In Kragujevac where the plant is based , 9,000 to 10,000 people gathered in the central square to express their bitterness at what Stanojlovic called government indifference .

<response> In <location>Kragujevac</location> where the plant is based , 9,000 to 10,000 people gathered in the central square to express their bitterness at what <person>Stanojlovic</person> called government indifference . </response>


The ruling Socialist Party last week accused Serbia 's opposition of stirring up social unrest and using workers ' already difficult social position for their own interests .

<response> The ruling <organization>Socialist Party</organization> last week accused <location>Serbia</location> 's opposition of stirring up social unrest and using workers ' already difficult social position for their own interests . </response>


" Late wages , no work and ( the lack of a ) production programme are the main reasons for their protests , " a senior member of the local Socialist Party branch told Reuters .

<response> " Late wages , no work and ( the lack of a ) production programme are the main reasons for their protests , " a senior member of the local <organization>Socialist Party</organization> branch told <organization>Reuters</organization> . </response>


<response> " But there is a significant influence of opposition parties that are collecting points ahead of coming elections . " </response>


Federal Yugoslav elections are due on November 3 .

<response> Federal <misc>Yugoslav</misc> elections are due on November 3 . </response>


<response> The party official said the union 's figure on the number of protesters was exaggerated . " </response>


<response> There were about 1,400 to 1,600 people at the protest today -- much less then last week . </response>


<response> " But there were more observers and passers by , " he said . </response>


-- Gordana Kukic , Belgrade Newsroom +381 11 222 4254

<response> -- <person>Gordana Kukic</person> , <organization>Belgrade Newsroom</organization> +381 11 222 4254 </response>


Croatian lending rate falls to 8.0 vs 9.1 pct .

<response> <misc>Croatian</misc> lending rate falls to 8.0 vs 9.1 pct . </response>


ZAGREB 1996-08-26

<response> <location>ZAGREB</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


The Croatian lending rate fell to 8.0 percent on Monday from last Friday 's 9.1 percent after thin demand for kuna forced bank lenders to trim their rates further .

<response> The <misc>Croatian</misc> lending rate fell to 8.0 percent on Monday from last Friday 's 9.1 percent after thin demand for kuna forced bank lenders to trim their rates further . </response>


Interbank call money was down to 8.0 from 10.0 percent .

<response> <organization>Interbank</organization> call money was down to 8.0 from 10.0 percent . </response>


<response> Insurers ' five-10 and 10-15 day loans were made at a steady 8.0 percent after last week 's drop from an earlier 15 percent . </response>


Total Zagreb Money Market settlements shrank to 17.4 million kuna , of which dealers put new borrowing at a meagre 5.5 million .

<response> Total <organization>Zagreb Money Market</organization> settlements shrank to 17.4 million kuna , of which dealers put new borrowing at a meagre 5.5 million . </response>


<response> Supply stood at a high 180 million kuna . </response>


<response> Overnight trade at the weekend left a surplus of 1.2 billion kuna on the supply side after 40 million were settled . </response>


Croatia 's central bank again stayed out of the foreign exchange market .

<response> <location>Croatia</location> 's central bank again stayed out of the foreign exchange market . </response>


It calculated the kuna midrates for Tuesday 's trade stronger at 5.2420 against the dollar and slightly weaker at 3.5486 against the German mark .

<response> It calculated the kuna midrates for Tuesday 's trade stronger at 5.2420 against the dollar and slightly weaker at 3.5486 against the <misc>German</misc> mark . </response>


-- Kolumbina Bencevic , Zagreb Newsroom , 385-1-4557075

<response> -- <person>Kolumbina Bencevic</person> , <organization>Zagreb Newsroom</organization> , 385-1-4557075 </response>


SVCD Bulgaria air traffic controllers to strike September 3 .

<response> <organization>SVCD Bulgaria</organization> air traffic controllers to strike September 3 . </response>


SOFIA 1996-08-26

<response> <location>SOFIA</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


Bulgarian air traffic controllers will go on strike on September 3 demanding higher pay , the chief of the Bulgarian association of air traffic controllers ( Bulatka ) said on Monday .

<response> <misc>Bulgarian</misc> air traffic controllers will go on strike on September 3 demanding higher pay , the chief of the <misc>Bulgarian</misc> association of air traffic controllers ( <organization>Bulatka</organization> ) said on Monday . </response>


Stefan Raichev told a news conference the strike by more than half of the 1,380 traffic controllers and technicians would paralyse traffic which has increased by 10 percent since last year .

<response> <person>Stefan Raichev</person> told a news conference the strike by more than half of the 1,380 traffic controllers and technicians would paralyse traffic which has increased by 10 percent since last year . </response>


More than 1,500 planes per day fly over Bulgaria , in a strategic location between Europe and the Middle and the Far East , Raichev said .

<response> More than 1,500 planes per day fly over <location>Bulgaria</location> , in a strategic location between <location>Europe</location> and the <location>Middle</location> and the <location>Far East</location> , <person>Raichev</person> said . </response>


The director general of the air traffic service Valentin Valkov said last Friday that a controllers ' strike would be illegal .

<response> The director general of the air traffic service <person>Valentin Valkov</person> said last Friday that a controllers ' strike would be illegal . </response>


Valkov said he could not curb the summer charter flights of national carrier Balkan Airlines , which carries thousands of foreign tourists to the Bulgarian Black Sea resorts .

<response> <person>Valkov</person> said he could not curb the summer charter flights of national carrier <organization>Balkan Airlines</organization> , which carries thousands of foreign tourists to the <misc>Bulgarian</misc> <location>Black Sea</location> resorts . </response>


But Raichev said it would be " discrimination " against the other airlines if only Balkan planes were guided in .

<response> But <person>Raichev</person> said it would be " discrimination " against the other airlines if only <location>Balkan</location> planes were guided in . </response>


" Under the law before launching the strike we have to sign an agreement with our employer for a minimal transport servicing of emergency flights , " Raichev said .

