Southern California Edison Co said it expected two 220 kilovolt ( KV ) power lines in southern California to resume service later today after being shut late Wednesday because of a wildfire raging north of Los Angeles .

<response> <organization>Southern California Edison Co</organization> said it expected two 220 kilovolt ( KV ) power lines in southern <location>California</location> to resume service later today after being shut late Wednesday because of a wildfire raging north of <location>Los Angeles</location> . </response>


" They are expected to be placed in service later today , " said company spokesman Steve Conroy , adding repair crews have been removing smoke and other fire-related residues , which had settled on the two lines .

<response> " They are expected to be placed in service later today , " said company spokesman <person>Steve Conroy</person> , adding repair crews have been removing smoke and other fire-related residues , which had settled on the two lines . </response>


The shutdown of the 220 KV lines reduced by 500 megawatts ( MW ) the amount of power which the area received from SoCal Edison 's 1,200 MW Sierra hydroelectric facility , he said .

<response> The shutdown of the 220 KV lines reduced by 500 megawatts ( MW ) the amount of power which the area received from <organization>SoCal Edison</organization> 's 1,200 MW <location>Sierra</location> hydroelectric facility , he said . </response>


Conroy noted two 500 KV and another 220 KV line running from the Sierra plant to Los Angeles remained in operation , and continued to carry some of the production from Sierra to the region .

<response> <person>Conroy</person> noted two 500 KV and another 220 KV line running from the <location>Sierra</location> plant to <location>Los Angeles</location> remained in operation , and continued to carry some of the production from <location>Sierra</location> to the region . </response>


<response> On Monday , the two 500 KV transmission cables were taken out of service , also for cleaning , for about a day . </response>


Containment of the fire has been difficult because of the hot , arid , windy weather in the region , Conroy said .

<response> Containment of the fire has been difficult because of the hot , arid , windy weather in the region , <person>Conroy</person> said . </response>


<response> " The fires keep moving back because of the winds , " he said , forcing the utility to shut those transmission lines for a second time this week . </response>


<response> Local authorities charged a teenager for starting the blaze . </response>


<response> In four days , the fire destroyed 20,000 acres of forest land . </response>


-- R Leong , New York Power Desk +1 212 859 1622

<response> -- <person>R Leong</person> , <organization>New York Power Desk</organization> +1 212 859 1622 </response>


Dreyfus Strategic Munis monthly $ 0.056 / shr .

<response> <organization>Dreyfus Strategic Munis</organization> monthly $ 0.056 / shr . </response>


NEW YORK 1996-08-29

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


Monthly


Latest Prior


Amount $ 0.056 $ 0.056

<response> Amount $ 0.056 $ 0.056 </response>


Pay Sept 27


Record Sept 13


NOTE : Full name of company is Dreyfus Strategic Municipals Inc .

<response> NOTE : Full name of company is <organization>Dreyfus Strategic Municipals Inc</organization> . </response>


Sierra Semiconductor jumps on exit plan .

<response> <organization>Sierra Semiconductor</organization> jumps on exit plan . </response>


Martin Wolk

<response> <person>Martin Wolk</person> </response>


SEATTLE 1996-08-29

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


Sierra Semiconductor Corp jumped 23 percent Thursday on the expectation the company would emerge as a smaller but more profitable operation after its planned exit from the computer modem business .

<response> <organization>Sierra Semiconductor Corp</organization> jumped 23 percent Thursday on the expectation the company would emerge as a smaller but more profitable operation after its planned exit from the computer modem business . </response>


The San Jose , Calif. , company was up 2-1/8 at 11-3/8 after its announcement Wednesday that it planned to pull out of the highly competitive modem-chip business and focus instead on the fast-growing market for computer networking equipment .

<response> The <location>San Jose</location> , <location>Calif.</location> , company was up 2-1/8 at 11-3/8 after its announcement Wednesday that it planned to pull out of the highly competitive modem-chip business and focus instead on the fast-growing market for computer networking equipment . </response>


" Certainly the company will be a much smaller company now , but it will be a more profitable business , " said analyst Elias Moosa of Roberston Stephens & Co .

<response> " Certainly the company will be a much smaller company now , but it will be a more profitable business , " said analyst <person>Elias Moosa</person> of <organization>Roberston Stephens & Co</organization> . </response>


But analysts noted that Sierra still has much painful work ahead of it , including cutting as many as 150 jobs from its workforce , which currently has 500 people , and building up the business of its PMC-Sierra unit , which makes routing devices and chipsets for high-speed computer networks .

<response> But analysts noted that <organization>Sierra</organization> still has much painful work ahead of it , including cutting as many as 150 jobs from its workforce , which currently has 500 people , and building up the business of its <organization>PMC-Sierra</organization> unit , which makes routing devices and chipsets for high-speed computer networks . </response>


<response> The company has announced plans to take a charge against earnings of $ 50 million to $ 80 million to write down the value of assets and inventories and cover severance payments . </response>


Scott Randall of Soundview Financial Group said the company likely would have difficulty selling its modem-chip business .

<response> <person>Scott Randall</person> of <organization>Soundview Financial Group</organization> said the company likely would have difficulty selling its modem-chip business . </response>


<response> " Once you announce your intention to exit a business , it becomes a complete buyer 's market , " he said . </response>


And he said that while the company is focusing on the fastest-growing part of its business , the market for networking chips has begun to attract the attention of much-larger players such as International Business Machines Corp .

<response> And he said that while the company is focusing on the fastest-growing part of its business , the market for networking chips has begun to attract the attention of much-larger players such as <organization>International Business Machines Corp</organization> . </response>


<response> " As the market develops the question is , are they able to make that transition to be a much larger company ? " </response>


Randall said .

<response> <person>Randall</person> said . </response>


<response> Other analysts were more bullish , even though the company is expected to shrink to slightly more than half its current size in sales . </response>


" It 's a positive strategic move , " said Miles Kan of Hambrecht & Quist .

<response> " It 's a positive strategic move , " said <person>Miles Kan</person> of <organization>Hambrecht & Quist</organization> . </response>


<response> " The modem business is a low-margin , commodity business , " he said . </response>


The company 's PMC-Sierra unit generated $ 33 million of the company 's $ 117 million in sales in the first half of the year , compared with $ 45 million in sales of modem chips , Kan said .

<response> The company 's <organization>PMC-Sierra</organization> unit generated $ 33 million of the company 's $ 117 million in sales in the first half of the year , compared with $ 45 million in sales of modem chips , <person>Kan</person> said . </response>


But the PMC unit is far more profitable , he said .

<response> But the <organization>PMC</organization> unit is far more profitable , he said . </response>


Sierra 's stock has fallen from a high of nearly $ 25 this year as the computer chip sector has been battered by falling prices and concern about slowing demand .

<response> <organization>Sierra</organization> 's stock has fallen from a high of nearly $ 25 this year as the computer chip sector has been battered by falling prices and concern about slowing demand . </response>


-- Seattle bureau 206-386-4848

<response> -- <location>Seattle</location> bureau 206-386-4848 </response>


Housecall shares sink after profit warning .

<response> <organization>Housecall</organization> shares sink after profit warning . </response>


NEW YORK 1996-08-29

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


Shares in home healthcare services company Housecall Medical Resources Inc fell more than 50 percent on Thursday after the company said it expected a net loss for the fiscal fourth quarter .

<response> Shares in home healthcare services company <organization>Housecall Medical Resources Inc</organization> fell more than 50 percent on Thursday after the company said it expected a net loss for the fiscal fourth quarter . </response>


Morgan Stanley said it downgraded the stock to underperform from outperform .

<response> <organization>Morgan Stanley</organization> said it downgraded the stock to underperform from outperform . </response>


Housecall was off 7-3/8 to 7-1/8 in morning trading .

<response> <organization>Housecall</organization> was off 7-3/8 to 7-1/8 in morning trading . </response>


The Atlanta-based company went public in April at $ 16 a share .

<response> The <misc>Atlanta-based</misc> company went public in April at $ 16 a share . </response>


Wall Street had expected the company to earn $ 0.17 a share in its fourth quarter , ended June 30 , according to First Call .

<response> <location>Wall Street</location> had expected the company to earn $ 0.17 a share in its fourth quarter , ended June 30 , according to First Call . </response>


Housecall said fourth quarter earnings and revenues were expected to fall short of expectations .

<response> <organization>Housecall</organization> said fourth quarter earnings and revenues were expected to fall short of expectations . </response>


It said its non-Medicare infusion therapy , hospice and nursing services businesses failed to meet budgeted revenues .

<response> It said its <misc>non-Medicare</misc> infusion therapy , hospice and nursing services businesses failed to meet budgeted revenues . </response>


It also cited a limitation on Medicare reimbursement for some services provided during the quarter .

<response> It also cited a limitation on <misc>Medicare</misc> reimbursement for some services provided during the quarter . </response>


First Alliance net income slips .

<response> <organization>First Alliance</organization> net income slips . </response>


IRVINE , Calif. 1996-08-29

<response> <location>IRVINE</location> , <location>Calif.</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


<response> <organization>First Alliance Corporation and Subsidiaries</organization> </response>


<response> Quarter ended June 30 Six Months ended June 30 </response>


1996 1995 1996 1995


Unaudited


Total revenue


17,024,000 18,174,000 31,834,000 24,137,000


Total expense


7,718,000 6,828,000 14,668,000 13,091,000


Net Income 9,167,000 11,175,000 16,909,000 10,880,000


Net Income Per


Share 0.86 1.05 1.59 1.02

<response> Share 0.86 1.05 1.59 1.02 </response>


Weighted average number of

<response> Weighted average number of </response>


shares outstanding

<response> shares outstanding </response>


10,650,407 10,650,407 10,650,407 10,650,407


Pro Forma :


Historical income before income

<response> Historical income before income </response>


tax provision


9,306,000 11,346,000 17,166,000 11,046,000


Pro forma income tax

<response> Pro forma income tax </response>


provision 3,820,000 4,658,000 7,047,000 4,534,000


Pro forma net


income 5,486,000 6,688,000 10,119,000 6,512,000


Pro forma net income

<response> Pro forma net income </response>


per share 0.37 0.45 0.68 0.44

<response> per share 0.37 0.45 0.68 0.44 </response>


Pro forma weighted average

<response> Pro forma weighted average </response>


number of shares


outstanding 14,775,000 14,775,000 14,775,000 14,775,000


Oasis singer heads for U.S. after illness .

