The slain policeman Ejup Bajgora , 42 , was an Albanian who had served in the Serbian police and state security since 1987 , police told the Yugoslav news agency Tanjug .

<response> The slain policeman <person>Ejup Bajgora</person> , 42 , was an <misc>Albanian</misc> who had served in the <misc>Serbian</misc> police and state security since 1987 , police told the <misc>Yugoslav</misc> news agency <organization>Tanjug</organization> . </response>


He was shot on Wednesday afternoon as he stepped off a bus near his family home in the village of Donje Ljupce in the municipality of Podujevo .

<response> He was shot on Wednesday afternoon as he stepped off a bus near his family home in the village of <location>Donje Ljupce</location> in the municipality of <location>Podujevo</location> . </response>


Just hours before Wednesday 's shooting , three hand grenades were thrown at a police station in Celopek .

<response> Just hours before Wednesday 's shooting , three hand grenades were thrown at a police station in <location>Celopek</location> . </response>


<response> They caused damage but no casualties , police said . </response>


The Serbian authorities blame Albanian dissidents for the recent spate of attacks .

<response> The <misc>Serbian</misc> authorities blame <misc>Albanian</misc> dissidents for the recent spate of attacks . </response>


None of the attackers has been caught .

<response> None of the attackers has been caught . </response>


Kosovo 's autonomy was revoked in 1987 and Serb police forces cracked down on Albanian protests .

<response> <location>Kosovo</location> 's autonomy was revoked in 1987 and <misc>Serb</misc> police forces cracked down on <misc>Albanian</misc> protests . </response>


Albanian moderates want autonomy restored but hardliners want to join up with neighbouring Albania .

<response> <misc>Albanian</misc> moderates want autonomy restored but hardliners want to join up with neighbouring <location>Albania</location> . </response>


The Serbs , who make up 10 percent of the province 's 1.8 million people , claim Kosovo as the cradle of their culture .

<response> The <misc>Serbs</misc> , who make up 10 percent of the province 's 1.8 million people , claim <location>Kosovo</location> as the cradle of their culture . </response>


Viral meningitis epidemic kills 10 in Romania .

<response> Viral meningitis epidemic kills 10 in <location>Romania</location> . </response>


BUCHAREST 1996-08-29

<response> <location>BUCHAREST</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


Viral meningitis has killed 10 people in Romania 's capital Bucharest this month in what doctors said on Thursday was the worst epidemic of its type in the country for a decade .

<response> Viral meningitis has killed 10 people in <location>Romania</location> 's capital <location>Bucharest</location> this month in what doctors said on Thursday was the worst epidemic of its type in the country for a decade . </response>


<response> Some 170 middle-aged and elderly people with the disease were being treated in hospital , doctors said . </response>


Doctor Emanuil Ceausu , head of Bucharest 's Victor Babes hospital for infectious diseases , said the epidemic had been caused by a virus yet to be identified .

<response> Doctor <person>Emanuil Ceausu</person> , head of <location>Bucharest</location> 's <location>Victor Babes</location> hospital for infectious diseases , said the epidemic had been caused by a virus yet to be identified . </response>


<response> Illness from viral meningitis lasts around a week . </response>


<response> It affects the gastro-intestinal tract , causing high fever , headache and vomiting . </response>


In 1986 Romania suffered an epidemic of the more dangerous bacterial meningitis which has killed some 15,000 people in central Africa this year .

<response> In 1986 <location>Romania</location> suffered an epidemic of the more dangerous bacterial meningitis which has killed some 15,000 people in central <location>Africa</location> this year . </response>


Serbia 's Zastava workers protest enters 9th day .

<response> <location>Serbia</location> 's <organization>Zastava</organization> workers protest enters 9th day . </response>


BELGRADE 1996-08-29

<response> <location>BELGRADE</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


Workers at Serbia 's Zastava arms factory entered the ninth day of their protest over unpaid wages on Thursday with management accused them of rejecting talks .

<response> Workers at <location>Serbia</location> 's <organization>Zastava</organization> arms factory entered the ninth day of their protest over unpaid wages on Thursday with management accused them of rejecting talks . </response>


" The workers keep on gathering in the centre of the town , " the factory 's general manager Vukasin Filipovic told Reuters . "

<response> " The workers keep on gathering in the centre of the town , " the factory 's general manager <person>Vukasin Filipovic</person> told <organization>Reuters</organization> . " </response>


<response> But they do not want to talk to anyone . " </response>


" They want to discuss in public , at their protest meetings , " Filipovic said . "

<response> " They want to discuss in public , at their protest meetings , " <person>Filipovic</person> said . " </response>


And that is impossible . "

<response> And that is impossible . " </response>


The Zastava works in the central town of Kragujevac is the backbone of Serbia 's defence industry , supplying the army with a whole range of weapons .

<response> The <organization>Zastava</organization> works in the central town of <location>Kragujevac</location> is the backbone of <location>Serbia</location> 's defence industry , supplying the army with a whole range of weapons . </response>


<response> Its workers are staging protests in the town 's main square demanding June and July wages and last year 's holiday pay . </response>


<response> On Wednesday , the union demanded the resignation of the factory manager . </response>


But Filipovic said he would not quit under pressure . "

<response> But <person>Filipovic</person> said he would not quit under pressure . " </response>


<response> We can talk about it and I am prepared to take all the consequences of mismanagement if any . " </response>


Venezuela FinMin to make statement midday Thursday .

<response> <location>Venezuela</location> FinMin to make statement midday Thursday . </response>


CARACAS 1996-08-28

<response> <location>CARACAS</location> 1996-08-28 </response>


Venezuelan Finance Minister Luis Raul Matos Azocar will make an " important announcement " on Thursday at 1230 local / 1630 GMT at a Central Bank press conference , the Finance Ministry said .

<response> <misc>Venezuelan</misc> Finance Minister <person>Luis Raul Matos Azocar</person> will make an " important announcement " on Thursday at 1230 local / 1630 <misc>GMT</misc> at a <organization>Central Bank</organization> press conference , the <organization>Finance Ministry</organization> said . </response>


The press conference replaces Matos 's scheduled appearance at an IMF-hosted seminar Thursday on Venezuela 's economic reform program , Venezuelan Agenda .

<response> The press conference replaces <person>Matos</person> 's scheduled appearance at an <misc>IMF-hosted</misc> seminar Thursday on <location>Venezuela</location> 's economic reform program , <misc>Venezuelan Agenda</misc> . </response>


-- Caracas newsroom , 582 834405

<response> -- <location>Caracas</location> newsroom , 582 834405 </response>


Colombia police find marijuana on ship .

<response> <location>Colombia</location> police find marijuana on ship . </response>


BOGOTA , Colombia 1996-08-29

<response> <location>BOGOTA</location> , <location>Colombia</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


Police said they found 35 metric tons of marijuana on Thursday on a ship preparing to set sail for the Netherlands from Colombia 's Caribbean port of Cartagena .

<response> Police said they found 35 metric tons of marijuana on Thursday on a ship preparing to set sail for the <location>Netherlands</location> from <location>Colombia</location> 's <location>Caribbean</location> port of <location>Cartagena</location> . </response>


<response> They said the drug had been packed into a shipping container and was surrounded by ground coffee . </response>


<response> No arrests had been made , a police spokesman said . </response>


Venezuela non-oil exports rise 10.6 pct in July .

<response> <location>Venezuela</location> non-oil exports rise 10.6 pct in July . </response>


CARACAS 1996-08-29

<response> <location>CARACAS</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


Venezuela 's non-traditional exports , which exclude oil and iron , rose 10.6 percent in July to reach $ 334 million compared to $ 302 million in June , according to the Central Office of Statistics and Information ( OCEI ) .

<response> <location>Venezuela</location> 's non-traditional exports , which exclude oil and iron , rose 10.6 percent in July to reach $ 334 million compared to $ 302 million in June , according to the <organization>Central Office of Statistics and Information</organization> ( <organization>OCEI</organization> ) . </response>


" The rise was due to the end of exchange controls , " OCEI said .

<response> " The rise was due to the end of exchange controls , " <organization>OCEI</organization> said . </response>


Foreign exchange controls were removed April 22 as part of a wider IMF-sponsored program .

<response> Foreign exchange controls were removed April 22 as part of a wider <misc>IMF-sponsored</misc> program . </response>


<response> Nevertheless , exports over the first seven months of the year were 16.8 percent lower than during the same period last year , at $ 2.240 billion compared to $ 2.693 billion . </response>


<response> Over the seven months , the private sector accounted for 76 percent of total exports , with " common metals " the strongest export sector accounting for $ 951 million , or 42.5 percent of total exports . </response>


<response> " Chemical products " came next with a 13 percent share , then " transport materials " with nine percent , and finally foods , drinks and tobacco with 6.3 percent . </response>


Colombia was the chief market for Venezuela 's non-traditional exports with 27.4 percent .

<response> <location>Colombia</location> was the chief market for <location>Venezuela</location> 's non-traditional exports with 27.4 percent . </response>


The U.S. followed with a 24.6 percent share .

<response> The <location>U.S.</location> followed with a 24.6 percent share . </response>


-- Caracas newsroom , 582 834405 REUTER JPR

<response> -- <location>Caracas</location> newsroom , 582 834405 <person>REUTER</person> JPR </response>


Buenos Aires fraud cops held in extortion racket .

<response> <location>Buenos Aires</location> fraud cops held in extortion racket . </response>


BUENOS AIRES , Argentina 1996-08-29

<response> <location>BUENOS AIRES</location> , <location>Argentina</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


Thirteen senior police officers from the fraud squad of Buenos Aires province have been arrested on charges of running an extortion racket , security officials said on Thursday .

<response> Thirteen senior police officers from the fraud squad of <location>Buenos Aires</location> province have been arrested on charges of running an extortion racket , security officials said on Thursday . </response>


They included all the top officers from the fraud division of the north of Buenos Aires province , including Commissioner Juan Carlos Lago .

<response> They included all the top officers from the fraud division of the north of <location>Buenos Aires</location> province , including Commissioner <person>Juan Carlos Lago</person> . </response>


Police were seeking a 14th officer .

<response> Police were seeking a 14th officer . </response>


La Nacion newspaper said the officers were suspected of demanding bribes of $ 50,000 to $ 500,000 from companies being investigated for tax evasion in order to " lose " their files .

<response> <organization>La Nacion</organization> newspaper said the officers were suspected of demanding bribes of $ 50,000 to $ 500,000 from companies being investigated for tax evasion in order to " lose " their files . </response>


The credibility of the Buenos Aires provincial police , the largest force in Argentina , has been undermined this year by scandals that included the indictment of three officers for links to the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community centre and the arrest of an entire drugs squad for drug trafficking .