<response> " Under the law before launching the strike we have to sign an agreement with our employer for a minimal transport servicing of emergency flights , " <person>Raichev</person> said . </response>


Raichev said a lock-out with military air controllers was impossible as they did not speak English .

<response> <person>Raichev</person> said a lock-out with military air controllers was impossible as they did not speak <misc>English</misc> . </response>


<response> The controllers are demanding the monthly wage be increased to $ 1,000 per month from the current $ 230 , as well as the resignation of the air traffic service 's management . </response>


<response> They also demand the financial separation of the 350 air controllers from the technical staff . </response>


-- Liliana Semerdjieva , Sofia Newsroom , 359-2-84561

<response> -- <person>Liliana Semerdjieva</person> , <organization>Sofia Newsroom</organization> , 359-2-84561 </response>


Yeltsin 's wife has kidney operation .

<response> <person>Yeltsin</person> 's wife has kidney operation . </response>


MOSCOW 1996-08-26

<response> <location>MOSCOW</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


Naina Yeltsin , wife of the Russian president , has undergone " a planned operation " on her left kidney and is in a satisfactory condition , Itar-Tass news agency said on Monday .

<response> <person>Naina Yeltsin</person> , wife of the <misc>Russian</misc> president , has undergone " a planned operation " on her left kidney and is in a satisfactory condition , <organization>Itar-Tass</organization> news agency said on Monday . </response>


Tass quoted the Kremlin press service as saying the operation took place on Saturday in the Central Clinical Hospital which treats top officials .

<response> <organization>Tass</organization> quoted the <location>Kremlin</location> press service as saying the operation took place on Saturday in the <location>Central Clinical Hospital</location> which treats top officials . </response>


Mrs Yeltsin would be released from hospital in a few days .

<response> Mrs <person>Yeltsin</person> would be released from hospital in a few days . </response>


Doctor Sergei Mironov told Tass Naina was " in permanent contact " with her husband and two daughters , Yelena and Tatyana .

<response> Doctor <person>Sergei Mironov</person> told <organization>Tass</organization> <person>Naina</person> was " in permanent contact " with her husband and two daughters , <person>Yelena</person> and <person>Tatyana</person> . </response>


The state of health of Boris Yeltsin , who had two heart attacks last year , has been the centre of media and market speculation after he won a second term in office in the July 3 election run-off and all but disappeared from the public eye .

<response> The state of health of <person>Boris Yeltsin</person> , who had two heart attacks last year , has been the centre of media and market speculation after he won a second term in office in the July 3 election run-off and all but disappeared from the public eye . </response>


A presidential spokesman said on Monday Yeltsin was in Moscow but could give no details about his agenda or whether meetings were planned .

<response> A presidential spokesman said on Monday <person>Yeltsin</person> was in <location>Moscow</location> but could give no details about his agenda or whether meetings were planned . </response>


Yeltsin is expected to go on holiday in the near future , but officials have not yet said where he will go or when .

<response> <person>Yeltsin</person> is expected to go on holiday in the near future , but officials have not yet said where he will go or when . </response>


Mostostal Z shareholders approve bonds .

<response> <organization>Mostostal Z</organization> shareholders approve bonds . </response>


WARSAW 1996-08-26

<response> <location>WARSAW</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


Shareholders of the Polish construction firm Mostostal Zabrze Holding SA approved a 25- million-zloty , five-year convertible issue with a par value of 100 zlotys each , the company 's spokesman said on Monday .

<response> Shareholders of the <misc>Polish</misc> construction firm <organization>Mostostal Zabrze Holding SA</organization> approved a 25- million-zloty , five-year convertible issue with a par value of 100 zlotys each , the company 's spokesman said on Monday . </response>


Piotr Grabowski told Reuters that a Mostostal extraordinary shareholders meeting on Saturday had decided that the price of the 250,000 bonds would be set as a 10-session average price of Mostostal shares plus a premium .

<response> <person>Piotr Grabowski</person> told <organization>Reuters</organization> that a <organization>Mostostal</organization> extraordinary shareholders meeting on Saturday had decided that the price of the 250,000 bonds would be set as a 10-session average price of <organization>Mostostal</organization> shares plus a premium . </response>


<response> " The premium will be no lower than 15 percent and will be set by management before the issue ... </response>


which we expect at the beginning of next year , " Grabowksi said .

<response> which we expect at the beginning of next year , " <person>Grabowksi</person> said . </response>


Mostostal , based in southern Poland , wants to offer the bonds to large investors in a public offering , paying an annual coupon of no more than 80 percent of the yield of the benchmark 52-week T-bill .

<response> <organization>Mostostal</organization> , based in southern <location>Poland</location> , wants to offer the bonds to large investors in a public offering , paying an annual coupon of no more than 80 percent of the yield of the benchmark 52-week T-bill . </response>


The firm has signed an agreement with the Polish Development Bank ( PBR ) to manage the issue and plans them to be listed on the Warsaw bourse 's bond market .

<response> The firm has signed an agreement with the <organization>Polish Development Bank</organization> ( <organization>PBR</organization> ) to manage the issue and plans them to be listed on the <location>Warsaw</location> bourse 's bond market . </response>


Grabowski also said shareholders approved the issue of 1.6 million shares for which the bonds could be exchanged , a ratio of 6.4 shares per bond .

<response> <person>Grabowski</person> also said shareholders approved the issue of 1.6 million shares for which the bonds could be exchanged , a ratio of 6.4 shares per bond . </response>


<response> He also said shareholders approved the issue of 2.6 million new shares , two million of which are earmarked for large investors and 600,000 for retail domestic investors . </response>


<response> The price will be determined through book-building . </response>


Mostostal plans to use the proceeds from the issues to add companies to its holding and modernise its plant .