<response> <organization>Oasis</organization> singer heads for <location>U.S.</location> after illness . </response>


LONDON 1996-08-29

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


Liam Gallagher , singer of Britain 's top rock group Oasis , flew out on Thursday to join the band three days after the start of its U.S. tour .

<response> <person>Liam Gallagher</person> , singer of <location>Britain</location> 's top rock group <organization>Oasis</organization> , flew out on Thursday to join the band three days after the start of its <location>U.S.</location> tour . </response>


Gallagher made his usual obscene gestures and swore at journalists as he prepared to fly from London 's Heathrow airport to Chicago .

<response> <person>Gallagher</person> made his usual obscene gestures and swore at journalists as he prepared to fly from <location>London</location> 's <location>Heathrow</location> airport to <location>Chicago</location> . </response>


<response> " I hate you f... ing lot , yet you 're always asking me too many things . </response>


<response> I 'm not a supermodel you know , " he said . </response>


On Monday , just 15 minutes before his flight was due to depart , Liam decided not to travel with the rest of the group , which includes his brother Noel .

<response> On Monday , just 15 minutes before his flight was due to depart , <person>Liam</person> decided not to travel with the rest of the group , which includes his brother <person>Noel</person> . </response>


Liam caught a taxi back to London saying he had " problems at home " .

<response> <person>Liam</person> caught a taxi back to <location>London</location> saying he had " problems at home " . </response>


He was believed to be suffering from laryngitis and said he had to go house-hunting with actress girlfriend Patsy Kensit .

<response> He was believed to be suffering from laryngitis and said he had to go house-hunting with actress girlfriend <person>Patsy Kensit</person> . </response>


When they first heard that Liam had not flown out with the band at the start of the tour , many U.S. fans asked for refunds on their concert tickets .

<response> When they first heard that <person>Liam</person> had not flown out with the band at the start of the tour , many <location>U.S.</location> fans asked for refunds on their concert tickets . </response>


The group began the U.S. tour , which is scheduled to last until September 18 , with a concert in Chicago on Tuesday at which Noel Gallagher filled in for his brother as lead singer .

<response> The group began the <location>U.S.</location> tour , which is scheduled to last until September 18 , with a concert in <location>Chicago</location> on Tuesday at which <person>Noel Gallagher</person> filled in for his brother as lead singer . </response>


Slough Estates helps lift property sector .

<response> <organization>Slough Estates</organization> helps lift property sector . </response>


LONDON 1996-08-29


A strong set of interim results and an upbeat outlook from Slough Estates Plc helped to boost the property sector on Thursday .

<response> A strong set of interim results and an upbeat outlook from <organization>Slough Estates Plc</organization> helped to boost the property sector on Thursday . </response>


Shares in Slough , which earlier announced a 14 percent rise in first-half pretax profit to 37.4 million stg , climbed nearly six percent , or 14p to 250 pence at 1009 GMT , while British Land added 12-1 / 2p to 468p , Land Securities rose 5-1 / 2p to 691p and Hammerson was 8p higher at 390 .

<response> Shares in <organization>Slough</organization> , which earlier announced a 14 percent rise in first-half pretax profit to 37.4 million stg , climbed nearly six percent , or 14p to 250 pence at 1009 <misc>GMT</misc> , while <organization>British Land</organization> added 12-1 / 2p to 468p , <organization>Land Securities</organization> rose 5-1 / 2p to 691p and <organization>Hammerson</organization> was 8p higher at 390 . </response>


Traders said positive comment from investment banks Merrill Lynch and SBC Warburg also fueled the gains .

<response> Traders said positive comment from investment banks <organization>Merrill Lynch</organization> and <organization>SBC Warburg</organization> also fueled the gains . </response>


One dealer said positive stances from Merrill Lynch and SBC Warburg were the key factors behind the gains .

<response> One dealer said positive stances from <organization>Merrill Lynch</organization> and <organization>SBC Warburg</organization> were the key factors behind the gains . </response>


A spokesman for Merrill Lynch said the bank was preparing to issue a note on the sector . "

<response> A spokesman for <organization>Merrill Lynch</organization> said the bank was preparing to issue a note on the sector . " </response>


<response> We have been very positive ( on property ) , " he said , adding : " On a technical basis it is our most favoured sector . " </response>


SBC Warburg issued an update on the property sector on Thursday , saying that most of the predictions it made at the start of the year were being realised .

<response> <organization>SBC Warburg</organization> issued an update on the property sector on Thursday , saying that most of the predictions it made at the start of the year were being realised . </response>


" In the property market it is a case of so far , so good , " a member of SBC Warburg 's property team said .

<response> " In the property market it is a case of so far , so good , " a member of <organization>SBC Warburg</organization> 's property team said . </response>


SBC Warburg said it is maintaining its forecast for five percent growth in rental incomes during 1996 , but it has shaved its forecast for capital growth to five percent from six .

<response> <organization>SBC Warburg</organization> said it is maintaining its forecast for five percent growth in rental incomes during 1996 , but it has shaved its forecast for capital growth to five percent from six . </response>


The spokesman said SBC Warburg has also put an " add " recommendation on Slough Estates ' shares , but added that this " is a general move , not because of the results . "

<response> The spokesman said <organization>SBC Warburg</organization> has also put an " add " recommendation on <organization>Slough Estates</organization> ' shares , but added that this " is a general move , not because of the results . " </response>


Slough 's chairman Sir Nigel Mobbs added to the bullish mood in the sector , saying in a statement that " with the prospect of a period of steady economic growth and low inflation ahead , there is good reason to believe that the property sector should continue its improvement . "

<response> <organization>Slough</organization> 's chairman Sir <person>Nigel Mobbs</person> added to the bullish mood in the sector , saying in a statement that " with the prospect of a period of steady economic growth and low inflation ahead , there is good reason to believe that the property sector should continue its improvement . " </response>


-- Jonathan Birt , London Newsroom +44 171 542 7717

<response> -- <person>Jonathan Birt</person> , <organization>London Newsroom</organization> +44 171 542 7717 </response>


Canada 's international travel account gap shrinks .

<response> <location>Canada</location> 's international travel account gap shrinks . </response>


OTTAWA 1996-08-29

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


Higher spending by foreign visitors and less Canadian tourist spending abroad cut the deficit in Canada 's international travel account by 26.5 percent in the second quarter , Statistics Canada said on Thursday .

<response> Higher spending by foreign visitors and less <misc>Canadian</misc> tourist spending abroad cut the deficit in <location>Canada</location> 's international travel account by 26.5 percent in the second quarter , <organization>Statistics Canada</organization> said on Thursday . </response>


The deficit fell to a seasonally adjusted C$ 715 million in the second quarter from C$ 973 million in the first , as foreigners spent a record C$ 3.00 billion seasonally adjusted while Canadians reduced their spending abroad by 5.1 percent to C$ 3.72 billion .

<response> The deficit fell to a seasonally adjusted <misc>C$</misc> 715 million in the second quarter from <misc>C$</misc> 973 million in the first , as foreigners spent a record <misc>C$</misc> 3.00 billion seasonally adjusted while <misc>Canadians</misc> reduced their spending abroad by 5.1 percent to <misc>C$</misc> 3.72 billion . </response>


-- Reuters Ottawa Burea ( 613 ) 235-6745

<response> -- <organization>Reuters Ottawa Burea</organization> ( 613 ) 235-6745 </response>


Jordanian PM Kabariti meets Arafat in West Bank .

<response> <misc>Jordanian</misc> PM <person>Kabariti</person> meets <person>Arafat</person> in <location>West Bank</location> . </response>


RAMALLAH , West Bank 1996-08-29

<response> <location>RAMALLAH</location> , <location>West Bank</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


Jordanian Prime Minister Abdul-Karim al-Kabariti began talks with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat in the West Bank on Thursday on the stalled Middle East peace process , officials said .

<response> <misc>Jordanian</misc> Prime Minister <person>Abdul-Karim al-Kabariti</person> began talks with <misc>Palestinian</misc> President <person>Yasser Arafat</person> in the <location>West Bank</location> on Thursday on the stalled <location>Middle East</location> peace process , officials said . </response>


Kabariti flew by helicopter to Palestinian-ruled Ramallah and after a brief arrival ceremony went into talks with Arafat .

<response> <person>Kabariti</person> flew by helicopter to <misc>Palestinian-ruled</misc> <location>Ramallah</location> and after a brief arrival ceremony went into talks with <person>Arafat</person> . </response>


The prime minister 's visit , his first trip outside the country since Jordan was shaken by food riots earlier this month , came against the backdrop of a Palestinian general strike in the West Bank and Gaza .

<response> The prime minister 's visit , his first trip outside the country since <location>Jordan</location> was shaken by food riots earlier this month , came against the backdrop of a <misc>Palestinian</misc> general strike in the <location>West Bank</location> and <location>Gaza</location> . </response>


Arafat called the four-hour strike , which ended at noon ( 0900 GMT ) to protest against Israeli policy on settlements and Jerusalem .

<response> <person>Arafat</person> called the four-hour strike , which ended at noon ( 0900 <misc>GMT</misc> ) to protest against <misc>Israeli</misc> policy on settlements and <location>Jerusalem</location> . </response>


Jordan 's official state news agency Petra said Kabariti would hold discussions " on the latest developments in the peace process and bilateral cooperation " .

<response> <location>Jordan</location> 's official state news agency <organization>Petra</organization> said <person>Kabariti</person> would hold discussions " on the latest developments in the peace process and bilateral cooperation " . </response>


Iran says five spy networks destroyed , 41 held .

<response> <location>Iran</location> says five spy networks destroyed , 41 held . </response>


TEHRAN 1996-08-29

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


Iranian security forces have broken up five espionage rings in northwestern Iran and arrested 41 people on charges of spying for unnamed countries , a daily newspaper said on Thursday .