<response> The credibility of the <location>Buenos Aires</location> provincial police , the largest force in <location>Argentina</location> , has been undermined this year by scandals that included the indictment of three officers for links to the 1994 bombing of a <misc>Jewish</misc> community centre and the arrest of an entire drugs squad for drug trafficking . </response>


Alberto Piotti , security chief of Buenos Aires province , told local television that 3,600 dishonest officers had been purged from the force 's ranks in the past five years .

<response> <person>Alberto Piotti</person> , security chief of <location>Buenos Aires</location> province , told local television that 3,600 dishonest officers had been purged from the force 's ranks in the past five years . </response>


" It is an ongoing task .

<response> " It is an ongoing task . </response>


And these investigations into police corruption are only possible because there are people brave enough to denounce them , " Piotti said , promising a major overhaul of the provincial police next month .

<response> And these investigations into police corruption are only possible because there are people brave enough to denounce them , " <person>Piotti</person> said , promising a major overhaul of the provincial police next month . </response>


Brazil gov't set to send 1997 budget to Congress .

<response> <location>Brazil</location> gov't set to send 1997 budget to <organization>Congress</organization> . </response>


BRASILIA 1996-08-29

<response> <location>BRASILIA</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


Brazilian Planning Minister Antonio Kandir will submit to a draft copy of the 1997 federal budget to Congress on Thursday , a ministry spokeswoman said .

<response> <misc>Brazilian</misc> Planning Minister <person>Antonio Kandir</person> will submit to a draft copy of the 1997 federal budget to <organization>Congress</organization> on Thursday , a ministry spokeswoman said . </response>


Congress is constitutionally obliged to approve the budget by the end of year but regularly fails to meet that requirement .

<response> <organization>Congress</organization> is constitutionally obliged to approve the budget by the end of year but regularly fails to meet that requirement . </response>


Mexico same-day Cetes rates rise on nervousness .

<response> <location>Mexico</location> same-day <misc>Cetes</misc> rates rise on nervousness . </response>


MEXICO CITY 1996-08-29

<response> <location>MEXICO CITY</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


Mexico 's same-day Cetes rates rose 50 basis points to 24.25 percent on nervousness over a new round of attacks by guerrillas in two southern states , dealers said .

<response> <location>Mexico</location> 's same-day <misc>Cetes</misc> rates rose 50 basis points to 24.25 percent on nervousness over a new round of attacks by guerrillas in two southern states , dealers said . </response>


<response> " There are people who are taking advantage of the news to put pressure on rates , however , there are enough players who will buy and that will keep rates from rising too much , " said one dealer . </response>


Co-ordinated guerrilla attacks in two southern states overnight that left at least 13 people dead have caused nervousness in Mexico 's financial markets .

<response> Co-ordinated guerrilla attacks in two southern states overnight that left at least 13 people dead have caused nervousness in <location>Mexico</location> 's financial markets . </response>


<response> Bank notes and acceptances , including pagares , rose 46 basis points to 25.10 percent . </response>


<response> Dealers said that the volume of longer-term government paper declined due to market nervousness . </response>


At least 13 people were killed when scores of masked rebels struck at police and military posts in Oaxaca and Guerrero states overnight in the biggest assaults in more than two years , officials said on Thursday .

<response> At least 13 people were killed when scores of masked rebels struck at police and military posts in <location>Oaxaca</location> and <location>Guerrero</location> states overnight in the biggest assaults in more than two years , officials said on Thursday . </response>


<response> Maturing credits are seen at 2.209 billion pesos , and there is an oversupply of 684 billion pesos from the primary auction . </response>


<response> Dealers estimate that the shortfall will increase due to the inflow of funds before the end of the month . </response>


--- Patricia Lezama , Mexico City newroom ( 525 ) 728 9554

<response> --- <person>Patricia Lezama</person> , <location>Mexico City</location> newroom ( 525 ) 728 9554 </response>


Tension builds in Mexican state ahead of elections .

<response> Tension builds in <misc>Mexican</misc> state ahead of elections . </response>


[ CORRECTED 05:53 GMT ]

<response> [ CORRECTED 05:53 <misc>GMT</misc> ] </response>


CHILPANCINGO , Mexico 1996-08-28

<response> <location>CHILPANCINGO</location> , <location>Mexico</location> 1996-08-28 </response>


Pre-electoral bickering flared on Wednesday in the troubled western Mexican state of Guerrero as some opposition politicians demanded the army pull out of the area ahead of an upcoming state poll .

<response> Pre-electoral bickering flared on Wednesday in the troubled western <misc>Mexican</misc> state of <location>Guerrero</location> as some opposition politicians demanded the army pull out of the area ahead of an upcoming state poll . </response>


The mayor of Acatepec , a small town some 310 miles ( 500 km ) south of Mexico City , sent a letter to Mexico 's National Human Rights Commission complaining the army 's heavy presence in the town would interfere with the Oct. 6 election .

<response> The mayor of <location>Acatepec</location> , a small town some 310 miles ( 500 km ) south of <location>Mexico City</location> , sent a letter to <location>Mexico</location> 's <organization>National Human Rights Commission</organization> complaining the army 's heavy presence in the town would interfere with the Oct. 6 election . </response>


Mayor Antonio Gonzalez Garcia , of the opposition Revolutionary Workers ' Party , said in Wednesday 's letter that army troops recently raided several local farms , stole cattle and raped women .

<response> <person>Mayor Antonio Gonzalez Garcia</person> , of the opposition <organization>Revolutionary Workers ' Party</organization> , said in Wednesday 's letter that army troops recently raided several local farms , stole cattle and raped women . </response>


<response> The letter was signed by some 200 area residents and indigenous leaders . </response>


<response> Some electoral watchdog groups also said the presence of the army , which has fanned out across the state in the past month in search of a new guerrilla group , was likely to intimidate voters and had stirred up tension in the state . </response>


A French group of electoral observers , Agir Ensemble pour les Droits de l'Homme , concluded the army presence exerted a heavy psychological pressure on local farmers and would prevent a fair vote .

<response> A <misc>French</misc> group of electoral observers , <organization>Agir Ensemble pour les Droits de l'Homme</organization> , concluded the army presence exerted a heavy psychological pressure on local farmers and would prevent a fair vote . </response>


<response> Up for grabs in the election are the state legislature and 75 town halls . </response>


<response> ( Corrects to show elections are not for governor ) . </response>


<response> Despite the criticism , acting state Gov . </response>


Angel Aguirre pledged the elections will be free and fair and said he did not expect any trouble from the elusive new guerrilla group , the Popular Revolutionary Army .

<response> <person>Angel Aguirre</person> pledged the elections will be free and fair and said he did not expect any trouble from the elusive new guerrilla group , the <organization>Popular Revolutionary Army</organization> . </response>


" The electoral process has been proceeding in accordance with the new state electoral law , " Aguirre said , adding that the poll would be " an exercise in true democracy . "

<response> " The electoral process has been proceeding in accordance with the new state electoral law , " <person>Aguirre</person> said , adding that the poll would be " an exercise in true democracy . " </response>


Brazil police arrest wanted Italian man - report .

<response> <location>Brazil</location> police arrest wanted <misc>Italian</misc> man - report . </response>


SAO PAULO , Brazil 1996-08-28

<response> <person>SAO PAULO</person> , <location>Brazil</location> 1996-08-28 </response>


Brazilian authorities on Wednesday arrested a 47-year-old Italian man wanted in Italy for ties to the leftist Red Brigade guerrilla group of the 1970s , local television said .

<response> <misc>Brazilian</misc> authorities on Wednesday arrested a 47-year-old <misc>Italian</misc> man wanted in <location>Italy</location> for ties to the leftist <organization>Red Brigade</organization> guerrilla group of the 1970s , local television said . </response>


TV Globo said the Supreme Federal Tribunal ordered the arrest of Luciano Pessina , a political scientist who owns two Rio de Janeiro restaurants , based on an extradition request from the Italian government .

<response> <organization>TV Globo</organization> said the <organization>Supreme Federal Tribunal</organization> ordered the arrest of <person>Luciano Pessina</person> , a political scientist who owns two <location>Rio de Janeiro</location> restaurants , based on an extradition request from the <misc>Italian</misc> government . </response>


The report , which could not be independently verified on Wednesday night , said Pessina was sentenced in Italy to eight years and 11 months in prison for robbery and illegal weapons and explosives possession .

<response> The report , which could not be independently verified on Wednesday night , said <person>Pessina</person> was sentenced in <location>Italy</location> to eight years and 11 months in prison for robbery and illegal weapons and explosives possession . </response>


Globo quoted Pessina 's lawyer as saying he had already been imprisoned in Italy and , when freed , travelled to Brazil .

<response> <organization>Globo</organization> quoted <person>Pessina</person> 's lawyer as saying he had already been imprisoned in <location>Italy</location> and , when freed , travelled to <location>Brazil</location> . </response>


Seven churches slam Brazil rural violence , impunity .

<response> Seven churches slam <location>Brazil</location> rural violence , impunity . </response>


BRASILIA 1996-08-28

<response> <location>BRASILIA</location> 1996-08-28 </response>


Seven churches joined voices on Wednesday to condemn the " day-to-day violence " of Brazil 's rural hinterland and the government 's failure to punish those responsible for massacres of landless peasants .

<response> Seven churches joined voices on Wednesday to condemn the " day-to-day violence " of <location>Brazil</location> 's rural hinterland and the government 's failure to punish those responsible for massacres of landless peasants . </response>


" In the name of Jesus , we want to bring your attention to what is going on in the Brazilian countryside , " two church umbrella groups said in a Letter to the Brazilian People .

<response> " In the name of <person>Jesus</person> , we want to bring your attention to what is going on in the <misc>Brazilian</misc> countryside , " two church umbrella groups said in a Letter to the <misc>Brazilian</misc> People . </response>


The letter from National Council of Christian Churches of Brazil and the Coordinate of Ecumenical Service was sent to President Fernando Henrique Cardoso after a seminar on endemic violence gripping rural Brazil .

<response> The letter from <organization>National Council of Christian Churches of Brazil</organization> and the <organization>Coordinate of Ecumenical Service</organization> was sent to President <person>Fernando Henrique Cardoso</person> after a seminar on endemic violence gripping rural <location>Brazil</location> . </response>


Thirty-six people have died so far this year in conflicts over land in the Brazilian countryside , including 19 landless peasants massacred by police in April in the northern state of Para .