<response> <organization>Mostostal</organization> plans to use the proceeds from the issues to add companies to its holding and modernise its plant . </response>


-- Warsaw Newsroom +48 22 653 9700

<response> -- <organization>Warsaw Newsroom</organization> +48 22 653 9700 </response>


Unknown group kidnaps Dutch couple in Costa Rica .

<response> Unknown group kidnaps <misc>Dutch</misc> couple in <location>Costa Rica</location> . </response>


SAN JOSE , Costa Rica 1996-08-26

<response> <location>SAN JOSE</location> , <location>Costa Rica</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


Kidnappers have seized a Dutch couple who manage a farm in northern Costa Rica and have demanded a $ 1.5 million ransom , authorities said on Monday .

<response> Kidnappers have seized a <misc>Dutch</misc> couple who manage a farm in northern <location>Costa Rica</location> and have demanded a $ 1.5 million ransom , authorities said on Monday . </response>


Officials said Humberto Hueite Zyrecha and his wife Jetty Kors , both 50 , were kidnapped late on Saturday or early Sunday .

<response> Officials said <person>Humberto Hueite Zyrecha</person> and his wife <person>Jetty Kors</person> , both 50 , were kidnapped late on Saturday or early Sunday . </response>


Col .

<response> <location>Col</location> . </response>


Misael Valerio , head of border police at the Security Ministry , told reporters surveillance of the northern border with Nicaragua has been stepped up to keep the kidnappers from fleeing Costa Rica .

<response> <person>Misael Valerio</person> , head of border police at the <organization>Security Ministry</organization> , told reporters surveillance of the northern border with <location>Nicaragua</location> has been stepped up to keep the kidnappers from fleeing <location>Costa Rica</location> . </response>


Preliminary reports said the couple were kidnapped on the " Altamira " farm , owned by Dutchman Richard Wisinga , at Aguas Zarcas de San Carlos near the Costa Rica-Nicaragua border .

<response> Preliminary reports said the couple were kidnapped on the " <location>Altamira</location> " farm , owned by <misc>Dutchman</misc> <person>Richard Wisinga</person> , at <location>Aguas Zarcas de San Carlos</location> near the <location>Costa Rica-Nicaragua</location> border . </response>


Unconfirmed news reports said a vehicle belonging to them was found abandoned at Santa Maria de Pocosol , about 12 miles ( 20 km ) north of the site of the abduction .

<response> Unconfirmed news reports said a vehicle belonging to them was found abandoned at <location>Santa Maria de Pocosol</location> , about 12 miles ( 20 km ) north of the site of the abduction . </response>


The reports said authorities found a statement , supposedly from the kidnappers , in the vehicle , addressed to Wisinga and demanding a $ 1.5 million ransom .

<response> The reports said authorities found a statement , supposedly from the kidnappers , in the vehicle , addressed to <person>Wisinga</person> and demanding a $ 1.5 million ransom . </response>


Wisinga was believed to be travelling in Europe , they said .

<response> <person>Wisinga</person> was believed to be travelling in <location>Europe</location> , they said . </response>


A Swiss tourist guide and a German tourist were kidnapped in the same area on New Year 's Day by a group of former Nicaraguan guerrillas .

<response> A <misc>Swiss</misc> tourist guide and a <misc>German</misc> tourist were kidnapped in the same area on <misc>New Year 's Day</misc> by a group of former <misc>Nicaraguan</misc> guerrillas . </response>


Regula Susana Siegfried , 50 , and Nicola Fleuchaus , 25 , were released after 71 days after a $ 200,000 ransom was paid .

<response> <person>Regula Susana Siegfried</person> , 50 , and <misc>Nicola</misc> <person>Fleuchaus</person> , 25 , were released after 71 days after a $ 200,000 ransom was paid . </response>


In a bizarre twist , Fleuchaus and the leader of the kidnappers , Julio Cesar Vega Rojas , developed a sentimental attachment during her captivity , according to photographs printed in Costa Rican newspapers and court documents including a love letter written by Vega .

<response> In a bizarre twist , <person>Fleuchaus</person> and the leader of the kidnappers , <person>Julio Cesar Vega Rojas</person> , developed a sentimental attachment during her captivity , according to photographs printed in <misc>Costa Rican</misc> newspapers and court documents including a love letter written by <person>Vega</person> . </response>


Interacciones ups Mexico GDP forecast , lowers peso .

<response> <organization>Interacciones</organization> ups <location>Mexico</location> GDP forecast , lowers peso . </response>


MEXICO CITY 1996-08-26

<response> <location>MEXICO CITY</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


Interacciones brokerage on Monday raised its forecasts for 1996 gross domestic product growth to 4.3 percent from 3.8 percent , but it kept its 1997 projection unchanged at 4.5 percent , a statement said .

<response> <organization>Interacciones</organization> brokerage on Monday raised its forecasts for 1996 gross domestic product growth to 4.3 percent from 3.8 percent , but it kept its 1997 projection unchanged at 4.5 percent , a statement said . </response>


Economist Alonso Cervera said the revisions were chiefly fueled by stronger than expected growth of 7.2 percent in the second quarter and he forecast an annual GDP rise of 6.1 percent in the third quarter and 4.9 percent in Q4 .

<response> Economist <person>Alonso Cervera</person> said the revisions were chiefly fueled by stronger than expected growth of 7.2 percent in the second quarter and he forecast an annual GDP rise of 6.1 percent in the third quarter and 4.9 percent in Q4 . </response>


<response> The firm also revised down its year-end peso forecast to 7.85-8.15 per dollar from 8.20-8.50 . </response>


<response> It forecast an end 1997 peso in the range of 9.20-9.40 . </response>


Interacciones kept its 1996 and 1997 inflation forecast unchanged at 26 percent and 20 percent , expecting the government 's 1997 inflation target to be around 15 percent .