<response> <misc>Iranian</misc> security forces have broken up five espionage rings in northwestern <location>Iran</location> and arrested 41 people on charges of spying for unnamed countries , a daily newspaper said on Thursday . </response>


Jomhuri Eslami quoted the West Azerbaijan province security chief as saying those held confessed to gathering confidential information , photographing strategic sites , doing propaganda against state officials and " spreading pan-Turkism " .

<response> <organization>Jomhuri Eslami</organization> quoted the <location>West Azerbaijan</location> province security chief as saying those held confessed to gathering confidential information , photographing strategic sites , doing propaganda against state officials and " spreading <misc>pan-Turkism</misc> " . </response>


It was not clear if they were the same five spy rings , allegedly led by Turkish diplomats , that Iran said in April it had broken up in the same area , which borders Turkey .

<response> It was not clear if they were the same five spy rings , allegedly led by <misc>Turkish</misc> diplomats , that <location>Iran</location> said in April it had broken up in the same area , which borders <location>Turkey</location> . </response>


The April arrests were announced shortly after a row in which Tehran asked Ankara to withdraw four Turkish diplomats accused of spying , and Turkey expelled four Iranian diplomats for their alleged links to killings of Iranian exiles .

<response> The April arrests were announced shortly after a row in which <location>Tehran</location> asked <location>Ankara</location> to withdraw four <misc>Turkish</misc> diplomats accused of spying , and <location>Turkey</location> expelled four <misc>Iranian</misc> diplomats for their alleged links to killings of <misc>Iranian</misc> exiles . </response>


Ties between the two neighbours , strained also over a military accord between Turkey and Israel which drew strong Iranian objections , have improved since Islamist Necmettin Erbakan took over as Turkish prime minister in June .

<response> Ties between the two neighbours , strained also over a military accord between <location>Turkey</location> and <location>Israel</location> which drew strong <misc>Iranian</misc> objections , have improved since <misc>Islamist</misc> <person>Necmettin Erbakan</person> took over as <misc>Turkish</misc> prime minister in June . </response>


The daily Iran on Thursday quoted Intelligence Minister Ali Fallahiyan as saying agents arrested 137 people for allegedly spying for Iraq , the United States and other unnamed countries in the Iranian year which ended on March 19 .

<response> The daily <location>Iran</location> on Thursday quoted Intelligence Minister <person>Ali Fallahiyan</person> as saying agents arrested 137 people for allegedly spying for <location>Iraq</location> , the <location>United States</location> and other unnamed countries in the <misc>Iranian</misc> year which ended on March 19 . </response>


Mideast Gulf oil outlook - India holds the key .

<response> <location>Mideast Gulf</location> oil outlook - <location>India</location> holds the key . </response>


DUBAI 1996-08-29

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


India will continue to hold the key to the middle distillates product market in the Middle East Gulf in the short term , traders in the region said on Thursday .

<response> <location>India</location> will continue to hold the key to the middle distillates product market in the <location>Middle East Gulf</location> in the short term , traders in the region said on Thursday . </response>


<response> They said premiums on high quality jet kerosene have widened to around $ 1 , and are likely to remain strong in the near term . </response>


<response> " On the jet kerosene side we must be cautious about quality . </response>


<response> Some are commanding a very good premium of 95 cents to one dollar . </response>


It 's been 99 cents to Korea .

<response> It 's been 99 cents to <location>Korea</location> . </response>


<response> This will stay at this sort of price premium for a while , " one said . </response>


<response> " But for normal jet the weakened demand is quite noticeable , the premium is around 45-50 cents . </response>


<response> The differential is not normally as wide as this , " he added . </response>


<response> Another put the premium for jet kerosene at between 65 and 75 cents . </response>


One trader said despite the fact that some kerosene was in storage at Dubai ports , demand looked to exceed supply in the near term .

<response> One trader said despite the fact that some kerosene was in storage at <location>Dubai</location> ports , demand looked to exceed supply in the near term . </response>


Jet kerosene was assessed at $ 27.40 - $ 27.70 a barrel fob Gulf on Thursday , up from $ 27.22 last week .

<response> Jet kerosene was assessed at $ 27.40 - $ 27.70 a barrel fob <location>Gulf</location> on Thursday , up from $ 27.22 last week . </response>


<response> Dealers expected premiums to stick around current levels for the next two or three weeks , before they get a boost in the second half of September from demand for October cargoes . </response>


Gas oil , assessed at $ 24.00 - $ 24.20 a barrel fob Gulf , was little changed on Thursday from last week 's $ 24.10 - $ 24.24 .

<response> Gas oil , assessed at $ 24.00 - $ 24.20 a barrel fob <location>Gulf</location> , was little changed on Thursday from last week 's $ 24.10 - $ 24.24 . </response>


" On gas oil , in the near term demand and supply are balanced to a bit short , there are some enquiries into east Africa and short covering in India , " said one trader .

<response> " On gas oil , in the near term demand and supply are balanced to a bit short , there are some enquiries into east <location>Africa</location> and short covering in <location>India</location> , " said one trader . </response>


" The Indians have awarded three cargoes , but the question is whether they will come out for more , " he added .

<response> " The <misc>Indians</misc> have awarded three cargoes , but the question is whether they will come out for more , " he added . </response>


India has acquired 120,000 tonnes of diesel in three cargoes , bound for the west coast , in its October tender .

<response> <location>India</location> has acquired 120,000 tonnes of diesel in three cargoes , bound for the west coast , in its October tender . </response>


Traders said the award could be India 's lowest in recent years .

<response> Traders said the award could be <location>India</location> 's lowest in recent years . </response>


" After IOC 's very small purchase of 120,000 tonnes , I 'm still suspicious that they will buy more in the second half of October , " another said .

<response> " After <organization>IOC</organization> 's very small purchase of 120,000 tonnes , I 'm still suspicious that they will buy more in the second half of October , " another said . </response>


<response> But traders see the market remaining tight in the short-term , with some surplus arising closer to October . </response>


<response> " I see an overhang of gas oil further out , " one said . </response>


<response> " Gas oil will remain tight in the short term up to mid-September with the premium of around $ 1 for 0.5 percent ( sulphur material ) . </response>


<response> In the second half of September and October we see the premium coming off to 70-75 cents . " </response>


<response> Traders said there was not much demand for one percent sulphur material gas oil , with the premium at 40 to 45 cents . </response>


Egypt police catch ancient manuscript thieves .

<response> <location>Egypt</location> police catch ancient manuscript thieves . </response>


CAIRO 1996-08-29

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


Egyptian police have arrested eight people who were trying to sell an ancient copy of the Old Testament , the official al-Akhbar newspaper said on Thursday .

<response> <misc>Egyptian</misc> police have arrested eight people who were trying to sell an ancient copy of the <misc>Old Testament</misc> , the official <organization>al-Akhbar</organization> newspaper said on Thursday . </response>


The daily said the men had wanted to sell the undated manuscript to a Jewish group for five million pounds ( $ 1.5 million ) .

<response> The daily said the men had wanted to sell the undated manuscript to a <misc>Jewish</misc> group for five million pounds ( $ 1.5 million ) . </response>


<response> Instead an undercover police officer pretended to be interested in buying it and arrested them . </response>


The newspaper did not give any details about the manuscript but said it had been relinquished to the Islamic Museum in Cairo .

<response> The newspaper did not give any details about the manuscript but said it had been relinquished to the <location>Islamic Museum</location> in <location>Cairo</location> . </response>


New U.S. ambassador arrives in Saudi Arabia .

<response> New <location>U.S.</location> ambassador arrives in <location>Saudi Arabia</location> . </response>


DUBAI 1996-08-29

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


Washington 's new ambassador to Saudi Arabia , Wyche Fowler , arrived in the kingdom to take up his post , the U.S. embassy in Riyadh said on Thursday .

<response> <location>Washington</location> 's new ambassador to <location>Saudi Arabia</location> , Wyche <person>Fowler</person> , arrived in the kingdom to take up his post , the <location>U.S.</location> embassy in <location>Riyadh</location> said on Thursday . </response>


Fowler , a lawyer and former senator , arrived late on Wednesday , the embassy said in a statement .

<response> <person>Fowler</person> , a lawyer and former senator , arrived late on Wednesday , the embassy said in a statement . </response>


President Bill Clinton earlier this month invoked special powers to appoint Fowler during the congressional recess because the Senate delayed confirming his nomination .

<response> President <person>Bill Clinton</person> earlier this month invoked special powers to appoint <person>Fowler</person> during the congressional recess because the <organization>Senate</organization> delayed confirming his nomination . </response>


Fowler 's predecessor Raymond Mabus returned to the United States in May .

<response> <person>Fowler</person> 's predecessor <person>Raymond Mabus</person> returned to the <location>United States</location> in May . </response>


Jordanian PM Kabariti leaves for West Bank .

<response> <misc>Jordanian</misc> PM <person>Kabariti</person> leaves for <location>West Bank</location> . </response>


AMMAN 1996-08-29

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


Jordanian Prime Minister Abdul-Karim al-Kabariti left Amman on Thursday for the West Bank town of Ramallah to hold talks with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat on the stalled Middle East peace process , officials said .

<response> <misc>Jordanian</misc> Prime Minister <person>Abdul-Karim al-Kabariti</person> left <location>Amman</location> on Thursday for the <location>West Bank</location> town of <location>Ramallah</location> to hold talks with <misc>Palestinian</misc> President <person>Yasser Arafat</person> on the stalled <location>Middle East</location> peace process , officials said . </response>


The official state news agency Petra said Kabariti would hold discussions " on the latest developments in the peace process and bilateral cooperation " .

<response> The official state news agency <organization>Petra</organization> said <person>Kabariti</person> would hold discussions " on the latest developments in the peace process and bilateral cooperation " . </response>


The visit was Kabariti 's first trip outside the country since Jordan was shaken by food riots earlier this month .

<response> The visit was <person>Kabariti</person> 's first trip outside the country since <location>Jordan</location> was shaken by food riots earlier this month . </response>


Palestinians end four-hour strike .

<response> <misc>Palestinians</misc> end four-hour strike . </response>


JERUSALEM 1996-08-29

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


Palestinians reopened their shops on Thursday at the end of a four-hour strike called by President Yasser Arafat to protest against Israel 's policy on Jewish settlements and Jerusalem , witnesses said .