<response> Thirty-six people have died so far this year in conflicts over land in the <misc>Brazilian</misc> countryside , including 19 landless peasants massacred by police in April in the northern state of <location>Para</location> . </response>


" The problem of land is one of the most serious facing Brazil , " said Lucas Moreira Neves , president of the Catholic church 's National Conference of Bishops of Brazil .

<response> " The problem of land is one of the most serious facing <location>Brazil</location> , " said <person>Lucas Moreira Neves</person> , president of the <misc>Catholic</misc> church 's <organization>National Conference of Bishops of Brazil</organization> . </response>


<response> The letter made reference to massacres of landless peasants in August 1995 and April 1996 , which claimed the lives of 27 landless peasants . </response>


Thai official flees Hong Kong after passport scam .

<response> <misc>Thai</misc> official flees <location>Hong Kong</location> after passport scam . </response>


HONG KONG 1996-08-29

<response> <location>HONG KONG</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


A Thai consular official has fled Hong Kong after being questioned by anti-corruption police in connection with soliciting bribes to issue a passport , Hong Kong government radio said on Thursday .

<response> A <misc>Thai</misc> consular official has fled <location>Hong Kong</location> after being questioned by anti-corruption police in connection with soliciting bribes to issue a passport , <location>Hong Kong</location> government radio said on Thursday . </response>


The unnamed suspect left the British colony after being detained and then freed by the Independent Commission Against Corruption ( ICAC ) , the radio said .

<response> The unnamed suspect left the <misc>British</misc> colony after being detained and then freed by the <organization>Independent Commission Against Corruption</organization> ( <organization>ICAC</organization> ) , the radio said . </response>


The man was released after his arrest on Tuesday , pending further inquiries , the ICAC said in a statement .

<response> The man was released after his arrest on Tuesday , pending further inquiries , the <organization>ICAC</organization> said in a statement . </response>


The anti-graft body was discussing the case with the Thai government , especially the suspect 's status , it said .

<response> The anti-graft body was discussing the case with the <misc>Thai</misc> government , especially the suspect 's status , it said . </response>


It is not clear if the fugitive had diplomatic status in Hong Kong , and officials from the Thai Consulate were not available for comment .

<response> It is not clear if the fugitive had diplomatic status in <location>Hong Kong</location> , and officials from the <misc>Thai</misc> Consulate were not available for comment . </response>


The arrest came after the ICAC received a complaint that the man had demanded a bribe of HK$ 100,000 ( US$ 12,940 ) to issue a Thai passport , the ICAC said .

<response> The arrest came after the <organization>ICAC</organization> received a complaint that the man had demanded a bribe of <misc>HK$</misc> 100,000 ( <misc>US$</misc> 12,940 ) to issue a <misc>Thai</misc> passport , the <organization>ICAC</organization> said . </response>


At the time of his arrest , ICAC officers seized HK$ 100,000 , it added .

<response> At the time of his arrest , <organization>ICAC</organization> officers seized <misc>HK$</misc> 100,000 , it added . </response>


The ICAC has kept a close eye on passport scams after a U.S. official was jailed for trafficking fake Honduran passports as part of an immigration racket aimed at Chinese .

<response> The <organization>ICAC</organization> has kept a close eye on passport scams after a <location>U.S.</location> official was jailed for trafficking fake <misc>Honduran</misc> passports as part of an immigration racket aimed at <misc>Chinese</misc> . </response>


Thai poll shows military wants PM Banharn out .

<response> <misc>Thai</misc> poll shows military wants PM <person>Banharn</person> out . </response>


BANGKOK 1996-08-29

<response> <location>BANGKOK</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


Thailand 's powerful military thinks the government is dishonest and Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa 's resignation might solve the nation 's political and economic woes , an opinion poll showed on Thursday .

<response> <location>Thailand</location> 's powerful military thinks the government is dishonest and Prime Minister <person>Banharn Silpa-archa</person> 's resignation might solve the nation 's political and economic woes , an opinion poll showed on Thursday . </response>


Nearly half the 1,617 military personnel surveyed in the Rajapat Institute poll suggested that Banharn resign , while about 28 percent thought he should dissolve parliament and 24 percent thought a cabinet reshuffle could resolve the government 's problems .

<response> Nearly half the 1,617 military personnel surveyed in the <organization>Rajapat Institute</organization> poll suggested that <person>Banharn</person> resign , while about 28 percent thought he should dissolve parliament and 24 percent thought a cabinet reshuffle could resolve the government 's problems . </response>


Banharn , who leads a six-party , 13-month-old coalition government , faces a no-confidence debate in parliament next month .

<response> <person>Banharn</person> , who leads a six-party , 13-month-old coalition government , faces a no-confidence debate in parliament next month . </response>


<response> The prime minister , who has already lost one coalition partner this month , is expected to have a tough battle in the debate because of infighting in his own party and warnings of more pullouts by other coalition partners . </response>


The poll , conducted earlier this month after Banharn 's coalition completed one year in office , showed the military would prefer General Chatichai Choonhavan -- a former prime minister who was ousted in a military coup in February 1991 -- as prime minister .

<response> The poll , conducted earlier this month after <person>Banharn</person> 's coalition completed one year in office , showed the military would prefer General <person>Chatichai Choonhavan</person> -- a former prime minister who was ousted in a military coup in February 1991 -- as prime minister . </response>


Defence Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh , head of coalition member the New Aspiration Party , was the second choice for prime minister , the poll showed .

<response> Defence Minister <person>Chavalit Yongchaiyudh</person> , head of coalition member the <organization>New Aspiration Party</organization> , was the second choice for prime minister , the poll showed . </response>


Banharn came in last on the list of proposed leaders with less than one percent of the votes .

<response> <person>Banharn</person> came in last on the list of proposed leaders with less than one percent of the votes . </response>


<response> Nearly two-thirds of the people surveyed thought the government was dishonest and insincere , and 65 percent blamed the government 's poor performance for the country 's economic slowdown . </response>


The opinion of the military in Thailand , which has seen 17 coups or attempted coups since the country switched to parliamentary democracy from absolute monarchy in 1932 , always carries weight in the political scene , despite officials ' vows to distance the military from politics .

<response> The opinion of the military in <location>Thailand</location> , which has seen 17 coups or attempted coups since the country switched to parliamentary democracy from absolute monarchy in 1932 , always carries weight in the political scene , despite officials ' vows to distance the military from politics . </response>


Hamas cleric jailed in Israel hospitalised briefly .

<response> <organization>Hamas</organization> cleric jailed in <location>Israel</location> hospitalised briefly . </response>


JERUSALEM 1996-08-29

<response> <location>JERUSALEM</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


Israeli prison officials took jailed Islamic militant Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin to hospital briefly on Thursday for medical tests , officials said .

<response> <misc>Israeli</misc> prison officials took jailed <misc>Islamic</misc> militant <organization>Hamas</organization> founder Sheikh <person>Ahmed Yassin</person> to hospital briefly on Thursday for medical tests , officials said . </response>


" This evening Sheikh Yassin completed medical checks and returned to Ramle prisons authority medical centre , " said a spokesman for Israel 's internal security ministry .

<response> " This evening Sheikh <person>Yassin</person> completed medical checks and returned to <location>Ramle</location> prisons authority medical centre , " said a spokesman for <location>Israel</location> 's internal security ministry . </response>


A prison official said Yassin had a mild case of pneumonia .

<response> A prison official said <person>Yassin</person> had a mild case of pneumonia . </response>


The 60-year-old Moslem cleric , jailed by Israel since 1989 , is serving a life sentence for ordering attacks by Hamas guerrillas against Israeli targets .

<response> The 60-year-old <misc>Moslem</misc> cleric , jailed by <location>Israel</location> since 1989 , is serving a life sentence for ordering attacks by <organization>Hamas</organization> guerrillas against <misc>Israeli</misc> targets . </response>


The ailing Yassin is the spiritual leader of the fundamentalist Hamas group which has killed scores of Israelis in suicide attacks aimed at wrecking Israel-PLO peace deals .

<response> The ailing <person>Yassin</person> is the spiritual leader of the fundamentalist <organization>Hamas</organization> group which has killed scores of <misc>Israelis</misc> in suicide attacks aimed at wrecking <misc>Israel-PLO</misc> peace deals . </response>


Palestinian President Yasser Arafat has demanded that Israel release Yassin -- who is confined to a wheelchair -- on humanitarian grounds .

<response> <misc>Palestinian</misc> President <person>Yasser Arafat</person> has demanded that <location>Israel</location> release <person>Yassin</person> -- who is confined to a wheelchair -- on humanitarian grounds . </response>


Israel said last month after it recovered the body of a soldier abducted by Hamas seven years ago that it would consider freeing Yassin .

<response> <location>Israel</location> said last month after it recovered the body of a soldier abducted by <organization>Hamas</organization> seven years ago that it would consider freeing <person>Yassin</person> . </response>


Moroccan King meets former Israel PM Peres .

<response> <misc>Moroccan</misc> King meets former <location>Israel</location> PM <person>Peres</person> . </response>


SKHIRAT , Morocco 1996-08-29

<response> <location>SKHIRAT</location> , <location>Morocco</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


King Hassan of Morocco met former Israeli prime minister Shimon Peres on Thursday at the coastal resort of Skhirat , 20 km ( 12 miles ) south of Rabat , an official source said .

<response> <person>King Hassan</person> of <location>Morocco</location> met former <misc>Israeli</misc> prime minister <person>Shimon Peres</person> on Thursday at the coastal resort of <location>Skhirat</location> , 20 km ( 12 miles ) south of <location>Rabat</location> , an official source said . </response>


" Mr Shimon Peres , who is on a purely private and family visit to Morocco , was received on Thursday by his Majesty King Hassan at the royal palace of Skhirat , " the source said .

<response> " Mr <person>Shimon Peres</person> , who is on a purely private and family visit to <location>Morocco</location> , was received on Thursday by his Majesty <person>King Hassan</person> at the royal palace of <location>Skhirat</location> , " the source said . </response>


Accompanied by his wife and grandson , Peres arrived in Morocco on August 25 .

<response> Accompanied by his wife and grandson , <person>Peres</person> arrived in <location>Morocco</location> on August 25 . </response>


Peres is expected to fly home on Friday , officials said .

<response> <person>Peres</person> is expected to fly home on Friday , officials said . </response>


Scandal hits Clinton campaign at vital moment .