<response> <organization>Interacciones</organization> kept its 1996 and 1997 inflation forecast unchanged at 26 percent and 20 percent , expecting the government 's 1997 inflation target to be around 15 percent . </response>


<response> It bumped up its average interest rate projection in 1997 to 25.8 percent from 23 percent . </response>


<response> Fiscal policy was expected to be loosened a bit in the second half of this year , boosting growth without running into a deficit . </response>


<response> " Next year , the fiscal policy will have less margin of freedom because the government will have to face commitments that it has taken on under different support schemes for the banks , debtors and firms , " the brokerage said . </response>


-- Henry Tricks , Mexico City newsroom +525 728-9560

<response> -- <person>Henry Tricks</person> , <location>Mexico City</location> newsroom +525 728-9560 </response>


Bancomext official says Mexico peso level suitable .

<response> <organization>Bancomext</organization> official says <location>Mexico</location> peso level suitable . </response>


MEXICO CITY 1996-08-26


A top official of export development bank Bancomext said the peso 's appreciation against the dollar this year has not hurt demand for Mexican exports .

<response> A top official of export development bank <organization>Bancomext</organization> said the peso 's appreciation against the dollar this year has not hurt demand for <misc>Mexican</misc> exports . </response>


" We have a suitable exchange rate .

<response> " We have a suitable exchange rate . </response>


<response> We have n't felt a drop-off in demand .... </response>


We have no basis for saying that the exchange rate is affecting exports , " Rafael Moreno Turrent , deputy director general for foreign trade promotion at the bank , said at a news conference .

<response> We have no basis for saying that the exchange rate is affecting exports , " <person>Rafael Moreno Turrent</person> , deputy director general for foreign trade promotion at the bank , said at a news conference . </response>


Colombian peso closes lower , importers buy dlrs .

<response> <misc>Colombian</misc> peso closes lower , importers buy dlrs . </response>


BOGOTA 1996-08-26

<response> <location>BOGOTA</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


Colombia 's peso closed lower at 1,044 after coming under pressure from dollar-buying by importers seeking to meet their commitments abroad , interbank dealers said .

<response> <location>Colombia</location> 's peso closed lower at 1,044 after coming under pressure from dollar-buying by importers seeking to meet their commitments abroad , interbank dealers said . </response>


<response> It was the second consecutive session that saw the peso , which ended at 1,041 Friday , close lower . </response>


<response> " The ( dollar 's ) rise was due to demand from importers who have a lot of wire transfers accumulated , " one dealer said . </response>


<response> Contributing to the peso 's weakness , another dealer said banks who might have sold greenbacks in Monday 's trading appeared to shy away from the market . </response>


This , according to the trader , was typical of month-end position-squaring -- and the fact that a stronger U.S. currency helps limit some foreign exchange losses .

<response> This , according to the trader , was typical of month-end position-squaring -- and the fact that a stronger <location>U.S.</location> currency helps limit some foreign exchange losses . </response>


<response> Dealers reported 355 trades for a total of $ 142 million and said the peso hit an intra-day high of 1,037 before heading lower into the close . </response>


-- Juan Guillermo Londono , Bogota newsroom , 571 610 7944

<response> -- <person>Juan Guillermo Londono</person> , <location>Bogota</location> newsroom , 571 610 7944 </response>


Japan 's Hashimoto leaves Brazil for Peru .

<response> <location>Japan</location> 's <person>Hashimoto</person> leaves <location>Brazil</location> for <location>Peru</location> . </response>


BRASILIA 1996-08-26

<response> <location>BRASILIA</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto left Brasilia on Monday for Lima , the penultimate stop on a 10-day Latin American tour , a Brazilian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said .

<response> <misc>Japanese</misc> Prime Minister <person>Ryutaro Hashimoto</person> left <location>Brasilia</location> on Monday for <location>Lima</location> , the penultimate stop on a 10-day <misc>Latin American</misc> tour , a <misc>Brazilian</misc> <organization>Foreign Ministry</organization> spokeswoman said . </response>


Hashimoto , who has already visited Mexico and Chile , spent three days in Brazil .

<response> <person>Hashimoto</person> , who has already visited <location>Mexico</location> and <location>Chile</location> , spent three days in <location>Brazil</location> . </response>


After Peru , he was due to go to Costa Rica .

<response> After <location>Peru</location> , he was due to go to <location>Costa Rica</location> . </response>


Nicaraguan president has operation in U.S .

<response> <misc>Nicaraguan</misc> president has operation in <location>U.S</location> . </response>


MANAGUA , Nicaragua 1996-08-26

<response> <location>MANAGUA</location> , <location>Nicaragua</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


Nicaraguan President Violeta Chamorro underwent successful surgery in the United States on Monday to correct a compression in her lower spinal column , the government said .

<response> <misc>Nicaraguan</misc> President <person>Violeta Chamorro</person> underwent successful surgery in the <location>United States</location> on Monday to correct a compression in her lower spinal column , the government said . </response>


Doctors at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore found an inflamation in her spinal column that , once treated , will free her of chronic pain in her back and one leg that has limited her movement , a government statement said .

<response> Doctors at <location>Johns Hopkins Hospital</location> in <location>Baltimore</location> found an inflamation in her spinal column that , once treated , will free her of chronic pain in her back and one leg that has limited her movement , a government statement said . </response>


" ( Chamorro ) is in good health and , according to her doctors , will be able to return to Nicaragua next week , " it said .

<response> " ( <person>Chamorro</person> ) is in good health and , according to her doctors , will be able to return to <location>Nicaragua</location> next week , " it said . </response>


Chamorro , 66 , had complained of lower back pain since a trip to Taiwan in May , when pain forced her to go to Taipei University Hospital for an examination .

<response> <person>Chamorro</person> , 66 , had complained of lower back pain since a trip to <location>Taiwan</location> in May , when pain forced her to go to <location>Taipei University Hospital</location> for an examination . </response>


She suffers from osteoporosis , a disease that weakens the bones , and has repeatedly flown to Washington for treatment .

<response> She suffers from osteoporosis , a disease that weakens the bones , and has repeatedly flown to <location>Washington</location> for treatment . </response>


<response> She is scheduled to step down in January after a term of nearly seven years . </response>


Eight drown in Venezuelan boating accident .