<response> <misc>Palestinians</misc> reopened their shops on Thursday at the end of a four-hour strike called by President <person>Yasser Arafat</person> to protest against <location>Israel</location> 's policy on <misc>Jewish</misc> settlements and <location>Jerusalem</location> , witnesses said . </response>


Shopkeepers in Arab East Jerusalem rolled up their shutters some 10 minutes before the scheduled noon ( 0900 GMT ) end of the stoppage .

<response> Shopkeepers in <location>Arab East Jerusalem</location> rolled up their shutters some 10 minutes before the scheduled noon ( 0900 <misc>GMT</misc> ) end of the stoppage . </response>


Palestinian leaders called the strike , the first in the West Bank and Gaza since 1994 , a warning signal that the peace process with Israel was in danger .

<response> <misc>Palestinian</misc> leaders called the strike , the first in the <location>West Bank</location> and <location>Gaza</location> since 1994 , a warning signal that the peace process with <location>Israel</location> was in danger . </response>


Witnesses said most shops were closed in towns and villages in the areas , with the exception of Hebron , a West Bank city still under Israeli occupation .

<response> Witnesses said most shops were closed in towns and villages in the areas , with the exception of <location>Hebron</location> , a <location>West Bank</location> city still under <misc>Israeli</misc> occupation . </response>


U.S. wheat weekly export sales highlights - USDA .

<response> <location>U.S.</location> wheat weekly export sales highlights - <organization>USDA</organization> . </response>


WASHINGTON 1996-08-29

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


U.S. wheat major net sales activity in the week ended Aug 22 reported by exporters for the following purchasing countries , in tonnes :

<response> <location>U.S.</location> wheat major net sales activity in the week ended Aug 22 reported by exporters for the following purchasing countries , in tonnes : </response>


Net Sales : 1996/97 1997/98

<response> Net Sales : 1996/97 1997/98 </response>


Egypt 199,900 Nil

<response> <location>Egypt</location> 199,900 Nil </response>


S. Korea 149,100-A

<response> <location>S. Korea</location> 149,100-A </response>


Japan 74,600

<response> <location>Japan</location> 74,600 </response>


China 55,000-B

<response> <location>China</location> 55,000-B </response>


Indonesia 55,000-B

<response> <location>Indonesia</location> 55,000-B </response>


Unknown - 161,600

<response> Unknown - 161,600 </response>


<response> A- includes 54,600 tonnes changed from unknown . </response>


<response> B- reflects 55,000 tonnes changed from unknown . </response>


Primary Export Destinations : Egypt , Morocco , S. Korea , Yemen , Pakistan , Mexico and China .

<response> Primary Export Destinations : <location>Egypt</location> , <location>Morocco</location> , <location>S. Korea</location> , <location>Yemen</location> , <location>Pakistan</location> , <location>Mexico</location> and <location>China</location> . </response>


Keane wins contract from ING units .

<response> <organization>Keane</organization> wins contract from <organization>ING</organization> units . </response>


BOSTON 1996-08-29

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


Software services company Keane Inc said it had won a year 2000 compliance contract from Life Insurance Co of Georgia and Southland Life Insurance Co , both part of The Netherlands ' ING Group .

<response> Software services company <organization>Keane Inc</organization> said it had won a year 2000 compliance contract from <organization>Life Insurance Co of Georgia</organization> and <organization>Southland Life Insurance Co</organization> , both part of <location>The Netherlands</location> ' <organization>ING Group</organization> . </response>


The company said in a statement late on Wednesday it would conduct an enterprise assessment and strategic compliance plan for preparing all the mainframe systems of Life of Georgia and Southland Life to operate in the new century .

<response> The company said in a statement late on Wednesday it would conduct an enterprise assessment and strategic compliance plan for preparing all the mainframe systems of <organization>Life of Georgia</organization> and <organization>Southland Life</organization> to operate in the new century . </response>


The project will be managed by Keane 's Atlanta office .

<response> The project will be managed by <organization>Keane</organization> 's <location>Atlanta</location> office . </response>


<response> " The client 's goal is to complete its year 2000 conversion activities by the end of 1997 , " the statement said . </response>


-- New York newsroom , ( 212 ) 859-1610

<response> -- <location>New York</location> newsroom , ( 212 ) 859-1610 </response>


PRESS DIGEST - Wall Street Journal - Aug 29 .

<response> PRESS DIGEST - <organization>Wall Street Journal</organization> - Aug 29 . </response>


NEW YORK 1996-08-29

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


The National Basketball Association has sued America Online Inc , alleging that the United States ' No 1 on-line service is delivering real-time information about league games without its permission , The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday .

<response> The <organization>National Basketball Association</organization> has sued <organization>America Online Inc</organization> , alleging that the <location>United States</location> ' No 1 on-line service is delivering real-time information about league games without its permission , <organization>The Wall Street Journal</organization> reported on Thursday . </response>


The suit was filed on Wednesday in federal court in Manhattan and is another legal skirmish over what constitutes a " broadcast " in the computer age .

<response> The suit was filed on Wednesday in federal court in <location>Manhattan</location> and is another legal skirmish over what constitutes a " broadcast " in the computer age . </response>


The suit contends America Online was misappropriating NBA property by providing a site containing continually updated scores and statistics of NBA games in progress .

<response> The suit contends <organization>America Online</organization> was misappropriating <organization>NBA</organization> property by providing a site containing continually updated scores and statistics of <organization>NBA</organization> games in progress . </response>


The newspaper also reported :

<response> The newspaper also reported : </response>


* Baxter International Inc has reached an agreement to acquire Austria 's Immuno International AG in a complex deal valued at $ 715 miilion .

<response> * <organization>Baxter International Inc</organization> has reached an agreement to acquire <location>Austria</location> 's <organization>Immuno International AG</organization> in a complex deal valued at $ 715 miilion . </response>


* Boeing Co secures $ 5.5 billion in orders for new , larger 747s .

<response> * <organization>Boeing Co</organization> secures $ 5.5 billion in orders for new , larger 747s . </response>


* President Bill Clinton is expected to propose a tax break on home sales .

<response> * President <person>Bill Clinton</person> is expected to propose a tax break on home sales . </response>


* Philip Morris Cos Inc raises dividend 20 percent .

<response> * <organization>Philip Morris Cos Inc</organization> raises dividend 20 percent . </response>


* Salomon Brothers Inc analyst is bullish on International Business Machines Corp .

<response> * <organization>Salomon Brothers Inc</organization> analyst is bullish on <organization>International Business Machines Corp</organization> . </response>


* Sierra Semiconductor Corp puts modem chipset line up for sale and sets layoffs .

<response> * <organization>Sierra Semiconductor Corp</organization> puts modem chipset line up for sale and sets layoffs . </response>


* Red Lion Hotels Inc says it 's holding merger talks with Doubletree Corp .

<response> * <organization>Red Lion Hotels Inc</organization> says it 's holding merger talks with <organization>Doubletree Corp</organization> . </response>


* GTE Corp , Baby Bells and their allies ready to launch challenge to telecommunications reform law .

<response> * <organization>GTE Corp</organization> , <organization>Baby Bells</organization> and their allies ready to launch challenge to telecommunications reform law . </response>


<response> * Economists see second-quarter gross domestic product revised down 0.1 percentage point . </response>


* President Clinton proposes five-point plan to clean up toxic waste sites .

<response> * President <person>Clinton</person> proposes five-point plan to clean up toxic waste sites . </response>


* Securities and Exchange Commission acts to improve stock-trade prices for investors .

<response> * <organization>Securities and Exchange Commission</organization> acts to improve stock-trade prices for investors . </response>


* H&R Block Inc delays spinoff of its stake in CompuServe Corp .

<response> * <organization>H&R Block Inc</organization> delays spinoff of its stake in <organization>CompuServe Corp</organization> . </response>


<response> * Stock funds see cash pour in again in July . </response>


* The Federal Trade Commission and Justice Department issue new guidelines for formation of doctors ' networks .

<response> * The <organization>Federal Trade Commission and Justice Department</organization> issue new guidelines for formation of doctors ' networks . </response>


-- New York newsroom , ( 212 ) 859-1610

<response> -- <location>New York</location> newsroom , ( 212 ) 859-1610 </response>


Baker made secret trip to Syria in March 1995 .

<response> <person>Baker</person> made secret trip to <location>Syria</location> in March 1995 . </response>


WASHINGTON 1996-08-29

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


Former Secretary of State James Baker made a secret trip to Syria in March 1995 in an unsuccessful bid to break an impasse in negotiations between Syria and Israel , the Washington Post reported on Thursday .

<response> Former Secretary of State <person>James Baker</person> made a secret trip to <location>Syria</location> in March 1995 in an unsuccessful bid to break an impasse in negotiations between <location>Syria</location> and <location>Israel</location> , the <organization>Washington Post</organization> reported on Thursday . </response>


The paper said Baker declined to discuss the trip , but authorised an associate to confirm it took place and give an account of it .

<response> The paper said <person>Baker</person> declined to discuss the trip , but authorised an associate to confirm it took place and give an account of it . </response>


News of the secret trip came after Baker trashed the Clinton administration at the Republican National Convention two weeks ago for its efforts to nudge Syria into peace with Israel .

<response> News of the secret trip came after <person>Baker</person> trashed the <person>Clinton</person> administration at the <misc>Republican National Convention</misc> two weeks ago for its efforts to nudge <location>Syria</location> into peace with <location>Israel</location> . </response>


Baker made the March 1995 trip on the explicit understanding that it remain a secret , but after his speech at the GOP convention , Israel 's outgoing ambassador Itamar Rabinovich told a reporter about it , the Post said .

<response> <person>Baker</person> made the March 1995 trip on the explicit understanding that it remain a secret , but after his speech at the <misc>GOP</misc> convention , <location>Israel</location> 's outgoing ambassador <person>Itamar Rabinovich</person> told a reporter about it , the <organization>Post</organization> said . </response>


Baker was secretary of state in the Republican administration of President George Bush .

<response> <person>Baker</person> was secretary of state in the <misc>Republican</misc> administration of President <person>George Bush</person> . </response>


Clinton wins Democratic re-nomination .