<response> Scandal hits <person>Clinton</person> campaign at vital moment . </response>


Michael Conlon

<response> <person>Michael Conlon</person> </response>


CHICAGO 1996-08-29

<response> <location>CHICAGO</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


President Bill Clinton 's triumphal appearance at the Democratic convention , a vital moment in his bid for a second term , was marred on Thursday by the resignation of a top adviser in a reported sex scandal .

<response> President <person>Bill Clinton</person> 's triumphal appearance at the <misc>Democratic</misc> convention , a vital moment in his bid for a second term , was marred on Thursday by the resignation of a top adviser in a reported sex scandal . </response>


Clinton was at work on the nomination acceptance speech that will launch his 10-week re-election campaign when political strategist Dick Morris abruptly announced his resignation on Thursday .

<response> <person>Clinton</person> was at work on the nomination acceptance speech that will launch his 10-week re-election campaign when political strategist <person>Dick Morris</person> abruptly announced his resignation on Thursday . </response>


The tabloid Star magazine reported the married Morris had a lengthy affair with a $ 200-an-hour prostitute who he allowed to eavesdrop on telephone conversations with Clinton , and with whom he shared White House speeches before they were made .

<response> The tabloid <organization>Star magazine</organization> reported the married <person>Morris</person> had a lengthy affair with a $ 200-an-hour prostitute who he allowed to eavesdrop on telephone conversations with <person>Clinton</person> , and with whom he shared <location>White House</location> speeches before they were made . </response>


" Dick Morris is my friend , and he is a superb political strategist , " Clinton said in a written statement . "

<response> " <person>Dick Morris</person> is my friend , and he is a superb political strategist , " <person>Clinton</person> said in a written statement . " </response>


<response> I am and always will be grateful for the great contributions he has made to my campaigns and for the invaluable work he has done for me over the last two years . " </response>


Morris declined to address the allegations directly in his resignation statement but said he was quitting to avoid becoming a campaign issue .

<response> <person>Morris</person> declined to address the allegations directly in his resignation statement but said he was quitting to avoid becoming a campaign issue . </response>


The surprise development captivated the thousands of reporters at the convention and clearly worried some Democrats , who had planned a triumphal celebration of Clinton 's lead over Dole in the opinion polls .

<response> The surprise development captivated the thousands of reporters at the convention and clearly worried some <misc>Democrats</misc> , who had planned a triumphal celebration of <person>Clinton</person> 's lead over <person>Dole</person> in the opinion polls . </response>


Senator Dianne Feinstein , a California Democrat , called it a " big bump " in the way of the Clinton campaign .

<response> Senator <person>Dianne Feinstein</person> , a <location>California</location> <misc>Democrat</misc> , called it a " big bump " in the way of the <person>Clinton</person> campaign . </response>


" It comes at the worst possible time on one of the biggest days for the president , " Feinstein said .

<response> " It comes at the worst possible time on one of the biggest days for the president , " <person>Feinstein</person> said . </response>


Clinton was to deliver his acceptance speech at the final session of the Democratic Convention opening at 8 p.m. EDT ( midnight GMT ) .

<response> <person>Clinton</person> was to deliver his acceptance speech at the final session of the <misc>Democratic Convention</misc> opening at 8 p.m. EDT ( midnight <misc>GMT</misc> ) . </response>


<response> The 50-year-old president has been dogged for years by allegations of financial wrongdoing , sexual misconduct and questionable judgment in selecting his advisers . </response>


Republicans hope to seize on the " character " issue to bolster Clinton 's challenger Bob Dole in the final weeks of the campaign .

<response> <misc>Republicans</misc> hope to seize on the " character " issue to bolster <person>Clinton</person> 's challenger <person>Bob Dole</person> in the final weeks of the campaign . </response>


Speaking in Santa Barbara , California , Dole did not directly refer to the sexual scandal but said the departure of Morris , who had advised Clinton to chart a more centrist political course , would make Clinton drift back to the left .

<response> Speaking in <location>Santa Barbara</location> , <location>California</location> , <person>Dole</person> did not directly refer to the sexual scandal but said the departure of <person>Morris</person> , who had advised <person>Clinton</person> to chart a more centrist political course , would make <person>Clinton</person> drift back to the left . </response>


" Morris has been trying to make President Clinton a Republican , now maybe he 'll revert to the liberal Democrat that he really is , " Dole told reporters .

<response> " <person>Morris</person> has been trying to make President <person>Clinton</person> a <misc>Republican</misc> , now maybe he 'll revert to the liberal <misc>Democrat</misc> that he really is , " <person>Dole</person> told reporters . </response>


Clinton will hit the road on Friday for a bus tour across several states in his fight to become the first Democratic incumbent re-elected to a second term since the days of Franklin D. Roosevelt .

<response> <person>Clinton</person> will hit the road on Friday for a bus tour across several states in his fight to become the first <misc>Democratic</misc> incumbent re-elected to a second term since the days of <person>Franklin D. Roosevelt</person> . </response>


Aides said Clinton planned to spend most of Thursday in his hotel room several miles ( km ) from the convention hall working on his speech .

<response> Aides said <person>Clinton</person> planned to spend most of Thursday in his hotel room several miles ( km ) from the convention hall working on his speech . </response>


<response> It was apparently neglected on his long " whistle-stop " train trip to the convention , during which he revelled in contact with friendly crowds across the country 's heartland . </response>


<response> He was also hoarse and was giving his voice a rest . </response>


But first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton told ABC television , " He 's really fired up . "

<response> But first lady <person>Hillary Rodham Clinton</person> told <organization>ABC</organization> television , " He 's really fired up . " </response>


" He wants to outline to the American people what he thinks has been accomplished in the last four years , and what he would like to see done in the next four years , " she said .

<response> " He wants to outline to the <misc>American</misc> people what he thinks has been accomplished in the last four years , and what he would like to see done in the next four years , " she said . </response>


<response> " He 's very excited about this convention ... </response>


He 's excited about the campaign .

<response> He 's excited about the campaign . </response>


<response> But more than that , he 's very resolute about what he wants to do . " </response>


" I do n't take anything for granted .

<response> " I do n't take anything for granted . </response>


<response> I always expect elections to get close . </response>


<response> I expect to have a great deal of up and down days between now and then , " she said of the November 5 election date . </response>


Clinton is leading Dole by as much as 15 points according to some polls .

<response> <person>Clinton</person> is leading <person>Dole</person> by as much as 15 points according to some polls . </response>


The campaign pits Dole , a man of quick and withering wit and long-time public service , but stilted speaking style , against the glib and confident Clinton , who has perfected a style that makes direct eye contact with his audience .

<response> The campaign pits <person>Dole</person> , a man of quick and withering wit and long-time public service , but stilted speaking style , against the glib and confident <person>Clinton</person> , who has perfected a style that makes direct eye contact with his audience . </response>


Montana weekly muni bond indices - Piper Jaffray .

<response> <location>Montana</location> weekly muni bond indices - <organization>Piper Jaffray</organization> . </response>


NEW YORK 1996-08-29

<response> <location>NEW YORK</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


The following Montana tax-exempt municipal bond indices were compiled by Piper Jaffray Inc for the week ending August 30 .

<response> The following <location>Montana</location> tax-exempt municipal bond indices were compiled by <organization>Piper Jaffray Inc</organization> for the week ending August 30 . </response>


Previous


8/30 Week Change


<response> Year A-rated Gen'l Obligation 4.45 % 4.40 % +0.05 </response>


<response> 10 Year A-rated Gen'l Obligation 4.90 % 4.90 % ----- </response>


<response> 15 Year A-rated Gen'l Obligation 5.40 % 5.35 % +0.05 </response>


<response> 20 Year A-rated Gen'l Obligation 5.55 % 5.50 % +0.05 </response>


<response> 30 Year A-rated Housing Rev 6.05 % 6.00 % +0.05 </response>


-- U.S. Municipal Desk , 212-859-1650

<response> -- <organization>U.S. Municipal Desk</organization> , 212-859-1650 </response>


<response> Researchers report progress in muscular dystrophy . </response>


PHILADELPHIA 1996-08-29

<response> <location>PHILADELPHIA</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


University of Pennsylvania researchers on Thursday said a new gene-therapy technique for treating muscular dystrophy disease had shown progress in laboratory animals .

<response> <organization>University of Pennsylvania</organization> researchers on Thursday said a new gene-therapy technique for treating muscular dystrophy disease had shown progress in laboratory animals . </response>


Word of the findings , to be published in the Oct. 1 issue of the journal " Human Gene Therapy , " came in advance of the annual Jerry Lewis Labour Day weekend telethon to raise money for muscular dystrophy research .

<response> Word of the findings , to be published in the Oct. 1 issue of the journal " <organization>Human Gene Therapy</organization> , " came in advance of the annual <misc>Jerry Lewis Labour Day</misc> weekend telethon to raise money for muscular dystrophy research . </response>


<response> Several hurdles must be overcome before the method is used in human trials . </response>


Nevertheless , " a treatment based on the new strategy .... may have the potential to benefit many patients , " the University of Pennsylvania Medical Centre said in a release .

<response> Nevertheless , " a treatment based on the new strategy .... may have the potential to benefit many patients , " the <organization>University of Pennsylvania</organization> Medical Centre said in a release . </response>


<response> Muscular dystrophy is a fatal illness in which the body 's muscle tissue degenerates and is replaced by fat . </response>


Death strikes in early adulthood .

<response> Death strikes in early adulthood . </response>


<response> Individuals with the disease have a non-working version of a gene responsible for producing a crucial muscle protein called dystrophin . </response>


In the study at the University 's Institute for Human Gene Therapy , researchers altered a common-cold virus to carry a version of the working dystrophin gene .

<response> In the study at the University 's <organization>Institute for Human Gene Therapy</organization> , researchers altered a common-cold virus to carry a version of the working dystrophin gene . </response>


<response> The virus , which also was altered to minimise its susceptibility to the immune system , was then injected into the muscle cells of mice bred to lack dystrophin genes . </response>


<response> In the experiment , between 30 to 40 percent of the muscle fibers in one group of mice produced dystrophin for two weeks before diminishing . </response>


<response> Similar results had been obtained previously in test-tube cell cultures , but not in live animals , the university said . </response>


<response> The university said methods are still needed to make enough of the altered virus to treat humans , to further decrease the immune-system response to the virus , and to deliver the virus to human muscle tissue . </response>


<response> Export Business - Grain / oilseeds complex . </response>


CHICAGO 1996-08-29

<response> <location>CHICAGO</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


Grain and oilseed exports reported by USDA and private export sources .

