,analystspredicttheeconomicrealityanditssocialrepercussionswillsooncatchupwithhim.Agovernmentbudgetdeficitthatequals10percentofgrossdomesticproduct(GDP)andasustaineddropinoilpriceshaveforcedthegovernmenttoconsidersubsidizingtheoilindustrywhichrunsupmorethan300milliondollarsinlossesayear.ButraisinggasolinepricesconjuresupthehorrorsofFebruary1989,whenhigherfuelpricesledtohigherpublictransportfaresignitingriotsthatkilled250people--morethan1,000accordingtohumanrightsgroups--andcausedmillionsofdollarsindamage.Thisweek,evenwithoutariseingasolineprices,studentsriotedbecauseofagovernmentfailuretoliveuptoplanstoofferstudentsdiscountedbusfaresandhundredsofgovernmentworkersmarchedtodemandpayrisespromisedbyCaldera'spredecessor.Some15,000courtemployeeswentonstriketoprotestthegovernment'sfailuretodeliverpromisedpayraisesandagriculturalworkershavethreatenedtostopworkandblockprovincialhighwaysnextweekiftheirdebtswithprivatebankscannotberefinanced.Caldera,whowaspresidentfrom1968to1972,alsohadanothersuccess:evenbeforehewasinaugurated,CalderasuccessfullyaskedfortheresignationsofthetopmilitarycommandbecauseoftheiroppositiontopardoningofficerswhoparticipatedinattemptedcoupsinFebruaryandNovember1992.Inthreemonths,hestoppedthecasesagainstnearlyalltheofficersimprisonedfortheuprisings,includingthetheleaderofthefirstattemptedcoup,commanderHugoChavez,mostofwhomhavebeenreleased.DespitethissuccessandtheperceptionthatCaldera'snewgovernmentisfreeofcorruption,votersarestilluncertainabouttheirfuture."Honestydoesn'tputfoodonthetable,"apasserbytoldAFP. FrankfurtstocksscoredamoderategainonFriday,astheDAXindexfinishedthedayat2,258.75points,up0.67percentfrom2,243.63pointsattheWednesdayclose.ThemarketwasclosedonThursdayforAscension. Taiwan'sentryintheofficialcompetitionattheCannesFilmFestivaltellsastoryofculturalconfusioninAsia,butwhichwillbeappreciatedworldwide,itsdirectortoldAFPThursday.EdwardYang,speakinganhourbeforethepremiereof"AConfucianConfusion"here,saidthefilmwasaboutaspecificculture,buthasfarwiderresonances."Idon'tthinkitsreferringjusttoTaiwan,itsreferringtoHongKong,Korea,JapanandSingapore,alltheconfucian-influencedsocieties,"hesaidinaninterviewwithAFP.Andheadded:"IfI'vedoneagoodjobtotellahumanstory,thenpeoplefromotherpartsoftheworldwillappreciateit...Iwouldn'tbesurprisedatitbecausewereallhuman.""That'swhydramaissointerestingbecauseitsabouthumanitynotjustbecausewereChineseorFrenchorBritish.It'sadocumenttolookbackoninthefuture,"hesaid.Themovie,starringnewfacesChenXianqi,NiShujunandWangWeiming,tellsthestoryofagroupof12formerschoolfriendslivinghecticprofessionalandromanticlivesinTaipei.Therelentlesslyurbansetting--muchoftheactionissetincarsdrivingfromoneapartmenttoanotherindowntownTaipei--contrastswithkeyartistcharacterswhoturnagainstthemoderntechnologicalenvironment.YangsaysthepolarityofthesettingandcharactersrelectstheculturalconfusionfeltbyyoungpeoplenotonlyinTaiwan,butalsootherAsiandemocracies."There'sadilemmawhetheryouwanttodomoreaboutyourlifeorwhetheryouwanttoaccepttheintimidatingpressurewhichputsyoubackinyourplace,"hesaid."Thisisbasicallywhatallthesesocieties...nottheonesthatarestilldeveloping,buttheonesthatarealreadydeveloped,likeTaiwan,HongKong,Japan,Korea..prettysoonChinaisgoingtobeinthatposition.ThisiswhatishappeninginAsia."TheWesthasn'treallyrealizedthisculturechange.Everyoneofthesestatesistryingtoimplementdemocracy,"headded.Yang,47,isintheofficialcompetitionontheCroisetteforthefirsttimeafteranappearanceintheUnCertainRegardsectionofthefestivalin1987.Butheinsistsheisnotintimidatedbyseeinghisfilmpremieredonthefirstfulldayofthe47thCannesInternationalFilmFestival--theworld'sbiggestfilmfest.Aboveallhehasnoexpectationsofwinningthetopprize,theGoldenPalm,hesays,admittingthathehasnotseenlastyear'sChinesewinner,ChenKaige's"FarewellToMyConcubine."Askedhowherateshischances,herepliessimply:"Idon't.I'dbestupidifIdid.There'snothingIcandonow.I'vedonemybesttomakethefilm.I'mhappyaboutit."Andishenervousaheadofthepublicpremiere?"No.Afterfiveyearsinthisbusinessyouknowwhatsgoingon.Thereisnothingyoucandoaboutit...itsnotabigdealatall,"hesays. AlittleboyscreamedashearrivedattheKigaliRedCrosshospital,coveredinshrapnelwounds.Anotherboy'sfootwaswrappedinablood-soakedclothandaone-month-oldbabycameinacardboardbox,hisfaceriddledwithcuts.Thechildren,agroupofeightbroughttothehospital,wereoutaloneonthestreetswhentheshelllanded.Nooneknowswheretheirparentsare,orwhethertheyareevenalive.TheeightwerethelatestvictimsinRwandan'sbloodyconflictbetweenmajorityHutusandminorityTutsis,whichhaslefttensofthousandsofpeopledeadsincePresidentJuvenalHabyarimanawaskilledinasuspiciousplanecrashonApril6.TheInternationalCommitteeoftheRedCross(ICRC)setupitsfieldhospitalsoonafterwards,inaboardingschoolatthecentreoftheRwandancapital.ItrunstheplacewiththehelpoftheParis-basedmedicalaidgroupMedecinssansFrontieres(DoctorswithoutBorders-MSF),musteringastaffofeightforeignersand125localvolunteers.Thehospitalreceivesabout90woundedpeopleaweekandcurrentlyhasabout260patients,including50children,administratorAndreMusyexplained.TheRedCrosshasalsoopenedastationnearGitarama,about40kilometres(25miles)south-westofKigali,andsuppliesthecity'smainhospitalwithmedicalsuppliesbroughtfromneighbouringBurundi,orflowninfromfurtherafieldwhentheairportisnotbeingbombed.Atthecrowdedmainhospital,alittlefurtherupthehill,thereareabout1,200civilianwoundedand"agreatnumberofsoldiers,"saidMusy.Evenatthefieldhospital,theyhavesetuptentsonallthelawnstocopewiththelargenumbers.Arrowsonthewallpointthewaytothebombshelters,whichhavealreadybeenusedseveraltimes.Sometents,wedgedbetweenanembankmentandawalltoprotectthemfromshells,arereservedforthechildrenwhohavesufferedeveryinjury--amputation,rape,beatings,bulletandshellwoundsandmachetecuts.Onelittlegirlhasonlyonearm,anotherboy'slegiscutbelowtheknee."Onedaytheybroughtustwochildrenwhohadbeenplayingtogether,"rememberedRene,anMSForganiser."Onechildhadbothfeetcutoff,theotherbothhands."RenesangthechildrenarhymeintheRwandanlanguageKinyarwanda.Theyjoinedin,atfirstshyly,andsmiledastheygrewbolder."Achildthatsmilesisabattlewon,"saidRene."Itishardtowinwiththesechildren,mostofwhomhaveseentheirfamiliesmassacred."Thehospital'sbiggestproblemrightnowisthewatershortage,accordingtoICRCdelegationchiefPhilippeGaillard.ThereisnorunningwaterinKigali,becauseofashortageofaluminiumsulphatewhichhelpscutdownimpurities."Ifweusethemuddywaterwithoutthisproduct,theplumbingwillgetblockedupveryquickly,"saidGaillard.Inthemeantime,"everyonemustmakeeconomiesanddrawwaterwheretheycan."Bigtankshavebeensetupunderthegutterstocatchrainwaterandsearchpartiesarebeingsenttotheedgesofthecity.Someofthehospital'swoundedstayonevenafterrecovery,homelessorfearfuloffurthermassacres.Thosewhofindarefugeleave.TheRedCrossdoesnotchasetheothersaway. BorisBeckerearnedafreerideintotheItalianOpensemi-finalshereonFriday,whenfellowGermanMichaelStichpulledoutbeforetheirquarter-finalwithbackpains.Stich,theworldnumbertwo,hadcomplainedof"acoldintheback"afterThursday'sthird-roundvictoryoverMoroccansurprisequalifier,KarimAlami.OnFriday,areportfromtournamentdoctorssaidStichwassufferingfrom"paininthelowerlumbarregionandinbothlegs,withconsequentlossofmusclestrength."Theyprescribedmusclerelaxantsandpainkillers.BeckerandStichhaveonlymetonclayonce,twoyearsagointhesemi-finalsatHamburg,whenStichthrashedhiscompatriot6-1,6-1.Thesemi-finalwasBecker'stopcareershowingonclay,hisleastfavouritesurface,althoughthethree-timesWimbledonchampionstillhasanall-surfacecareerrecordof5-3overStich.Beckerhasalsowontheirlasttwomatches--atWimbledonlastyearandStuttgartinFebruary.WorldnumberPeteSampraswasplayingItalianAndreaGaudenziintheday'sopeningmatchattheForoItalico,baskinginwarmspringsunshine.GaudenziadvancedfromthethirdroundthroughinjurytoAustriansparringpartnerandseventhseedThomasMuster,whoalsowithdrewwithbackpainsduringtheirfirstsetwhiletrailing4-1.Samprashasbeenthroughasolidtune-upthisweekduringhisfirstoutingonclaythisyear.The22-year-oldAmericanisaimingforalong-shotvictoryattheFrenchOpen,whichwouldgivehimfourGrandSlamtitlesinarow.GoranIvanisevic,whoknockedoutfellowbig-serverRichardKrajicekoftheNetherlandsonThursday,willtakeonanotherDutchman,JaccoEltingh,foraplaceinthesemis.SecondseededAmericanJimCourierwastoplaySlavaDoesdeloftheCzechRepublic. ThegraffitionaschoolwallinKhagracharisaiditall:"Justlikeablackcannotbecomeawhite,apahari(hillpeople)cannotbeaBengali."Twentyyearssincethefightingbeganhere,peaceinBangladesh'ssoutheasternhilltractsregionstillseemsanelusiveproposition,regardlessofwhethertribalShantiBahinirebelsinIndiacanagreewiththegovernmentonreturninghome.Some56,000tribesmenlanguishincampsovertheborderinIndia'sTripurastate,theirleadersstickingtodemandsfor"autonomyandaseparateentity"forthe600,000Chakmatribespeoplelivingintheregion,whichhasbeensettledbyBengali-speakersfromthedensely-populatedflatlandsbelow.Fornow,theyhavedroppedtheideaofanarmedstruggle,butwarnthattheycouldre-adoptitifthecurrentseriesofpeacetalks,initiatedin1991,weretofail.SuccessiveBangladeshigovernmentshaverejectedthequestionofautonomy,whichforsometribalsdoesnotamounttodemandingcompleteindependence.Inthemid-1980sthegovernmentsetuptribal-managedHillDistrictCouncilswhichworkmainlytodeveloptheregion.Thethree-districtregionofBangladeshborderingIndiaandBurmathatisthefocusoftheconflicthasbeenthesceneofintermittentbloodyclashesbetweengovernmenttroopsandrebelsforthepast20years.ShantuLarma,theheadofonerebelgroup,saidthetribalswere"notfightingwhimsically,butforthecauseofourhistoricallyrecognisedrightstoourhomeland."Khisha,atribalspokesman,warnedthat"thecurrentpolicyofthegovernmentcankeepthesituationcalmtemporarily,but(it)willburstagaininthefuture."Theyoungergenerationwillburstinangerwhentheylearntheirfatherisinjail,theirbrothersmaimedorkilledtoprotecttheirrights,"hesaid.Thetribespeoplefledtheirhomesin1986,allegingmilitarypersecutioninclasheswhichofficialyleftmorethan2,500peopledead,butthetolliswidelybelievedtobemuchhigher.AmilitaryofficerinKhagracharihilldistrictsaidthecurrentprocessforpeace"hasreachedapointofnoreturn"andthattheballwasbasicallyinthecourtofthetriballeadership.Thetwosidesalsoaccuseeachotherofviolatingthecurrentceasefire.UpendraLalChakma,chairmanoftheChakmaRefugeeWelfareAssociation,recentlysaidaftervisitinghishomethathispeoplestillfeltinsecureandsome"majorproblems"wouldhavetobesolved.Thearmyofficeraccusedsomeofthegroupsofwanting"tokeeptheinsurgencyalivefortheirowninterest,"claimingthetribalsweregetting"morethantheydeserve"intermsofeducationandotherfacilities.Officialsourcessaidbecauseoftheinsurgencytheareawasoneofthemostdevelopedintermsofroads,telecommunicationsandpowercomparedtoothersuchtownsinBangladesh.TriballeaderKhishadisagreed:"Thisdevelopmentisnotbringinggoodforourpeople,butitiscounter-insurgencyunderthecoverofdevelopment,"hesaid. FacingrisingcallsforactionfromthepublicandCongress,thePentagonhasagreedtocarryoutamajorclinicalstudyofthemysteryillnessaffectinghundredsofGulfWarveterans.Thesymptomsoftheso-called"PersianGulfSyndrome"haveincludedchronicfatigue,arthritis,insomnia,hairloss,nervousbreakdowns,respiratoryproblemsanddiarrhea.Butdoctorshavebeenunabletotracethecausesoftheailments.TheNationalInstitutesofHealthsaidlastmonththattheailmentscouldnotbetracedtoaspecificdiseaseorsyndrome,butwerewereaseriesofdifferentdiseases,somewithcommonsymptoms.Whilethenumberofveteransaffectedisnotknown,some20,000combatantshavecomplainedofhealthproblemstheyclaimarerelatedtotheirserviceinthe1991conflict.TheproblemhasbeenairedatcongressionalhearingsandsomehavecomparedittothesyndromeattributedtothedefoliantAgentOrangeusedintheVietnamWar.Someveteranscontendthesymptomsaretheresultofexposuretonervegasortopillsgiventocounteracttheeffectsofnervegas,althoughmilitaryhealthofficialshavedeniedthis.Othersuggestedcausesarepesticides,desertparasitesorchemicalorbiologicalagentsreleasedintotheatmospherebybombingsorIraqiweaponsinstallations.AseriesofinternalDefenseDepartmentstudiesshowedsimilarsymptomsamongsoldiersexposedtofumesfromoilwellssetonfireinKuwait."Wehavetoprovideadiagnosticexplanationveteranbyveteran,"saidStephenJoseph,assistantsecretaryofdefenseforhealthaffairs."Weareobligatedtodoeverythingwecandototrytofindwhatthecauseofthediseaseis."Thefour-monthstudiedatanunspecifiedcostisexpectedtoinvolveadetailedexaminationofalltroopswhoservedintheregionandhavecomplainedofsymptoms.Dr.HarrisonSpencer,directorortheTulaneSchoolofPublicHealthandTropicalMedicine,hasbeenaskedtoreviewplansforthenewstudy,andaforumofotherpublichealthexpertswilladviseofficialsonthematter."Thisisaveryimportantstepforward,"saidRepresentativeLaneEvans,chairmanofaHouseVeteransAffairssubcommitteelookingintothematterandacriticoftheUSadministration'shandlingofthematter. ThedeathratefromcancerandotherdiseaseshasshotuparoundtheAralSeainthelast30yearssincecotton-growingstartedtodryoutthegiantinlandwaterway,expertshavewarnedhere.Saltcontenthastripledinthesea,situatedbetweentheformerSovietcentralAsianrepublicsofUzbekistanandKazakhstan,accordingtostudiesquotedatconferencesheldrecentlyintheUzbekcapitalTashkent.Asaresult,infantmortalityamongthefourmillionpeoplelivingaroundtheseahasreached60perthousandbirths,comparedtothewesternEuropeanaverageoflessthan10,andrespiratoryproblemsofallkindsareincreasing.Typhoidandhepatitiscaseshaveincreasedbyafactorof30since1960andastudycarrriedoutin1990showedthatthenumberofcanceroustumourswasthreetimesthenormelsewhereinKazakhstan.Tuberculosisisendemicandseriousskindeasesaffecttensofthousandsofpeople,studiesshowed.Inaddition,hospitalsareillequippedtocopewiththesituation,withonlyatenthofthemsuppliedwithrunningwater.Atleasttheconferences--onesponsoredbytheNorthAtlanticTreatyOrganisation'sscientificservice,theotherbytheUNeducationalforumUNESCO--showsignsofconcernbytheregionalauthorities,whomwesternexpertshavelongaccusedofapathy."TheAralSeaisbecomingtheobsessionofhumanitarianaidgroups,".commentedoneEuropeanexpertbasedinTashkent."TheUzbekandKazakhgovernmentshavedonenothingaboutresearch,whilesome300internationalmissionshavefollowedeachotheroverthelastfewyears."Theproblemsstartedin1960whentheSovietauthoritiesimposedmasscottoncultivation--athirstycropwhichdriedupthedeltasofthetworiversfeedingtheAral,theAmouDariaandSyrDaria.Evennow,90percentoftheregion'swatergoestocottonmonoculture,accordingtoareportpublishedbytheUzbekauthorities.Themassiveuseofchemicalpesticidesmakesthingsevenworse.TheAralwasoncetheworld'sfourthbiggestinlandsea.Butnowitsoldintakeof108cubickilometres(65miles)ofwaterperyearhasdriedtoatrickleofnomorethan10cubickilometres,cuttingitsvolumebythree-quartersanditssurfacebyahalfwithin30years."Adistanceof110kilometres(67miles)separatestheoldshorefromcurrentwaterbanks,dryinguplandequaltothethreeBalticstates,"saidonereportbytheKazakhMinistryofHealth.Sofar,thesolutionsbeingproposed"arenotserious,"theEuropeanexpertsaid.Oneproposal,forexample,involvedbuildingacanal500kilometres(300miles)long,linkingtheAraltotheCaspianSea,whileanotherinvolvesdivertingSiberianrivers."Youneedacommercialmotivationtolaunchprojectsonthisscale,"thewesternexpertsaid,givingtheSuezCanalasanexample. Indiaopenedupbasictelephoneservicestoforeignanddomesticprivatecompaniesinalong-awaitedtelecompolicyunveiledFriday,takingthefirststeptowardsprivatephonenetworks.Thepolicyisaimedatmeetinganeight-billion-dollarshortfallinthenearly14billiondollarsrequiredtomoderniseIndia'santiquatedtelephonesystemandprovideaphoneondemandtoitscitizensbytheyear1996.OrdinaryIndianswithnopoliticalinfluenceandnomoneytopaybribestojumpthequeuenowhavetowaituptofiveyearsforaconnection,whichmaynotevenworkwhentheygetit.Threemillionpeopleareonthewaitinglist,whichisgrowingby15-20percenteveryyear,butthelistisexpectedtovanishwhenforeigncompaniesbringtheirtelecomdollarstoprovidephoneservices.CommunicationsMinisterSukhRamtoldparliamentthepolicyalsowasaimedatbringingtoIndiaallsophisticatedphoneservicesavailableinadvancedcountriesandbuildaworld-classnetwork.Thelong-awaitedpolicydocument,whosethemeis"telecommunicationsforall,"wasreleasedontheeveofPrimeMinisterP.V.NarasimhaRao'sdepartureforavisittotheUnitedStates.MajorUStelecomfirmssuchasUSWestandMotorolahavebeeneagerlywaitingtoenterthehugeIndianmarketofnearly900millionpeople,wherebasictelephoneserviceshavebeenagovernmentmonopoly.Hardwaremanufactureandvalue-addedservices,suchasradiopagingandmobilecellularphonesystems,havebeenthrownopen.Thepolicydocumentsaidcurrentlytherewasnotevenonetelephoneforevery100Indiansagainstaworldaverageof10for100.India'stelephonedistributionaverageper100personsis0.8,comparedto1.7inChina,twoinPakistanand13inMalaysia.Tensofthousandsofvillageshavenophoneconnections.By2000,demandfortelephonesisexpectedtogrowto20millioninthecountry,seenasthelargesttelecommarketafterChina.ButthetaskofservingallIndiansonthewaitinglistforatelephoneconnectionandmeetingfuturedemandis"beyondthecapacityofgovernmentfundingandinternalgenerationofresources,"thepolicydocumentsaid.Itsaidtheaimwastoensurethatallthemorethan500,000villagesinIndiahadaphoneconnectionandthatapubliccallofficewasavailableforevery500Indiansby1997.Privatephonecompanieswouldhavetostrikeabalancebetweencoveringurbanandruralareas,thedocumentsaid.Acompany'strackrecord,itstechnology,thecommercialtermsitwouldofferandtheabilitytogivethe"bestqualityofservicetotheconsumeratthemostcompetitivecost"woulddeterminewhogetsNewDelhi'sapproval.Privateinvestmentwouldbesupplementedbygovernmenteffortstoraiseadditionalmoneytofundarapidexpansionandmodernisationofthetelecommunicationsnetwork.Thetelecompolicyalsoenvisagesallowingprivatecompaniestoinstallanexchange,operateitforaspecificperiodandtransferittotheDepartmentofTelecommunicationsafterrecoveringinvestment.ForeigninvestorsinvitedtoputmoneyinIndiaundera1991liberalisationprogrammehaveoftencitedinadequatetelecommunicationsasaninfrastructuralbottleneckrestrictingtheirentry.Localmanufacturersoftelephoneinstrumentsmeanwhilecomplainthattheyareburdenedwithlargeinventoriesbecauseofthegovernment'sfailuretomatchthedemandforconnections.Privatisationhasbeenheldupsofarmainlybecauseofpoliticalandbureaucraticresistance,whilethecash-strappedstatephonenetworkhasfoundithardtoraisemoneyfromthemarkettobankrollexpansionplans.Indianshavepatientlytoleratedtheshoddygovernment-runphonenetworkintheabsenceofanalternative.InCalcutta,acitizens'organisationhasheldritualisticburialsfor"dead"telephonesthatneverwork. ClashesbetweenrivalpoliticalgroupsatoneSouthAfricangoldmineandacripplingstrikeatanotherFridaydampenedsomeofSouthAfrica'spost-electioneuphoria.SevenpeoplediedinthreeandahalfweeksofpoliticaltensionbetweensupportersoftheZulunationalistInkathaFreedomParty(IFP)andtheAfricanNationalCongress(ANC)attheWesternAreasgoldminewestofhere,NationalUnionofMineworkers(NUM)spokesmanJerryMajatladisaidFriday.SecurityforcesunderthenewgovernmentmovedswiftlyThursdaytopreventfurtherclashesatWesternAreasandconfiscateduptoeighttonnesofhomemadeandtraditionalweaponsfromtheminehostel,FransvanRensburg,aspokesmanformineownersJohannesburgConsolidatedIndustries(JCI),said."Theweaponswerefoundinsidethehostelandhavenowbeendestroyed,"hetoldAFP.Majatladisaid"politicallymotivated"fightingbetweenIFPandANCsupportersstartedonApril17,ninedaysbeforeSouthAfrica'sfirstall-raceelections.HesaidonepersonwaskilledonApril17,twoothersdiedinfightingduringtheApril26-29pollandfourwerekilledWednesday.NelsonMandela'sANCwontheelection,endingmorethan300yearsofwhite-minorityrule.TheIFPofZululeaderMangosuthuButhelezicameinthirdaftertheNationalParty;membersofthethreepartiesmakeupthegovernmentofnationalunitythatwasannouncedonWednesday.Becausemostminersstayinlargehostelsaccommodatingthousandsofpeople,ethnicandpoliticaldifferencesoftenboiloverandresultinviolence.MajatladisaidtheclashesflaredatWesternAreasminewhenrivalgroupstriedtodrumupsupportintherun-uptotheApril26-29election.Inoneoftheworstincidents,fourminerswerekilledWednesdayinanundergroundbattleinthemine'ssouthshaftbetweenworkersarmedwithaxesandpicksbeforesecurityforcesmovedintohelprestoreorder,Majatladisaid.ThesituationattheminewasquietFridayaheadofpeacetalksbetweentherivalgroups,hesaid.BothMajatladiandVanRensburgsaidthecrisiswouldberesolvedbytheminersandmanagementandthattheywouldnotseekgovernmentintervention,apartfromcallinginsecurityforcestoquellviolence."It'snoneofourbusiness,"aspokeswomanforthenewDepartmentofLaboursaidwhenaskedifthegovernmentwouldintervene.About9,500minerswerestillonstrikeFridayafterdefyingacourtorderThursdaythatorderedthembacktoworkattheKloofgoldminenearCarletonville,50kilometres(32miles)westofhere,Majatladisaid.TheownersoftheKloofmine,GoldFields,estimatedproductionlosssincethestrikebeganonMay5ataround25millionrands(6.8milliondollars)andFridayorderedthestrikerstoreturntoworkbySunday.WorkershaddownedtoolseightdaysagofollowingthedismissalofNUMbranchchairmanJacksonMafikaforallegedlyintimidatingworkersduringastrikeinMarch. US-basedHughesAircraftCoistobeawardedacontracttosupplysatellitecontrolequipmentforMalaysia'sfirsttelecommunicationssatellite,companyofficialssaidFriday.HughesistosealthedealwithBinariang,SdnBhd,thetelecommunicationscompanylicencedbythegovernmenttoownandoperatetheMalaysiaEastAsiaSatellite(MEASAT),Binariangsaid.PrimeMinisterMahathirMohamadwillwitnessthesigningofthedealTuesday,Binariangsaid,decliningtoprovidedetailsyet.France'sArianespaceiskeenlyvyingtolaunchthe200millionUSdollarMEASAT,targettedforaSeptember1995launchfromFrenchGuyana.Malaysia'sTelecommunicationsandPostMinisterSamyVelluSanglimuthurecentlysaidBeijingwasalsovyingforthelaunchcontract.BinariangsignedinNovember1991anon-bindingmemorandumofunderstandingwithArianespaceandHughesCommunicationsInternationalIncrespectivelyforthelaunchandmanufactureofthesatellite.ButlatestreportssaidUS-basedMcDonnellDouglaswasalsomakingadeterminedefforttogetthelaunchcontract. TherandremainedweakagainstthedollarFriday,openingat3.6415/30tothegreenbackfromThursday'scloseof3.600/15.Dealerssaidthelocalunitwasexpectedtoremainweakagainstthestrongdollar.Thefinancialrandfornon-residentinvestorsalsoopenedsofterat4.79/80tothedollarfromThursday'scloseof4.78/79.Goldopenedat380.90/381.40dollarsanounce,upfromThursday'scloseinNewYorkof379.80/380.30.Othercurrencieswere:Friday'sopeningThursday'scloseSterling:5.4146/565.4175/85Germanmark:0.4588/980.4595/605Swissfranc:0.3950/600.3918/28Yen:28.70/8028.58/68 TheGdanskshipyards(StoczniaGdanska)aretobuilttwosteamshipsforaGreekshippingfirmworthatotalof250milliondollars,ashipyardspokesmansaid.Hesaidtheywouldbe"thefirststeamshipseverbuiltinPoland",180meterslongand27.2meterswide.Eachwillbeabletotake950passengersin400cabins,whiletherewillbeacrewof170.Thecontractcallsforthefirstshiptobereadyattheendof1996,andthesecondsixmonthslater.StoczniaGdanskaemploys9,000peopleandhadsaleslastyearof135milliondollars. ThesearchforanoppositionLabourPartyleadertoreplaceJohnSmithpromisestobelongandcomplex,dueinparttodemocraticreformspushedthroughbySmithhimselflastyear,observerssaidFriday.Smith,whosepoliticalacumenandcommontouchhadpositionedhimasthemanmostlikelytobecomeBritain'sfirstLabourprimeministerin15years,diedsuddenlyofaheartattackThursdayat55.Byaswiftstrokeofdestiny,thepartythatseemedonthebrinkofsweepingawayafalteringConservativePartysuddenlyfounditselfwithajaggedleadershipvoid.Smith'sfuneralwasexpectedtobeheldinhisnativeScotlandnextweek.Hisdeputy,MargaretBeckett,51,whotookovertheinterimreins,wasonlyoneofseverallininguptosucceedthedynamicandacerbic-tonguedSmith,beingtermedbymanyFridayas"thebestprimeministerBritainneverhad."TwotopcontendersemergingwereLabourshadowhomesecretaryTonyBlair,41,andshadowchancellorGordonBrown,43,bothfromtheparty'sright,bothdescribedas"modernisers,"bothSmith'sloyallieutenants.ShadowindustryspokesmanRobinCook,48,wasalsobeingmentioned,aswastransportspokesmanJohnPrescott,55,thetough-talkingformermerchantseamancreditedwithhelpingSmithramthroughhiscontroversial"onemember-onevote"reformsatthepartyconferencelastyear.Thosereforms,whicheffectivelywrestedcontrolofthepartyfromthepowerfulunionsthatcreateditastheirmouthpieceearlyinthecentury,wereSmith'sdemocraticlegacyinbroadeningthebaseforchoosingpartyleadership.Theyalsopromisedtoextendandcomplicatetheselectionprocess.Undertheoldblockvotingsystem,unionofficialswouldvoteontheirmembers'behalf,automaticallycontrolling40percentofthetotalvote,with30percentgoingtopartymembersand30percenttopartyMPs.UnderSmith'sreforms,votesinLabour'snewelectoralcollegewillnowbeapportionedthreeways:one-thirdtotheparty's264MPsand45Euro-MPs,one-thirdtotheparty's250,000dues-payingmembers,andone-thirdtosome4.5millionunionmemberseachofwhomisnowentitledtoasecretballot.Observerssaidvotingunderthenewsystemcouldtakeuptosixweeks,andthatparty'sNationalExecutiveCommittee(NEC)wasunlikelyeventobegintheprocessuntilafternextmonth'sEuropeanParliamentelections.CandidatestosucceedSmithwouldneedthesupportofatleast12.5percentoftheParliamentaryLabourPartyfortheirnamestogoontheballot.TheNECwillalsodecidewhethertoholdaspecialconferencetoannouncetheresult,ashappenedinJuly1992whenSmithwaselectedtoreplaceNeilKinnock.ItcoulddecidenottounveilthemuntiltheannualLabourPartyconferenceinBlackpoolinOctober,observerssaid.ThatprospectwassaidtobeworryingseveralLabourleadersanxiousforthesuccessiontobecompletedasquicklyaspossible.Theyseealeadershipvoidextendedthroughthesummerasthreateningtoneutralizethemomentumthepartygatheredinlastweek'slocalcouncilelections,whichgavethegoverningToriestheirworstdefeatever.InthemostrecentopinionpollsbeforeSmith'sdeath,Labourenjoyedacommanding50percentleadamongthoseaskedwhotheywouldvoteforinageneralelection,againstlessthan30percentfortheConservatives. ApreviouslyunknownmovementcallingitselfAnti-FascistActionsaidithadsetfiretoacentralAthenscinemaovernightinprotestatneo-Nazis,GreekpolicereportedhereonFriday.Thel00orsopeopleinthecinemaescapedunhurt.AphonecallertoaradiostationclaimedtheattackasaprotestagainstthecinemaownerwhohireditoutseveralmonthsagotheGreekneo-NazimovementChryssiAvghiforameeting. SinnFein,thepoliticalwingoftheoutlawedIRA,hasmadewhatIrishgovernmentsourcessaidFridaywasa"genuineattempt"tobreakthedeadlockedpeaceprocessbyseekingclarificationoncertainpointsinthelandmarkAnglo-Irishdeclaration.Thesources,quotedbytheIrishTimesofDublin,saidSinnFeinhadsentadocumenttotheIrishgovernmentoutliningthepointsitfeltneededfurtherexplanation.AnothersourcequotedbytheTimesdescribedthedocumentas"substantial"andsaiditwouldbetransmittedimmediatelytoLondon.SincetheAnglo-Irishdocumentwassigned,SinnFein,whichisledbyGerryAdams,hasaskedLondonfor"clarifications"beforegivinganyanswertoconditionssetdowninthedeclaration.ButLondonandDublinhavebothcriticizedSinnFein'squeriesuptonowasbeingtoovague.ThedeclarationwassignedbyBritainandIrelandtotrytoend25yearsofsectarianbloodshedinNorthernIreland.ItbrokegroundwithanofferfromBritiantobringSinnFeinintonegotiationsonNorthernIreland'sfutureprovidedtheIrishRepublicanArmyfightersobservedatotalthree-monthceasefire.OnThursdaynightbeforeheleftforavisittotheUnitedStates,IrishPrimeMinisterAlbertReynoldssaidhehadhopedforapositivedevelopmenttoendtheimpasseoverthedeclaration. Wendlinger'steam,Sauber-Mercedes,decidedinMonacoonFridaythattheirseconddriver,Germany'sHeinz-HaraldFrentzen,wouldnotstartSunday'sraceasamarkofhisrespect.Frentzen,shockedbyhisteammate'scrash,hadnottakenpartinThursday'sfirstofficialpractice. RussianPresidentBorisYeltsinmethereFridaywithGermanForeignMinisterKlausKinkeltodiscusscooperationbetweenMoscowandtheNorthAtlanticTreatyOrganisation.Yeltsin,onthelastdayofhisthree-dayvisittoGermany,thenheadedtoStuttgarttomeetwithagroupofbusinessmen.Earlier,KinkelsaidhewaslookingforwardtohismeetingwithYeltsintodiscusscooperationwiththeNATOallianceandthePartnershipforPeaceAgreement."ItisanimportantissuefortheRussiansandforusaswell,"Kinkelsaid.RussianmembershipintheNATOpartnershipprogramrecentlyranintosnagsafterNATOcarriedoutairstrikesinBosnialastmonthwithoutconsultingMoscow.RussianForeignMinisterAndreiKozyrevsaidrecentlythatthecurrentpartnershipprogramwasnot"agreeabletoRussia"andaddedthatMoscowwouldsoonbepresentinganalternativeplan.ThepartnershipprogramsofferformerWarsawPactcountriesclosermilitarycooperationwiththealliancebutstopshortofgivingthemfullmembership."ThemeetingsinBonnhaveprovidedanopportunitytogoforwardwiththisquestion,"DieterVogel,aGermangovernmentspokesman,saidFriday,addingthatYeltsin'svisitherewaspositiveoverall.YeltsinwastoheadbacktoMoscowlaterintheafternoon. TajikgovernmentandoppositionleadersaretomethereinJunetoresumeUN-sponsoredtalkstoresolvethecrisisinTajikistan,IranianofficialssaidFriday.AfirstroundoftalksbetweenthedemocraticandIslamicoppositionandthepro-communistgovernmentwasheldinMoscowinMarch,aftertheassassinationofDeputyPrimeMinisterMouzabchoNazarchoiev,butwithoutprogress.However,aleadingmemberofthetheIslamicMovementofTajikistan(IMT),AkbarTurjanzadeh,predictedearlierthisweekthatthetwosidescouldreachasettlementinTehran,accordingtotheIraniannewsagencyIRNA.AspecialUNenvoyonTajikistan,PierreBaben,metThursdaywithIran'sdeputyforeignministerMahmudVaezi,whoconfirmedthatIran,Russia,AfghanistanandPakistanwouldattendasobservers.VaezisaidTehranfavoreda"peacefulsolutiontothecrisis"throughtheformationofa"nationalreconciliationgovernment,"officialIraniansourcessaid.BabenthankedIranforits"constructiveefforts"inhelpingbringpeacetoTajikistan,thesourcesadded.TajikoppositiongroupsagreedtoholddirecttalkswiththeDushanbegovernmentafterIranandRussiaofferedtomediate.Neo-communiststookpowerinDushanbeinDecember1992,unseatingtherulingcoalitionofdemocraticandIslamicforces.TheTajikoppositioniscurrentlymadeupoftheIMT,theDemocraticPartyofTajikistan,thePopularResurrectionMovementandthePopularMovementofBadakhshan. TheFerrantidefencebusinesshasbeensoldtoGEC-Marconi,a100-percent-ownedsubsidiaryofBritishgroupGeneralElectricCo.(GEC),FerrantireceiversannouncedhereonFriday.Thereceivers,fromArthurAndersencharteredaccountants,didnotindicatethevalueofthedeal,whichbecomeseffectiveThursdayevening.AccordingtotheBritishpress,theamountshouldbearound50millionpounds.GECistakingoverFerrantiDefenceSystemsIntegration(FDSI)andFerrantiSimulationandTraining(FSandT),whichemploy1,110peoplebetweenthem.ThereceiverssaidthedealopensthewaytofinalizationinthenextfewweeksofnegotiationsconcerningFerrantisatellitecommunicationsandcivilianandindustrialactivities.AttheendofMarch,thereceiversdesignatedGECasthefavoredcandidateforacquisitionofthemainFerrantidefenceactivitiesandsaidanagreement-in-principlehadbeenreachedonthematter.TheysaidseparatenegotiationsonotherFerrantiactivitieswouldcontinuewithotherinterestedcompanies.FerrantiGroupstartedslidingintoslowbankruptcyfouryearsagowiththediscoveryofalarge-scalefraudinvolvingfakecontractsatitsUSsubsidiary,InternationalSignalandControl(ISC),boughtin1987. USconsumerpricesrose0.1percentinApril,theCommerceDepartmentsaidFriday.Mostexpertsforecasta0.3percentadvanceinthedepartment'sConsumerPriceIndex.ThegovernmentannouncedThursdaythatwholesalepricesinAprilfell0.1percent,surprisingexpertswhopredicteda0.2percentincrease. DanishInteriorandImmigrationMinisterBirteWeisssaidFridaysheaskedAlbania,HungaryandSloveniaforauthorisationtosetupDanish-runcampsforrefugeesfromformerYugoslaviaontheirterritories.Inanotetoparliament,Weisssaidtherewasnoagreementsofartotherequests,madeinApril,butthatthegovernmentwascontinuingtoseekanaccordwiththethreecountries.DenmarkrunsarefugeecampinBosnia-HercegovinaamdanotherinCroatiabuttheCroatianauthoritieslastmonthrefusedtoallowDenmarktosetupanotheronethere.Denmarkhasalsoofferedshelterforsome18,000refugeesfromex-Yugoslaviabutbelieveshavenshouldbeprovidedascloseaspossibletohometofacilitatereturnandtocutgovernmentspending. Twomen,bothEnglish,wereconvictedFridayandjailedfor30yearseachfortheirpartinanIrishRepublicanArmy(IRA)bombingcampaignthatincludedlastyear'shugeblastatHarrod'sdepartmentstoreincentralLondon."Youarebothevilmenwhosebusinessisterror,deathanddestruction,"JudgeAnthonyHiddentoldformerarmycorporalJanTaylor,51,andcomputerexpertPatrickHayes,41.BothmenwereconvictedoftheexplosioninalitterbinoutsideHarrod'sinJanuarylastyear,inwhichfourpeoplewereinjured,andablastonatrainthefollowingmonth,whichledtomassivedamage.TheyhadbeencaughtintheactofplacingtheHarrod'sandotherbombsbysecurityvideocameras.Bothwerealsoconvictedofpossessionofsemtexandotherexplosivesandfirearms.HayeswasadditionallyfoundguiltyofplottingtocauseexplosionsatCanaryWharf,TottenhamCourtRoadandWoodsideParkTubestation,allinLondon,in1992.Bothmensmirkedandnudgedoneanotherasthejudgetoldthem,"Itisonlybythegreatestgoodfortunenoliveswerelost."Youbothgoaboutthebusinessofterrorismwithnothoughtforthelivesandlimbsofmembersofthepublicandnoconcernforthemassivedestructionyousetouttounleashandtheterroryouseektoinstill,"hesaid.HayesandTaylorleftthedockwavingclenchedfistsandshouting,"UptheIRA"(RepublicanArmy)andaGaelicsloganmeaning,"Ourtimewillcome." StrikingsailingstaffoftheSNCMshippingcompanydecidedtoresumeworkonFridayafteracourtorderedsuspensionoftheirstrikeearlierintheday,companymanagementannounced.TheannouncementsaidthefirstferriesforCorsicawouldsailintheevening.Trafficwillresume"assoonasloadingandsailingpreparationshavebeencompleted,whateverthenumberofpassengersmaybe",itsaid.Theconflictrelatedtostaffingandworkingconditions. BavarianandItalianpolicehavearrestedtwoSicilianMafiasuspectsforsmugglingforgedItalianbanknotesworthonemillionmarks(606,000dollars)intosouthernGermany,policeherereportedFriday.Awinemerchanthere,identifiedonlyasLuigiP.,48,waspickedupthisweek,andinSicilypoliceheldPaoloLolacono,35,inhishomevillagePartinicio.Lacono'sfatherFrancesco,59,asenior"godfather"whospentsixyearsinGermany,hasbeeninprisoninPalermoforthepastyearawaitingtrialforthemurderoffourrivalclanmemberswhosebodiesweredissolvedinacid. KawasakiSteelCorp.,theonlybigJapanesesteelmakernottocurtailcapitalspendingthisyear,announcedFridayplanstostreamlineitssteelactivitieswhilecuttingitsnumberofboardmembersbysix.ThecompanysaiditwouldrealignitsfoursteeldivisionsintoaproductionanddevelopmentdivisionandasalesandplanningdivisionfromJuly.Theboardwillbereducedfrom34to28byeliminatingthepostsofvicechairman,cuttingthenumberofvicepresidentsandseniormanagingdirectorsfromthreetotwoandloweringthenumberofotherdirectorsfrom15to12.KawasakiSteel,whichalongwithotherJapanesesteelmakershasbeencrippledbythestrongyen,hasforecastapre-taxlossof32billionyen(310milliondollars)fortheyeartolastMarch.Whileitsrivalsannouncedplanslastmonthtoslashcapitalinvestmentthisyear,Kawasakisaidspendingwouldrisefrom135billionyento170billionyenbecauseofexistingcommitmentsunderafive-yearplantomoderniseamill. AjelloMAPUTO,May13(AFP)-TheheadoftheUnitedNationsmissioninMozambique,AldoAjello,saidFridayhewasdissatisfiedwithvirtuallyallaspectsofthepeaceprocessaheadofOctoberelectionsafter16yearsofcivilwar."Thereisnoprogresswithassemblyoftroops,we'vewastedtimewithdemobilisationandwestillhaveseriousproblemswithforminganewnationalarmy,"Ajellosaid.HesaidhewascallingameetingofMozambique'smainpeacekeepingcommitteenextweektodiscusstheseproblemsandtheUN'slatestresolution,whichistoreduceitsMozambicanpeacekeepingmission(ONUMOZ)by2,000soldiersimmediatelyandterminatethemandatecompletelyonNovember15.Thegovernmentcalledahalttodemobilisationofitsforcesthreeweeksago,claimingtheMozambiqueNationalResistance(RENAMO)oppositionwasnotkeepingpacewiththeprocess."Unfortunately,bythetimetheymadethatannouncement,RENAMOwasalreadycatchingup,"Ajellosaid.Headdedthatthegovernmentapparentlyneededtimetocorrectitslistsofsoldiers,assomenamesweremarkeddownbothfordemobilisationandforjoiningthenewnationalarmy.ONUMOZnowhasnamesof2,459RENAMOfightersfromthe4,000duetobedemobilised,against17,593namesfromthegovernment.Thegovernmentwasoriginallyexpectedtodischarge62,00soldiersbutnowclaimsitonlyhassome50,00soldierstodemobilise.AjellodismissedgovernmentclaimsthatONUMOZ"misunderstood"thenumberofsoldiersitpresented,saying:"Therewasnoconfusionnoranymisunderstandingonourside."Anyonecanmakeamistakeincludingthegovernment,theonlythingtodoisadmitandcorrectit".Headdedthathewouldacceptthenewgovernmentfigures,despiteRENAMO'ssuspicionthatthegovernmentwashidingtroopsinsteadofdemobilisingthem.WesterndiplomatsinMaputosuggestsomegovernmentarmyofficialsdeliberatelyinflatedthenumbersofsoldiersinordertodrawsalariesandattractdonationsonbehalfofmenwhowerenolongerinthearmy. APalestinianstabbedaJewishsettleronFridaynearTapuahsettlementintheIsraeli-occupiedWestBank,militaryofficialssaid.ThearmylaunchedamanhuntafterthePalestinianfled.Thesettlerwastakentohospitalfortreatmentbuthewasnotindanger.EarlierFriday,PalestinianpolicetookcontroloftheWestBanktownofJerichoending27yearsofIsraelioccupation,undertheMay4dealtolaunchPalestinianself-rule. FormulaOnedriversjoinedtogethertoformapressuregrouphereonFridayinabidtoimprovesafetyinasportnowovershadowedbydeathandinjury.ThemovefollowsThursday'scrashherewhichleftAustriandriverKarlWendlingerfightingforhislife,andthedeathsofAyrtonSennaandRolandRatzenbergerattheSanMarinoGrandPrixtwoweeksago.DriversmetforfourhoursonFriday,decidingaplanofaction--primarilytocallforcircuitsafetyinspectionsatthenextthreeraces--andelectingfourmentorepresentthem.ThemainconcernwastogettheirsafetyconcernsacrosstotherulingInternationalAutomobileFederation(FIA)anditsBritishpresident,MaxMosley.Austria'sformerworldchampionNikiLaudaannouncedafterthesessionattheAutomobileClubdeMonaco,that:"WeagreedtoformaGrandPrixDriversAssociation."ItwasagreedthattherepresentativesoftheassociationwouldbeNikiLauda,MichaelSchumacher,GerhardBergerandChristianFittipaldi."TheGPDArequestsrepresentationonorwiththeFIAtoimprovethesafetyofFormulaOne."Hesaidtheassociationwasconcernedabout"theimmediatesituation"andwanted"tolookatthenextthreeGrandPrixcircuitstogetherwiththeFIAforpossibleimprovements."Allthecurrentworldchampionshipdriverswereatthemeeting,alongwiththreecurrentlywithoutateam--Britain'sDerekWarwick,FrenchmanPatrickTambayandItalianRiccardoPatrese.AGPDAhadbeensetupduringthe1970s,butpeteredoutintheearly1980s.DrivershavebeenwithoutanyformalrepresentationwithintheFIAforseveralyears. HeartsmanagerSandyClarkhasreactedfuriouslytosuggestionstheEdinburghclubwillplayoutatamedrawatPartickThistleonSaturdaythatwouldguaranteebothclubsPremierDivisionfootballnextseason.IntheoryeitherclubcouldgodownifKilmarnocktakeatleastapointatHibernianandrelegationfavouritesStJohnstoneupsettheoddsbyscoringabigwinatMotherwell.HeartsandThistlesitapointclearofKilmarnock,whoareinturnapointaheadofSaintsinthethirdrelegationplaceabovethealreadydoomedRaithRoversandDundee.Clarksaid:"IamsureThistlewillthinkthesameasmethatwearetooprofessionaltolookforadrawand,besides,oneofthebestwaysofensuringatleastadrawistogoforawin."SaintsmanagerPaulSturrockadmitshissixmonthsinPerthhavebeentraumaticbuttheformerScotlandinternationalisstilllookingforwardtotheSaturdayshowdown.Hesaid:"Wehavebeenwrittenofffiveorsixtimesalreadythisseasonanddugourselvesbackintocontention."WehavetobepositiveandgoforawinbecausetheworstthingtohappenwouldbeforHibstobeatKilmarnockbutweloseatMotherwell."Killietoohavetolookaftertheirowninterestsfirstwithoutworryingaboutothers."Whatwearelookingforisonelastbigeffortfromtheplayers,"admittedassistantmanagerBillyStark."Hibsmighthavelost4-0toDundeelastweekbutprofessionalpridewillensurethisisatoughgame."WithRangersalreadychampions,FalkirkareinpolepositiontowinthefirstdivisiontitleandpromotionaheadofDunfermline.VictoryatClydebankwouldclinchit."Wedon'thavetolifttheplayersthisweek,ratherit'sacaseofcalmingthemdown,"saidFalkirkmanagerJimJefferies.dm94 Liberia'sbiggestarmedfaction,CharlesTaylor'sNPFL,FridayruledoutpeacetalkswithitsLiberianPeaceCouncil(LPC)foes,contradictinganearlierLPCreportthatthetwoenemiesplannednegotiations."WearenotawareofanymeetingwiththeLPC,"saidNPFLspokesmanJohnRichardson.Thetalkshadbeenannouncedlastweekbythetransitiongovernment'sinformationministerJoeMulbah,aformerNPFLspokesman.ButRichardsonsaidthatholdingtalkswiththeLPC,whichtheNPFLhasbeenfightingforsupremacyalongtheAtlanticcoastandtheborderwithIvoryCoast,"wouldbetantamounttorecognizingitasafaction."Thatcouldencourageotherstogointothebushandtakeuparms."TheLPCwassetupinSeptember1993butatthetimedidnotsignontoapeaceaccordreachedtwomonthsearlierbetweentheNPFL,theUnitedLiberationMovementforLiberation(ULIMO),andtheformerinterimgovernment.Theaccordwasaimedatendingacivilwarthatkilledsome150,000sinceDecember1989.ButdisarmingallthewarringfactionshasprovendifficultduetocontinuedclashesbetweentheNPFLandthePeaceCouncilaswellasvariousotherethnicclans.RichardsonsaidFridaythattheNPFLhadceasedtodisarmitstoops"duetotheinabilityofthetheWestAfricanpeacekeepingforce,ECOMOG,tostopthefightingbetweentheNPFLandLPC,aswellasthetribalfightingbetweenelementsinULIMO."Headdedthatthe"NPFLispresentlymaintainingadefensivepositiontostopallaggressionsfromthosewhowanttohijackthepeaceprocess." AtreatyofasociationbetweenRussiaandtheEuropeanUnionwillbeatthetopofGermany'sagendaduringitsforthcomingpresidencyoftheEU,ForeignMinisterKlausKinkeltoldvisitingRussianPresidentBorisYeltsinonFriday.Yeltsin,onthelastdayofathree-dayvisittoGermany,metKinkeltodiscusscooperationbetweenMoscowandtheNorthAtlanticTreatyOrganisation.TheRussianleaderthenheadedtoStuttgarttomeetbusinessmen.KinkelsaidinastatementreleasedaftertheirtalksthathehadpledgedBonnwouldmakethetreaty"oneofthetopprioritiesoftheGermanpresidencyoftheUnion."Bonntakesoverthesix-monthrotatingpresidencyfromGreeceonJuly1.ThestatementaddedthatmuchofthemeetingcenteredonnewEuropeansecurityarrangements.KinkelexpressedhopesRussiawouldsoonplayanactiveroleinEuropeansecuritypolicybyjoiningtheNATO-proposedPartnershipforPeaceprogramme."PresidentYelstinstressedRussiahadnodifficulty(withtheaccord)andwouldsignsoon,"thestatementsaid."ButRussiawishestosetoutinaprotocolthespecificcontentofthecooperationbetweenNATOandRussia."Kinkel,echoinganearlierpledgebyChancellorHelmutKohl,alsoreassuredYeltsinthatGermanywouldbackRussianeffortstoobtainfullmembershipoftheGATTworldtradeaccordandoftheG7groupofmostindustrialisedcountries.Earlier,KinkelsaidhewaslookingforwardtothetalkswithYeltsin."ItisanimportantissuefortheRussiansandforusaswell,"Kinkelsaid.RussianmembershipintheNATOpartnershipprogrammerecentlyranintosnagsafterNATOcarriedoutairstrikesinBosnialastmonthwithoutconsultingMoscow.Kozyrevsaidrecentlythatthecurrentpartnershipprogrammewasnot"agreeabletoRussia"andaddedthatMoscowwouldsoonbepresentinganalternativeplan.TheproposedpartnershipoffersformerWarsawPactcountriesclosermilitarycooperationwiththealliancebutstopsshortofgivingthemfullmembership."ThemeetingsinBonnhaveprovidedanopportunitytomoveforwardonthisquestion,"saidGermangovernmentspokesmanDieterVogelFriday,addingthatYeltsin'svisitherewaspositiveoverall.YeltsinwastoheadbacktoMoscowlaterintheafternoon. IsraeliintelligencechiefJERUSALEM,May13(AFP)-ThePLOwillneedsupportifthepeaceprocessistosucceed,theheadofIsraelimilitaryintelligenceUriSaguysaidinaninterviewpublishedFriday.Saguytoldtheright-wingdailyMaarivthat"backingthePLOisanecessaryconditionforthesuccessofthepeaceprocess."HewarnedthatradicalandMoslemfundamentalistgroupsopposedtothepeaceprocesswerelikelytostepuptheirattacksonJerusalemandtheWestBank,aswellas"insideIsraeliterritory."ButinthenewlyautonomousGazaStrip,"terroristattackswillgodownoratleastwillcomeupagainstPLOopposition."HewarnedhoweverthatsupportingthePalestineLiberationOrganisationcould"whettheappetiteofthisorganisationanditsdemandsforthecreationofaPalestinianstate." FIFAGeneralSecretarySeppBlatterurgedJapanonFridaytoeasetoughanti-drugimmigrationrulesandgrantArgentiniansoccercaptainDiegoMaradonaavisa,describingtheconvicteddrug-useras"avictimnotaculprit."MaradonaandhisArgentinianteammatesaresettopulloutoftheKirinCuptournamentafterTokyostuckbyit'sstringentpolicyofdenyingvisastoindividualslikeMaradonaconvictedofnarcoticsoffences."Itismypersonalopinionthatitisunfairforagovernmenttocontinuetopunishanypersonwhohasbeenconvictedofsuchanoffencebuthasservedhispunishment,"saidBlatter,whoisvisitingtheAsianFootballConfederationCongressbeingheldinMalaysia.MaradonawasarrestedinBuenosAiresinApril1991forconcainepossessionandfivemonthslaterwasgivena14monthsuspendedsentencebyanItaliancourtonthesamecharge.BlattersaidneitherJapanesenorArgentiniansoccerofficialshadraisedthecontroversywithhimandthefirstheheardofitwaswhenajournalistraisedtheissueatapressconference."ItdoesnotdirectlyinvolveFIFAbecauseitisafriendlytournamentafterall.Iftheycontacteduswewouldsimplyofferthemthisadvice,"saidBlatter.BlatteralsopleadedforalittleunderstandingofMaradona'scirumstances,whichhesaidmadehimmorelikelytobearrestedthananybodyelse."Iaskyouthis,ifhewerenotafootballerwouldtherehavebeenaproblembecausehemostlikelywouldnothavebeencaught?"saidBlatter.MeanwhileBlattertoldapressconferenceitwaslikelythatFIFA'sexecutivecommitteemeetingnextFridaywouldagreetoraisetheWorldCupformatto32teamsintimeforthe1998competition,anincreaseofeightsides.ButBlattersaidtheextraplaceswouldbesharedbetweentheregionalconfederationsandwouldbedecided"afterknowingtheresultsoftheperformancesoftheregionsinthe1994WorldCup." DelegatesattheAsianFootballConfederationcongressdealtahumiliatigblowtoJapan'shigh-profile2002WorldCupbidFriday,whentheyrejectedthecountry'stopofficialTadaoMurataintwohigh-profileelections.Murata,secretarygeneralofJapan's2002biddingcommittee,polledonlytwooutof32votesinthebitterbattleforFIFA'svice-presidencywhichwaswonbyhisarch-rivalSouthKoreanChungMoon-Jungwith11votes.Murata,whousedEnglishsoccerlegendBobbyCharltonandfreebottlesof12-year-oldmaltwhiskyascampaigntools,wasfurtherstunnedwhenheagaincamelastinpollingforhisoldseatasoneoftheAFC'sfourvice-presidents."Ilearnedalotofthingstoday,"saidMurataafteraroller-coasterdayofelectionswhichsawonlyoneincumbentAFCofficialoutofsixsecurere-election.Murata'sdefeatmeansJapan,oneofAsia'ssoccerpowerhousesafterthelaunchofthepopularJ-Leaguelastyear,hasnoseniorofficialintheAFCforthefirsttimesinceMuratafirstbecameAFCvice-presidentin1964.Commentingonadramaticdayinwhich36candidateswerejostlingfor17electedpositions,FIFAGeneralSecretarySeppBlattersaid,"IjustfeltitfromtheverymomentIarrivedherethatthiswasgoingtobeanexcitingelection.TherewasameasureofgoodnewsforbothJapanandSouthKorea'sWorldCupcampaignswhenBlattertoldapressconferenceonFridaythatFIFAdefinetelywantedtostagethe2002WorldCupinAsia. TheChinesegovernmenthasreleasedfivemorereligiousdissidentsinitslatestgestureofhumanrightsconcessionstotheUSintherun-uptoarenewalofitsmostfavourednation(MFN)tradestatus.ThreemembersoftheProtestantChurchoftheNewTestament,ChenZhuman,YanPeizhiandXuZhihe,alongwithRomanCatholicpriestsZhangLiandChuTai,wererecentlyreleasedearlyfromreeducationcampsforgoodbehaviour,theofficialXinhuanewsagencysaidFriday.Thefivehadbeengivensentencesofbetweenoneandthreeyearsinlabourcampsfrom1992-93forhaving"disturbedpublicorderandendangeredpublicsecuritybytheirreligiousactivities."ChenZhuman,50,wassentencedinFujian,inJuly1992,tothreeyearsinareeducationcampforhavingillegallyrejoinedagroupoftheChurchoftheNewTestament.YanPeizhei,35,andXuZhihe,50,bothpeasantsfromShandong,alsobelongedtotheProtestantorganizationwhentheyweresentencedtothreeyearsinlabourcampinDecember1992.ZhangLiandChuTai,bothCatholicpriestsfromZhangjiakouinHebeiprovince,weresentencedtothreeyearsandoneyear,respectively,inNovember1993.Whenthecommunistgovernmentcametopowerin1949afteracivilwar,itcreatedseveralofficiallysanctionedchurchesandsuppressedtheactivitiesofChristianswhorefusedtojoin--especiallyCatholicswhoremainedloyaltotheVatican.OnThursday,ChineseauthoritiesannouncedthereleaseonparoleofanotherChristiandissident,ZhangRuiyu,whohadbeensentencedtofouryearsinprisonin1991."TheChineseauthoritiesaretryingtocharm(USPresidentBill)ClintonbyadeptlyplayingonreligionandswayingAmericanpublicopinion,"awesterndiplomatheresaid.ClintonmustdecidebyJune3whetherornottorenewChina'sprivilegedMFNtradingstatuswhichallowsChineseproductseasieraccesstoUSmarkets.WashingtonhoweverhasmadetheimprovementofthehumanrightssituationinChinaapreconditiontoMFNrenewal.Internationalhumanrightsorganizationshaveralliedforthereleaseofthesixreligiousdissidentsonseveraloccasions.ObserversheresaiditwaslessdangerousforBeijingtoreleasethereligiousdissidentsthanmoremilitantpoliticaldissidentswhocouldstirupmoretroubleaheadofthefifthanniversaryoftheTiananmenSquaremassacreonJune4.AuthoritiesoverthepastfewweekshaveroundedupatleastsixactivepoliticaldissidentshereandintheeasterncityofShanghai.ThelatestarrestwasthatofShanghai-baseddissidentYangZhouonThursday.ZhouisaspokesmanfortheChineseAssociationforHumanRights.China'smostfamousdissident,WeiJingsheng,ismeanwhilekeptunderpoliceguardatastateresidenceinaBeijingsuburb.PresidentJiangZemin,whoisalsoheadoftheChineseCommunistParty,onThursdayforthefirsttimepubliclydefendedthebloodysuppressionofthe1989pro-democracymovementatTiananmenSquare,sayingauthoritiesweredeterminedtouseallmethodsavailabletoavoidanothersuchincident.ChineseleadersarealsoemployinganothertactictoconvincetheUnitedStatestorenewMFN--allowingafewdissidentstoleavethecountry.InApril,1989pro-democracymovementleaderWangJuntaowasgivenpermissiontoleaveinordertoseekmedicaltreatmentintheUnitedStates.Wanghadbeensentencedto13yearsimprisonment,receivingtheharshestpenaltygiventoanyleaderconnectedtothemovement.DissidentintellectualYuHaochengearlythisweekreceivedthegreenlightfromauthoritiestovisittheUnitedStatestoteachatNewYork'sColumbiaUniversity,afterseveralyearsoftryingtosecurepermission.ButmostobserversherebelievethereleaseofdissidentsisaimedsolelyatguaranteeingthecontinuationofMFN. IndiancompanyGujaratTorrentEnergyCorp.