<response> <person>Clinton</person> wins <misc>Democratic</misc> re-nomination . </response>


CHICAGO 1996-08-28

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


President Bill Clinton was formally nominated on Wednesday as the Democratic party candidate for a second four-year term in the White House .

<response> President <person>Bill Clinton</person> was formally nominated on Wednesday as the <misc>Democratic</misc> party candidate for a second four-year term in the <location>White House</location> . </response>


Clinton won the nomination in a traditional state-by-state roll call of votes at the party convention and will accept in a speech on Thursday .

<response> <person>Clinton</person> won the nomination in a traditional state-by-state roll call of votes at the party convention and will accept in a speech on Thursday . </response>


He faces Republican challenger Bob Dole in the November 5 presidential election .

<response> He faces <misc>Republican</misc> challenger <person>Bob Dole</person> in the November 5 presidential election . </response>


Beachcomber finds piece that could be TWA part .

<response> Beachcomber finds piece that could be <organization>TWA</organization> part . </response>


ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS , N.J. 1996-08-28

<response> <location>ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS</location> , <location>N.J.</location> 1996-08-28 </response>


A foot-long piece of debris bearing markings from a commercial aircraft was found on the New Jersey shore and forwarded to TWA crash investigators in Long Island , officials said on Wednesday .

<response> A foot-long piece of debris bearing markings from a commercial aircraft was found on the <location>New Jersey</location> shore and forwarded to <organization>TWA</organization> crash investigators in <location>Long Island</location> , officials said on Wednesday . </response>


A person walking on the shore at Island Beach State Park found the debris and alerted police who forwarded it to Long Island , New York , where the National Transportation Safety Board and the FBI are conducting an investigation .

<response> A person walking on the shore at <location>Island Beach State Park</location> found the debris and alerted police who forwarded it to <location>Long Island</location> , <location>New York</location> , where the <organization>National Transportation Safety Board</organization> and the <organization>FBI</organization> are conducting an investigation . </response>


The TWA jet exploded in a deadly fireball last month , killing 230 people , crashing in the Atlantic Ocean at least 80 miles from where the debris was found Wednesday .

<response> The <organization>TWA</organization> jet exploded in a deadly fireball last month , killing 230 people , crashing in the <location>Atlantic Ocean</location> at least 80 miles from where the debris was found Wednesday . </response>


Several other items have been reported found along the New Jersey shore , most of it such personal items as wallets , shoes and jewelry .

<response> Several other items have been reported found along the <location>New Jersey</location> shore , most of it such personal items as wallets , shoes and jewelry . </response>


<response> Investigators said they still do not have enough evidence to determine whether a bomb , a missile or mechanical failure caused the crash . </response>


FEATURE - Rich new detail on U.S. Civil War unearthed .

<response> FEATURE - Rich new detail on <misc>U.S. Civil War</misc> unearthed . </response>


Leila Corcoran

<response> <person>Leila Corcoran</person> </response>


WASHINGTON 1996-08-29

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


A freed black man writes to his still-enslaved wife , a mother pleads with Abraham Lincoln on behalf of her son and a maimed soldier poses for an official photograph in newly reopened records that bring the U.S. Civil War back to life .

<response> A freed black man writes to his still-enslaved wife , a mother pleads with <person>Abraham Lincoln</person> on behalf of her son and a maimed soldier poses for an official photograph in newly reopened records that bring the <misc>U.S. Civil War</misc> back to life . </response>


Working in the basement of the National Archives , members of the Civil War Conservation Corps are organising the military records of volunteers who fought for the North so that they can be preserved on microfilm .

<response> Working in the basement of the <organization>National Archives</organization> , members of the <organization>Civil War Conservation Corps</organization> are organising the military records of volunteers who fought for the <location>North</location> so that they can be preserved on microfilm . </response>


The faded documents have been stowed away in the Archives since it opened in 1935 and have rarely seen the light of day .

<response> The faded documents have been stowed away in the <organization>Archives</organization> since it opened in 1935 and have rarely seen the light of day . </response>


<response> Each soldier 's file is a gold mine of information : enlistment papers , muster rolls , medical records , discharge certificates , letters and photographs . </response>


Since the project began almost two years ago , corps volunteers have focused on African American troops , preparing records in time for the unveiling in Washington this year of a special memorial to black soldiers who fought in the war .

<response> Since the project began almost two years ago , corps volunteers have focused on <misc>African American</misc> troops , preparing records in time for the unveiling in <location>Washington</location> this year of a special memorial to black soldiers who fought in the war . </response>


<response> More than 185,000 black soldiers fought and 37,000 died . </response>


In one letter , a black soldier heading South wrote his wife , " though great is the present national difficulties yet I look forward to a brighter day when I shall have the oportunity of seeing you in the full enjoyment of freedom .

<response> In one letter , a black soldier heading <location>South</location> wrote his wife , " though great is the present national difficulties yet I look forward to a brighter day when I shall have the oportunity of seeing you in the full enjoyment of freedom . </response>


<response> " I would like to no ( sic ) if you are still in slavery if you are , it will not be long before we shall have crushed the system that now oppreses you for in the course of three months you shall have your liberty . </response>


<response> Great is the outpouring of the coloured people that is now rallying with the heart of lions against the very curse that has separated you and me . " </response>


In another letter dated January 1865 , a well-to-do Washington matron wrote to Lincoln to plead for her son , who faced a dishonourable discharge from the Army . "

<response> In another letter dated January 1865 , a well-to-do <location>Washington</location> matron wrote to <person>Lincoln</person> to plead for her son , who faced a dishonourable discharge from the <organization>Army</organization> . " </response>


James is a prisoner for a thoughtless act of folly , while those who have done nothing for the cause are free , " she wrote .

<response> <person>James</person> is a prisoner for a thoughtless act of folly , while those who have done nothing for the cause are free , " she wrote . </response>


Lincoln 's notation on the letter read : " If his colonel will say in writing on this sheet he is willing to receive this man back to the regiment , I will pardon and send him . "

<response> <person>Lincoln</person> 's notation on the letter read : " If his colonel will say in writing on this sheet he is willing to receive this man back to the regiment , I will pardon and send him . " </response>


The soldier was subsequently pardoned .

<response> The soldier was subsequently pardoned . </response>


<response> While the letters speak to the anguish of separation , a photograph of a black amputee speaks to the terrible physical cost of the war . </response>


<response> In a picture required for his military discharge , Pvt . </response>


Lewis Martin , with haunted eyes , posed bare-chested to reveal his missing arm and leg , blown off during a battle at Petersburg , Virginia , in July 1864 .

<response> <person>Lewis Martin</person> , with haunted eyes , posed bare-chested to reveal his missing arm and leg , blown off during a battle at <location>Petersburg</location> , <location>Virginia</location> , in July 1864 . </response>


The work on black troops has provided new insight into the rhythms of plantation talk and culture , said John Simon , professor of history at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and editor of Gen .

<response> The work on black troops has provided new insight into the rhythms of plantation talk and culture , said <person>John Simon</person> , professor of history at <organization>Southern Illinois University at Carbondale</organization> and editor of Gen . </response>


Ulysses Grant 's papers .

<response> <person>Ulysses Grant</person> 's papers . </response>


<response> " These ( writings ) are not only poetic but a linguistic treasure trove . </response>


This is the first generation of African Americans that really can express itself without fear and punishment , " Simon said .

<response> This is the first generation of <misc>African Americans</misc> that really can express itself without fear and punishment , " <person>Simon</person> said . </response>


" I think there 's probably a whole lot of material that would expand our understanding of the sociology of the war , " said Edward Smith , director of American Studies at American University in Washington .

<response> " I think there 's probably a whole lot of material that would expand our understanding of the sociology of the war , " said <person>Edward Smith</person> , director of <organization>American Studies</organization> at <organization>American University</organization> in <location>Washington</location> . </response>


The war between the North and South raged for nearly four years , claimed the lives of half a million Americans and forever seared the nation 's consciousness .

<response> The war between the <location>North</location> and <location>South</location> raged for nearly four years , claimed the lives of half a million <misc>Americans</misc> and forever seared the nation 's consciousness . </response>


Southern records have already been preserved .

<response> <misc>Southern</misc> records have already been preserved . </response>


They were put on microfilm about 30 years ago through a grant from the United Daughters of the Confederacy .

<response> They were put on microfilm about 30 years ago through a grant from the <organization>United Daughters of the Confederacy</organization> . </response>


The Civil War Conservation Corps is mostly retirees joined by students during the school year .

<response> The <organization>Civil War Conservation Corps</organization> is mostly retirees joined by students during the school year . </response>


Director Budge Weidman , who has shepherded the project from the beginning , predicts it will take up to a decade to complete .

<response> Director <person>Budge Weidman</person> , who has shepherded the project from the beginning , predicts it will take up to a decade to complete . </response>


The work was inspired by a National Park Service plan to put computer databases at Civil War battlefields across the country so that Americans might research their ancestors .

<response> The work was inspired by a <organization>National Park Service</organization> plan to put computer databases at <misc>Civil War</misc> battlefields across the country so that <misc>Americans</misc> might research their ancestors . </response>


<response> The records also provide insight into medical thinking of the day . </response>


<response> One soldier was discharged because of " mental incapacity and inebetude ( sic ) of the brain , alleged by the Patient to be connected with a fall on the head but believed to arise from long continued and excessive masturbation . " </response>


Clinton arrives in Chicago on day of re-nomination .

<response> <person>Clinton</person> arrives in <location>Chicago</location> on day of re-nomination . </response>


CHICAGO 1996-08-28

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


President Bill Clinton arrived in Chicago on Wednesday as the Democratic convention prepared to re-nominate him for a second four-year term .

<response> President <person>Bill Clinton</person> arrived in <location>Chicago</location> on Wednesday as the <misc>Democratic</misc> convention prepared to re-nominate him for a second four-year term . </response>


Clinton flew in by helicopter from Michigan City , Indiana , after ending a four-day , 559-mile trip aboard a campaign train from Washington .

<response> <person>Clinton</person> flew in by helicopter from <location>Michigan City</location> , <location>Indiana</location> , after ending a four-day , 559-mile trip aboard a campaign train from <location>Washington</location> . </response>


New bomb attacks on Corsica despite crackdown vow .