<response> Eight drown in <misc>Venezuelan</misc> boating accident . </response>


MARACAIBO , Venezuela 1996-08-26

<response> <location>MARACAIBO</location> , <location>Venezuela</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


Eight members of a family , five of them children aged between two and seven , drowned when their small boat sank on Lake Maracaibo in western Venezuela early on Monday , authorities said .

<response> Eight members of a family , five of them children aged between two and seven , drowned when their small boat sank on <location>Lake Maracaibo</location> in western <location>Venezuela</location> early on Monday , authorities said . </response>


The accident happened when the Sanchez Zarraga family took their boat out for a nighttime spin , Civil Defence and Coast Guard officials said .

<response> The accident happened when the <person>Sanchez Zarraga</person> family took their boat out for a nighttime spin , <organization>Civil Defence and Coast Guard</organization> officials said . </response>


<response> The cause of the sinking was not known but officials said the boat had a hole in the stern and no lifejackets . </response>


<response> Three members of the party were rescued unhurt . </response>


Banco de Mexico to inject 3.412 bln pesos .

<response> <organization>Banco de Mexico</organization> to inject 3.412 bln pesos . </response>


MEXICO CITY 1996-08-26

<response> <location>MEXICO CITY</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


Banco de Mexico sought to inject 3.412 billion pesos in the secondary market on Monday through three credit auctions , dealers said .

<response> <organization>Banco de Mexico</organization> sought to inject 3.412 billion pesos in the secondary market on Monday through three credit auctions , dealers said . </response>


The auctions were offered as follows :

<response> The auctions were offered as follows : </response>


AMOUNT TERM


1.206 bln 9 days


1.206 bln 3 days


1.000 bln 1 day


- Mexico City newsroom 525 728-9559

<response> - <location>Mexico City</location> newsroom 525 728-9559 </response>


Dutch couple kidnapped in Costa Rica .

<response> <misc>Dutch</misc> couple kidnapped in <location>Costa Rica</location> . </response>


SAN JOSE , Costa Rica 1996-08-26

<response> <location>SAN JOSE</location> , <location>Costa Rica</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


A Dutch couple who manage a farm in northern Costa Rica have been kidnapped by an unidentified group demanding $ 1.5 million in ransom , authorities said on Monday .

<response> A <misc>Dutch</misc> couple who manage a farm in northern <location>Costa Rica</location> have been kidnapped by an unidentified group demanding $ 1.5 million in ransom , authorities said on Monday . </response>


Officials said Humberto Hueite Zyrecha and his wife Jetty Kors , both 50 , were kidnapped late Saturday or early Sunday .

<response> Officials said <person>Humberto Hueite Zyrecha</person> and his wife <person>Jetty Kors</person> , both 50 , were kidnapped late Saturday or early Sunday . </response>


Col .

<response> <location>Col</location> . </response>


Misael Valerio , head of border police at the Security Ministry , told reporters that surveillance of the country 's northern border with Nicaragua has been stepped up to stop the kidnappers from fleeing Costa Rica .

<response> <person>Misael Valerio</person> , head of border police at the <organization>Security Ministry</organization> , told reporters that surveillance of the country 's northern border with <location>Nicaragua</location> has been stepped up to stop the kidnappers from fleeing <location>Costa Rica</location> . </response>


<response> No other details were immediately available . </response>


RTRS - Melbourne train collides with truck , 15 injured .

<response> <organization>RTRS</organization> - <location>Melbourne</location> train collides with truck , 15 injured . </response>


MELBOURNE 1996-08-26

<response> <location>MELBOURNE</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


Fifteen people were injured when a suburban passenger train and a truck collided at a street-level rail crossing in the Australian city of Melbourne on Monday , said rail and ambulance officials .

<response> Fifteen people were injured when a suburban passenger train and a truck collided at a street-level rail crossing in the <misc>Australian</misc> city of <location>Melbourne</location> on Monday , said rail and ambulance officials . </response>


The injured , which included a pregnant woman , were taken to hospital , but were not in a serious condition , an ambulance spokesman told Reuters .

<response> The injured , which included a pregnant woman , were taken to hospital , but were not in a serious condition , an ambulance spokesman told <organization>Reuters</organization> . </response>


A Public Transport Corporation spokesman said the train , collided with the truck loaded with concrete pylons in the north Melbourne suburb of Preston just before 8.30 a.m ..

<response> A <organization>Public Transport Corporation</organization> spokesman said the train , collided with the truck loaded with concrete pylons in the north <location>Melbourne</location> suburb of <location>Preston</location> just before 8.30 a.m .. </response>


<response> The train was derailed when a corner of the driver 's compartment caught the rear of the truck , the spokesman said . </response>


The truck was overturned , spilling its load onto the crossing , and careered into the nearby Bell St Station .

<response> The truck was overturned , spilling its load onto the crossing , and careered into the nearby <location>Bell St Station</location> . </response>


<response> " Remarkably both the train driver and the truck driver were not injured , " the rail spokesman said . </response>


<response> " It had the potential to be quite a nasty accident . " </response>


-- Sydney Newsroom 61-2 373-1800

<response> -- <organization>Sydney Newsroom</organization> 61-2 373-1800 </response>


Police capture Auckland gunman .

<response> Police capture <location>Auckland</location> gunman . </response>


AUCKLAND 1996-08-27

<response> <location>AUCKLAND</location> 1996-08-27 </response>


A gunman being hunted on Auckland 's North Shore was captured by police just after 9 a.m. on Tuesday , New Zealand Press Association reported .

<response> A gunman being hunted on <location>Auckland</location> 's <location>North Shore</location> was captured by police just after 9 a.m. on Tuesday , <organization>New Zealand Press Association</organization> reported . </response>


Senior Sergeant Dave Pearson of Auckland police said John Grant Fagan was in police custody , but further details of his capture would not be released until a press conference later in the day .