(GTEC,inAhmedabad)haschosenaconsortiumledbySiemensGrouptobuildaturnkeypower-station,theGermangroupannouncedhereonFriday.TheplantatPaguthan,inGujaratState,willhaveapowerratingof655MGWandwillbeabletooperateonnaturalgasorlightoil.Theinvestmentamountsto1.3billionGermanmarks,800millionofwhichgoestoSiemens,theannouncementsaid.SiemenshasalsoacquiredaholdinginGTEC,thepartnersinwhichareprivategroupTorrentandgovernment-ownedGujaratPowerCorp.SiemenssaidacontracthadbeensignedonThursdayinAhmedabad,capitalofGujarat,byIndianelectricityministerN.K.P.SalveandregionalindustryministerChandrikabenChudasama.ThenewplantwillplayakeyroleinindustrializingGujaratState,theannouncementsaid.Itwillbethefirstprivatepower-stationinthestatesincetheelectricitysectorwasopenedtoprivateinvestment.TheelectricityproducedwillbeboughtbyGujaratElectricityBoard.Thefacilityistostartproductionin24monthsandbefullyoperationalinthreeyears. SuspectedIslamicmilitantsshotdeadthreepolicemenandwoundedafourthonFridayintheAsyutregion,afundamentaliststrongholdinsouthernEgypt,theinteriorministrysaid.TheassailantssprayedautomaticweaponsfireatconscriptsguardingapolicestationinBadari,nearAbuTig,400kilometers(240miles)southofCairo,killingtwoandwoundingone.Afewhourslater,SergeantAbdelMohsenEteifiNasserwasshotdeadashesteppedoutofhishomeinAbuTig,andhismachine-gunwasstolen.Bothattackswerecarriedoutbythesamegroup,whichmanagedtoescape,sourcesclosetothesecurityservicessaid.Thelatestkillingsbringto138thenumberofpolicemenmurderedsinceIslamicmilitantslaunchedacampaigntotopplePresidentHosniMubaraktwoyearsago.Thecampaignhasalsocostthelivesof144militants.Almosttwo-thirdsofthepolicevictimsdiedintheAsyutregion,astrongholdofthemainmilitantgroup,JamaaIslamiya. TwoSaudisconvictedofrapeandaPakistanidrug-smugglerwerebeheadedbyswordFridayinSaudiArabia,theinteriorministrysaidinastatementbroadcastontelevision.SaudisSalehSelimiandKassebZahraniweresentencedtodeathforrapingawomanatknifepointafterbreakingintoherhouse.TheywerebeheadedinJeddah,onthewesterncoast.PakistaniHakamKhanSaidIsmailKhan,whohadattemptedtosmuggleheroinintothekingdom,wasexecutedinthecapitalRiyadh.TwelvepeoplehavenowbeenbeheadedinSaudiaArabiathisyear,accordingtofigurescompiledfrominteriorministrystatements.SaudiArabiadecidedin1987tosentencetodeathdrugtraffickers,pushersandpersistentusersinabidtostopdrugabuse.Beheadingsareusuallyperformedpublicly,aftertheweeklycollectiveprayeronFridays. TheIndiangovernmentwillnotprivatisethetwostate-ownedairlines,AirIndiaandIndianAirlines,untiltheirservicesimprove,federalcivilaviationsecretaryK.PadmanabhiahsaidhereFriday.Hesaidthegovernmenthaddelayedplanstosellapartofits100percentstakeinbothairlinesandfloataEuroissuetoraisefundsforambitiousexpansionplans."Theprivatisationwillnotproceedtillweimprovethequalityofourproduct,"Padmanabhiah,whoisalsochairmanofbothairlines,said."Mostoftheyearwearehandlinglabourproblemsinsteadofimprovingthequalityoftheservice.Thismustend,andtheemployeesmustseethewritingintheskies,"hesaid,referringtoincreasedcompetitionbyprivateairlinesonthedomesticsector.PadmanabhiahrevealedthatAirIndiahadcarried2.2millionpassengersin1992-93against2.1millionin1987-88."Thereisnoappreciablegrowthasthenumberofseatsandscheduleshadnotgoneup,"hesaid,addingthattheairlinesplannedtobuyfivemoreaircraftaspartoftheirexpansionplans.PadmanabhiahalsounveiledFridayafrequent-flierprogrambybothairlinesforpassengersflyingtooverseasdestinations.Theprogramcalled"flyingreturns"willbelaunchedonJune1andwillinitialybelimitedtoIndianresidents,hesaid.Hesaidthetwoairlineswillalsoshortlyoperateaworld-wideadvancedreservationsystemtoattractmorepassengers.AirIndiaisthesinglelargestairlineoperatingoutofIndia.IndianAirlines,untilrecentlythemonopolydomesticcarrier,alsooperatesinternationalflights. ChinahasindicateditsreadinesstoconsiderpossiblevoluntaryexportrestraintstocurbtheexplosivegrowthinChinesetextileexportstoJapan,governmentsourceswerequotedassayingFriday.TheeveningeditionoftheNihonKeizaiShimbunquotedinternationaltradeandindustrysourcesassayingthatChinesetradeofficialshadinformedtheministrytheywere"studying"introducionofexportcontrols.ThenewspapersaidtheChinesemovewasaimedatdiscouragingJapanfromrestrictingimportsoftextilesfromChinaunderthe1974multilateralfibrearrangementoftheGeneralAgreementonTariffsandTrade(GATT).Butitalsonotedthatabilateraldealto"voluntarily"restricttheflowoftextiletradebetweenthetwocountriescouldattractinternationalcriticismofJapanwhiledamagingChina'sbidtojoinGATT.Theministryrefusedtoconfirmthereport,butconfirmedthatYukioDoi,directorgeneralofitsconsumergoodsindustriesbureau,wasscheduledtovisitBeijingfromMay23for"regular"talkswithChinesetradeofficials.Japan'simportsofChinesetextilesoared31percenttoalmosteightbilliondollarsintheyeartoMarch,accountingforalmosthalfoftheoverall24percentjumpinimportsfromthecountryto21.7billiondollars. WaltDisneyCo.planstoraisefundsintheJapanesemarketforthefirsttimewitha30billionyen(290milliondollar)issueofsamuraibondsasearlyasnextmonth,alocalunderwritersaidFriday.AspokesmanforNikkoSecuritiesCo.Ltd.saidtheoffering,targettedatJapaneseretailinvestors,wouldhaveathree-yearmaturity.Othertermsincludingthecouponratehavenotyetbeenfinalised.Japaneseinvestorsbought1.6billiondollarsworthofbondsissuedbyforeignborrwersinthedomesticmarketinMarch,boostingnetpurchasesforthefiscalyeartoathree-yearhighofalmostfivebilliondollars. ThedollarfirmedagainstothermajorcurrenciesinquiettradinghereearlyFridayafterthegovernmentreportedanunexpectedlysmallriseinAprilconsumerpricesandbecauseofalongholidayweekendinEurope.Gold,meanwhile,roseto381dollarsanounce,up1.10dollarsfromlateThursday.Thedollarjumpedto1.6730Germanmarksjustaftertheannouncementthatconsumerpricesroseamodest0.1percentinApril,muchlowerthanthe0.3percentadvancemanyanalystshadexpected,andthenfellbackslightly.Atabout9:45a.m.(1250GMT),thegreenbacktradedat1.6705Germanmarks,upfrom1.6675lateThursday.Itstoodat1.6730marksanhourearlierinLondon.Againsttheyen,thedollarstoodat104.85,upfrom104.22lateThursday.InLondon,ithadclimbedto105.35yenaftertheannouncementthatUS-JapanesetradetalkswouldresumeinWashingtonnextweek.TheUScurrencyalsofirmedagainstothermajorEuropeancurrencies,risingto5.7288Frenchfrancsfrom5.7200lateThursday,to1.4277Swissfrancs(1.4245)andto0.6673poundsterling(0.6669).AtraderwithamajorEuropeanbankinNewYorkpredictedthedollarwouldmovebetween1.6650and1.6750marksfortherestoftheday.TraderswerecautiouslyawaitingtheFederalReserve'snextmeetingofitspolicy-settingOpenMarketCommittee,onTuesday.AnalystsexpecttheFedwillraisethefederalfundsrate,theinterestchargedonovernightinterbankloans. AnofficialJapanesetaskforcestudyingmeasurestogivegreatermarketaccesstoforeignproductsandserviceshaslisted21areasforderegulation,officialssaidFriday.TheproposalsweremadebytheOfficeofTradeandIndustryOmbudsman(OTO)inareportsubmittedFridaytoPrimeMinisterTsutomuHata.ThereportproposedthatJapaneseregulationsandtestingproceduresonimportsoffoodsandindustrialproducts,includingconstructionmaterials,shouldberelaxed.Japanistoannouncemarket-openingmeasuresbeforetheendofJuneunderpressurefromforeigncountries,particularlytheUnitedStatetswhichsufferschronichugetradedeficitswithJapan.HatawasquotedassayingatameetingofeconomicministersFridaythateachministryandgovernmentagencyshouldmakeeffortsforeconomicderegulation.ThoseattendingthemeetingincludedFinanceMinisterHirohisaFujiiandForeignMinisterKojiKakizawa. Taiwan'sentryintheofficialcompetitionattheCannesFilmFestivaltellsastoryofculturalconfusioninAsia,butwhichwillbeappreciatedworldwide,itsdirectortoldAFPFriday.EdwardYang,speakinganhourbeforethepremiereof"AConfucianConfusion"here,saidthefilmwasaboutaspecificculture,buthasfarwiderresonances."Idon'tthinkitsreferringjusttoTaiwan,itsreferringtoHongKong,Korea,JapanandSingapore,alltheconfucian-influencedsocieties,"hesaidinaninterviewwithAFP.Andheadded:"IfI'vedoneagoodjobtotellahumanstory,thenpeoplefromotherpartsoftheworldwillappreciateit...Iwouldn'tbesurprisedatitbecausewereallhuman.""That'swhydramaissointerestingbecauseitsabouthumanitynotjustbecausewereChineseorFrenchorBritish.It'sadocumenttolookbackoninthefuture,"hesaid.Themovie,starringnewfacesChenXianqi,NiShujunandWangWeiming,tellsthestoryofagroupof12formerschoolfriendslivinghecticprofessionalandromanticlivesinTaipei.Therelentlesslyurbansetting--muchoftheactionissetincarsdrivingfromoneapartmenttoanotherindowntownTaipei--contrastswithkeyartistcharacterswhoturnagainstthemoderntechnologicalenvironment.YangsaysthepolarityofthesettingandcharactersrelectstheculturalconfusionfeltbyyoungpeoplenotonlyinTaiwan,butalsootherAsiandemocracies."There'sadilemmawhetheryouwanttodomoreaboutyourlifeorwhetheryouwanttoaccepttheintimidatingpressurewhichputsyoubackinyourplace,"hesaid."Thisisbasicallywhatallthesesocieties...nottheonesthatarestilldeveloping,buttheonesthatarealreadydeveloped,likeTaiwan,HongKong,Japan,Korea..prettysoonChinaisgoingtobeinthatposition.ThisiswhatishappeninginAsia."TheWesthasn'treallyrealizedthisculturechange.Everyoneofthesestatesistryingtoimplementdemocracy,"headded.Yang,47,isintheofficialcompetitionontheCroisetteforthefirsttimeafteranappearanceintheUnCertainRegardsectionofthefestivalin1987.Butheinsistsheisnotintimidatedbyseeinghisfilmpremieredonthefirstfulldayofthe47thCannesInternationalFilmFestival--theworld'sbiggestfilmfest.Aboveallhehasnoexpectationsofwinningthetopprize,theGoldenPalm,hesays,admittingthathehasnotseenlastyear'sChinesewinner,ChenKaige's"FarewellToMyConcubine."Askedhowherateshischances,herepliessimply:"Idon't.I'dbestupidifIdid.There'snothingIcandonow.I'vedonemybesttomakethefilm.I'mhappyaboutit."Andishenervousaheadofthepublicpremiere?"No.Afterfiveyearsinthisbusinessyouknowwhatsgoingon.Thereisnothingyoucandoaboutit...itsnotabigdealatall,"hesays. Malaysia'snationalcar-makerandJapan'sMitsubishigrouphaveobtainedapprovaltosetupajointcompanywithaVietnamesefirmtoassembleandsellautomobilesinVietnam,officialssaidFriday.PerusahaanOtomobilNasionalBhd(Proton)anditspartners,MitsubishiCorporationandMitsubishiMotorCorporation,aretojoinforceswithVietranscimextoestablishtheVinaStarMotorCorporation,Protonsaidinastatement.Thefourpartiesareeachtohold25percentstakesinVinaStar,whichistoassembletheDelicaminibusbeforeitbeginsassemblyofProtoncarslater,Protonsaid.VinaStar,whichinvolvesatotalinvestmentof50millionUSdollars,isexpectedtostartoperationsbyMarchnextyearinHoChiMinhCity,Protonsaid.Itwillinitiallyproduce1,000unitsoftheDelica,andayearlaterwillraiseoutputtoreach12,000unitsayear,itsaid."TheinvestmentlicencewasapprovedbytheVietnameseStateCommitteeforCooperationandInvestmentinApril.Registrationproceduresareexpectedtobecompletedbythismonth,"aspokesmanforProtonsaid.VinaStaristobecapitalisedat12millionUSdollars,whichwilllaterberaisedto16milliondollars.Proton,listedonthelocalbourse,wouldsourceitscontributionoffourmillionUSdollarsfortheventurethroughitsinternallygeneratedcashresources,thecompanysaid.MitsubishiMotorCorpandMitsubishiCorphold17percentequityinMalaysia'snine-year-oldnationalcarventure,abrainchildofPrimeMinisterMahathirMohamad. AjelloMAPUTO,May13(AFP)-TheheadoftheUNmissioninMozambique,AldoAjello,gaveaheavilycriticalassessmentFridayofthepeaceprocesshereaheadofOctoberelections,thefirstslatedafter16yearsofcivilwar.Ajellosaidhewasdissatisfiedwithvirtuallyallaspectsofthepeaceprocess,attackeddelaysindemobilisationandwarnedorganisationalproblemswhichhadhitSouthAfrica'srecentpollbodedillforunderdevelopedMozambique."Thereisnoprogresswithassemblyoftroops,we'vewastedtimewithdemobilisationandwestillhaveseriousproblemswithforminganewnationalarmy,"Ajellosaid.HesaidhewascallingameetingofMozambique'smainpeacekeepingcommitteenextweektodiscusstheseproblemsandtheUN'slatestresolution,whichistoreduceitsMozambicanpeacekeepingmission(ONUMOZ)by2,000soldiersimmediatelyandterminatethemandatecompletelyonNovember15.Thegovernmentcalledahalttodemobilisationofitsforcesthreeweeksago,claimingtheMozambiqueNationalResistance(RENAMO)oppositionwasnotkeepingpacewiththeprocess."Unfortunately,bythetimetheymadethatannouncement,RENAMOwasalreadycatchingup,"Ajellosaid.Headdedthatthegovernmentapparentlyneededtimetocorrectitslistsofsoldiers,assomenamesweremarkeddownbothfordemobilisationandforjoiningthenewnationalarmy.ONUMOZnowhasnamesof2,459RENAMOfightersfromthe4,000duetobedemobilised,against17,593namesfromthegovernment.Thegovernmentwasoriginallyexpectedtodischarge62,00soldiersbutnowclaimsitonlyhadsome50,00soldierstodemobilise.AjellodismissedgovernmentclaimsthatONUMOZ"misunderstood"thenumberofsoldiersitpresented,saying:"Therewasnoconfusionnoranymisunderstandingonourside."Anyonecanmakeamistakeincludingthegovernment,theonlythingtodoisadmitandcorrectit."Headdedthathewouldacceptthenewgovernmentfigures,despiteRENAMO'ssuspicionthatthegovernmentwashidingtroopsinsteadofdemobilisingthem.AjelloalsomadeapublicapologyforthemistakesoftheleastsuccesfulaspecttheONUMOZoperation--clearinglandminesfromthecountry."We'vemadeanincrediblebureaucraticmess,"hesaid,admittingthishaddelayedformorethan18monthstheremovalofhundredsofthousandsofminesplantedduringthewar.AkeyUNcontracttoclearsome2,000kilometersofsuspectedminedroadhasyettobesigned.Atleast200peoplehavesufferedlandmineinjuriesthisyearalone,accordingtonon-governmentalorganisationshere.AjellosuggestedONUMOZmadeamistakewhenitsubjectedmine-clearanceplanstoapprovalfromMozambique'speaceprocesscommittees-whichfailedtofunctionproperlyuntilayearafterMozambique'sOctober1992peaceaccord-andtoaheavy-handedbureacracyinNewYork."Thisisaperfectstoryofhowthingsshouldnotbedone,"hesaid.AjellosaidthelogisticalmessandpoliticalgoodwillsurroundingSouthAfrica'selectionsofferedvitallessonsforMozambique."GivenSouthAfrica'sfarbettercommunicationsandtechnicalcapacity,itsgravelogisticalproblemswithorganisingelectionsareaverybadsignforMozambique."However,hesaid,"thepoliticalwillwhichhelpedovercometheseproblemsandthehappyendingoftheprocessinSouthAfricashouldbealessontoallofushere." SharepricesgainedgroundontheTokyoStockExchangethisweek,supportedbyactivebuyingbyoverseasinvestorsfollowingacontinuedfallintheJapaneseyen.TheNikkeiStockAverageof225selectedissuesinthefirstsectionincreased408.28pointsor2.1percentthisweekto20,270.75pointsafterrising137.22pointsthepreviousweek.ItwasthefirsttimesinceApril15thatthekeyindicatorendedaweekabovethepsychologicallyimportant20,000mark.Thebroader-basedTokyoStockPriceIndex(TOPIX)ofallissuesinthesectionrose27.51pointsto1,643.20followinglastweek's12.36pointrise.Firstsectionturnoveraveraged287.96millionsharesupfrom153.6millionsharestradedlastweek.Theaveragedailyvalueoftransactionsexpandedfromlastweek's162.95billionyen(1.6billiondollars)to279.15billionyen.Afteropeningtheweekat19,771.75points,theNikkeifellMondayasinvestorsfailedtofindfreshfactorstostimultatethesluggishmarketfollowinglastweek'sthree-daynationalholiday.Butthekeyindexrosefortherestoftheweek,asforeigninvestors,whohavebeenmajorplayersinthemarketduringtheyearsofar,activelyjoinedbuyinginterest,brokerssaid.Theysaidmostinvestorshereweclomedtherecentfallintheyen,whichwouldhelpexport-orientedJapanesecompaniesavoidunnecessaryexchangelosses.ThedollarrosethisweekamidspeculationthattheUnitedStateswasactingtogetherwithJapanandEuropeannationstosavetheUScurrencyfromfallingfurther.Thedollar,whichalmostfellbelowthe100yenlinetwoweeksago,endedhereat104.58yen,up1.48yenfromlastweek.BrokerssaidinvestorswerestillwaitingforearningsreportsfortheyeartoMarch31tobeissuedinthecomingweeks."Themarketisstillinagoodmood,"aTokyo-basedbrokersaid."Ifcompaniesshowbetter-than-expectedprofitsintheirannualreports,manyplayers,particularlycorporateinvestors,willcomebacktothemarketeasily."Carmakersendedmixedthisweek.ToyotaMotorremainedunchangedat1,980yen,butNissanMotorgained16yento875yen.HondaMotorincreased60yento1,770yen.Manyelectronicsmakersgainedgroundonthedepreciationoftheyen.Sonyendedup180yenat5,880yenandMatsushitaElectricIndustrialrose50yento1,710yen.Sharpgained40yento1,700yen.Computermakersalsoenjoyedprofits,withNECrising40yento1,180yen,Fujitsuincreasing30yento1,050yen. USconsumerpricesrose0.1percentinApril,theLaborDepartmentsaidFriday.Mostexpertsforecasteda0.3percentadvanceinthedepartment'sConsumerPriceIndex.ThegovernmentannouncedThursdaythatwholesalepricesinAprilfell0.1percent,surprisingexpertswhopredicteda0.2percentincrease.Themoderateriseinconsumerpriceslastmonthindicatedinflationremainswell-controlled.Excludingthefoodandenergycategories,theindexrose0.2pecent.Consumerpriceshadclimbed0.3percentinbothFebruaryandMarch.WiththemoderateriseinApril,consumerpricesfortheyearhaveclimbedatanannualrateof2.4percent.In1993theindexrose2.7percent.InApril,energypricesfell0.4percent--including2.3percentforfueloil--whilefoodpricesrose0.1percent.Fruitandvegetablepricesdropped2.3percent.Furniturepricesremainedunchanged,whileclothingcostsfell0.3percent.Medicalcostsjumped0.6percent.Medicalserviceswereup0.7percent. FrancelauncheditsbidfortheCannesFilmFestival'stopawardFridaywiththelong-awaited"LaReineMargot,"alavishhistoricaldramabilledasthemostgrippingfilmontheCroisette."Whatwearetryingtodoisgrabthecinemaaudienceandnottoletthemgoforasecond,"writerDanieleThompsontoldAFPaheadofthepremiereFridayevening."Itisabrutalfilm,likeathrillerorawestern.Itisnotasentimentalfilm,"hesaid,accuratelydescribingthetwoandthree-quarterhourepic,full-bloodedinmorethanonesense.StarringIsabelleAdjaniandDanielAuteuil,themovierelatesthegorystoryofMargueriteofValois,forcedtomarryforpoliticalexpediencyinAugust1572,intheheatoftheFrenchwarsofreligion.Fromtheopeningframethefilmpullsnopunchesindepictingthebrutalityofthetime,culminatingintheSaintBartholomewDay'sMassacreofAugust23and24,whenupto100,000protestantsdied.Margot'ssexualadventures--hermarriageputsnobarsonthese--arealsoincludedliberallyinthemixture,asomewhatfreeinterpretationofthenovelbyAlexandreDumas.ThompsonstressesthattherolewaswrittenspecificallyforAdjani."Ifshehadrefused,Ithinkwewouldnothavehadafilm...sheismagnificent,"hesaid.Thefilm,toutedasFrance'sbesthopetotrytoregaintheGoldenPalmforthefirsttimeinsevenyears,ispremieredhereFridayevening,attheendofthefirstfulldayofthe47thCannesInternationalFilmFestival. Egypt'sForeignMinisterAmrMussawillmeetUSSecretaryofStateWarrenChristopheronSaturdayinGenevatodiscusstheMiddleEastpeaceprocess,sourcesattheforeignministrysaid.TheirtalkswouldfocusontheIsraeli-Syriantrackofthepeacetalks.Christopher,intheSwisscitytoattendaconferenceonBosniawhichopenedFriday,istotravelSundaytoSyriaandthenextdayontoIsrael,onapeaceshuttle.Mussa,currentlyinLondon,wasalsotomeetBosnianPresidentAlijaIzetbegovicinGeneva. FormerItalianpremierBettinoCraxi,whohasbeenaskedtosurrenderhispassporttoauthorities,willappearbeforejudgesinvestigatinghimforallegedcorruptionbeforetheendofnextweek,hisattorneyEnzoLoGiudicesaidFriday."Hewillcomeback,youcanrestassuredhewillcomebackbeforetheendofnextweek,"LoGiudicesaidabouthisclientwhosewhereaboutsareunknown.HeaddedthatCraxicouldbeoverseasbutsaidhedidnotknowwhere.HesaidhespokewithhimbytelephoneThursdayeveningbutCraxididnotdisclosehislocation.Theformersocialistpremier,whoisunderinvestigationin20separatecasesofallegedcorruption,facesaninternationalarrestwarrantifhedoesnotappearsoonbeforejudgesinMilanwishingtoquestionhim.HewasrecentlysightedontheBoulevardSaint-GermaininPariswhereheownsanapartment.HealsoisaregularvisitortoHammametinTunisiawherehiswifeisofficiallyresident. USforcescarriedoutamockair,landandseainvasioninvolving44,000soldiersthisweek,butUSofficialsdeniedareportitwasarehearsalformilitaryinterventioninHaiti.TheBostonGlobereportedthatthetimingandtacticsoftheexercise,code-namedAgileProvider,weredevelopedwithHaitiinmind."Routinetraining,routinetraining,"saidWhiteHousepresssecretaryDeeDeeMyers."Asyouknow,thesethingstakeawhiletoschedule,andtheyhappenregularly.Iwouldn'treadtoomuchintothat."AspokeswomanfortheUSAtlanticCommand,MajorJamieRoach,confirmedthata16-dayexerciseinvolving44,000troopshadendedWednesday,butdenieditwasstagedwithHaitiinmindanddisputedotherdetailsofthereport."Anythingthathappensinthishemisphere,whetheritbeatroopmovementoranexercise,peoplearetryingtotietoreportsofaHaitiinvasion.It'sjustnotvalid,"saidRoach.MostofthetroopswereAmerican,shesaid,butthereweresmalldetachmentsofDutchandSurinamesetroops.TheGlobesaidtheexerciseusedNorthCarolinaandPuertoRicoaslandingsitesforthemockinvasioninvolvingamphibiouslandingvessels,asubmarineandmorethan200sortiesbyMarinejetfighers.ArmyRangerslanded10milesinland,seizingroadjunctionsandknockingoutmilitarycommunications,whilespecialforcesattackedcommandpostsandradiostations,accordingtotheGlobe.TheGlobe,whichcitedunidentifiedmilitarysources,saidtheexercisewasaimedatworkingoutproblemsthataroseduringthe1983invasionofGrenadaincoordinatingdifferentservices.AspokesmanfortheAtlanticcommandsaidtheexerciseshadasatargetafictitiouscountryrunbyan"unfriendlyleader"whohadsuddenlyseizedpower.ButRoachsaidtheattackscenariodidnotmentionaCaribbeancountry."ItwasaSouthwestAsiascenario,"shesaid.ShesaidshewasunawarethattheRooseveltRoadsNavalStationinPuertoRicotookpartintheexercise.MostofittookplaceoffthecoastofNorthCarolina,buttroopstrainednearSavannah,GeorgiaandimprovedanairportontheBahamianIslandofGreatInagua,shesaid.PresidentBillClintonwarnedlastweekthathedidnotruleoutamilitaryinterventiontorestoredemocracyinHaiti,andtheUNSecurityCouncilgavetheHaitianmilitaryleadersuntilMay21tostepdownorfaceafullcommercialembargo.Theswearing-inofaninterimpresidentbytheHaitianSenateWednesday,however,appearstoconfirmthemilitary'sdeterminationtoresistalldiplomaticpressurefortheirremoval.TheUSmilitaryoptionforHaitihasreceivedmixedreviewsabroad.VisitingFrenchForeignMinisterAlainJuppesaidThursdaythathisgovernmentwouldnotparticipateinsuchaventure.TheFrenchdiplomat,however,reiteratedhiscondemnationofthemilitaryregimeinPort-au-PrinceandthenamingofinterimpresidentEmileJonassaint,whomJuppedescribedasa"puppetwithnolegitimacy." Atear-gascannisterwasletoffoutsidetheofficesoftheJapaneseEmbassyhereonFriday,adayafterTokyoofficialsdecidedtobanArgentinefootballheroDiegoMaradona.Nomembersoftheembassystaffwerehurtintheattack,buttwoArgentiniansneededattentionafterinhalingthegas.TheembassyofficesarelocatedontheninthflooroftheRiodelaPlataofficebuilding.LeafletscriticisingtheJapanesedecision,writtenbytheself-proclaimedPeople'sRevolutionaryOrganisation,werefoundinthesurroundingstreets.TheJapanesejusticeministryrefusedMaradonaavisabecauseitsaidhehadbeenimplicatedindrugcasesmorethanonce.MaradonawasarrestedinBuenosAiresin1991forcocainepossession,andfivemonthslaterwasgivena14-monthsuspendedsentencebyanItaliancourtforusingcocaine.Hewasalsosuspendedfrominternationalcompetitionfor15monthsin1991and1992aftertestingpostiveforcocaineuse.Thejusticeministry'simmigrationbureau,however,grantedavisatoClaudioCaniggia,whorecentlyendeda13-monthsoccerbanforhisallegeduseofcocaine.CaniggiawouldhavebeenallowedtogotoJapanbecausehehadnotfacedcriminalcharges.ArgentinahadplannedtoplayJapanandFrancelaterthismonthintheKirinCupaspartoftheirWorldCupbuildup. Blue-chipstockscontinuedtoclimbearlyFridayaslong-terminterestratesfellafterthereportofaweaker-than-expectedriseinUSconsumerpricesinApril.TheDowJonesindexof30leadingindustrialswasup11.30at3,664.14points20minutesafterthesessionopenedontheNewYorkStockExchange.ThursdaytheDowrose23.80pointstofinishat3,652.84.Onthebondmarket,theaverageinterestrateonthebellwether30-yearTreasurybondfellto7.51percentfrom7.56percentlateThursday.ThestockandbondmarketsralliedThursdayafterthegovernmentannouncedasurprisingdropinwholesalepricesinApril.Analystssaidthedollar'sfirmingwasalsoencouraginggainsonWallStreet.LarryWachtel,ananalystatPrudentialSecurities,saidtraderswerefixatedonnextTuesday'smeetingoftheFederalReserve'spolicy-settingOpenMarketCommittee.ButaFedincreaseinthefederalfundsratewassowidelyanticipated,hesaid,themovewouldhavelittleimpactonthemarkets. Aneight-year-oldPalestiniankilledhimselfaccidentallyhereFriday,playingwithaKalashnikovgunofthenewPLOpoliceforce,anAFPcorrespondentreported.AwomanwasalsoinjuredintheaccidentattheformerIsraelimilitaryadministrationbuildingwhichhadbeenhandedovertothepolicemenearlierintheday.Thepoliceclosedofftheareaaftertheincident. IsraelisoldiersshotthreepeopleonFridayasblack-hoodedIslamicfundamentalistsledaprotestagainstPalestinianself-rulebyseveralthousandGazans,acorrespondentreported.Clasheseruptedwithsoldiersasabout5,000anti-autonomyprotestersmarchedthroughGazaCityafteramassrallyinafootballstadium.ThreePalestiniansweretakentohospitalwithbulletwounds.MohsenAbuEitah,amemberoftheIslamicResistanceMovement(HAMAS),toldtherally:"Opposingtheautonomyagreementdoesnotmeanwewillactinadestructivewayagainstourpeople.""WeopposetheagreementbecauseGaza-Jerichowasneverourdream,"saidAhmadBahr,aseniorHAMASfigure."WeareafraidthatGaza-Jerichoisnotfirstbutlast."UndertheautonomyagreementbetweenthePLOandIsrael,GazaandJerichoaregrantedautonomyforfiveyears.Aftertwoyears,negotiationsaresettobeginontherestoftheoccupiedterritories,includingJerusalem."Weendedupwithonly45percentofGaza,"hesaidreferringtothepresenceof4,000Jewishsettlersandtroopstoprotectthem."IhopeourpolicewillnotbeanIsraelipuppet."HundredsofHAMASactivistsdonnedblackhoodswithcut-outeyesfortherallywhichwasalsocalledbyIslamicJihadandthePopularandDemocraticFrontsfortheLiberationofPalestine(PFLPandDFLP).ThegroupsdemandedthereleaseofallPalestinianprisoners. FrenchaviationauthoritiesseemeddeterminedonFridaytorejectanyflightplansfiledbyBritishAirways,AirUKorTATairlineforMondayflightsusingParis'Orlyairport,reliablesourcessaidFriday.ThosecompanieshaveindicatedtheirintentionoflaunchingservicebetweenLondonandOrlyonthatday,eventhoughFranceisopposed.Thesourcesnotedthatwithoutanacceptedflightplan,nopilotcantakeoffwithoutviolatinginternationalregulationsandendangeringhispassengers'lives.Butwhenaskedaboutthematter,theFrenchTransportMinistry-inchargeoftheGeneralAgencyforCivilAviation(DGAC),whichdealswithflightplans-refusedtocommentonFridayexceptforsayingthat"allpossiblecaseshavebeencontemplatedandstudied".TheBritishairlines,backedbytheirgovernment,haveinsistedtheyareentitledtostartflightstoOrlynextweekinthewakeofaEuropeanUniondecisionthatFrancemustopenthreeroutestocompetition:Orly-London,Orly-ToulouseandOrly-Marseille.BritishAirways(BA)hassaidthat"Wehavetherightsandtheslots,andwewillbestartingourfirstLondon-to-OrlyflightsonMonday".InLondon,aCivilAviationAuthorityspokesmannotedthattheeasiestwayinpracticefortheFrenchtopreventBAandotherairlinesfromservingOrlywastorejecttheflightplan,whicheverypilothastosubmitanhourbeforetakeoff.Butatthesametime,aBAspokesmancontinuedtomaintainthat"therewillbenoproblem"andnoreasonforflightplanstobefiledMondaytobeturneddown.SourcesclosetoFrenchtransportministerBernardBossonsaidFridaythattheFrenchgovernmentdidnotinanywayquestion"theprincipleofopeningtheOrly-LondonroutetoBritishcompaniesassoonaspossible".Buttheysaiditwasnormalforthegovernmenttorejecta"faitaccompli"thatBAandsomeotherBritishcompaniesweretryingtoputover.AreliablesourcesaidtheFrenchgovernmentseemseagerabovealltonegotiateareciprocityagreementwithBritainbeforeopeningOrlytoBritishaircraft,astheEuropeanCommissionhasordered.AirFranceandAirOutremerhavefiledapplicationstouseHeathrowairportinLondonwhichwererejectedonthegroundthattheairportisalreadytoocongested.Untilnow,allflightstoLondonfromParishaveleftfromRoissy-CharlesdeGaulleairport,flyingtofourLondonairports:Heathrow,Gatwick,StanstedandLondonCityAirport. Businessinventoriesfell0.2percentinMarchwhilesalesrose1.2percent,theCommerceDepartmentsaidFriday.Manyanalystshadexpectedinventoriestorise0.1percent.InFebruary,thebacklogrosearevised0.5percentandsaleswereuparevised1.4percent. RussiandeputiesonFridayoverwhelminglyapprovedabillforRussiatounilaterallyliftsanctionsagainsttherumpYugoslaviadespiteaninternationalembargo.TheactionbytheDuma,thelowerhouseofparliament,cameaftertheUSSenatevotedThursdaythatWashingtonshouldunilaterlalyallowUSarmsshipmentstothemainlyMoslemBosniangovernmentindefianceofa1991UNarmsembargo.WithRussiaatraditionalallyofSerbia,lowerhousedeputieshavespokenoutbeforeinfavoroftherumpYugoslavia,butFriday'svotemarkedthefirsttimetheyhavegonesofarastoapproveabill--inacrushingvoteof226to31--alongtheselines.Friday'sDumaresolutionstipulatedthatintheeventofa"unilateralliftingbyastateoftheembargoonarmsdeliveriestoBosnia,"Russiawouldhavetorespondwith"adequatemeasuresthatcouldgoasfarasraisingthequestionofaunilateralexitfromthesanctionsregime."Thedraft,approvedonfirstreading,mustbeputtoasecondvoteintwoweeksbeforeitcangoontotheupperhour,orFederationCouncil.Thoughitwastooearlytotellwhetheritwouldmakeitthroughtolaw,analystssaidFriday'svotesignaledanewdefiancebytheconservative-dominatedDumatowardsRussianPresidentBorisYeltsin.Inearliervotes,theDumavotedoverwhelminglytocondemnNATOairstrikesagainstSerbpositionsonApril9and10,oronlyurgedtheRussiangovernmenttoworkforanendtoliftingUN-imposedtradeandarmssanctionsagainstrumpYugoslavia.Friday'sbillwaslaidbeforeparliamentonApril15byadeputyfromthepro-communistAgrarianParty,andbackedbyVladimirZhirinovski'sultranationalistsandthePartyofDemocraticRussiaofNikolaiTravkin,whorecentlybecameaministerwithoutportfolio.TheUSSenatevoteembarrassedtheUSadministration,whichsaysBosniangovernmentforcesshouldbeallowedtodefendthemselvesbutwantsanychangeinsanctionstobemultilateral.TheSenatemovewasseenasunlikelytobeconfirmedbyCongress,butwastakenasawarningaboutSenatediscontentoverPresidentBillClinton'sforeignpolicy.SincetheUNadoptedsanctionsagainsttherumpYugoslaviain1992,theRussianpresidenthastriedtonavigatebetweenpressurefromtheinternationalcommunityandpressurefromstrongpro-Serbforcesinparliament.DeputyVladimirIsakov,whoisalegalexpertandfierceopponentoftheYeltsingovernment,saidrecentlyhehadfounda"hole"intheconstitutionthatwouldallowtheDumatooverridethepresident'sforeignpolicy.Thearticle,number80intheconstitutionadoptedlastDecember,saystheRussianpresidentconductsforeignpolicy"inlinewithfederallegislation." TheIrishcentralbankonFridaylowereditskeydirectiveshort-terminterestratefrom6.5,to6.25percent,effectivenextMonday.Thepreviouscut,from6.75to6.5percent,cameonApril15.ThemovecametwodaysaftertheGermanBundesbankreduceditsdiscountandLombardratesandwasfollowedbyanumberofotherEuropeancountries.Theshort-termrateistheonemostusedbytheBankofIrelandinlendingtothebankingsystem. MarinoAlonsogavethehostcountrytheirfirststagevictoryinthe1994TourofSpainhereonFridayinthe204km19thstagefromAvilatoPalazuelos.HoweverSwitzerland'sTonyRomingerretainedtheleaders'yellowjerseyhehasheldsincetheprologuetime-trial.AlonsofinishedsixminutesaheadofItaliansRobertoPagninandRicardoForconiinasuccessfullongbreakaway. PLOleaderYasserArafatsaidhereFriday,asPalestinianpolicetookcontrolofJericho,thatheaimedtotraveltotheWestBanktowninmid-June.ThePalestinianswillholdelections"verysoon,"followingthelaunchofself-ruleinJerichoandtheGazaStrip,hetoldreportersatPLOheadquartersintheTunisiancapital.ButArafatsaidhewas"notinahurry"tocompletetheline-upofthe24-memberPalestinianAuthoritytorunGazaandJericho.Sofar,15membershavebeennamedtotheteam,whichthePLOleaderistochair.ArafatandtheEuropeanCommissionvicepresident,ManuelMarin,earliersignedaccordsfor12milliondollarsinEUaidforthenewPalestinianpoliceforceandtwomilliondollarstoholdtheelections. "It'safirststep,"hesaid."Butifwearenotlistenedto,thensomething'sgottohappen."Berger,nowthemostexperiencedandmostsuccessfuldriverinthechampionship,hasbeenaprominentfigureontheissueofsafety.TheAustriansaid:"Wehavetolooktothefuture."Wemustestablishashort-termplanonsecurity,particularlywiththeinspectionofthenextthreecircuits,andafterwards,wemustrapidlydraw-upalong-termplan."TheissueofwhethertocalloffSunday'sracewasnotbroughtupbytheassociation.Motorracing'sblueribandeventissettogoahead,accordingtoorganisers,althoughdriversandthePrincipality'sPrinceRainiermayhaveachangeofheartshouldWendlinger'sconditiondeteriorate.TheAustrianwasstillinadeepcomaonFriday,withonedoctorsayingthatthenext48hoursarelikelytobedecisive. PLOleaderYasserArafatsaidhereFriday,asPalestinianpolicetookcontrolofJericho,thatheaimedtotraveltotheWestBanktowninmid-June.ThePalestinianswillholdelections"verysoon,"followingthelaunchofself-ruleinJerichoandtheGazaStrip,hetoldreportersatPLOheadquartersintheTunisiancapital.ButArafatsaidhewas"notinahurry"tocompletetheline-upofthe24-memberPalestinianAuthoritytorunGazaandJericho.Sofar,15membershavebeennamedtotheteam,whichthePLOleaderistochair.ArafatandtheEuropeanCommissionvicepresident,ManuelMarin,earliersignedaccordsfor12milliondollarsinEUaidforthenewPalestinianpoliceforceandtwomilliondollarstoholdtheelections. DenmarkintendsbackingthecreationofasanctuaryforwhalesintheAntarcticatthismonth'smeetinginMexicooftheInternationalWhalingCommission,sourcesattheenvironmentandforeignministriessaidhereFriday.Parliament'senvironmentcommitteegaveitsagreementinprinciplethisweekandisduetogivefullendorsementnextWednesday,providedGreenlandgetsasupplementaryquotaforcatchingrorqualsofftheisland.Denmarkabstainedinlastyear'svote.Thepolicychangeshouldensureatwo-thirdsmajorityforthesanctuarythistime,theenvironmentministrysourcessaid.TheDanishbranchoftheecologicalmovementGreenpeacesaiditwasdelightedwiththedecision.GreenpeacespokeswomanKirstenSanderallegedthatJapanhadtriedtobuyoffthevotesoffivesmallIWCmemberstates,whichshedidnotname.OnThursdayGreenpeacewelcomedChile'sdecisiontosupportthesancutaryproposal,sayingindicatedPresidentEduardoFrei'snewgovernment"iswillingtoactboldlyonglobalenvironmentalissues."TheDanishandChileanannouncementssupportingaSouthernOceanwhalesanctuaryproposalwillvirtuallyassurethesancutary'spassagebytheInternationalWhalingCommission(IWC)thismonth,GreenpeacesaidThursday. ChinahasindicateditsreadinesstoconsiderpossiblevoluntaryexportrestraintstocurbtheexplosivegrowthinChinesetextileexportstoJapan,governmentsourceswerequotedassayingFriday.TheeveningeditionoftheNihonKeizaiShimbunquotedinternationaltradeandindustrysourcesassayingthatChinesetradeofficialshadinformedtheministrytheywere"studying"introductionofexportcontrols.ThenewspapersaidtheChinesemovewasaimedatdiscouragingJapanfromrestrictingimportsoftextilesfromChinaunderthe1974multilateralfibrearrangementoftheGeneralAgreementonTariffsandTrade(GATT).Butitalsonotedthatabilateraldealto"voluntarily"restricttheflowoftextiletradebetweenthetwocountriescouldattractinternationalcriticismofJapanwhiledamagingChina'sbidtojointheGATT.TheministryrefusedtoconfirmthereportbutdidsaythatYukioDoi,directorgeneralofitsconsumergoodsindustriesbureau,wasscheduledtovisitBeijingfromMay23for"regular"talkswithChinesetradeofficials.Japan'simportsofChinesetextilesoared31percenttoalmosteightbilliondollarsintheyeartoMarch,accountingforalmosthalfoftheoverall24percentjumpinimportsfromthecountryto21.7billiondollars.JapaneseandChinseofficials,meanwhile,endedtwodaysofeconomicconsultationshereFriday,governmentsourcessaid.ChinseofficialsfromtheStatePlanningCommissionwerequotedastellingofficialsfromJapan'sInternationalTradeandIndustryMinistrythatretailpricesinChinainthefirstthreemonthsofthisyearjumpedabout20percentfromayearearlier.NewsreportssaidthattheofficialsagreedtodiscussJapan'sindustrialcooperationwithChinainthefieldofmotorvehicleparts. JapaneseForeignMinisterKojiKakizawaagreedFridaywithUSTradeRepresentativeMickeyKantortoresumestalledframeworktradetalksbetweentheirtwocountries,officialssaid.Theagreementwasreachedwhenthetwoministerstalkedbytelephoneforabout20minutes,theJapaneseofficialssaid."Thetwocountriesshouldhavecontactsassoonaspossible,"Kakizawawasquotedassaying.KantoragreedwiththeJapaneseforeignminister.NewsreportssaidherethatJapanandtheUnitedStateswereexpectedtoholdsubcabinet-leveltalksnextweekinWashingtontodiscussbilateraltrade.SozaburoOkamatsu,viceministerforinternationalaffairsattheInternationalTradeandIndustryMinistry,andSadayukiHayashi,deputyforeignministerforeconomicaffairs,areexpectedtorepresentJapanatthemeeting,thereportssaid.Frameworktalks,mainlydesignedtocutJapan'schronichugetradesurpluswiththeUnitedStates,havebeensuspendedsinceFebruary.InFebruaryinWashington,thenJapaneseprimeministerMorihiroHosokawatoldUSPresidentBillClintonthatJapancouldnotacceptUSdemandstosetnumericaltargetsincuttingitstradesurplus.Hosokawasaidthatsuchtargetswouldunderminethefreetradesystemandleadtomanagedtrade. TheParisBourseenjoyedawinningsessiononFridayastheCAC40indexfinishedthedayandweekat2,187.00points,up0.47percentbycomparisonwiththeWednesdayclose.ThursdaywasaFrenchholiday(Ascension). RussianPresidentBorisYeltsinleftStuttgartforMoscowonFriday,endingathree-dayvisittoGermanywhereheheldtalksonRussia'seconomicandsecuritytieswithEuropeanandotherworldpowers.YeltsinleftaftermeetingwithGermanbusinessleaders. OneelephantdiedandanotherwasinacriticalconditionfrominjuriessustainedwhentheywererecapturedfollowingtheirescapefromanenclosureataprivatereservenorthofNatalprovince,BusinessDayreportedFriday.ThedailysaidthetwofemalevictimsandeightothermembersoftheirfamilyhadescapedTuesdayfromaspecialenclosureatthePhindareservewheretheywerebeingheldtemporarilyfollowingtheirtransferonly24hoursearlierfromKruger'sNationalPark.TheywererecapturedWednesdaybyrescueteamsthatusedtranquilizersbutoneoftheelephantsdiedthefollowingdayandanotheronewasinacriticalcondition,thedailysaid.Theherdwaspartofagroupof158elephantsthatfacedacertaindeathatKruger'sNationalParkwhereofficialsannuallykillabout350elephantsinordertomaintainabalanceinthepark's"eco-system"anditselephantpopulation,whichvariesbetween7,000and8,000.Aninternationalanimalprotectiongrouphadsparedthemthatfateearlierthismonthbyorganizingthetransferofthe158elephantstoeightreservesthroughoutSouthAfrica.Butpriortoreleasingtheanimalsintheirnewhabitat,theyweretobeplacedinspecialenclosuresfor24hoursinordertogetusedtothechangeinenvironment.AnothergroupofelephantstransferredtoareserveinTransvaalprovincealsoreportedlyescapedfromitsenclosure. TheGreekdrachmawasagainundersharppressureonFridaysixweeksbeforetheEuropeanUnion'sfullliberalizationofthecapitalmarket,andGreecethrewpartofitsreservesintoproppingupthecurrency.ThedrachmahadcomeunderspeculativeattackonWednesday,whichresumedinfullforceonFridayafteraholiday,forcingtheBankofGreecetostepintosupportthecurrencyagainsttheGermanmarkandthedollar,Athensforextraderssaid.IorgosKondoyorgis,vice-presidentofCitibankGreece,saidbankingauthoritieshadthrown500to600milliondollarsontotheforexmarketonFriday,thoughthecountry'sforeignexchangereserveswereonlyaroundninebilliondollars.Attheclose,thedrachmawasmaintainedat147.70tothemarkand247.10tothedollar,slightlyupfromWednesdaylevels."Thereisnoquestion,itisoutofthequestionanditwillneverbeaquestionforthegovernmenttodevalue-that'sclearandthemarketknowsit",saidgovernmentspokesmanEvangelosVenizelos.GreekEuropeanaffairsministerTheodorePangalosruledouttheideathatfullliberalizationoftheEUcapitalmarketbedeferred,assomeoppositionmembershavedemanded."Thatdecision(liberalization)willhavenoeffectonthedrachma.Itwillleadonlytolossesforthespeculators",hesaid.Butsuchstatementsdonotseemtohaveconvincedexperts,whothinkthecurrentturbulenceisveryserious."Ifspeculationcontinuesatthisrate,halfofthereserveswillmeltawayinafewdaysandamonetaryadjustmentwillbecomelikely",oneEuropeanexperttoldAFP.Hesaidthedrachmaisnowovervaluedby10to20percent. Blue-chipstocksonWallStreetlostgroundFridayfollowingaslightriseinlong-terminterestrates.TheDowJonesindexof30leadingindustrialsfell2.68pointsto3,650.16at11:00a.m.(1500GMT)fromThursday'scloseat3,652.84.Tradingwasactivewith85millionshareschanginghands.Themarketwasupinopeningtrading,gettingaboostfromadropinaverageratesfor30-yearTreasurybondsto7.51percentfrom7.56percentThursday.ButwhentheTreasuryrateclickedbackupto7.54percent,stockpricesfell. USTradeRepresentativeMickeyKantorsaidhehadagreedFridaywithJapaneseForeignMinisterKojiKakizawaontheneedforpreliminarycontactstoresumebilateraltradetalks.Theso-calledframeworkagreementnegotiationscollapsedlastFebruaryoveradisputeofhowtomeasureprogressinopeningJapan'smarketandreducingits60billiondollartradedeficitwithWashington. ThePalestinianstookcontrolofJerichoandhalftheGazaStriponFridayashundredsofPLOsoldierspouredintopolicethefirstautonomousenclaves,sparkingmasscelebrations."Asofnow,youarethecommanderoftheregion.Iwishyougoodluck,"Israel'scentralregionmilitarycommanderGeneralIlanBirantoldPalestineLiberationArmy(PLA)GeneralHajjIsmail.Theyshookhandsandthetransferofpowerinthefirstautonomousenclavewascomplete.Twenty-sevenyearsofoccupationcametoanend."Thankyou,"Ismailrepliedthroughaninterpreter."Ihopewewillbesuccessfultogetherontheroadtopeace."HecalledforIsraeltowithdrawalfromalltheoccupiedterritories.InTunis,PLOchairmanYasserArafatannouncedheintendedtotraveltotheWestBanktowninmid-June.TheIsraeliscompletedtheirpullbacktobordercheckpointsroundthe62-square-kilometre(37-sq.-mile)zone.Asthegenerals'handshakelingered,busescarryingabout400policemenedgedtheirwaythroughthecrowdsliningtheroadfromtheAllenbyBridgeovertheRiverJordan.Theywerecheeredallthewaybyyouthsshouting"AllahuAkbar"(Godisgreat).Inthecentralsquare,hundredsmoreawaited.Womenululated,holdingtheirchildrenuptotouchthesoldiers.Bandsstruckupandyoungsterssanganddanced.ThePalestinianshadalreadyraisedtheirred,green,whiteandblackflagoverJerichobeforedawnwhenofficialbuildingsandamilitarybasewerehandedoverto60policeofficerswhohadslippedinovernightandThursday.Onlyhalf-a-dozentaxi-driverswereawaketowitnesstheevent.Butwordspreadfastandwholefamiliesfloodedontothestreetstohailtheirheroes."TheIsraeliflaghadbeenbroughtdownbythetimewecamein,"saidAhmadAbuSaadeh,anewly-arrivedpoliceman."TherewerenomoreIsraelisoldiersleft,wedidn'tshakehandswithanyofthem."ThePalestinianstookoverthepolicestation,militaryadministrationbuildings,thepostoffice,acourthouse,andanearbysynagogue. TheLondonstockmarketfellonFridayastheFootsieindexshed18.6pointsor0.6percenttoendat3,119.2points. Meanwhile,IsraelcompletedaredeploymentfromallthesouthernGazaStrip,apartfromJewishsettlementswhichremainunderarmyprotection."EverythingsouthoftheriverisinthehandsofthePalestinianpolice,"aseniorIsraelimilitaryofficialsaid.Theriver,WadiGaza,cutsacrosstheStripsouthoftheJewishsettlementofNetzarim.DuringthenightsecurityinstallationswereevacuatedatKhanYunes,thelasttowninthesouthtobeevacuatedfollowingDeirel-Balah,Bureij,NusseiratandRafah.FacilitiesinGazaCityweretobehandedoverSundayandtransferofauthoritywrappeduponWednesday.Unliketheover-crowdedStrip,populationnearly800,000,theJerichopolicewillrunaquietoasisof15,000people,knownastheworld'soldestandlowesttownat250metres(825feet)belowsealevel.Palestinianofficialssaidmorethan1,600soldiershadsofarpouredintoJerichoandtheGazaStrip.Atotalof9,000aretobedeployedacrossGazaandJericho,mostdrawnfromthePLA,andnamedthePalestinianNationalSecurityForces.About1,500willbedeployedinJericho."Yes,we'realreadystartingtodirecttraffic,"saidMahmoudYussef,anofficerwhostoodinthemiddleofaJerichoroad,shakinghandsandembracingwell-wishersamidlonglinesofcars."Wewillworkdayandnight,allthetime.Wedon'tneedtosleep,wefeelrestednowthatweareinourland."Soldiersunloadedtheirbelongingsatthenewheadquarter,theformerHanancamp,acompoundthathousedthemilitaryadministrationandnowrenamedAl-Aqsa,afterthenameofaunitfromIraq.But,therewasmorejubilationthanworkonthecompound.ChildrenwereespeciallyexcitedbytheKalashnikovriflesthesoldierscarried.Andthetriumphanttakeoverwasmarredbythedeathofaneight-year-oldPalestinian,Ammarel-Shawa,whokilledhimselfplayingwitharifle.AwomanandanelderlymanwerealsohurtintheaccidentattheformerIsraelimilitaryadministrationbuilding."It'sthefirsttimeI'veseenagunupclose,andnotinIsraelihands,"saidKhamisAhmad,12,beforethetragedy.Liketheothers,heundidthepartsoftherifle,cockeditandtookaim."Don'tworry,thegunshavenobullets,"saidAbuEmad,asoldier.ThepoliceclosedofftheareaafterthedeathofShawa,theirfirstintervention.InGazaCity,Israelisoldiersshotandwoundedthreepeopleasblack-hoodedIslamicfundamentalistsledaprotestagainstPalestinianself-rulebyseveralthousandGazans. Kantor(RECASTS-detailsofstatement)WASHINGTON,May13(AFP)-USTradeRepresentativeMickeyKantorsaidhehadagreedFridaywithJapaneseForeignMinisterKojiKakizawaontheneedforpreliminarycontactstoresumebilateraltradetalks.Theso-calledframeworkagreementnegotiationscollapsedlastFebruarybecauseofadisputeoverhowtomeasureprogressinopeningJapan'smarketandreducingits60-billion-dollartradesurpluswiththeUnitedStates.InTokyo,officialssaidKakizawahadagreedtoresumethestalledframeworktalks,butKantor'sstatementspokeonlyofpreliminarycontacts."AmbassadorKantoragreedwiththesuggestionofForeignMinisterKakizawaontheneedforpreliminarycontactbetweenbothsidestoexplorethebasisforresumptionoftheframeworktalks,"thestatementsaid."TheybothsharedthehopethatabasiswillemergefortheresumptionoftheframeworktalksbeforetheJulyG7meetinginNaples,"itsaid.KakizawacalledKantorandtheydiscussedtheissuefor30minutes,thestatementsaid. Aneight-year-oldPalestiniankilledhimselfaccidentallyhereonFridayplayingwithaKalashnikovgunofthenewPLOpoliceforce,anAFPcorrespondentreported.AwomanandamanwerealsoinjuredintheaccidentattheformerIsraelimilitaryadministrationbuildingwhichhadbeenhandedovertothepolicemenearlierintheday.TheboyAmmarel-Shawawaskilledonthespot.AJerichohospitalofficialsaidthewoman,OmNasserel-Shawa,55,hadfivebulletwoundsintheabdomen,andthe65-year-oldmanwaswasinjuredinthethigh.BothweretransportedtoMaqassadhospitalinJerusalem.Itwasnotimmediatelyclearifthetriowererelated.Palestinianpoliceofficersrefusedtocommentonthedeath,buttheareaaroundthebuildingwassealedoff.ChildrencelebratingthetransferofJerichotothePalestinianpoliceduringthedaywereplayingwithgunsattheadministrationbuilding,thepolicemen'snewheadquarters.Mostgunswerenotloaded.Howeverthosebelongingtoseniorofficershadbulletsinthem. RussianPresidentBorisYeltsinannouncedplansFridaywithtopGermaninvestorsfornewtransportlinksbyroadandbyrailbetweenMoscowandBerlin.Yeltsin,whometwith14GermanbusinessleadersonthefinaldayofhisvisittoGermany,saidbusinessmenhadagreedtohelpfinancetheconstructionofanewhigh-speedhighwaybetweenthetwocitiesaswellasarailwaysystem."WeagreedonbuildingaMoscow-BerlinAutobahn",Yeltsintoldreporters,usingtheGermantermtodescribethehighway.EarlierinBonn,ForeignMinisterKlausKinkeltoldYeltsinthatatreatyofassociationbetweenRussiaandtheEuropeanUnionwouldbeatthetopofGermany'sagendaduringitsforthcomingpresidencyoftheEU.GermanTransportMinisterMatthiasWissmanconfirmedherethattheroadandrailprojectswereintheworksbutstressedthatlargeprivateinvestmentswouldbeneededtofinancesuchaventure.Wissmansaid,quotingYeltsin,thatChancellorHelmutKohlhadagreedtohelpfindfinancialbackingfromEuropeanpartners.IndustryleaderEberhardvonKoerberconfirmedtheGermangovernmentwascommittedtobuildingthevitallinksthatwouldboosttradebetweenRussiaandwesternEurope.HealsosaidthatYeltsinhadpressedGermanrepresentativestoinvestindefenceconversionprojects,statingthattheyshouldnotlettheirJapaneseandAmericancounterpartsgettheupperhandinthatchoiceareaofRussia'seconomy.Russia'sdefenceplantsandfactoriesareconsideredtobethemostefficientinthatcountry.TherewerealsocomplaintsfromGermanbusinessovercontinuedhighinflationinRussiaandonemajorindustrychiefpointedtheguiltyfingerattheRussiancentralbank."Thecentralbankisamoneyprintingmachine"saidOttoWolffvonAmerongen,leaderofaninfluentialGermancommissionoverseeinginvestmentineasternEurope.AmerongentoldYeltsinthatGermanbusinessmenwantedtoinvestinRussiabutthatcertainconditionshadtobemet.Heassertedthatever-changingtaxationlawsneededtobefine-tunedandthatinflation,currentlyatamonthlyrateofninepercent,neededtobebroughtdown.YeltsinspentthelastdayofhisvisittoGermanyinStuttgart,theelectronicsandhightechnologyhubofGermany.TheRussianleadervisitedtheAlcatel-SELcommunicationsplantandspoketohiswifeNainawhowasvisitinganearbyhistoricfortressfromacomputerterminalequippedwithavideoscreen."Wedon'thaveanythinglikethisinRussia",hecommented.Alcatel-SELhasdevelopedbusinesstiesinSaintPetersburgsince1992andhasrecentlysignedacontractwithanelectronicsfirmintheUralregionofUfa.YeltsinleftforMoscowlaterintheafternoon.EarlierinBonntheKinkelsaidinastatementthathehadpledgedBonnwouldmakethetreaty"oneofthetopprioritiesoftheGermanpresidencyoftheUnion."Bonntakesoverthesix-monthrotatingpresidencyfromGreeceonJuly1.KinkelexpressedhopesRussiawouldsoonplayanactiveroleinEuropeansecuritypolicybyjoiningtheNATO-proposedPartnershipforPeaceprogramme."PresidentYelstinstressedRussiahadnodifficulty(withtheaccord)andwouldsignsoon,"thestatementsaid."ButRussiawishestosetoutinaprotocolthespecificcontentofthecooperationbetweenNATOandRussia."GermangovernmentspokesmanDieterVogelsaidtalkswithYeltsinhad"providedanopportunitytomoveforwardonthisquestion."Kinkel,echoinganearlierpledgebyChancellorHelmutKohl,alsoreassuredYeltsinthatGermanywouldbackRussianeffortstoobtainfullmembershipoftheGATTworldtradeaccordandoftheG7groupofmostindustrialisedcountries.TheproposedpartnershipoffersformerWarsawPactcountriesclosermilitarycooperationwiththealliancebutstopsshortofgivingthemfullmembership. RebelsandgovernmentsoldiersbattledwithsmallarmsandmortarsinKigalionFridayafterthebodiesof88freshmassacrevictimswerediscoveredinsouthernRwanda.Manyofthosevictimswereyounggirls.Itwasunclearwhohadcarriedouttheslaughter,whichaddstoadeathtollthathastopped200,000inlittlemorethanamonthofethniccarnage,saidUNspokesmanAbdulKabiasaid."WethoughtthatmassacresintheButareregionhadstopped,butitseemstheyarecontinuing,"Kabiasaid.Hutu-ledgovernmentforcescontrolmostoftheButarearea,thoughfightingwiththerebels,mainlyfromtheminorityTutsitribe,hasbeenreportednearby.TheboomofartilleryshellsandthecrackofKalashnikovriflessentciviliansscurryingforcoverinthecapitalFriday.MostoftheheavyfireapparentlycamefrompositionsheldbytherebelRwandaPatrioticFrontaroundtheMeridienHotel,whilegunbattlesragedbetweensmallgroupsinvariousneighbourhoods.FightingalsocontinuedinthenorthwesterntownofRuhengeriandinBugesera,inthesouth,Kabiasaid.HutukillingsquadsembarkedonabloodyrampagethroughKigaliafterpresidentJuvenalHabyarimana,aHutu,waskilledinasuspiciousplanecrashonApril6.TherebelsretaliatedbysweepingthroughnorthernandeasternRwanda,seizingcontroloftwo-thirdsofthesmallcentralAfricanhighlandnation,andpoundingarmypositionsinthecapital.Childrenandwomenwereclubbedorhackedtodeathwithmachetesasmilitiamengiggledattheiragony,accordingtowitnesses.Manysurvivorsarechildrenwiththeirfeetorhandscutoff,andhorrificallymutilatedwomen.BernardKouchner,theflamboyantformerFrenchhumanitarianactionministerandfounderofthemedicalcharityMedecinsSansFrontieres(DoctorsWithoutBorders),metrebelleaderPaulKagameonFridayinthefirstofwhathesaidwasaseriesofmeetingswithRwandanleaderstoassessaidneeds.KouchnerarrivedfromUgandabyroadThursdayinwhathesaidwasthelaunchofanefforttoboostaidoperationsonhisowninitiative."I'mherewearingmyownhat.That'stosaynoneatall,"Kouchersaid.HundredsofthousandsofRwandanshavefledacrosstheborderstofindthemselvesinsqualidmakeshiftcampsinTanzania,Burundiorelsewhere.UptotwomillionRwandanshaveabandonedtheirhomesinterrorofbeingslaughtered,with20,000aloneprisonersshelteringinachurch,asportsstadium,ahotelandotherlocationsintheirowncapital,defencelessagainstmortarshellsthatsometimesslamintotheirrefuges.UNSecretaryGeneralBoutrosBoutros-GhaliislobbyingtheSecurityCounciltoreinforceitstroops,downto400aftertheUNAssistanceMissioninRwandalastmonthevacuatedmostofits2,500soldierswhoweresupervisingaceasefireimplementedunderpeaceaccordssignedinAugust.Boutros-Ghalihasaskedfor5,500troopsinRwandatoestablishaneutralzonearoundtheairport,escortreliefconvoysandassistdisplacedpeople.TheUnitedNations,stillshakenbyitsfailuretoenforcepeaceinSomalia,isreluctanttoembarkonanaggressivemissionthatcouldembroilitspeacekeepersinclasheswitheitherside,diplomatssaid. ThreepeoplewerekilledandsetalightafterbeingaccusedofpractisingwitchcraftinaremotevillageinSouthAfrica'sNorthernTransvaalprovince,policesaidFriday.ThethreewerekilledlateWednesdaybyvillagersinGaMogano,accordingtopolice,quotedbythedomesticSAPAnewsagency.Thedeathsbringto67thenumberofpeoplemurderedthisyearafterbeingaccusedofbeingwitchesinthissuperstitioustribalarea,thenewsagencysaid.AfricanNationalCongresspremierfortheprovince,NgoakoRamathlodi,said"harsherpenalties"wouldbeimposedonpeopleguiltyofkillingpeopletheybelievedwerearewitches. European,RussianandUSforeignministersmeetinginGenevatotrytoagreeuponrekindledpeaceeffortsforBosnia-HercegovinaextendedtheirtalksFridaybeyondtheoriginallyexpectedduration.Apressconferenceafterthetalkswhichhadbeensetfor5:00p.m.wasnowexpectedround7:00p.m.