<response> New bomb attacks on <location>Corsica</location> despite crackdown vow . </response>


Sylvie Florence

<response> <person>Sylvie Florence</person> </response>


AJACCIO , Corsica 1996-08-29

<response> <location>AJACCIO</location> , <location>Corsica</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


Separatist guerrillas planted two bombs overnight at government offices on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica despite fresh warnings of a crackdown by Paris , police said on Thursday .

<response> Separatist guerrillas planted two bombs overnight at government offices on the <misc>French</misc> <misc>Mediterranean</misc> island of <location>Corsica</location> despite fresh warnings of a crackdown by <location>Paris</location> , police said on Thursday . </response>


In the latest in a wave of attacks , a two kg ( four lb ) bomb seriously damaged two floors of Agriculture Ministry offices located just 50 metres ( yards ) from a police station in the centre of the island capital Ajaccio .

<response> In the latest in a wave of attacks , a two kg ( four lb ) bomb seriously damaged two floors of <organization>Agriculture Ministry</organization> offices located just 50 metres ( yards ) from a police station in the centre of the island capital <organization>Ajaccio</organization> . </response>


No one was hurt .

<response> No one was hurt . </response>


<response> A second device , packed with five kg ( 10 lbs ) of explosive , was defused before it could go off , police said . </response>


The new attacks followed by a day a warning of a new " get-tough " policy by Paris toward the separatists , who seek greater autonomy .

<response> The new attacks followed by a day a warning of a new " get-tough " policy by <location>Paris</location> toward the separatists , who seek greater autonomy . </response>


Interior Minister Jean-Louis Debre , under fire for staging secret talks with one of the largest of several rival underground nationalist groups , told the daily La Corse in a statement he had given " firm orders " to police to round up those responsible for the bombings and bring them to justice .

<response> Interior Minister <person>Jean-Louis Debre</person> , under fire for staging secret talks with one of the largest of several rival underground nationalist groups , told the daily <organization>La Corse</organization> in a statement he had given " firm orders " to police to round up those responsible for the bombings and bring them to justice . </response>


Judges on the island had accused Paris of taking a lax stance on guerrilla violence while conducting secret but widely-reported talks with separatists which have now failed .

<response> Judges on the island had accused <location>Paris</location> of taking a lax stance on guerrilla violence while conducting secret but widely-reported talks with separatists which have now failed . </response>


<response> The latest bombing , close on the heels of the new orders , brought charges that police were powerless . </response>


" No searches , no arrests , no police reinforcements visible on the island , despite the ministry 's promises , " the daily France-Soir lamented .

<response> " No searches , no arrests , no police reinforcements visible on the island , despite the ministry 's promises , " the daily <organization>France-Soir</organization> lamented . </response>


" On the island , as at the Place Beauvau ( the Interior Ministry 's Paris address ) , people are well aware who is who and who is doing what .

<response> " On the island , as at the <location>Place Beauvau</location> ( the <organization>Interior Ministry</organization> 's <location>Paris</location> address ) , people are well aware who is who and who is doing what . </response>


It is time to end this nightly farce , " said the pro-government daily Le Figaro in an editorial .

<response> It is time to end this nightly farce , " said the pro-government daily <organization>Le Figaro</organization> in an editorial . </response>


<response> No one immediately claimed responsibility for Thursday 's incidents , which brought to 23 the number of guerrilla attacks on the resort island since mid-August , when separatist guerrillas ended a shaky seven-month truce . </response>


Corsica has been racked by low-level separatist-inspired violence , principally directed against government targets , for two decades .

<response> <location>Corsica</location> has been racked by low-level separatist-inspired violence , principally directed against government targets , for two decades . </response>


The daily Le Monde reported on Wednesday some separatist movements were considering taking their attacks to the French mainland on the principle that " 300 grammes of explosives on the continent have more impact than 300 kilos in Corsica " .

<response> The daily <organization>Le Monde</organization> reported on Wednesday some separatist movements were considering taking their attacks to the <misc>French</misc> mainland on the principle that " 300 grammes of explosives on the continent have more impact than 300 kilos in <location>Corsica</location> " . </response>


<response> The newspaper said separatists may take advantage of social unrest widely expected on the mainland in coming weeks over government austerity plans to stoke a popular backlash against the government . </response>


Sweden 's OM to open London forest products bourse .

<response> <location>Sweden</location> 's <organization>OM</organization> to open <location>London</location> forest products bourse . </response>


STOCKHOLM 1996-08-29

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


Swedish options and derivatives exchange OM Gruppen AB said on Thursday it would open an electronic bourse for forest industry products in London in the first half of 1997 .

<response> <misc>Swedish</misc> options and derivatives exchange <organization>OM Gruppen AB</organization> said on Thursday it would open an electronic bourse for forest industry products in <location>London</location> in the first half of 1997 . </response>


" Together with subsidiaries OMLX , the London Securities & Derivatives Exchange and OM Stockholm , OM Gruppen will open an international electronic bourse for forest products in the first half of 1997 , " OM Gruppen said in a statement .

<response> " Together with subsidiaries <organization>OMLX</organization> , the <organization>London Securities & Derivatives Exchange</organization> and <organization>OM Stockholm</organization> , <organization>OM Gruppen</organization> will open an international electronic bourse for forest products in the first half of 1997 , " <organization>OM Gruppen</organization> said in a statement . </response>


The first commodity to be traded on the PULPEX bourse will be pulp , but OM said trade would be extended to include products such as timber , recycled paper and other paper qualities .

<response> The first commodity to be traded on the <organization>PULPEX</organization> bourse will be pulp , but <organization>OM</organization> said trade would be extended to include products such as timber , recycled paper and other paper qualities . </response>


" Through the establishment of PULPEX , London will have a commodities bourse for forest products which complements existing bourses for oil , metals and ' softs ' ( coffee , sugar and cocoa ) , " OM said .

<response> " Through the establishment of <organization>PULPEX</organization> , <location>London</location> will have a commodities bourse for forest products which complements existing bourses for oil , metals and ' softs ' ( coffee , sugar and cocoa ) , " <organization>OM</organization> said . </response>


PULPEX was the result of a three-year project run in cooperation between OM and representatives of the forest industry , the company said .

<response> <organization>PULPEX</organization> was the result of a three-year project run in cooperation between <organization>OM</organization> and representatives of the forest industry , the company said . </response>


<response> Huge swings in the price of pulp over the past few years have made pulp producers ' profitability unpredictable , and made investing in new production capacity a risky business . </response>


" Without the ability to hedge prices , changes in the world market price for pulp has had an immediate impact on players ' profitability , " OM said .

<response> " Without the ability to hedge prices , changes in the world market price for pulp has had an immediate impact on players ' profitability , " <organization>OM</organization> said . </response>


<response> It said global production of pulp amounted to around 200 million tonnes per year , of which around 20 percent or 40 million tonnes was sold on the spot market . </response>


<response> At current prices , the value of this production was around $ 25 billion . </response>


PULPEX will be both a marketplace and a clearing house , OM said , adding that the British Securities and Investments Board had been informed of OM 's plans .

<response> <organization>PULPEX</organization> will be both a marketplace and a clearing house , <organization>OM</organization> said , adding that the <organization>British Securities and Investments Board</organization> had been informed of <organization>OM</organization> 's plans . </response>


PULPEX 's clearing operation will be covered by the parent company guarantee issued by OM Gruppen to its wholly-owned bourses and clearing organisations .

<response> <organization>PULPEX</organization> 's clearing operation will be covered by the parent company guarantee issued by <organization>OM Gruppen</organization> to its wholly-owned bourses and clearing organisations . </response>


-- Stockholm newsroom , +46-8-700 1006

<response> -- <location>Stockholm</location> newsroom , +46-8-700 1006 </response>


Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp oil stock levels fall .

<response> <location>Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp</location> oil stock levels fall . </response>


AMSTERDAM 1996-08-29

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


Oil product inventories held in independent tankage in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp area were at the following levels , with week-ago and year-ago levels , industry sources said .

<response> Oil product inventories held in independent tankage in the <location>Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp</location> area were at the following levels , with week-ago and year-ago levels , industry sources said . </response>


All figures in thousands of tonnes :

<response> All figures in thousands of tonnes : </response>


29/8/96 22/8/96 1/9/95


Gasoline 400 400-425 425

<response> Gasoline 400 400-425 425 </response>


Naphtha 50-75 75-100 50-75

<response> Naphtha 50-75 75-100 50-75 </response>


Gas oil 1,600 1,650 1,850-1,900


Fuel oil 325 325-350 425

<response> Fuel oil 325 325-350 425 </response>


Jet kero 15 15-20 25

<response> Jet kero 15 15-20 25 </response>


Motor gasoline stocks dipped slightly as barges left for Germany , but there were few inflows of cargoes .

<response> Motor gasoline stocks dipped slightly as barges left for <location>Germany</location> , but there were few inflows of cargoes . </response>


Naphtha inventories also dropped as Germany again took barges and no cargoes entered ARA .

<response> Naphtha inventories also dropped as <location>Germany</location> again took barges and no cargoes entered ARA . </response>


Gas oil stocks fell with some cargoes arriving from the former Soviet Union , but very fast throughput to markets in Benelux , Germany and Switzerland .

<response> Gas oil stocks fell with some cargoes arriving from the former <location>Soviet Union</location> , but very fast throughput to markets in <location>Benelux</location> , <location>Germany</location> and <location>Switzerland</location> . </response>


<response> Fuel oil inventories dipped slightly with some straight-run arrivals , but fair bunkering demand removing more material . </response>


<response> Jet fuel stocks lowered as the aviation sector bought . </response>


-- Philip Blenkinsop , Amsterdam newsroom 31 20 504 5000

<response> -- <person>Philip Blenkinsop</person> , <location>Amsterdam</location> newsroom 31 20 504 5000 </response>


German anti-nuclear activists in pantomime protest .

<response> <misc>German</misc> anti-nuclear activists in pantomime protest . </response>


BONN 1996-08-29

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


About 200 German anti-nuclear activists protested on Thursday against nuclear waste transportation by re-enacting scenes from a demonstration they staged in May that turned into a violent clash with police .