<response> Senior Sergeant <person>Dave Pearson</person> of <location>Auckland</location> police said <person>John Grant Fagan</person> was in police custody , but further details of his capture would not be released until a press conference later in the day . </response>


Fagan had earlier telephoned an Auckland radio station in a distraught state , saying he feared for his life .

<response> <person>Fagan</person> had earlier telephoned an <location>Auckland</location> radio station in a distraught state , saying he feared for his life . </response>


<response> Police said he did not have a weapon when taken into custody and was now cooperating with them . </response>


Radio New Zealand reported earlier that an armed man on Monday entered the Northcote College swimming pool changing sheds and confronted a 16-year-old schoolgirl .

<response> <organization>Radio New Zealand</organization> reported earlier that an armed man on Monday entered the <organization>Northcote College</organization> swimming pool changing sheds and confronted a 16-year-old schoolgirl . </response>


<response> A shot was fired , but onlookers managed to disarm the man . </response>


-- Wellington newsroom 64 4 473-4746

<response> -- <location>Wellington</location> newsroom 64 4 473-4746 </response>


Police seek fugitive after Auckland gun incident .

<response> Police seek fugitive after <location>Auckland</location> gun incident . </response>


WELLINGTON 1996-08-27

<response> <location>WELLINGTON</location> 1996-08-27 </response>


Auckland police were seeking an escaped gunman on Tuesday after an incident in which he fired at a 16-year-old schoolgirl , Radio New Zealand said .

<response> <location>Auckland</location> police were seeking an escaped gunman on Tuesday after an incident in which he fired at a 16-year-old schoolgirl , <organization>Radio New Zealand</organization> said . </response>


The man entered the Northcote College swimming pool changing sheds on Monday and told the girl and a friend : " You 're for it now . "

<response> The man entered the <organization>Northcote College</organization> swimming pool changing sheds on Monday and told the girl and a friend : " You 're for it now . " </response>


<response> A shot was fired , but onlookers managed to seize the gun , the radio said . </response>


<response> Police , who were unsuccessful in finding the man overnight , described him as disturbed and dangerous . </response>


-- Wellington newsroom 64 4 473-4746


SIMEX Brent closed on Monday owing to IPE holiday .

<response> <organization>SIMEX Brent</organization> closed on Monday owing to <organization>IPE</organization> holiday . </response>


SINGAPORE 1996-08-26

<response> <location>SINGAPORE</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


The Brent crude futures market on the Singapore International Monetary Exchange ( SIMEX ) was closed on Monday in respect for a U.K. national holiday .

<response> The <organization>Brent</organization> crude futures market on the <organization>Singapore International Monetary Exchange</organization> ( <organization>SIMEX</organization> ) was closed on Monday in respect for a <location>U.K.</location> national holiday . </response>


THE SIMEX Brent market keeps to the trading schedule of the International Petroleum Exchange ( IPE ) in London , which is closed for a British bank holiday .

<response> THE <organization>SIMEX Brent</organization> market keeps to the trading schedule of the <organization>International Petroleum Exchange</organization> ( <organization>IPE</organization> ) in <location>London</location> , which is closed for a <misc>British</misc> bank holiday . </response>


Contracts traded in Singapore are mutually offset against contracts traded in London .

<response> Contracts traded in <location>Singapore</location> are mutually offset against contracts traded in <location>London</location> . </response>


-- Singapore Newsroom ( +65 870 3081 )

<response> -- <organization>Singapore Newsroom</organization> ( +65 870 3081 ) </response>


Metro slides 3.3 pct after market opens .

<response> <organization>Metro</organization> slides 3.3 pct after market opens . </response>


SINGAPORE 1996-08-26


Shares in retailer Metro Holdings dropped 3.31 percent , or Singapore $ 0.20 , to S$ 5.85 minutes after the market opened on Monday .

<response> Shares in retailer <organization>Metro Holdings</organization> dropped 3.31 percent , or <location>Singapore</location> $ 0.20 , to <misc>S$</misc> 5.85 minutes after the market opened on Monday . </response>


By 0120 GMT , 357,000 Metro shares had been traded .

<response> By 0120 <misc>GMT</misc> , 357,000 <organization>Metro</organization> shares had been traded . </response>


On Friday , Metro Holdings topped gainers , soaring by S$ 1.55 to close at S$ 6.05 on market rumours of a takeover bid by First Capital Corp .

<response> On Friday , <organization>Metro Holdings</organization> topped gainers , soaring by <misc>S$</misc> 1.55 to close at <misc>S$</misc> 6.05 on market rumours of a takeover bid by <organization>First Capital Corp</organization> . </response>


<response> The company said it was not aware of any reason for the surge . </response>


-- Singapore newsroom ( 65 8703080 )

<response> -- <location>Singapore</location> newsroom ( 65 8703080 ) </response>


Indonesian rupiah stable in quiet late trading .

<response> <misc>Indonesian</misc> rupiah stable in quiet late trading . </response>


JAKARTA 1996-08-26

<response> <location>JAKARTA</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


The Indonesian rupiah was stable against the dollar in quiet trading on Monday , dealers said .

<response> The <misc>Indonesian</misc> rupiah was stable against the dollar in quiet trading on Monday , dealers said . </response>


They said volume was thin following a public holiday in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom .

<response> They said volume was thin following a public holiday in <location>Hong Kong</location> and the <location>United Kingdom</location> . </response>


" We did n't see anything from Singapore operators either .

<response> " We did n't see anything from <location>Singapore</location> operators either . </response>


<response> It 's a pretty quiet day , " one foreign bank dealer said . </response>


Spot rupiah was quoted at 2,342.0 / 42.5 at 0915 GMT , unchanged from the opening level .