<response> Grain and oilseed exports reported by <organization>USDA</organization> and private export sources . </response>


WHEAT SALES - Taiwan Flour Mills Assn bought 98,000 tonnes of U.S. No.1 or No.2 wheat from Cargill , Mitsui , Continental and Louis Dreyfus Corp for shipment from the Pacific Northwest .

<response> WHEAT SALES - <organization>Taiwan Flour Mills Assn</organization> bought 98,000 tonnes of <location>U.S.</location> No.1 or No.2 wheat from <organization>Cargill</organization> , <organization>Mitsui</organization> , <organization>Continental</organization> and <organization>Louis Dreyfus Corp</organization> for shipment from the <location>Pacific Northwest</location> . </response>


<response> For Sept 10-30 : 16,300 tonnes of dark northern spring ( DNS ) at $ 212.00 ; 7,000 of hard red winter ( HRW ) at $ 205.10 ; 2,700 of western white ( WW ) at $ 202.65 . </response>


For Sept 20 - Oct 10 : 19,500 of DNS at $ 212.25 , 10,000 of HRW at $ 204.74 , 4,500 of WW at $ 199.71 .


For Sept 25 - Oct 20 : 23,500 of DNS at $ 212.25 , 9,600 HRW at $ 204.74 , 4,900 WW at $ 199.56 .


WHEAT SALES - The Commodity Credit Corp of USDA bought 18,278 tonnes of dark northern spring ( DNS ) wheat from Cargill Inc at $ 195.79 per tonne , FOB , for donation to Nicaragua .

<response> WHEAT SALES - The <organization>Commodity Credit Corp of USDA</organization> bought 18,278 tonnes of dark northern spring ( DNS ) wheat from <organization>Cargill Inc</organization> at $ 195.79 per tonne , FOB , for donation to <location>Nicaragua</location> . </response>


Shipment is for Nov 15 - Dec 10 .

<response> Shipment is for Nov 15 - Dec 10 . </response>


WHEAT / BARLEY SALE - The Japanese Food Agency said it bought 20,000 tonnes of U.S. dark northern spring wheat , 20,000 of Canadian western red spring wheat , 20,000 of Australian standard white wheat and 20,000 of Australian feed barley at its weekly tender , all for October shipment .

<response> WHEAT / BARLEY SALE - The <organization>Japanese Food Agency</organization> said it bought 20,000 tonnes of <location>U.S.</location> dark northern spring wheat , 20,000 of <misc>Canadian</misc> western red spring wheat , 20,000 of <misc>Australian</misc> standard white wheat and 20,000 of <misc>Australian</misc> feed barley at its weekly tender , all for October shipment . </response>


SOYBEAN SALES - The Taichung division of Taiwan 's Breakfast Soybean Procurement Assn bought 108,000 tonnes of U.S. soybeans .

<response> SOYBEAN SALES - The <organization>Taichung division</organization> of <location>Taiwan</location> 's <organization>Breakfast Soybean Procurement Assn</organization> bought 108,000 tonnes of <location>U.S.</location> soybeans . </response>


Bunge sold the first shipment and Cargill the second , traders said .

<response> <organization>Bunge</organization> sold the first shipment and <organization>Cargill</organization> the second , traders said . </response>


For Nov 11-25 from the U.S. Gulf or Nov 26 - Dec 10 from PNW it paid $ 0.8584 per bushel over CBOT January soybeans and for Dec 6-20 or Dec 21 - Jan it paid $ .8787 over CBOT January .

<response> For Nov 11-25 from the <location>U.S. Gulf</location> or Nov 26 - Dec 10 from <organization>PNW</organization> it paid $ 0.8584 per bushel over CBOT January soybeans and for Dec 6-20 or Dec 21 - Jan it paid $ .8787 over CBOT January . </response>


- Pakistan bought 31,412 tonnes of PL-480 No.2 yellow soybeans from Cargill Inc for $ 303.19 per tonne , FOB U.S. Gulf , agents for the buyer said .

<response> - <location>Pakistan</location> bought 31,412 tonnes of PL-480 No.2 yellow soybeans from <organization>Cargill Inc</organization> for $ 303.19 per tonne , FOB <location>U.S. Gulf</location> , agents for the buyer said . </response>


<response> The soybeans were for Oct 15-30 shipment . </response>


BARLEY TENDER - The Cyprus Grain Commission said it invited offers September 3 to supply 25,000 tonnes of feed barley , with shipment for Sept 25 - Oct 10 from Europe or Sept 15-30 from North America .

<response> BARLEY TENDER - The <organization>Cyprus Grain Commission</organization> said it invited offers September 3 to supply 25,000 tonnes of feed barley , with shipment for Sept 25 - Oct 10 from <location>Europe</location> or Sept 15-30 from <location>North America</location> . </response>


MARKET TALK - Sri Lanka plans to import up to 400,000 tonnes of rice by the end of this year to meet a crop shortfall caused by drought and rising demand , government officials said on Thursday .

<response> MARKET TALK - <location>Sri Lanka</location> plans to import up to 400,000 tonnes of rice by the end of this year to meet a crop shortfall caused by drought and rising demand , government officials said on Thursday . </response>


MARKET TALK - USDA net change in weekly export commitments for the week ended August 22 , includes old crop and new crop , were : wheat up 595,400 tonnes old , nil new ; corn up 1,900 old , up 319,600 new ; soybeans down 12,300 old , up 300,800 new ; upland cotton up 50,400 bales new , nil old ; soymeal 54,800 old , up 100,600 new , soyoil nil old , up 75,000 new ; barley up 1,700 old , nil new ; sorghum 6,200 old , up 156,700 new ; pima cotton up 4,000 bales old , nil new ; rice up 49,900 old , nil new ...

<response> MARKET TALK - <organization>USDA</organization> net change in weekly export commitments for the week ended August 22 , includes old crop and new crop , were : wheat up 595,400 tonnes old , nil new ; corn up 1,900 old , up 319,600 new ; soybeans down 12,300 old , up 300,800 new ; upland cotton up 50,400 bales new , nil old ; soymeal 54,800 old , up 100,600 new , soyoil nil old , up 75,000 new ; barley up 1,700 old , nil new ; sorghum 6,200 old , up 156,700 new ; pima cotton up 4,000 bales old , nil new ; rice up 49,900 old , nil new ... </response>


USDA Thursday forecast U.S. agricultural exports in fiscal year 1997 would decline to $ 58 billion , down $ 2 billion from the record $ 60 billion seen for fiscal 1996 .

<response> <organization>USDA</organization> Thursday forecast <location>U.S.</location> agricultural exports in fiscal year 1997 would decline to $ 58 billion , down $ 2 billion from the record $ 60 billion seen for fiscal 1996 . </response>


<response> Oilseed exports are expected to rise by $ 800 million and livestock , poultry and fruits and vegetables are seen gaining more than $ 1 billion . </response>


USDA pegged U.S. wheat exports at 25.0 million tonnes in fiscal 1997 versus 32.0 million tonnes the prior year ...

<response> <organization>USDA</organization> pegged <location>U.S.</location> wheat exports at 25.0 million tonnes in fiscal 1997 versus 32.0 million tonnes the prior year ... </response>


The European Union agreed on Thursday to increase by 300,000 tonnes the quota of German intervention barley available for export , France ONIC said .

<response> The <organization>European Union</organization> agreed on Thursday to increase by 300,000 tonnes the quota of <misc>German</misc> intervention barley available for export , <location>France</location> <organization>ONIC</organization> said . </response>


The EU 's grain panel will add two tranches of 150,000 tonnes each to the existing allocation , it said .

<response> The <organization>EU</organization> 's grain panel will add two tranches of 150,000 tonnes each to the existing allocation , it said . </response>


-- Chicago newsdesk 312-408-8720--

<response> -- <location>Chicago</location> newsdesk 312-408-8720-- </response>


USDA gross cutout hide and offal value .

<response> <organization>USDA</organization> gross cutout hide and offal value . </response>


DES MOINES 1996-08-29

<response> <location>DES MOINES</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


<response> The hide and offal value from a typical slaughter steer for Thursday was estimated at $ 9.76 per cwt live , up $ 0.03 when compared with Wednesday 's value . </response>


- USDA

<response> - <organization>USDA</organization> </response>


Help-wanted ad index fell in July .

<response> Help-wanted ad index fell in July . </response>


NEW YORK 1996-08-29

<response> <location>NEW YORK</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


The help-wanted advertising index fell in July , the Conference Board said Thursday , reflecting the uneven nature of the nation 's labour markets .

<response> The help-wanted advertising index fell in July , the <organization>Conference Board</organization> said Thursday , reflecting the uneven nature of the nation 's labour markets . </response>


<response> The monthly index fell to 83.0 in July against a reading of 85.0 in June , the private business research group said . </response>


In July , the volume of help-wanted advertising fell in five of the nine U.S. regions .

<response> In July , the volume of help-wanted advertising fell in five of the nine <location>U.S.</location> regions . </response>


" The labour market has been expanding throughout 1996 , but in a very uneven pattern , " Conference Board economist Ken Goldstein said . "

<response> " The labour market has been expanding throughout 1996 , but in a very uneven pattern , " <organization>Conference Board</organization> economist <person>Ken Goldstein</person> said . " </response>


<response> Recent want-ad figures indicate that conservative hiring plans are keeping job growth below the rate of overall economic activity . " </response>


<response> With 2.5 percent gross domestic product growth expected for 1996 , new job growth should slowly lower the unemployment rate over the rest of the year . </response>


" With the unemployment rate staying close to about 5.5 percent over the last two years , there is a good chance the rate will slowly drop to about 5.0 percent by the end of the year , " Goldstein said .

<response> " With the unemployment rate staying close to about 5.5 percent over the last two years , there is a good chance the rate will slowly drop to about 5.0 percent by the end of the year , " <person>Goldstein</person> said . </response>


<response> The July index matched the reading for July , 1995 . </response>


The greatest declines in the volume of help-wanted advertising were in the New England , Mountain and West South Central regions .

<response> The greatest declines in the volume of help-wanted advertising were in the <location>New England</location> , <location>Mountain</location> and <location>West South Central</location> regions . </response>


The greatest increase was in the East North Central region .

<response> The greatest increase was in the <location>East North Central</location> region . </response>


Police seek suspects in Atlantic City jewel heist .

<response> Police seek suspects in <location>Atlantic City</location> jewel heist . </response>


ATLANTIC CITY , N.J. 1996-08-29

<response> <location>ATLANTIC CITY</location> , <location>N.J.</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


Atlantic City police said Thursday they were seeking two men and two women in connection with a $ 690,000 theft of jewelry and cash from a guest of the Showboat Hotel and Casino .