<response> About 200 <misc>German</misc> anti-nuclear activists protested on Thursday against nuclear waste transportation by re-enacting scenes from a demonstration they staged in May that turned into a violent clash with police . </response>


<response> Activists dressed as police brandished batons and firing a theatre-prop water cannon at " demonstrators " . </response>


<response> Police who had turned out in force all around the government quarter fearing violence looked on in amusement . </response>


Last May dozens of demonstrators and police were injured in violent clashes around the Gorleben nuclear waste depot as hundreds of protesters tried to block a delivery of waste by train and truck .

<response> Last May dozens of demonstrators and police were injured in violent clashes around the <location>Gorleben</location> nuclear waste depot as hundreds of protesters tried to block a delivery of waste by train and truck . </response>


Italy police arrest five over double Mafia killing .

<response> <location>Italy</location> police arrest five over double Mafia killing . </response>


CATANIA , Sicily 1996-08-29

<response> <location>CATANIA</location> , <location>Sicily</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


Italian Police said on Thursday they had arrested five people in connection with the slaying of the daughter and 14-year-old nephew of a Mafia boss earlier this week .

<response> <misc>Italian</misc> Police said on Thursday they had arrested five people in connection with the slaying of the daughter and 14-year-old nephew of a Mafia boss earlier this week . </response>


Santa Puglisi , 22 , and Salvatore Botta were gunned down in a cemetery in this eastern Sicilian city on Tuesday in a crime which shocked even hardened anti-Mafia investigators .

<response> <person>Santa Puglisi</person> , 22 , and <person>Salvatore Botta</person> were gunned down in a cemetery in this eastern <misc>Sicilian</misc> city on Tuesday in a crime which shocked even hardened anti-Mafia investigators . </response>


<response> The arrests followed a tip-off from a married couple who unexpectedly showed up at investigators ' offices on Wednesday . " </response>


<response> They wanted to get a weight off their consciences , " a police spokesman said . </response>


He added the couple had also shed light on the murder last year of the wife of Mafia boss Nitto Santapaola .

<response> He added the couple had also shed light on the murder last year of the wife of Mafia boss <person>Nitto Santapaola</person> . </response>


Puglisi was shot as she knelt praying by the tomb of her young husband , who was himself killed last year in a Mafia ambush .

<response> <person>Puglisi</person> was shot as she knelt praying by the tomb of her young husband , who was himself killed last year in a Mafia ambush . </response>


Botta , who had accompanied Puglisi to the cemetary , tried to flee the lone gunman but was caught and killed .

<response> <person>Botta</person> , who had accompanied <person>Puglisi</person> to the cemetary , tried to flee the lone gunman but was caught and killed . </response>


<response> Thieves make off with cash from prison canteen . </response>


LIMERICK , Ireland 1996-08-29

<response> <location>LIMERICK</location> , <location>Ireland</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


Thieves stole almost 2,000 Irish pounds ( $ 3,000 ) from the officers ' canteen of a Limerick jail on Thursday while warders slept in a room upstairs .

<response> Thieves stole almost 2,000 <misc>Irish</misc> pounds ( $ 3,000 ) from the officers ' canteen of a <location>Limerick</location> jail on Thursday while warders slept in a room upstairs . </response>


<response> Police said the thieves intercepted a woman arriving to work at the canteen , forced her to open the safe where takings were kept and made off with the cash . </response>


While the robbery was going on , several officers were asleep in a room over the canteen , which is in the grounds of the prison on Ireland 's southwest coast .

<response> While the robbery was going on , several officers were asleep in a room over the canteen , which is in the grounds of the prison on <location>Ireland</location> 's southwest coast . </response>


Italians hold HIV-pensioner for harassing hookers .

<response> <misc>Italians</misc> hold <misc>HIV-pensioner</misc> for harassing hookers . </response>


GENOA , Italy 1996-08-29

<response> <location>GENOA</location> , <location>Italy</location> 1996-08-29 </response>


Italian police said on Thursday they had arrested a 61-year-old man after he fired blank shots at prostitutes he blamed for spreading AIDS .

<response> <misc>Italian</misc> police said on Thursday they had arrested a 61-year-old man after he fired blank shots at prostitutes he blamed for spreading <misc>AIDS</misc> . </response>


The pensioner , named only as Pietro T. , told investigators he was infected with HIV , the AIDS virus , and his wife had died of the disease .

<response> The pensioner , named only as <person>Pietro T.</person> , told investigators he was infected with <misc>HIV</misc> , the <misc>AIDS</misc> virus , and his wife had died of the disease . </response>


<response> He did not say how they had contracted the illness . </response>


Police said the man had recently been spotted cruising red-light areas in this northern Italian city , hurling abuse at prostitutes and firing blank shots at them .

<response> Police said the man had recently been spotted cruising red-light areas in this northern <misc>Italian</misc> city , hurling abuse at prostitutes and firing blank shots at them . </response>


<response> Police said they found in his apartment two fake guns and a pistol that would only fire blanks . " </response>


<response> Although fake guns are legal , the use he made of them means he could be tried , " a police official said . </response>


Bodies found at site of Russian jet crash - officials .

<response> Bodies found at site of <misc>Russian</misc> jet crash - officials . </response>


OSLO 1996-08-29

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


Bodies have been sighted but no survivors have yet been found at the site of Thursday 's crash of a Russian airliner on Norway 's remote Arctic island of Spitzbergen , Norwegian officials said .

<response> Bodies have been sighted but no survivors have yet been found at the site of Thursday 's crash of a <misc>Russian</misc> airliner on <location>Norway</location> 's remote <misc>Arctic</misc> island of <location>Spitzbergen</location> , <misc>Norwegian</misc> officials said . </response>


" We have found dead people , " said Rune Hansen , the island 's deputy governor , told Norwegian television .

<response> " We have found dead people , " said <person>Rune Hansen</person> , the island 's deputy governor , told <misc>Norwegian</misc> television . </response>


The Norwegian news agency NTB quoted another official on the island as saying no survivors had been found .

<response> The <misc>Norwegian</misc> news agency <organization>NTB</organization> quoted another official on the island as saying no survivors had been found . </response>


The Vnukovo Airlines Tupolev 154 flight from Moscow , carrying 129 passengers and a crew of 12 , crashed in bad weather 10 km ( six miles ) east of Longyearbyen , the island 's only airstrip , officials said .

<response> The <organization>Vnukovo Airlines</organization> <misc>Tupolev 154</misc> flight from <location>Moscow</location> , carrying 129 passengers and a crew of 12 , crashed in bad weather 10 km ( six miles ) east of <location>Longyearbyen</location> , the island 's only airstrip , officials said . </response>


First rescuers arrived shortly after 1 p.m. ( 1100 GMT ) and reported soon afterwards that most of the three-engine jet 's wreckage was scattered around the top of the small Opera mountain while the rest had slid down the mountainside .

<response> First rescuers arrived shortly after 1 p.m. ( 1100 <misc>GMT</misc> ) and reported soon afterwards that most of the three-engine jet 's wreckage was scattered around the top of the small <location>Opera</location> mountain while the rest had slid down the mountainside . </response>


Air traffic officials said they had lost contact with the flight , scheduled to arrive at around 10.15 a.m. ( 0815 GMT ) , shortly before it was due to land .

<response> Air traffic officials said they had lost contact with the flight , scheduled to arrive at around 10.15 a.m. ( 0815 <misc>GMT</misc> ) , shortly before it was due to land . </response>


Spitzbergen is a Norwegian coal-mining settlement .

<response> <location>Spitzbergen</location> is a <misc>Norwegian</misc> coal-mining settlement . </response>


The only other community is in the Russian village of Barentsburg .

<response> The only other community is in the <misc>Russian</misc> village of <location>Barentsburg</location> . </response>


Russia and Norway share the island 's resources under a treaty dating back to the 1920s .

<response> <location>Russia</location> and <location>Norway</location> share the island 's resources under a treaty dating back to the 1920s . </response>


Galeforce winds and heavy rains batter Belgium .

<response> Galeforce winds and heavy rains batter <location>Belgium</location> . </response>


BRUSSELS 1996-08-29

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


Torrential rains and galeforce winds battered Belgium on Thursday causing widespread damage as some areas had more rainfall in 24 hours than they normally get in a month , the meteorological office said .

<response> Torrential rains and galeforce winds battered <location>Belgium</location> on Thursday causing widespread damage as some areas had more rainfall in 24 hours than they normally get in a month , the meteorological office said . </response>


<response> Cellars were flooded , trees uprooted and roofs damaged , but there were no reports of any injuries , an interior affairs ministry spokesman said . </response>


<response> Some trains were delayed as fallen trees blocked lines . </response>


Brussels received 5.6 cm ( 2.24 inches ) of water in the past 24 hours -- compared to an average 7.4 cm ( 2.96 inches ) per month -- but in several communes in the south of the country up to 8 cm ( 3.2 inches ) fell , the Royal Meteorological Institute ( RMT ) said .

<response> <location>Brussels</location> received 5.6 cm ( 2.24 inches ) of water in the past 24 hours -- compared to an average 7.4 cm ( 2.96 inches ) per month -- but in several communes in the south of the country up to 8 cm ( 3.2 inches ) fell , the <organization>Royal Meteorological Institute</organization> ( <organization>RMT</organization> ) said . </response>


The RMT spokesman said that near the eastern city of Turnhout , a group of boy scouts camping in a low-lying meadow had to be evacuated as water flooded their tents .

<response> The <organization>RMT</organization> spokesman said that near the eastern city of <location>Turnhout</location> , a group of boy scouts camping in a low-lying meadow had to be evacuated as water flooded their tents . </response>


The rain also severely hindered Belgian investigators ' excavations in the southern village of Jumet , where they are looking for bodies in one of the houses of the main character in a paedophile sex-and-murder scandal .

<response> The rain also severely hindered <misc>Belgian</misc> investigators ' excavations in the southern village of <location>Jumet</location> , where they are looking for bodies in one of the houses of the main character in a paedophile sex-and-murder scandal . </response>


<response> But the coastal towns got off lightly as the flooding that had been expected due to a combination of spring tides and high winds failed to materialise . </response>


Repsol shares up 65 pesetas on H1 results .