(1700GMT),aUSsourcesaid.ThemeetingistakingplaceattheAmericanembassy.Diplomatsearliersaidajointstatementcouldbeissuedcallingforaceasefireandstatingthedesiredprinciplesofapoliticalsettlement.USSecretaryofStateWarrenChristopherisattendingthemeeting,asisRussianforeignministerAndreiKozyrevandtheirBelgian,British,French,GermanandGreekcounterparts,aswellasarepresentativeoftheEuropeanUnion. FIApresidentMaxMosleyannouncedrevolutionarymeasuresinFormulaOnehereonFridayhoursafterdriversjoinedtogethertoformapressuregrouptoimprovesafety.CarswillneedtoberadicallyadaptedbythegrandprixsinSpain(May29),Canada(June12)andGermany(July31).ThesportisstillreelingfromtheaccidentofAustrianKarlWendlingeronThursday,whichhaslefthiminadeepcoma,andthedeathsofRolandRatzenbergerandAyrtonSennatwoweeksagoattheSanMarinograndprix.Atapressconference,Mosleyorderedareductioninthesizeofthediffusersandachangeofthefrontwing--bothmeasureswillreducedownforceandcutspeed--byMay29.ByJune12,moresideprotectionmustbeinstalledindrivercockpitstoprotectthedriver'shead.Andtheweightofthecarwillbeincreasedby25kg.Airboxes,behindandabovethedriver'shead,willbebanned.Thefrontsuspensionmustalsobestrengthenedtoensurewheelsdonotfalloff.Thecockpitwillalsobelengthened,andspecialfuelwillbebannedwithonlypumpfuelfromalistof100petrolstationsallowed.BytheGermangrandprixonJuly31,allthemeasuresduetobeintroducedin1995,particularlyintheareaofaerodynamics,willbeinforcesixmonthsearly.Carswillnolongerbeflatonthebottom,butwillhavea"step"inthem,accordingtoMosley.Thiswouldmeanaspeedreductionofcars,particularlyatcorners.Adaptationstofrontandrearwingswillalsobeintroducedwiththesameaim.Enginepower,stillaccordingtoMosley,willbereducedfrom800horsepowertoabout600byuseofafuel-flowvalve.Thevalvewillcontroltheflowoffueltotheengine,thereforereducingacar'spowerwithoutreducingenginesize.Finally,toallowforallthesechanges,theweightofthecarswillbeincreasedfrom575kgto625kg.OnSunday'sMonacograndprixitself,organiserssaiditwassettogoahead,althoughdriversandthePrincipality'sPrinceRainiermayhaveachangeofheartshouldWendlinger'sconditiondeteriorate.TheAustrianwasstillinadeepcomaonFriday,withonedoctorsayingthatthenext48hoursarelikelytobedecisive.Allthecurrentworldchampionshipdriverswereatthepressuregroupmeeting,alongwiththreecurrentlywithoutateam--Britain'sDerekWarwick,FrenchmanPatrickTambayandItalianRiccardoPatrese.Suchadrivers'grouphadbeensetupduringthe1970s,butpeteredoutintheearly1980s.DrivershavebeenwithoutanyformalrepresentationwithintheFIAforseveralyears. FranceisdeterminedtopreventBritishairlinesfromcarryingoutplanstobreaktheFrenchstrangleholdonflightsintoParis'Orlyairportnextweek,transportministrysourcessaidFriday.BritishAirways,AirUKandTATairlinessaytheywillignoreFrance'srefusaltoallowthemtousethebusyinternationalairportsouthofParisandwilllaunchservicesbetweenLondonandOrlyonMonday,aspermittedbyaEuropeanCommissionruling.ButtheFrenchsourcesunderlinedthatwithoutanacceptedflightplan,nopilotcantakeoffwithoutviolatinginternationalregulationsandendangeringhispassengers'lives.Whenaskedaboutthematter,aspokesmanforthetransportministry,whichisinchargeoftheGeneralAgencyforCivilAviation(DGAC)thathandlesflightplans,refusedtocomment,simplysaying:"allpossiblecaseshavebeencontemplatedandstudied."TheBritishairlines,backedbytheirgovernment,areinsistingtheyareentitledtostartflightstoOrlynextweekinlinewithaEuropeanUnionrulingorderingFrancetoopenthreedomesticroutestocompetition:Orly-London,Orly-ToulouseandOrly-Marseille.BritishAirways(BA)hassaid:"Wehavetherightsandtheslots,andwewillbestartingourfirstLondon-to-OrlyflightsonMonday."TheBritishgovernmenthasexpressedits"fullsupport"fortheairline.InLondon,aCivilAviationAuthorityspokesmannotedthattheeasiestwayinpracticefortheFrenchtopreventBAandotherairlinesfromservingOrlywastorejecttheflightplan,whicheverypilothastosubmitanhourbeforetakeoff.Butatthesametime,aBAspokesmancontinuedtomaintainthat"therewillbenoproblem"andnoreasonforflightplanstobefiledMondaytobeturneddown.ThefirstscheduledflighttoOrlyisduetoleaveHeathrowairportat6:50a.m.(0550GMT)MondayandarriveinParisanhourlater.SourcesattheFrenchtransportministrysaidFridaythattheFrenchgovernmentdidnotinanywayquestion"theprincipleofopeningtheOrly-LondonroutetoBritishcompaniesassoonaspossible."Buttheysaiditwasnormalforthegovernmenttorejecta"faitaccompli"thatBAandsomeotherBritishcompaniesweretryingtoputover.TransportMinisterBernardBossonhassaidFranceacceptstheideainprinciplebutneedsextratimetodealwithsuchdifficultiesasovercrowdingatOrly,environmentalproblemsandreciprocalaccesstoLondonairports.ForeigncompetitionthroughOrlyisalsoseenasathreattotheloss-makingnationalcarrierAirFranceanditsdomesticsubsidiaryAirInter.UnionsatAirInterhavecalledastrikeforTuesdayinprotestovertheopningoftheroutes.TheroutesthroughOrlyarecovetedbyforeigncompaniesbecausealldomesticFrenchflightsleavefromtheairport.Orlyhas204,000incomingandoutgoingflightsperyearcomparedto304,000atthebiggerCharlesdeGaulleinternationalairportnorthofthecapital.Lastyear,9.7millionpassengersusedtheOrly-Sudinternationalpartoftheterminalwhile15.7millionpassedthroughOrly-Ouest,reservedforthedomesticcarrierAir-Inter.FrenchanalystsbelieveBritishairlinesarekeentocapturetheestimatedhalfamillionFrenchpassengerswhouseAirIntereachyeartoflytoParistocatchaforeignconnection.OrlyalsoismoreeasilyaccessiblebycarfromParis,thoughrailconnectionsareinferiorandtheterminalclosespartofthenight,unliketheCharlesdeGaullesairport.TheministrysourcesaidtheFrenchgovernmentwaseagerabovealltonegotiateareciprocityagreementwithBritainbeforeopeningOrlytoBritishaircraft,astheEuropeanCommissionhasordered.AirFranceandAirOutremerhavefiledapplicationstouseHeathrowairportinLondonwhichwererejectedongroundsthattheairportisalreadytoocongested.Untilnow,allflightstoLondonfromParishaveleftfromRoissy-CharlesdeGaulleairport,flyingtofourLondonairports:Heathrow,Gatwick,StanstedandLondonCityAirport. Thevolumeoftradingandpriceswerelowerinmostsectorsofthetankermarketcomparedwiththepreviousweek,LondonbrokersE.A.GibsonsaidFridayintheirweeklyreview.OutoftheMiddleEasttherewasdisappointingdemandfortheVeryandUltraLargeCrudeCarriers(VLCCandULCC,over200,000tonnes)businesswhilepricesshowedlittlechange.EventsintheYemenhaveresultedinhigherpricesforthe80,000-tonnecarriersoutofthisregion.InWestAfrica,ratescontinuedtheirfreefallwhiletheMediterraneanbusinesssufferedagainfromalackofinterest.IntheCaribbeanmarket,rateswerealsolowerwhileintheNorthSeaownerswerejustabletomaintainlastweeklevels.Inthecleanbusiness,therewascontinuedinterestfortheMiddleEastsectorbutintheMediterraneandemandhasbeenjustsufficienttokeepratesstable.Fixtures(inWorldscale)May13May6DIRTY:GulfStates/Eur.(VLCC)3434GulfStates/USA(VLCC)3434GulfStates/FarEast(VLCC)35unqditto(73,000t.)11895(80,000t.)WestAfrica/USA(130,000t.)60-62.567.5-70CrossMed.(80,000t.)112.5115-120ditto(130,000t.)6070NorthSea/Eur.(80,000t.)92.592.5ditto/USA(130,000t)67.572.5ditto(VLCC)40unqCaribbean/USA(75,000t.)82.595(77,000t.)ditto(130,000t.)47.550CLEAN:Caribbean/USA(30,000t.)200200ditto(50,000t.)140145GulfStates/Japan(68,000t.)140160(55,000t.)NorthSea/Eur.(22,000t.)200190-200ditto/USA(28,000t.)220unqCrossMed.(25,000t.)220220ditto(30,000t.)175185ditto/USA(28,500t.)210unq FrancelauncheditsbidtobringtheGoldenPalmbackhomeFridaywiththelong-awaited"LaReineMargot,"alavishhistoricaldramabilledasthemostgrippingfilmontheCroisette.But,attheendofthefirstfulldayofthe47thCannesInternationalFilmFestival,therewassomescepticismastowhetherthefilmcoulddothejobforFrance."Itistoolong,"saidonecriticemergingfromapreviewofthefilm,whichhasitspublicpremiereinGrandTheatreLumierehereFridayevening."Tooaesthetic,"saidanother.Thefilm,starringIsabelleAdjaniandDanielAuteuil,tellsthestoryofMargueriteofValois,forcedtomarryforpoliticalexpediencyinAugust1572,intheheatoftheFrenchwarsofreligion.Themakersofthefilm,directedbyPatriceChereau,werepromotingthefilmFridayasagrippingactionfilmwhichwillkeepcinema-goersontheedgeoftheirseatsfornearlythreehours."Whatwearetryingtodoisgrabthecinemaaudienceandnottoletthemgoforasecond,"screenwriterDanieleThompsontoldAgenceFrance-Presseinapre-premiereinterview."Itisabrutalfilm,likeathrillerorawestern.Itisnotasentimentalfilm,"hesaid,accuratelydescribingthetwoandthree-quarterhourepic,full-bloodedinmorethanonesense.Fromtheopeningframethefilmpullsnopunchesindepictingthebrutalityofthetime,culminatingintheSaintBartholomewDay'sMassacreofAugust23and24,whenupto100,000protestantsdied.Margot'ssexualadventures--hermarriageputsnobarsonthese--arealsoincludedliberallyinthemixture,asomewhatfreeinterpretationofthenovelbyAlexandreDumas.ThefilmwillbeattemptingtobringtheGoldenPalmbacktoFrancesevenyearsafterMauricePialattookthetopprizewith"UnderSatan'sSun"in1987."Margot"hasbeenwidelypromotedasFrance'sstrongestprospecthere.AtapressconferenceforthefilmaheadofthepremiereFridaynightthefilm'smakerswereclearlyirritatedbyaquestionaboutitpossiblybeingcutforUSdistribution.Adjanishowedobviouspleasurewithherownperformanceinthefilm:"IamveryproudandverygratefultoPatriceChereau.Hemadeitpossibleformetobebeautiful,passionate,inlove,unhappy,"shesaid.TwootherFrenchofferings,"GrosseFatigue"(VeryTired)byMichelBlancand"LesPatriotes"byEricRochant,havefewerhopespinnedtothemthanChereau'sepic,estimatedtohavecost23milliondollarstoproduce.France'sbidtoretakethePalmfollowsitsrowwiththeUnitedStatesovertheinclusionofaculturalexemptionclauseforaudio-visualindustryinaglobalworldtradeagreement.FranceproteststhatwithoutgovernmentprotectionindigenousfilmindustrieswillbeoverwhelmedbythejuggernautofthemajorUSfilmstudios.TheotherfilmpremieredFridaywas"DuLiShiDai"(ConfucianConfusion)byTaiwanesedirectorEdwardYang,whotoldAFPthathisstory,ofculturalconfusioninAsia,shouldbeappreciatedworldwide."Idon'tthinkit'sreferringjusttoTaiwan,it'sreferringtoHongKong,Korea,JapanandSingapore,alltheconfucian-influencedsocieties,"hesaidinaninterviewwithAFP."IfI'vedoneagoodjobtotellahumanstorythenpeoplefromotherpartsoftheworldwillappreciateit,"hesaid,adding:"Iwouldn'tbesurprisedatitbecausewe'reallhuman."OnSaturdaythefestivalcontinueswith"Mrs.ParkerandtheViciousCircle"byAlanRudolph,andRussianAndreiKonchalovsky's"AssiaandtheChickenwithGoldenEggs." PLOleaderYasserArafatsaidhereFriday,asPalestinianpolicetookcontrolofJericho,thatheaimedtotraveltotheWestBanktowninmid-June.ThePalestinianswillholdelections"verysoon,"followingthelaunchofself-ruleinJerichoandtheGazaStrip,hetoldreportersatPLOheadquartersintheTunisiancapital.TheelectionswereoriginallytohavetakenplaceinJulybuthavebeendelayeduntilOctober.Arafat,however,saidhewas"notinahurry"tocompletetheline-upofthe24-memberPalestinianAuthoritytorunGazaandJericho.Sofar,only15membershavebeennamedtotheteam,whichthePLOleaderistochair.Theelectionswouldalsoneedthoroughpreparation,warnedArafat."WecannotrelyonthedataprovidedbytheIsraelis"todrawupelectorallistsandforotheradministrativetasks.ArafatandtheEuropeanCommissionvicepresident,ManuelMarin,earliersignedaccordsfor12milliondollarsinEUaidforthenewPalestinianpoliceforceandtwomilliondollarstoholdtheelections."Thingshavestartedtomoveinamoreflexiblewaythanbefore,"saidthePLOleader,welcomingthewithdrawalofIsraeliforcesfromJericho.MarinsaidthestartofPalestinianself-rulewasan"eventofthecentury,"rankingalongsidetheendofapartheidinSouthAfrica.HesaidtheEuropeanCommissionhadacceptedanofferfromArafattosetupanofficeinJerichotohelpthePalestinianAuthority.TheEUwasalsotofinancethebuildingofanew200-bedhospitalinGazaCity,hesaid,apartfromhelpingthelaunchofPalestiniantelevisionandradiostations. PeteSamprasmovedintothesemi-finalsoftheItalianOpenonFridaywiththespectreoftheFrenchOpendogginghiseverymovejust10daysbeforethestartofthegrandslamevent.The22-year-oldworldnumberonedefeatedhomestarAndreaGaudenzi6-3,7-5,injustundertwohoursoncentrecourtattheForoItalico.TheopeninggameofthesecondsetwenttosevenbreakpointsbeforeGaudenzi,theworldnumber45,finallyheld."Ihadmanyopportunities,"saidSampras,whoadmitshistoughesttestsofarthischarmedyearwillcomeontheclayatRolandGarros.Inhisfirstweekof1994onclay,SamprashasdispatchedfourEuropeanspecialistsinafineeffortfromamanwhowouldalwaysratherbeplayingonahardcourt."Mytennishasgottenbetterandbetterastheweekhasgoneon,IwasprettyhappywiththewaythatIplayed,"hesaid.ThecentrecourtcrowdwerestaunchlyonthesideofGaudenzi,whistlingdownsomeofSampras'bettereffortsagainsttheirman."I'velearnedtotakemytimewhenplayingaguyinthiscountry.IknewGaudenziwouldbeplayingwithalotofemotion.Itwasgoodtowinthefirstset--thattookthecrowdoutofthematch,"Samprassaid.WhileSamprashadtofightforvictory,eighthseedBorisBeckereasedintothesemi-finalsthroughthebackdoorassecond-seededGermanopponentMichaelStichwithdrewpriortotheirquarter-finalmatchwithbackpain.BeckerwillfaceCroatia'sGoranIvanisevicinthesemi-finals.ThefourthseeddefeatedHolland'sJaccoEltingh7-6(7/5),6-3. RefugeesfleeingclashesaroundthekeyYemenitownofAlDalehgatheredatAden'sbusyqatmarketonFridayeagerlyawaitingthearrivalofmountaintraderswithnewsfromthefront.Despitelimitedresources,authoritiesinthissouthernstrongholdweredoingtheirbesttocopewithatideofrefugeeswhichcouldgrowwithnorthernandsoutherntroopslockedinagrimstruggleforcontrolofAlDaleh.Schoolsacrosstheportcitywerebeingusedasmakeshiftsheltersandbasicfoodstuffswerebeingmadeavailable,asthewarragedonforasecondweek.ButtheunofficialqatmarkethasbecometheplaceforinformationasmountaintradersbringdownfromAlDalehtheircropsofthegreenleaf,whichwhenchewedcanproduceamildintoxication.HeateddiscussionsbrokeoutamongtherefugeestradingstoriesaboutthewarbetweennorthernunitsloyaltoPresidentAliAbdallahSalahandthesouthernforcesofVicePresidentAliSalemal-Baid."AlDalehhasn'tfallen.I'vejustcomefromthere,butthebombingscontinuewithoutletup,"saidonefarmer.Othersaroundhimdisagreed,butanhourlatertheqatfromAlDaleh--knownasthebestinthemountains--hadstillnotarrived.AlDalehcommandsastrategicpositioninthemountainsontheroadtoakeysouthernairbase,makingitthetargetofapushsouthwardsbySaleh'stroops.Tanksandmultiplerocket-launchersrumbledFridayalongthe35-kilometre(23-mile)roadoutofAden,whileairplanesscreamedoverhead.Inthedistancefiringcouldbeheard.Mostoftherefugeesdependonqatfortheirlivelihoods,butfledtheirhomescarryingwiththemonlyafewpossessionssuchasamattressandsomefoodasthefightingedgedcloser.OneworkerwithaninternationalaidorganisationsaidtheroadtoAlDalehwasstillopen,asnortherntroopshadapparentlynotsucceededinbreakingthroughsoutherndefences.NorthernforcessaidThursdaytheyhadcapturedthetown90kilometres(55miles)northofAden.Butthesouthsaidithadretakenthepositionsinacounteroffensive.Despitetheclaimsandcounter-claims,nobodyheredoubtedthatAlDalehandits7,000residentshadbeendealtasevereblow,amidreportsthatthetown'shospitalhadbeenevacuated.Some70villagersfromAlUwaraahalsoarrivedThursdayinAdenfromAlUwaraah,fleeingshelling.TheyhavebeentemporarilyhousedinaschoolinanAdensuburb,wherethefirstemergencywasthebirthofababyboy.ThemotherHamidasatonthefloorofanunfurnishedclassroomsurroundedbyotherwomen,hereyessaddenedandtroubledbyfearsforthefuture.Onlyherhusbandremainedwiththewomen,theothermenhavinglefttoattendFridayprayersinthemosquesortosearchforanemptyapartmenttosquatin,ratherthanthecampofferbythelocalgovernor.Suppliesofvegetableoil,sugar,asackofIndianriceandsoappowderprovidedbythesouthernauthoritieswerestackedinacorneroftheschoolyard.Meanwhile,SanaaannouncedthatnorthernreinforcementshadbeensenttoAlDaleh,closetotheoldborderbetweentheformerNorthandSouthYemenwhichwereunifiedinMay1990. LeadingEuropeanstockmarketsweremixedonFriday,astheLondonbourselost0.6percentbutpricesrosemoderatelyinParisandFrankfurt.Londontraderssaidpricestherehadbeenaffectedbythefuturesmarket'sdeclineandtheprospectofariseinUSinterestratesnextweek.Onthelastdayofthetradingaccount,theFootsie100-shareindexlose18.6pointsor0.6percenttofinishat3,119.2,thoughithadopenedwithaslightgainof3.7points.Giltsgainedupto3/4ofapoint.Sharevolumewas699million,littlechangedfrom701.4milliononThursday.Amongthemostactiveissues,Unileverplummeted57pencetoendat1,023penceafterannouncingasmaller-than-expectedriseinnetprofitforthefirstquarter.CableandWirelesswasdownfiveto455,affectedbyworriesaboutcompetitionforitsMercuryportablephonesubsidiary.BritishAirwayswasofffiveto391afterannouncingitwasmaintainingflightsbetweenLondonandParis-OrlydespitetheFrenchgovernment'sopposition.RTZrose10penceto858onbrokers'buyrecommendations,whiletheTelegraphGroupwasupnineto620ongoodquarterlyresults.TheParisBoursewashelpedbyaslightdipinlong-terminterestratesandtheCAC40indexgained0.47percentonthedaytoendat2,187.00points,afteranopeningriseof0.26percent.Theindicatorhadbeenupasmuchas1.36percentduringthesessionbeforeeasingbackinlateafternoon.TheBoursewasclosedonThursday.OneoperatorcommentedthatwhiletheBoursehadnotforgottenfearsofhigherUSinterstrates,itwasencouragedonFridaybygoodemploymentfiguresinFranceandsatisfactoryresultsreportedbysomeFrenchcompanies.LVMHluxurygoodsgroupgained1.01percentontheday,GeneraledesEaux0.38,andMichelin1.29percent.L'Orealadvanced2.44percent.TheFrankfurtstockmarketnotcheduparespectablegainonFriday,thoughtradingwasnarrowbecauseofalongAscensionweekendbeingtakenbymanyinvestors,traderssaid.TheDAXindexfinishedthedayat2,258.75points,up0.67percentbycomparisonwiththeWednesdayclose(Thursdayhavingbeenaholiday).TraderssaidtheFridaygainwaspartlyduetotheBundesbank'ssurprisedecisiononWednesdaytolowerboththediscountandtheLombardratebyhalfapoint,saidonebrokerfromBarclaysdeZoeteWedd.Hesaidthemarketexpectsfurtherratecuts,butthathasalreadybeentakenintoaccountinshareprices."Investorsarenowmoreintentoncompanyresults"thanonGermanmonetarypolicy,hesaid.TheFridaysession'sstarwasMetallgesellschaft,whichrocketedup42markstoendat285followingabuyrecommendationbyUnionBankofSwitzerland.Banksperformedwell,Commerzbankrising1.50marksto364.50andDresdnerBank3.50to405.50,whileDeutscheBankwasunchangedat791.50marks.Allianzrose52marksto2,697andDaimlersixto893,butSiemenswasoff0.70to731.80.Thebondmarketrose,boostedbytheBundesbankmove,andtheaverageyieldongovernmentissuesfellby0.03percentto6.32percent.hl GermanChancellorHelmutKohl'scenter-rightcoalitiondraftedabillFridaymakingitacrimepunishablebyuptothreeyearsinprisonforanyonetodenythattheHolocausttookplace.MembersofthecoalitionsaidtheywouldpresentthebilltotheBundestag,orlowerhouseofparliament,nextweeksothatitcouldbevotedintolawlaterthisyear.DenyingthattheNazismurderedmillionsofJewsindeathcampsduringWorldWarIIiscurrentlynotacrimeinGermany,althoughnumerouscourtshavepunishedculpritsbyconvictingthemforincitingracialhatredordefamingthedead.Butthefederalcourtofjustice,Germany'shighestcourt,ruledinMarchthatdenyingthattheHolocaustexisteddidnotamounttoincitingracialhatred.TherulingsparkedwidespreadoutragewithIgnatzBubis,aleaderoftheJewishcommunityinGermany,sayingthatitamounted"toahandbookonhowtodenyAuschwitzexistedwithoutbeingpunished."BubisatthetimealsocalledfortheadoptionofalawspecificallymakingitacrimetodenytheHolocaust.ThegovernmentofformerchancellorHelmutSchmidt,aSocial-Democrat,attemptedinthe1980stoadoptsuchalawbutdroppedtheissueasneo-Nazissympathieswerenotontheriseatthetime.Thetidehaschanged,however,inrecentyearswithGermanyincreasinglybecomingthefocusofinternationalattentionbecauseofariseinxenophobiaandraciallymotivatedattacksonforeigners. Atobaccocompanypatentedaprocesstomakeasafercigarettein1966butdroppedtheideaamidfearsitwouldmakeitsotherproductslookbad,TheNewYorkTimessaidFriday.Theabandonedstepwouldhaveheatedthetobaccoinsteadofburningit,eliminatingtheprocessthatcreatesmostofthehazardoussubstancesintobaccosmoke,theTimesreported.TheBrownandWilliamsonTobaccoCorp.,asubsidiaryoftheLondon-basedBritish-AmericanTobaccoPLC,testedtheprocessinacigarettecode-namedArielandwasgrantedapatentin1966butdecidedtoshelvetheidea,thedailysaid,citinginternalcompanydocuments.Thecompanydecidedagainstbringingthesafercigarettestomarketforfearitwouldreflectpoorlyonitsotherproductsandoutofconcernthatsmokerswouldfindthemlesssatisfyingandthereforewouldnotbuythem,thepapersaid,citingthedocumentsandinterviewswiththescientistsworkingontheproject.Arielwasdevelopedinthe1960sandthecompanyappliedforapatentin1964.TheTimessaidthedocumentsindicatetheArielcigarettewouldhavegreatlyreducedthecancer-causingsubstancesincigarettesmokeandtheamountofsecondhandsmokeproduced,aswellaspotentialfirehazards.Butin1964,companyexecutivesinvariousinternaldocumentsexpressedfearofdisclosingtoomuchharmfulinformationaboutsmokingandofsubsequentlawsuits,accordingtothedaily.Thecompanyshelveditsresearchonboththehazardsofcigarettesandsolutionstomakethemsafer.TheBATlaboratoryinHarrogate,Britain,wheremostoftheresearchwasconducted,wasclosed.ThomasFitzgerald,aspokesmanforBrownandWilliamson,toldtheTimes:"Fromthedescriptiongiventous,itappearsyouarebasingyourarticleonattorney-clientprivilegeddocumentsthatwerestolenbyaformeremployeeofalawfirmthatworkedforBrownandWilliamson.Anybodywhoknowinglyusesstoleninformationisinfactcontributingtoanillegalact.Wehavenofurthercomment."BrownandWilliamsoneventuallymarketedlowtarandnicotinebrandsofcigarettes,amongthemMerit,butnonewereassafeasAriel,thepaperpointedout.Anothercigarettecompany,LiggettandMyers,alsodevelopedasafercigaretteinresearchthatbeganin1955,butdecidedtoshelveit,thedailysaid.ThomasMold,retiredassistantdirectorofresearchatLiggettandMyers,toldtheTimesthathisgroupcreatedthesaferproductwhichwasreadyformarketby1979,buthewastoldthatexecutives,ontheadviceoflawyers,votednottoproduceit."Wewroteuptheworkwehaddoneinapaperforpublication,butwewerenotallowedtopublishit,"Moldsaid. IslamicnationsstandreadytoprovidepeacekeepingtroopstodefendthepeopleofBosnia-HercegovinaifwesternUNforcesarewithdrawn,PakistaniambassadorHamadKamalsaidFriday.Kamalwasspeakingafterrepresentativesofthe51-stateOrganizationoftheIslamicConference(OIC)metinurgentsessioninGenevaandexpressed"deepconcerns"atthestateofpeacenegotiationsforBosnia.TheIslamicgatheringcameasWestEuropean,USandRussianforeignministersalsometinthecityinafreshefforttoagreeaworkablepeace,amidthreatstowithdrawUNforcesifnoformulaisfoundrapidly.KamalreadanOICstatementnoting"thethreatofcertaincountriestowithdrawtheirpeacekeepingcontingents."Francewhichhasthebiggestcontingenthasthreatenedwithdrawalfailingarapidsolution.TheOICstatementwarnedagainstsuchactionwithoutanalysisofitsimpactonthesituationonthegroundandthedraftinginofreplacementtroops,"forwhichadequateoffersalreadyexistfromseveralOICmemberstates."ThePakistaniambassadoraddedthatsaidwhiletheOICconsideredthelivesofUNtroopsinBosniaimportant,"webelievethatthelivesofthepeopleinBosnia-Hercegovinaareevenmoreimportant."KamalalsosaidaMalaysianmajorkilledinBosniaThursdayhaddied"indefenceoftheprinciplestheOICupholdsinBosnia."Payingtributetothesameofficer,BosnianambassadorMohamedSacirbeydistinguishedbetweencountrieswhichprovidedUNtroops"mandatedtodefendciviliansunderattack"andthosewhich"mandatedsoldierstoremainneutral."SacirbeyinterpretedThursday'sUSSenatevotecallingforliftingofthearmsembargoonBosniaasasignofconcernatthe"failuretoprovidebalancetothemilitarysituation"andasaresultinfluencethenegotiations."TheBosniansdonotjusthavefriendsintheIslamicworld.TheyhavefriendsinthehighestinstitutionsthatrepresentdemocracyintheUSandtheworldingeneral,"hetoldtheOICpressconference.InitsstatementtheOIC,whichhascalledfortheliftingoftheembargoonarmssuppliestoBosnia,"regrettedtheexclusionofOICrepresentatives"fromtheso-called"contactgroup"meetingonBosniainGeneva.ThestatementreaffirmedthatOICrepresentativesshouldparticipateonanequalfootingwiththoseofothercountriesinthepeaceefforts.Whilemaintainingtheirofferofactiveparticipation,itsaidthat"continuedrejectionofthisoffercouldadverselyimpactuponthecredibilityandsustainabilityofanysolutionsworkedoutintheirabsence."TheOICstatementwarnedthatadurableandjustpeacecouldnotbeachievedwithoutensuringthesovereigntyandterritorialintegrityofBosnia-Hercegovinaandthereturnofterritoriesseizedthroughaggression,ethniccleansingorgenocide. ThepriorityoftheUnitedNationsinwar-ravagedRwandaistoreachaceasefirebetweenrebelsandgovernmentsoldiersbeforeundertakinganypoliticalnegotiations,Jacques-RogerBoohBooh,theUNspecialrepresentativetoRwandasaidhereFriday."Fornow,itisdifficulttoresumepoliticalnegotiationssolongasthereisnoceasefire,"BoohBoohsaidfollowingameetingwithUNSecretaryGeneralBoutrosBoutros-Ghali."Aceasefireistheoreticallypossiblebutcertainconditionsmustbefulfilled"first,hesaidreferringtotheTutsirebels'refusaltorecognizethetransitionalgovernmentsetupfollowingthedeathofpresidentJuvenalHabyarimana,aHutu,whowaskilledinasuspiciousplanecrashonApril6.HutukillingsquadsembarkedonabloodyrampagethroughKigaliafterthepresident'sdeathandtherebelsretaliatedbysweepingthroughnorthernandeasternRwanda,seizingcontroloftwo-thirdsofthesmallcentralAfricanhighlandnation,andpoundingarmypositionsinthecapital.BoohBooharrivedinParisThursdayfromtheRwandancapitalofKigali. Albania'slastcommunistpresidentRamizAliaistofacetrialonMay21forcriminalabuseofoffice,thestateprosecutor'sofficesaidFriday.The67-year-oldAlia,alongwithnineotheroustedcommunists,willbechargedwith"abuseofofficewithcriminalconsequences,"includingthemurderofAlbaniansfleeingthecountry,deportations,summaryexecutionsandembezzlementofpublicfunds.AmongotherssettostandtrialareformerpremierAdilCarcaniandformerinteriorministersSimonStefaniandHekuranIsaiaswellasexpartyleadersamdformerjusticeandpoliceofficials.Ifconvictedtheyfaceupto25yearsbehindbars.LastyearNexhmijeHoxha,the72-year-oldwidowofEnverHoxha,founderandlongtimeStalinistdictatorofpost-warAlbania,wassentncedto11yearsinprisonforembazzlingstatefunds. PhilippinePresidentFidelRamosistomakehisfirstvisittoEuropesincetakingofficein1992withatriptoFranceinSeptembertoopenanexhibition,asourcesaidFriday.HeisalsoexpectedtovisitotherEuropeancountriestopromotehiscountryinthebusinessfield,afteropeningthe"SanDiego"exhibitioninParisSeptember13togetherwithhisFrenchcounterpartFrancoisMitterrand.TheexhibitionwilldisplaytheremainsoftheSpanishmerchantshipbuiltinthePhilippinesinthe16thcentury,togetherwithartifactsfoundwiththeshipbyateamofFrencharcheologists.TheopenoftheshipexhibitwillbethehighpointofaPhilippinefestivalwhichbeginsthismonthinParis. ThedollarwasboostedbrieflyonFridayontheLondonforeignexchangemarketbyUSinflationfiguresthatwerelowerthanexpected,whilesterlingstabilizedafterarecentriseandgoldtradedinlateafternoonat380.75dollarsanounceagainst378.5Thursdayevening.Traderssaidthedollareasedlaterinthesessionaftertheinitialstimulustostandinlateafternoonat1.6680marksagainst1.6730alittleearlierinNewYork,andat104.85yenagainst105.35inLondonmid-session-thelatterrepresentingitshighestlevelagainsttheJapanesecurrencysinceearlyApril.ThegreenbackwashelpedinthemorningbytheannouncementinTokyoofaresumptionofUS-JapanesetradenegotiationsinWashingtonnextweek.MidlandGlobalMarketsanalystAlisonCottrellsaidthedollar"firmedafterpublicationoftheAmericandata,thenfellback,thenroseagainfollowingthebondmarketbeforeoncemoreweakeninglateintheday".Despitetheslight0.1percentmonthlyriseinUSretailpricesinApril,operatorsstillexpectariseinUSinterestratesnextweek,theanalystsaid.TheGreekdrachmaremainedunderpressurebeforefullliberationinsixweeksoftheEUcapitalmarket,andtheBankofGreekhadtointervenemassivelytopropupthecurrency,Athensforexdealerssaid.ItclosedinLondonat148.32tothemarkafterfinishingalittleearlierinAthensat147.70.DuetotheAscensionholidayanditsextension,otherEuropeancurrenciestradedwithinnarrowranges.TheIrishpuntwasstableat0.4095toamarkafteraquarter-pointcutintheIrishshort-terminterestrate,to6.25percent.Themarkfirmedto3.4315Frenchfrancsagainst3.4292Thursdayevening.Thedollarwastradinginlateafternoonat1.6680marks(against1.6675Thursdayevening),104.85yen(104.20),1.4260Swissfrancs(1.4262),and5.7162Frenchfrancs(5.7188).Sterlingstoodat1.4990dollars(1.4995),2.5003marks(2.5004),157.17yen(156.25),2.1376Swissfrancs(2.1386),and8.5687Frenchfrancs(8.5753).Thethree-monthEurodollarwasunchangedat4.75percent,andtheBritishthree-monthinterbankrateat5.1875percent. Coppersoaredduringtheweektoreachitshighestpointfor13months,liftingabovethe2,100-dollar-per-tonnelevelonexpectedincreaseddemandinEuropeandtheUS,andsignificantlylowerstocks.ButothermetalsontheLondonMetalsExchange(LME)movedlittle,exceptnickel,whichrosestronglyafterIncounionsvotedtoallowastrike,ifnecessary,atthefirm'sSudburyplantinOntario,Canada.Thepreciousmetalsweregenerallyhigher,alongwithBrentcrudeNorthSeaoilwhichremainedabove16dollarsperbarrel.Thepriceofcoffeecontinuedtoclimb,breakingthroughthekey1,900-dollars-per-barrelleveldespitesomeprofittakinglater.Cocoawasalsoinbetterhealth,liftingtoitshighestlevelsincetheendofMarch.WhitesugarliftedasnewsofmassimportsbyIndiahitthemarket.WoolreacheditshighestlevelsinceDecember1992,afteracutinAustralianproductionandonstrongerdemand. higherbutirregular.Goldliftedabovelastweek'sprices,butfluctuatedaround380dollarsperounceduringtheweek.TradingwasgenerallycalmasseveralmarketswereclosedfortheAscensionholiday.Astrikeby9,500minersintheKloofmineinSouthAfricahadlittleimpact,althoughthecompanywassaidtohavelost5.7milliondollarsinthespaceofaweek.TheannualreportbyGolfFieldsMineralServicespredictedthattheworldgoldmarketwouldremainactivethisyearonapredictedriseinindustrialdemandandapick-upininterestbyinvestors.SILVER:higher.Pricesliftedafterlastweek'sweakness,reaching5.46dollarsperounce,asinvestmentfundsshowedrenewedinterest.ThemetalgainedaftertheSilverInstitute,madeupofproducersandconsumers,reportedtheannualproductiondeficitwouldreach248.4millionouncesthisyear--adeficitforthefourthconsecutiveyear.Stockswereconsequentlypredictedtodropto620millionouncescomparedwith1.1billionouncesin1990.PLATINUM:higher.Pricesliftedaftertheirlowlevellastweek,fluctuatingbetween393and397dollarsperounce.ThemarketwasfirmerafterthenominationofNelsonMandelaasthefirstblackprimeministerwentoffpeacefullyinSouthAfrica--theworld'spremierproducer.Speculators,whohaddesertedthemarketonuncertaintiessurroundingthefirstmulti-racialgeneralelectioninSouthAfrica,appearedtoregainconfidenceandinvestinthemetal. AColombiandrugbosswasorderedreleasedbyajudgeFridayafterservingtwoyearsofa17yearsentencefordrugtraffickingandillegalenrichment.AfterhisarrestApril27,1992,IvanUrdinolanegotiatedareductioninsentencetofourandhalfyearsbyconfessingvoluntarilytothechargesandturningoverpartofhisassets.Butajudge,whoseidentityissecret,decidedtofurtherreducehissentenceto24months,whichwouldmakeUrdinolaeligbleforimmediaterelease.TheAttorneyGeneral'soffice,seekingtopreventhisleavingthecountry,recentlyaskedUSauthoritiesforevidenceagainstUrdinolaonheroinetrafficking,kidnappingforransom,illegalenrichmentandothercharges.AmericaclaimsUrdinolaisoneoftheleadersoftheVallecocainecartel.TheAttorneyGeneral'sofficewasholdingUrdinolaunderaspecialorder,buttheProcuratorGeneral'sofficeordereditrevokedMay2forlackofevidenceagainsthiminseveralmurdercasesintheprovinceofElValle,inwesternColombia.ThenewspaperElTiempoonFridaysaidthejudgewhoreducedUrdinola'ssentencedusedacontroversialproceedureineffectgivinghimthemaximumbenefitsallowedforundertwoseparatelaws.Onelawmodifiedandsupplantedalawalreadyonthebooks,butthejudgeappliedonlythoseaspectsofbothlawsthatfavoredUrdinola,aprocedurethatsomejuristssayisillegal. soaring.Copperjumpedamassive192dollarsduringtheweek,liftingtoitshighestpointfor13monthsat2,119dollarspertonneatthecloseonThursday.ItcontinuedtoriseFridayonencouragingstocksfigures.DealerssaidtheprospectsofincreaseddemandinEuropeandtheUS,combinedwithsignificantlylowerstocks,werepushingthemetalupsignificantly."Thereisalotofshortcoveringinthemarket,"saidanalystWilliamAdamsfromRudolfWolff,addingthatthereweresupplyproblemsincentralAfrica.OtherdealerssaidtheCommonwealthofIndependentStates(CIS),formerlytheSovietUnion,wasexportinglessthenpredicted."Copper'sriseisnotparticularlyspeculative,"saidAdams,addingthatmanymerchantshadsoldforwardandwithproblemsinsupplywereobligedtobuyonthemarkettofulfilltheircontracts.Adamspredictedthemetalwouldcontinuetoriseandcouldbreakthroughthe2,130dollarspertonnelevelintheshortterm,withthepossibilityofrisingto2,175and2,200dollarspertonnesoon.ThemagazineMetalBulletinsaidthesubstantialarbitragebetweenComexinNewYorkandtheLondonmarketswasstillwooingredmetalacrosstheAtlantic,andwassubsequentlyforcinguppremiumsinEurope,where--particularlyinGermanyandFrance--demandisstartingtotakeoffagain.OnFriday,theredmetalbrokethroughitshighestpointsinceearlyJuly1993,whenrecordsontheLMEchangedtomeasuringindollarspertonneinsteadofpoundspertonne.Elsewhere,themarket'sperceptionofunderlyingtightnessinthephysicalcoppermarketappearedtobeborneoutbyconfirmationbyItaliansemi-fabricatorMetalramethatitsoutputofcopperrodwasdownby3,000tonnessofarthisyearduetoproblemssourcingrefinedcopperfeed.WeeklystocksontheLMEfellastaggering31,725tonnesto424,700tonnes.LEAD:slightlylower.Leadmovedlittlethroughouttheweek,sinkingaroundfivedollarsfromthepreviousFridaycloseat484.5dollarspertonne.TheEconomistIntelligenceUnitsaidtheleadmarketwasgenerallybetterorientedin1994,comparedtopreviousyearswithariseinconsumptionandadeficitofproductionofaround160,000tonnes.WeeklystocksontheLMErose2,725tonnestoarecord345,725tonnes. slightlylower.Zincfellaroundthesamelevelsaslead,dippingfivedollarsduringtheweekfromthepreviousFridaycloseof977dollarspertonne.TradersatGNIsaidcurrentpriceswereatthetopoftheirexpectationsandpredictedzinccouldfallfurtherintheshortterm.WeeklyzincstocksontheLMErose8,590tonnestoarecord1,157,350tonnes. stable.AluminiumdroppedaroundthreedollarsduringtheweekfromthepreviousFridaycloseof1,332dollarspertonne.Aluminiummovedlittleduringtheweek,largelyonlackofnewsandastherecordriseofcopperscoopeddealersattention.TheUSAluminiumIndustryreporeda14percentfallinUSprimaryaluminiumoutputinAprilto269,450tonnesfrom313.250tonnesayearago.Onanannualisedbasisthisisanoutputcutof525,600tonnes.ItwasalsoreportedthatAlcanhadtakendeliveryofthefirstAluminiumIntensiveVehicleAIV,jointlydevelopedbythefirmandFordforconsumertesting.ThevehicleissaidtobeidenticaltothenormalsteelbodiedSable,butweighs400lbslessasaresultoftheextensiveuseofaluminiuminthestructureandexteriorpanels.StocksontheLMEroseafurther17,625tonnestoarecord2,646,675tonnes.NICKEL:sharplyhigher.NickelsoaredhighertoathreemonthhighsinceFebruary24,lifting165dollarsovertheweektotheThursdaycloseof5,940dollarspertonne.DuringthedayonThursday,themetalsoaredamassive115dollarsonexpectationsthatworkersatCanadianproducerInco'sSudbury,Ontariodivision,wouldvotelatertogivetheirunionastrikemandateincurrentlabourlabourtalks.ThismandatewasgrantedlateThursday,localtimeinCanada,withatotalof93.5percentofvotingmembersinfavourofauthorisingtheuniontotakestrikeactionifitisdeemednecessary.ThecurrentlaborcontractatSudburyissettoexpireattheendofthismonth.ThemarketbelievesIncohasonlyenoughstockstocontinuenickeldeliveriesforthreeweeksintheeventofindustrialaction.TheSudburydivisonproducesanaverageofapproximately20millionpoundsofrefinednickelpermonth.Itisproducinglessthismonthbecauseoneofthedivision'stwoflashfurnacesbrokedownlastFriday,alsoliftingprices.Thecompanythensaiditwouldreplacethefurnacewithinaweek,andthattheincidentwouldnothaveanysignificantimpactonits1994productiontargets.WeeklystocksontheLMEfell432tonnesto132,516tonnes.TIN:lower.Tinfellaround60dollarsduringtheweek,fromthepreviousFridaycloseof5,505dollarspertonne. ThemembernationsoftheAssociationofTinProducingCountries(ATPC)exportedatotalof14,258tonnesoftinfromJanuarytoMarch--avolume26.9percentbelowthepermittedexporttonnage,theassociationsaid.ABoliviandelegatetotheATPCtoldameetingoftheassociationthatglobaltinstockswere"slightlyhigh"butshould"fallslightly"laterthisyear.TheATPC,whichgroupstheworld'smajortinproducers,islimitingsupplyinabidtotrimglobalstocks.In1993,theATPCsaidmembernationsexported72,469tonnesoftin,belowtheagreedlimitof89,000tonnes.InATPCproduced73,268tonnesoftinin1993,belowtheagreedlimitof92,387tonnes.China's(new)membershipintheassociationshouldcausestockstodropasthatnation"willnoweffectivelycomplywiththequotaputbytheATPC,"saidGonzaloAlvarez.Elsewhere,theMalyanMiningEmployersAssociation,whichgroupsMalaysia'smaintinminingandsmeltingcompanies,saiditwasconsideringdisbandingbecauseofthedramaticdeclineinthecountry'stinindustry.WeeklystocksontheLMErose945tonnestoarecord27,905tonnes. higher.Afteramixedbeginning,pricesliftedsharplyonThursdaytoaround995poundspertonneattheclose--theirhighestlevelsincetheendofMarch.Dealerssaidthereturnofinvestmentfundsintothemarketboostedprices,whichhadfallenoverthepastfewweeksontemporarylackofinterest.LawrenceEagle,analystatGNItradehouse,saidthecocoamarketappearedfundamentallystrong.TheInternationalCocoaOrganisation(ICCO)saiditpredictedaproductiondeficitof95,000tonnesfor1993-1994(October-September).Eaglesaidthataftercoffeeandcopper,cocoawouldbethenextmarkettoseesharprises.Elsewhere,Indonesia,whichisoneofthekeyworldproducers,rejectedinvitationsfromICCOtorejointheorganisation.ThequestionwillbeexaminedagaininJuneatthenextmeetingoftheICCO.COFFEE:sharprisesthentechnicalfall.Thepriceofrobustaliftedabove1,900dollarspertonneonTuesday,itshighestlevelforfiveyears.TheextremelyhighpricesfordeliveryinMayandJunewereduetoasevererestrictioninthesupplyofrobustaandtheshort-termavailabilityofColombiancoffee.Large-scalebuyingbyinvestmentfundsontheLondonandNewYorkmarketsmagnifiedtheswiftriseinprices,dealerssaid.FromWednesdayonwards,pricesbegantofallasspeculatorstookprofits,butthenroseagainonFriday.Investors'confidencewasnotdentedbythefactthattheAssociationofCoffeeProducingCountries(APPC)couldhenceforthsellsome50percentoftheirstocksaccumulatedintheagreedexportretentionplan.Thecalculatedindexwhichfixesthelevelofretentionhasliftedaboveacertainlevelandexporterscansellaround2millionsacks(eachof60kilogrammes).Brazilianexportersimmediatelyannouncedthesale,fromWednesday,of118,700ofthe650,000sacksofcoffeestockedsinceOctober1,1993intheretentionplan. sharplyhigher.Thepriceofwhitesugarjumpedabove320dollarspertonneafterIndiaannounceditwouldimportatleast500,000tonnesofsugartocoveritsproductiondeficit.Indiaistheworld'spremierproducerandconsumer.TheIndiangovernmentsaidthat112,000tonnesofsugarshouldbedeliveredtoIndianrefinariesbetweennowandmid-Maytostoppricesinternalpricesrisesastheshortagehitsthemarket.Elsewhere,theworldproductionwasanestimatedfourpercenthigherat116.3milliontonnesin1994/95(September-August)from112.2milliontonnesinthepreviousseason.SouthAfricanproduction,whichhassufferedfromdrought,isexpectedtofallto1.6milliontonnesin1994/95(April-March),leavingonly200,000tonnesforexport.VEGETABLEOILS:higher.ThefallsduringthepreviousweekwereonlytemporaryandthemajorityofvegetableoilsliftedhigherontheRotterdammarketinsubduedtradingduetotheAscensionholiday.Soyapriceslifted,whiletheUSDepartmentofAgriculture(USDA)predicteda16.11percentriseinUSproductionin1994-1995(October-September)afterafallin1993-1994harvestsonaccountofbadweather.Thepriceofpalmoilcontinuedtoliftonstrongdemand,asdidsunflowerandrapeseedoil.ThejournalOilWorldpredicteda7.6percentriseto238.62milliontonnesnextyearintheharvestoftheseedsandfruitsneededtomakethe10mainvegetableoils.Demandwasalsoestimatedtoreach235.87milliontonneswhilestocksshouldendtheseasonat27.60milliontonnesfrom24.85attheendofthecurrentseason. steady,thenhigher.Afterbreakingthroughthe16-dollars-per-barrellevellastweekforthefirsttimesinceNovember1993,thepriceofBrentcrudeNorthSeaflucutatedintechnicaltradingbeforerisingtowardstheendoftheweek.FiguresfromtheAmericanPetroleumInstutite(API)pushedpricesslightlylowerduringtheweek,astheyshowedUSstockshadlifted4.72millionbarrelslastweekcomparedwiththepreviousweek,whiledomesticfuelandgas-oilhadlifted1.39millionbarrels.AriseinUSreservesontheNYMEXonThursday,however,liftedpricesagainabovethe16-dollars-per-tonnemark.CivilwarinYemen,whichwasresponsibleforpricerisestwoweeksago,continuedtofuelfearsofacutinproductionfromthecountrywhichproduces350,000barrelsperday.RUBBER:higher.Pricescontinuedtorise,reaching720poundspertonneonacutinworldproductionandariseindemand.TheInternationalRubberStudyGroupsaidthesurplusinproductionwouldonlybearound10,000tonnesin1993,comparedwith120,000tonnesthepreviousyear.Worldproducitonisestimatedtobearound5.43milliontonnesin1993,comparedto5.6milliontonnesin1992,whileconsumptionisexpectedtobe5.42milliontonnesfrom5.48milliontonnes.Theproductionoftheworld'sthreepremierproducers,Thailand,IndonesiaandMalaysia,hasdroppedrespectively1.5milliontonnes,1.353milliontonnesand1.074milliontonnes. lower.Thepriceofwheatfellsteadilylower,droppingoverfourdollarstofinishtheweekataround113poundspertonneaftertheUSrefusedtosellRussia400,000tonnesofsubsidisedwheat.PriceswerealsoloweronexpectationsofastrongUSwinterwheatharvest.TheUSDepartmentofAgriculture(USDA)predicteda9.34percentcutinwheatproductionfromtheformerSovietUnionto76.3milliontonnesin1994-1995.Importswereestimatedtofallto13.5milliontonnesfrom14.02milliontonnesin1993-1994.Thepriceofbarleyremainedstableataround109poundspertonne,althoughEuropeanmarketswerecalmonaccountoftheAscensionholiday.TEA:stable.Theaverageauctionpriceoftearemainedstableataround127penceperkilo,althoughdemandwasdescribedasreasonablygood.ThepriceofhighqualityteafromAfricaroseonthecontinuedcivilconflictinRwanda,leadingdealerstofeartheworstforproductionfromthecountry.TheauctionpriceforAfricanmediumqualityteadippedfourpencetoeightpence.TeasfromCelonfollowedthesametrend.COTTON:slightlylower.Pricessufferedfromalackofactivityandslippedthroughthebarrierat0.86dollarsperpound,astheAscensionholidayweighedonthemarket.AustriaandSwitzerlandwerethemainbuyersduringtheweek,whilecottonfromcentralAsiawasthemostindemand.WOOL:higher.ThereferencepriceofAustralianwoolontheBradfordmarketwashigher,reachingabove4.22poundsperkilo,onfirmdemandandacutinAustralianproduction.RecentstatisticsshowthatexportsfromNewZealand,whichistheworld'ssecondproducerafterAustralia,liftedaboveproductionduringthefirstninemonthsinthe1993-1994season(July-June),resultinginacutinstocks.Productionrose13percent,whileexportslifted21percent,totalling760milliondollarsfortheperiod.NewZealandwoolstocks,createdafteraslumpinpricesin1991,shouldbeusedupbytheendofthenextseason,analystssaid. WestEuropean,RussianandUSforeignministersheldextensivetalksinGenevaonFridayinafreshefforttoagreeaworkablepeaceplanforBosnia-HercegovinaandendthewarintheformerYugoslavrepublic.USSecretaryofStateWarrenChristophermetwithBritishForeignSecretaryDouglasHurd,FrenchForeignMinisterAlanJuppe,GermanForeignMinisterKlausKinkelandtheRussianForeignMinisterAndreiKozyrev,aswellastheirBelgianandGreekcounterpartsandaEuropeanUnionrepresentative.Thetalks,originallyexpectedtolastsomefourhours,continuedintoFridayevening.Aftertwoyearsofdestructionanddivisionleavingtensofthousandsofpeopledead,woundedordisplaced,frustrationatthefailureofpreviouspeaceproposalsmarkedtherun-uptothishigh-levelencounter.FranceanditswestEuropeanpartnersweresetonwrestingagreementonaceasefireandpoliticalsettlementformula.Juppe,whosecountryhasfurnishedthelargestcontingentforUnitedNationsforcesinBosnia,haswarnedthattheUNforceswillnotweatheranotherwintertherewithoutsuchaplan.ButtheadministrationofUSPresidentBillClintonhasbeenreluctanttoseeanexistingEuropeansettlementplanimposedontheMoslem-ledgovernmentinSarajevo.TheUSSenatealsonarrowlyvotedThursdaytounilaterallyliftthearmsembargoonBosnia,inamovetobolstertheMoslemforcesagainsttheBelgrade-backedSerbforceswhohavecarvedouttheirown"ethnically-cleansed"territoryintherepublic.ThelowerRussianhouseofparliamentforitspartvotedFridaytonolongeradheretotheUNsanctionsagainsttherumpYugoslaviaofSerbiaanditstinyMontenegrinally.Friday'sDumaresolutionstipulatedthatintheeventofa"unilateralliftingbyastateoftheembargoonarmsdeliveriestoBosnia,"Russiawouldhavetorespondwith"adequatemeasuresthatcouldgoasfarasraisingthequestionofaunilateralexitfromthesanctionsregime."Neithervotecantakeimmediateorbindingeffect.ObserversregardedthemratherasstrawsinthewindexpressingexasperationovertheBosnianconflictandunderliningthegrowingpressuretocomeupwithasolution.TheGenevameetingwasexpectedtoissueadeclarationcallingforanewceasefireandreaffirmingthedesiredprinciplesofapoliticalsettlement.Buttherehavebeencontinuingproblemsoverthedivisionofterritorytobeapportionedtothewarringparties.AnexistingEuropeanplangives51percentofBosnia-HercegovinatotheCroatsandMoslems,and49percentfortheSerbs,whothroughtheirwar-gainscurrentlycontrolabout70percent.TheBosnianCroatsandMoslems,whounderUSauspiceshaveseparatelyreachedagreementtosetupafederationwithintheformerYugoslavrepublic,havedemanded58percentforthisfederation.Bosnia'svice-presidentEjupGanicandPrimeMinisterHarisSilajdzicwerescheduledtofinalisethefederationplaninGenevaSaturdaywithChristopherandCroatianForeignMinisterMateGranic.ThewholeBosnianquestionisalsoexpectedtocomeupagainatameetinginBrusselsMondayofEUforeignministers.Earlier,PakistaniambassadorHamadKamalsaidherethatIslamicnationsstoodreadytoprovidepeacekeepingtroopstodefendthepeopleofBosnia-HercegovinaifwesternUNforceswerewithdrawn.Hespokeafterrepresentativesofthe51-stateOrganizationoftheIslamicConference(OIC)metinurgentsessioninGenevaandexpressed"deepconcerns"atthestateofpeacenegotiationsforBosnia.TheOICnotedthreatsbysomecountriestowithdrawtheirforcesbutwarnedagainstsuchactionwithoutanalysisofitsimpactonthesituationonthegroundandthedraftinginofreplacementtroops,"forwhichadequateoffersalreadyexistfromseveralOICmemberstates." RussianPrimeMinisterViktorChernomyrdinhasrefusedultranationalistleaderVladimirZhirinovsky'srequestthathisLiberalDemocraticPartybepartofthecabinet,InterfaxreportedFriday.Theagency,citingawell-informedgovernmentsource,saidChernomyrdinhelda20-minutemeetingThursdaywithZhirinovsky,whosuggestedhispartybegiventhedefenseandinteriorportfolios,orthejusticeportfoliowhichincludesthepostofprosecutorgeneral,ortheministriesofeconomyandprivatisation.ChernomyrdinreportedlyrejectedZhirinovsky's"demands"tellinghimthecabinetwasnotsetuponthebasisofpoliticalrepresentationbutratheronthebasisof"professionalability,"Interfaxsaid. TheItaliancabinetFridaychose37undersecretariesofstate,12ofthemneo-fascists.Thepreviousgovernmmenthad39undersecretariesofstate.Thelistmeansthattheneo-fascistNationalAlliancehaseitheraministeroranundersecretaryineachministry.ThirteenofthenewpostswenttomembersofPrimeMinisterSilvioBerlusconi'sForzaItalia,10tothefederalistNorthernLeagueandtwototheDemocratic-ChristianCentre. MembersoftheUNSecurityCouncilintensifieddiscussionsFridayonplanstosend5,500soldierstoRwandaaspartofaUNhumanitarianmission,diplomatssaid.Therotatingpresidentofthecouncil,IbrahimGambariofNigeria,saidaresolutioncouldbeapprovedlaterintheday.TheproposedreinforcementoftheUNMissiontoaidRwanda,whichwasreducedtoonly270memberslastmonth,followedrecommendationsbyUNSecretaryGeneralBoutrosBoutros-Ghali.HesoughtareviewoftheUNmandatetorespondtothehumantiarianemergencyinRwanda,whichhasbeenplungedintochaosbybloodyethnicfightingthateruptedfollowingthedeathofRwanda'spresidentJuvenalHabyarimanaApril6inasuspiciousplanecrash.AworkinggroupcomposedofseveralSecurityCouncilmembersmetFridaymorningtodraftaresolutionwhichwastobeconsideredinconsultationswiththefullcouncilseveralhourslater.Severalpointsofthedraftmuststillbediscussed,notablyareferencetothenotionof"genocide"inRwandaandpossibleinternationaltrialsofpeopleaccusedofatrocities,diplomatssaid.AnotherpointwasthepossibilitythattheUNpeacekeeperscouldresorttoforcetoprotectciviliansinso-calledhumanitariansecurtyzones,theysaid.TheSecurityCouncilalsowasexpectedtoimposeanarmsembargoonRwanda,whereanestimated200,000peoplehavebeenkilledinthefighting.EarlieronFridayinParis,Jacques-RogerBoohBooh,theUNspecialrepresentativetoRwandasaidtheUNprioritywastoreachaceasefirebetweenrebelsandgovernmentsoldiersbeforeundertakinganypoliticalnegotiations."Fornow,itisdifficulttoresumepoliticalnegotiationssolongasthereisnoceasefire,"BoohBoohsaidfollowingameetingwithUNSecretaryGeneralBoutrosBoutros-Ghali."Aceasefireistheoreticallypossiblebutcertainconditionsmustbefulfilled"first,hesaidreferringtotheTutsirebels'refusaltorecognizethetransitionalgovernmentsetupfollowingthedeathofHabyarimana. NorthKoreaiswillingtoholdtalkswiththeInternationalAtomicEnergyAgency(IAEA)totryandnarrowdifferencesbetweenthetwoonthereplacementoffuelrodsatacontroversialnuclearplant,theIAEAannouncedFriday.Theagencysaidthatthedateandlocationofthe"working-leveldiscussions"hadnotbeendecided.TheNorthKoreandecisionwasinresponsetoaninvitationbytheIAEA.MeanwhileateamofIAEAinspectorsaretoheadtoNorthKoreathisweekendtoinspectvariousnuclearfacilitiesthere,IAEAspokesmanDavidKydsaidearlier.TheinspectorswillvisitthenuclearplantatYongbyon,butwillnotbeallowedaccesstotheplant'sfivemegawattreactor,whichtheUnitedStatessuspectsisbeingusedtoproducenuclearweapons.InMarchanIAEAteamwasdeniedaccesstothesamereactor,fromwhichithopedtocollectspentfuelrodsamplestodeterminewhetheranywerebeingdivertedformilitarypurposes.Kydsaidthattheupcomingtripwouldlasteightdaysalthoughitcouldbeextendedifnecessary.Hesaidthatalthoughtheinspectorswouldnotbeallowedtoaccomplishtheirfullmission"theywillbeabletodomostoftheirwork,whichissatisfactoryforus." Kantor(INSERTSbackground)WASHINGTON,May13(AFP)-USTradeRepresentativeMickeyKantorsaidhehadagreedFridaywithJapaneseForeignMinisterKojiKakizawaontheneedforpreliminarycontactstoresumebilateraltradetalks.Theso-calledframeworkagreementnegotiationscollapsedlastFebruarybecauseofadisputeoverhowtomeasureprogressinopeningJapan'smarketandreducingits60-billion-dollartradesurpluswiththeUnitedStates.InTokyo,officialssaidKakizawahadagreedtoresumethestalledframeworktalks,butKantor'sstatementspokeonlyofpreliminarycontacts."AmbassadorKantoragreedwiththesuggestionofForeignMinisterKakizawaontheneedforpreliminarycontactbetweenbothsidestoexplorethebasisforresumptionoftheframeworktalks,"thestatementsaid."TheybothsharedthehopethatabasiswillemergefortheresumptionoftheframeworktalksbeforetheJulyG7meetinginNaples,"itsaid.KakizawacalledKantorandtheydiscussedtheissuefor30minutes,thestatementsaid.ThetradetalksweresuspendedinFebruaryafterJapanrefusedtoaccepttheprincipleofnumericaltargetstomeasureprogressinopeningitsmarkettoforeigngoodsandservices.OnWednesday,KantorsaidtheUnitedStateswasreceptivetoresumingthetalks,butthatthefirstmovewasuptoJapan.AspokesmanforKantoralsodeniedknowledgeofapossiblevisittoWashingtonnextweekoftwohigh-levelJapaneseofficials--SozaburoOkamatsu,viceministerofinternationalaffairsattheMinistryofInternationalTradeandIndustry(MITI),andSadayukiHayashi,deputyministerofeconomicaffairs--totrytoendtheimpasse.TheirvisitwasannouncedearlyFridayinTokyobyJapaneseTradeMinisterEijiroHata.OneprobleminthebilateraltradedisputeisthatPresidentBillClintonhashadtodealwiththreedifferentJapaneseprimeministersinlessthanayear.Clintonreachedaso-calledframeworkagreementwiththen-JapaneseprimeministerKiichiMiyazawainJulyunderwhichWashingtonwastotakestepstocontrolitseconomy,notablybyreducingitsbudgetdeficit.InreturnJapanwouldtakestepstoopenitsmarketsinfourkeyareas:automobilesandautoparts,medicalequipment,insuranceandtelecommunications.TheJuly1993accordgavethetwosidessixmonthstoworkoutkeydetails,notablyhowtheyweretomeasureprogressinopeningJapan'smarkets.BythetimethesixmonthswasupinFebruary,Miyazawahadfallen,tobereplacedbythepro-reformMorihiroHosokawa.ButthenewJapaneseadministrationrefusedtoaccepttheUScallfornumericaltargetstomeasureprogress,sayingthissmackedofmanagedtradeandquotas.HosokawaresignedonApril8andwasreplacedbyTsutomuHatainlateApril.Washingtonmeanwhilehasheldfirmtoitsinsistencethatthe"objectivecriteria"enshrinedintheoriginalframeworkaccordmeantconcretemeasuresofprogress,andthathadtoincludenumbersinsomeform.KantorsaidTuesdaythatwhileproblemsremainedovertheframeworkagreement,therehadbeen"greatstrides"inotherareasofthetraderelationshipwithJapaninrecentmonths.HecitedJapan'sagreementtoacceptimportedrice,anaccordgivingUScompanyMotorolabetteraccesstotheJapanesecellulartelephonemarketandanagreementoncopper.SincethebreakdownofthetradetalkstheUnitedStateshasre-institutedSuper301,atradelawallowingittoimposeunilateralsanctionsoncountriesitconsidersguiltyofunfairtradepractices. EgyptianForeignMinisterAmrMoussaonFridayhailedthe"historicsteptowardanewMiddleEastpeace"bornofrecentIsraeli-Palestinianaccords."It'sasolidtrack,aone-waytrack,andIdon'tthinktherecanbeagoingbackonwhatwasachieved,"hetoldtheRoyalInstituteofInternationalAffairsbeforeleavingforameetingwithUScounterpartWarrenChristopherinGeneva.Moussasaidhewasoptimisticthat"Arab-Israelipeaceseemstobeattainable,"thattherewas"apossibilitytoreachasettlementthatwouldgivebothArabsandIsraelisasenseofsecurity."ThefutureoftheMiddleEastwouldbedetermined,hesaid,byfourfactors:Israel'swithdrawalfromterritoryitoccupiedafterthe1967war,guaranteesofsecurityforallsides,normalizedrelationsbetweenIsraelandArabnations,andpoliticalrightsforthePalestinians."Ifwecanreallyachievethat,thentheprospectsfortheMiddleEastarethere,"hesaid."TheIsraelishavestartedtofeelcohabitationispossible.OntheArabside,Israelisnolongertheenemy."TheIsraeli-PalestinianaccordsonGazaandJerichowereonly"afirststep,"saidMoussa."ThesecondwouldbeautonomyinthetotalityoftheWestBank."Hecautionedagainstover-optimism,and"exaggerationinthedemandsofthisorthatside."Securitymustbeforbothsides,"hesaid."Theyhavetoprovetheyareabletolivetogethersidebysideasneighbors." BritainmustplayitsfullpartinEuropeandadoptfreemarketpoliciesorfallbehindtheUnitedStates,JapanandChinainthe21stcentury,PrimeMinisterJohnMajorsaidFriday.HetoldaConservativePartymeetingheretheissueofEuroperandeepinBritishpoliticsand"raisedconcernsandfearsthataretoooftenplayedontooreadily.""FortoolongEuropehasbeenthepoisoninthewellofBritishpolitics,"saidMajor,addingthattoomanypeoplehadpresentedthedebateinfundamentalistterms,"alittleEuroscepticoralittleEurophile."Thisapproachmissestherealdebate,"hesaid."TherealdebatemustbeabouthowwecanmakeEuropeasuccess,howtomakesureitraisesenthusiasm,notresentment,howtomakesureitraisesthequalityofourlifeandisnotseenasthreateningthenatureofourlife."Europeisabsolutelyfundamentaltothiscountry'snationalinterest,"saidMajor."Wecannotturnourbacksonthat.Itwouldbetheultimateabdication,asupremefolly."Heofferedavisionofawider,moreopen,"people'sEurope,"thatwouldtackletheconcernsofordinarypeopleanddidnotseektointerferewhereitwasnotneeded.Major,whohadrecasthisspeechtoremovepoliticalaspectsinthewakeofthesuddendeathThursdayofoppositionLabourPartyleaderJohnSmith,renewedhistributetoSmith."Wecanweepforagoodman-evenanopponent-becausewerecognisehisqualities,"hesaid.Despite"artificialconfrontations"twiceaweekintheCommonsquestiontimewiththeLabourleader,Majorsaid,helikedSmith.Theiroftenbitterpoliticalconfrontations,hesaid,concealed"friendship,decency,respectandunderstandingthatexistedbehindthescenesinpolitics." SteffiGrafstumbledintothesemi-finalsoftheGermanOpenonFriday,droppingasettoJulieHalard,butreturningafterarainbreaktowin6-3,4-6,7-5.Itwasamiserableperformancefromthetopseed,whomixedflashesofbrilliancewithmassesofunforcederrors.Typicalofhererraticplay,shedroppedthe2ndsetwithadoublefault.Althoughunabletofindanyconsistency,Graftookthefirstsetafterbreakingtolead5-4,hittingafinebackhanddownthelineonsetpoint.ButFrance'sHalardrefusedtobedisheartened,andclaimedthesecondset6-4,beforeGrafclinchedaclosematchinthefinalsetonaHalardnettedservicereturn.Grafsaidafterwards:"Sheplayedincrediblywell.Shejustwentforshotsthatwereunbelievable,soItriedtohanginthere.Shetooksomanyrisksandeverythingshehit,shehitverywell,especiallyherforehand."AnkeHuberabruptlyendedtherunofRussia'sElenaMakarovainthequarter-finals,winning6-0,6-1injustunderanhour.ItwasoneoftheGerman'sfinestperformancesforsometime,andshepressuredheropponentformbeginningtoend.Makarovasaidafterwards:"Iwasreallytiredandcouldn'tkeepmyconcentration,andshewasplayingsofast.IfIputtheballshort,shehititsohard." ChinesedissidentChenZiming,oneoftheleadingfiguresduringthe1989pro-democracymovement,wasreleasedfromprisonFridaytoreceivemedicaltreatment,theofficialXinhuanewsagencyreported.Chen,a40-year-oldeconomistandpublisherofthereformistEconomicWeekly,wassentencedto13yearsinjailinFebruary1991for"conspiringtosubvertthegovernmentand"counter-revolutionarypropagandaandincitement."Chen'sreleasefollowsthatoffiveChristiansfromre-educationcamps,aswellasthereleaseoftwootherdissidentsonThursday,inwhatappearstobemovestopersuadeUSPresidentBillClintontoextendChina'smost-favored-nationtradestatus.Chen"hasbeenreleasedonbailformedicaltreatmenttodaywiththepermissionoftheChinesejudicialauthorities,"Xinhuasaid,monitoredhere.ThesentencehandeddownonChenwasoneoftheheaviestforanyleaderofthe1989movementwhichculminatedintheTiananmenSquaremassacreofJune4.Chen,whocamefromtheeasternprovinceofZhejiang,wasdirectoroftheprivateBeijingSocial-EconomicResearchInstituteaswellasacontributortotheEconomicWeekly.DuringhisperiodofdetentioninQinchengprison,ChenhadsecretlywrittenabookonthehistoryofChinasincethelaunchingofreformsbyparamountleaderDengXiaopingin1978.ThemanuscriptwassmuggledoutoftheprisonandpublishedinHongKong.Chenwaseighthonthe"most-wantedcriminals"listissuedbythepublicsecurityministryin1989.ThesixpoeplewhoheadedthelisteithermanagedtofleeChinaorwereallowedtoleavebytheauthorities,suchasastrophysicistFangLizhiandhiswifeLiShuxian. EmersonFittipaldiwantsFormulaOnetoadoptsomeIndycarsafetymeasuressohisfriendAyrtonSennawillnothavediedinvain.InthewakeofthreetragicFormulaOnecrashes,thereigningIndianapolis500championfromBrazilconsidershimselfsaferhereattopspeedsof245mph(392km/h)thanonmuchslowerFormulaOnecourses."TheFormulaOne(safety)rulesarenotasgoodasIndycar,"Fittipaldisaid."Ourchassisishigherandgivesmuchbetterprotectiontothedriver'shead.InF1,thedriver'sshouldersarejuststickingout.Thehelmetistheonlyprotection.There'snotenoughmaterialonthesideifyou'rehitthere."Fittipaldi,the1972and1974F1worlddrivingchampion,alsowantsstrongercarbodies.HehopesfuturedriversmightsurvivecrashessimilartothosewhichkilledSennaandAustria'sRolandRatzenbergerandThursday'smishapthatleftAustria'sKarlWendlingerinadeepcoma."InF1,theyneedtoincreasetheminimumweightofthecars,which(at1,350pounds)is250poundslessthanIndycars.Theyreallylookfragile,"Fittipaldisaid."That'sthemainprobleminmyopinion."Wendlinger'scrashbroughtconcernfromdriverspracticingforSaturday'spolequalifyingfortheMay29Indyrace.Contendersonthe2.5-mile(4km)ovalaveragemorethan227mph(363km/h),buthavegreateraerodynamicsforbetterhandlingattopspeed. "Ireallydon'twanttobelieveithashappened,"saidNigelMansell,the1992F1champion."Thesituationisdire,notjustforFormulaOnebutmotorsports."MarioAndretti,the1978F1champion,wantstracksafetystudiedaswellasgreatercockpitprotection."Weshouldlearnsomethingfromthesetragicaccidents,"Andrettisaid."Whenitcomestosafety,measuresshouldberedundant.Whatwoulditcostforanextrawalloftires?TheotherthingisF1cockpitsaremuchmorenaked.Thedriver'swholeneckisexposed.Paddingwouldhelpwithsideimpact.""EitherofthesethingsmighthavesavedSennaandRatzenberger,"hesaid.Fittipaldistressedthatdriversandraceorganizersmustworktogethertocorrecttheproblems."Theyshouldsitdownaroundthesametableandeveryoneshouldgiveinputonthefutureofracing.Thatwouldbeconstructive,"saidFittipaldi,whocalledtheweekofSenna'sfuneraloneofthetoughestinhiscareer.Scotland'sDerrickWalker,anIndy-carteamownerandmanager,pointedoutthatIndy'ssafetymeasurescameafterpasttragedies."Thisplacehashadsomecrashesandlearnedfromthem,"Walkersaid."Allgroupsmustpicktheirsafetylevelandlookaheadsowedon'tloseourtopracers,sowedon'thavethetragediesyouseeovertherenow." TheforeignministersofRussia,theUnitedStatesandfivewesternEuropeancountriesendedameetingonBosnia-HercegovinaFridaywithacallforaceasefire,andnegotiationsbetweenthewarringpartiesintwoweeks,aFrenchdiplomaticsourcereported.Hesaidtheministershadcalledfortheceasefiretobe"unconditional."Acommuniqueduetobepublishedlaterintheeveningwouldreiteratetheministers'supportforaEuropeanUnionproposaltodividetheformerYugoslavrepubliconthebasisof51percentforMoslemsandCroatsand49percentforSerbs,thesourcesaid. StockswerefirmontheFrankfurtexchangethisweek,strengthenedbypositivefirstquarterresultsfromanumberofcompaniesandaloweringofkeyinterestratesonWednesday.TheDAXindexof30leadingstocksclosedFridayat2,258.75points,up0.97percentfortheweekafteraO.38percentdiponMondaywhichechoedlossesonWallStreet.Commerzbanksaidturbulenceonthebondmarketwasnotaffectingstockprices,andthisprovedinvestorsweretakingmoreaccountofeconomicconditionsandcompanyforecasts.Thebankispredictinganaverageincreaseof25percentinnetprofitsnextyeardespiteanewsolidaritytaxtohelpcoverthecostofreunificationwhichisduetocomeintoeffectin1995.Amongmajorcompanies,Degussapostedariseof25.50Germanmarksto540.50marks,andDeutscheBankrose5.70marksto364.50marks.Volkswagengained5.50marksto528.50,andBMWrose10.50to939marks.Metallgesellschaftboundedup61marksafterabuyrecommendationFridaybySwissbanks.Theyieldonthe10-yearsixpercentbondwasat6.44percentFridaycomparedwith6.61percentaweekpreviously. England'sPhilipDonisreplacingHolland'sthreatenedrefereeJohnBlankensteinfortheEuropeanChampionsCupfinalbetweenACMilanandBarcelonaonMay18,UEFAsaidFriday.BlankensteinhasreceiveddeaththreatsfromItaly,asBarcelonacoachJohanCruyffanddefenderRonaldKoemanarealsofromHolland.Europeanfootball'sgoverningbodyUEFAsaidinastatementit:"HadreceivedrecentlyanumberofseriousdeaththreatsfromItaly."ThestatementfurthersaidtheywereactingforreasonsofsecurityandthedecisioninnowayquestionedBlankenstein'srefereeingability.Vice-PresidentofBarcelona,JoseMussons,said:"Thisisnotthefirsttimeithashappenedand,ifitremovessuspicion,somuchthebetter." TheforeignministersofRussia,theUnitedStatesandfivewesternEuropeancountriesendedameetingonBosnia-HercegovinaFridaywithacallforaceasefire,andnegotiationsbetweenthewarringpartiesintwoweeks,aFrenchdiplomaticsourcereported.Hesaidtheministershadcalledfortheceasefiretobe"unconditional."Acommuniqueduetobepublishedlaterintheeveningwouldexpresstheministers'supportforaEuropeanUnionproposaltodividetheformerYugoslavrepubliconthebasisof51percentforafederationofMoslemsandCroats,and49percentforSerbs,thesourcesaid.TheministersfromtheUnitedStates,Russia,Germany,Britain,France,BelgiumandGreecealsoproposedaphasedsuspensionofUNsanctionsagainsttherumpYugoslavia(SerbiaandMontenegro)ifapeaceagreementwasreachedandaccompaniedbyawithdrawalofforcestoagreedlines,thesourceadded. AgroupofNorwegiantouristswereheldupandrobbedatgunpointhereFridayonlyminutesaftertheirplanetoucheddown,saidpolice.ThefiveNorwegianswereonboardahotelshuttlebuswhenoneoftwoyoungmenwhohadjoinedthem,pulledoutagunanddemandedcashandjewelery.Policesayonetouristwashitandinjuredduringtheraid.Thetwomenfledafterorderingthedrivertopull-offtheexpresswayandstop. RwandanrebelssaidFridaythattheyhavetakencontrolhalfofthecountryafterfiveweeksofheavyfightingwithgovernmentforcesduringwhichtensofthousandsofpeoplehavedied.FightersoftheRwandaPatrioticFront(RPF)saidinaradiobroadcastmonitoredherebytheBBCthatthedistrictsofByumba,halfofRuhengeriinthenorth,Kibunguintheeastandalargepartofthecapital,Kigalihadfallentorebelforces."Inshort,theRPFlargelycontrolsmorethanhalfofRwandanterritory,"therebelRadioMuhaburasaid.RPFguerrillasonFridaycapturedGako,acamppreviouslyoccupiedbygovernmenttroopsintheBugeseraregion,about30kilometres(26miles)southofKigali,theradioadded.Inaseparatereport,theradiosaidRPFofficialshadbeenmeetingPresidentMobutuSeseSekoofZairetodiscussaceasefiredocumentsignedbytheinterimRwandangovernment.Itgavenodetails.Rebelofficialsrefusedtoendorsetheproposedceasefirebecauseitwassignedbyarmyofficersonbehalfofthegovernment,whichtheRPFdoesnotrecognize,theradiosaid."TheRPFhasalwaysrejectedanytalkswiththeillegitimategovernmentinRwandabutthefronthasalwaysinvitedtheRwandesegovernmentforcesfortalksaimedatstoppingthemilitaryhostilitiesbetweenthetwosides,"theradioadded.RwandaplungedbackintocivilwarpittingtheRPF,drawnmainlyfromtheTutsiminority,againsttheHutu-dominatedarmyandpro-governmentmilitiasafterHutupresidentJuvenalHabyarimanawaskilledinsuspiciousplanecrashonApril6.HundredsofthousandsofRwandans,TutsisandHutus,havefledintoneighbouringcountriestoescapethebloodbath,inwhataidagenciessayisoneofthebiggestrefugeesexodustheyhavefaced. ThedollarremainedfirmedagainstothermajorcurrenciesinquiettradinghereearlyFridayafterthegovernmentreportedanunexpectedlysmallriseinAprilconsumerpricesandbecauseofalongholidayweekendinEurope.Gold,meanwhile,roseto381.10dollarsanounce,up1.20dollarsfromlateThursday.Atabout12:55a.m.(1655GMT),thegreenbacktradedat1.6695Germanmarks,upfrom1.6675lateThursday.TheUScurrencyalsofirmedagainstothermajorEuropeancurrencies,risingto5.7256Frenchfrancsfrom5.7200lateThursday,1.4255Swissfrancs(1.4245).Againstthepoundsterlingitremainedunmovedat0.6669.AtraderwithamajorEuropeanbankinNewYorkpredictedthedollarwouldmovebetween1.6710and1.6720marksfortherestoftheday.TraderswerecautiouslyawaitingtheFederalReserve'snextmeetingofitspolicy-settingOpenMarketCommittee,onTuesday.AnalystsexpecttheFedwillraisethefederalfundsrate,theinterestchargedonovernightinterbankloans. TheforeignministersofRussia,theUnitedStatesandfivewesternEuropeancountriescalledFridayforafour-monthceasefireinBosnia-Hercegovinaandnegotiationsbetweenthewarringpartiesintwoweeks.Acommuniqueissuedattheendoftheirfive-hourmeetingcalledforapeaceagreementbasedonaEuropeanUnionproposaltodividetheformerYugoslavrepubliconthebasisof51percentforafederationofMoslemsandCroats,and49percentforSerbs.TheministersfromtheUnitedStates,Russia,Germany,Britain,France,BelgiumandGreecealsocondemnedrecentSerbattacksagainstGorazde,aMoslemenclaveintheeastwhichtheUnitedNationshaddeclareda"safearea." TheforeignministersofRussia,theUnitedStatesandfivewesternEuropeancountriescalledFridayforafour-monthceasefireinBosnia-Hercegovinaandnegotiationsbetweenthewarringpartiesintwoweeks.Acommuniqueissuedattheendoftheirfive-hourmeetingcalledforapeaceagreementbasedonaEuropeanUnionproposaltodividetheformerYugoslavrepubliconthebasisof51percentforafederationofMoslemsandCroats,and49percentforSerbs.TheministersfromtheUnitedStates,Russia,Germany,Britain,France,BelgiumandGreecealsocondemnedrecentSerbattacksagainstGorazde,aMoslemenclaveintheeastwhichtheUnitedNationshaddeclareda"safearea."Aftertwoyearsofdestructionanddivisionleavingtensofthousandsofpeopledead,woundedordisplaced,frustrationatthefailureofpreviouspeaceproposalsmarkedtherun-uptothishigh-levelencounter.FranceanditswestEuropeanpartnersweresetonwrestingagreementonaceasefireandpoliticalsettlementformula.FrenchForeignMinisterAlainJuppe,whosecountryhasfurnishedthelargestcontingentforUNforcesinBosnia,warnedearlierthattheUNforceswouldnotweatheranotherwintertherewithoutsuchaplan.ThelowerRussianhouseofparliamentforitspartvotedFridaytonolongeradheretotheUNsanctionsagainsttherumpYugoslaviaofSerbiaanditstinyMontenegrinally.Friday'sDumaresolutionstipulatedthatintheeventofa"unilateralliftingbyastateoftheembargoonarmsdeliveriestoBosnia,"Russiawouldhavetorespondwith"adequatemeasuresthatcouldgoasfarasraisingthequestionofaunilateralexitfromthesanctionsregime." Washington'scredibilitywillbebadlydamagedifitbacksdowninthenextthreeweeksinitsinsistencethatChinaimproveitshumanrightsrecordtopreservethetraderelationship,accordingtoareportpublishedhereFriday."USinterestsaredependentonWashington'scredibility,andnobodycandoubtthatamajoraboutfaceonthisissuebeforeJune1994woulddamageourcredibility,withnegativeconsequencesinthefuture,"saidthereportfromapanelofexpertssenttoPresidentBillClinton.Butinthelongertermthepanel,setupbytheprivateCouncilonForeignRelationsandchairedbyformerUSSecretariesofStateHenryKissingerandCyrusVance,urgedClintontoabandonthelinkbetweentradeandhumanrights."Thegoalsremainimportant,butthisparticularpolicytoolwillnotafterthisyearprovidethemosteffectivemeansforpursuingtheobjectiveofbringingChinamoreintoacordwithgenerally-acceptedinternationalstandardsonhumanrights,"thereportsaid.ClintonhassaidhewillnotrenewChina'smostfavorednation(MFN)tradingstatusbeyondJune3unlessBeijingshowssignificantoverallprogressonhumanrights.ThepanelurgedClintonto"shifttheinitiativetothemoreforward-lookingleadersinBeijing"intherun-uptoJune3inabidtoreachasolution."Thisrequires,webelieve,extensivefocusonquietdiplomacyandapotentialpromise(toBeijing)thatsuccessfulcompliancewithhumanrightsconditionsthistimewillremoveconditionalityonMFNrenewalhenceforth."Inthelongerterm,WashingtonmustdevelopabalancedrelationshipwithChinainwhichhumanrightsremainedanimportantconcernbutwheretieshadbeennormalisedsothatfailuresinonerealmwouldnotunderminethewholerelationship,addedthereport.ItnotedthatChina'sleaders"bridleandbecomemoreobstinatewhentheyfeeltheyarebeingtreatedwithcontempt,"butweremoreflexibleiftreatedwithrespect"butalsofirmlyandconvincinglytoldwherethelineisdrawn." Inpromotinghumanrights,iturgedWashingtontosetupabilateralhumanrightscommissionwhichwouldmeetregullarly,andtoworkwiththeinternationalcommunityindraftingamultilateralresponse"whenthereareegregioushumanrightsviolations.""TheaboveeffortsseektostrengthenpositivechangesalreadyunderwayinChinawhileavoidingactivitiesthatplaceAmericaonthewrongsideofChinesenationalismandofChinesereform,"thepanelsaid. DespitebroadoppositionheretoamilitarysolutioninHaiti,rumorsofaUSmilitaryinterventionaregrowing,fueledbythedefianceoftheHaitianmilitaryanddomesticpolitics.AfterdenyingaLosAngelesTimesstoryWednesdaythatWashingtonhaddecidedtouseforceandthatonlythetimingremainedinquestion,theWhiteHouseFridayplayeddowntheimportanceofmilitaryexercisesintheCaribbean.AccordingtotheBostonGlobe,theexercisewasdevisedasatrialrunforaninvasionofHaiti.PresidentBillClintonisthesourceofthesabrerattling,havingraisedthethreatofmilitaryinterventionseveraltimesthismonthinhisbidtowinthereinstatementofdeposedpresidentJean-BertrandAristide.Skepticalofthemuscle-flexingbyWashington,whichrunscontrarytoClinton'srecord,theHaitianmilitaryhasdecidedtodefytheUnitedStatesbyswearing-inaprovisionalpresident,EmileJonassaint.Infact,alltheopinionpollsshowthatalargemajorityofAmericansopposemilitaryinterventioninHaiti.TheCongressalsoisinnomoodforanotherforeignadventure.Clintonalsohasbeenapprisedoftheinternationalcommunity'soppositiontothemilitaryoption.FrenchForeignMinisterAlainJuppetoldhimThursdaynottocountonFrancetakingpartinsuchanactiontooustGeneralRaoulCedras.UNSecretaryGeneralBoutrosBoutros-GhalimadethesamepointMay4inareporttothegeneralassemblycallingforapoliticalcompromisethatcouldresultinaHaitiansolutiontothecrisis.Clinton'spredecessor,GeorgeBush,madeclearhisoppositiontothemilitarysolution."Idon'tthinkweoughttoputonesinglesoldieronthegroundinHaiti,"hesaidinaspeechThursdayinMassachusetts.Thepossibilitythattheadministrationwillresorttoforceisbeingtakenseriouslybysome,asevidencedbyaNewYorkTimeseditorialurgingClintonto"staycalmonHaiti."ThomasCarother,aspecialistonLatinAmericaandtheCaribbeanattheCarnegieFoundationforInternationalPeace,considersmilitaryintervention"possible,andevenlikely"withinsixmonthsfortworeasons.Thefirst,hetoldAFP,hastodowiththesituationinFlorida,whereanewwaveofboatpeopleisfearedbecauseofClinton'srecentdecisiontoeasehispolicyofimmediatelyrepatriatingrefugeesinterceptedonthehighseas.ItisnocoincidencethatmanyofthosecallingformilitaryactionaremembersofCongressfromFlorida. CarothersstressesthatfortheWhiteHouseHaitiisreallyadomesticproblem."FloridahasbecomeanobsessionoftheClintonteam.TheywanttowinFloridain'96.Itwasveryclosein'92,"hesaid.With27electoralvotes,orone-tenththenumberrequiredtowintheWhiteHouse,FloridaisthemostimportantelectoralprizeafterCalifornia.Clintonlostitbytwopercentofthevoteinthepastpresidentialelections."Thesecondfactorissimplythesenseofpowerlessnessandhumiliationofbeingdefeatingbythesepeople,"Carotherssaid."Thereisageneralsenseoffrustration,"hesaid,likeningClinton'spredicamenttothatfacedbyBushinhisstandoffwithPanama'sgeneralManuelNoriega.BushorderedUStroopsintoPanamainDecember1989."It'shardtoknowwhenapresidentreachesthebreakingpoint,"hesaid.AccordingtoCarothers,thePentagonandtheStateDepartmentopposeintervention,buttheWhiteHousetakesadifferentview."Thisisthedivision:betweentheprofessionalsandthosewhothinkinpoliticalterms,"hesaid.Inhisviewconsiderationsofdomesticpoliticswillcarrygreaterweightinthepresident'sdecisiontouseforcethanwilltheobjectionsofLatinAmericancoutriesleeryofabigstickapproachbyWashington. AyrtonSennawaskilledbyapieceofsuspensionfromhisWilliams-RenaultattheSanMarinograndprix,FIApresidentMaxMosleysaidhereonFriday."WehavereceivedtheresultsofSenna'sautopsywhichallowsusnowtosayitwasapieceofsuspension,whichpiercedhishelmetandgavethefatalblow,"saidMosley.Brazil'sthree-timesFormulaOneworldchampionwaskilledwithmassiveheadinjuriesafteranaccidentontheseventhlapoftheMay1race. FrenchTransportMinisterBernardBossononFridaythrewdownthegauntlettoBritishairlinesplanningtobreaktheFrenchstrangleholdonflightsintoParis'Orlyairportnextweek.BritishAirways,AirUKandTATairlinessaytheywillignoreFrance'srefusaltoallowthemtousethebusyinternationalairportsouthofParisandwilllaunchservicesbetweenLondonandOrlyonMonday,aspermittedbyaEuropeanCommissionruling.ButFrenchtransportministrysourcesunderlinedthatwithoutanacceptedflightplan,nopilotcantakeoffwithoutviolatinginternationalregulationsandendangeringhispassengers'lives.AndBossonraisedthetemperatureFridaysaying"theresultingconsequencesforthepassengerswillbethesoleresponsibilityoftheairlines,solet'smakeadateforMonday."Wecannotacceptthataircraftturnuplikethat,anyoldhow,withoutaminimumnumberofrules,"hesaidinthiswesterntown."Iamsurethatwewillfindasolutionandthatthiswilltakeafewweeks."However,healsoattemptedtoplaydownthedispute,whichhedismissedasa"storminateacup,"addingthattherowhadgrownto"ridiculousproportions."ThegovernmenthaddecidedtoopenOrly-LondonuptoBritishcarriersbuthadtosettlecertaintechnical,safetyandenvironmentalconcerns,includingaproncongestion.Ina"verygentle"remindertoBritain,Bossonsaid,"yes,wearegoingtoopenupOrly.Butwe,whofindourselvesinthedock,wouldliketoseeBritainmakethesameefforttoopenupHeathrow,"Britain'sbusiestairport.TheBritishairlines,backedbytheirgovernment,areinsistingtheyareentitledtostartflightstoOrlynextweekinlinewithaEuropeanUnionrulingorderingFrancetoopenthreedomesticroutestocompetition:Orly-London,Orly-ToulouseandOrly-Marseilles.BritishAirways(BA)hassaid:"Wehavetherightsandtheslots,andwewillbestartingourfirstLondon-to-OrlyflightsonMonday."TheBritishgovernmenthasexpressedits"fullsupport"fortheairline.InLondon,aCivilAviationAuthorityspokesmannotedthattheeasiestwayinpracticefortheFrenchtopreventBAandotherairlinesfromservingOrlywastorejecttheflightplan,whicheverypilothastosubmitanhourbeforetakeoff.ThefirstscheduledflighttoOrlyisduetoleaveHeathrowairportat6:50a.m.(0550GMT)MondayandarriveinParisanhourlater.ForeigncompetitionthroughOrlyisalsoseenasathreattotheloss-makingnationalcarrierAirFranceanditsdomesticsubsidiaryAirInter.UnionsatAirInterhavecalledastrikeforTuesdayinprotestovertheopeningoftheroutes.TheroutesthroughOrlyarecovetedbyforeigncompaniesbecausealldomesticFrenchflightsleavefromtheairport.Lastyear,9.7millionpassengersusedtheOrly-Sudinternationalpartoftheterminalwhile15.7millionpassedthroughOrly-Ouest,reservedforthedomesticcarrierAir-Inter.FrenchanalystsbelieveBritishairlinesarekeentocapturetheestimatedhalfamillionFrenchpassengerswhouseAirIntereachyeartoflytoParistocatchaforeignconnection.AtransportministrysourcesaidtheFrenchgovernmentwaseagerabovealltonegotiateareciprocityagreementwithBritainbeforeopeningOrlytoBritishaircraft,astheEuropeanCommissionhasordered.AirFranceandAirOutremerhavefiledapplicationstouseHeathrowairportinLondonwhichwererejectedongroundsthattheairportwasalreadytoocongested.Untilnow,allflightstoLondonfromParishaveleftfromRoissy-CharlesdeGaulleairport,flyingtofourLondonairports:Heathrow,Gatwick,StanstedandLondonCityAirport. Southernleadersputforwardaseven-pointplanFridaytoendninedaysofcivilwarinYemenbetweenrivalnorthandsouthforces,anofficialsourcesaidhere.TheplanproposedbythesouthernYemenSocialistParty,whichisheadedbyoustedvicepresidentAliSalemal-Baid,callsforan"immediateendtothewar"andthecreationofagovernmentofnationalunity. Southernleadersputforwardaseven-pointplanFridaytoendninedaysofcivilwarinYemenbetweenrivalnorthandsouthforces,anofficialsourcesaidhere.TheplanproposedbythesouthernYemenSocialistParty,whichisheadedbyoustedvice-presidentAliSalemal-Baid,callsforan"immediateendtothewar"andthecreationofagovernmentofnationalunity.Thegovernmentwouldbechargedwith"wipingouttheconsequencesofthewar"andconductinganinquiryinto"thoseresponsibleforthewar,"thesourcesaid.Baid,whowassackedlastweekasvice-presidentbythenorthern-dominatedparliamentinthecapitalSanaa,hassaidaceasefirewoulddependonthewithdrawalofnorthernforcesfromthesouth.Hisnorthernrival,PresidentAliAbdallahSaleh,hassaidhewouldonlyacceptaceasefireifthesouthernersagreedtoaccepthisgovernment,respectthecountry'sunityandputallarmedforcesunderthegovernment'scontrol.TherivalarmiesofformerNorthandSouthYemenhavebeenlockedincivilwarsinceMay5,shatteringfouryearsofuneasyunionbetweentheconservativenorthandtheMarxistsouth. TheFootsieroseslightlyduringtheweek,despiteconstantlylookingoveritsshoulderatUSsharesandfuturespricesandgenerallytakinglittleheedofreassuringperformancesfromBritishcompanies.TheFT-SE100indexofleadingsharesclosedat3,119.2pointsonFriday,aweeklyriseof13.2pointsor0.4percent.TheindexowesthisslightweeklyrisetoasignifcantliftonTuesday,whensharesrose1.2percentonhopesthattheBundesbankwouldcutkeyinterestratesatitsbi-monthlymeetingonWednesday.HopesofacutinBritishrateswerefirmlysquashedonThursdayafterChancelloroftheExchequerKennethClarkeandBankofEnglandgovernorEddieGeorgewarnedofthedangersofoverheatingtheeconomy.Initsquarterlyreport,theBankofEnglandalsoexpressedconcernaboutaresurfacingofinflation,particularlyafterBritishconsumercreditsrosebyarecord516millionpounds(774milliondollars)inMarch,comparedtoanalysts'expectationsof325millionpounds.Insurancecompaniesingeneralgainedlittlefrombetterfirst-quarterresults.CommercialUnion,whichalmostquadrupleditspre-taxprofitsto64millionpounds,dippedsevenpenceto568,whileGeneralAccidentfelltwopenceto559despitea46percenthikeinpre-taxprofits,andRoyalInsuranceincheduponepenceto261.ThemediagroupPearsonwasoneofthemainwinnersduringtheweek,soaring41penceto673afterannouncingajointsatellitetelevisionventurewiththeBBC.BritishGasroseeightpenceto301.5,asthemarketbelatedlywelcomedareportbytheindustrywatchdogOfgasonincreasedcompetitioninthegasdistributionsector.SmithKlineBeechamrose12penceto406afterannouncingitwastomarketagenericformofcimetidine,themainingredientinitsanti-ulcerdrugTagamet,intheUS.TheRoyalBankofScotlandjumped25penceto432afterdoublingitshalf-yearlypre-taxprofitsto201millionpounds.ButinvestorswerenotimpressedbyresultsfromUnileverandGrandMetropolitan.Unileverslumped51penceto1,023whileGrandMetfell14penceto453afterreportingprudentprovisionsforitsdrinksbrands.Finally,BritishAirwaysfell25penceto391asdealerswereworriedaboutthecompany'sintentiontocompleteitsfirstflightfromLondontoParis'OrlyairportdespiteoppositionfromtheFrenchgovernment.IndicesMay13May6FT-SE.........3,119.23,106FT-Ordinary...2,471.32,480.3Gilts.........94.4893.69Goldmines....209.6202.6 SwedishDefenseMinisterAndersBjoerckwilltraveltoPolandonMondaytovisithisPolishcounterpartPiotrKolodziejczykandsignacooperationagreement,theforeignministrysaidFriday.Theagreementinvolvesanexchangeofinformationofdefenseissueswherebythetwocountrieswillexpandtheircooperationwithintheindustrialdefensesector.Thetwoministerswillalsoexchangeviewsonpeacekeepingandmilitaryeducationduringtheone-dayvisit.BjoerckwillalsomeetPolishPresidentLechWalesaandPrimeMinisterWaldemarPawlak. CubanwrestlerLazaroReinoso,anOlympicbronzemedallistin1992,defectedinMiamiashetraveledwiththeCubanteamtoameetintheUnitedStates,aCubanexilegroupsaidFriday.The24-year-oldReinosoapparentlyaskedforpoliticalasylumwhileclearingcustomsatMiamiInternationalairportonThursdaynight."HesaidhisbiggestambitionwastocometotheUnitedStatestobeafreemanandtocompeteasamemberoftheUSwrestlingteam,"saidMarioMiranda,aspokesmanfortheCubanAmericanNationalFoundation.MirandasaidtwootherCubanwrestlers,JesusWilsonandJosvaniNegret,disappearedafterleavingtheplane."Nobodyknowswheretheothertwowent,"Mirandasaid."Theyjustwalkedoutoftheairport."TwoCubanrowers,UsbielHimelyMedinaandTatianaValdezSarria,havearrivedinMiamiaftercomingintoAmericathroughTexasearlierthisweek,Mirandasaid.Hesaidbothplantoaskforasylum. TheUSembassysaidFridayitsconsularsectionthathandlesnon-immigrantvisaswascloseduntilfurthernotice.Otherconsularsectionsoftheembassywillremainopen,anembassysourcesaid.Noreasonwasgivenfortheaction,whichcametwodaysaftertheinvestitureofEmileJonassaintasprovisionalpresidentoverprotestsbyWashingtonandtheinternationalcommunity.TheUnitedStateshasannouncedabanonvisasformilitary,membersoftheirfamiliesandallsupportersoftheregime.Abanonnon-commercialflightstotheUnitedStatesalreadyishittingthecountry'smangoexporters,whoareinthemidstofaharvest.TheUSactionsfollowedaUNSecurityCouncilresolutionlastFridaythatimposedanimmediatebanonvisasforthemilitary,orderedtheiroverseasassetsfrozenandcutoffnon-commercialairlinkstoHaiti. BeatenKentuckyDerbyfavoriteHolyBullwillmissthePreaknesswithminorphysicalproblems,thecolt'sowner-trainerJimmyCrollsaidFriday."Therewereacoupleofthingswrong,"Crollsaid."Nothingdrastic,butthevetsaiditwouldbebettertogivehimsevenoreightextradays."CrollsaidtherewasnothingwrongwithHolyBullwhenhefinished12thintheKentuckyDerbylastSaturday,adefeathecalled"strictlyabadcaseofcircumstances."HolyBullwasbumpedatthestartoftheDerbyandslammedagaininthefirstturnonthemuddyChurchillDownstrack.CrollstillplanstorunHolyBullintheoneandone-halfmileBelmontStakes,thefinalraceoftheTripleCrown.bb94 SeniorofficialsoftheUnitedNations,theUSadministrationandmembersofCongressusedaSenatehearingFridaytodenouncethehavocabandonedlandminesarecausingcivilians."Everymonth,atleast1,200people,mostlyinnocentcivilianswhohavenothingtodowithanywarorconflict,arekilledormaimedforlifebythesetiny,silentexplosives,"saidSenatorPatrickLeahyofVermont,wholedthehearings.KenRutherford,areliefworker,recalledhowhewasmaimedwhenhisvehiclehitananti-tankmineinSomaliainDecember."TheLandRoverlurchedforwardalittle,andtheinsidefilledwithdust,"hesaid."IslowlylookedatDuale(thedriver),whosefacewascoveredwithdust,thendowntomyfeet.Isawawhitebonestickingoutwheremyrightfootusedtobe.Atfirst,IwonderedifitwasDuale'sboneormine.Itwasmine."Morethanamillionpeople,mostofthemcivilians,havebeenkilledorwoundedbyminessince1975.Anestimated100millionofthemarestillplantedinabout60countriesandabout1.2millionareinarsenalsaroundtheworld.About50countriesproducesome300typesofmines,andabout30countriesexportthem.SadakaOgata,UNHighCommissionerforRefugees,explainedthatthepresenceofmineswerehurtingUNeffortstomovedpeopledisplacedbywarbacktotheirhomes."Bringingpeoplebacktotheircountries,wehavetomakesurethattheroadstogobackaresafe,"shesaid,notingthattheUnitedNationshavesteppeduptheireducationandpreventionefforts.OgatasingledoutAfghanistan,whereeachyear4,000peoplearekilledand4,000woundedbymines.Guatemala,Somalia,Iraq,Mozambique,Cambodiaareothercountriesthataremostaffectedbytheproblem,shesaid."Nobodyputsmoneyinmineclearanceresearch,"saidretiredgeneralPatrickGlagden,directoroftheUnitedNation'smineclearingprogram.Atthesametime,modernminesaremadeofplasticandescapemetaldetectors."I'mlosingthiswar,"hesaid.ThomasMcNamara,aseniorStateDepartmentofficialinchargeofpolitico-militaryaffairs,saiditwouldbeextremelydifficulttobanmines,especiallysincetheyarenotconsideredillegitimateweaponsasisthecasewithchemicalorbiologicalweapons. UNHighCommissionerforHumanRightsJoseAyalaLassomadeanimpassionedpleaFridayfortheworldtoendthe"unimaginablehumantragedy"inRwanda."Theworldmustdosomethingtohaltthisviolence,"saidAyalaLasso,whoarrivedinEuropeThursdayfromfivedaysinKigali,wherehemetwiththechiefsoftheHutu-ledgovernmentarmyandthemostlyTutsiRwandanPatrioticFront.Heobtainedassurancesfromthegovernmentarmythatseveralthousandciviliansheldcaptiveinthecapitalwouldbefreedsoon.Hesaidhehadaskedthewarringpartiestoguaranteethesafedeliveryofhumanitarianaid,butadded:"theinternationalcommunitymustreallycommititselftoputtingpressureonthiscountry."AyalaLassosaidthemajorityHutusandminorityTutsishadbothwelcomedhisproposaltosetupacommissiontodeterminethecausesofthemassacreswhichhaveleftsome200,000deadinthetinyhighlandcentralAfricanstate,andresponsibilityforthem.TheofficeoftheUNHighCommissionerforRefugeesmeanwhilesaidthatwithUSplanesnowoperatinganairbridgetakingaidtosome250,000RwandanrefugeesinTanzaniahadintensified,andwasflyinginplasticsheetingforshelters.Some2,000refugeesarecontinuingtocrossthebordereachday,saidspokesmanRonRedmond.InParis,foreignministryspokesmanRichardDuquesaidFrancehadaskedtheUnitedNationstoensurethatUNtroopsinRwandaprotectrefugeesshelteringintheMillesCollinesHotelinKigali,sayingtheyhadbeenthreatened.FrancesupportedaproposalbyUNSecretaryGeneralBoutrosBoutros-GhaliforbeefinguptheUNtroopstrengthinRwanda,hesaid,anditappearedthewarringpartieshadagreedtothis.TheogeneRudasingwa,thesecretarygeneralofthePatrioticFront,meanwhiletoldapressconferenceinJohannesburgthathewas"shocked"thatFranceshouldrefusetosupport"therealdemocraticforcesoftheRwandanopposition"ratherthanthegovernment,whichwasbehindthe"massacreoftheTutsis." PlayattheByronNelsonGolfClassicwasrainedoutagainonFriday,jeopardizingchancesthatatleastthreeroundscouldbeplayedbySunday.ThesaturatedTournamentPlayersClubcourseatLasColinashadanotherinchofraindumpedonitearlyFriday.OfficialshadhopedtostartplayFridayafternoon,butconditionswouldnotallowit.TournamentchairmanPlackCarrsaidtwocourses,theTPCandtheCottonwoodValleycoursenearby,wouldbeusedonSaturday.Thefieldof156willbesplit,andonceplayerscomplete18holestheywillchangecoursesandplayuntilnightfall."Fewofourplayerswillhaveplayed36holes,butwebelieveallofthemwillhaveplayed27holes,"saidPGATourofficialDukeButler.ThesecondroundwasscheduledtobecompletedSundaymorning,withthefinalroundlaterintheday.Weathercouldstillthwarttheplans.ThunderstormswereforecastforFridaynightandSaturdaymorning."Intheeventoffurtherinclementweather,wewillmeetagainanddecidewhattodo,"Butlersaid.bb94 NorthernleadersrejectedlateFridayasouthernceasefireplantoendfightingwhichhasopposedrivalforcesforthepastninedays,anofficialspokesmantoldAFP.ThespokesmansaidbytelephonefromtheYemenicapitalSanaathattherewas"nothingnew"intheseven-pointplanputforwardinAdenbythesouthernYemenSocialistParty. GrahamGoochandDavidWardweredoubletonkingsonFridayasearly-seasonchampionshippacesettersSurreyandEssexturnedontheheat.The40-year-oldEssexcaptain,acast-ironcertaintytoearnaTestrecallthissummer,hammeredtheKentattackfor236atChelmsfordashissidepiledup446forthree,aleadof255.Goochhit28fourandthreesixesintheninthdoublecenturyofhiscareerandsharedacountyrecordopeningstandof316withPaulPrichard,whocompiledafine109.ItkeptEssexhardontheheelsofleadersSurrey,forwhomWardandGrahamThropeplunderedtheweakenedDerbyshireattackfor301inarampagingthirdwicketstand.Wardachievedthedoubletonforthethirdtimeinhiscareerandwasunbeatenon216,havinghitfivesixesand23fours,outofhisside's373forfive,aleadof165afterSurreyhadbowledoutthevisitorsfor208.Thorpe,droppedon18,madeapatient114with17foursafterDerbyshire,withoutfluvictimDevonMalcolmandwithOleMortensen(hamstring),DominicCork(knee)andPhilDeFreitas(soretoe)allsidelined.EnglandchairmanofselectorsRayIlingworthsawLeicestershirepacemanDavidMillnstakefourfor62asthehomesidebowledoutSomesrsetfor288atGraceRoad.PeterHepworthandBenSmithhithalfcenturiestohelpLeicestershireto236forfourinreply.PaulJohnson,anotherEnglandhopeful,stakedhisclaimwith101forNottinghamshireagainstDurhamatTrentBridge.Hesharedinafourthwicketstandof125withWestIndiesallrounderJimmyAdams(60)butNottswastedtheirgoodworkbylosingtheirlastfivewicketsforjust18runsandwerealloutfor278,aleadof43.DavidGraveneybaggedsixfor80,hisbestfiguresforDurham,whoknockedoffthearrearsinclosingat58forone.MartinSpeightrescuedSussexagainstHampshireatHovewithatimely126-hisfirstchampionshipcenturyoftheseason.Speight,whotook35minutestoscorehisfirstrun,struckfivesixesand16foursfrom147balls.Hissecond50cameoffonly28deliveries.HeandEnglandleg-spinnerIanSalisbury(49)puton151fortheseventhwicketafterSussexslumpedto73forsix,chasingHampshire's267.Thehomesidewerefinallydismissedfor279andHampshirerepliedwith44forone.RichardStemp'sleft-armspinputYorkshireincommandatCardiff,whereGlamorganslumped158foreight,32runsshortofsavingthefollow-on.Stempwasonthebrinkofacareer-best,havingtakenfivefor41from23oversandneedingonefurtherwicketatalowcosttomorrow.Yorkshirehadfinishedwithacreditable339afterRichardBlakey(87)andDarrenGough(54)ledarecovery.GloucestershirecaptainCourtneyWalshkeptWorcestershireinthefieldfornearly10hoursandthenaddedtotheirmiserybytakingtwofor25beforethecloseatNewRoad.ThedoubledismissalofopenersTimCurtisandPhilipWeston-bothlegbefore-justifiedWalsh'stacticsinlettinghisside'sfirstinningsdawdleto390in152.1overs.Worcestershire,setof241toavoidthefollowon,struggledto51fortwooff18overs. NorthernYemenileadersrejectedlateFridayasouthernceasefireplantoendfightingwhichhasopposedrivalforcesforthepastninedays,anddemandedthesurrenderofsouthernchiefs.AnofficialspokesmansaidbytelephonefromtheYemenicapitalSanaathattherewas"nothingnew"intheseven-pointplanputforwardinAdenbythesouthernYemenSocialistParty(YSP).Hesaidthat"thelegitimateleadershipinSanaademandsthesurrenderofthewarcriminal"oustedvice-presidentAliSalemal-Baid,whoheadstheYSP.Theyalsowantedthesurrenderof"alltheothersresponsibleforthewar,sothattheycanbejudgedforwarcrimes."TheplanputforwardFridaybytheYSPcalledforan"immediateendtothewar"andthecreationofagovernmentofnationalunity.Thegovernmentwouldbechargedwith"wipingouttheconsequencesofthewar"andconductinganinquiryinto"thoseresponsibleforthewar,"asourcesaidinthesouthernstrongholdofAden. ChinesedissidentChenZiming,oneoftheleadingfiguresduringthe1989pro-democracymovement,wasreleasedfromprisonFridaytoreceivemedicaltreatment,theofficialXinhuanewsagencyreported.Chen'stemporaryreleasefollowstheChinesegovernment'sreleaseoffiveChristiansfromre-educationcamps,aswellastheliberationoftwootherdissidents,inanapparentattempttopersuadeUSPresidentBillClintontoextendChina'smost-favored-nation(MFN)tradestatus.Chen,a40-year-oldeconomistandpublisherofthereformistEconomicWeekly,wassentencedto13yearsinjailinFebruary1991for"conspiringtosubvertthegovernmentand"counter-revolutionarypropagandaandincitement."Chen"hasbeenreleasedonbailformedicaltreatmenttodaywiththepermissionoftheChinesejudicialauthorities,"Xinhuasaid,inashortdispatchmonitoredherethatprovidednootherdetails.ThefiveChristiansreleasedFridaywereidentifiedasChenZhuman,YanPeizhi,XuZhihe,CuiTaiandZhangLi.Theyhadbeensentencedtore-educationinFujianprovince,southeasternChina,ShandongintheeastandHebeiinthenorthforhaving"disturbedpublicorderandendangeringpublicsecuritybytheirreligiousactivities,"theagencysaid.ThemovecameadayafterChineseauthoritiessaidtheyhadreleasedonedissidentandallowedasecondtoleavefortheUnitedStates.Buttheyarrestedathird,sendingmixedsignalstoWashingtonsomethreeweeksaheadofClinton'sdecisiononrenewingChina'sMFN.ZhangRuiyu,aChinesedissidentsentencedtofouryears'jailin1991,wasreleasedonparoleandadissidentintellectual,YuHaocheng,wasgivenpermissiontogototheUnitedStates.ButinShanghai,policearrestedYangZhou,spokesmanoftheChineseAssociationforHumanRights.Yang'sarrestwasthefifthinamonthinShanghaiandconfirmedobservers'beliefsthatthereleaseofsomedissidentswouldnotaffecttherepressionofothersaheadofthefifthanniversaryoftheJune4Tiananmenmassacre.ThesentencehandeddownonChenwasoneoftheheaviestforanyleaderofthe1989movementwhichculminatedintheChinesearmy'sbloodysupressionofprotestorsinTiananmenSquare.Chen,whocamefromtheeasternprovinceofZhejiang,wasdirectoroftheprivateBeijingSocial-EconomicResearchInstituteaswellasacontributortotheEconomicWeekly.DuringhisperiodofdetentioninQinchengprison,ChenhadsecretlywrittenabookonthehistoryofChinasincethelaunchingofreformsbyparamountleaderDengXiaopingin1978.ThemanuscriptwassmuggledoutoftheprisonandpublishedinHongKong.Chenwaseighthonthe"most-wantedcriminals"listissuedbythepublicsecurityministryin1989.ThesixpeoplewhoheadedthelisteithermanagedtofleeChinaorwereallowedtoleavebytheauthorities,suchasastrophysicistFangLizhiandhiswifeLiShuxian. DockworkersinLagoshavecalledoffastrikewhichparalysedportactivitiesforthreedaysthisweek,theofficialNewsAgencyofNigeriareportedFriday.LagoshasthetwobiggestportsinNigeria.Thestrikersweredemandinghigherwagesandsocialinsurance,andtocomedirectlyunderthelabourministryandnottheportadministration.ThestrikewascalledoffThursdayafterameetingbetweenrepresentativesofthedockersandtheMinisterofTransportandAviation,EbenezerBabatope,whopromisedthatgovernmentwouldlookintotheirtheirdemands,theagencysaid. USandNorthKoreanofficialshaveheldanewroundofinformaltalksontheproblemofPyongyang'snuclearprogram,aStateDepartmentspokesmansaidFriday."Working-levelofficialsfromtheStateDepartmentmetwiththeNorthKoreanmissiontotheUnitedNationsinNewYorkonThursdayafternooninconnectionwitheffortstoresolvethenuclearissue,"DavidJohnsontoldreporters.ItwasthethirdsuchmeetingsinceFebruary.Herefusedtocommentonthecontentofthemeeting.AskediftheUnitedStateswasnowpreparedtosetadateforathirdroundofformalUS-NorthKoreantalks,JohnsonsaidWashingtonwouldconsiderthisafterInternationalAtomicEnergyAgencyinspectorscompleteavisittoNorthKoreascheduledtobeginthisweek.USandNorthKoreanofficialshaveheldtworoundsofformaltalkssincePyongyangthreatenedayearagotopulloutofthenuclearnon-proliferationtreaty(NPT),amidfearsthatitwasdevelopinganuclearweapon.ThetalkswereaimedatpersuadingPyongyangtoremainintheNPTandallowresumptionofinternationalinspectionsofitsnuclearinstallations.Inreturn,theUnitedStateswastodiscussimprovedeconomicrelationsandNorthKorea'ssecurityconcerns.ButwhenlittleprogresswasapparentafterthesecondroundinJuly,WashingtonsaiditwouldnotholdathirdrounduntilinternationalinspectionshadresumedtoverifythatPyongyangwasnotdevelopinganuclearweapon,anduntilNorthKorearesumeddialoguewiththeSouth.NorthKoreaagreedinFebruarytotheinspections,andtothedialogue,butplansforathirdroundoftalkswerecalledoffwhentheinspectorsreportedthattheyhadnotbeengivenfullaccesstothesitestheywantedtovisit.TheIAEAannouncedFridaythatateamofIAEAinspectorsistoleaveforNorthKoreathisweekendtocompletetheinspectionsitwasunabletocarryoutearllier.ItalsosaidthatNorthKoreawaswillingtoholdtalkswiththeagencytotryandnarrowdifferencesbetweenthetwoonthereplacementoffuelrodsatacontroversialnuclearplant. TheforeignministersofRussia,theUnitedStatesandfiveEuropeancountriesunitedFridaytoputthepeaceprocessinBosnia-Hercegovinabackontrack,callingforafour-monthceasefireandresumptionofpeacenegotiationswithintwoweeks.TheyurgedthewarringpartiestoreachagreementonthebasisofaEuropeanplanfortheethnicdivisionoftheformerYugoslavrepublic,providing51percentoftheterritoryforaBosnianCroat-Moslemfederationand49percentfortheBosnianSerbs.TheBelgrade-backedSerbforcescurrentlyholdsome70percentasaresulttheirgainsinmorethantwoyearsofwarandethniccleansingfollowingtherepublic'sindependence.Inajointdeclaration,thesevenstatesplustheEuropeanUnionheldouttheprospectofa"phasedsuspension"ofUN-imposedsanctionsagainstSerbiainreturnfor"goodfaith"implementationofapeacesettlement"thatincludesprovisionsforwithdrawaltoagreedterritoriallimits."Buttheyfirmlyruledoutasunacceptableanyattempttomakesanctionsreliefapreconditionfortheresumptionofpeacetalks.Invitingthewarringpartiestobeginnegotiationswithintwoweeksundertheauspicesoftheso-calledcontactgrouponBosnia,theministerssimultaneouslyinstructedthegroup--Britain,France,Germany,RussiaandtheUnitedStates--tostartimmediatelymakingpreparationstofacilitatethis.