<response> <location>Atlantic City</location> police said Thursday they were seeking two men and two women in connection with a $ 690,000 theft of jewelry and cash from a guest of the Showboat Hotel and Casino . </response>


Capt .


Richard Andrews said police were seeking a man shown on a hotel videotape carrying a suitcase resembling the victim 's . "

<response> <person>Richard Andrews</person> said police were seeking a man shown on a hotel videotape carrying a suitcase resembling the victim 's . " </response>


We want to talk to him , " Andrews said of the man .

<response> We want to talk to him , " <person>Andrews</person> said of the man . </response>


<response> A second man and two women also were being sought . </response>


The thefts occurred Sunday when the victim , New York jewelry wholesaler Jerry Schein , left three suitcases in a closet at Somerset Jewellers in the hotel while he checked out .

<response> The thefts occurred Sunday when the victim , <location>New York</location> jewelry wholesaler <person>Jerry Schein</person> , left three suitcases in a closet at <organization>Somerset Jewellers</organization> in the hotel while he checked out . </response>


While he was gone , two women in their mid-twenties and an older man entered the jewelry store and tried to distract store owner Charles McGilley .

<response> While he was gone , two women in their mid-twenties and an older man entered the jewelry store and tried to distract store owner <person>Charles McGilley</person> . </response>


When Schein returned two of the suitcases were missing .

<response> When <person>Schein</person> returned two of the suitcases were missing . </response>


They contained $ 650,000 in jewelry and $ 40,000 in cash , Andrews said .

<response> They contained $ 650,000 in jewelry and $ 40,000 in cash , <person>Andrews</person> said . </response>


<response> He said the man on the videotape did not match the description given by the jewelry store owner . </response>


O.J. Simpson hints at more supporting evidence .

<response> <person>O.J. Simpson</person> hints at more supporting evidence . </response>


Jackie Frank

<response> <person>Jackie Frank</person> </response>


WASHINGTON 1996-08-29

<response> <location>WASHINGTON</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


O.J. Simpson said on Thursday he was financially broken by his defence against murder charges but he was hopeful new evidence to support him would be available for a civil trial next month .

<response> <person>O.J. Simpson</person> said on Thursday he was financially broken by his defence against murder charges but he was hopeful new evidence to support him would be available for a civil trial next month . </response>


The former football star was found not guilty by a criminal trial jury last October of the murders of his former wife , Nicole Brown Simpson , and her friend , Ronald Goldman , in June 1994 .

<response> The former football star was found not guilty by a criminal trial jury last October of the murders of his former wife , <person>Nicole Brown Simpson</person> , and her friend , <person>Ronald Goldman</person> , in June 1994 . </response>


<response> He now faces a civil suit brought by families of the victims who hold him responsible for the deaths . </response>


<response> He told reporters a court order not to talk about his case kept him from detailing how he has fulfilled his pledge to find the killers . </response>


<response> But he added without elaborating , " hopefully we will see some things come out in this next trial . " </response>


<response> The judge in the civil trial has imposed a sweeping gag order that prohibits lawyers , witnesses and parties to the case from discussing it with the media or elsewhere in public . </response>


" I would love to speak about everything , " said Simpson , who vowed after his acquittal to find the killers and offered a substantial reward .

<response> " I would love to speak about everything , " said <person>Simpson</person> , who vowed after his acquittal to find the killers and offered a substantial reward . </response>


<response> His lawyers have said his defence in the civil trial that starts Sept . </response>


<response> 17 will be that he did not kill the victims . </response>


Simpson said at the hotel news conference his plans include eventually writing another book .

<response> <person>Simpson</person> said at the hotel news conference his plans include eventually writing another book . </response>


<response> He added that he has had job offers but more have come from abroad than at home . </response>


" I 'm broke .


I am not crying the blues .

<response> I am not crying the blues . </response>


<response> I can get along just fine , " he said . " </response>


<response> Whatever you want to send me , I need . " </response>


He again accused the news media of erroneous reporting on his case but did not signal any plans for lawsuits as he did on Wednesday in an address at a jam-packed Washington church .

<response> He again accused the news media of erroneous reporting on his case but did not signal any plans for lawsuits as he did on Wednesday in an address at a jam-packed <location>Washington</location> church . </response>


Contrary to news reports , Simpson said , he has received support from both blacks and whites .

<response> Contrary to news reports , <person>Simpson</person> said , he has received support from both blacks and whites . </response>


<response> He again dismissed charges that he had distanced himself from the black community during his successful football and commercial career , only to seek their support after he faced murder charges . </response>


A crowd of 2,000 paid $ 10 a head to hear the former star running back for the Buffalo Bills professional football club and a Football Hall of Fame member on Wednesday night .

<response> A crowd of 2,000 paid $ 10 a head to hear the former star running back for the <organization>Buffalo Bills</organization> professional football club and a <misc>Football Hall of Fame</misc> member on Wednesday night . </response>


The crowd in the church was wildly supportive , showering Simpson with gifts and praise .

<response> The crowd in the church was wildly supportive , showering <person>Simpson</person> with gifts and praise . </response>


But outside , dozens of protesters from the D.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence called for the church to support victims of violence instead .

<response> But outside , dozens of protesters from the <organization>D.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence</organization> called for the church to support victims of violence instead . </response>


Clinton adviser Morris announces resignation .

<response> <person>Clinton</person> adviser <person>Morris</person> announces resignation . </response>


CHICAGO 1996-08-29

<response> <location>CHICAGO</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


President Bill Clinton 's top political strategist Dick Morris resigned on Thursday , saying he did not want to become an issue in Clinton 's re-election campaign .

<response> President <person>Bill Clinton</person> 's top political strategist <person>Dick Morris</person> resigned on Thursday , saying he did not want to become an issue in <person>Clinton</person> 's re-election campaign . </response>


In a written statement , distributed by the Clinton campaign , Morris avoided comment on published allegations that he had engaged in a year-long affair with a $ 200-an-hour prostitute .

<response> In a written statement , distributed by the <person>Clinton</person> campaign , <person>Morris</person> avoided comment on published allegations that he had engaged in a year-long affair with a $ 200-an-hour prostitute . </response>


The statement from Morris said that he had submitted his resignation on Wednesday night . "

<response> The statement from <person>Morris</person> said that he had submitted his resignation on Wednesday night . " </response>


<response> While I served I sought to avoid the limelight because I did not want to become the message . </response>


<response> Now , I resign so I will not become the issue , " he said . </response>


The announcement followed a report in the weekly supermarket tabloid Star magazine , reprinted in Thursday 's editions of the New York Post , that the married adviser had hired a 37-year-old prostitute on a weekly basis while visiting Washington to advise Clinton on his re-election campaign .

<response> The announcement followed a report in the weekly supermarket tabloid <organization>Star magazine</organization> , reprinted in Thursday 's editions of the <organization>New York Post</organization> , that the married adviser had hired a 37-year-old prostitute on a weekly basis while visiting <location>Washington</location> to advise <person>Clinton</person> on his re-election campaign . </response>


<response> " I will not subject my wife , family or friends to the sadistic , vitriol of yellow journalism . </response>


<response> I will not dignify such journalism with a reply or an answer . </response>


I never will , " his statement said .

<response> I never will , " his statement said . </response>


It was distributed to reporters at the press centre of Clinton 's Democratic convention headquarters just hours before the president was to address the delegates accepting the party 's nomination for a second four-year term in the White House .

<response> It was distributed to reporters at the press centre of <person>Clinton</person> 's <misc>Democratic</misc> convention headquarters just hours before the president was to address the delegates accepting the party 's nomination for a second four-year term in the <location>White House</location> . </response>


U.S. surgeon investigated for discarding foot .

<response> <location>U.S.</location> surgeon investigated for discarding foot . </response>


CHARLESTON , S.C. 1996-08-29

<response> <location>CHARLESTON</location> , <location>S.C.</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


Health officials said on Thursday they were investigating the discovery of an amputated foot on a beach near Charleston to determine whether a local surgeon had improperly disposed of infectious waste .

<response> Health officials said on Thursday they were investigating the discovery of an amputated foot on a beach near <location>Charleston</location> to determine whether a local surgeon had improperly disposed of infectious waste . </response>


The foot , which washed up on Sullivan 's Island beach this month , was amputated three years ago from a child whose legs were deformed .

<response> The foot , which washed up on <location>Sullivan 's Island</location> beach this month , was amputated three years ago from a child whose legs were deformed . </response>


<response> The foot had to be removed so the infant could be fitted with a prosthesis . </response>


<response> An orthopedic surgeon was given permission by the child 's parents and the hospital to keep the foot for research and educational purposes . </response>


<response> Health officials said the surgeon told authorities he stored the foot in his freezer at home , but the freezer recently broke down and the contents spoiled . </response>


<response> The surgeon , who apologised for the incident , said he decided to put the foot in a crab trap to remove the flesh . </response>


The foot later washed up on the beach .

<response> The foot later washed up on the beach . </response>


Florida cop disguised as shrub nabs bad guys .

<response> <location>Florida</location> cop disguised as shrub nabs bad guys . </response>


MIAMI 1996-08-29

<response> <location>MIAMI</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


<response> It was a bush that bagged the bad guys . </response>


When four would-be robbers , armed and masked , showed up to rob a Checker 's restaurant in the Fort Lauderdale suburb of Pembroke Pines on Tuesday , they had no idea the shrub near the drive-through window was toting a shotgun .

<response> When four would-be robbers , armed and masked , showed up to rob a <organization>Checker 's</organization> restaurant in the <location>Fort Lauderdale</location> suburb of <location>Pembroke Pines</location> on Tuesday , they had no idea the shrub near the drive-through window was toting a shotgun . </response>


Detective Earl Feugill , camouflaged as a shaggy green bush , ordered them to freeze . "

<response> Detective <person>Earl Feugill</person> , camouflaged as a shaggy green bush , ordered them to freeze . " </response>


They were quite surprised , " he told the Miami Herald .

<response> They were quite surprised , " he told the <organization>Miami Herald</organization> . </response>


Feugill said he made the hot , heavy suit , which he first used in the Marines , by attaching strips of burlap to a camouflage outfit .

<response> <person>Feugill</person> said he made the hot , heavy suit , which he first used in the <organization>Marines</organization> , by attaching strips of burlap to a camouflage outfit . </response>


Green and black face paint completed his disguise .