<response> <organization>Repsol</organization> shares up 65 pesetas on H1 results . </response>


MADRID 1996-08-29

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


Shares in Spanish oil and chemicals group Repsol were up 65 pesetas to 4,150 after the company announced net first half profits fell 1.1 percent to 61.45 billion pesetas on the previous year .

<response> Shares in <misc>Spanish</misc> oil and chemicals group <organization>Repsol</organization> were up 65 pesetas to 4,150 after the company announced net first half profits fell 1.1 percent to 61.45 billion pesetas on the previous year . </response>


<response> This was close to the market 's forecast of net profits of 61.94 billion . </response>


Shares in Repsol shot up 100 pesetas to 4,175 shortly after the figures , having traded down 10 pesetas before the figures were released .

<response> Shares in <organization>Repsol</organization> shot up 100 pesetas to 4,175 shortly after the figures , having traded down 10 pesetas before the figures were released . </response>


" It 's madness , " said an analyst at a Madrid brokerage , adding that the market had overreacted to the news . "

<response> " It 's madness , " said an analyst at a <location>Madrid</location> brokerage , adding that the market had overreacted to the news . " </response>


<response> People were waiting for the results to come out before buying . </response>


<response> The rise has been very quick and very crazy . " </response>


<response> He predicted a correction , perhaps as early as this session . </response>


-- Madrid Newsroom +34 1 585 2161

<response> -- <organization>Madrid Newsroom</organization> +34 1 585 2161 </response>


Algeria forces kill guerrillas - papers .

<response> <location>Algeria</location> forces kill guerrillas - papers . </response>


PARIS 1996-08-29

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


Algerian security forces killed four Moslem guerrillas on Tuesday in a village south of the capital Algiers , an Algerian newspaper said on Thursday .

<response> <misc>Algerian</misc> security forces killed four <misc>Moslem</misc> guerrillas on Tuesday in a village south of the capital <location>Algiers</location> , an <misc>Algerian</misc> newspaper said on Thursday . </response>


The armed militants were shot dead in Nahar village 90 km ( 56 miles ) south of Algiers , Liberte newspaper said .

<response> The armed militants were shot dead in <location>Nahar</location> village 90 km ( 56 miles ) south of <location>Algiers</location> , <organization>Liberte</organization> newspaper said . </response>


Security forces also killed an unspecified number of members of a rebel gang on Wednesday in the Leveilly suburb of Algiers , Le Matin newspaper reported .

<response> Security forces also killed an unspecified number of members of a rebel gang on Wednesday in the <location>Leveilly</location> suburb of <location>Algiers</location> , <organization>Le Matin</organization> newspaper reported . </response>


An estimated 50,000 people , mostly Moslem militants and security forces members , have been killed in violence pitting Moslem guerrillas against government forces since early 1992 , when authorities cancelled a general election in which Islamists had taken a commanding lead .

<response> An estimated 50,000 people , mostly <misc>Moslem</misc> militants and security forces members , have been killed in violence pitting <misc>Moslem</misc> guerrillas against government forces since early 1992 , when authorities cancelled a general election in which <misc>Islamists</misc> had taken a commanding lead . </response>


Finns hold two men on child sex-abuse charges .

<response> <misc>Finns</misc> hold two men on child sex-abuse charges . </response>


HELSINKI 1996-08-29

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


Finnish police said on Thursday they had arrested two men suspected of sexually abusing a captive 13-year-old girl , but did not believe the case was linked to others in Europe .

<response> <misc>Finnish</misc> police said on Thursday they had arrested two men suspected of sexually abusing a captive 13-year-old girl , but did not believe the case was linked to others in <location>Europe</location> . </response>


The men , both Finns aged about 40 , were arrested last Saturday in the western town of Tampere in a raid on a luxury boat owned by one of them .

<response> The men , both <misc>Finns</misc> aged about 40 , were arrested last Saturday in the western town of <location>Tampere</location> in a raid on a luxury boat owned by one of them . </response>


The girl was being held on the boat and had sought help from a passer-by , police chief inspector Ilkka Laasonen said .

<response> The girl was being held on the boat and had sought help from a passer-by , police chief inspector <person>Ilkka Laasonen</person> said . </response>


" This is an individual case and I do n't have any evidence linking the suspects to any other cases , " Laasonen said .

<response> " This is an individual case and I do n't have any evidence linking the suspects to any other cases , " <person>Laasonen</person> said . </response>


The girl was taken to hospital .

<response> The girl was taken to hospital . </response>


<response> The men could face charges carrying up to six to 10 years in prison , he said . </response>


Witnesses had reported seeing many young women and some girls who looked clearly underage at parties around the boat in recent weeks , the daily newspaper Iltalehti said .

<response> Witnesses had reported seeing many young women and some girls who looked clearly underage at parties around the boat in recent weeks , the daily newspaper <organization>Iltalehti</organization> said . </response>


Audi CEO says expects no 96 currency impact .

<response> <organization>Audi</organization> CEO says expects no 96 currency impact . </response>


INGOLSTADT 1996-08-29

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


Audi AG management board chairman Herbert Demel said on Thursday that the German luxury carmaker , a unit of Volkswagen AG , did not expect any burden on its 1996 results from currency market volatility .

<response> <organization>Audi AG</organization> management board chairman <person>Herbert Demel</person> said on Thursday that the <misc>German</misc> luxury carmaker , a unit of <organization>Volkswagen AG</organization> , did not expect any burden on its 1996 results from currency market volatility . </response>


" We do not expect any burden on our 1996 results from currency markets , " Demel told Reuters in an interview .

<response> " We do not expect any burden on our 1996 results from currency markets , " <person>Demel</person> told <organization>Reuters</organization> in an interview . </response>


Audi would have been able to report a profit 300 million marks higher in 1995 if exchange rates had stayed the same as in 1994 , Demel had told a shareholder meeting last April .

<response> <organization>Audi</organization> would have been able to report a profit 300 million marks higher in 1995 if exchange rates had stayed the same as in 1994 , <person>Demel</person> had told a shareholder meeting last April . </response>


Demel said the carmaker had hedged about half of its currency risk for 1996 .

<response> <person>Demel</person> said the carmaker had hedged about half of its currency risk for 1996 . </response>


-- John Gilardi , Frankfurt Newsroom , +49 69 756525

<response> -- <person>John Gilardi</person> , <organization>Frankfurt Newsroom</organization> , +49 69 756525 </response>


KEKKILA SEES FULL-YR 1996 PROFIT VS LOSS .

<response> <organization>KEKKILA</organization> SEES FULL-YR 1996 PROFIT VS LOSS . </response>


HELSINKI 1996-08-29


Fertilisers and saplings maker Kekkila Oy said on Thursday in a statement it expected a falling result trend in the latter half of the year , but a full-year profit was nevertheless likely .

<response> Fertilisers and saplings maker <organization>Kekkila Oy</organization> said on Thursday in a statement it expected a falling result trend in the latter half of the year , but a full-year profit was nevertheless likely . </response>


" Due to natural seasonal fluctuations in operations , the end-year result trend will be falling , but based on the early year result trend a profitable result is likely to be achieved , " Kekkila said in its January-June interim report .

<response> " Due to natural seasonal fluctuations in operations , the end-year result trend will be falling , but based on the early year result trend a profitable result is likely to be achieved , " <organization>Kekkila</organization> said in its January-June interim report . </response>


In 1995 , Kekkila reported a 5.6 million markka loss before extraordinary items and tax .

<response> In 1995 , <organization>Kekkila</organization> reported a 5.6 million markka loss before extraordinary items and tax . </response>


In the first half , Kekkila posted a 6.1 million markka profit , up from 0.7 million .

<response> In the first half , <organization>Kekkila</organization> posted a 6.1 million markka profit , up from 0.7 million . </response>


-- Helsinki Newsroom +358 - 0 - 680 50 245

<response> -- <organization>Helsinki Newsroom</organization> +358 - 0 - 680 50 245 </response>


INTERVIEW-T&N untroubled by margin pressure .

<response> <misc>INTERVIEW-T&N</misc> untroubled by margin pressure . </response>


LONDON 1996-08-29

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


The chairman of British-based components and engineering group T&N Plc said on Thursday the firm remained confident about the general prospects for its operating margins despite pressure from unsettled markets .

<response> The chairman of <misc>British-based</misc> components and engineering group <organization>T&N Plc</organization> said on Thursday the firm remained confident about the general prospects for its operating margins despite pressure from unsettled markets . </response>


In an interview following its first-half results , which included a less optimistic forecast for the second half of this year than it had made in the past , Sir Colin Hope said T&N had taken defensive action to protect it from patchy markets .

<response> In an interview following its first-half results , which included a less optimistic forecast for the second half of this year than it had made in the past , Sir <person>Colin Hope</person> said <organization>T&N</organization> had taken defensive action to protect it from patchy markets . </response>


<response> Looking at market prospects , he said : " I think our best judgment at this stage is that it will probably bumble along in the rather mixed way it 's been in the first half . " </response>


<response> " It 's very difficult to predict the market ( trend ) this year . </response>


It could be better , or it could be worse , " Hope added , echoing the demand uncertainty across automotive industries .

<response> It could be better , or it could be worse , " <person>Hope</person> added , echoing the demand uncertainty across automotive industries . </response>


" You can see anxieties in Germany and France , in particular , beginning to grow and develop .

<response> " You can see anxieties in <location>Germany</location> and <location>France</location> , in particular , beginning to grow and develop . </response>


America , however , is looking a little better , " he said .

<response> <location>America</location> , however , is looking a little better , " he said . </response>


Compared with the end of last year , when T&N predicted a sluggish first half and a rebound later in 1996 , Hope said : " I think the difference ( now ) is the first half has not actually been as bad as some felt it was going to be , but equally we 're certainly not predicting a recovery in the second half . "

<response> Compared with the end of last year , when <organization>T&N</organization> predicted a sluggish first half and a rebound later in 1996 , <person>Hope</person> said : " I think the difference ( now ) is the first half has not actually been as bad as some felt it was going to be , but equally we 're certainly not predicting a recovery in the second half . " </response>