(AlsorepresentedhereFridaywereBelgiumandGreeece.)Theyalso"tooknote"ofmovesbeingtakentosetupaBosnian-CroatfederationwithintherepublicofBosnia-Hercegovina.SkirtingroundarecentBosnian-Croatdemandof58percentofthetotalterritoryforthisentity,theministerssaidtheybelievedthat"finalarrangementsforthefederationmustprovideitwithviable,realisticandreasonableterritoryconsistentwith"theEuropeans'51/49percentformula.Theyfurtherdemandedthatallpartiespermitunimpededdeliveryofhumanitarianaidinaccordancewithexistingagreements,andinsistedonthereleaseofdetainedmembersofhumanitarianorganizations.Addressingjournalistsafterthesixhoursoftalks,USSecretaryofStateWarrenChristopherstressedthataSerbattempttomakeresumptionofpeacetalksconditionalonapriorliftingofsanctionsagainsttherumpYugoslavia(SerbiaandMontenegro)was"entirelyandabsolutelyunacceptable."HeandEuropeanministersstressedthattheyrealisedthereremainedgreatdifficultiesandobstaclestoasolution,butthattheywereunitedintheirpurposeofreachinganegotiatedpoliticalsettlement.FrenchForeignMinisterAlainJuppe,whothisweekthreatenedthatFrancewouldpulloutitsUNcontingent--thebiggestinBosnia--iftherewasnosolutioninsight,issuedanappealtothewarringparties,saying:"Thereisachanceofpeace.Don'tletitslipaway." Southernleadersputforwardaseven-pointplanFridaytoendninedaysofcivilwarinYemenbetweenrivalnorthernandsouthernforces,buttheofferwasswiftlyrejected.AnofficialspokesmaninthenortherncapitalSanaadescribeditas"nothingnew"andrepeateddemandsforthesurrenderofsouthernleaders.TheplanproposedbythesouthernYemenSocialistParty(YSP),whichisheadedbyoustedvice-presidentAliSalemal-Baid,calledforan"immediateendtothewar"andthecreationofagovernmentofnationalunity.Thegovernmentwouldbechargedwith"wipingouttheconsequencesofthewar"andconductinganinquiryinto"thoseresponsibleforthewar,"anofficialsourcesaid.ButfromSanaaaspokesmantoldAFPbytelephonethatthenorthdemandedthesurrenderofthe"warcriminal"Baidand"allthoseresponsibleforthewar,sothattheycanbejudgedforwarcrimes."TheYSPproposedthatthetwoarmiesshouldseparateandbe"withdrawntothepositionstheyheldbeforethewar."Allprisoners,whethermilitaryorpolitical,shouldbefreed,arrestsshouldbebannedandthereshouldbenotortureorlegalproceedings,theplanadded.Itcalledfor"theprotectionofthelives,goodsandrightsofcitizens,forequalcompensationforallthevictimsofthewarincludingmilitaryandciviliansandforallYemeniskilledinthefightingtobeconsideredmartyrs."Theftsfromcitizensshouldbestoppedandallstolengoodsshouldbereturnedorcompensatedfor.Italsocalledfortherightsofpoliticalpartiestoberecognisedandforthemulti-partysystemtobepreserved,whilethecountry'sleadersshouldnotgiveuponimplementingareconciliationaccordsignedinAmmaninFebruary.Baid,whowassackedlastweekasvicepresidentbythenorthern-dominatedparliamentinSanaa,hassaidaceasefirewoulddependonthewithdrawalofnorthernforcesfromthesouth.Hisnorthernrival,PresidentAliAbdallahSaleh,hassaidhewouldonlyacceptaceasefireifthesouthernersagreedtoaccepthisgovernment,respectthecountry'sunityandputallarmedforcesunderthegovernment'scontrol.TherivalarmiesofformerNorthandSouthYemenhavebeenlockedincivilwarsinceMay5,shatteringfouryearsofuneasyunionbetweentheconservativenorthandtheMarxistsouth. Ahumiliatingdefeatthatsnappeda12-gamewinstreakhassenttheIndianaPacersawake-upcall.ThePacerssetaNationalBasketballAssociation(NBA)playoffrecordforscoringfutilityina92-69losstoAtlantaingametwooftheirquarter-finalseries."Thiswasgoodforus,"IndianaguardReggieMillersaid."Anytimeyou'reridinghigh,sometimesyouneedalosslikethistobringyoudown,giveyouarealitycheck."Thebest-of-sevenseriescontinueshereSaturdayandSunday,withIndianatryingtokeepthehome-courtedgetheygainedbysplittingthefirsttwogames."Thisteamwillbounceback,"IndianacoachLarryBrownsaid."Itwasathumping.Butwe'vebeenthumpedbeforeandbouncedback."ThePacersmissed58of85shotsingametwo.IndianascoringleaderMillermanagedjust12points,missing11of13shots.Hehadscored18ingameone."Aftergameone,inthebackofalotofourminds,wetookgametwoforgranted,"Millersaid.DutchcenterRikSmitsmiised11of15shotsandpulleddownjustfourreboundsingametwo.HispoorplaywasespeciallytroublesomeforBrown."Icandealwithabadnightonoffense,buthehastobeapresencedefensivelyandontheboards,"Brownsaid.SmitshadshutdownOrlandocenterShaquilleO'NealasthePacersswepttheMagicinafirst-roundseries."Wejusthavetopullourselvestogetherandcomebackthisweekend,"Smitssaid."Wecan'ttakethingsforgranted.Wehavetofightharder." TheHawksweretopseededintheEastplayoffsbutstruggledbeforeeliminatingMiamiinthefirstround.AtlantahasconcentratedonshuttingdownSmitsinsideandMiller,amongthemostaccurateNBAshootersfrom3-pointrangeandthefreethrowline."Millerisakey,"Atlanta'sJonKoncaksaid."Youhavetocontainhimbutyoucan'tfoulhimandcan'tlethimshoot3-pointers.SmitsistheX-factor."Indiana'sByronScott,aveteranwhoplayedonNBAtitleteamsfortheLosAngelesLakers,saidthePacerswerebeatenbeforetheystartedgametwo."Wedidn'tactlikeateamthathadwon12inarow,"hesaid."Halfthebattlewascomingoutandplayingphysical.Welostbeforeweevergotstarted.Theyremindeduswecanbebeatenandtheyaren'tOrlando."IndianaguardHaywoodeWorkmanexpectsamoreaggressiveIndianateamthisweekend."Weneedtocomeoutandattackthebasket,attackthemondefense,"hesaid."We'vegottoplaylikewildpeopleoutthere.Thechallengeisthere.Everybodywillstepupanddowhattheyhaveto.Thestreakisover,buttheseriesisn't."js94bb TheChurchofEnglandsaidFridayithadlifteditsdecades-oldbanoninvestingitscashinSouthAfrica,followingthecountry'sfirstnon-racialelections.ButthedecisionisunlikelytomeananimmediatemovementofsubstantialsumsintoSouthAfricancompanies,saidastatementfortheChurchCommissioners,whodealwiththeChurchofEngland'sinvestments."TheCommissionersaren'tsubstantialoverseasinvestorsanditisunlikelythatwewillstarttoinvestinSouthAfricaitself,"thestatementsaid,adding:"...properresearchandmonitoringwillcontinuetoensureanypotentialinvestmentconformstoethicalguidelines."Thebanwaspartofan"ethicalinvestment"policyagreedinthe1960s. FinalresulthereonFridayinthetriangularinternationalfootballeventwonbyCameroonGreece0Bolivia0 Southernleadersputforwardaseven-pointceasefireplanhereFridayasfightingbetweenrivalnorthandsouthYemeniforcescontinuedtorageoutsidethesouthernstrongholdofAden.Theplan,proposedbythesouthernYemenSocialistParty(YSP),calledforanimmediateendtothenine-daywarandthecreationofanationalunitygovernment.Butitwasswiftlyrejectedbynorthernleadersas"nothingnew."Theyrepeateddemandsmadeatthebeginningoftheconflictforsouthernleaderstosurrender.AspokesmaninSanaatoldAFPbytelephonethatthenorthdemandedthesurrenderofthe"warcriminal"oustedvice-presidentAliSalemal-Baidand"allthoseresponsibleforthewar,sothattheycanbejudgedforwarcrimes."TheYSPproposedthetwoarmiesshouldseparateandbe"withdrawntothepositionstheyheldbeforethewar."AsourceinAdensaidanationalunitygovernmentshouldbechargedwith"wipingouttheconsequencesofthewar"andconductinganinquiryinto"thoseresponsibleforthewar."Butthenorthernspokesmansaidtherewas"noneedtoformanationalunitygovernment,sincethelegitimategovernmentisalreadyinplace."TherivalarmiesofformerNorthandSouthYemenhavebeenlockedincivilwarsinceMay5,shatteringfouryearsofuneasyunionbetweentheconservativenorthandtheMarxistsouth.TheYSPplan,drawnupbytheparty'spoliticaloffice,alsocalledforprisonerreleases,fortherightsofpoliticalpartiestoberecognisedandthatthelives,goodsandrightsofcitizensbeprotected.Anditdemanded"equalcompensationforallthevictimsofthewar(...)andforallYemeniskilledinthefightingtobeconsideredmartyrs."MeanwhileasouthernmilitaryspokesmansaidsouthernforceshadbroughtdownthreenorthernplanesinfightingclosetoBabal-Mandeb,atthemouthoftheRedSea,andsunkanorthernwarshipoffAden.ThereportswerehotlydeniedbyanofficialspokesmaninSanaawhosaidthatthenorth"doesnothaveanywarshipsorpatrolboatsinthearea."Butsouthernerssaidoneofthepilotshadbeentakenhostageandwouldtestifythathisplanehadbeenbroughtdownwhenhishealthhadrecoveredsufficiently.EarlierasouthernenovyonavisittoDamascustoldSyrianPresidentHafezal-AssadthatanewfronthadopenedatBabal-Mandab,100kilometres(60miles)westalongthecoastfromAden.HetoldSyrianradio,inaninterviewmonitoredbytheBBC,that"thisisdetrimentalbothtoYemenandinternationalnavigation."NorthandsouthspokesmansaidearlierthatbothsideswerealsobattlingforcontrolofAlDaleh,about90kilometres(55miles)northofAden,withbothsidesclaimingtheyhadtheupperhand.AlDalehliesinthemountainscommandingakeypositiononastrategicroutetowardsthemainsouthernairbaseatAlAnad.TheYSPproposalcameasArabLeaguemediatorswereinYemeninabidtotrytobrokeraceasfireagreement.TheywerewaitingtomeetwithPresidentAliAbdallahSaleh,anortherner,totrytoconvincehimtomakepeacewithhissouthernrivalBaid.AdenmeanwhilewasmakingpreparationstoshelterrefugeesfleeingsouthfromthefightingaroundAlDaleh.Despitelimitedresources,schoolswerebeingusedasmakeshiftaccommodationandsuppliesofbasicfoodstuffswerebeinghandedout.Baid,whowassackedlastweekasvice-presidentbythenorthern-dominatedparliamentinthecapitalSanaa,hassaidaceasefirewoulddependonthewithdrawalofnorthernforcesfromthesouth.Saleh,hassaidhewouldonlyacceptaceasefireifthesouthernersagreedtoaccepthisgovernment,respectthecountry'sunityandputallarmedforcesunderthegovernment'scontrol. Henotedthe"unusual"breadthoftheGenevameeting--participantsalsoincludedBritishForeignSecretaryDouglasHurd,GermanForeignMinisterKlausKinkelandtheirRussiancounterpartAndreiKozyrev,aswellastheBelgianandGreekministersandEuropeanCommissionerHansvandenBroek.Christophersaidtheywouldmeetagainifandwhennecessary,butstressed:"Wedon'twanttoimposeasettlementbuttofacilitateasettlement,toprovidethebestenvironment.It'suptothepartiesthemselvestoreachanagreement."ThesecretaryofstatesaidthedangersofthesituationandthecontinuedsufferingofthepeopleofBosnia-HercegovinahadmadeFriday'smeetingnecessary.JuppesaiditwasthefirsttimethatRussia,theUnitedStatesandtheEuropeanstateshadagreeduponaconcretecourseratherthanvagueterms.Hurdalsoexpressedsatisfactionattheunitytheyhadshown,afterreportsofdifferencesbetweentheUS,EuropeandRussiaoverBosniawhichhadhinderedpeaceefforts.AskedaboutthesituationiftheSerbsrefusedtonegotiatewithintwoweeks,Christophersaid:"Wethinktheymustrecognisethattheworldneedsanegotiatedsettlement."Butthiswasahypthotheticalquestionandtheywould"justhavetowatchthingsunfold."Juppesaidtheplanwould"eitherworkornotwork.Allowmetooptthiseveningforthehypothesisthatitwillwork".RegardingthethreattowithdrawFrance's6,000menfromBosniaratherthantheirweatheranotherwintertherewithoutprospectsofpeace,hesaidthatiftheplandidnotwork"wewillhavetomeetagainandperhapschangeourthinking."TheFrenchministersaidhisgovernmentwas"notintheprocessofpreparing(awithdrawal),butthisisariskthatweareconsidering."AseniorUSofficialsaidafterthepressconferencetherewas"nothingconcreteatthispoint"toindicatetherewouldbeapositiveSerbresponse,butsaidthestandtakeninGenevawiththeprospectofliftingofsanctions"shouldbeseenasanincentive.""Somepreliminaryreportsdoatleasthavesomeindicationsthatthey(theSerbs)mayhavechangedtheirviewonliftingthesanctionsasaprecondition(fornegotiation).WehopethisisanopportunitytheSerbswillseize,"theofficialsaid."WehopetheSerbswilltakenotethatthesanctionswillcontinuetobeenforcedandthatthewaytohavethemliftedistonegotiate." ArchenemiesIsraelandSyriacouldmakepeacewithinthecomingmonths,IsraeliDeputyForeignMinisterYossiBeilinpredictedFriday.Beilin,speakingduringaninterviewwithCNNmonitoredinCyprus,saidthe"Syriansarethekeytothecontinuationofthepeaceproblem.Withoutthemthereisnocomprehensivepeace."HewastalkingaheadofavisitbyUSSecretaryofStateWarrenChristopher,dueinDamascusonSundayonhissecondpeaceshuttlewithinamonth.SyrianPresidentHafezal-Assad"preferstonegotiatewithuseitherinWashingtonorviatheAmericansinakindofshuttlediplomacy,"Beilinsaid,addingthatIsraelshouldacceptthat."IthinktheAmericanmediationisvital.WewillbeabletoseepeacebetweenusandSyriawithinmonths."SyriahasrejectedrecentcallsbyIsraeliPrimeMinisterYitzhakRabintoholdsecrettalks,alongthelinesoftheOslonegotiationswhicheventuallyledtotheIsrael-PLOautonomyaccordfortheGazaStripandWestBanktownofJericho.TalksbetweenSyriaandIsraelhavebrokendownovertheissueoftheIsraeli-occupiedGolanheights,seizedfromSyriainthe1967MiddleEastWar.SyriawarnedearlierFridayitstillinsistedonatotalIsraeliwithdrawalfromthestrategicheightsandwasscepticalaboutChristopher'svisit.ASyrianofficialinDamascus,askingnottobenamed,chargedthatIsraelhad"minimizedtheUSrolebyreducingittoamerepostmandeliveringtheIsraelipointofviewwithoutanyamendment."TheIsraelis,duringChristopher'slastshuttlebetweenIsraelandSyriaearlierinMay,hadproposed"securityarrangementsbeforeapeacetreaty,thenaphasedwithdrawaloveralongperiod,"hesaid.ButanypeacedealwithIsraeldependedonafullwithdrawalfromtheGolanHeights,whichtheJewishstateannexedin1981."Anysettlementnotbasedonthecentralissueoflandisuseless,"anofficialinDamascussaid.MeanwhileBeilinaddedthatIsraelcouldwithdrawtotallyfromtheoccupiedWestBankwithinfiveyears.HesaiddiscussionsstillhadtobeheldwiththePalestineLiberationOrganisationoverthecomingyearstosolvetheissueunderthetermsoftheDeclarationofPrinciplessignedinWashingtoninSeptember."ButthepermanentsolutionwillbeimplementedonMay4,1999.Thatistheagreementbetweenus,"Beilinadded. TheDominicanRepublic'sPresidentJoaquinBalaguer,at87seekinghis7thtermaspresident,wrappeduphiscampaignFridaywithahugerallythatattractedtensofthousandsofpeople.DRepublic-vote500wordsaround2200GMTbyArturoGudinoADEN:Southernleadersputforwardaseven-pointceasefireplanhereFridayasfightingbetweenrivalnorthandsouthYemeniforcescontinuedtorageoutsidethesouthernstrongholdofAden.Yemen(newseries)650wordsmovedGENEVA:WesternEurope,RussiaandtheUSuniteinanewpeacebidforwar-wrackedBosniaasdiscontentbackhomeunderlinesthelimitsoftheircombinedsanctions,armsembargoandpeacetroopspolicytodate.Yugo-talks-analysis500wordsby2215GMTbyMichaelAnders WashingtonishopingIndianPrimeMinisterP.V.NarasimhaRao'sUStourbeginningSaturdaywillbringbetterunderstandingbetweenthetwosidesonthethornynuclearissue,butisnotexpectinganybreakthroughannouncements."ItisanopportunitytoreviewissuesofconcernandachanceforRaoandClintontogettoknoweachotherbetter,"aseniorUSofficialsaid.Rao'strip,thefirstbyanIndianPrimeMinistertotheUnitedStatessinceRajivGandhivisitedin1987,comesatatimeofdisagreementbetweenthetwosidesonanumberofissues,notablyIndia'sambitiousnuclearandmissileprogrammes,Kashmir,humanrightsandtrade.WashingtonisurgingbothIndiaandPakistantoputacapontheirnuclearprogramsintheinterestsofnon-proliferationintheregion.ButRaoisundertremendousdomesticpressuretoresistUScallstocapthenuclearprogramandfreezeitsmissiledefenceprogramme,andtheWashingtontripishismostcontroversialforeignvisitinthreeyearsinoffice.FortheUSside,"non-proliferationremainsthegoal"inbothIndiaandPakistan,and"wearemovingalongonabroadfront,inalotofdifferentareas,"totryandachievethat,theUSofficialsaid.ThecarrotforPakistanisthepossibilityofobtainingdeliveryofF-16fighterplanesithasalreadypaidforbutwhichwerefrozenbyCongress.WithIndiathereisnotsuchobviousquidproquo,butthereareareasinwhichtheUnitedStatescouldoffermorehelp,suchasscienceandtechnologytransfers,USofficialssay.Inanycase,"thebottomlineinallthisisthatyoucan'tbuyagreementeitherfromPakistanorIndiaonnuclearproliferationissuesiftheyarenotpersuadedthatthisisintheirownbestsecurityinterests,"onesaid.TherehasalsobeenfrictionoverKashmir,withIndiafeelingthattheadministrationofUSPresidentBillClintonfavorsPakistaninthedisputeandhastacitlyencouragedtheMosleminsurgencyinKashmir. WashingtondeniesthatClintonhasshiftedpolicyonKashmir,andsaysitisamatterofIndianperception.TheUSpolicyhasalwaysbeenthesame-thattheKashmirdisputeissomethingthatIndiaandPakistanshouldworkoutbetweenthem,takingintoaccountthewishesoftheKashmirpeople,theUSofficialsaid.Raomadeitclearthisweekthathewasnotabouttocausefurtherructionsathomebymakinganymajorconcessionsonthenuclearnon-proliferationissueduringhisWashingtontrip.Anotherkeyelementofthevisitistheefforttoboosttheeconomicrelationship,whichhastakenoffwiththeopeningupoftheIndianeconomyintheRaoadministration.RaoarrivesinNewYorkSundayformeetingswiththelargeIndiancommunitythere,thengoesontoHoustonfortalkswithbusinessleaders.HewillbeinBostononTuesdaywherehewillgivealectureatHarvard.TheIndianprimeminister'stwo-daystayinWashingtononWednesdayandThursdayincludesaspeechtoajointsessionofcongress,andatwo-and-a-half-hoursessionwithPresidentBillClinton.ThetwomenarescheduledtoholdajointpressconferenceaftertheirmeetingThursday.RaoisalsoscheduledtohavetalkswithDefenseSecretaryWilliamPerry,CommerceSecretaryRonBrownandSecretaryofStateWarrenChristopher. Callinglandminesathreattomanydevelopingcountries,aUSofficialsaidFridaythatWashingtonwillleadaworldwideefforttoremovethedevicesblamedforthousandsofdeathsandinjurieseachyear.ThomasMcNamara,aseniorStateDepartmentofficialinchargeofpolitico-militaryaffairs,saiditwouldbeextremelydifficulttobanmines,sincetheyarenotconsideredillegitimateweaponsasisthecasewithchemicalorbiologicalweapons.ButMcNamaratoldaSenatepanelthatWashingtonwillsponsoraconferencethisyearornexttoraisefundsfordeactivationoflandminesaroundtheworld."Landmineshavebecometheweaponofchoiceinmanydevelopingcountries,"McNamarasaid."Landminesposeasignificantimpedimenttoachievingourforeignpolicyobjectivesinmanyregionsoftheworld,"headded.PresidentBillClintonhasurgedtheSenatetoratifyaninternationaltreatyrestrictingtheuseoflandmines,whosevictimsareoftencivilians.TheSenatepanelreceivedwrittenstatementssupportingtherestrictionsfromUNSecretaryGeneralBoutrosBoutros-GhaliandformerUSpresidentJimmyCarter."Everymonth,atleast1,200people,mostlyinnocentcivilianswhohavenothingtodowithanywarorconflict,arekilledormaimedforlifebythesetiny,silentexplosives,"saidSenatorPatrickLeahyofVermont,wholedthehearings. Morethanamillionpeople,mostofthemcivilians,havebeenkilledorwoundedbyminessince1975.Anestimated100millionofthemarestillplantedinabout60countriesandabout1.2millionareinarsenalsaroundtheworld.About50countriesproducesome300typesofmines,andabout30countriesexportthem.SadakaOgata,UNHighCommissionerforRefugees,explainedthatthepresenceofmineswerehurtingUNeffortstomovedpeopledisplacedbywarbacktotheirhomes."Bringingpeoplebacktotheircountries,wehavetomakesurethattheroadstogobackaresafe,"shesaid,notingthattheUnitedNationshavesteppeduptheireducationandpreventionefforts.OgatasingledoutAfghanistan,whereeachyear4,000peoplearekilledand4,000woundedbymines.Guatemala,Somalia,Iraq,Mozambique,Cambodiaareothercountriesthataremostaffectedbytheproblem,shesaid."Nobodyputsmoneyinmineclearanceresearch,"saidretiredgeneralPatrickGlagden,directoroftheUnitedNation'smineclearingprogram.Atthesametime,modernminesaremadeofplasticandescapemetaldetectors.InternationalrepresentativesconcludedthetreatyoninGenevainthefallof1980.TheUnitedStatessignedonin1982,buthasfailedtoratifyit.Morethan100millionlandmineslieunexplodedinatleast62countries,humanrightsgroupsreported.Theyalsosaidworldwideproductionmaybereaching10millionanti-personnellandminesannually.TheAmericanRedCrossreportedlandmineskillmorethan200civilianseveryweek.Clintontermedthetreaty"amodestbutsignificanthumanitarianefforttoprotectthevictimsofarmedconflictfromtheeffectsofparticularweapons."HealsosaidratificationwouldstrengthenUSeffortsurginganinternationalmoratoriumontheexportofanti-personnellandmines. Aformerguerrillaleaderrunningforpresidentburstintoastudiointhemiddleofateleviseddebatebetweenthetwoleadingcandidatestoprotesthisbeingexcludedfromtheprogram.AntonioNavarro,whoheadedtheM-19movementknownforitsspectacularstunts,suddenlyappearedinthetelevisionstudioThursdaywherethefirstdebateofitskindinColombia'spoliticalhistorywastakingplacebetweenLiberalPartycandidateErnestoSamplerandConservativeAndresPastrana."HelloAntonio,"wasalltheterrifiedSampercouldmanagetosay,whileacalmerPastranasaid,"Wouldyouliketositdownwithus,Antonio?"Themoderator,televisionpersonalityYamidAmat,endedtheawkwardnessbyorderingacuttoacommercial.Afterthebreak,Navarrowasgone.Theex-guerrllaleader,whoaccordingtopollsislikelytogetlessthan10percentofthevoteintheMay29elections,saidinaradiointerviewshortlyaftertheincidentthathewantedtoshowthereweremorethanjusttwocandidatesonthescene.Navarro'sM-19movementgrabbedtheheadlinesforstealingSimonBolivar'sswordin1976,takingovertheDominicanRepublicembassyin1980andattackingthecapital'sjusticecenterin1985,anincidentinwhichsome20peopledied.Helefttheguerrillamovementin1990. Canada'sPaulTracy,apolefavoritefortheIndianapolis500,sufferedacrashhereFridayduringapracticelapandwashospitalized.TracywastakentoMethodistHospitalherecomplainingofpaininhisleftfoot,butwasawakeandalert.DoctorHenryBock,medicaldirectorattheIndianapolisMotorSpeedway,saidTracylostconsciousnessbrieflyduringthecrash.TracywillundergoneurologicaltestsandanX-rayexaminationatthehospital.TracydrivesaMercedes-poweredPenskecar,oneofthreethathavethebesttimesduringpracticefortheMay29Indyrace.ThePenskemotortakesadvantaeofaruleloopholeallowingextraboostoverconventionIndyenginedesigns.Thecrashcausedextensivedamagetothecar,leavinglittlechanceitwillbereadyforSaturday'sstartoftimetrials.Tracy'sbackupcarhasnottakenalapatIndianapolisMotorSpeedway's2.5-mile(4km)oval.Tracy'scarwentoutofcontrolandskiddedthroughthethirdturnintotheinfieldgrass.Thecarthenspunacrossthetrackandintothefourth-turnouterwall,hittingontheleftfrontsideandcomingtoastopontheedgeofthetrack.Tracywasonafastlapafterbuildingspeedonawarm-upeffort.Hehadreachedatopspeedof228.693mph(365.908km/h)andwasclockedat240mph(384km/h)afewminutesearlieronthesameareaoftrackwherethecrashbegan.js94bb PresidentBillClintonistomakeanannouncementat2200GMTintheRoseGardenFriday,fuelingrumoursthathehasdecidedonanappointeefortheSupremeCourtThethreefront-runnersforthepostleftvacantbytheretirementofHarryBlackmunareInteriorSecretaryBruceBabbitt,BostonjuristStephenBreyerandArkansasjudgeRichardArnold. Blue-chipstockspostedmodestgainsFridayinamixedtradingsessionmarkedbyeasingofinterestrateseclipsedinpartbyweaknessintechnologystocks.TheDowJonesindexof30leadingindustrialsrose6.84pointstocloseat3,659.68.Onthebroadermarket,decliningsharesslightlyoutnumberedadvancers1,075to1,027with677sharesunchanged.Some252millionsharesweretraded.Themarketgotaboostfromadropinyieldson30-yearTreasurybondsto7.49percentfrom7.56percentThursday,asignofdecliningfearsamonginvestorsoverinflationandhigherinterestrates.Thedeclineinratescameafterthegovernmentreportedconsumerpricesroseamodest0.1percentinApril,whichconfirmedlowinflationfollowingThursday'sreportofa0.1percentdeclineinwholesalepricesinApril.BobWalbergofMMSInternationsaidthemarketshadalreadyanticipatedahalf-pointboostinshort-terminterestratesbytheFederalReserve."ThemarketsfearthetwoinflationreportswillleadtheFedtoraiseinterestratesbyonly25basispoints(one-quarterpoint)insteadof50,"Walbergsaid."ThemarketwantstoseeamoreaggressivemovebytheFeddespitetherelativelypassiveinflationnumbers."Fearsofadeclineinthegrowthrateofthecomputerindustrycausedadropintechnologystocks.CompaqComputerfell1-1/8to104-3/8,Sears1-3/8to47-3/8andAMRCorp.2-1/2to53-1/8.PhilipMorrisrose1-5/8to52-1/8,DowChemical1to66-3/8andJ.P.Morgan1-1/2to63-1/8. HereareextractsofthefinalstatementonthepeaceprocessinBosnia-Hercegovina,agreedinGenevaonFridaybytheforeignministersofRussia,theUnitedStates,andfiveEuropeanUnioncountries."TheministersunderscoretheirresolveandunityofpurposeinworkingforanearlyanddurablesettlementoftheBosnianconflict.TheyreaffirmthattheconflictinBosniaandHercegovinacannotberesolvedbymilitarymeansandmustbesettledthroughnegotiations.""OnlyapeacefulsettlementwillcommandthesupportoftheinternationalcommunityandofferthepeoplesofBosniaandHercegovinatheprospectofasecurefuture.""TheyconfirmtheirsupportforasettlementthatpreservesBosniaandHercegovinaasasingleUnionwithinitsinternationallyrecognisedborders,whileprovidingforconstitutionalarrangementsthatestablishtherelationshipbetweentheBosnian-CroatandBosnianSerbentities.""TheministersexpresstheirstrongconcernthatinthewakeoftherecentBosnianSerbattackontheUN-declaredsafeareaofGorazde,thenegotiatingprocesshasbeensetback.Theywarnallthepartiesconcerningtheunacceptabilityandrisksofpursuingmilitarysolutions.""Inthisregard,theysupportthedeterminationoftheinternationalcommunitytotakenecessaryactiontoprotectthesafeareaswithinBosniaandHercegovina,establishedinaccordancewith(UN)SecurityCouncilresolutions824and836(and)expresstheirfullsupportforstrictenforcementoftheseresolutions,decisionsandagreements.""Theministersdemandthatallpartiespermittheunimpededdeliveryofhumanitarianassistanceinaccordancewithexistingagreements(and)insistonthereleaseofthosemembersofhumanitarianorganisationsindetention."They"endorseeffortscurrentlybeingmadeby(theUNProtectionForce)UNPROFORandunderwayintheSecurityCounciltopreventoffensiveactioninsafeareas,particularlyinandaroundBrcko."Theministers"callonthepartiestoconcludeacomprehensivecessationofhostilitiesandtoresumeinparallel,withoutpreconditions,seriouseffortstoreachapoliticalsettlement.""Theagreementoncessationofhostilitiesmustincludetheseparationofforces,thewithdrawalofheavyweaponsandtheinterpositionofUNPROFORtroops.Onthebasisofpreviousdiscussionswiththeparties,theministersbelievetheagreementshouldbeforaperiodoffourmonths,withprovisionforextension.""Tocompleteitstask(...)UNPROFORwillneedfurtherreinforcement.""Previousnegotiationshaveestablishedtheconceptofaterritorialcompromisebasedon51percentfortheBosnian-Croatentityand49percentfortheBosnianSerbentity.Ministersurgethepartiestoreachanagreementonthisbasis.""FinalarrangementsfortheBosnian-Croatfederation"mustprovideitwithviable,realisticandreasonableterritoryconsistentwiththeconceptdescribedabove.""Anyattempttomakesanctionsreliefapreconditionforresumingtalksisunacceptable.Good-faithimplementationofapeacesettlementthatincludesprovisionsforwithdrawaltoagreedterritoriallimitswillleadtophasedsuspensionofthesanctionsimposedbytheUnitedNations.""Withaviewtoachievinganearlysettlementwithinthisframework,theministersinvitethepartiestobeginsubstantivenegotiationsundertheaegisoftheContactGroupwithinthenexttwoweeks.""TheContactGroupwasinstructedtoimmediatelycommenceallthenecessarysubstantivepreparations." TheDominicanRepublic'sPresidentJoaquinBalaguer,at87seekinghis7thtermaspresident,wrappeduphiscampaignFridaywithahugerallythatattractedtensofthousandsofpeople.Wavingbannersandbeatingdrums,Balaguer'ssupporterscheeredasthe87-year-old,whoisnearlyblind,pledgedinashortbutclearspeechthatifre-elected,hewouldstruggle"withallmymighttomaintaineconomic,socialandpoliticalstability."Balaguer,whohasdominatedthisislandofsevenmillionpeoplefordecades,hasbeenmostcloselychallengedbyblackleaderJoseFranciscoPenaGomezforMonday'svote.LikePenaGomezandothercontenders,BalaguerhaspromisedtofocushisattentiononthepoorestinhisCaribbeannation,especiallyaccesstocleanwater,healthcareandpublictransport.BalaguerwasfirstnamedpresidentbydictatorRafaelTrujilloin1960.ButTrujillowasassassinatedayearlaterafter31yearsinpowerandBalaguerwasremovedinacivilian-militaryuprisinginJanuary1960.JuanBosch,anotherpresidentialcandidatethisyear,waselectedin1962butremovedinaSeptember1963coup.Afterafailed1965couptoreturnBoschtopower,Balaguerwasre-electedforthreeconsecutiveterms(1966-1970;1970-1974and1974-1978).Hereturnedtothepresidencyin1986andwasre-electedagainin1990.Around30peoplehavediedinpoliticalviolenceduringstreetprotestsandralliesfortheMay16poll.Buttherehavebeennodeathsthisweek,andBalaguerandPenaGomezhavebothurgedtheirsupporterstorefrainfromviolence.AlsoFriday,about100representativesoftheRomanCatholicchurch,businessandunionleadersurgedallpoliticalpartiesrunningcandidatestorespecttheoutcome.Theyalsourgedthetheelectoralofficialstoquicklygiveoutanaccuratecountofthevote.Inadditiontoapresidentialrace,thereare30senateraces,100deputiesand103mayors. Inhisspeech,BalaguerattackedPenaGomezwithoutnaminghim,sayingthat"fromoutsideorinsidethegovernmentIwillalsoservethecountrybecauseIamproudofhavingbeenbornintheDominicanRepublic."AnonymouscampaignfliershavesurfacedaccusingPenaGomezofbeingthe"sonofHaitians."HaitiandtheDominicanRepublicsharetheislandofHispanolawithHaitiansfrequentlytheobjectofscornhere.Balaguer'sChristianSocialReformistPartyhassaidthatPenaGomezplanstoopenrefugeecampsintheDominicanRepublicforHaitianstoingratiatehimselfwiththeUnitedStates.Around500,000HaitiansliveillegallyintheDominicanRepublic,whichhascausedfrictionwithsomesectorsofthecountrywhereunemploymentisabout30percent.Haitiisoverwhelminglyblack,whiletheDominicanRepublicis75percentmulato,15percentwhiteand10percentblack.PenaGomezhasaccusedBalaguerofplanningtotakethevotebyfraud,ifnecessary.AspokesmanforhisDemocraticRevolutionaryParty,NeryCabrera,allegedthatsome300,000votercardsthatshouldhavebeencancelledwouldbeusedbyBalaguer'spartytoensurehisre-election.Percapitalincomeisabout790dollarsannuallywhileabout20percentofthepopulationisilliterate. PresidentBillClintonwastonameStephenBreyer,aMassachusettsfederaljudge,ashisnomineetotheUSSupremeCourt,anadministrationofficialsaidFriday.Breyer,55,seenasamoderateconsensus-builder,hadbeenfavoredbyClintonlastyearbeforehenamedRuthGinsburg. PresidentBillClintonwastonameStephenBreyer,aMassachusettsfederaljudge,ashisnomineetotheUSSupremeCourt,anadministrationofficialsaidFriday.Breyer,55,seenasamoderateconsensus-builder,hadbeenfavoredbyClintonlastyearbeforehenamedRuthGinsburg.Clinton'sdecisionendsspeculationoverthenomineetoreplaceJusticeHarryBlackmun,whoisretiring,onthehighestUScourt--oneofthethreecentersofpowerundertheUSconstitution.Namedforlife,thenineSupremeCourtjusticeshaveahugeroleindeterminingthecourseofAmericansociety.Inrecentdecades,thecourthasendedsegregation,givenblackspoliticalpower,legalizedabortionandrestoredthedeathpenalty. AnoldfriendofPresidentBillClinton,SupremeCourtdesignateStephenBreyerisamoderateconsensus-builderwhomostlikelylostanominationlastyearbecausehehada"nannyproblem."The55-year-oldBreyer,nominatedFridaytocourt,shouldbeeasilyconfirmedtoreplaceretiringJusticeHarryBlackmunandbecomethe108thjusticenamedtothenation'shighestcourt.BreyerhadbeenafavoritetoreplacejusticeByronWhitein1993butwasbelievedtohavelostthenominationonrevelationsthathehadfailedtopaysocialsecuritytaxesforahouseholdemployeeformorethanadecade.RuthBaderGinsburgwasnamedinhisstead.Breyer,aNewEnglander,studiedlawatHarvardUniversityandbecameaclerkforthen-SupremeCourtJusticeArthurGoldberg.Inthe1970s,hetaughtantitrustandadministrativelawatHarvardLawSchool.In1973,hehelpedprosecutesomeWatergatecases.Sixyearslater,hewenttoworkasanaidetoSenatorEdwardKennedy,aDemocraticfromMassachusettsandastalwartontheJudiciaryCommittee.Buildingareputationasahardworkingintellectualwithanabilitytobuildconsensus,Breyerwasnextnamedtoafederalcommissiontosetsentencingguidelines.Thepanel'sdecisiontotoughensomesentenceshasangeredfactionsinthejudicialcommunitywhofeelthattheguidelinesdonotgivejudgesenoughleeway.Breyerwasnamedtothe1stCircuitCourtinDecember1980andbecamechiefjudge10yearslater.Asasignofhispoliticalsavvy,hewasnominatedbythen-PresidentJimmyCarterin1980andconfirmedafterCarter'sdefeat.BreyerhasbeenreversedbytheSupremeCourttwice.In1982,heruledthatHustlermagazinecouldnotbesuedforlibelinNewHampshirebecauseithadfewconnectionstothestate.Thehighcourtdisagreed,sayingthattheraunchymagazinewaswidelyavailablethere.In1983,heruledthattheTreasuryDepartmentcouldnotwritearegulationrestrictingUScitizens'traveltoCubabecausethelawusedindraftingtheregulationdidnotapply.TheSupremeCourtoverturnedBreyer'sdecision. ThedollarremainedfirmedagainstothermajorcurrenciesinquiettradinghereFridayafterthegovernmentreportedanunexpectedlysmallriseinAprilconsumerpricesandbecauseofalongholidayweekendinEurope.Gold,meanwhile,roseto380.70dollarsanounce,up.80centsfromlateThursday.Atabout16:55a.m.(2055GMT),thegreenbacktradedat1.6695Germanmarks,unchangedfrommid-dayandupfrom1.6675lateThursday.TheUScurrencyalsofirmedagainstothermajorEuropeancurrencies,risingto5.7260Frenchfrancsfrom5.7200lateThursday,1.4260Swissfrancs(1.4245).Againstthepoundsterlingitstoodat0.6671(0.6669).TraderswerecautiouslyawaitingtheFederalReserve'snextmeetingofitspolicy-settingOpenMarketCommittee,onTuesday.AnalystsexpecttheFedwillraisethefederalfundsrate,theinterestchargedonovernightinterbankloans. ConservativepartypresidentialcandidateDiegoFernandezwasthebigwinneramongthethreecandidatesinalandmarkdebatethatputthethreecandidatesface-to-face,pressreportssaidFriday."Diegowinsdebate"ranheadlinesintheindependentmorningpaperReformafollowingthedebateThursdaynight.Itspollofvotersintwostatesputtheconservativecandidatewellahead.ThedebatemadeMexicanhistory--thefirsttimepresidentialcandidateswereinthesameforumarguingtheissues.Radioandtelevisionbroadcastsofthedebatereachedapotential40millionpeopleinanationof81million.Thursday'sdebatewasthealsothelatestmarkofchangeinacampaignturnedonitsheadwiththeassassinationofrulingpartycandidateLuisDonaldoColosioonMarch23.WhiletelephonepollsareproblematicinMexicobecausemanypoorpeopledonothavethem,thedailyElEconomistasaidthatinitstelephonepoll45percentofthosecontactedsaidFernandezwonthedebate.Still,47percentsaidtheywouldvoteforZedilloiftheelectionswereheldtomorrow.Forty-eightpercentsaidZedilloputforththebestpoliticalprogram.ButanIndemerc-LouisHarrispollfoundthatZedillowasthewinnerbyasqueaker.Potentialvoterssaidthattherulingparty'scandidatehadthemostexperience(40percent)andthebestprogramforcreatingjobsandraisingwages(41percent).Fernandezwasfoundtobethebestspeaker(43percent)andmostsureofhimself(41percent).AnunexpectedloserwaswasCardenas,60,thesonofawildlypopularformerpresident,formerMichoacangovernorwhobrokefromthePRI.IntheHarrispoll,hescoredbestonexperience(19percent)andpersonality(11percent).Zedillo,oftherulingInstitutionalRevolutionaryParty(PRI),cameunderfirefromFernandezoftheNationalActionParty(PAN)andCardenasoftheRevolutionaryDemocraticParty(PRD)duringthe90-minuteprogram.Cardenas,60,promisedtosetupaconstitutionalassemblyin1997ifheiselectedandcalledonFernandezto"fighttogetherfordemocracy."ThepossibilityofthePRDandPANjoiningforces,politicalanalystssaid,couldcostZedillotheelectionandendthePRI's65-yearstrangleholdonthegovernment.Fernandez,a53-year-oldlawmaker,didnotrespondtoCardenas'proposalbutjoinedhimincallingfora"pluralistgovernment"andforan"endtothepartyofstate(thePRI)."Afteryearsofhearingonlythedroneofofficialstatementsontelevision,Mexicanscouldhardlybelievetheirearsastheoppositioncandidatestoreintopastandpresentgovernmentpolicy.CardenasandFernandezcalledforanendtocorruptioninthepoliceforceandthejusticesystem,tocurrenteconomicpolicy,topovertygnawingat40millionMexicans,totheconstitution,totheurbanizationofthecountry,tounemploymentandjobinsecurity,andtorisingpricesandviolence.FernandezshowednomercyforZedillo."Youareherebecauseoftwotragedies:theMarch23assassinationofLuisDonaldoColosio(Zedillo'spredecessorasPRIcandidate)andthe'finger,'"thePANcandidatesaidreferringtotheage-oldtraditionofPRIpresidentspersonallychoosingtheirsuccessors."Thefirst(tragedy)youhadnothingtodowith.Thesecond,disqualifiesyoufromspeakingofdemocracy,"Fernandeztoldtheformereducationandprogrammingminister. PresidentBillClintononFridayselectedStephenBreyer,aMassachusettsfederaljudge,ashisnomineetotheUSSupremeCourt.Breyer,55,seenasamoderateconsensus-builder,hadbeenfavoredbyClintonlastyearbeforehenamedRuthGinsburg.HeheadsthefederalappealscourtinBoston.ClintonsaidBreyerrepresents"excellenceinknowldge,excellenceinjudgement"andadded,"Withoutdisputeheisoneoftheoutstandingjuristsofourage."Clinton'sdecisionendeddaysofspeculationoverthenomineetoreplace85-year-oldJusticeHarryBlackmun,whoisretiringfromthehighestUScourt--oneofthethreecentersofpowerundertheUSconstitution.Namedforlife,thenineSupremeCourtjusticeshaveahugeroleindeterminingthecourseofAmericansociety.Inrecentdecades,thecourthasendedsegregation,givenblackspoliticalpower,legalizedabortionandrestoredthedeathpena,rulingswhichwillhavealastingimpactonthecountry. Russia,theUnitedStatesandwesternEuropeunitedFridayinanewbidforpeaceinBosnia-Hercegovinaamidpoliticalrumblingsbackhomeoverthefailureoftheirsanctions,armsembargoandpeacetroopspoliciestodate.AthreatbyFrance,providerofthebiggestUNtroopcontingent,towithdrawitsmenshouldprospectsforasolutionremainoutofsightcoincidedwithaUSSenatemovetolifttheembargoonarmsfortheMoslemBosniansandaRussianparliamentcalltoabandonsanctionsagainstSerbia.ThecombinationspurredthesevenstatesplusaEuropeanCommissionrepresentative,meetingatforeignministerlevelinGeneva,toputthepeaceprocessbackontrackafterweeksofdriftamidthedangerofinternationalescalation.Amajoraspectofthejointdeclarationarrivedataftersixhoursoftalksisthatitholdsouttheprospectofa"phasedsuspension"oftheUnitedNationssanctionsagainstSerbiainreturnforimplementationingoodfaithofanegotiatedsettlement.TheUnitedStateshadhithertotendedtowardatougheningofsanctionsagainsttheregimeinBelgrade,whiletheRussiangovernmenthasbeenlukewarmonthem,forreasonsthatFriday'svoteinMoscowshowed.ThehintisaclearincentivetotheSerbs.TheEuropeanscanalsogainsatisfactionfromtheUSacceptanceoftheirplantogive51percentofBosnia-HercegovinatotheBosnianCroatsandMoslemsand49percenttotheSerbs,asthemainly-MoslemgovernmentinSarajevohadshowninrecentweeksitwantedWashington'ssupportforabiggershare.Theunitedcallforafour-monthextendableceasefireandpeacenegotiationswithintwoweekscomesamidareiterationoftheoft-statedprinciplethattheremustbeanegotiatedpolitical,andnotamilitarily-imposed,settlement,withacomprehensivecessationofhostilities.Theformoftheceasefireisalsospelledout,andgivestheUnitedNationstroopsonthegroundaclearroleasaforceofinterposition,ratherthanonelimitedtoprotectinghumanitarianconvoysandtheso-calledsafeareasasatpresent."Theagreementoncessationofhostilitiesmustincludetheseparationofforces,thewithdrawalofheavyweaponsandtheinterpositionofUNPROFOR(UNProtectionForce)troops,"thecommuniquesays,addingthatthismeansbeefingratherthanwithdrawingUNtroops."Tocompleteitstaskinthesafeareasandinsupportofthecessationofhostilities,UNPROFORwillneedfurtherreinforcement,"itsaid.Butapartfromthetoughtasktheso-calledcontactgroupofstateshasintryingtogetthenegotiationsrestarted,itisasecretfornoonethatthewesterncountrieswhichhaveprovidedUNtroopsforBosniasofarwillnotwanttoprovideanymoregivenpresentpublicopinion.OntheotherhandameetinginGenevathissameFridayofrepresentativesofthe51-stateOrganizationofIslamicConference,whilecomplainingatbeingleftoutofthebig-powertalksonBosnia,issuedareminderthatitsmemberhaveofferedtofurnishadequateforcesshouldotherstateswithdrawtheirs. PresidentBillClintononFridayselectedStephenBreyer,aMassachusettsfederaljudge,ashisnomineetotheUSSupremeCourt.Breyer,55,seenasamoderateconsensus-builder,hadbeenfavoredbyClintonlastyearbeforehenamedRuthGinsburgtothecourt.MakingtheannouncementattheWhiteHouseRoseGarden,ClintonsaidthechieffederalappealscourtjudgeinBostonrepresents"excellenceinknowldge,excellenceinjudgement.""Withoutdisputeheisoneoftheoutstandingjuristsofourage,"Clintonadded.Clinton'sdecisionendeddaysofspeculationoverthenomineetoreplace85-year-oldJusticeHarryBlackmun,whoisretiringfromthehighestUScourt.Namedforlife,thenineSupremeCourtjusticeshaveahugeroleindeterminingthecourseofAmericansociety.TheappointeesmustbeconfirmedbytheSenate.Inrecentdecades,thecourthasendedsegregation,givenblacksincreasedpoliticalpower,legalizedabortionandrestoredthedeathpenalty.Clintonacknowledgedhewasponderingtwoothercandidates,InteriorSecretaryBruceBabbitt,andfederalappealscourtjudgeRichardArnold.Arnold'schanceswerederailedbyhealthproblemsandhisconnectionswithClinton'shomestateofArkansas,andBabbittwasseenasahighlypoliticalchoice.Breyer'schanceslastyearwerehurtbyrevelationsthathefailedtopaysocialsecuritytaxesforadomesticworker--aproblemsimilartotheonethatdoomedaClintonnomineeforattorneygeneral.In1973,BreyerhelpedprosecutesomeWatergatecasesandlaterworkedasanaidetoSenatorEdwardKennedyonthejudiciarypanelthatwillconsiderhisnomination.Breyer'sconnectionsonCapitolHillandsolidjudicialbackgroundwereseenasfactorsinhisfavor,makinghisconfirmationeasier.SenatorOrrinHatch,theleadingRepublicanonthejudiciarypanel,hassaidhewouldsupportBreyer,whichvirtuallyassuresthenomination.ClintonhassaidhehopedhisnomineecanbeconfirmedbeforetheCongressadjournsforthesummer. Breyer,aNewEnglander,studiedlawatHarvardUniversityandbecameaclerkforthen-SupremeCourtJusticeArthurGoldberg.Inthe1970s,hetaughtantitrustandadministrativelawatHarvardLawSchool.Buildingareputationasahardworkingintellectualwithanabilitytobuildconsensus,Breyerwasnextnamedtoafederalcommissiontosetsentencingguidelines.Thepanel'sdecisiontotoughensomesentenceshasangeredfactionsinthejudicialcommunitywhofeelthattheguidelinesdonotgivejudgesenoughleeway.Breyerwasnamedtothe1stCircuitCourtinDecember1980andbecamechiefjudge10yearslater.TheretirementofBlackmunafter24yearsonthecourtgaveClintonhissecondnomineeandachancetohelpreshapethehighcourtafteritbecamedominatedbynomineesofRepublicanpresidents.Thecourt,headedbyChiefJusticeWilliamRehnquist,69,namedbyRichardNixon,hastakenaconservativetiltinrecentyears.TheotherjusticesareAnthonyKennedy,a57-year-oldmoderateconservativenamedbyRonaldReagan;SandraDayO'Connor,a64-year-oldmoderateconservativenamedbyReagan;AntoninScalia,58,anotherReaganappointeewhoistheleadingconservativetheoristonthecourt;DavidSouter,54,amoderateconservativenamedbyGeorgeBush;JohnPaulStevens,73,aGeraldFordappointeewhohaswaveredfromliberaltoconservative;ClarenceThomas,45,aconservativeBushappointee;andGinsburg,61,seenasamoderatecentrist.rl Italy'snewprimeminister,mediamagnateSilvioBerlusconi,mettheUSambassadortoRomeFridayfora"cordial"conversation,thepremier'sofficesaid.AmbassadorReginaldBartholomewpassedonUSPresidentBillClinton'scongratulationstoBerlusconiwhoformedhisgovernmentthisweek,morethanamonthsincegeneralelections,theofficesaid.Clinton,duetomeetBerlusconiinRomenextmonth,wishedthecountrysuccessinitsrenewalprocessandsaidheexpectedtoworkinclosecontactwithhimforafurtherstrengtheningofanalreadystrongbilateralpartnership.Somewesternobservershaveexpressedconcernaboutthenewcabinet,whichincludesneo-fascistsfromBerlusconi'scoalitionpartnersforthefirsttimesincetheruleofwartimedictatorBenitoMussolini.Addressingsomeofthosefears,newDefenceMinisterCesarePrevitisentamessagetoNATO,USDefenceSecretaryWilliamPerryandtheWesternEuropeanUnionunderlininghis"determinationtoworkonthefoundationsoftraditionalItalianinvolvement"inwesterndefenceandsecuritystructures.HesaidtheencouragementgivenbytheNorthAtlanticTreatyOrganisationandstrongrelationswiththeUnitedStates"constitutefundamentalpointsofreferenceforItaly,withtheconstructionofacredibleEuropeansecurityprofile." AstrongearthquakestruckthesouthernPhilippinesbeforedawnSaturday,topplingpowerandcommunicationlinesinPagadianCity,buttherewerenoimmediatereportsofcasualties,seismologistsheresaid.Thetemblor,strikingat4:12a.m.(2012GMTFriday),registered5.7ontheRichterscaleanditsepicenterwasplottedinIllanaBay,afewkilometers(miles)southofPagadian,seismologistLitoLanuzaofthePhilippineInstituteofVolcanologyandSeismologytoldAFP. Followingtheleadsetbyinterestrates,sharepricesonWallStreetbouncedaroundthispastweekbeforeclosingFridayonadownnoteastradersawaitedtheFederalReserve'snextmove.TheDowJonesindexof30bluechipscloseddown9.82points(0.27percent)Fridayat3,659.68.Sharepricesstartedtheweekbydropping40pointsasbondratesrosetotheirhighestpointsinceNovember1992aftertheFederalReservedashedexpectationsthatitwouldraiseinterestrates.ThisinterventionhadbeenexpectedfollowingthereleaseonMay6offiguresshowingemploymentfigureswerebetterthanexpected.QuarterlyTreasuryauctionsonTuesdayandWednesdayandthereleaseofexcellentinflationfiguresonThursdayconvincedtradersthattheFedwouldstepinonTuesdayafteritsOpenMarketmeetingatwhichmonetarypolicyisdecided.Interestrateswereagainpushedhigherbythedisappointingresultsofanauctionof10-yearbonds,buttheyslidlowerafterthegoodinflationfigureswerereleased.Whileeconomicfigureshavereassuredtraders,mostarestillexpectinginterestratestorise,saidEdLaVarnway,ananalystwithFirstAlbany.ItisdifficulttopredicthowthemarketswillreacttotheFed'sintervention,buttradershavebeenexpectingitforsolongthattheywouldprefertheFedtojustraiserates"onceandforall,"saidLaVarnway.Theyareexpectingaone-halfpointincreaseintheratethatbankschargeeachothertofourpercentandasimilarriseinthediscountrateto3.5percent."IftheFedkeepsfiddlingaroundwith25basispointincreases,itwillkeepthemarketsonedge,"saidHildegardZagorski,ananalystwithPrudentialSecurities. TraderswouldratherseetheFedraiseinterestratesbyhalfapointandthenadoptaneutralposition,Zagorskiadded.Asforfutureshareprices,LaVarnwaysaid,"(Thereis)notenoughevidencetosaythatthecorrectionisover."Amongthelosersfortheweek,UALclosedFridayat119-1/4downfrom127thepreviousweek,ITTwasat82-1/8downfrom87-1/8andCompaqat104-3/8downfrom108-7/8.Amongthegainers,JohnsonandJohnsonwasat42-1/2upfrom40-3/4,Paramountat42from40andBankamericaat46-3/8from44-3/4.TransportsclosedFridayat1,557.72downfrom1,608.92thepreviousweekwhileutilitieswereat179.28downfrom188.83.Atotalof1.35billionshareschangedhandsthisweekdownfrom1.40billionthepreviousweek. BritishAirways(BA)maysuetheFrenchgovernmentifitstopsthecompany'sflightslandingatOrlyairport,southofParis,acompanyspokesmansaidFriday.Thecompanywouldconsiderseekingcompensation,thespokesmansaid.HedidnotspecifywhetherthecarrierwouldtakeimmediateactionifnotallowedtolandMondaywhenthefirstBritishAirwaysflighttoOrlyisscheduled.BritishAirways,backedbytheBritishgovernment,isinsistingitisentitledtostartflightstoOrlyMondayinlinewithaEuropeanCommissionrulinglastmonth.ButFrenchauthoritieshavebeenbarringBritishflightstoOrlyindefianceofthedecisionthatorderedFrancetoopenthreedomesticroutes--Orly-London,Orly-ToulouseandOrly-Marseille--tocompetition.TheFrenchgovernmenthascitedcongestionatOrly,environmentalconsiderationsandincreasedaccesstoLondon'sHeathrowairportforFrenchcarriersasissueswhichneedtoberesolvedbeforetherouteisopened.ItisunderstoodthatFranceofferedacompromisebysuggestingitwaspreparedtoopenOrlytoBritishcarriersattheendofJune.BritishAirwayshassaid:"Wehavetherightsandtheslots,andwewillbestartingourfirstLondon-to-OrlyflightsonMonday."TheBritishgovernmenthasexpressedits"fullsupport"fortheairline.AirUKhasalsostatedthatitwouldbe"goingaheadonMonday."ButFrenchTransportMinisterBernardBossonsaidBritishairlinesplanningtodefythebanwoulddosoattheirowncommercialrisk."Allairlinesthatwouldplaythatgamewillberesponsiblefortheinconveniencetheirpassengersmayexperience,"hewarned.Ina"verygentle"remindertoBritain,Bossonsaid,"yes,wearegoingtoopenupOrly.Butwe,whofindourselvesinthedock,wouldliketoseeBritainmakethesameefforttoopenupHeathrow,"Britain'sbusiestairport.InLondon,aCivilAviationAuthorityspokesmannotedthattheeasiestwayinpracticefortheFrenchtopreventBAandotherairlinesfromservingOrlywastorejecttheflightplan,whicheverypilothastosubmitanhourbeforetakeoff.AirUKhassixflightsscheduledfromOrlytoLondon'sStanstedairportandthefirstisduetoleavethesouthParisairportat7:15a.m.(0515GMT).BA'sfirstoffourOrlyreturnflightsisfromHeathrowat6:50a.m.(0550GMT).Meanwhile,athirdUKairline--BritishMidland--hasdelayedthestartofitsfour-flights-a-dayHeathrow-Orlyserviceuntiltherowisresolved. AstrongearthquakerockedthesouthernPhilippinesbeforedawnSaturday,topplingpowerandcommunicationlinesandblackingoutthePagadianCityvicinity,buttherewerenoimmediatereportsofcasualties,officialssaid.Thetemblor,whichstruckat4:12a.m.