<response> <person>Green</person> and black face paint completed his disguise . </response>


<response> He was staking out the restaurant after a series of robberies at local fast-food places . </response>


Pembroke Pines police said five people were arrested as a result of the 90-minute stakeout , including the four robbers and a restaurant employee who was allegedly prepared to let them in a back door .

<response> <location>Pembroke Pines</location> police said five people were arrested as a result of the 90-minute stakeout , including the four robbers and a restaurant employee who was allegedly prepared to let them in a back door . </response>


U.S. DLA sets tin price at $ 2.7975 per lb .

<response> <organization>U.S. DLA</organization> sets tin price at $ 2.7975 per lb . </response>


WASHINGTON 1996-08-29

<response> <location>WASHINGTON</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency set Thursday 's offering price for stockpile tin at $ 2.7975 per lb , versus $ 2.7775 per lb yesterday .

<response> The <organization>U.S. Defense Logistics Agency</organization> set Thursday 's offering price for stockpile tin at $ 2.7975 per lb , versus $ 2.7775 per lb yesterday . </response>


Key Clinton aide resigns , NBC says .

<response> Key <person>Clinton</person> aide resigns , <organization>NBC</organization> says . </response>


CHICAGO 1996-08-29

<response> <location>CHICAGO</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


Dick Morris , the Republican political consultant who reshaped U.S. President Bill Clinton 's reelection campaign , has resigned , MS-NBC News reported Thursday .

<response> <person>Dick Morris</person> , the <misc>Republican</misc> political consultant who reshaped <location>U.S.</location> President <person>Bill Clinton</person> 's reelection campaign , has resigned , <misc>MS-NBC News</misc> reported Thursday . </response>


Morris drew the ire of liberal Clinton aides for repositioning the president in the political centre .

<response> <person>Morris</person> drew the ire of liberal <person>Clinton</person> aides for repositioning the president in the political centre . </response>


There was no immediate comment on the report from the White House .

<response> There was no immediate comment on the report from the <location>White House</location> . </response>


U.S. corn gluten meal steady-higher , feed flat .

<response> <location>U.S.</location> corn gluten meal steady-higher , feed flat . </response>


CHICAGO 1996-08-29


U.S. corn gluten feed prices were flat while meal values were steady to firmer on Thursday .

<response> <location>U.S.</location> corn gluten feed prices were flat while meal values were steady to firmer on Thursday . </response>


<response> Dealers noted a seasonal pickup in meal demand . </response>


CHICAGO AREA MILLS ( dollars per short ton )

<response> <misc>CHICAGO AREA MILLS</misc> ( dollars per short ton ) </response>


<response> Gluten feed 21 pct bulk Spot - 117.00 unc </response>


Gluten feed pellets Spot - unq

<response> Gluten feed pellets Spot - unq </response>


<response> Gluten meal 60 pct bulk rail Spot - 320.00 up 5 </response>


DECATUR , IL / CLINTON AND CEDAR RAPIDS , IA

<response> <organization>DECATUR</organization> , <location>IL</location> / <organization>CLINTON AND CEDAR RAPIDS</organization> , <location>IA</location> </response>


<response> Gluten feed 18 pct pellets Spot - 117.00 unc </response>


<response> Gluten meal 60 pct bulk Spot - 310.00 unc </response>


( Chicago newsdesk 312-408-8720 )

<response> ( <location>Chicago</location> newsdesk 312-408-8720 ) </response>


EU barley sale worth $ 145 / T , for Saudi - sources .

<response> <organization>EU</organization> barley sale worth $ 145 / T , for <misc>Saudi</misc> - sources . </response>


PARIS 1996-08-29

<response> <location>PARIS</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


A European Union sale of 234,324 tonnes of German intervention barley is worth some $ 145 per tonne fob Germany and is mostly destined for Saudi Arabia , European grain sources said on Thursday .

<response> A <organization>European Union</organization> sale of 234,324 tonnes of <misc>German</misc> intervention barley is worth some $ 145 per tonne fob <location>Germany</location> and is mostly destined for <location>Saudi Arabia</location> , <misc>European</misc> grain sources said on Thursday . </response>


The EU 's cereals management committee sold 234,324 tonnes of German intervention barley at a minimum price of 105.07 Ecus per tonne .

<response> The <organization>EU</organization> 's cereals management committee sold 234,324 tonnes of <misc>German</misc> intervention barley at a minimum price of 105.07 <misc>Ecus</misc> per tonne . </response>


Saudi Arabia provisionally bought 800,000 tonnes of optional-origin barley at an August 21 tender at prices between $ 160 and $ 162 including cost , insurance and freight , traders said last week .

<response> <location>Saudi Arabia</location> provisionally bought 800,000 tonnes of optional-origin barley at an August 21 tender at prices between $ 160 and $ 162 including cost , insurance and freight , traders said last week . </response>


But European grain traders and officials said the Saudis might reduce the purchase to 600,000 tonnes .

<response> But <misc>European</misc> grain traders and officials said the <misc>Saudis</misc> might reduce the purchase to 600,000 tonnes . </response>


Traders have said a substantial part of the deal was likely to come from the European Union , which enjoys a supply and freight advantage over other producers .

<response> Traders have said a substantial part of the deal was likely to come from the <organization>European Union</organization> , which enjoys a supply and freight advantage over other producers . </response>


But subtracting freight costs , the equivalent fob price of the deal is around $ 142 , well below the $ 149 per tonne floor price which the EU put on its barley as news of the deal emerged last week .

<response> But subtracting freight costs , the equivalent fob price of the deal is around $ 142 , well below the $ 149 per tonne floor price which the <organization>EU</organization> put on its barley as news of the deal emerged last week . </response>


Last Thursday the EU sold 34,277 tonnes of German intervention barley at a minimum price of 109.36 Ecus per tonne , which was seen as worth $ 149 per tonne fob .

<response> Last Thursday the <organization>EU</organization> sold 34,277 tonnes of <misc>German</misc> intervention barley at a minimum price of 109.36 <misc>Ecus</misc> per tonne , which was seen as worth $ 149 per tonne fob . </response>


-- Paris newsroom +331 4221 5432

<response> -- <location>Paris</location> newsroom +331 4221 5432 </response>


French shipyard workers march against job cuts .

<response> <misc>French</misc> shipyard workers march against job cuts . </response>


RENNES 1996-08-29

<response> <organization>RENNES</organization> 1996-08-29 </response>


About 3,500 naval shipyard workers marched in the centre of the northern port town of Cherbourg on Thursday to protest against defence restructuring , a union official said .

<response> About 3,500 naval shipyard workers marched in the centre of the northern port town of <location>Cherbourg</location> on Thursday to protest against defence restructuring , a union official said . </response>


The local police headquarters did not give a figure but said 1,800 workers at the Cherbourg yeard had stopped work .

<response> The local police headquarters did not give a figure but said 1,800 workers at the <location>Cherbourg</location> yeard had stopped work . </response>


<response> A cutback plan could slim their numbers to 1,700 from 4,200 . </response>


Several hundred workers also marched in the western town of Indre where 500 or 1,600 jobs are at risk .

<response> Several hundred workers also marched in the western town of <location>Indre</location> where 500 or 1,600 jobs are at risk . </response>


PRESS DIGEST - Pakistan - August 29 .

<response> PRESS DIGEST - <location>Pakistan</location> - August 29 . </response>


Following are some of the main stories in Thursday 's Pakistani newspapers :

<response> Following are some of the main stories in Thursday 's <misc>Pakistani</misc> newspapers : </response>


DAWN


<response> - The government has decided to transfer the entire distribution network of electricity to foreign managements to curtail losses of billions of rupees . </response>


- The government has suffered a loss of 11 billion rupees due to tax holidays at industrial estates in Hub and Gadoon .

<response> - The government has suffered a loss of 11 billion rupees due to tax holidays at industrial estates in <location>Hub</location> and <location>Gadoon</location> . </response>


- High Court officials have unearthed police-run human cages at Tando Allahyar near Hyderabad .

<response> - High Court officials have unearthed police-run human cages at <location>Tando Allahyar</location> near <location>Hyderabad</location> . </response>


<response> Some 27 people were rescued from the private jail set up by the police . </response>


- Opposition leader Nawaz Sharif renewed a pledge to oust the Pakistan People 's Party government headed by Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto .

<response> - Opposition leader <person>Nawaz Sharif</person> renewed a pledge to oust the <organization>Pakistan People 's Party</organization> government headed by Prime Minister <person>Benazir Bhutto</person> . </response>


BUSINESS RECORDER

<response> <organization>BUSINESS RECORDER</organization> </response>


- Gas prices may go up by five percent to increase the rate of return of Sui Southern Gas and Sui Northern Gas companies .

<response> - Gas prices may go up by five percent to increase the rate of return of <organization>Sui Southern Gas</organization> and <organization>Sui Northern Gas</organization> companies . </response>


- Japan is importing 80 percent of cotton yarn from Pakistan every year .

<response> - <location>Japan</location> is importing 80 percent of cotton yarn from <location>Pakistan</location> every year . </response>


<response> - The government has blamed sugar technologists for not supporting a long-term programme of research and development to increase production of sugarcane . </response>


FINANCIAL POST

<response> <organization>FINANCIAL POST</organization> </response>


- Armed robbers pillaged 70 barrels of crude oil from a well near Gujar Khan on Wednesday .

<response> - Armed robbers pillaged 70 barrels of crude oil from a well near <location>Gujar Khan</location> on Wednesday . </response>


- Pakistan will pay an additional bill of $ 244 million as private power projects with capacity of 3,225 megawatt go on-line by 1998/99 .

<response> - <location>Pakistan</location> will pay an additional bill of $ 244 million as private power projects with capacity of 3,225 megawatt go on-line by 1998/99 . </response>


THE NATION

<response> <organization>THE NATION</organization> </response>


<response> - The government is facing extreme difficulties in meeting its revenue collections targets for 1996/97 . </response>


- Mohib Textile Mills has defaulted to nearly 23 development finance institutions , foreign and local banks , leasing companies and modarabas ( Islamic mutual funds ) .

<response> - <organization>Mohib Textile Mills</organization> has defaulted to nearly 23 development finance institutions , foreign and local banks , leasing companies and modarabas ( <misc>Islamic</misc> mutual funds ) . </response>


- Investment Minister Asif Ali Zardari expressed keenness for a close working relationship with Japanese companies so that investment from Japan can multiply.q

<response> - Investment Minister <person>Asif Ali Zardari</person> expressed keenness for a close working relationship with <misc>Japanese</misc> companies so that investment from <location>Japan</location> can multiply.q </response>


- Karachi Stock Exchange index falls by 7.84 points .