<response> Spot rupiah was quoted at 2,342.0 / 42.5 at 0915 <misc>GMT</misc> , unchanged from the opening level . </response>


<response> It was softer in the morning due to relatively ample rupiah liquidity but recovered later . </response>


<response> Tomorrow and today rupiah closed at 2,342.00 / 42.45 and 2,341.5 / 42.0 , respectively . </response>


<response> Another dealer said operators were reluctant to unload rupiah despite ample conditions due to the month-end factor . </response>


<response> " There are two factors which determine the market at present . </response>


<response> The liquidity at month-end and the next court hearing scheduled for Thursday , " the dealer said . </response>


Megawati Sukarnoputri , deposed leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party ( PDI ) has sued the government for ousting her as PDI leader .

<response> <person>Megawati Sukarnoputri</person> , deposed leader of the <organization>Indonesian Democratic Party</organization> ( <organization>PDI</organization> ) has sued the government for ousting her as <organization>PDI</organization> leader . </response>


The central Jakarta court adjourned the case last Thursday for possible out-of-court settlement .

<response> The central <location>Jakarta</location> court adjourned the case last Thursday for possible out-of-court settlement . </response>


<response> The hearing is due to resume on Thursday . </response>


Megawati 's lawyers said they were still discussing a possible out of court settlement but they was not optimistic an agreement could be reached .

<response> <person>Megawati</person> 's lawyers said they were still discussing a possible out of court settlement but they was not optimistic an agreement could be reached . </response>


<response> The dealer said this issue remained a factor but its importance to the market seemed to diminish . </response>


<response> He said liquidity would be the main concern for the next few days . </response>


<response> Overnight swap was at 0.45 / 0.48 and tom / next at 0.50 / 0.55 . </response>


<response> One-month swap was at 18.0 / 18.5 , two at 34.0 / 35.0 , three at 52.75 / 53.50 and six at 106.5 / 107.0 points . </response>


<response> The central bank kept its intervention rate at 2,337 / 2,455 and the conversion rate at 2,337 / 2,383 on Monday . </response>


Senate intelligence chairman in Saudi bomb probe .

<response> <organization>Senate</organization> intelligence chairman in <misc>Saudi</misc> bomb probe . </response>


DUBAI 1996-08-26

<response> <location>DUBAI</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee chairman Arlen Specter , who has questioned whether Defence Secretary William Perry should resign over the latest bombing in Saudi Arabia , met Saudi officials on Monday during a brief visit to the kingdom .

<response> <organization>U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee</organization> chairman <person>Arlen Specter</person> , who has questioned whether <organization>Defence</organization> Secretary <person>William Perry</person> should resign over the latest bombing in <location>Saudi Arabia</location> , met <misc>Saudi</misc> officials on Monday during a brief visit to the kingdom . </response>


A U.S. embassy spokesman in Riyadh said Specter , who arrived from neighbouring Oman on Sunday and left on Monday , had talks with Saudi and American officials in Dhahran , where 19 U.S. airmen were killed by a fuel truck bomb on June 25 , and Riyadh .

<response> A <location>U.S.</location> embassy spokesman in <location>Riyadh</location> said <person>Specter</person> , who arrived from neighbouring <location>Oman</location> on Sunday and left on Monday , had talks with <misc>Saudi</misc> and <misc>American</misc> officials in <location>Dhahran</location> , where 19 <location>U.S.</location> airmen were killed by a fuel truck bomb on June 25 , and <location>Riyadh</location> . </response>


Specter met Crown Prince Abdullah and Minister of Defence and Aviation Prince Sultan in Jeddah , Saudi state television and the official Saudi Press Agency reported .

<response> <person>Specter</person> met Crown <person>Prince Abdullah</person> and Minister of <organization>Defence and Aviation</organization> Prince <person>Sultan</person> in <location>Jeddah</location> , <misc>Saudi</misc> state television and the official <organization>Saudi Press Agency</organization> reported . </response>


He had earlier visited Japan , South Korea and China .

<response> He had earlier visited <location>Japan</location> , <location>South Korea</location> and <location>China</location> . </response>


Specter said after the bombing there should be a shake-up at the Pentagon and questioned whether Perry should resign .

<response> <person>Specter</person> said after the bombing there should be a shake-up at the <organization>Pentagon</organization> and questioned whether <person>Perry</person> should resign . </response>


He said he was not satisfied with some of Perry 's answers to the committee 's questions in closed testimony last month .

<response> He said he was not satisfied with some of <person>Perry</person> 's answers to the committee 's questions in closed testimony last month . </response>


The question of whether Perry should resign remained open , the Pennsylvania Republican said .

<response> The question of whether <person>Perry</person> should resign remained open , the <location>Pennsylvania</location> <misc>Republican</misc> said . </response>


FBI Director Louis Freeh , who has twice visited Saudi Arabia to seek improved cooperation with Saudi investigators , told the committee he was not entirely satisfied with Saudi cooperation on the Dhahran bomb and a previous bomb attack in Riyadh .

<response> <organization>FBI</organization> Director <person>Louis Freeh</person> , who has twice visited <location>Saudi Arabia</location> to seek improved cooperation with <misc>Saudi</misc> investigators , told the committee he was not entirely satisfied with <misc>Saudi</misc> cooperation on the <location>Dhahran</location> bomb and a previous bomb attack in <location>Riyadh</location> . </response>


" If we 're to stay in Saudi Arabia , we need to have total cooperation , " Specter said .

<response> " If we 're to stay in <location>Saudi Arabia</location> , we need to have total cooperation , " <person>Specter</person> said . </response>


The United States has 5,000 U.S. air force and other military personnel in Saudi Arabia .

<response> The <location>United States</location> has 5,000 <location>U.S.</location> air force and other military personnel in <location>Saudi Arabia</location> . </response>


Hijacked Sudanese plane leaves Cyprus for Britain .

<response> Hijacked <misc>Sudanese</misc> plane leaves <location>Cyprus</location> for <location>Britain</location> . </response>


LARNACA , Cyprus 1996-08-27

<response> <location>LARNACA</location> , <location>Cyprus</location> 1996-08-27 </response>


A Sudan Airways plane with 199 passengers and crew which was hijacked to Cyprus took off from Larnaca airport after refuelling and headed to Britain early on Tuesday , witnesses said .