(2012GMTFriday),registered5.7ontheRichterscale.ItsepicenterwasintheIllanaBay,afewkilometers(miles)southofPagadian,seismologistLitoLanuzaofthePhilippineInstituteofVolcanologyandSeismology(Phivolcs)toldAFP.ThequakedestroyedatleastfivehousesmadeoflightmaterialsnearPagadian,andresidentsofcoastalareaswereevacuatedtohighergroundincaseoftsunamis,giantwavescausedbyearthquakes,seniorpoliceofficerRodolfoTualtoldAFPbytelephonefromPagadian."Itwasverystrong,butitlastedjustafewseconds,"Tualsaid,addingthatitremindedhimofamajorearthquakewhichcausedtsunamisandkilledseveralhundredpeopleinthesouthin1976.Pagadianpolicearenowoutinthestreetstoevaluatethedamage,hesaid,addingthattherewerenoimmediatereportsofcasualties.HesaidthequakeblackedoutPagadianandsurroundingareasbutthatpowerwasrestoredabout25minueslater.LanuzasaidlocalofficialsinPagadianreportedtoPhivolcsthatthetemblortoppledpowerandcommunicationlinesandblackedoutthecityandnearbyeareas.TwoPhilippineLongDistanceTelephoneCo.watertankstructuresinthecityweretoppled,headded.Hesaidseveralweakeraftershockswererecorded,butthatPhivolcs'initialcalculationwasthatthequakewasnotthetypethatwouldcausetsunamis.ThetemblorwasfeltthroughoutthewesternhalfofthelargesouthernislandofMindanao,headded. SecretaryGeneralBoutrosBoutros-GhalibackedaUSplantoshelterrefugeesatRwanda'sbordersFriday,butwarnedthatmorewasneeded.TheUNchiefrenewedhispleatothe15councilmemberstoagreetoaplantodeploy5,500troopstoRwandaaspartofaUNhumanitarianmission,reinforcingaUNmissionreducedto270members.WhilewelcomingtheUSinitiativetoestablishprotectedsitesforrefugeesclosetoRwanda'sborderswithBurundiandTanzania,Boutros-Ghalisaidconcentratingonthat"wouldbetoonlyaddressasmallpartoftheproblem"andcoulddrawmorerefugees."IbelievethatitisessentialthatanysuchinitiativeshouldbematchedbyactiontoassistpersonsintheinteriorofRwanda,"hesaidinareporttothecouncil.TheproposedUNforcewouldbecomposedoftroopsfromTanzania,Nigeria,Ghana,SenegalandAustralia,andwouldinclude800troopsintheRwandancapitalKigalitoprotecttheairportandotherkeysites.ButhesaidsuchamissionwouldbefacilitatedbyaceasefirebetweenwarringfactionsinRwanda,whichplungedintochaosandbloodyethnicfightingfollowingthedeathofpresidentJuvenalHabyarimanaApril6inasuspiciousplanecrash.EarlieronFridayinParis,Jacques-RogerBooh-Booh,theUNspecialrepresentativetoRwandasaidtheUnitedNations'topprioritywasaceasefirebetweenrebelsandgovernmentsoldiersandthatnegotiationsonothertopicswouldcomelater."Fornow,itisdifficulttoresumepoliticalnegotiationssolongasthereisnoceasefire,"Booh-Boohsaid."Aceasefireistheoreticallypossiblebutcertainconditionsmustbefulfilled"first,hesaidreferringtotheTutsirebels'refusaltorecognizethetransitionalgovernmentsetupfollowingthedeathofHabyarimana.InGeneva,UNHighCommissionerforHumanRightsJoseAyalaLassomadeanimpassionedpleafortheworldtoendthe"unimaginablehumantragedy"inRwanda."Theworldmustdosomethingtohaltthisviolence,"saidAyalaLassoafterfivedaysinKigaliwherehemetwiththechiefsoftheHutu-ledgovernmentarmyandthemostlyTutsiRwandanPatrioticFront.AyalaLassosaidthemajorityHutusandminorityTutsishadbothwelcomedhisproposaltosetupacommissiontodeterminethecausesofthemassacreswhichhaveleftsome200,000deadinthetinyhighlandeasternAfricanstate,andresponsibilityforthem.TheofficeoftheUNHighCommissionerforRefugeesmeanwhilesaidthatwithUSplanesnowoperatinganairbridgetotakeaidtosome250,000RwandanrefugeesinTanzaniahadsteppedupitseffortsandwasflyinginplasticsheetingforshelters.Some2,000refugeesarecontinuingtocrossthebordereachday,saidspokesmanRonRedmond. Southerntroopssuffered"heavylosses"whennorthernforcesrecapturedthetownofAlMusaymir,northwestofAden,aspokesmanforthedefenseministryannouncedovernightFriday.Thereportcameasnorthernleadersrejectedas"nothingnew"aseven-pointceasefireplanputforwardbytheirsoutherncounterparts.NortherntroopsadvancedinthetownofDaleh,90kilometers(55miles)northofAden,whichcontrolsoneofthemainroutestotheformersoutherncapital,SABAnewsagencyquotedhimassaying.ReportsonthedevelopmentsatDalehwerecontradictoryFriday,witheachcampclaimingcontrolofthearea.ThespokesmansaidsouthernforcesalsosufferedheavylossesatAbyanewherelargeamountsofweaponsandammunition,including18tanksandfourarmoredvehicles,wereseized.TherivalarmiesofformerNorthandSouthYemenhavebeenlockedincivilwarsinceMay5,shatteringfouryearsofuneasyunionbetweentheconservativenorthandtheMarxistsouth.ArabLeaguedelegatescarryingamessagefromtheorganization'sSecretaryGeneralEsmatAbdelMeguidcallingforanimmediatehalttothecivilwarwereduetomeetwithPresidentAliAbdallahSalehonSaturday.Friday'speaceplan,proposedbythesouthernYemenSocialistParty(YSP),calledforanimmediateendtothenine-daywarandthecreationofanationalunitygovernment.Butnorthernleadersrepeateddemandsmadeatthebeginningoftheconflictforsouthernleaderstosurrender. Awomanwholostherjobasaperfumedemonstratorbecauseofallegedbodyodortoldacourthearingherwrongfuldismissallawsuitthattheincidentmadepeopleseeheras"thissmellyperson."SharonBagnalltoldanOntarioCourtjudgethatshewashumiliatedbytheApril1991dismissalbyCalvinKleinCosmetics."NooneseesthatI'mawife,amother,thatIhavealife,"BagnalltoldJudgeLeeFerrier."Theyjustseethissmellyperson."TheCanadiansubsidiaryoftheUS-basedfirmmaintainedthatBagnall'sodorcreatedapersistentproblemforotheremployees.ArgumentsendedFridayandarulingwasexpectedinJune. DefendingchampionPattySheehanfiredathree-under-par68atthewindblownLPGAChampionshipFridaytobreezeintoshareofthehalfwayleadwithRobinWalton.Sheehanbeganthedaybackin17thplace,butfourbirdiesandjustonebogeyputherattwo-under140throughtworounds.Walton's70includedadoublebogeyandabogeyaswellasfourbirdies.ThepairweretrailedbyovernightleaderAliceRitzman,whocardeda73for141.Theyweretheonlythreegolfersunderparaftertworoundsonthepar71DuPontCountryClubcourse.BritonLauraDavieseagledherlastholefora72thatputheron142,tiedwithMegMallon."Thewindgustedandcamefromeverywhere,"saidRitzman,whoisseekingherfirstvictoryin17yearsonthetour."Itseemedlikeitchangeddirectioneveryfiveseconds.Itwasanightmare."Thewindspushedupthecuttonine-over,thehighestonthewomen'stourthisyear."Ishootlikethiseveryweek,"Waltonsaid."ButusuallyIgettrashed."Giventheconditionsandherownrecentrunofindifferentplay,HallofFamerSheehanecstaticafterherround."I'mjustthrilledtodeath,"shesaid."Itwasprobablyoneofmybestroundsoftheyear."Shegotthreebirdiesinherfirstfiveholes--at11,12and15."Thatcertainlyputmeinagoodposition,knowingIwasnotindangerofmissingthecut,"shesaid."ItwasthefirsttimethisyearIfeltincontrol."Movingtothefrontnine,Sheehanbirdiedthesecond,thengaveonebackateightwheresheleftherapproachshortwithathree-iron."Ihadabrainhemorrhage,"shesaid."Iusedthewrongclub.It'sassimpleasthat."WhileSheehanwasmovingupfrom17thplace,overnightco-leaderDottieMochriewasdroppingbacktothesamespotwitha78for146.Sheclosedwithadreadfuldoublebogey,missinga12-footputtforpar,thenangrilyknockingtheremainingtwo-inchputtpastthehole.bb94 PrimeMinisterJeanChretientoldmembersofhisgoverningLiberalPartyhewouldcontinueeffortstobuildCanadianunitydespitetheeffortsofQuebecseparatists.DescribingCanadaas"thebestcountryintheworld,acountrythatistheenvyoftheworld,"Chretien'smessagewasseenasacritiqueofseparatistswhowanttoseehisnativeprovinceofQuebecbecomeanindependentstate.Speakingtonearly3,000jubilantsupporterssixmonthsafterwinningalandslideelectionvictoryhesaidhewoulddo"whatisrightformycountry,Canada...Ourchallengeistokeepbuildingthiscountry."Chretienofferednonewpolicyinitiatives,eventhoughtheconventionissupposedlyapolicy-makingconvention.Instead,hestoodfirmonpatrioticthemesandrhetoricbeforeapartisancrowdwhichcontinuouslyinterruptedhimwithstandingovations.Manydelegatesbrokeintoachorusofthenationalanthem"O,Canada"whenChretienendedhisspeech.OneofthestandingovationscamewhenChretientolddelegatesthathehaddecidednottoallowtheUnitedStatescarryoutanymorecruisemissiletestsoverCanadianterritoryafterthisyear.ThetestsbeganunderanotherLiberalprimeminister,PierreTrudeau.Onceelected,Chretiensaidhewouldreviewthesituation,butwouldallowtwotestsalreadyplannedforthisyear. UkraineagreedFridaytoadheretoguidelinesfornonproliferationofmissiletechnology,theWhiteHousesaid.VicePresidentAlGoreandDeputyPrimeMinisterValeriShmarovsignedamemorandumofunderstandingontheMissileTechnologyControlRegime(MTCR),whichtheUnitedStatesand24othernationsbelongto,theWhiteHousesaidinastatement."ThememorandumisawelcomeexpressionofthestrongpartnershipthattheUnitedStatesandUkrainehaveestablishedtoaddressissuesofnonproliferationandarmscontrol,"thestatementsaid."Ukraine'scommitmenttoabidebythethecriteriaandstandardsoftheMTCRisanimportantstepthatshowsthereadinesstobearesponsiblenationalactorinthesaleofhigh-technologygoodsandservices,includingintheaerospacesector."Theaccordbanstheexportofmissilesormissiletechnologytocountriesthatcoulduseittobuildsuchweapons. SinnFeinpresidentGerryAdamshasurgedtheBritishgovernmenttorespondpositivelytoadocumentdetailingdemandsforclarificationoftheAnglo-Irishjointdeclaration.ThedocumentwastransmittedtotheBritishgovernmentbytheIrishgovernmentFridayonbehalfofSinnFein."SinnFeinhasaclearviewofwhatisrequiredtoachievealastingpeacefoundedondemocraticprinciples.Wehaveapeacestrategyaimedatmovingthesituationinthatdirection,"Adamssaidinastatement.Headded:"ItisnecessarythattherepliesfromLondontoourquestionsproperlyandhonestlyclarifytheseissuessothatthepeaceprocesscanbeadvanced.""ItisimportantthattheBritishgovernmentrespondspositivelytothisinitiativeandanswersthequestionsputtoitinadirectandcomprehensivemanner."AstatementissuedbyNorthernIrelandSecretaryPatrickMayhewearlierFridaysaidtheBritishgovernmentwouldstudyandmakepublicSinnFein'sdemandsforclarificationoftheDecember15Anglo-Irishdeclaration."Itisclearlyinthepublicinterestforpeopletoknowwhatthesequestionsare.Weshallmakethempublicwithourcommentswithinamatterofdaysoncewehavehadanopportunitytogivethemproperconsideration,"hisstatementsaid.TheAnglo-Irishdeclaration,signedinDecemberbyBritishPrimeMinisterJohnMajorandhisIrishcounterpartAlbertReynolds,offeredSinnFein,theIrishRepublicanArmy'spoliticalwing,afullplaceinpeacetalksoncetheIRArenouncedviolence--anofferthatwasnotdefinitivelyacceptedorrejected,pendingclarification.SinnFeinpreviouslyinsistedonface-to-facemeetingswithgovernmentofficials,apparentlyprobingforresumptionofthetypeofsecretcontactsitheldwithBritishofficialsduringmostof1993.London,meanwhile,hadhithertorefusedtogiveanyclarification,sayingthatthedeclarationwasself-explanatory.ButMayhewhintedlastmonthtoanAmericancongressionalcommitteethathewouldconsiderrespondingtospecificqueries.Friday'sexchangeislikelytoraisehopesthatrepublicanleadersmaybeedgingclosertodeclaringanendtotheir25-yeararmedcampaignopposingBritishruleinNorthernIreland. Canada'sPaulTracycrashedhereFridayduringpracticeforIndianapolis500polequalifying,dimmingchancesofafront-rowsweepbytheMercedes-poweredPensketeam.TracyspentFridaynightatMethodistHospitalfollowingneurologicaltestsandX-raysafterhelostcontrolofhiscarat240mph(384km/h)inthethirdturn.Tracywaslistedingoodconditionwithaconcussionandbruisedleftfootbutisquestionableforqualifying.Recordspeedsandacrowdofmorethan200,000peopleareexpectedSaturdayatthe2.5-mile(4km)ovalfortimetrialsdespiteforecastsoflate-dayrain.RookiesHideshiMatsudaofJapanandCanada'sJacquesVilleneuvewonthefirstspotinthequalifyinglineinablinddraw.ReigningIndychampionEmersonFittipaldiofBrazilwasnext-to-lastintheorder,justaheadof1993IndypolewinnerArieLuyendykoftheNetherlands.Tracy'sprimarycarsufferedextensivedamage,buthisbackupcarwastestedlateFridayandcouldbereadyifTracywasdeclaredfittodrive."Paulshouldbedrivingtomorrow,"saidFittipaldi,Tracy'steammate."Westillaren'tsurewhathappened.Butthebackupcarisready.Itesteditat225mph(360km/h)."Tracy,Fittipaldiand1992IndywinnerAlUnserJnrwerefavoredtosweepthefrontberthsinthe33-carfieldfortheMay29race.AllthreeRogerPensketeamdriversusethenewMercedesmotor,whichhasextraboostoverconventionalIndy-carenginesthankstoaloopholeinrulesforthisracealone."I'mnotabettingman,butIknowwhoisgoingtogetthepole,"saidreigningserieschampionNigelMansell."Penskeisgoingtorunawaywithit." Fittipaldihasthetoppracticelapof230.483mph(368.772km/h),withBrazil'sRaulBoeselnextbestat230.403(368.644km/h)followedbyTracy,Unser,EddieCheever,Mansell,MarioandMichaelAndretti."Ifwecanmakethefrontrow,itwouldbearealcoup,"saidMichaelAndretti,makinghisIndyreturnafterspendinglastseasonontheFormulaOnecircuit.Thosetopdriversareaimingforthespeedwayrecords,setin1992byRobertoGuerrero,of232.618mph(372.188km/h)foronelapand232.482mph(371.971km/h)forafour-lapqualifyingrun."Thereisnomorepressure-filleddayinracingthanpolequalifyinghere,"saidMarioAndretti,athree-timeIndypolewinnerinhis29thandfinal500."Qualifyingforthisraceisaneventinitself.It'stheonlyracewhereyouhaveaweektogetgoingasfastasyoucanjusttogetintotherace."Owner-managerDerrickWalker,aformerPenskechief,saidheexpectedapolespeedabove234mph(374km/h)."Jesus,"saidstunneddriverMarkSmithuponhearingtheprediction."Iwashopinghewouldsay227mph,"addedracerRobbyGordon.ThefastestrookieisVilleneuve,sonofthelateFormulaOneracerGillesVilleneuve.Hehasreached226.637mph(362.619km/h)inaReynard-Ford.Otherrookiesabove220mph(352km)areAdrianFernandezofMexico,Brazil'sMauricioGugelminandMatsuda.LynSt.James,theonlyfemaledriverhere,reached225.749mphinpracticeFriday,thetopspeedeverrecordedforawomanracer.js94bb AphotographerfiledaonemilliondollarlawsuitagainstMichaelJacksonFridayasaphotographerclaimedthepopstardidnothingtostophisbodyguardsfrombeatinghimandtakinghisfilm.Free-lancephotographerAlexOliveiraallegestwoJacksonbodyguardsattackedhiminNewYork'sCentralParkMarch31ashetriedtophotographthepopsuperstar.Oliveirafiledthelawsuitinfederalcourt,namingthebodyguardsas"JohnDoesIandII."AccordingtoOliveira,oneofthebodyguardstoldhimto"givemethe...filmorIwillbreakyourneck."Then,saidOliviera,thebodyguardspushed,chokedandshovedhimastheytookhisfilmandcamera.OlivieraallegedthatJacksonfailedtodiscipline,trainorcontrolhisbodyguards.Olivieracontendshesufferedsevereandpermanentinjuriesincludingback,shoulderandneckpain,sleeplessness,anguish,andpychologicalandemotionaldistress. Ukrainehasdismantledits46intercontinentalmissiles,InterfaxnewsagencyquotedPresidentLeonidKravchukassayingFriday.ThescrappingoftheSS-24missileswaspartofanagreementsignedinMoscowJanuarybyKravchuk,USPresidentBillClintonandhisRussiancounterpartBorisYeltsin.TheagreementcalledforthecompletedenuclearizationoftheformerSovietrepublicwhereatotalof176missiles,includingthe46intercontinentalmissileswitharangeofmorethan10,000kilometers(6,200miles)hadbeendeployed.ThereportcameasUkraineagreedtoadheretoguidelinesfornonproliferationofmissiletechnology,accordingtotheWhiteHouseinWashington.USVicePresidentAlGoreandUkrainianDeputyPrimeMinisterValeriShmarovsignedamemorandumofunderstandingontheMissileTechnologyControlRegime(MTCR),towhichtheUnitedStatesand24othernationsbelong,theWhiteHousesaidinastatementFriday. Nearly100Rwandannurses,doctorsanddriversoftherelieforganizationMedecinssansFrontieres(MSF)havebeenkilledinthecountry'scivilwarsincemid-April,MSFannouncedFriday.Thekillingshappenedinsiderefugeecamps,hospitalsandmedicalcenters.AnMSFteamthatvisitedthemassacresitessaidonly40civiliansoutofabout2,800groupedattheSaintJosephcenteratKibongosurvivedamassacrethereonApril15.Theotherswerekilledbyexplodinggrenades,rockets,automaticarmsfireorwereknifed,between2:30p.m.and6:30p.m.Theywereburiedinamassgraveunderthebishopric'srefectorylater,theorganizationsaid.Anursewhohadbeenkidnappedandrapedbyarmytroopsandbeheaded,alongwithtwodriversandaclergyman,wasamongthevictims.MSFsaidthekillingsamongitsstaffwerethefirstsincetheorganizationwascreatedin1971.ThereportcameasUNHighCommissionerforHumanRightsJoseAyalaLassomadeanimpassionedpleaFridayfortheworldtoendthe"unimaginablehumantragedy"inRwanda.AyalaLassosaidinGenevathemajorityHutusandminorityTutsishadbothwelcomedhisproposaltosetupacommissiontodeterminethecausesofthemassacreswhichhaveleftsome200,000deadinthetinyhighlandcentralAfricanstate,anddetermineresponsibilityforthem. TheUNSecurityCouncildelayedavoteFridayonaplantodeploy5,500UNtroopstoRwandatoreinforceaUNmissionreducedto270members.WhilewelcomingtheUSinitiativetoestablishprotectedsitesforrefugeesclosetoRwanda'sborderswithBurundiandTanzania,UNSecretaryGeneralBoutrosBoutros-Ghalisaidconcentratingonthat"wouldbetoonlyaddressasmallpartoftheproblem"andcoulddrawmorerefugees."IbelievethatitisessentialthatanysuchinitiativeshouldbematchedbyactiontoassistpersonsintheinteriorofRwanda,"hesaidinareporttothecouncil.Afterseveralhoursofdiscussions,thecouncilpostponedactionontheRwandaproposaluntilnextweek,saidAmbassadorIbrahimGambariofNigeria,thecouncilpresidentthismonth.TheproposedUNforcewouldbecomposedoftroopsfromTanzania,Nigeria,Ghana,SenegalandAustralia,andwouldinclude800troopsintheRwandancapitalKigalitoprotecttheairportandotherkeysites.ButBoutros-GhalisaidsuchamissionwouldbefacilitatedbyaceasefirebetweenwarringfactionsinRwanda,whichplungedintochaosandbloodyethnicfightingfollowingthedeathofpresidentJuvenalHabyarimanaApril6inasuspiciousplanecrash.EarlieronFridayinParis,Jacques-RogerBooh-Booh,theUNspecialrepresentativetoRwandasaidtheUnitedNations'topprioritywasaceasefirebetweenrebelsandgovernmentsoldiersandthatnegotiationsonothertopicswouldcomelater."Fornow,itisdifficulttoresumepoliticalnegotiationssolongasthereisnoceasefire,"Booh-Boohsaid."Aceasefireistheoreticallypossiblebutcertainconditionsmustbefulfilled"first,hesaidreferringtotheTutsirebels'refusaltorecognizethetransitionalgovernmentsetupfollowingthedeathofHabyarimana.InGeneva,UNHighCommissionerforHumanRightsJoseAyalaLassomadeanimpassionedpleafortheworldtoendthe"unimaginablehumantragedy"inRwanda."Theworldmustdosomethingtohaltthisviolence,"saidAyalaLassoafterfivedaysinKigaliwherehemetwiththechiefsoftheHutu-ledgovernmentarmyandthemostlyTutsiRwandanPatrioticFront.AyalaLassosaidthemajorityHutusandminorityTutsishadbothwelcomedhisproposaltosetupacommissiontodeterminethecausesofthemassacreswhichhaveleftsome200,000deadinthetinyhighlandeasternAfricanstate,andresponsibilityforthem.TheofficeoftheUNHighCommissionerforRefugeesmeanwhilesaidthatwithUSplanesnowoperatinganairbridgetotakeaidtosome250,000RwandanrefugeesinTanzaniahadsteppedupitseffortsandwasflyinginplasticsheetingforshelters.Some2,000refugeesarecontinuingtocrossthebordereachday,saidspokesmanRonRedmond. TheWorldBankhasapprovedloansforIndiatotaling6.5billiontosevenbilliondollarsforthenextthreeyears,officialssaidFriday.Theloansarelessthantheninebilliondollarsapprovedforthepreviousthree-yearperiod,butreflectthechangingnatureoftheaidandimprovementsinIndia'seconomy,saidHeinzVergin,thebankofficialinchargeofIndia.BankofficialsnotedthatIndianeconomicgrowthreached13percentin1992and1993.Inflationwas13percentin1993and5.3percentin1992.Botheconomicgrowthandinflationareexpectedtobe10percentnextyear.TheWorldBankloansarenolongeraimedatproppingupIndia'scurrencyreserves,butfinancingspecificeconomicprojects,Verginsaid.Inarelatedmatter,thebanksaiditsInternationalDevelopmentAssociationwouldprovidea117.8milliondollarcredittohelpfightblindnessinIndia.ThefundswillallowsomeeightmillionIndianstoundergocataractsurgerybetweennowandtheyear2000,thebanksaid."Thisistheboldesteffortyettoreduceblindnessinadevelopingcountry,"saidthebank'sDonosoClark."Theproject'smainfocuswillbeonrestoringthesightofpoorpeople,particularlywomen."Thebanksaidaboutone-thirdoftheworld's35millionblindpeopleliveinIndia,andthat40percentofIndiansblindedbycataractswerebetween40and60yearsold.TheWorldBankhasalsofundedprogramstohelpreduceAIDS,leprosy,tuberculosisandmalariainIndia,aswellasseveralprojectsonchildandmaternalhealth. APolynesianracemanydenyexists,which150yearsagowasdriventotheedgeofextinctionbyagenocidalwar,mightwinjusticeaftertheHighCourthereruledtheywereentitledtoseekcompensationforlostlands.TheMoriorilivedontheisolatedChathamIslands,870kilometres(539miles)fromhere,until1835whentheTeAtiAwaMaoritribearrivedfromNewZealandandbeganslaughteringthem.TommySolomonwasevenreferredtoasthe"last"Morioriwhenhediedin1933.Nowtheapproximately200remainingMoriorihavefiledasuitwithaquasi-judicialbodyseekingareturnoflands.MorioriCharliePreecesayshisraceisgettingstrongerandthetribunal,byagreeingtoheartheirlandclaims,wasgivingthemrecognitionasarace."It'staken160yearstogetthisfar.Nowwewanttodothingsthatshouldhavebeentakencareofalongtimeago,"hesaid.ButMaoris,claimingarightofconquestandthefactthattheNativeLandCourtlastcenturyhadrefusedtorecogniseMoriori,hadgonetotheHighCourtseekingtostopthehearing.TheMorioristory,oftenmarkedbyaccusationsofracismandbias,hasonlyrarelybeendebatedpubliclyandisoneofthecountry'sdarkestsecrets.WhitesusedtoclaimMorioriwereapeacefulracewhooccupiedmainlandNewZealanduntiltheMaoriarrivedandexterminatedthem.AlthoughthereisnoevidenceofMorioripopulationsinmainlandNewZealand,thisversionofhistoryisusedasajustificationforthelaterwhiteoccupation.Butpro-MaoriacademicsclaimtherewasnosuchraceastheMoriori,andthatthegrouplivingontheChathamsweresimplydescendantsofMaorifishermentakenbywindandtidetotheislands.Oddly,theMaoriclaimMoriorihavenorighttocomplainbecausetheyareaconqueredpeople,butsuchrationaleonmainlandNewZealandadvancedbywhitestowardsMaoriwouldberegardedasunacceptable.TwoyearsagoajointNewZealand-ThaistudyofskullsrevealedmarkeddifferencesbetweenMaoriandMoriori.WhitesfirstvisitedtheChathamsin1791,thenoccupiedbyanestimated2000Moriori.Whalersandsealersfollowed,bringingdiseaseswhichkilledoffhundredsofMoriori.TheMorioriwereknownaspacifistsandwhenwordofthisreachedTeAtiAwaMaoriin1835theyseizedashipinWellingtonharbourandsailedtotheChathams."Moriori,APeopleRediscovered"byMichaelKing,abookpublishedin1990andforthefirsttimeoutliningwhathappened,toldofaround1,400deathsinthewakeoftheMaoriarrival.OneMoriorisaidtheyweretakenprisoner:"Thewomenandchildrenwerebound,andmanyofthese,togetherwiththemen,werekilledandeaten,sothatthecorpseslayscatteredinthewoodsandovertheplains.Thosewhoweresparedfromdeathwereherdedlikeswine,andkilledfromyeartoyear."Bythe1870stherewerefewerthan100Moriorileft,andtheMaoriLandCourtofthattimeheldtheChathamstobeMaoriland,byrightofconquest. ScotlandYarddetectivesaretoinvestigatethetheftoffourmilliondollars(2.6millionpounds)fromtheUnitedNationsheadquartersinSomalia,apolicespokeswomansaidearlySaturday.AteamfromtheYard'sinternationalandorganisedcrimesquadwillflytotheSomalicapital,Mogadishu,earlynextweek,saidaYardspokeswoman.TheUNcalledinScotlandYardafterthecash,usedtopaytheinternationalorganisation'sstaffinthestrife-tornAfricanstate,wheretherearefewbankingfacilities,disappearedfromafilingcabinetatitsmaincompoundinMogadishuamonthago.ThespokeswomanstresseditwasnotunusualforinternationalagenciestodrawupontheexpertiseofScotlandYardofficersininvestigatingcrimeabroad.But,althoughScotlandYarddetectiveswouldquestionandpossiblyfingerprintsuspects,theywerenotauthorisedtomakearrests,shesaid. TheItalianindustrialgroupRivasaidlateFridayitwaspullingoutofadealtobuythegianteasternGermanEKOStahlsteelworks,embarrassingtheKohlgovernmentintheregionaheadofOctober'selections.Rivasaiditwouldnotreviseitsdecision"whatevernewproposalsaremade,"theTreuhandprivatisationstateholdingcompanysaid.Themovecomesaftertwoweeksoftalkswhichtriedtorenegotiatethe100percentbuyoutwhichwasworth1.1billionGermanmarks(700,000dollars),oneofthemostambitiousprivatisationprojectsintheformercommunistEast.ThedealcameunstuckoverdifferencesbetweenRivaandtheIGMetallunionoverthechoiceofaneutralmemberofthecompany'ssupervisorycouncilandthepaceofjobcuts,whichwouldbringstaffingdownfrom3,000to2,300.TheunionhasalsoquestionedRiva'seconomicsoundness.TheTreuhandsaiditwouldimmediatelygetbackintouchwithinvestorswhohadshownaninterestinthecompanyearlier.TheEKOStahlworksisakeyemployerinthedepressedeasternGermanregionofEisenhuettenstadt. PresidentBillClintonannouncedFridayheplanstonominateGeorgeBrunothenewUSambassadortoBelize.Bruno,51,isanattorneyspecializinginhumanrightsissues.HewasamemberoftheJusticeDepartmentduringpresidentJimmyCarter'sadministration.BrunohasdegreesinciviladministrationandUShistoryandhasparticipatedasaninternationalobservertoelectionsinPakistanandRomania.ClintonalsoannouncedheintendstonominatePhyllisOakley,acareerForeignServiceOfficertobethenextassistantsecretaryofstateforpopulationandrefugees.Oakley,60,hasbeenactingdirectorofthedepartment'sBureauofRefugeeProgramssinceMarch.ShehasalsoworkedastheStateDepartment'sdeputyspokeswomanandhasexperienceonintelligence,MiddleEastandhumanitarianassistanceissues.Attheagriculturedepartment,Clintonintendstofilltwotopslots.HewillnominateJoseM.Amadorasassistantsecretaryforscienceandeducation.Hewillberesponsibleforscience,technologyandeducationprograms.AmadorisanativeofCuba.HepresentlyheadstheTexasAMResearchCenter. SeniorfiguresfromBritain'sLabouroppositionpartyhopetheirnewleaderwillbeknownbymid-July,followingthedeathofJohnSmithwhichhasdevastatedBritishpolitics,thepressreportedSaturday.Anearlyleadershipcontestcouldcapitaliseontheparty'scurrentstrengthovertherulingConservativepartywhich,accordingtoanopinionpollSaturdayhasfallenintothirdplace--21pointsbehindLabourandhalfapointbehindtheLiberalDemocrats.Labour'schairmanDavidBlunkettsaidthepartywouldmove"sensiblybutquicklyintoresolvingtheleadership,andtheopinionappearstobeweshouldtryanddothatbymid-July."Blunkettsaidthetimetableforaleadershipcontestwouldbedrawnupbytheparty'srulingnationalexecutiveatitsnextmeetingonMay25.Meanwhile,Britain'sthreemainpoliticalpartieshaveannouncedasuspensionofcampaigningintheEuropenelectionsuntilafterSmith'sfuneralFridayinEdinburgh,andapoliticaltruce,asamarkofrespect,hascalledatemporaryhalttopartisanattacks.ItisstilltooearlytogaugetheeffectofSmith'sdeathonLabour'schancesofsuccess.However,aGallupPolltakenbeforehisdeathfromaheartattackThursday,butpublishedinSaturday'sTelegraphfoundnearlyhalfofvotersthinkLabourwillwinthenextgeneralelection.InthewakeoftheTories'drubbinginlocalelectionslastweek,thesurveygivesLabour,on45andahalfpercent,a20andahalfpointleadovertheLiberalDemocratswhichareon25percent.TheToriesarethirdon24andahalfpercent.FewplacealltheblameonBritishPrimeMinisterJohnMajor.Mostpointthefingeratthegovernmentasawhole,althoughonly13percentofGallup'srespondentsthinkMajoris"firmlyincharge."InInvernesstoaScottishToryconference,Fridaynight,inaspeechrecasttoremovepoliticalaspects,Majorindicatedhehadnointentionofstandingdownandasked:"Judgemeonmywholeterm.Allofit.Youcan'tjudgeahousewhenonlythefoundationsarelaid."EditorialcommentinSaturday'sTelegraphanalysedthecurrentsombrepoliticalmood:"ThedeathofMrSmithandLabour'sprospectiveleadershiptraumacouldinfluencenationalpoliticsintwoobviousways."First,thecurrentwaveofemotionmayspilloverintosomesympathyvotesforLabourattheEuropeanelectionsonJune9,enlargingtheparty'slikelytriumph."YetMrMajor'sprospectsofretainingtheToryleadershipseemstrengthened...Ifthegovernmentcanavoidanotherself-inflictedcrisisforafewweeks,theToryleadershipissuemayrecedeaspublicattentionfocusesonthefutureoftheOpposition."OnherfirstfulldayasactingLabourleaderfortheimminentEuro-electioncampaignMargaretBeckettonFridayexpressedconfidencethatherparty'sleadershipissuewouldbedecidedwithoutrancour"tomakesurethathis(Smith's)life'sworkisnotfrustratedbyhisdeath."InSaturday'sDailyMirror,BeckettsaidshehopedthememoryofSmith'sdecencywouldchangetheattitudesandbehaviourofallpoliticians.Andshepleadedforunitytocontinue:"Hewasveryproudofthewaythepartyhaspulledtogether.Hewasveryproudofthesenseofunityandthewilltowin."Sheurgedherpartyto:"continuetodisplaythatunityandwilltowin...Wemustallconductourselvessothathewouldhavebeenproudofusanddonothingthatwouldlethimdown.Wemustdonothingthatwillinanywaymeanthathisworkcomestonothing."Astotheleadershipcandidates,thebookies'1-3favouriteforthejobisdomesticaffairsexpertTonyBlair. ABritonwasflogged50timesforbreakingMoslemdrinkinglawsintheGulfStateofQatar,hisfathersaidFriday.TheBritishForeignOfficeconfirmeditwaslookingintothecase,whichisthoughttobethefirsttimeaBritonhasbeenfloggedinQatar.ComputertechnicianGavinSherrard-Smith,30,waslashedwiththree-footcanesinthejailwhereheisservingasix-monthsentence.ThebeatingtookplaceonMay3,butSherrard-Smith'sfatherlearnedithadtakenplacefromaletterwhicharrivedFriday.Inapost-script,hissonwrote:"PS.Gotmy50onTuesday.Allokay.Gladit'sover."Appealsforclemencybyhis72-year-oldfather,formercolonelDerekSherrard-Smithfailed,despitefurtherappealsfromBritishdiplomats.Sherrard-Smith--whodeniedsellingalcoholtoaMoslem--wassentencedto50lashes,sixmonthsinjailanddeportationafterhisarrestinNovember.Qatarallowswesternerstodrinkonlyathomeandstrictlycontrolsthesaleofalcohol. AcouplefromMaliwasgivenafour-yearsuspendedsentenceFridaybyacourtintheParissuburbofBobigny,aftermutilatingtheirtwodaughtersbythetraditionalAfricanpracticeoffemale"circumcision."Theprosecutionhadaskedthecourttosetanexampleinthewidelypublicisedcase,whichwouldsendamessagetotheAfricancommunity."Iwascircumcisedatmybirth,Iwantedmychildrentobelikeme,"explainedmotherDembeleSoumare,aged34,whoarguedthatshehadnotknowntheoperationwasillegalinFrance.HerhusbandGuessouma,54,saidhewasnotinvolvedintheaffairwhichhedescribedas"women'sbusinesswhichdoesnotconcerntheheadofthefamily."Thelocalhospitaldiscoveredthat12-month-oldFatoumataSoumarehadbeeninfibulated--aringpassedthroughtheouterlipsofhervagina--andherclitorisremovedwhenshewashospitalisedforananaemicconditioninAugust1990.HersisterFeta,agedthree,wasthenexaminedbytheemergencyserviceswhofoundtheclitorisandsmallervaginallipsremoved,typicaloftheritualcircumcisionpractisedonyounggirlsinaround30Africancountries.Dembele,sayingshehadactedalone,describedmeetingacircumciserwhobroughthertoanunknownaddresswheresheoperatedonthechildrenastheysatonthemother'sknee."Ididnotlookatwhatshewasdoing,Idonotknowwhatinstrumentsheused.Mygirlsbledverylittle,"shetoldthecourt.Theoperationcost100francs(17dollars).Herhusbandacknowledgedknowingthattheoperationwasillegal."IfmywifehadaskedmeIwouldhavetoldhernottodoit,"hesaid.Awitnessfromthechildrens'inspectoratewhointerviewedthecoupleaftertheirarrestcontradictedthistestimony,sayingthatatthetimethefatherdefendedtheoperationasanormalcustom. AstrongearthquakerockedthesouthernPhilippinesbeforedawnSaturday,topplingpowerandcommunicationlinesandhouses,authoritiessaid,withatleastthreepeoplereportedlyinjuredbyfallingdebris.Thetemblor,whichstruckat4:12a.m.(2012GMTFriday),registered5.7ontheRichterscalewithitsepicenterjustafewkilometers(miles)offtheshoreofPagadianCity,thePhilippineInstituteofVolcanologyandSeismology(Phivolcs)said.Thequake,whichresultedfromtectonicplatescolliding,alsoregisteredafiveontheRossi-ForelscaleinPagadian,meaningthatunstableobjectswouldbetoppledbutstablestructureswouldnotbedamaged.Pagadianpolice,contactedbytelephone,saidthatwhenthequakehit,residentsofcoastalareaspanickedandfledtohighergroundforfearoftsunamis--extremelyhighwaves--buthavesincereturnedtotheirhomeswhenitbecameapparentnotsunamiswerecoming.SeniorpoliceofficerRodolfoTualsaidthequake"wasverystrongbutitlastedjustafewseconds,"addingthatitremindedhimofamajorearthquakethatcausedtsunamisandkilledseveralhundredpeopleinthesouthin1976.Powerandsomecommunicationlinesinthecityof110,000wereknockedoutbythequakebutelectricitywasrestoredafterafewminutes.ResidentsofPagadianwerequotedbysouthernPhilippineradiostationsassayingthatabout43housesmadeoflightmaterialscollapsed,injuringthreepeople.Policesaidtheyweretryingtoconfirmthesereports.ThequakewasfeltthroughoutthewesternhalfofthelargesouthernislandofMindanaobuthadnosignificanteffectsoutsideofPagadian,Phivolcssaid. TheUNSecurityCouncildelayedavoteFridayonaplantodeploy5,500UNtroopstoRwandatoreinforceaUNmissionreducedto270members.WhilewelcomingtheUSinitiativetoestablishprotectedsitesforrefugeesclosetoRwanda'sborderswithBurundiandTanzania,UNSecretaryGeneralBoutrosBoutros-Ghalisaidconcentratingonthat"wouldbetoonlyaddressasmallpartoftheproblem"andcoulddrawmorerefugees."IbelievethatitisessentialthatanysuchinitiativeshouldbematchedbyactiontoassistpersonsintheinteriorofRwanda,"hesaidinareporttothecouncil.Afterseveralhoursofdiscussions,thecouncilpostponedactionontheRwandaproposaluntilnextweek,saidAmbassadorIbrahimGambariofNigeria,thecouncilpresidentthismonth.DiplomaticsourcessaidtherewereunconfirmedreportsthattheforcewouldbecomposedoftroopsfromTanzania,Nigeria,Ghana,SenegalandAustralia,andwouldinclude800troopsintheRwandancapitalKigalitoprotecttheairportandotherkeysites.ButBoutros-GhalisaidsuchamissionwouldbefacilitatedbyaceasefirebetweenwarringfactionsinRwanda,whichplungedintochaosandbloodyethnicfightingfollowingthedeathofpresidentJuvenalHabyarimanaApril6inasuspiciousplanecrash.EarlieronFridayinParis,Jacques-RogerBooh-Booh,theUNspecialrepresentativetoRwandasaidtheUnitedNations'topprioritywasaceasefirebetweenrebelsandgovernmentsoldiersandthatnegotiationsonothertopicswouldcomelater."Fornow,itisdifficulttoresumepoliticalnegotiationssolongasthereisnoceasefire,"Booh-Boohsaid."Aceasefireistheoreticallypossiblebutcertainconditionsmustbefulfilled"first,hesaidreferringtotheTutsirebels'refusaltorecognizethetransitionalgovernmentsetupfollowingthedeathofHabyarimana.InGeneva,UNHighCommissionerforHumanRightsJoseAyalaLassomadeanimpassionedpleafortheworldtoendthe"unimaginablehumantragedy"inRwanda."Theworldmustdosomethingtohaltthisviolence,"saidAyalaLassoafterfivedaysinKigaliwherehemetwiththechiefsoftheHutu-ledgovernmentarmyandthemostlyTutsiRwandanPatrioticFront.AyalaLassosaidthemajorityHutusandminorityTutsishadbothwelcomedhisproposaltosetupacommissiontodeterminethecausesofthemassacreswhichhaveleftsome200,000deadinthetinyhighlandeasternAfricanstate,andresponsibilityforthem.TheofficeoftheUNHighCommissionerforRefugeesmeanwhilesaidthatwithUSplanesnowoperatinganairbridgetotakeaidtosome250,000RwandanrefugeesinTanzaniahadsteppedupitseffortsandwasflyinginplasticsheetingforshelters.Some2,000refugeesarecontinuingtocrossthebordereachday,saidspokesmanRonRedmond. Japan'smainoppositionLiberalDemocraticPartyplanstosubmitano-confidencemotionagainstPrimeMinisterTsutomuHata,possiblyassoonasbudgetbillsareapproved,accordingtopartyleaderYoheiKono.InaninterviewwiththeAsahiShimbunpublishedSaturday,hesaidthattheHatacoalition,whichholdsonly190seatsinthe511-seatlowerhouse,wasformedagainst"thepeople'swill."TherulingcoalitionwasforcedtoformaminoritygovernmentlastmonthaftertheSocialDemocraticParty(SDP)withdrewitssupport.ItisJapan'sfirstminoritygovernmentin39years.Konohintedthattheno-confidencemotionmightbesubmittedafterbudgetbillsarepassed.Hesaid:"Ithinkitisnecessarytopassthebudgetbillsforthesakeofpeople'sdailylife."Thebills,forthefiscalyeartoMarch1995,areexpectedtobeapprovedduringthecurrentparliamentarysessionwhichendsJune29.Kono,whosepartyisthebiggestinparliament,urgedtheSDPtobacktheno-confidencemotion.HesaidhewantedtolinkupwiththeSDPtooverthrowtheHatacoalitionifthetwopartiescouldagreecommonpolicies.Thetwoparties,whichcontrol280seatsinthelowerhouse,havealreadyagreedtocooperateinparliament.Hatahassaidhedoesnotintendtocallasnapgeneralelectionifano-confidencemotionispassed. Japan'sJusticeMinisterHiroshiNakaisaidSaturdaythatJapancouldnotmakeanexceptionandissueavisatoArgentinesoccerstarDiegoMaradona.MaradonahasbeenrefusedentrytoJapanwiththeArgentinesoccersquadbecauseofadrugconviction.InaninterviewwithJapanBroadcastingCorp.(NHK),Nakaisaid,"IknowMaradonaisasuperstar.IknowaboutJapan'ssoccerboom.Butwecannotmakeaspecialcaseforhim."HesaidJapanwasconductingananti-drugdrivesocouldnotissueavisatoMaradonabecausehisdrugrecordwasrelativelyrecent.The33-year-oldsoccerplayerwasarrestedinBuenosAiresin1991forcocainepossessionandchargedin1992inItalyfordruguse.MaradonawasinvitedbytheJapanFootballAssociationasamemberoftheArgentinenationalteamtoparticipateinathree-nationtournamentherescheduledforMay22-29.JapanfailedtowinaplaceintheWorldCupfinals,butsoccerisaboomsportwiththelaunchofthenation'sfirstprofessionalfootballleaguelastyear. IndianPrimeMinisterP.V.NarasimhaRaoleftSaturdayonaweek-longtriptotheUnitedStates,whereheisexpectedtoholdtalksonthethornynuclearissue,officialssaid.The73-year-oldpremierleftbyaspecialAirIndiaplanefromamilitaryairbaseonthecapital'soutskirts,accompaniedbyahigh-leveldelegationthatincludesFinanceMinisterManmohanSingh.ItisthefirstvisittotheUSbyanIndianpremiersinceRajivGandhiwenttoWashingtoninOctober1987,andthemostcontroversialofforeigntripsbyRaosincehetookofficeinJune1991.IndianofficialssayNewDelhi'sambitiousnuclearandmissileprogrammeswilltopRao'sagendainhismeetingswithPresidentBillClintonandotherUSofficials.OppositionleadershadpressedRaotocalloffthevisittodenouncewhattheyallegedwasUSarm-twistingovernuclearnon-proliferation,Kashmir,humanrightsandtrade.AttherootofIndo-USdifferencesistherefusalbyNewDelhi,whichexplodedanucleardevicein1974,tosigntheNuclearNon-ProliferationTreatyoragreetoapactonanuclear-freeSouthAsia.ThePressTrustofIndianewsagencyreportedSaturdaythatRao"wasexpectedtotelltheUS...thatitwillnotacceptWashington'splansforamultilateralmeetonnuclearnon-proliferationinSouthAsia."TheUSadministration,whichfearsthatSouthAsiaisapotentialnuclearflashpoint,alsowantsNewDelhinottoinductanindigenoussurface-to-surfacePrithvimissileinthearmyandhaltresearchontheintermediate-rangeAgniballisticmissile.AUSproposaltosupply38F-16planestoPakistan,withwhichIndiahasfoughtthreewarsandwhichitaccusesofbackingMoslemseparatisminKashmir,hasalsoangeredNewDelhi.IndianofficialssaidRao,wholaunchedaradicalprogrammeofeconomicliberalisationinJuly1991endingfourdecadesofquasi-socialism,willinviteincreasedUSinvestmentinIndia.RaoarrivesinNewYorkSundayformeetingswiththelargeIndiancommunitythereandthengoestoHoustonfortalkswithUSbusinessleaders.OnTuesday,hewillflytoBoston,wherehewillgivealectureatHarvard.Histwo-daystayinWashingtonWednesdayandThursdayincludesaspeechtoajointsessionofCongress,andatwo-and-a-half-hoursessionwithClinton.ThetwoarescheduledtoholdajointpressconferenceThursday.RaoisalsotohavetalkswithDefenceSecretaryWilliamPerry,CommerceSecretaryRonBrownandSecretaryofStateWarrenChristopher. FormerprimeministerMorihiroHosokawahasagreedtogivetestimonyabouthisfinancialtransactionsinabidtoreopendebateinparliamentonthebudget,itwasreportedhereSaturday.TheTokyoShimbun,quotingcoalitionsources,saidHosokawaagreedtogiveevidenceafteroppositionpartiesstillrefusedtojoininthebudgetdebateuntilheclarifiedhisroleinaloanfromascandal-taintedtruckingfirm.Hosokawareportedlyreceived100millionyen(950,000dollar)fromTokyoSagawaKyubinin1982forcampaignuse.Hosokawaresignedlastmonthafterheacknowledgedthatheillegallypaidnointerestontheloantothefirm,whichusedtohavetieswithgangstersandinfluentialpoliticians,includingformerLiberalDemocraticPartykingmakerShinKanemaru.Hosokawaisalsoallegedtohavetradedstocksunderthenameofhisfather-in-law.Buthehasdeniedthis.Therulingcoalition,Japan'sfirstminoritygovernmentinalmostfourdecades,haspledgedtopassthebudgetbillsbytheendofJune.BudgetdebateshavebeenstalledsinceearlyMarch. reportsTOKYO,May14(AFP)-IBMJapanLtd.istomorethandoubleitsrecruitmentin1995becauseitisexpectingarecoveryfollowingbrisksalesofsemiconductorsandcomputers,newsreportssaidSaturday.TheJapanesesubsidiaryofInternationalBusinessMachinesCorp.(IBM)istohireabout300universitygraduatesnextyear,comparedwith140thisyear,theYomiurinewspapersaid.Itisthefirsttimeinsixyearsthatthecompanyistoboostthenumberofnewemployees.Thenewspapersaidthegainwasbasedonexpectationsthatthecompany,whichsufferedlosseslastyear,plannedtoreapprofitsthisyearonbriskshipmentsofsemiconductors.TheYomiurialsosaidthelargerrecruitmentwasaimedatpreparingforgrowingmarketsofmultimedia-relatedbusinessesinthenearfuture.Thecompany,facingseverebusinessconditionsinJapan,hasrestructuredandshed3,000employeeslastyear.Japan'sFujitsuLtd.alsoplanstoboostrecruitmentnextyearfrom300newgraduateslastyearto400nextyear,theYomiurisaid.TheJapanesecomputermaker,whichsuffereditsfirsteverlosslastyear,alsoexpectsprofitsforthecurrentyearongrowingdemandforsemiconductorsandworkstations. AustraliaisconsideringaUNrequestforacontingentoftroopsaspartofa5,500strongforcethatmaybesenttoRwanda,officialssaidhereSaturday.TherequestfollowedUNSecurityCouncildiscussionofaUSplantosendtroopstoestablishprotectedsitesforrefugees,althoughthecouncilonFridaypostponedactionontheproposaluntilnextweek.Adecisionontherequestwouldprobablyrequiretheapprovalofcabinetoratleasttheprimeministerandseniorministerscoveringdefenceandforeignaffairs.Sourcesheresayatleast10westerncountries,mostlyEuropean,havealsobeenaskedtomakeacontributionalongwithanumberofAfricancountriesiftheSecurityCouncilgivesthego-ahead.Aforeignaffairsdepartmentspokesmansaid:"IcanconfirmthatarequesthasbeenreceivedfromtheUNinthelastfewhours,butnodecisionhasbeenmadeaboutityet.Thespokesmanwasunabletosayhowmanytroopswouldbecontributed. GeorgianPresidentEduardShevardnadzehasofferedtoresignafterlegislatorsrefusedtoratifyadraftaccordsettlingtheseparatistconflictinAbkhazia,adeputysaid.Legislatorssaidtheywoulddrawupadraftoftheirown,differentfromtheonehammeredoutbyagovernmentdelegationandAbkhazianenvoysandmediatedbyRussia.FormerGeorgianprimeministeranddeputy,TengizSigua,toldjournalistsaftertheparliamentmeetingFridaythatShevardnadzeofferedhisresignationashehadfailedtowinsupportforthedraft.EarlyFridayGeorgiandeputiesweregivenafirstglimpseofthedraftwhichistobesignedinMoscowSundayinthepresenceofrepresentativesfromtheUnitedNationsandtheConferenceonSecurityandCooperationinEurope.Thedraftcallsfora12-kilometer(seven-mile)securityzoneintheGaliregioninsouthernAbkhazia,whereCommonwealthofIndependentStatestroopsandUNobserverswillbedeployed,theIprindanewsagencyreported.SomedeputiesfearthesecurityzonewilldefinitelybaraccesstoAbkhaziafromGeorgia,andsaidthenegotiatedsettlementwastantamountto"surrender."ShevardnadzesteppeddownforafewhourslastSeptember14afterparliamentrefusedtogranthimspecialpowerstoimposeastateofemergencybecauseoftheworseningcrisisinAbkhazia. Atleastfourbombsexplodedintrouble-tornKarachiearlySaturday,theofficialAssociatedPressofPakistansaid.Nocasualtieswereimmediatelyreportedfromtheblastswhichstartedwhenunidentifiedattackersinacarhurledabombinsideamosque.PeoplewerejustgatherfordawnprayersinthemiddleclassGulshan-i-Iqbalareaoftheportcity. Atleastfourbombsexplodedintrouble-tornKarachiearlySaturday,theofficialAssociatedPressofPakistansaid.Nocasualtieswereimmediatelyreportedfromtheblastswhichstartedwhenunidentifiedattackersinacarhurledabombinsideamosque.PeoplewerejustgatherfordawnprayersinthemiddleclassGulshan-i-Iqbalareaoftheportcity.Thebombwentoffinthecourtyard.AnadjacentIslamicreligiousschoolescapedwithoutseriousdamageorinjury,reportssaid.ThreemoreblastswereheardinKarachi'ssuburbs,policesaidwithoutgivingdetails.TheearlymorningblastsfollowedaweekofviolentclashesbetweenpoliceandtheMohajirQaumiMovement(MQM)inwhichmorethan30peoplewerekilled.TheMQMrepresentsUrduspeakingsettlersfromIndiaafterthe1947partitionofthesubcontinent.IthasaccusedtheadministrationofthesouthernSindhprovinceofpersecutingitscommunity.TheauthoritiesaccusetheMQM,themainoppositiongroupintheSindhassembly,ofinvolvementinallegedterrorism.MQMsourcessaidmorethan2,000peoplehadbeenarrestedfollowingclashesearlierthismonth.Itsaid"false"chargeshadbeenused. Kazakhstan'sPrimeMinisterSergeiTerchenkoarrivedhereTuesdayforathree-dayvisittodiscusswaysofimplementingeconomicandtradeagreements.Terchenko,accompaniedbyahigh-levelpoliticalandeconomicdelegationincludingtheministersofenergy,tradeandtransportation,wasgreetedattheairportbyVicePresidentHassanHabibi.Hetoldreportersthathisvisitwasaimedatboostingbilateralrelationsandspeedingupcooperationinvariousfields--includingair,seaandroadtransportation.HabibisaidthetwocountrieswoulddiscussimplementationofaccordsalreadyreachedduringvisitstoAlmaAtalastOctoberbyPresidentAliAkbarHashemiRafsanjani,andtoTehranbytheKazakhleader,NursultanNazarbayev,inNovember1992.AnofficialfromtheKazakhembassyinTehrantoldAFPthathiscountryandIranwouldalsodiscussoilcooperation. Japan'sSumitomoLifeInsuranceCo.Ltd.istowriteoff400billionyen(3.8billiondollars)overthreeyearstohelpbailoutaffiliatessufferingbadloans,anewspapersaidSaturday.TheNihonKeizaiShimbunsaidthewriteoffswouldinclude130billionyenitwastoreportinthefinancialyeartoMarchtosupportsixofitstroublednonbankinstitutions.TheOsaka-basedlifeinsurer,whichistosufferunexpectedlossesforthetimebeing,willsuspendbonuspaymentsforitsmanagersandcuttheirmonthlysalariesbyuptotenpercentduirngtheyeartoMarch1995,thedailysaid.Sumitomo'sunrealisedgainsonpropertyandsecuritiesholdingattheendofMarchwereestimatedat2,000billionyen. Afterthreemonthsofrecord-breakingsalesoverseas,SouthKorea'sautoexportsslowedto58,100unitsinApril,butwerestillup6.6percentfromayearago,manufacturerssaidSaturday.TheaveragemonthlygrowthofautoexportsfromJanuarythroughMarchwas18.1percent,butautomakershereshippedonly84percentoftheirmonthlyexportgoalinApril,theKoreaAutomobileManufacturersAssociationsaid.Meanwhile,domesticsalesinApriljumped14.8percentfromayearagoto139,200vehicles,causingdelayeddeliveryandforcingmakerstoturnsomeoftheiroverseasshipmentstothedomesticmarket,theassociationsaid.Theaveragefirstquartermonthlyincreaseofdomesticsaleswas7.1percent,itsaid. ChinahasplayedoneofitstrumpcardsinitsbidtoobtainrenewaloftradeprivilegesfromtheUnitedStateswiththereleaseofChenZiming,asymbolicfigureofthe1989pro-democracymovement.Chen,a41-year-oldeconomist,wascondemnedinFebruary1991to13yearsprisonfor"plottingagainstthegovernment"and"counter-revolutionarypropaganda."Hissentence,andasimilaroneimposedonhisfriendWangJuntao,whowasfreedlastmonthandwenttotheUnitedStatesformedicaltreatment,weretheheaviestimposedonleadersofthemovement,whichendedwiththeTiananmenSquaremassacreonJune4.Chen,describedbytheauthoritiesasthe"blackhand"ofthemovement,wasfreedtohavemedicaltreatment,XinhuanewsagencyannouncedFridayinabrieffive-linedispatchinitsEnglish-languageservice.HecontractedseveralillnesseswhileinaBeijingprisonandissufferingseriousheartproblems,accordingtohisfamily."InreleasingChenonapparenthumanitariangrounds,thegovernmenthasplayeditsjokerwhichundoubtedlywillweighheavilyinBillClinton'schoice,"saidawesterndiplomat.TheUSpresidentmustdecidebyJune3whethertorenewChina'sMostFavouredNationstatuswhichgrantsfavourableaccesstotheUSmarketforChinesegoods.WashingtonhassaidrenewalislinkedtoprogressinChina'shumanrightsrecord.Chen'sfreedomfollowstherecentreleaseofsixChristiandissidentsfromlabourcampswheretheyhadbeenservingtermsrangingbetweenoneandthreeyears."TheauthoritiesarenottakingmanypoliticalrisksinreleasingopponentswhoareillandahandfulofChristians,andallowingsomeotherstoemigrate,"saidthediplomat.ThesegesturestoappeaseWashingtondonotrepresentachangeinthegovernment'srepressivepoliciesoranimprovementinthehumanrightssituation,politicalanalystssaid.LastThursday,CommunistPartychiefJiangZemindefendedthebloodyrepressioninTiananmenSquareforthefirsttimepublicly.Hesaidanyfreshdemonstrationswouldbedealtwithsimilarly.OnFridaythePeople'sNationalCongressalsoapprovedtherevisionofthelawonpublicorderaimedatpreventingtheslightestcriticismoftheauthorities.AclampdownonthemoreactivedissidentswhichbeganlatelastyearhasintensifiedinrecentweekswiththearrestofatleastsixpeopleinBeijingandShanghai.ThemostrecentvictimwasYangZhou,spokesmanfortheChineseAssociationforHumanRights,arrestedathishomeinShanghai.Meanwhile,China'smostfamousdissidentWeiJingshengisstillunderpoliceguardinagovernmentresidenceinaBeijingsuburb.BeijingstillhasanothercardtoplaytowinoverWashington,accordingtomostpoliticalanalysts.BaoTong,62,themostseniorChineseofficialjailedafterthe1989demonstrationswastransferredamonthagotoahospitalinBeijingbecauseofdeterioratinghealth.Hisfamilysaidhehascomplainedofinflammationofthethyroid,salivaryglandsandlymphnodes.Butheremainsunderpolicesurveillanceinhishospitalbed.Bao,aneconomistandformertopaidetodisgracedCommunistPartychiefZhaoZiyang,isservingaseven-yearsentencefor"counter-revolutionarypropagandaandincitement." AradicalIslamicdailyonSaturdayprotestedagainstavisitbyagroupofUSnewspapereditorsandsaiditwouldboycottameetingbetweenthejournalistsandrepresentativesoftheIranianpress.Thechief-editorsof13USnewspapersandmagazinesarrivedhereearlierthisweekonathree-dayvisitto"raisetheirunderstandingofpresent-dayIran,"aUSjournalisttoldAFP.TheyhavealreadyheldseveralmeetingswithrepresentativesoftheIranianmediaandweretomeetSaturdaywiththeeditors-in-chiefofthepressinTehran."ItisnotclearwhoinvitedtheAmericaneditorstoIranandwhythecultureministryhasarrangedameetingbetweenthemandIranianchief-editors,"saidJomhuriIslami,adailyclosetoIslamichardliners.Thepaperwarnedthatthemeetingcouldbea"ploy"byWashingtontotryandreopentalkswithIranthroughanindirectchannel.TehranandWashingtonbrokediplomatictiesin1980afterradicalstudentsstormedtheUSembassyhereandtookitsstaffhostage.TheUnitedStateshascalledseveraltimesfordirectnegotiations,butthetwosideshaveyettomakeabreakthrough.IslamichardlinersarefiercelyopposedtoanytalkswithWashington. AChineseflotillawasspottedsteamingintotheSeaofJapanovernightforthefirsttimesincetheendofWorldWarII,theJapanesedefenceagencysaidSaturday.FourChinesenavalships,includingadestroyerandafrigate,werebelievedtobeontheirwaytotheRussianFarEastportofVladivostokonagoodwillvisit,agencyofficialssaid.Russia'sItar-TassnewsagencyreportedearlierthismonththatthreeChinesenavalships,ledbyChinesenorthernfleetcommanderViceAdmiralWangJing,willarriveinVladivostokonTuesday.ThevisitwillreciprocateaportcalltotheChineseportofQingtaobyafleetofthreeRussiannavalshipsinAugust.TheofficialssaidtheChineseshipsincludeda3,250-tonneLuda-classdestroyer,asupplyship,asubmarinesupportandrescueshipanda2,250-tonnefrigate. QueenBeatrixwasexpectedSaturdaytoformallyappointthreepartyofficialstonegotiateabroadcoalitiongovernmentfortheNetherlands,thrownintopoliticalturmoilafterthismonth'sgeneralelection.TheChristianDemocrats(CDA),whohavedominatedthepoliticalsceneformostofthiscentury,lost20seatsinthevoteonMay3,retainingonly34inthe150-seatlowerhouseofparliament.Theirpartnersinthelastgovernment,theSocialDemocrats(PVDA),lost12seatsbutbecamethebiggestparliamentarypartywith37seats.Theright-wingLiberalDemocrats(VVD)gainednineseats,puttingtheirtallyto31,whiletheleft-wingDemocrats'66(D66)partydoubleditsscoreto24seats.ThenegotiatorswillbeKlausdeVriesforthePVDA,GijsvanAardennefortheVVDandJanVisforD66,astatementfromthepalacesaidlateFriday.DeVries,directorgeneralofthefederationofDutchlocalcouncilssince1988.Alawyer,whohasworkedinthejusticeministry,hewasamemberofparliamentfrom1973to1988.VanAardenneisaformerministeroftheeconomy,whowasalsodeputyprimeministerinthefirstcabinetofRuudLubbersfrom1982to1986.VishaschairedtheD66parliamentarygroupintheSenate,ofwhichhehasbeenamembersince1980.Aformerjournalist,heteachesconstitutionallawattheuniversityofGroningue.Ifthenegotiatorsmanagetoreconcilethedifferencesbetweentheirrespectiveparties,theywillpresentafinalreporttotheQueen,whowillthendecidewhoshouldbeaskedtoformagovernmentandpossiblybecomethecountry'snextprimeminister.Theleft-rightcoalition,ifitcomesoff,willbethefirsttimetheChristianDemocratshavebeenleftoutofpowerfor75years.Analystssaidhoweverthatdespitethegoodwillexpressedonallsides,itwouldnotbeeasytosetupbecauseofwidedifferencesofviewoncertainissues,notablysocialsecurity.Ifnegotiationsbreakdown,therearetwopossiblescenarios:tobringbacktheoutgoingChristianDemocrat-SocialistcoalitionwiththeadditionoftheD66Liberals,oranalliancebetweentheChristianDemocratswiththeVVDandD66. Indiaistoevacuate15Nepalesenationalsstrandedincivilwar-tornYemen,theIndianembassysaidhereSaturday.TheannouncementoftheplannedevacuationfromYemen'scapitalSanaa,followsarequesttoIndiabytheNepalesegovernment,anembassystatementsaid."AmessagehasbeenconveyedtotheIndianAmbassadorinSanaathatallNepalesenationalsholdingvalidtraveldocumentsshouldbeevacuatedalongwiththeIndiannationals,"itsaid."ItisunderstoodthattheNepalesenationalswillbearrivingonMay18or19bytheIndianship,M.V.NicobarinBombayandtheRoyalNepaleseEmbassyinNewDelhiwillcoordinatetheirfurthermovementfromBombaytoKathmandu,"itadded. VetaranMalawiPresidentHastingsKamuzuBanda,facingchallengesfromthreepresidentialcontendersinmulti-partyelectionsonTuesday,saidSaturdayhisworkofrulingMalawiwasnotyetfinished.Banda,believedtobeinhis90s,saidina20-minutespeechonstateradiothatthefutureMalawineededanexperiencedleaderlikehim."Thefutureholdschallengesanddangers,neededtobeledbytheexperiencedandcapablegovernmentofKamuzu,"hesaid.Describingtheelectionsashistoric,BandasaidMalawineededpoliticiansofability,honourandgoodreputation."MCP(therulingMalawiCongressParty)hasthatability,skill,integrityandexperience,"hesaid.Banda,accusedofserioushumanrightsabusesduringhisthreedecadesinpower,saidhisgovernmentwouldrespecthumanrightsandupholdgoodandaccountablegovernment.''Wewilllimitstatepowerbylaws,''hesaid.Banda'saddresswashislastcampaigneffortaftercuttingshorthiscampaigntourofthecountryduetoa"legproblem." TheSingaporeHighCourthasmadealandmarksexequalityrulingthatahouse-husbandcanclaimashareofhisworkingwife'spropertyinadivorce,areportsaidSaturday.JudicialCommissionerK.S.RajahruledFridaythattheunemployedmanlookingafterthehouseholdwasentitledtosimilarrightsaswomengivenbenefitsinmatrimonialpropertydisputes,theStraitsTimesreported.Thecouple,whoseidentitywasnotdisclosed,hadbeenmarriedfor26yearsanddivorcedlastyear.Thehusband"housewife"demandedaashareofaflatworth355,000Singaporedollars(233,000US).Hewasawarded50,000Singaporedollars.The55-year-oldhusband,describedasafreelanceChristianpastor,saidhecooked,cleanedthehouseandlookedafterthethreechildrenwhilethewifeworked.Thewife,48,claimedshepaidforthepurchaseofthehousewithherearningsandherhusbanddidnotmakeanyfinancialcontribution.Inorderingthe50,000Singaporedollarpayment,thejudgesaidhehadtakenintoconsiderationtheoustandingmortageof84,000Singaporedollars.ThereportsaidthehusbandcouldnotbecontactedashehadgonetoMalaysia.Thewomantoldreportersshewastooupsettotalkaboutthematter. KuokPhilippinePropertiesInc.,plansastocksrightsofferingandsaletotalling802.97millionpesos(28.7milliondollars)tofinanceexpansionanddiversification,documentsobtainedSaturdaysaid.TheMalaysian-Philippinerealestatejointventurewilloffer727.51millionpesos(26milliondollars)instocktoexistingholders.Anadditional75.46millionpesos(2.7milliondollars)willbesoldtoEasternSecuritiesDevelopmentCorp.,alocalbrokeragefirm.Thedocuments,obtainedfromtheofficialSecuritiesandExchangeCommission(SEC),didnotsaywhatEasternSecuritieswoulddowiththeshares.Proceedsfromtherightsofferingwillbeusedtohelpfinancetheconstructionofathreebillionpeso(107milliondollar)officecomplexinManila'sfinancialdistrictofMakati.Itwillalsogotoraisingthe480millionpesos(17.2milliondollars)necessaryforthecompanytoacquireabout500hectares(1,235acres)oflandjustoutsideManila,tobedevelopedintoa"multiusecomplex,"inpartnershipwithtwootherunidentifiedrealestatefirms.Thedocumentsalsosaidthatpartoftheproceedswouldgotothe500millionpesos(17.8milliondollars)thecompanyneedstoraisetoacquireabout20to35percentinanunidentified"majorfoodprocessingandmanufacturingconcern." BangkokpolicearrestedfouryoungRussianwomenonprostitutionchargesafterraidingtwohotelsinthecapital,newsreportssaidSaturday.AThaiwoman,DarinChitklaew,43,alsowasarrestedintheraidsonFridayandchargedwithprocurringcustomers,theysaid.PolicesaidtheRussianshadadmittedtravellingtoThailandinJanuaryontouristvisastoworkasprostitutes.BangkokpolicearrestedfourotherRussianwomenonprostitutionchargesinMarch.Newsreportshavesaidthatmorethan3,000Russianswerenowworkingasprostituteshere.OneThailanguagedailysaidthereweremorethan11,000.ButThaiofficialssaytheinfluxstartedafterthedisintegrationoftheformerSovietUnion.Policesaidthewomenfacedamaximumfineof1,000baht(40dollars)anddeportation. SeveralarmoredcarstookuppositionsSaturdayintheGeorgiancapitalTbilisiaheadofadebateinparliamentonPresidentEduardShevardnadze'schallengetodeputiestoabolishthepostofpresidency.Thearmoredcarswerereinforcingpolicecheckpointsalreadyinplaceforseveraldaysinthecenterofthetown,witnessessaid.ShevardnadzesubmittedFridayhisresignationandproposedabolishingthepresidencytoprotestthedeputies'refusaltoratifyanaccordtowardssettlingtheconflictwiththeseparatistrepublicofAbkhaziainwesternGeorgia.RamazSakavarelidze,Shevardnadze'spressofficer,quotedbytheGeorgianewsagencyIprindasaidthatShevardnadzewouldremainparliamentaryspeaker,aposttowhichhewaselectedinOctober1992.ShevardnadzehasbeenheadofstatesincehiselectioninNovember1992.ThedeputiesfeartheaccordwillauthorizethesecessionofAbkhazia.Theaccord,tobesignedSundaybyGeorgianandAbkhaziandelegationsinMoscow,callsfordeployingCommonwealthofIndependentStates(CIS)troopsina12-kilometre(7.2mile)securityzoneseparatingAbkhaziafromtherestofGeorgia.Georgiahasbeenhitsincebecomingindependentin1991byaseriesofpoliticalcrises,includingtwocivilwarsandtheAbkhaziansecessionstruggle,atatimewhenthenationaleconomyisinruins. InBuenosAires,ArgentineFootballAssociationpresidentJulioGrondonaconfirmedthathisteamwerepullingoutoftheKirinCup,followingTokyo'sdecisiontobanMaradona.GrondonasaidonFridaynightthatthedecisionwasfinal.Argentina,whowereduetofaceJapanandFranceinthetournament,havealreadyarrangedafriendlyagainstChileonMay18tomakeupthegapintheirfinalWorldCuppreparations. AdepotstockingbombsforRussianwarplanesblewupSaturdayintheVladivostokregioninfar-easternRussia,ITAR-TASSnewsagencyreported.Rescueworkersweresenttothesite.Nocasualtyordamagefigureswereyetavailable,theagencysaid.Theblaststookplaceat3:40p.m.