<response> - <organization>Karachi Stock Exchange</organization> index falls by 7.84 points . </response>


THE NEWS

<response> <organization>THE NEWS</organization> </response>


- The prime minister 's special economic assistant Shahid Hasan Khan said privatisation of thermal power plants , power generation from private plants and management contracts of Area Electricity Boards would help achieve 6.5 percent GDP growth .

<response> - The prime minister 's special economic assistant <person>Shahid Hasan Khan</person> said privatisation of thermal power plants , power generation from private plants and management contracts of <misc>Area Electricity Boards</misc> would help achieve 6.5 percent GDP growth . </response>


- Pakistan 's Muslim Commercial Bank , Vital Information System , and Duff and Phelps of the U.S. are likely to announce a strategic alliance with Bangladesh 's only credit rating company -- Credit Rating and Information Systems Ltd -- next month .

<response> - <location>Pakistan</location> 's <organization>Muslim Commercial Bank</organization> , <organization>Vital Information System</organization> , and <organization>Duff and Phelps</organization> of the <location>U.S.</location> are likely to announce a strategic alliance with <location>Bangladesh</location> 's only credit rating company -- <organization>Credit Rating and Information Systems Ltd</organization> -- next month . </response>


- The Sindh High Court issued an ad-interim order restraining the Privatisation Commission from handing over Javedan Cement to Dadabhoy Investment ( pvt ) Ltd until it can consider a legal challenge mounted by unions to the deal .

<response> - The <organization>Sindh High Court</organization> issued an ad-interim order restraining the <organization>Privatisation Commission</organization> from handing over <organization>Javedan Cement</organization> to <organization>Dadabhoy Investment ( pvt ) Ltd</organization> until it can consider a legal challenge mounted by unions to the deal . </response>


THE MUSLIM

<response> <organization>THE MUSLIM</organization> </response>


- Pakistan and Iran have agreed to expand and strengthen political , trade and economic relations .

<response> - <location>Pakistan</location> and <location>Iran</location> have agreed to expand and strengthen political , trade and economic relations . </response>


-- Islamabad newsroom 9251-274757

<response> -- <location>Islamabad</location> newsroom 9251-274757 </response>


Salang tunnel reopened linking Kabul with north .

<response> <location>Salang</location> tunnel reopened linking <location>Kabul</location> with north . </response>


SALANG TUNNEL , Afghanistan 1996-08-29

<response> <location>SALANG</location> TUNNEL , <location>Afghanistan</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


The Salang tunnel linking Kabul with northern Afghanistan was formally reopened to traffic on Thursday under an agreement between the government and an opposition militia , witnesses said .

<response> The <location>Salang</location> tunnel linking <location>Kabul</location> with northern <location>Afghanistan</location> was formally reopened to traffic on Thursday under an agreement between the government and an opposition militia , witnesses said . </response>


<response> They said dozens of trucks began moving through the tunnel from both directions after the road reopened . </response>


The Salang tunnel , the main supply route for Soviet troops when they were occupying Afghanistan in the 1980s , had been closed since 1994 when northern militia leader General Abdul Rashid Dostum rebelled against the Kabul government .

<response> The <location>Salang</location> tunnel , the main supply route for <misc>Soviet</misc> troops when they were occupying <location>Afghanistan</location> in the 1980s , had been closed since 1994 when northern militia leader General <person>Abdul Rashid Dostum</person> rebelled against the <location>Kabul</location> government . </response>


<response> Witnesses said wrecked tanks and vehicles littered both sides of the heavily-mined road . </response>


Mines had been removed from the road itself , but experts of the Halo Trust mine clearance agency said it would take a week to clear the roadsides .

<response> Mines had been removed from the road itself , but experts of the <location>Halo Trust</location> mine clearance agency said it would take a week to clear the roadsides . </response>


Afghan Deputy Prime Minister Qotbuddin Hilal officiated at the reopening ceremony , which was delayed by several hours while the two sides argued about a mutual release of prisoners .

<response> <misc>Afghan</misc> Deputy Prime Minister <person>Qotbuddin Hilal</person> officiated at the reopening ceremony , which was delayed by several hours while the two sides argued about a mutual release of prisoners . </response>


Two Indians to die for killing 23 bus passengers .

<response> Two <misc>Indians</misc> to die for killing 23 bus passengers . </response>


NEW DELHI 1996-08-29

<response> <location>NEW DELHI</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


India 's Supreme Court on Thursday sentenced two men to death after finding them guilty of killing 23 bus passengers , including children .

<response> <location>India</location> 's <organization>Supreme Court</organization> on Thursday sentenced two men to death after finding them guilty of killing 23 bus passengers , including children . </response>


It said the two , after robbing the passengers , burnt them alive by sprinkling the bus with petrol and setting it on fire in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh in 1993 .

<response> It said the two , after robbing the passengers , burnt them alive by sprinkling the bus with petrol and setting it on fire in the southern state of <location>Andhra Pradesh</location> in 1993 . </response>


" We have no doubt that this is one of the rarest of the rare cases , not merely due to the number of innocent human beings roasted alive by the appellants , but the inhuman manner in which they plotted the scheme and executed it , " Justice K.T. Thomas said in the verdict by a panel of three judges .

<response> " We have no doubt that this is one of the rarest of the rare cases , not merely due to the number of innocent human beings roasted alive by the appellants , but the inhuman manner in which they plotted the scheme and executed it , " <person>Justice K.T. Thomas</person> said in the verdict by a panel of three judges . </response>


Elephant tramples woman to death in Nepal .

<response> Elephant tramples woman to death in <location>Nepal</location> . </response>


KATHMANDU 1996-08-29

<response> <location>KATHMANDU</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


A rampaging elephant dragged a sleeping 72-year-old woman from her bed and trampled her to death in the third such killing in two months , Nepal police said on Thursday .

<response> A rampaging elephant dragged a sleeping 72-year-old woman from her bed and trampled her to death in the third such killing in two months , <location>Nepal</location> police said on Thursday . </response>


The elephant crashed into Hari Maya Poudels house in Madhumalla village earlier this week while she was asleep , they said .

<response> The elephant crashed into <person>Hari Maya Poudels</person> house in <location>Madhumalla</location> village earlier this week while she was asleep , they said . </response>


The beast dragged the woman 30 feet ( nine metres ) away from her bed and trampled her to death , a police official told Reuters in the Himalayan kingdoms capital Kathmandu .

<response> The beast dragged the woman 30 feet ( nine metres ) away from her bed and trampled her to death , a police official told <organization>Reuters</organization> in the <misc>Himalayan</misc> kingdoms capital <location>Kathmandu</location> . </response>


In the past two months elephants have killed three people in remote areas of east and central Nepal .

<response> In the past two months elephants have killed three people in remote areas of east and central <location>Nepal</location> . </response>


Elephants are protected under Nepali law , which provides for jail sentences of up to 15 years for convicted elephant killers .

<response> Elephants are protected under <misc>Nepali</misc> law , which provides for jail sentences of up to 15 years for convicted elephant killers . </response>


Sri Lankan rebels overrun police post , kill 24 .

<response> <misc>Sri Lankan</misc> rebels overrun police post , kill 24 . </response>


COLOMBO 1996-08-29

<response> <location>COLOMBO</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


Tamil Tiger rebels overran an isolated police post in Sri Lanka 's northeast early on Thursday killing 24 policemen , defence officials said .

<response> <organization>Tamil Tiger</organization> rebels overran an isolated police post in <location>Sri Lanka</location> 's northeast early on Thursday killing 24 policemen , defence officials said . </response>


A large group of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam ( LTTE ) rebels stormed the Kudapokuna police post , just north of Welikanda , 200 km ( 125 miles ) from Colombo , before dawn , they said .

<response> A large group of <organization>Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam</organization> ( <organization>LTTE</organization> ) rebels stormed the <location>Kudapokuna</location> police post , just north of <location>Welikanda</location> , 200 km ( 125 miles ) from <location>Colombo</location> , before dawn , they said . </response>


<response> " The entire post was overrun , " said a defence official . </response>


It was not immediately clear if there were any casualties among the rebels , who are fighting for independence for minority Tamils in the Indian Ocean island 's north and east .

<response> It was not immediately clear if there were any casualties among the rebels , who are fighting for independence for minority <misc>Tamils</misc> in the <location>Indian Ocean</location> island 's north and east . </response>


<response> It is the second time in three days that the rebels attacked police . </response>


Suspected Tamil Tigers on Tuesday hurled hand grenades at a police vehicle in a crowded market in the army-controlled northern town of Vavuniya , killing at least two policemen .

<response> Suspected <misc>Tamil</misc> <organization>Tigers</organization> on Tuesday hurled hand grenades at a police vehicle in a crowded market in the army-controlled northern town of <location>Vavuniya</location> , killing at least two policemen . </response>


<response> More than a dozen people , including several police who were working undercover , were wounded in the attack . </response>


Vavuniya is just south of the northern mainland area controlled by the LTTE .

<response> <location>Vavuniya</location> is just south of the northern mainland area controlled by the <organization>LTTE</organization> . </response>


<response> The government says more than 50,000 people have died in the ethnic war , now in its 14th year . </response>


Vicorp Restaurants names Sabourin CFO .

<response> <organization>Vicorp Restaurants</organization> names <location>Sabourin</location> CFO . </response>


DENVER 1996-08-29

<response> <person>DENVER</person> 1996-08-29 </response>


Vicorp Restaurants Inc said it has named Richard Sabourin as executive vice president and chief financial officer .

<response> <organization>Vicorp Restaurants Inc</organization> said it has named <person>Richard Sabourin</person> as executive vice president and chief financial officer . </response>


The company said Sabourin is the former president and chief executive at Bestop Inc of Boulder , Colo .

<response> The company said <person>Sabourin</person> is the former president and chief executive at <organization>Bestop Inc</organization> of <location>Boulder</location> , <location>Colo .</location> </response>


It said Craig Held has also joined the company as executive vice president and chief marketing officer .

<response> It said <person>Craig Held</person> has also joined the company as executive vice president and chief marketing officer . </response>


-- New York Newsdesk 212 859 1610

<response> -- <organization>New York Newsdesk</organization> 212 859 1610 </response>


SoCal Edison sees 2 power lines back today .

<response> <organization>SoCal Edison</organization> sees 2 power lines back today . </response>


NEW YORK 1996-08-29

<response> <location>NEW YORK</location> 1996-08-29 </response>