(0440GMT). IranhasprotestedtoTokyooverthecremationofanIranianwhoallegedlycommittedsuicideinJapan,sayingitwasagainstIslamiclaw,theofficialIRNAnewsagencysaid.TheIranianembassyinTokyolodgedtheprotestinalettertotheJapaneseforeignministry,itsaid.AJapanesemunicipalitysaiditorderedthecremationofthebody"becauseofthehotweatherandsinceitcouldnotdeterminethevictim'sidentity,"accordingtoIRNA.Theembassy,however,saidthebodyhadbeenidentifiedfourdaysafteritwasdiscoveredanddemandedthattheforeignministryopenaninvestigationintothecase.ThebodyoftheIranian,whoapparentlycommittedsuicide,wasdiscoveredonMay1,IRNAsaid.ThousandsofIraniansworkinJapan. GroupAresultfromthemen'svolleyballWorldLeaguehereSaturday:Italy3Japan2(15-10,7-15,15-6,13-15,15-12 TheChineseauthoritiesonSaturdayfollowedupthejailingoftwoUScitizensforfraudbyissuingasternwarningtoforeignerswhofloutthecountry'slaws."ForeignbusinessmenwhothinktheycandowhattheylikeinChinaarewrong,"saidthePeople'sDailynewspaperinafrontpagearticle,adayafterChinese-AmericansFransiscoHungMoyandRaymondLee,werejailedfor20and14yearsrespectively.ThepairwereconvictedoforchestratingamassivefinancialscaminwhichtheytrickedabranchoftheAgriculturalBankofChina,inthenorthernHebeiprovince,outof200standbylettersofcreditworth10billiondollars."Thedevelopmentofasocialistmarketeconomyisaccompaniedbyastrictlegalframeworkwhicheverybodymustobey,"thepapersaid.Theeditorialwasheadlined"Ararecase,abiglesson."ReferringdirectlytothecaseoftheUScitiziens,thenewspapersaid:"ForeignersinChinamustrespectChineselawjustasChinesepeoplehavetorespectforeignlaw,"itadded.Theauthoritieswerecarefulnottoundulyfrightenoffmuchneededforeigninvestors,stressingtheaimwasnottoshutthedooronbusinessmen,buttogetridofdishonestones."Wewanttodefendtherightsandinterestsofforeignsocieties.FriendsfromallfivecontinentsarewelcomeinChina,"thearticlesaid. FormerFrenchministerBernardKouchnercalledontheinternationalcommunitySaturdaytohelpavert"genocide"intheethnicallydividedcountry."Wecannotstandbyandletgenocidebeperpetrated,"saidKouchner,whoarrivedhereonThursdayandspentFridaytouringorphanagesandcampsforpeoplemadehomelessbythefive-weekconflict.Kouchner,adoctorwhofoundedthemedicalcharityMedecinsSansFrontieres,toldreporterstheinternationalcommunitymustshoulderitsresponsibilitiesandaddressthe"gigantichumanitarianproblem"inRwanda.Heisaformersocialistministerforhumanitarianaction.TheUNSecurityCouncildelayedavoteFridayuntilnextweekonaplantodeploy5,500UNtroopstoRwandatoreinforceaUNmissionreducedto270members.Kouchnerhasheldtalkswithbothsidesintheconflict,whichflaredbetweentheethnicminorityTutsisandmajorityHutusfollowingthemysteriousplanecrashdeathofRwandanPresidentJuvenalHabyarimanaonApril6."Iwouldliketopersuadebothsidesoftheneedtoprotectcivilians,womenandchildren,"ofwhom20,000are"displaced"inKigali,hesaid.HeheldtalksinnorthernByumbawithrebelleaderPaulKagame,whoseRwandanPatrioticFrontisdrawnfromtheTutsis,andinKigaliwiththeRwandanarmychiefofstaff,generalAugustinBizimungu.Morethan100,000peoplehavebeenkilledinthelatestfighting. SporadicburstsofheavyweaponscontinuedintheRwandancapitalSaturdayasrebelsfightersbattledgovernmenttroopsinanattempttotakecontrolofthecity,UnitedNationssourcessaid.Saturday'sfightingmainlyinvolvedlargerweaponsfiredfromlongdistances,unlikethecloserangesmallarmsduelsthatragedinKigalionFriday.Mostofthefighting,pittingthemainlyTutsiRwandaPatrioticFront(RPF)againstHutu-dominatedgovernmenttroops,wastakingplaceinareassurroundingtheheadquartersoftheUnitedNationsAssistanceMissioninRwanda(UNAMIR)andtheroadleadingtotheairport.TherebelsclaimedonFridaythattheyhavetakencontrolhalfthecountryafterfiveweeksofheavyfightingwithgovernmentforcesduringwhichtensofthousandsofpeoplehavedied.ThetinycentralAfricanationplungedbackintoamurderousethnicwarafterHutupresidentJuvenalHabyarimanawaskilledinanallegedrockedattackonhisplaneonApril6.TheUNSecurityCouncilonFridaydelayedavoteonaplantodeploy5,500peacekeeperstoRwandatoreinforcesome400troopsnowthere.Adecisionisexpectednextweek. BosnianleadersreactedangrilySaturdaytoUSbackingforaEuropeanpeaceplangiving51percentofBosnia-HercegovinatoaBosnianCroat-Moslemfederationand49percenttoSerbs.BosnianSerbs,whocontrolover70pecentoftheterritory,fortheirpartrejectedgivingasmuchas51percenttotheBosnianCroatsandMoslems.MustafaBijedic,BosnianambassadorinGenevawheretheleadingpowersalsoincludingRussiatooktheirunitedstandlateFriday,toldAFPthatAmericahad"nowjoinedwithEuropeinrewardingfascistSerbaggression".Hesaidtherewerenomoralorinternationallegalgroundsforgiving50percentofastateto"anaggressorwhichhaskilledonequarterofamillionpeople".BosnianPrimeMinisterHarisSilajdzic,whoalsocondemnedthenewUS-European-Russianstand,meanwhilemetinGenevaSaturdaywithUSSecretaryofStateWarrenChristopher,aUSdiplomatsaid.TheBosnianshadbeenhopingforWashington'ssupportintheirbidtoincreasetheterritorytobeapportionedtoanagreedBosnianCroat-Moslemfederationfrom51percentto58percent.TheBosniaambassadorwarnedthatsuchrewardforBelgrade-backedSerbaggressionpavedthewayforsimilarsupporttodissatisfiedminoritieselsewhere,suchasRussiansinLatviaandUkraineorHungariansinRomania."Itcouldhappenanywhereintheworld,"Bijedicsaid,butaddedthattherewas"stillachance"thatEuropewould"thinkaboutwhatcouldhappen"and"notproduceatimebombintheBalkans".TheBosnianSerbsSaturdaysaidtheCroatsandMoslemBosnianscouldnothavethe51percenttheEuropeanplanwouldgivethem,theBosnianSerbnewsagencyreported.MomciloKrajisnik,presidentoftheBosnianSerbs'self-styledparliament,saidtheyinnowayhadmorethantheSerbs"astheyareneithermoralnormilitaryvictorsandmoreoverdonotpossesssuchaproportionofterritory"."Webelievethatonehastotakeintoaccountthesituationontheground,namelythattheSerbscontrol73percentoftheterritoryandthattheyareownersof64percent,"hewasquotedassaying. SouthKoreaonSaturdayairedworriesoveraNorthKoreantelextotheIAEAsayingwaspreparingforthechangeoffuelrodsinafivemegawatnuclearreactorwithoutoutsideinspectorspresent."ItisextremelyregrettablethatNorthKoreagavenoticeofitsdecisiontopreparetogoaheadwiththerodchangeonitsown,"aforeignministrystatementsaid.TheUnitedStateshaswarnedthatPyongyangcouldextractenoughplutoniumfromthespentfueltomakefourorfivenuclearbombs.WashingtonsaysitisvitalthatNorthKoreaallowinspectionandsamplingoftherods.TheforeignministrystatementaddedthatSouthKoreahopedtheInternationalAtomicEnergyAgency(IAEA)couldclarifythesituationwhenitsmonitorsleaveforNorthKoreathisweekend."WestressthecrucialimportanceofsamplingandsecuringtherodsasdemandedbytheIAEAandremindNorthKoreathatthenuclearproblemshouldnotbetakentoadestructivephasebyunilaterallychangingthefuelrods."AministryspokesmantoldAFPthatthewordingofthetelexleftit"farfromclear"astowhether"theyhavestartedorarepreparingtostart"changingtherodsatthefivemegawattexperimentalreactorattheYongbyongnuclearcomplex,90kilometers(56miles)northofPyongyang."WearewaitingfortheIAEAreport,"headded.InViennaonFriday,IAEAspokesmanDavidKydsaidthenuclearwatchdog'sinspectors,scheduledtoleaveforPyongyangovertheweekend,should"beabletodomostoftheirwork,whichissatisfactoryforus."Kydaddedthatthetripwasexpectedtolasteightdaysbutcouldbeextendedifnecessary.HealsoconfirmedthatNorthKoreahadrespondedpositivelytoaninvitiationfromtheIAEAtoholdtalksonnarrowingdifferencesonthescopeofinspections.InWashington,StateDepartmentspokesmanDavidJohnsonindicatedFridaythatathirdroundofhigh-leveltalkswithPyongyanghingedontheoutcomeofthenewIAEAinspections.JohnsonsaidWashingtonwouldconsidersettingadateforthetalksaftertheinspectionswerecompleted.PlansforthethirdroundoftalkswerecalledoffwhentheIAEAsaidinMarchtheirinspectorshadnotbeengivenfullaccesstothesitestheyweantedtovisit,inlcudingacrrucialradio-chamicallaboratory.NorthKoreacontendedthenthattheUNnuclearwatchdoghadtriedtogobeyonditsmandate. Afirethatbrokeoutovernightinahostelwhoseresidentsincludedforeignerskilledthreepeopleandleftonepersonmissing,policesaidSaturday.Butpolicesaidthatitwasunlikelythatthefirewasraciallymotivated.Upto20peoplelivedinthehostel,butnonewereseekingasylum.Policedidnotknowthecauseofthefirewhichdestroyedthethree-storeybuilding.Damagewasestimatedatsome300,000Germanmarks(182,000dollars). IranhasdeniedaUSnewspaperreportthatitsecretlydeliveredaplaneloadofarmstoMoslemsandCroatsfightingtheSerbsinBosnia,theofficialnewsagencyIRNAreportedSaturday."TheallegationsbytheAmericandailythatIranhassentarmstoBosniaarefalse,"theIranianembassyinCroatiasaid,quotedbyIRNA.TheWashingtonPostreportedFridaythataplaneloadofarmswasdeliveredearlierthismonth.ButIRNA,quotingCroatianofficialsinZagreb,saidtheloadcomprisedofhumanitarianaidsuchasrice,flour,sugarandcookingoil,whichwasdeliveredtoaMoslemcharityinBosnia.ThePost,quotingWesternandMoslemsourcesinSarajevo,saidaBoeing747landedatZagrebairportonMay4todeliver40containerswithanestimated60tonnesofexplosives,detonatorsandrawmaterialformortars.One-thirdoftheloadwasallegedlydeliveredtoCroatiaandtheresttransportedbygovernmenttruckstotheMoslemsinBosnia.Iran,astauchsupporterofMoslemsintheirbattleagainsttheSerbsinBosnia-Hercegovina,haslobbiedhardfortheMoslemstobeexemptedfromtheUNarmsembargoontheformerYugoslavia. Twenty-threepeoplewerekilledandseveralseriouslyinjuredwhenabuscollidedwithalorryinwesternKenyalateFriday,theofficialKenyaNewsAgencyreportedSaturday.TheaccidentoccurrednearBungomaafterthebusleftthetownforNairobi.Morethan500peoplehavediedinroadaccidentsinKenyaalreadythisyear. Zimbabwe'sMarkMcNultyshowedheisequallyathomeinthewetasonSouthAfrica'ssunshinecircuitbychargingintoatwoshotleadintherain-hitSpanishOpenhere.The40-year-oldhadtowaitmorethanfivehourstostarthissecondroundonFridayatClubdeCampoafterheavyovernightrain,andmoreinthemorningpreventedplayfromstartinguntilearlyafternoon.Eventhen,playwasonlypossiblefor30minutesbeforeanotherdownpourdelayedthingsforanothertwohours--settingthesceneforaseriesofeveningfinishes.McNultystartedatthe10thwithabirdiethreeandtwomorebirdiesinhisfirstsixholessawhimovertakefirstroundleaderErnieElsofSouthAfrica,oneofmanyplayerswhoweretoldthattheirsecondroundswouldnotstartuntilSaturday.McNultyalmostsanka60-yardpitchtothe12thandholedfrom25feetatthe15thbeforeagainhavingtoreturntotheclubhousewhenanotherstormhitthesaturatedcourse.At7.30pm,theZimbabweanreachedtheturnin34,andthenputcleardaylightbetweenhimselfandtherestofthefieldbymakingfurtherbirdiesatthe10thand12th.Hewassevenunderwhendarknesshaltedgolfafterhehadplayed14holes.McNultyhasonlyjustreturnedtotheEuropeancircuitafterdamagingshouldertendonswhileplayingbeachcricketwithhischildreninCapeTownthreeweeksago."Ifellveryawkwardlydivingtotakeacatchandlandedheavilyonmyrightside,"hesaid.SouthAfricanWayneWestnerwasamongagroupof12playerswhopulledoutwithavarietyofinjuriesandstrains.Westnerhadbeensickovernightandhisexplanationwasquicklyaccepted.ButformerEuropeannumberoneRonanRaffertycouldbefinedupto250poundsforwalkingoutafterfiveholesofhissecondround."Iamnotgoingtomakeupanexcuse,"saidtheUlsterman."Ijustdon'twanttoplayanymore."Sweden'sKlasEriksson,winneroftheChallengeTourlastyear,wasforcedoutwithabadwrist,whileveteranSpaniardRamonSota,56-year-olduncleofSeverianoBallesterossaid:"IamwithdrawingbecauseIamtoooldforallthis."DefendingchampionJoakimHaeggman,Sweden'sfirstRyderCupplayer,couldhavebeenforgivenforjoiningtheexodus.Buthebattledonagainstpoorformwhichsawhimtakesixesathisfirsttwoparfives,makingitanearcertaintythathewillnotmakethecut.Ballesteros,hopingforasecondsuccessivevictoryafterhissuccessatSt.Mellionlastweek,struggledtostayintouchdespitemakingbirdiesatthethirdandeighthtogotwounderpar.TheSpaniardthree-puttedtheninthanddroppedanotherstrokeatthe10thtoreturntowherehebeganthedayatlevelpar.ThefirsttomakesureofaplaceinthethirdroundwasMannyZerman,anItalian-bornSouthAfricanwhowasraisedinDurbanbutnowlivesintheUSA.Hehas73for143afterreportingforplayateighto'clockinthemorningbutnotcompletinghis18holesuntilnineatnight. AdepotstockingbombsforRussianPacificfleetwarplanesblewupSaturday,about100kilometres(60miles)northofVladivostokinfar-easternRussia,ITAR-TASSnewsagencyreported.Armoredcarsaswellasatrainweresenttothesitetoevacuateresidentsfromthezoneandalarge-scalerescueeffortwasunderway.Nocasualtyordamagefigureswereyetavailable,theagencysaid.Theblastsat3:40p.m.(0440GMT)nearthevillageofNovonejinoshookVladivostok,witnessessaidintheagencyreport.TheRussianemergencyministrysaidtherewereneitherchemicalnornuclearweaponsatthedepot.OfficialsfromthePacificfleetandacounter-espionnageteamweresenttothesitetodeterminethecauseoftheexplosion,militaryofficialssaidintheITAR-TASSreport.AspecialteamfromthedefenseministryleftMoscowforthescene,theemergencyminstrysaid. TheKremlinapartmentofthefounderoftheSovietstatehasbeenshutforayearanditscontentsmovedtohishomeoutsideMoscowtopermitrenovations,thenewsagencyITAR-TASSreportedSaturday.Lenin'sKremlinapartmenthadbeenpreservedasitwasduringhislifetime,andhisfurnitureandboxescontaining42,000articlesweremovedearlierthisweektothemuseumatLeninskiyeGorky,thehousewherehedied,ITAR-TASSsaid.Theofficialorderconcerningthemovenotesthatitistemporary,andpointsoutthatgovernmentservicesintherestoftheKremlinbuildingaffectedhavealsohadtobetransferredelsewhere.ButitappearsunlikelythatLenin'sKremlinapartment,wherehelivedfromMarch1918toOctober1923,willreopentothepublic.Theapartmentbecameamuseumin1955.ThemovefollowstheclosureinNovemberoftheLeninmuseumattheentrancetoRedSquare,leavingthemausoleumcontainingLenin'smummifiedbodyasthelastplaceinthevicinityoftheKremlintoholdarelicoftheSovietleader. ForeignMinisterShimonPeressaidSaturdayitwastimeforIsraelandthePLOtopushaheadwithnegotiationsonextendingPalestinianself-rule,followingitslaunchinJerichoandGaza."Wemustcontinuethenegotiationswithoutwaiting,notonlyonextendingautonomytootherparcelsoftheterritories,aswewilldoinWashington,butalsotonegotiatethehandover"ofcivilianpowers,hetoldIsraeliradio."ItwouldbewrongtobelievethatwecanbeinchargeoftheexistenceofthePalestiniansinNablus,HebronandRamallah,"whicharetownsontheoccupiedWestBank,alongwithJericho,hesaid.Peresreferredtoeducation,health,welfareandtaxes.OnFriday,asPalestinianpolicementookoverJericho,DeputyForeignMinisterYossiBeilinsaidIsraelcouldwithdrawtotallyfromtheWestBankwithinfiveyears.AsforJerichoitself,Peressaidhewas"veryhappythatourhearthasbeenunburdenedofthisweight.""WhenIhearthereliefofoursoldierswhoweresenttoserveastargetsforyoungstone-throwers,Itellmyself:oursoldiershavebeenbrave,but,thankGod,it'sover,"hesaid.Theforeignminister,addinghisvoicetoscepticismalreadyexpressedinDamascus,saidhedoubtedUSSecretaryofStateWarrenChristopher'sshuttlemissiontoSyriaandIsrael,startingonSunday,couldproduceabreakthrough."Forthetimebeing,Syria'sproposalsdonotgiveusmuchhope,"hesaid.Beilin,meanwhile,toldtheUStelevisionnetworkCNN:"IthinktheAmericanmediationisvital.WewillbeabletoseepeacebetweenusandSyriawithinmonths."AnofficialinDamascushaschargedthatIsraelhad"minimizedtheUSrolebyreducingittoamerepostmandeliveringtheIsraelipointofviewwithoutanyamendment."SyriainsistsonafullIsraeliwithdrawalfromtheGolanHeights,capturedinthe1967MiddleEastwar.ChristopheristomeetSyrianForeignMinisterFaruqal-SharaonhisarrivalinDamascusonSundaynight,beforeheadingthenextdayforIsrael,whereheisexpectedtostayuntilearlyWednesday.USofficialswiththesecretaryinGenevaonSaturdayalsoplayeddownthelatestpeacemission."Theonecertaintyisthattherewillbealotoftrips...Itwillbealongandarduousprocess,"oneofficialwarned.Washington,asthechiefsponsoroftheMiddleEastpeaceprocess,hasturneditsattentiontoSyriasincethesigningoftheIsrael-PL0accordonMay4tolaunchautonomyinGazaandJericho. Italy'sEuropeanpolicywillnotbeaffectedbythe"radicalpoliticalchange"inthecountry,whosegovernmentincludesneo-fascistministers,ItalianForeignMinisterAntonioMartinosaidSaturday.InaninterviewwiththedailyCorrieredellaSera,Martinosaidthechangesinceright-wingmediamagnateSilvioBerlusconitookoverasprimeministerfollowingMarchelections"doesnotmeanabreakwiththefundamentallineofourforeignpolicy.""ItisessentialthatwemakeitunderstoodstraightawaythatwedonothaveanyintentionofgivingupItaly'sEuropeanvocation."HesaidhewouldmeetSundayinBrusselswithItaly'sambassadorspostedtothe12EuropeanUnioncountries,aheadofanEUforeignministersmeetingscheduledforMonday.MartinoisalsoduetoholdtalksinBrusselsonMondaywithEuropeanCommissionPresidentJacquesDelors.TheItalianforeignministerintendstoflytoWashingtonafterwardstomeetUSleadersfortalksfocusingonpreparationsfortheJuly8GroupofSevensummitoftheworld'sleadingindustrialisednationsinNaples.PressedonItaly'sEuropeanpolicy,theministersaiditwouldbebasedon"anactivepolicyinsupportofapoliticalEurope,whichisabsolutelynecessary.""Europemustfindawayofspeakingwithasinglevoiceonforeignpolicyandmustreachacommondefence,"hesaid.Martino,whoisclosetoBerlusconi,renewedcriticismofthefixingofexchangeratesduringthemovetowardsasingleEuropeancurrencybyatargetdateof1999."Iamnotanti-EuropeanwhenIcriticiseanexcessofinterventiononmarkets.Iwouldalsoliketorecallthatanexcessofdirectives(fromtheEU)makeEuropeappearintheeyesofpublicopinionasanotherlevelofregulationwhichissuperimposedonthatofthenation."Andthatleadstoareactionofrejection,"hesaid. AustrianFormulaOnedriverKarlWendlingerremainsinastableconditionafterhiscrashonThursday,doctorssaidhereSaturday.Onedoctor,speakingongroundsofanonymity,saidthatthetraumasufferedbyWendlinger'sbrain"appearedstable"followingascanatNice'suniversityhospitalwherethedriver,stillinadeepcoma,isbeingtreated.Butthereappearedgroundsforcautiousoptimism,asthedoctoradded:"Hehascomethroughthefirst48hoursaftertheaccident--duringwhichthechancesofneurologicaldeteriorationareattheirhighest."Butitremainshighlylikelythattherewillbemajorfunctionalafter-effects.Headdedthereisalsotheriskofcomplicationsarisingfromthecoma--aninfectionand/orbreathingdifficulties.Wendlinger'sfamilyandfiancee,alongwithmembersofhisSauber-Mercedesteam,havebeentakingturnstostayatthedriver'sbedside.TheAustriancrashedduringapracticesessionforSunday'sMonacoGrandPrix,twoweeksafterAyrtonSennaandRolandRatzenbergerwerekilledinaccidentsattheSanMarinoGrandPrix. RiotpoliceSaturdaystopped400SouthKoreanstudentsfromattackingthehomesoftwoformergenerals-turnedpresidentsfacingactionforallegedinvolvementinthemilitarysupressionofa1980civiluprising.Scuffleslastedhalfanhourinheavyrainafterhundredsofriotpolice,armedwithteargas,stoppedthestudentssome200metersfromthehomesofChunDoo-HwanandRohTae-Woo,wholiveinthesamearea."PunishthemainculpritsoftheKwangjumassacre,"shoutedstudentstryingtopushtheirwaythroughcolumnsofpolice.Manycarriedironpipesbutdidnotusethem.Thedemonstrationcameondayafterdissidentsfiledacivilpetitionurgingprosecutorstoinvestigatethetwoformerpresidentsonchargesofinsurrectionandhomicide.Inadditiontothepetition,veteransoftheuprisinghavefiledasuitagainstthetwo,and33formermilitaryofficersonthesamecharges,accusingthemofkillingmanyinnocentcitizensinabidtoseizepower.Thetwoformerpresidentsledgeneralsinthemilitary-controlledgovernmentin1980.Chunbecamethenation'spresidenttheyearfollowingtheuprisinginthesoutherncityofKwangju,andRohsucceededhimin1988. TheChinesegovernmentwillincreaseaidtothe100millionpoorestpeople,whoseplighthasbeenworsenedbythecountry'seconomicmiracle,accordingtoCivilAffairsMinisterDojeCering."Thelivingconditionsofthepoormaybeworseningforatimeduetoinflation,"theChinaDailyquotedtheministerassayingonSaturday.Headdedthatfinancialandmaterialaidtothepoorwouldbeagovernmentpriorityforthenextfiveyears,butemphasisedthatinflationwould"alsomakethegovernment'ssocialreliefmoredifficult."Inflationhasrisen20percentsincethestartoftheyearandinsomecitiesisruningatmorethan30percent.Thegapbetweenpoorandrichregionsisgrowingeverwiderinacountrythatofficiallyhasonly30millionpeoplelivingbelowthepovertylevel,fixedat200yuan(23dollars)ayear.Asthenumberofbeggarsandhomelessincreasewitheachnewliberalisingreformoftheeconomy,thegovernmentisfullyawaregrowingpovertycouldcausesocialandpoliticalinstability. FierceartillerybattlesragedFridaybetweenBosnianSerbforcesandtheBosnianarmyintheVaresregioninnorthernBosnia,aUNspokesmansaidSaturday.UNtroopsintheNordicbattaliononthescenereportednearly300detonationsandheavyautomaticweaponsfirenearVares,40kilometres(25miles)southwestofTuzla,FrenchMajorEricChaperon,UNProtectionForce(UNPROFOR)spokesmansaid.AtDastansko,threekilometreseastofVares,13mortarshellsand17tankmortarswerefiredfrompositionscontrolledbytheMoslem-dominatedBosnianarmy,Chaperonsaid.Afurther265detonationswerereportedfromBosnianterritory,provokedbySerbartilleryfire,hesaid.Inanotherincident,sixBritishUNtroopshadbeenheldforseveralhoursataSerbcheckpointandstrippedoftheirweapons,ammunitionandpersonaleffects,Chaperonsaid.HesaiditoccurredatRogatica,35kilometres(20miles)eastofSarajevo.ThesoldierswereontheirwaytoGorazdeinthreevehicles.TheywereallowedthroughtheSerbcheckpointatRogaticawithoutanyproblems,butthenstoppedafewkilometresfurtheronandturnedbacktoRogatica,wheretheirweapons,ammunitionandpersonalbelongingsweretakenoffthem,includingtheircameras,Chaperonsaid.ThenthecaptainoftheconvoywasforcedbytheSerbstoreadastatementinfrontofacameraapologisingtotheSerbsforhavinggonethroughthecheckpointtooquickly,eventhoughChaperonsaidtheconvoyhadbeenauthorisedtopass.AtGorazdeineasternBosnia,mortarshellswerefiredFridayeveningfromthenorthoftheMoslemenclave,onthelimitofthethree-kilometre(1.8-mile)exclusionzoneimposedbyNATOonBosnianSerbs.FightingwasalsoreportedFridayeveningjustnorthoftheBosniancapitalSarajevo.Chaperonsaid10self-propelledgrenadeshadbeenfiredandheavymachinegunandlightweaponsfirewasheardforaroundtwohoursonthefrontlineseparatingtheBosnianarmyandSerbforces.ChaperonsaidViktorAndreev,theUNcivilaffairscoordinator,paidacallonBosnianSerbleaderRadovanKaradzicinhisstrongholdofPaleonFridayafternoontohearhisexcuses.AndreevwasalsoduetogotoPaleagainonSundaytoclarifyrulesgoverningthepassageofUNPROFORconvoysthroughSerb-controlledBosnianterritory.MeanwhilethespokesmanfortheUNHighCommitteeforRefugees,KrisJanowski,reportedthattwoSaudiaidworkershadbeenmissingsinceMay8intheregionofMountIgman,around20kilometresfromSarajevo.Thetwomen,whosenamesweregivenasChafikM.AyadiandA.Moulehi,wereidentifiedasmembersoftheMuwafaqorganisation.TheywerelastseenatanUNPROFORcheckpointatPazarici,atthefootofthemountain,inBosnianterritory,hesaid.AfterthecheckpointtheroadtoSarajevobecomesanearthtrackwhereitisveryeasytostrayintoSerb-controlledterritory. USPresidentBillClintonistomeetvisitingIrishPrimeMinisterAlbertReynoldsinIndianapolisonSaturdayafternoontodiscussNorthernIreland,officialsinDublinannounced.Reynolds,whoarrivedintheUnitedStatesonFriday,hadnotbeenscheduledtomeetanymembersoftheUSadministrationduringhistrip,whichisessentiallyconcernedwithtrade,untilhereceivedthelast-minuteinvitationfromClinton.ReynoldsmetbusinessmeninChicagoonFridayandwastohavebeentheguestofanAmericanuniversityonSaturday.HewillmakethetriptoIndianapolis,butitwasnotknownwhattimehewouldmeetClintonorhowlongthemeetingwouldlast.Itwillbetheleaders'secondmeetinginlessthantwomonths.ClintoninvitedReynoldstoWashingtononMarch17.TheIrishgovernmentonFridaytransmittedadocumenttoLondondetailingdemandsforclarificationoftheAnglo-IrishjointdeclarationfromSinnFein,thepoliticalwingoftheoutlawedIrishRepublicanArmy.SinnFeinpresidentGerryAdamsonFridayurgedtheBritishgovernmenttorespondpositivelytotherequest,saying:"ItisnecessarythattherepliesfromLondontoourquestionsproperlyandhonestlyclarifytheseissuessothatthepeaceprocesscanbeadvanced."AstatementissuedbyNorthernIrelandSecretaryPatrickMayhewsaidtheBritishgovernmentwouldstudyandmakepublicSinnFein'sdemandsforclarification.ReynoldsisduetoflybacktoDublinonSunday. Some77civiliancasualtieswerereportedbyhospitalstaffhereSaturdayafternearlytwohoursofheavyweaponsfiretradedbyrivalAfghanfactionsbattlingforandagainstPresidentBurhanuddinRabbani.AccordingtoadefenceministryofficialtherewasnoinfantryoffensivebythecoalitionrivalforcesofPrimeMinisterGulbuddinHekmatyarandUzbekGeneralAbdulRashidDostamduringthebombardmentlateFriday.However,pro-RabbanitroopsonthefrontlineintheoldcitybasedclosetoDostam'sBalaHissarfortresssaidtheycameunderstrongattackbyUzbekfrontlinetroops.Theseparticularpro-Rabbanitroops,stationedintheotherwisedesertedruinsofShorBazaarreceivethebruntofrivalfactionmilitarypressurebecauseclosequartersfightingisadailyoccurancehereevenwhenitisquietelsewhereonthefrontlines.KabulwasnotablyquietSaturdaywithnoreportedincidentsonthefrontlinesapartfromtheusualminorskirmishing,andtheheavyweaponsofbothsidesalsoremainedstill.Fightingcontinuesintheprovinces200kilometres(120miles)northofKabularoundBaghlanandPul-i-KhumricentreswhichareundersiegebyRabbani'sstrongmanex-defenceministerAhmadShahMasood."Thereisnochangeinthegeneralmilitarysituationthere,"adefenceministryofficialsaid.DespiteearlierdefenceministryclaimsthattheoldcityofBaghlanhadbeencapturedbyMasood'smenaweekagoitseemsallofBaghlanisstillinthehandsofHekmatyar'sHezb-i-IslamifactionandtheirUzbekandIsmaeliareligioussectallies.Defenceministryofficialsareadamant,however,thatKunduz--whichfellbrieflytoDostaminFebruary--andallsurroundingdistrictsaretotallyinthehandsofpro-Rabbaniforces. Vietnamesestatefirmsunabletopaytheirdebtswillsoonbebroughtbeforespecialeconomiccourts,adirectivefromtheprimeministerpublishedSaturdaysaid.InsolventstatecompanieswhichfailtopayupbyJuly1willfacethecourtsunderabankruptcylawintroducedlastyear,PremierVoVanKiet'sorderpublishedinthePartydailyNhanDansaid.Heappealedtobeleagueredfirmsto"speeduptherepaymentoftheirdebtsinordertoreestablishfinancialdisciplineandcreatenormalconditionsfortheoperationofstateenterprises."Underthenewbankruptcylegislation,statefirmsmustsettledebtstheyhaveincurred,evenifitmeansdiggingintotheirassetsandcapitaltodoso.Companyheadswhofloutthelawareliabletobothjudicialandadministrativesanctions.Thedirectivealsoappliestocompanieswhichhavealreadybeendisbanded.Stateandforeigncreditorsareowednearlyabilliondollars,accordingtoofficialstatistics.Sofarendebtedfirmshavepaidbackonly50milliondollars.AradicalrestructuringofthepublicsectorinVietnamhashalvedthenumberofstateenterprisesto6,000overthelastfouryears. BosnianleadersreactedangrilySaturdaytoUSbackingforaEuropeanpeaceplandividingBosnia,viewingitasarewardforSerbaggression,butSerbsalsorejectedtheproposedterritorialdivision.TheplanendorsedbytheUnitedStates,RussiaandfivewestEuropeanstatesinGenevalateFridaywouldprovide51percentofBosnia-HercegovinatoaBosnianCroat-Moslemfederationand49percenttoSerbs.Bosnianvice-presidentEjupGanicsaid:"They(theleadingpowers)wantustoachieveapeacesettlementandatthesametheywantustoswallowtheresultsofethniccleansing.Thosetwothingsarecontradictory."HesaidtheGenevameetingparticipantsdidnotdenytheLondonconferenceprincipleofrejectingterritorialgainsmadebyforce."Nowtheysay:gointhedirectionof51percent/49percent,whichofcoursewillnotproduceresults,"Ganicsaid.AskedwhethertheMoslemBosnianswerereadyfornewnegotiationswithintwoweeksastheGenevameetingurged,Ganicdeclinedtoanswerdirectlybutsaid:"Wearebeingsqueezedbytheinternationalcommunity".Hesaidthe51percentforCroatsandMoslemsdidnotprovideenoughplaceforthepeopleconcerned,andhewarnedofthedangerousprecedentofgivingintoaggression."Ifyoulegitimizeethniccleansingandgenocidethenofcourseitmeansthatyougivenagreenlightforsimilarcasestostartsomewhereelse,"Ganicsaid.Howeverhefound"interesting"theGenevameeting'scallforacessationofhostilitieswiththewithdrawalofheavyartillery."IthinkthatthisissomethingwewilllookcarefullyatandthatwewillnegotiatewiththeSerbs,"hesaid.BosnianPrimeMinisterHarisSilajdzic,whoalsocondemnedthenewUS-European-Russianstand,metinGenevaSaturdaywithUSSecretaryofStateWarrenChristopher.DespiteabittercomplaintfromSilajdzicthatFriday'sstandamountedto"rewardingpureforce",ChristophersaidSaturdaythattheBosnianpremierseemedtounderstandtheUSpointofview."ItoldhimweweredoingeverythingwecouldtoensurethatareasonablesettlementisachievedfortheBosniangovernment.Heseemedtounderstandthatpointofview,"Christophersaid.ThetwoareduetomeetagainSunday.Thesecretaryofstate,speakingafteralsomeetingSaturdaywithRussianForeignMinisterAndreiKozyrev,revealedthatintheirmeetingFridaytheforeignministersconsideredthepossibilityofcallingaspecialsummittocaptheBosnianpeaceprocess.TheBosnianSerbsSaturdaysaidtheCroatsandMoslemBosnianscouldnothavethe51percenttheEuropeanplanwouldgivethem,theBosnianSerbnewsagencyreported.MomciloKrajisnik,presidentoftheBosnianSerbs'self-styledparliament,saidtheyinnowayhavemorethantheSerbs"astheyareneithermoralnormilitaryvictorsandmoreoverdonotpossesssuchaproportionofterritory"."Webelievethatonehastotakeintoaccountthesituationontheground,namelythattheSerbscontrol73percentoftheterritoryandthattheyareownersof64percent,"hewasquotedassaying. ThePatriarchofAllRussiaMetropolitanAlekseiIIleftMoscowonSaturdaywithadelegationofofficialsfromtheRussianOrthodoxchurchforafive-dayofficialvisitforformerYugoslavia.Thepatriarch,whowasinvitedbytheSerbianOrthodoxchurch,saidbeforeleavingthatheconsideredhisvisit"apeacemissionaimedatendingthebloodbathinformerYugoslavia."TheRussiandelegationwillvisitSerbia,MontenegroandBosnia-Hercegovina,inparticularthecapitalSarajevo.MeetingsarescheduledwithSerbianPresidentSlobodanMilosevicandthepresidentoftherumpYugoslavrepublic,ZoranLilic,butnonewithBosnianorCroatleadersfigureonthedelegation'sofficialprogramme. Germany'sMichaelSchumacherstampedhisauthorityonafreepracticesessionfortheMonacoGrandPrixonSaturday,althoughtheraceremainsovershadowedbythecrashinvolvingKarlWendlinger.TheAustrianisinadeepcomaafterThursday'ssmash,thelatestnightmarefacedbyFormulaOneafterthedeathsofAyrtonSennaandRolandRatzenbergerattheSanMarinoGrandPrixtwoweeksago.Schumacherhaswonallthreeracesthisseason,includingSanMarino,whichwasre-startedafterSennacrashed.ButthedeathoftheBraziliantripleworldchampionlookstohaveendedallinterestinthisyear'stitlerace.Hugelytalentedanddrivingthebestcarinthechampionship,Schumachernowhasnoseriousrivalforthecrown.McLaren-PeugeotandFerrariarealsolikelytowinracesthisseason,ascouldthelateSenna'steammateatWilliams-Renault,DamonHill,butthereislittledoubtthatBenetton-Fordwillgetthetopprize.SchumacherwasnearlyhalfasecondfasterthanFinland'sMikaHakkinen,atthewheeloftheMcLaren,astheywentthroughtheirpacesonthislegendarystreetcircuitSaturdaymorning.GerhardBerger,whohasdonemuchtomobilisedriversoversafetyinthelastfortnight,andwillbealeadingfigureinthenewly-formedGrandPrixDriversAssociation,setthethirdbesttimeinaFerrari.Hillwasfourth,fellowBritonMarkBlundellfifthintheTyrell-YamahaandBerger'sFrenchteammateJeanAlesiwassixthfastest.Thelastofficialpracticewasscheduledlaterintheday. SouthAfricanAirways(SAA)willstopitsweeklyflighttoLisboninSeptemberaspartofarationalisationprogramme,thenationalcarriersaidinastatementSaturday.SAAsaidtheLisbonroutewasnolongerviableandthatthelastflighttothePortuguesecapitalwoulddepartfromJohannesburgonSeptember2andwouldreturnthefollowingday. TheIrishconsulinSanFrancisco,DeclanKelly,istobeprosecutedfordrunkendrivingandcausingatrafficaccident,inwhichfivepeoplewerehurt,prosecutorArloSmithsaidSaturday.Kellywentthrougharedlightandhitseveralvehiclesintheaccident,whichhappenedhereonMay5.Herefusedtoundergoatestforalcohol,invokinghisdiplomaticimmunity.Abloodsampletakeninhospitalaftertheaccidentformedicalreasonsshowedthathisbloodhadmorethantwicethelevelofalcoholthanthelegallimit. PalestinianpolicemenweredeployedSaturdayinJabaliaafterIsraelitroopswithdrewunderthecoverofnight,tothedelightoftheGazarefugeecampwheretheintifadawasborn."Jabalia,thecampoftherevolution,hasbeenliberated,"criedAwadal-Mamduh,whosebrotherwaskilledintheuprisingagainstIsrael'sruleoftheGazaStripandWestBank.Anewcontingentof240policemen,recruitedfromPalestineLiberationArmy(PLA)unitsinSudan,marchedintotheStriplateSaturdayfromtheRafahbordercrossingwithEgypt.At5a.m.(0200GMT),theJabaliarefugeesjumpedforjoytoseethatIsraelitroopshadjustpulledoutofthebasesetupintheheartofthecampin1970aswellasfromanadministrationbuildingintheneighbouringvillage.Asthesunrose,mostofthecamp's75,000residentsandthe25,000inthevillagetooktothestreetstocelebrate.Adozenofthemscaledthearmy's30-metre(yard)towertohoistthePalestinianred-green-white-blackflag.Afour-year-oldchild,seeingapolicemanforthefirsttime,tookfrightandburstintotears,"They'renotJews,they'rePalestiniansoldiers,"hismotherreassuredhim.Ashundredsofpeoplewatchedfromrooftops,womenbangedondrumsandchantednationalistsongs,apolicemaninolive-greenuniformsalutedandhuggedanotherchild.MilitantsoftheFatahHawksofPLOleaderYasserArafatfiredoffcelebratoryroundsofgunfireintheair.EvenHamas,theIslamicmilitantswhoopposetheself-ruledealwithIsrael,shoutedsloganstowelcomethepolice."Mysondidn'tgivehislifefornothing.HediedforPalestine,andI'msohappythatthey'regone,"saidUmIyadal-Ashkar,wearingapendantwithaphotographofhersonwhowaskilledbyIsraelisoldiersinFebruary1988."Butmyjoywillnotbecompleteuntilallthe(Jewish)settlersleaveourlandandJerusalemisoursagain,"shesaid.MamduhvoicedprideatJabalia'slonghistoryofresistance."In1970,westartedresistingtheoccupiers.Wedidn'tletupduring80s,anditwasherethattheintifadaallstarted."OnDecember9,1987,adayafterfourPalestinianswererundownandfatallyinjuredbyanIsraelitruckdriver,residentsofimpoverishedJabaliatookouttheirfuryonthearmy'sbase.AyoungPalestinianwasshotdeadandseveralotherdeathsfollowed,beforetheuprisingspreadtotherestofGazaandtheWestBank.Israelibulletshaveclaimedthelivesofmorethan1,250Palestiniansintheintifada."WhowouldhavebelievedthattheIsraeliswouldleaveourlandwhenonlyyesterdaytheywerestillhittingus,"saidUmSaid,a45-year-oldwoman,commentingonthelastclashesbeforethepolicedeployment.Duringthenight,afteraHAMASattackinwhichtwosoldierswereshotandwounded,thearmyburstintoseveralhomes,roughedupfiveJabaliaresidentswiththeirbatons,andfiredtear-gas,accordingtoPalestiniansources.Soldierstooksouvenirphotographsofeachotherinaction,whileenforcingthelastnight-timecurfew,theysaid.WiththelatestPalestiniandeployment,almost1,500policemenhavenowenteredtheStrip,wherethesouthoftheterritoryhasnowbeencompletelyevacuatedbythearmy.AfterpolicetookovertheWestBanktownofJerichoonFriday,therestofGazaistobehandedoverbynextWednesday. AlanRudolph,directorofthe"Moderns,"paidtributeSaturdaytoUSmovielegendRobertAltmanforproducinghisnewfilm,hoursaheadofitsofficialpremiereattheCannesFilmFestival.Presenting"Mrs.ParkerandtheViciousCircle"intheofficialcompetition,Rudolphtoldapressconference:"Hisfingerprintsarealloverthis.He'stheguiltyone.Leavemeoutofthis."Altman,whohasaretrospectiveofhisworkshowingatthe47thInternationalFilmFestival,producedRudolph'slatestoffering,aboutmaverickUSnovelistDorothyParker.Altmanwasnotatthepressconference,butRudolphindicatedthatthedirector,whosefilmsincludethe1970CannesGoldenPalmwinnerMASH,wasonhiswayandwouldbeatthepremiereSaturdayevening..Thefilm,alsostarringCampbellScottandMatthewBrodericktracesoutthelifeofthenotoriousalcoholicattheheartoftheliteraryandintellectualworldof1920sNewYork--theviciouscircleofthetitle.Mixingblackandwhiteandcolour--unusually,withthelatterusedforflashbacks--themoviehadbeenwidelycomparedwithRudolph's1988film"TheModerns,"abouttheUSintellectualandliteraryworldin1920'sParis.Rudolphstarklyrejectedthecomparison."Idon'tthinkthisfilmhasanythingtodowith"TheModerns"quitefrankly,"hesaid."Ithinkthat'saneasycomparisonbecausethey'rebothintheTwenties."Buthesaid"TheonlythingtheyhaveincommonapartfrommeisthattheywerebothshotinMontreal."Rudolph,50,stronglydefendedtheindependenceofhisfilms--oftenaccusedofeccentricity--againstthemoremainstreamUSfilmindustry."Killaguy,tellajoke,that'showtomakeahitinAmerica,"hescorned.JenniferJasonLeighinthetitlerolewaspreparingforhersecondpremiereinthreedays--sheplayedahard-hittingjournalistintheUSfilmthatopenedthefestivalThursday,"TheHudsuckerProxy."AskedaboutplayingParker,whotriedonseveraloccasionstokillherself,shesaid:"Beinginsidehermindwasapainfulexperience,butIwishIwasstillmakingthemovie."AboveallthoughRudolphpaidtributetoAltman."Whensomeoneofthatcalibresaystheylikesomething...youthinkwellmaybeI'mdoingitalright,"hesaid."He'snotagoodproducer,"hesaid."He'sagreatproducer." AdepotstockingbombsforRussianPacificfleetwarplanesblewupSaturday,shakingthefareasterncityofVladivostoksome100kilometresawayandtriggeringtheevacuationofthenearestvillage.ITAR-TASSnewsagencyreportedthatthe3,000residentsofthevillageofNovonedzhinowerebeingevacuated.Severalwerehurtbybrokenglassandweretakentohospital,butnodeathswerereported.Armoredcarsaswellasatrainweresenttothesitetoevacuateresidentsfromthemilitaryzoneabout100kilometres(60miles)northofVladivostokinfar-easternRussia.Militaryofficersandtheirfamiliesalsoliveatthebase,butthenumberofresidentstherewasnotknown.Thenewsagencysaidthatcommunicationswerecurrentlyimpossiblewiththebasewhichwassealedoffbypoliceandthearmy.AccordingtothenewsagencyInterfax,theexplosionstriggeredfiresinthenearbyforest.WitnessestoldITAR-TASSthattheblastsat3:40p.m.(0440GMT)shookVladivostok.TheRussianemergencyministrysaidtherewereneitherchemicalnornuclearweaponsatthedepot.OfficialsfromthePacificfleet,includingRearAdmiralIgorKhmelnov,thefleet'sfirstdeputycommander,andacounter-espionnageteamweresenttothesitetodeterminethecauseoftheexplosion.AspecialteamfromthedefenseministryleftMoscowforthescene,theemergencyminstrysaid.Exactlytwoyearsago,afirecausedbynegligencetriggeredaseriesofexplosionsataPacificfleetweaponsstockpileinaVladivostoksuburb.Severalpeoplewerekilledand6,000residentswereevacuatedamidthefireswhichragedformorethantwodays,destroyingmunitionsdepotsandfleetfacilities. Afterbaskinginalmostthreeweeksofhistoricglorywhichsawthedeathofapartheid,SouthAfricanstookafinalbreakthisweekendbeforegettingbacktoworkandschoolMonday.Bigbusinessandschoolsturnedablindeyetotwoandahalfweeksofdisruptionthatincludedfourpublicholidaysandspontaneousandorganisedpartiescountry-wideafterSouthAfricansvotedoverwhelminglyonApril26-29forNelsonMandela'sAfricanNationalCongress(ANC).CelebrationsreachedacrescendoonTuesdaywhenNelsonMandelatooktheoathinfrontofanauspiciousarrayofworldleaderstobecomethecountry'sfirstdemocratically-electedpresident.Butthepartyisnowover,andforMandela'snewmulti-racialgovernment,thismeansfacingtheawesometaskofprovidingthecountry's2.5millionunemployedwithjobsandbuilding2.5millionhousesforthehomeless.Italsomeanstacklingthevastdiscrepancyinqualityofeducationbetweenthecountry'sminoritywhitesandmajorityblacks.Attheendof1993about40percentofblackpupilspassedtheirfinalyearexaminations,comparedto96percentofwhites.Inaneditorialheadlined"Attheendofitallwe'reonourown,"theStarnewspapersaid:"Thepitfallsofthefutureliein...howSouthAfricaextendsthemeansbywhichitgivesallitscitizenstheirplaceinthesun.Addressingthemajority'saspirationswillrequiremorethanapoliticalsolution;thenewSouthAfricawillliveordiebytheeconomicdecisionsittakes."SelbyTindleni,aschoolteacherandANCworkerinthetownshipssurroundingCapeTown,saidSaturdaythatthedayafterMandela'sinaugurationunemployedpeoplewerequeueingupoutsidetowncouncilofficesdemandingjobs."TheysayMandelahaspromisedthemjobsandtheywantthemnow,"hesaid."Weneedtoexplaintothemthatthesethingstaketime."Withthedemiseofwhite-minorityrule,aidofuptofivebillionrand(1.3billiondollars)ispoisedtopourintoSouthAfrica,theStarnewspapersaid.But,itcautionedinafront-pagestory,thefirst1.7billionrand(472milliondollars)promisedoverthenext12monthsisnowherenearenoughtoliftaneconomytryingtoemergefromafive-yearrecession.ItishalfthesumSouthAfricaborrowedfromtheInternationalMonetaryFundattheendoflastyear--fundsusedtobolsterforeignexchangereserveswhich,despitetheinjection,plummetedby3.2billionrands(888milliondollars)inthefirstfourmonthsof1994."Aiddentstheprideofthenationandpromotesapoorworkethic,"theStararticlesaid."Inshort,theentirecountryhastogetbacktowork--toworkhard,efficientlyandassiduously."Astartingpointtoprovidejobs,educationandtraining,thenewspapersaid,istoenhanceSouthAfrica'seconomicgrowthratetofivepercentthisyear,fromapredictedthreepercent.Therequirementsappearedtobeinplacetoachievethis:Relativepeacemeansforeigninvestmentisreadytoentertheconomy,inflationremainsinsingledigitfiguresandtheendoftherecessionisinsight.AndblackpupilswereFridayorderedbyfourinfluentialeducationbodiestogobacktoschoolafterweeksofdisruptedlessons.InajointstatementtheNationalEducationCo-ordinatingCommittee,theSouthAfricanDemocraticTeachersUnion,theCongressofSouthAfricanStudentsandtheSouthAfricanStudentsCongresssaid:"Nowthatwehaveachievedourliberty,thetimehascomeforalllearnersandeducatorstoapplythemselveswithdedication." TaiwanesepoliceSaturdaysmashedamajordrugsringwhentheyarrestedsevenpeoplesuspectedofsmuggling150kilogramsofheroinworth188.6millionUSdollarsintothecountry.Theseven--fiveTaiwaneseandtwoSingaporeans--areaccusedoftraffickinginherointheybroughtintoTaiwanfromThailand,policesaid.PoliceinthesoutherncityofKaohsiungswoopedonsomeoftheTaiwanesesuspectsastheyallegedlypeddledthedrugattheirhomes,whiletheotherswereseizedinaabowlingalleyinthecity.TheTaiwaneseincludesuspectedheroinwholesalerChouChih-kang,43,andawoman,ChangWei-lun,19.ThetwoSingaporeans--TanGuan-hsiou,37,andHokWei-min,26--werearrestedinTaipei,policesaid,addingthat38kilogramsofheroinwerefoundinthesevensuspects'homes.TheSingaporeansclaimedtheywerehiredbyaHongKongmantosmugglethedrugthreemonthsago.Thesevenweresenttothedistrictprosecutor'sofficeforchargestobefiled.Taiwanusuallyimposeslifesentencesinjailandthedeathpenaltyondrugsmugglersandtraders. India'scentralbankonSaturdaykeptinterestratesunchangedbutcutcommercialbanks'lendableresources,inabidtofightdouble-digitinflation."Itisatightmonetarypolicy,"ReserveBankofIndia(RBI)governorChakravarthyRangarajantoldreportershereafterannouncingmonetaryandcreditpolicyforthefirsthalfoffiscal1994-95,whichbeganinApril."Theparamountobjectivewouldbetoensureasharpreductionintheinflationratebyaboutfourpercentagepointsoverthepresentlevel,"hesaid.Inflationiscurrentlyhoveringataround11percent.Rangarajansaidthecash-reserveratio,theamountofmoneycommercialbanksarestatutarilyrequiredtokeepinreserve,hadbeenraisedfrom14to15percent.Thelendinganddepositrateswereunchangedat14and10percent.TheRBIchiefsaidhighforeigncapitalinflowshadfuelledthecurrentinflationaryspiral,theworstsincethe1991hiketo17percentbeforeNewDelhilauncheditsmarketreforms."Thepresentcreditpolicyhasbeendrawnupagainstthebackgroundofaverydifficultsituationwhenbothinflationandmoneysupplyareup,"hesaid. FrenchbankCreditLyonnaisintendstomakeAsiaapriorityregionforexpansion,itspresidentMichelRenault,saidhereSaturday.Renault,whoisonavisittoChinaandVietnam,said:"Wewanttodevelopthevolumeofouroperationshere."TheCreditLyonnaispresidentsaidhisfirmwantedtochallengecommercialandmerchantbanks.HehasalreadydiscussedextendingCreditLyonnais'snetworkinChina.ThebankhasofficesinTianjin,ShanghaiandXiamenandmainofficesatBeijing,ShenzhenandGuangdong."Wearewaitingforpermissionformore,thequickerthebetter,"saidRenault.CreditLyonnaisistheonlyforeignbankwithVietnameseofficesinHanoiandHoChiMinhCityandonSaturday,RenaultmetwithdeputyPrimeMinisterTranDucLuongandotherseniorVietnamesegovernmentofficials."Vietnamhasitsqualitiesevenifithasbeenthesubjectoftoomuchattentioninrecentyears,"hecommented. TheIAEAsaidSaturdaythatNorthKoreahad"begunpreparations"forchangingfuelrodsatacontroversialnuclearreactorandwarnedthatinspectorswouldcutshortavisitiftheoperationhadreacheda"criticalstage."TheinspectorsareduetoleaveViennaforPyongyangonSundayinordertobeTuesdayattheYongbyongnuclearcomplex,90kilometers(56miles)northofPyongyang,InternationalAtomicEnergyAgencyspokesmanDavidKydsaidSaturday.Hesaidtheinspectorswouldascertainwhether"NorthKoreahasjustproceededwithnormalpreparationmeasures"tochangethefuelrodsinthefivemegawattnuclearreactor,"orwhethertheyarealreadyatacriticalstage"byremovingsealsonthefuel."IftheNorthKoreansarealreadyatthecriticalstage,theIAEAinspectorswillberecalledtoVienna,butiftheworkisnormal,theinspectors'workwillcontinue,"Kydsaid.SouthKoreaonSaturdayairedworriesoverNorthKorea'stelextotheIAEAsayingPyongyangwaspreparingforthechangeoffuelrodswithoutoutsideinspectorspresent."ItisextremelyregrettablethatNorthKoreagavenoticeofitsdecisiontopreparetogoaheadwiththerodchangeonitsown,"aforeignministrystatementsaid.TheUnitedStateshaswarnedthatPyongyangcouldextractenoughplutoniumfromthespentfueltomakefourorfivenuclearbombs.WashingtonsaysitisvitalthatNorthKoreaallowinspectionandsamplingoftherods.TheforeignministrystatementaddedthatSouthKoreahopedtheIAEAcouldclarifythesituationwhenitsmonitorsleaveforNorthKoreathisweekend."WestressthecrucialimportanceofsamplingandsecuringtherodsasdemandedbytheIAEAandremindNorthKoreathatthenuclearproblemshouldnotbetakentoadestructivephasebyunilaterallychangingthefuelrods."AccordingtoKyd,thetripwasexpectedtolasteightdaysbutcouldbeextendedifnecessary.HealsoconfirmedFridaythatNorthKoreahadrespondedpositivelytoaninvitationfromtheIAEAtoholdtalksonnarrowingdifferencesonthescopeofinspections.InWashington,StateDepartmentspokesmanDavidJohnsonindicatedFridaythatathirdroundofhigh-leveltalkswithPyongyanghingedontheoutcomeofthenewIAEAinspections.JohnsonsaidWashingtonwouldconsidersettingadateforthetalksaftertheinspectionswerecompleted.PlansforthethirdroundoftalkswerecalledoffwhentheIAEAsaidinMarchtheirinspectorshadnotbeengivenfullaccesstothesitestheyweantedtovisit,includingacrucialradio-chemicallaboratory.NorthKoreacontendedthenthattheUNnuclearwatchdoghadtriedtogobeyonditsmandate.KydsaidSaturdaythattheinspectors,leavingtoexaminetheradio-chemicallaboratory,werenotscheduledtoinspectthereactor.Buthesaidthey"willhaveaccesstothefivemegawattreactortoundertakemaintenancework,includingnotablychangingbatteriesandfilm.""TheretheywouldseewhetherthereactorisinthesamestateasinMarchorwhethertheNorthKoreanshaveremovedtheseals"onthefuel,hesaid. TheBosnianMoslemgovernmentandBosnianCroatrepresentativesSaturdaymarkedtheiragreementtosetupafederationinBosnia-HercegovinawithaceremonyinthepresenceofUSSecretaryofStateWarrenChristopher.AlsopresentattheceremonyintheUSembassyinGeneva,andrepresentingthegovernmentinZagreb,wastheCroatianForeignMinisterMateGranic.Christophersaidthefederationagreement,whichhasbeennegotiatedstep-by-stepoverthelasttwomonthsinBonn,ViennaandWashingtonundertheauspicesofspecialUSenvoyforex-YugoslaviaCharlesRedman,was"alreadypayingdividends"intermsofpeaceandhumanitarianrelief.CroatandMoslemBosnianforces,whichhadbeenalliedagainstSerbforces,beganfightinglastyear,particularlyincentralBosniaforcontroloftheHercegovinatownofMostarbeforetalksonthefederationagreementbegantotakeseriousshape.Christophersaidgunshadbeensilencedoveradistanceof200kilometres(120miles)andsupplylinesopeneduptoallowinhumanitarianrelief,thusalleviatingthesufferingofthousandsofpeople."Aframeworkhasbeenestablishedforprotectingthepoliticalandhumanrightsofthepeoplewholiveinthefederationborders.Thesearetrulysignificantaccomplishements."Wheretherewaswarandsufferingthereisnowthepromiseofpeaceanddemocracy.Thedarknessoftheinter-ethnicstrifeisslowinggivingwaytoaglimmerofreconciliation."TheUSsecretaryofstate,playingtributetotheroleplayedbyCroatianministerGranicinreachingtheaccord,saiditprovidedthebasisforregionalcooperationandwasafirststeptowardlastingpeaceinBosnia-Hercegovina.Butthiswouldrequirepatience,goodwillandrecognitiononallsidesthattheinterestsandfutureofpeopleintheregion,especiallythatofchildren,couldonlybesecuredbysincere,prolongedanddifficultnegotiations,Christophersaid.Hesaidthemessageoftheceremonywasthatpeacecouldbeachievedandthelifeofpeopleimprovedthroughnegotiations.HecongratulatedBosnianpremierHarisSilajdzic,theBosnianCroatleaderKresimirZupacandtheCroatianforeignminister.Originally,aformalsigningceremonyhadbeenexpectedinGenevaSaturdayforthefederationagreement.ButanaccorduponitreachedinViennaearlierintheweekprovidesthefederationwith58percentofBosnia-Hercegovinaterritory.ThisstandsincontrastwithaEuropeanpeaceplanfortheformerYugoslavrepublicendorsedlateFridayinGenevabytheUSandRussiawhichgivesthefederationonly51percent.ThepartiesinthefederationhavesaidtheywouldliketheBosnianSerbstojoinintoo,buttheyhaveshownnointerestsofar.InitspresentformitlaystheframeworkforrelationsbetweentheBosnianMoslemandCroatpopulationsinBosnia-HercegovinaandCroatia. JapaneseorganisersstartedaraceagainsttimeonSaturdaytofindareplacementforArgentinaintheKirinCup."WearenegotiatingwithcountrieswhichhavefriendlytieswiththeJapaneseFootballAssociation,"anassociationspokesmansaid.OfficialshaveuntilMondaynighttofindareplacementbecauseofthetimeneededtoobtainentryvisas,hesaid. DeadlyerrorsthatledtoastringoffatalaircrasheshaveplaguedtheUSarmedforcesevenasthePentagonpreparestoreleaseresultsofaninquiryintooneofitsmostembarrassingblunders,thedowningoftwoUShelicoptersinnorthernIraqbyUSfighters.Twenty-sixpeoplediedduringanApril14internationalprotectionforcemissionwhenUSair-to-airmissilesslammedintotwoBlackhawkhelicoptersflyingacrosstheKurdishzoneofIraq.ThePentagonisexpectedtoannounceinmid-MaythatthepilotsofthetwoUSF-16fightersconfusedtheBlackhawkswithSoviet-madeIraqiHindhelicopters.Threeweeksearlier,onMarch23,twenty-threepeoplewerekilledatPopeAirBaseinNorthCarolinawhenanF-16andaC-130cargoplanelandedbyaccidentonthesamerunway.LessthanoneweekbeforethePopecrash,aC-130gunshipheadingoutofKenyaonamissiontosupporttheUSwithdrawalfromSomaliacrashedintothesea,killingseven.Piloterrorwaslikelythecause,accordingtopreliminaryreports.TheGeneralAccountingOffice(GAO),theinvestigativearmofCongress,releasedaseparatereportcriticizingthelackoftrainingforUSAirForceReserveofficers.Inaddition,theGAOsaidthereservefleetiscomposedofagingaircraft.ThereportcomesatatimewhenthePentagonisrelyingmoreandmoreonthereservestooffsetitsmainforcelossesstemmingfrombudgetcuts.AccordingtoJamesHessman,aneditorofthemilitarymagazine"SeaPower,"theannualPentagonbudgetcutscouldhurttrainingandpreparationlevels."Allthenation'sarmedserviceshavebeendeferring,downgrading,orselectivelyabandoningmodernizationprogramsessentialtofuturereadiness,"saidHessman.AreportsubmittedtoCongressatthebeginningoftheyear,however,saidthatthearmedforcesremainedrelativelywellpreparedbut"lessthaninthepast."The1995budgetproposalreflectsthepreoccupationofthenewsecretaryofdefense,WilliamPerry,withconcernsaboutbitingintofundsearmarkedfortrainingandequipmentupgrades.Fundingforthismodernizationwasup92.9billiondollarsoutofatotalDefenseDepartmentbudgetof263.7billiondollarsin1995,4.9billiondollarsmorethan1994.The1995fiscalyearbeginsOctober1.ForthePentagon,thisshouldhelptoimplementthe"BottomUpReview,"amajorDefenseDepartmentstudyconductedlastyeartochartbudgetrequirementsifthePentagonwantedtobepreparedtoconducttwoGulfWar-sizedoperationssimultaneously.Theabilitytoconductsuchoperationsisnotnecessarilyassured,however.Airforceofficialsacknowledgedrecentlyduringcongressionalhearingsthattrooptransportproblemscouldariseundersuchcircumstances.Theauthorofthereport,defensespecialistJohnCollins,saiditwouldbepracticallyimpossibletosupporttwocampaignsatonce.HeaddeditwouldalreadybedifficulttorespondtoaregionalconflictwithoutthehelpofUSallies.Moreover,thefactthatonlyoneoffourbombscarriedbyanUSF/A-18hititstargetandexplodedduringanApril11NATOraidoverBosnianSerbpositionsisparticularlydisquieting.Oftheotherthree,onebombwouldnotreleaseandtwohitwithoutexploding."ThedefenseindustrialbaseasawholecouldbecometheDepartmentofDefense'sAchillesheel,"saidHessman.Aboveall,accordingtoCollins,thefocusputformanyyearsonpeace-keepingmissions,thewaragainstdrugsorhumanitarianassistance,haveforcedthearmedforcestoputmoreoftheirtrainingandmodernizationfundsintofinancingtheseoperations.ThiswasthecasewithSomaliaandBosnia,andthe300milliondollarsallocatedfor1995peacekeepingoperationsdoesnotseemtohintatanyshiftinthistrend. PassengerstravellingSouthAfricanAirways(SAA)willfaceabarrageofgreetingsinatleastfourlanguages,inkeepingwiththenewSouthAfrica,thenationalcarriersaidinastatementSaturday.InthebadolddaysofapartheidSouthAfrica,travellersonSAAwereaddressedintwolanguages,AfrikaansfirstandthenEnglish.FromSaturday,fourdaysafterNelsonMandela'sinauguarationasthecountry'sfirstdemocratically-electedpresident,passengerswillbegreetedinEnglishfirst,thenAfrikaans,thenZuluandSotho.Andoninternationalflights"agreetingappropriatetothecountryofdestinationororigin"aswell,SAAsaidinastatement."ItisimportantthatSAAbeacceptedbyitsdiversepassengers,"SAAchiefexecutiveMikeMyburghsaidinthestatement."WeareexcitedabouttherebirthofanewSouthAfricaandwemustalignourselveswiththeevidentchangeandwithinternationalacceptancenowthatwehavebecomepartoftheworldmarketagain."SAAwasalsobusyscrapingtheoldorange,blueandwhiteSouthAfricanflagoffallitsaircraftandreplacingitwiththenew,predominantlyblack,greenandgoldone. AbattleragedSaturdaybetweenrivalarmyunitsinthestrategicregionofDalehashopesfadedforArabLeaguemediatorstosecureaceasefireinYemen'scivilwar.Thenorth,rejectingasouthernceasefireplan,saidtroopsloyaltoPresidentAliAbdallahSalehalsocapturedthetownofAl-Musaymir,northwestofthesouth'sstrongholdofAden.Thesouthhadsuffered"heavylosses."InDaleh,90kilometres(55miles)downtheroadfromtheportcity,northernforcesweremoppingupthelastpocketsofresistanceandmakingfurtheradvances,Sanaasaid.SouthernmilitaryofficialssaidtheirwarplanesweremountingraidafterraidontheDalehregion,wherecorrespondentssawsevennorthernsoldiersdeadonthesideoftheroad,justfivekilometres(threemiles)fromthevillage.OnFriday,themountainvillageitselfwasalmostdesertedapartfromsouthernsoldiers,theysaid.HundredsofresidentshavefledtoAden.ThetwosideshavenotissuedacasualtytollsincethewareruptedonMay5,althoughthenorthsaidMondaythat74ofitstroopshadbeenkilledandmorethan200wounded.AScudmissileWednesdayonSanaaclaimed25morelives.ClasheswerealsotakingplaceintheAbyanregion,eastofAden,butfightinghadeasedinKharaz,onthecoast120kilometres(75miles)tothewestofthecity.ThesouthhassaidthewarbetweenSaleh'stroopsandtheforcesofVicePresidentAliSalemal-Baid,wasbeingwagedonfivefronts.Onthediplomaticfront,anArabLeaguedelegationhasbeenheresinceThursdaywaitingtoseethepresidentanddeliveracallfromtheLeague'ssecretarygeneral,EsmatAbdelMeguid,foranimmediateceasefire.AnorthernspokesmaninSanaasaidthemeetingwasfinallylikelytotakeplaceonSaturday.Butasourceattheorganisation'sCairoheadquarterssaidtheLeaguewasnotexpectedtomakeanyheadwaybecauseboththesouthandnorthhadtoughenedtheirpositions.TherulerofBahrain,EmirIssaibnSalmanal-Khalifa,SaturdayjoinedtheceasefirecallsandurgedYemen'srivalleaders"toallowreasontoprevail."Thesouthputforwardaseven-pointceasefireplanonFriday,callingforthecreationofanationalunitygovernment,butitwasswiftlyrejectedbythenorthas"nothingnew."Sanaademandsthesurrenderofsouthernleaders,accusingthemofseekingpartition,fouryearsafterYemenwasunified.AspokesmaninSanaatoldAFPthenorthdemandedthesurrenderofthe"warcriminal"Baidand"allthoseresponsibleforthewar,sothattheycanbejudgedforwarcrimes."Baid'sYemenSocialistParty(YSP)proposedthetwoarmiesshouldseparateandbe"withdrawntothepositionstheyheldbeforethewar."TheYSPplanalsocalledforprisonerreleases,fortherightsofpoliticalpartiestoberecognisedandthat"thelives,goodsandrightsofcitizensbeprotected."Inthelatestevacuationofforeigners,morethan200nationalsoftheformerSovietUnionarrivedSaturdayinMoscowonaflightoutofMoscow,theRussiannewsagencyITAR-TASSsaid.ThePhilippinesforeignministrysaidatleast619Filipinos,including40childrenandsixpregnantwomen,werestillwaitingevacuationfromYemen. PoliceblockedofftheGeorgiancapitalTbilisiSaturdayasparliamentdebatedacontroversialpeaceaccordwiththeseparatistrepublicofAbkhazia.Some7,000policewereinthestreetsaswellasblockingentryandexittothecity,aninteriorministryspokesmansaid.InteriorMinisterShotaKviraiadirectedthe"anti-crime"operationpersonally,headded.Policehadbylatemorningseizedmorethan30automaticarmsandpistols.SeveralarmoredcarshadtakenuppositionsearlierSaturday,reinforcingpolicecheckpointsalreadyinplaceforseveraldaysinthecenterofthetown,witnessessaid.PresidentEduardShevardnadzesubmittedFridayhisresignationandproposedabolishingthepresidencytoprotestthedeputies'refusaltoratifytheaccordtowardssettlingtheconflictwithbreakawayAbkhaziainwesternGeorgia.ThedeputiesfeartheaccordwillauthorizethesecessionofAbkhazia.Theaccord,tobesignedSundaybyGeorgianandAbkhaziandelegationsinMoscow,callsfordeployingCommonwealthofIndependentStates(CIS)troopsina12-kilometre(7.2mile)securityzoneseparatingAbkhaziafromtherestofGeorgia.AShevardnadzespokesmansaidSaturdaythatthepresidentdidnotintendtoresignbuttoexamineproposalsbydeputiestoadoptapurelyparliamentarygovernmentsystem.RamazSakavarelidze,Shevardnadze'spressofficer,quotedbytheGeorgianewsagencyIprindasaidthatShevardnadzewouldinanycaseremainparliamentaryspeaker,aposttowhichhewaselectedinOctober1992.ShevardnadzehasbeenheadofstatesincehiselectioninNovember1992.OnSeptember14lastyear,heresignedforseveralhourstoprotestparliament'srefusaltogivehimfullpowers.Georgiahasbeenhitsincebecomingindependentin1991byaseriesofpoliticalcrises,includingtwocivilwarsandtheAbkhaziansecessionstruggle,atatimewhenthenationaleconomyisinruins. StartinggridforSunday'sMonacoGrandPrix(frontrowtobeleftemptyoutofrespecttoAyrtonSennaandRolandRatzenberger):1strowMichaelSchumacher(Germany)Benetton-Ford1:18.560,MikaHakkinen(Finland)McLaren-Peugeot1:19.4882ndrowGerhardBerger(Austria)Ferrari1:19.958,DamonHill(GB)Williams-Renault1:20.0793rdrowJeanAlesi(France)Ferrari1:20.452,ChristianFittipaldi(Brazil)Footwork-Ford1:21.0534throwGianniMorbidelli(Italy)Footwork-Ford1:21.189,MartinBrundle(GB)McLaren-Peugeot1:21.2225throwPierLuigiMartini(Italy)MinardiScuderiaItalia1:21.288,MarkBlundell(GB)Tyrrell-Yamaha1:21.6146throwUkyoKatayama(Japan)Tyrrell-Yamaha1:21.731,MicheleAlboreto(Italy)MinardiScuderiaItalia1:21.7937throwErikComas(France)Larrousse-Ford1:22.211,AndreadeCesaris(Italy)Jordan-Hart1:22.2658throwRubensBarrichello(Brazil)Jordan-Hart1:22.359,JohnnyHerbert(GB)Lotus-MugenHonda1:22.3759throwJ.J.Lehto(Finland)Benetton-Ford1:22.679,OlivierBeretta(France)Larrousse-Ford1:23.02510throwPedroLamy(Portugal)Lotus-MugenHonda1:23.858,OlivierPanis(France)Ligier-Renault1:24.13111throwEricBernard(France)Ligier-Renault1:24.377,DavidBrabham(Australia)Simtek-Ford1:24.65612throwBertrandGachot(France)Pacific-Ilmor1:26.082,PaulBelmondo(France)Pacific-Ilmor1:29.984 FrenchfilmhearthrobAlainDelon,58,hashadanoperationforahernia,hisfilmproducerfriendNorbertSaadasaidSaturday.Delon,whosescreencareerspansmorethanthreedecades,starredinfilmsincluding"IsParisburning"in1965,andmorerecently"UnAmourdeSwann"in1984.HeisduetoleavehospitalonSunday.HewasadmittedTuesdayaftercomplainingofstomachpains. RussianorthodoxchurchPatriarchAleksyIIarrivedfromMoscowonSaturdaywithadelegationofchurchofficialsforafive-dayofficialvisittotheformerYugoslavia."Ihopetomeetallpartiestotheconflictinthisregionandwishtoseeaquickendtotheblood-lettingandsufferingofinnocentpeople,"hesaidonlanding.Thepatriarch,invitedbytheSerbianOrthodoxchurch,saidearlierinMoscowthatthevisitwas"apeacemissionaimedatendingthebloodbath."TheRussiandelegationwillvisitSerbia,MontenegroandBosnia-Hercegovina.MeetingsarescheduledwithSerbianPresidentSlobodanMilosevicandthepresidentoftherumpYugoslavrepublic,ZoranLilic,butnonewithBosnianorCroatleadersfigureonthedelegation'sofficialprogramme.RussiahasbeenatraditionalallyoftheSerbs,whoarefellowSlavsandorthodoxChristians. TheIAEAsaidSaturdaythatNorthKoreahad"begunpreparations"forchangingfuelrodsatacontroversialnuclearreactorandwarnedthatinspectorswouldcutshortavisitiftheoperationhadreacheda"criticalstage."TheinspectorsareduetoleaveViennaforPyongyangonSundayinordertobeTuesdayattheYongbyongnuclearcomplex,90kilometers(56miles)northofPyongyang,InternationalAtomicEnergyAgencyspokesmanDavidKydsaidSaturday.Hesaidtheinspectorswouldascertainwhether"NorthKoreahasjustproceededwithnormalpreparationmeasures"tochangethefuelrodsinthefivemegawattnuclearreactor,"orwhethertheyarealreadyatacriticalstage"byremovingsealsonthefuel."IftheNorthKoreansarealreadyatthecriticalstage,theIAEAinspectorswillberecalledtoVienna,butiftheworkisnormal,theinspectors'workwillcontinue,"Kydsaid.SouthKoreaonSaturdayairedworriesoverNorthKorea'stelextotheIAEAsayingPyongyangwaspreparingforthechangeoffuelrodswithoutoutsideinspectorspresent."ItisextremelyregrettablethatNorthKoreagavenoticeofitsdecisiontopreparetogoaheadwiththerodchangeonitsown,"aforeignministrystatementsaid.TheUnitedStateshaswarnedthatPyongyangcouldextractenoughplutoniumfromthespentfueltomakefourorfivenuclearbombs.WashingtonsaysitisvitalthatNorthKoreaallowinspectionandsamplingoftherods.USDefenseSecretaryWilliamPerrysaidlateFridaythatthethreatofconfrontationwithNorthKoreacouldcometoaheadwithinafewweeks."InmanywaysKoreaposesposesthegreatestsecuritythreattotheUnitedStatesandtheworldtoday,"saidPerry."Wehavetoregardthesituationasveryserious,"headded.TheSouthKoreanforeignministrystatementaddedthatithopedtheIAEAcouldclarifythesituationwhenitsmonitorsleavefortheNorththisweekend."WestressthecrucialimportanceofsamplingandsecuringtherodsasdemandedbytheIAEAandremindNorthKoreathatthenuclearproblemshouldnotbetakentoadestructivephasebyunilaterallychangingthefuelrods,"saidtheministry.AccordingtoKyd,thetripwasexpectedtolasteightdaysbutcouldbeextendedifnecessary.HealsoconfirmedFridaythatNorthKoreahadrespondedpositivelytoaninvitationfromtheIAEAtoholdtalksonnarrowingdifferencesonthescopeofinspections.InWashington,StateDepartmentspokesmanDavidJohnsonindicatedFridaythatathirdroundofhigh-leveltalkswithPyongyanghingedontheoutcomeofthenewIAEAinspections.JohnsonsaidWashingtonwouldconsidersettingadateforthetalksaftertheinspectionswerecompleted.PlansforthethirdroundoftalkswerecalledoffwhentheIAEAsaidinMarchtheirinspectorshadnotbeengivenfullaccesstothesitestheyweantedtovisit,includingacrucialradio-chemicallaboratory.NorthKoreacontendedthenthattheUNnuclearwatchdoghadtriedtogobeyonditsmandate.KydsaidSaturdaythattheinspectors,leavingtoexaminetheradio-chemicallaboratory,werenotscheduledtoinspectthereactor.Buthesaidthey"willhaveaccesstothefivemegawattreactortoundertakemaintenancework,includingnotablychangingbatteriesandfilm.""TheretheywouldseewhetherthereactorisinthesamestateasinMarchorwhethertheNorthKoreanshaveremovedtheseals"onthefuel,hesaid. BlackrivalpoliticalgroupsburiedthehatchetSaturdayattheWesternAreasgoldmineoutsideJohannesburg,wheresevenminershavediedinclashesinthepastmonth,ownersJohannesburgConsolidatedIndustries(JCI)said.JCIchiefKennedyMaxwell,quotedinthedailyCitizen,saidmanagement-ledtalksproducedanagreementonacodeofconduct,thesettingupofacommitteeofinquiryintotheincidentsandsecurityarrangementsacceptabletoall.SevenpeoplediedinthreeandahalfweeksofpoliticaltensionbetweensupportersoftheZulunationalistInkathaFreedomParty(IFP)andtheAfricanNationalCongress(ANC)atthegoldminewestofJohannesburg.MineengineerJohnBrownringgstoldthenewspaperthatworkwouldstartupSaturday.Noindependentconfirmationwasimmediatelyavailable.SecurityforcesunderthenewgovernmentmovedswiftlyThursdaytopreventfurtherclashesatWesternAreasandconfiscateduptoeighttonnesofhomemadeandtraditionalweaponsfromtheminehostel,FransvanRensburg,aspokesmanforJCIsaidearlierthisweek.TradeunionofficialssaidpoliticallymotivatedfightingbetweenIFPandANCsupportersstartedonApril17,ninedaysbeforeSouthAfrica'sfirstall-raceelections.TheysaidonepersonwaskilledonApril17,twoothersdiedinfightingduringtheApril26-29pollandfourwerekilledWednesday.NelsonMandela'sANCwontheelection,endingmorethan300yearsofwhite-minorityrule.Becausemostminersstayinlargehostelsaccommodatingthousandsofpeople,ethnicandpoliticaldifferencesoftenboiloverandresultinviolence.Inoneoftheworstincidents,fourminerswerekilledWednesdayinanundergroundbattleinthemine'ssouthshaftbetweenworkersarmedwithaxesandpicksbeforesecurityforcesmovedintohelprestoreorder.About9,500minerswereonstrikeFridayafterdefyingacourtorderThursdaythatorderedthembacktoworkattheKloofgoldminenearCarletonville,50kilometres(32miles)westofhere.TheownersoftheKloofmine,GoldFields,estimatedproductionlosssincethestrikebeganonMay5ataround25millionrands(6.8milliondollars)andFridayorderedthestrikerstoreturntoworkbySunday.WorkershaddownedtoolseightdaysagofollowingthedismissalofatradeunionleaderforallegedlyintimidatingworkersduringastrikeinMarch. ThousandsoftribesmenhavepouredintothenorthwesternPakistanitownofMalakandtopressdemandsfortheenforcementofIslamiclawintheregion,witnessessaidSaturday.RecitingKoranicversesandchantingsloganstheystartedasit-inwhichtheysaidwouldnotenduntilPresidentFarooqAhmedLeghariannouncedtheenforcementofSharia(Islamic)lawsinthetribaldistrictoftheNorthWestFrontierProvince.WitnessessaidthousandsofdemonstratorsstartedfillingthesmalltownfromThursdayaftertheirMay11deadlineexpired.BySaturdaythenumberhadpassed20,000withmorejoining,reportssaid.Thetribesmenblockeda20-kilometer(12miles)ofroads.Theyarelivingintentsonhillsandplainswhilemanyhaveputupplasticsheetstoshelterfromrainandcoldwindsinthemountainousterrain,witnessessaid.TherallywasorganisedbytheTehreek-i-NifazShariat(TNS-MovementfortheenforcementofShariat)formedin1990.TNSleaderSoofiMohammedtoldreportershebelievedthegovernmentwouldacceptthedemand.Policeandparamilitarytroopswereonthealert.ButthoughnotroublehadbeenreportedofficialswouldnotcommentonthesituationinMalakand.TNSsourcessaidthepresidenthadpromisedtoconsidertheirdemandforenforcementofIslamicpenalcodebutnodecisionhasbeenofficiallyannounced.ThecampaignfollowedasupremecourtverdictinFebruaryabolishingspecialregulationsunderwhichtheregionofMalakand,SwatandBunerwasrunbytheNWFPgovernment.Theformerstatesweremergedintheprovincialadministrationinthelate1960s.PriortothemergertheregionhadspecialMoslemcourtswhichusedtodecidelocaldisputesonthebasisofIslamiclaws.ThetribesmenwereunhappyattheProvinciallyAdministeredTribalArearegulationsusedafterthemerger.Theyexpressedresentmentatpowersgiventolocaladministrators.TheyalsoopposefederallawsputinplaceasaresultofFebruary'ssupremecourtverdictbutnotyetimplemented. FormerPalestinianprisonerstouredtheemptyIsraelijailhereSaturdayastheirnewpoliceforcemetlocaldignitariesonthefirstfulldayofdeploymentinJericho.ApartthanmountingjointpatrolswithIsraelibordertroopsoutsidethetown,therewaslittleactivedutyforthepolice.Andwithadministrativeofficesclosed,aholidayatmospheretookholdoftheWestBanktown."Todaywearerestinganddistributingthenewposts,"saidMajorAhmadAbouHamida."Wearecleaninguptheplaceandwewillbereadyforfullworkinacoupleofdays."EssamMahmoud,a35-year-oldwhowasjailedherein1988touredtheprisonwithotherformerinmates."Iwantedtoseemyoldcell...Ican'tbelievethatnowIcanenterherewithouthandcuffs,"hesaid.Anotherformerdetainee,40-year-oldAhmadUmtar,pointedtoacell'swhite-washedwalls."Therewereallournamesonthewallshere.Nowthey'reallgone.""IcameheretodaywithfeelingsofangerattheIsraeliinjusticeandbrutality.Iwantedtoseethisoldplace.InowhopeallofPalestinewillbeliberated."AtthenewPalestinianheadquarters,theformerofficesofIsrael'smilitaryadministration,seniorpoliceofficersmetlocaldignitariestodiscussthedetailsofself-ruleandthechangestocome.PolicewereonalertatthegatesafterachildkilledhimselfbyaccidentthereinthemidstofcelebrationsFridaybyfiringagunthathappenedtobeloaded.Awomanandanelderlymanwerealsoinjuredintheaccident.Inaninvestigationbytheself-ruleauthorities,theofficerwhoownedthegunwasbeingquestionedandwouldbepunishedfornegligenceiffoundguilty,saidMohammadShaker,inchargeofpublicrelations.Astheeuphoriawhichgreetedthetransferofpoweradayearliereased,Jerichoresidentsmingledwiththepolicemen.Smallgroupsofpeoplecrowdedaroundtoexchangestoriesatpoliceposts,andcarsdrivinginfromtherestoftheWestBankstoppedtoshakehandswithforcesataninformalcheckpoint.PalestinianpolicemenwerealsodeployedSaturdayinJabaliaontheGazaStripafterIsraelitroopswithdrewunderthecoverofnight.Withthelatestdeployment,almost1,500policemenhavenowenteredtheStrip,wherethesouthoftheterritoryhasbeencompletelyevacuatedbythearmy.TherestoftheStripistobehandedoverbynextWednesday. ThemediahereblastedtheBritishgovernmentSaturdayforrefusingtocommentontheallegedbuggingoftheIranianembassyinLondon,sayingitssilenceactedasproofofthe"actofespionage."TehransaidWednesdaythatalisteningdevicehadbeenfoundinsideawallattheIranianembassyinLondonabouttwoweeksago.Britainhasrefusedtocommentontheaffair.TheaffairdominatedmediaheadlinesSaturdaywithpapersofeverypoliticalpersuasionaswellastheofficialagencyIRNAcriticisingLondon.Kayhan,adailyclosetoIslamichardliners,calledthediscoveryofthedevice"ascandal"andcriticisedtheBritishgovernmentforits"ambiguoussilence."Aconservativedaily,Resalat,meanwhileurgedthegovernmenttopunishBritainbyreconsideringitspoliticalandeconomicties."TheIraniannationcannotseeTehranhavewarmeconomicrelationswithacountrywhichconspiresagainstit,"itwarned.IraniandeputyforeignministerforEuropeanAffairs,MahmudVaezihassaidworkersfoundthebattery-chargeddevicewhiletearingdownawallinIran'snewembassybuilding.ButIrandecidednotrevealthediscoverypendingfurtherinvestigation,headded.HesaidTehranhadsoughtexplanationfromLondon,butstressedthatthediscoverywould"weakenrelationswithBritain.IranianpresidentAliAkbarHashemiRafsanjanihaschargedthedevice'sdiscoveryledBritainto"fabricatethebaselessstory"overallegedIranianlinkswiththeIrishRepublicanArmy(IRA),toavoidembarrassmentovertheissue.InlateAprilLondonaccusedTehranofhavingcontactswiththeIRAandsummonedIraniancharged'affairsGholamrezaAnsaritotheForeignOfficetodemandthatanycontactwiththeprovisionalsshouldcease.TehranhascalledonBritaintoprovideproofofitsallegations. NorthKoreasaidSaturdayithadbegunchangingfuelrodsonacontroversialnuclearreactorbeforethearrivalofInternationalAtomicEnergyAgency(IAEA)inspectors."Asisknown,thereplacementoffuelrodshasbegunatourfive-megawattexperimentalnuclearpowerstationaccordingtoitsoperationplan,"aNorthKoreanforeignministryspokesmansaid.InaninteviewwiththeKoreanCentralNewsAgency(KCNA)monitoredhere,thespokesmansaidtheIAEAhadbaulkedatsendinginspectorstoobserverefuellingoperationsattheplantwhiledemandingsamplesfromthefuelrods."Undersuchconditions,wehadnochoicebuttoremovesealsandstarttakingoutfuelrodsforsafetyreasons,"thespokesmanwasquotedassayingbytheofficialnewsagency. AhandgrenadewaslobbedintothecourtyardofaShiitemosqueinKarachionSaturdayinanattackpolicesaidappearedtobelinkedtofrictionbetweenrivalMoslemgroups.No-onewasreportedinjured,butofficialssaidsecurityhadbeentightenedtopreventanoutbreakofnewsectarianviolence.Thesouthernportcity,stillrecoveringfromviolencethathasseen30deaths,wasjitteryamidreportsoffourbombblastsarounddawn.ButpolicedeniedthereportbytheofficialAssociatedPressofPakistan.Theysaidblastinginanearbystonequarrymighthavebeenmistakenforbombblasts.ThemosqueattackappearedlinkedtofrictionbetweengroupsfromtheminorityShiiteandmajoritySunniMoslemcommunities.Butpolicesaidtheyhadnoimmediateclueastotheidentityoftheattackers.Lastmonth,fivepeoplewereinjuredwhenagrenadeexplodedinanotherShi'iteworshipplace.Apartfromthesectariantrouble,thecityofover10millionpeoplehasbeenhitbyethnicviolence.The30deathswereinclashesbetweenpoliceandMohajirQaumiMovement(MQM).MQMrepresentsthelargeUrdu-speakingcommunityofpeoplewhomigratedfromIndiaafterthepartitionofthesub-continentin1947.ThepartyhasaccusedthegovernmentvictimizingtheMohajirpeople,anallegationdeniedbytheauthorities.ThearmyhasbeendeployedthroughoutSindprovince,ofwhichKarachiiscapital,sinceJune1992toreducethecrimerateandcontrolethnicandsectarianviolence.TheMQMcontestedlastOctober'selectionstotheprovinciallegislature,taking27seatsinitsurbanstrongholdsofKarachiandHyderabad.TheMQMisatloggerheadswithPrimeMinisterBenazirBhutto'srulingPakistanPeople'sParty.SeveralMQMleaders,includingfoursenatorsandtheleaderoftheoppositionintheSind,Assemblyarecurrentlyindetention.TheMQMclaimsmorethan2,000ofitssupportershavebeenarrestedfromKarachialone. ThedirectorofMadrid'sPradomuseum,FranciscoCalvoSerraller,announcedSaturdayhewasresigningoveradisputewithCultureMinisterCarmenAlborchonthecommercialuseofagallery.CalvoSerraller,46,madetheannouncementinaletterpublishedbythedailyElPais.HehadbeenmuseumdirectorsinceOctober22lastyear.HeclashedwithAlborchforallowingthegallerycontainingVelasquez'masterpiece"LasMeninas"tobephotographedforafeeof80,000pesetas(600dollars).ThephotographswereforafurnituremagazineonwhichCalvoSerraller'swifeisaneditorialadviser.CalvoSerrallermaintainedthatthemuseumrulespermitthecommercialuseofgalleries,buttheministersaidearlierthisweekthatshedidnotagree. FormulaOnedriverKarlWendlingerremainsstableafterhiscrashonThursday,withdoctorsnowencouragedbytheAustrian'sconditionhereSaturday.WendlingercrashedduringapracticesessionforSunday'sMonacoGrandPrixandiscurrentlyinadeepcoma,withswellingaroundthebrain.ProfessorDominiqueGrimaud,headoftheintensivecarunitatNice'sSaint-Rochuniversityhospital,saidWendlinger'sconditionwas"stillstable."Therehasbeennoaggravationoftheclinicalindicators,butanoedemaofmediumdensityremains."Grimaud,soundedanoteofoptimismthoughwhenhedescribedtheAustrian'sstateofhealthasbeing"anencouragingstability--butnothingmore."Anotherdoctor,speakingongroundsofanonymity,said:"Hehascomethroughthefirst48hoursaftertheaccident--duringwhichthechancesofneurologicaldeteriorationareattheirhighest."Wendlinger'sfamilyandfiancee,alongwithmembersofhisSauber-Mercedesteam,havebeentakingturnstostayatthedriver'sbedside.TheAustriancrashedtwoweeksafterAyrtonSennaandRolandRatzenbergerwerekilledinaccidentsattheSanMarinoGrandPrix. TheJewishcommunityandthepressonSaturdayunitedindenouncingthepoliceforincompetenceintheirhandlingofaracist-inspiredmanhuntintheeastGermantownofMagdeburg."Idonotunderstandhowthiscouldhavehappened.Itisascandalthatthepolicedidnotmanagetoprotectthesepeople,"thepresidentofthecentralcouncilofJewsinGerman,IgnatzBubis,toldthedailyExpressinaninterview.TheColognedaily,KoelnischeRundschau,reflectedthesentimentofmanynewspaperswhenitasked:"WhoisinchargeofpatrollingMagdeburg?Thepoliceornightwatchmen?"LastThursday,Father'sDayinGermany,whenmarriedandsinglementraditionallyindulgeindrinkingbouts,turnedsourwhengangsofskinheadsbandedtogethertohuntdownimmigrantsintheformerEastGermantownofMagdeburg.Around50youths,armedwithsticksandknives,turnedonagroupofAfricans,beforelaunchingafull-scalemanhuntthroughthestreets.Accordingtopoliceupto150youthstookpartintheincident,inwhichonlythreepeoplewereinjured.Criticismofthelocalauthoritieshasbeenalltheharsherbecausethelocaldepartmentofpublicprosecutionshassincefreedallbutoneofthosearrested."Wecannotforthemomentprovethattheywereinvolved,"prosecutorRudolfJasperssaidonSaturday."Allthosetakeninforquestioningmaintainedthattheywereonlyspectators.""ItwaslikebeingbackintheworsteraoftheSA(themainNazimilitiaupto1934),"thegovernmentofficialresponsibleforimmigrantsandforeignworkers,CorneliaSchmalz-Jacobsensaid,whosawtheeventsinMagdeburgasa"horribleclimax"tothexenophobicviolence,whichhasflaredinGermanysincereunification."Thismanhuntmarksanewlevelofviolence,"accordingtoKlausHurrelmann,aprofessorattheuniversityofBielefeldandexpertonextreme-rightmovements.Sinceunificationin1990dozensofpeoplehavebeenkilled,victimsofright-wingviolencerangingfromattacksonimmigranthostelsinRostocktoarsonattacksinMoellnandSolingenonthehomesofTurks,inadditiontoalmostdailyisolatedassaultsonforeigners."Icannotconceivehowthepoliceallowedthesecriminalstogoafteronlycheckingontheiridentities,"saidBubis,whohasoftenspokenoutagainstwhatheseesaslaxityonthepartoftheauthoritiesindealingwiththeextreme-right.ChancellorHelmutKohl'sChristianDemocraticUnion,inresponsetopublicoutrageatseekingabandofskinheadsattackforeignersinbroaddaylightwithimpunity,hascalledanemergencymeetingofthecommitteeonlegislationinthelowerhouseonMonday.Itisproposingthatpolicebegivenpowerstoholdsuspectsincustodyforlongerwithoutpressingchargesandforstifferpenaltiesforthoseconvictedofracistattacks.ButitcouldrunintooppositionfromtheLiberalFDP,whichmaintainsthatexistinglegislationissufficientaslongasitisfirmlyimplemented. Canada'sPaulTracy,amongtheIndianapolis500polefavorites,wasdeclaredmedicallyunfittodrivehereinSaturday'stimetrials.TracysufferedconcussionandabruisedleftfootinapracticecrashonFridayandspentthenightatMethodistHospital.TracywasamongthreedriversusingtheMercedesenginewhichhasdominatedpracticespeedsthisweekoverthe2.5-mile(4km)IndianapolisMotorSpeedwayoval.Doctorsconductedneurologicaltestsandx-raysonTracyovernightandruledSaturdaymorninghewasnotyetreadytodrive.Hisconditionwillbere-evaluatedSunday.UnderIndy500qualifyingrules,onlyqualifiersonthefirstdaycancompeteforthepole.Laterqualifiers,evenwithfasterspeeds,muststartbehindfirst-dayqualifiersintheMay29race.Tracyskiddedthroughthethird-turnwallat240mph(384km/h)onFriday,hittingtheouterwallofthefourthturn.Helostconsciousnessmomentarilyduringthecrash,whichcausedextensivedamagetohisMercedes-poweredPenskecar.Abackupcarhasbeenpreparedandtested,butforecastsofrainforSundaymakeitunlikelyTracycanmakethefieldbeforenextweekend'sfinalqualifyingsessions. Thailand'sRattanapolSorVorapinretainedhisInternationalBoxingFederationstraw-weighttitleonSaturdayafterknockingoutchallengerRogerEspanola.Rattanapolflooredtheninth-rankedFilipinointhesixthroundofthescheduled12-roundboutinthecentralThaiprovinceofSaraburi.Inhissixthtitledefence,Rattanapoldominatedthefightfromthestartwithstrongleftandrighthookstothebodyandface,whileEspanoyamanagedonlyoccasionalrighthooksandlightleftjabstohisopponent'sface.Rattanapolimprovedhisfightrecordto18wins,including13knockouts,onedrawandtwolosses.Espanola'srecordnowstandsat15wins,including10knockouts,onedrawandtwolosses. NorthKoreasaidSaturdayithadbegunrefuellingacontroversialnuclearreactorbeforethearrivalofinspectorsfromtheInternationalAtomicEnergyAgency(IAEA)."Thereplacementoffuelrodshasbegunatourfive-megawattexperimentalnuclearpowerstationaccordingtoitsoperationalplan,"aNorthKoreanforeignministryspokesmantoldtheofficialKoreanCentralNewsAgency.ThespokesmansaidtheIAEAhadrefusedtosendinspectorstoobservetherefuellingoperationattheYongbyongplantunlessthefuelrodscouldbesampled.SuchtestswouldrevealtheextentofNorthKorea'snuclearbombcapability."Undersuchconditions,wehadnochoicebuttoremovethesealsandstarttakingoutfuelrodsforsafetyreasons,"thespokesmanwasquotedassayingbythenewsagency,monitoredinTokyo.IAEAinspectorswereduetoleaveViennaonSundayandarriveinNorthKoreaonTuesday.AgencyspokesmanDavidKydsaidinViennaearlierthatNorthKoreahadbegun"preparations"forchangingfuelrodsatYongbyong.Hewarnedthattheinspectorswouldcutshortthevisitiftheoperationhadreacheda"criticalstage."TheNorthKoreanofficialsaid"refuellingistakingplaceunderthewatchofthecamerasinstalledbytheagency.So,therearenogroundsforconcernaboutthediversionofthereplacedfuelrodsforanotherpurpose." TroopsloyaltoYemeniPresidentAliAbdallahSalehhavecapturedthekeytownofDaleh,northofAden,afterseveraldaysoffiercefighting,correspondentssaidSaturday.LocalandforeignjournaliststakentoDaleh,whichlies90kilometres(55miles)fromthesouthernstrongholdofAden,confirmeditwasheldbynortherntroops.NorthernmilitaryofficialssaidtheycapturedthetownonFriday.Dalehcontrolsakeypositionontheroadtothemainsouthernairbase.Severaldaysoffightingaroundtheareahasforcedresidentstoflee,seekingsafetyinAden.WiththelossofDaleh,thesouthcalledSaturdayfortheArabLeaguetointervenetostop10daysofwarbetweenrivalnorthernandsoutherntroops,AdenRadiosaid.TheCouncilfortheCoordinationbetweenPartiesandtheMasses,OrganizationsandNationalistsinAdensentamessagetotheLeagueurgingittoprotect"townsandcitizensagainstallactsofaggression,"itsaid,monitoredbytheBBC.TheLeagueshouldintervenetoseethatareconciliationaccordsignedinAmmaninFebruarybetweenthetwopartiesisimplemented,itadded.AnArabLeaguedelegationhasbeeninYemensinceThursdaytryingtobrokeraceasefirebetweenSalehandhissouthernrival,oustedvice-presidentAliSalemal-Baid.Aseven-pointpeaceplanputforwardbythesouthernYemenSocialistPartyonFridaywasswiftlyrejectedas"nothingnew"bynorthernleaders. RussiandirectorAndreiKonchalovskysaidSaturdayhewantedtoshowordinaryRussians'struggletocometotermswithpost-SovietcapitalisminhisentryforthecovetedGoldenPalmawardattheCannesFilmFestival.Konchalovsky,presenting"KurochkaRiaba"(RiabaMyChicken)aheadofitspremiereherelaterSaturday,saidthefilmreflectedthewidespreadcrisiscreatedbytheswitchtoamarketeconomyafter70yearsofcommunism."Freedomsometimesbearsunexpectedfruit,"hetoldapressconference,describinghistaleofasmallvillageinthemiddleofRussiarockedbytheencroachmentofcapitalistvalues."Everyonethoughtthattheendofcommunism,ortotalitarianismwasfantastic...thefalloftheBerlinWallandsoon,itprovidedgreathope,"hesaid."Thensuddenlyitisn'tworking,"headded.Thefilm,awittymixtureofgrittyrealismandquasi-surrealfairytale,focusesonthefateofAssia,astaunchpartymembergraduallyconvertedtothepowerofmoney.Thisisbroughtaboutfirstbyheraffectionforafellowvillagerwhobuildshimselfawoodcuttingfactory,makinglotsofmoneyandincreasinglycuttinghimselfofffromtherestofthevillage.Then,inafantasticalturnofeventsAssia,playedbyInnaChurikova,discoversagoldeneggapparentylayedbyherconstantcompanion,herchickenRiaba.Thewholevillagesoongetstohearofthetreasure,andthefilmtakesofffromthere.Itcomesnearly30yearsafterKonchalovsky's"Assia'sHappiness,"madein1967butkeptfrompublicscreeningsfornearly20yearsbytheSovietauthorities.KonchalovskymeanwhilewenttotheUnitedStateswherehepursuedhisdirectingcareer,beforereturningtohishomecountry--atleastforfilm-makingpurposes--inrecentyears.Explaininghisfeelingsonthesocietyhefounduponhisreturn,Konchalovkyexplained:"Weareinthe15thcenturypoliticallyspeaking...it'snotthatwearesavages,that'sjustthewayitis." GermanForeignMinisterKlausKinkelonSaturdaycalledonEuropeanUnionstatestooffereconomicaidtoCroatiaandspeedupmovestosealanassociationtreatywiththeformerYugoslavrepublic.Effortstosecurepeaceinthewar-tornBalkansshouldberewarded,Kinkeladded,anapparentreferencetoCroatia'sroleinpersuadingitsBosnianCroatalliestoformafederationwithMoslemsinneighbouringBosnia-Hercegovina."IamgoingtoworktoensurethattheEuropeanUnionresumeseconomicandfinancialcooperationwithCroatia,"Kinkelsaidinastatementreleasedbytheforeignministryhere."Thepartiesatwar(intheformerYugoslavia)mustrecognisethateffortstowardspeacemustberewarded,"hesaid,addingthat"aggressorscannotcountonreceivinganysupportintherebuildingoftheircountry."GermanyhaslongbeenanallyofCroatiaandhasheldsecessionistBosnianSerbsresponsibleforthetwo-yearconflictwhichhastorntheformerYugoslavrepublicapart.TheGermanministersaidhewouldcallforCroatiatoreceiveaidundertheEU'sPharedevelopmentschemeforcentralandeasternEuropeanstates,andpressfor"negotiationsonatreatyofassociation(betweenCroatiaandtheEU)toberelaunched."GermanytakesovertherotatingpresidencyoftheEuropeanUnionfromGreeceonJuly1.InGeneva,theBosnianMoslemgovernmentandBosnianCroatrepresentativesSaturdaymarkedtheiragreementtosetupafederationinBosniawithaceremonyinthepresenceofUSSecretaryofStateWarrenChristopherbutfellshortofsigningadocument..AlsopresentattheceremonyintheUSembassyinGeneva,andrepresentingthegovernmentinZagreb,wastheCroatianForeignMinisterMateGranic.Originally,aformalsigningceremonyhadbeenexpectedinGenevaSaturdayforthefederationagreement. EnglishfootballlegendBobbyCharltoncouldbecomenationalcoachtoSierraLeone,accordingtothesportsministerofthewestAfricanstate,CharlesMbayo.MbayoannouncedonSaturdayhehadsackedallthecoachingstaffofthenationalsquad"withimmediateeffect",followingtheirfirstroundeliminationfromtheAfricanNationsCupfinalsinTunisiaduringMarch."LeoneStars'performancefellhopelesslyshortofexpectations,"Mbayosaid,adding:"Itwasanationaldisgraceandsevereblowtoourpride."Itistimetorehabilitateournationalprideandrestructuretheteamforfutureparticipation."Theministerannouncedan"arrangementtosecuretheservicesofformerEnglandcaptain,BobbyCharltonwhoisexpectedhereintwoweeks'time".ThesidehadpreviouslybeencoachedbyEgypt'sMohamedMustaphaAbdelGhaliandSierraLeone'sObiMetzger. RoyPlunkett,thechemistwhoinventedTeflon,diedThursdayathishomeinTexas.Hewas83.Plunkettdiscoveredthematerialin1938whenhewasworkingforDuPont.Teflonisbestknownasthenon-stickmaterialonfryingpans. Germany'sMichaelSchumacherwillstartfromthefrontinSunday'sMonacoGrandPrix,althoughtheraceremainsovershadowedbythecrashinvolvingKarlWendlinger.TheAustrianisinadeepcomaafterThursday'ssmash,thelatestnightmarefacedbyFormulaOneafterthedeathsofAyrtonSennaandRolandRatzenbergerattheSanMarinoGrandPrixtwoweeksago.OutofrespectforSennaandRatzenberger,thedriversweresettoleavethefrontrowclearonSunday,startingalinefurtherback.Schumacher,whohaswonallthreeracesthisseason,stampedhisauthorityonSaturday'sfinalofficialpracticeintheBenetton-Ford.TheGermanwasnearlyasecondfasterthanFinland'sMikaHakkinen,atthewheeloftheMcLaren-Peugeot,astheywentthroughtheirpacesonthislegendarystreetcircuit.GerhardBerger,whohasdonemuchtomobilisedriversoversafetyinthelastfortnight,andwillbealeadingfigureinthenewly-formedGrandPrixDriversAssociation,setthethirdbesttimeinaFerrari.ThelateSenna'steammateatWilliams-Renault,DamonHill,willstartonthesecondrowofcarsalongsideBerger,whoseFrenchteammateJeanAlesiwillstartonthethirdwithBrazil'sChristianFittipaldiintheFootworkFord.Hugelytalentedanddrivingthebestcarinthechampionship,SchumachernowhasnoseriousrivalforthecrowninthewakeofSenna'sdeath.McLaren-PeugeotandFerrariarealsolikelytowinracesthisseason,ascouldHillbutthereislittledoubtthatBenetton-Fordwillgetthetopprize. TroopsloyaltoYemeniPresidentAliAbdallahSalehhavecapturedthekeytownofDaleh,northofAden,afterseveraldaysoffiercefighting,correspondentssaidSaturday.LocalandforeignjournaliststakentoDaleh,whichlies90kilometres(55miles)fromthesouthernstrongholdofAden,confirmeditwasheldbynortherntroops.Fightingwasreportedtobegoingonsouthofthestrategictown,asnortherntroopscontinuedtheirpushtowardsAden.Northernofficials,whosaidFridaytheyhadcapturedDaleh,saidSaturdaytheyhadseizedthetownofAl-Musaymir,furthersouthandonly30kilometres(18miles)fromthesouthernairbaseatAl-Anad.IndependentsourcessaidfightingwasgoingonclosetoAl-MusaymirSaturdaywithtankandartilleryreinforcementsdeployedintheareatobolsterthenorth'sforces.Southernforcesweretryingtorepeltheadvancebylaunchingairraidsonnorthernpositions,thesourcesinAdensaid.WiththelossofDaleh,thesouthsteppedupeffortstoendthefightingcallingSaturdayfortheArabLeaguetointerveneinthe10-day-oldwarbetweenrivalnorthernandsoutherntroops,AdenRadiosaid.LateFridaynorthernleadersrejectedaseven-pointpeaceplanputforwardbythesouthernYemenSocialistPartyas"nothingnew."AdenradiosaidtheCouncilfortheCoordinationbetweenPartiesandtheMasses,OrganizationsandNationalistsinAdenhadsentamessagetotheLeagueurgingittoprotect"townsandcitizensagainstallactsofaggression."TheLeagueshouldintervenetoseethatareconciliationaccordsignedinAmmaninFebruarybetweenthetwopartiesisimplemented,addedtheradio,monitoredbytheBBC.AnArabLeaguedelegationhasbeeninYemensinceThursdaytryingtobrokeraceasefirebetweenSalehandhissouthernrival,oustedvice-presidentAliSalemal-Baid.TheyhopetodeliveracallfromtheLeague'ssecretarygeneral,EsmatAbdelMeguid,foranimmediateceasefire.AnorthernspokesmaninSanaasaidthemeetingwasfinallylikelytotakeplaceonSaturday.EarliersouthernmilitaryofficialssaidtheirwarplanesweremountingraidafterraidontheDalehregion,wherecorrespondentssawsevennorthernsoldiersdeadonthesideoftheroad,justfivekilometres(threemiles)fromthevillage.HundredsofresidentshavefledDalehandsurroundingvillages,seekingsafetyinAden.ClasheswerealsotakingplaceintheAbyanregion,eastofAden,butfightinghadeasedinKharaz,onthecoast120kilometres(75miles)tothewestofthecity.TherulerofBahrain,EmirIssaibnSalmanal-Khalifa,SaturdayjoinedtheceasefirecallsandurgedYemen'srivalleaders"toallowreasontoprevail."Thesouth'sceasefireplanonFridaycalledforthecreationofanationalunitygovernment,prisonersreleasesandfortherightofpoliticalpartiestoberecognised.ButSanaarepeateddemandsforthesurrenderofsouthernleaders,accusingthemofseekingpartition,fouryearsafterformerNorthandSouthYemenwereunifiedinMay1990.Inthelatestevacuationofforeignersfromthewar-torncountry,morethan200nationalsoftheformerSovietUnionarrivedSaturdayinMoscowonaflightoutofMoscow,theRussiannewsagencyITAR-TASSsaid.ThePhilippinesforeignministrysaidatleast619Filipinos,including40childrenandsixpregnantwomen,werestillwaitingevacuationfromYemen. Twocargoships,eachcarryingaround20crew,collidedSaturdayintheEnglishChannelandoneofthevesselswasonthepointofsinkinginseasoffDover,Britishcoast-guardssaid.Threehelicoptersandrescuevesselswereonthewaytothescene. Switzerland'sTonyRomingerwonhissixthstageintheTourofSpainhereonSaturday,allbutguaranteeingarecord-breakinghat-trickofwinsintheevent.The1992and1993winner,whohasledthisyear'sracesincetheopeningtimetrial,triumphedagainina53kmsolorideagainsttheclock.Barringaccidents,heshouldmakehistoryonSundayinthefinalleg.NoriderhaseverwontheVueltathreetimesinsuccession. England'sFACupfinalbetweenChelseaandManchesterUnitedhereonSaturdayremainedgoallessathalf-timeinatypicallysuper-charged,yetscrappymatch.Denmark'sJakobKjeldbjergnearlystolethelimelightinthismostprestigioussportingfixtureintheEnglishcalendar.FromaDenisWisefree-kickafter33-minutes,theballcameatanawkwardheightforChelsea'sJohnSpencerontheedgeofthebox.Heshotlamely,buttheballcameoutnicelyforKjeldbjerg,whofiredstraightatSchmeichel.Thematchbeganwithacrowdedmidfieldandslipperypitchstiflingskillandanyflowingmoves.NorwegianErlandJohnsenwasbookedinthefirstminuteforafoulonGiggsastheLondonersgaveafirstshowingoftheirruggedtactics.ManchesterUnitedskipperSteveBrucealsowentintothebookinthe18thminuteasthedouble-chasersbecamemoreandmorefrustrated.ThoughUnitedbeganthematchasoverwhelmingfavourites,itwasChelseawhogainedtheupperhandmidwaythroughthehalf.MarkSteinhadthefirstrealchanceinthe22ndminuteatthenearpost.Andthreeminuteslater,hisChelseastrikerpartnerJohnSpencerjustfailedtomakecontactinfrontofSchmeichel'sgoal.Momentsafterwards,GavinPeacockconfirmedtheLondonerssuperiorityashehitthecrossbarwithSchmeichelwellbeaten.ItwasPeacockwhoscoredbothgoalsasChelseadidaleaguedoubleoverchampionsUnitedthisseason.Inthe37thminute,France'sEricCantonaheadedacrossChelsea'sgoal,butMarkHughesjustfailedtoconnectwithaheaderashesprintedforward.ThemostpositiveplayerinthefirsthalfwasUkrainianwingerAndreiKanchelskis,whosepacecontinuallythreatenedChelsea'sdefence. WhiteHouseofficialsdimissedreportsthatPresidentBillClintonandIrishPrimeMinisterAlbertReynoldsweretodiscussNorthernIrelandhereonSaturday.ClintonhadinvitedReynolds,whoisintheUnitedStatesonatradetrip,tojoinhimbutofficialsinsistedtherewouldbenotalks.Reynoldswashereanywaytospeakatauniversitysothepresidentinvitedhimtojoinhimasacourtesy,saidaWhiteHouseofficial. TwoAsiancargoships,eachcarryingaround20crew,collidedSaturdayintheEnglishChannelandoneofthevesselswasonthepointofsinkingoffDover,Britishcoastguardssaid.Threehelicopters,includingonefromtheFrenchcoastguard,andrescuevesselswereonthewaytothesceneofthecollision,whichoccurredat2:30p.m.(1330GMT).Dovercoastguardswereunabletoprovidefurtherdetailsaboutthecollision.RescueboatsfromNewhaven,HastingsandEastbournewerealertedaftercoastguardsreceiveddistresscallsfromoneoftheships.Lloyd'sunderwritersinLondonnamedvesselsincollisionastheTokyoregisteredAriake,carryingacargooffruit,andtheTaiwanese-registeredcontainershipMingFortune.AccordingtoLloyd'stheMingFortunewasthemoreseriouslydamagedofthetwo. BosnianPresidentAlijaIzetbegovicdenouncedSaturdayas"unacceptable"westerncallsforafour-monthceasefirethroughoutBosnia."Wethinkthatistoolong.(A)twomonth(ceasefire)wouldsufficetofindapoliticalsolution,"Izetbegovictoldjournalistshere.HeaddedthatBosnianinsistenceona"temporaryceasefiremeansweretainthemilitaryoptionatourdisposalifpoliticalnegotiationsfail."Thecallforafour-monthtrucewasissuedFridaybyforeignministersoftheUnitedStates,RussiaandseveralEuropeancountries.