<response> A <organization>Sudan Airways</organization> plane with 199 passengers and crew which was hijacked to <location>Cyprus</location> took off from <location>Larnaca</location> airport after refuelling and headed to <location>Britain</location> early on Tuesday , witnesses said . </response>


Police said an unknown number of hijackers were on board the Airbus 310 which was hijacked on its way from Khartoum to Amman in Jordan .

<response> Police said an unknown number of hijackers were on board the <misc>Airbus 310</misc> which was hijacked on its way from <location>Khartoum</location> to <location>Amman</location> in <location>Jordan</location> . </response>


One had threatened to blow it up unless it was refuelled and they were taken to London where they intended to surrender and seek political asylum .

<response> One had threatened to blow it up unless it was refuelled and they were taken to <location>London</location> where they intended to surrender and seek political asylum . </response>


Kurds clash again in Iraq , dozens reported dead .

<response> <misc>Kurds</misc> clash again in <location>Iraq</location> , dozens reported dead . </response>


ANKARA 1996-08-26

<response> <location>ANKARA</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


Heavy fighting broke out between two rival Kurdish factions in northern Iraq at midnight Sunday and at least 29 people were killed , one of the groups said on Monday .

<response> Heavy fighting broke out between two rival <misc>Kurdish</misc> factions in northern <location>Iraq</location> at midnight Sunday and at least 29 people were killed , one of the groups said on Monday . </response>


The Kurdistan Democratic Party ( KDP ) said the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan ( PUK ) had broken the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreed between the two parties last week .

<response> The <organization>Kurdistan Democratic Party</organization> ( <organization>KDP</organization> ) said the <organization>Patriotic Union of Kurdistan</organization> ( <organization>PUK</organization> ) had broken the <misc>U.S.-brokered</misc> ceasefire agreed between the two parties last week . </response>


<response> The factions reached a ceasefire on Friday after a week of fierce fighting which had put an end to a truce agreed a year earlier . </response>


" The PUK leadership who pledged to end fighting and cooperate with the latest U.S. initiative started a major military offensive against KDP positions , " the KDP said in a statement .

<response> " The <organization>PUK</organization> leadership who pledged to end fighting and cooperate with the latest <location>U.S.</location> initiative started a major military offensive against <organization>KDP</organization> positions , " the <organization>KDP</organization> said in a statement . </response>


It said heavy fighting started at midnight in the region dividing the two warring factions , with the PUK aiming to break through to KDP 's headquarters in Salahuddin .

<response> It said heavy fighting started at midnight in the region dividing the two warring factions , with the <organization>PUK</organization> aiming to break through to <organization>KDP</organization> 's headquarters in <location>Salahuddin</location> . </response>


The KDP said 29 PUK fighters were killed in the attack .

<response> The <organization>KDP</organization> said 29 <organization>PUK</organization> fighters were killed in the attack . </response>


It did not provide details of KDP casualties and a PUK spokesman was not immediately available for comment .

<response> It did not provide details of <organization>KDP</organization> casualties and a <organization>PUK</organization> spokesman was not immediately available for comment . </response>


The statement said the PUK resumed its attack on Monday morning on KDP positions near Rawandouz and indiscriminately shelled the town of Dayana , killing a priest and injuring some civilians .

<response> The statement said the <organization>PUK</organization> resumed its attack on Monday morning on <organization>KDP</organization> positions near <location>Rawandouz</location> and indiscriminately shelled the town of <location>Dayana</location> , killing a priest and injuring some civilians . </response>


The fighting has threatened a U.S.-led peace plan to unite the mountainous Kurdish region in northern Iraq against President Saddam Hussein .

<response> The fighting has threatened a <misc>U.S.-led</misc> peace plan to unite the mountainous <misc>Kurdish</misc> region in northern <location>Iraq</location> against President <person>Saddam Hussein</person> . </response>


A U.S.-led air force has protected Iraqi Kurds against attack from Baghdad since shortly after the Gulf War in 1991 .

<response> A <misc>U.S.-led</misc> air force has protected <misc>Iraqi Kurds</misc> against attack from <location>Baghdad</location> since shortly after the <misc>Gulf War</misc> in 1991 . </response>


Egypt to press Britain over Islamist conference .

<response> <location>Egypt</location> to press <location>Britain</location> over <misc>Islamist</misc> conference . </response>


CAIRO 1996-08-26

<response> <location>CAIRO</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


Egypt will tell Britain it is concerned about a meeting of Islamists to be held in London soon , Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said on Monday .

<response> <location>Egypt</location> will tell <location>Britain</location> it is concerned about a meeting of <misc>Islamists</misc> to be held in <location>London</location> soon , Foreign Minister <person>Amr Moussa</person> said on Monday . </response>


<response> " There is a question mark over this issue . </response>


We , and many other countries , do n't understand this ( Britain 's ) position , " Moussa told reporters .

<response> We , and many other countries , do n't understand this ( <location>Britain</location> 's ) position , " <person>Moussa</person> told reporters . </response>


" Egypt will contact the British government to find out the truth of the matter and to discuss the possible consequences of such an unfortunate step , " he added .

<response> " <location>Egypt</location> will contact the <misc>British</misc> government to find out the truth of the matter and to discuss the possible consequences of such an unfortunate step , " he added . </response>


Egyptian government newspapers have criticised Britain for allowing Islamists , whom they brand as " terrorists " , to hold their conference , saying the meeting will be a chance for dangerous Moslem militants to plot against their countries of origin .

<response> <misc>Egyptian</misc> government newspapers have criticised <location>Britain</location> for allowing <misc>Islamists</misc> , whom they brand as " terrorists " , to hold their conference , saying the meeting will be a chance for dangerous <misc>Moslem</misc> militants to plot against their countries of origin . </response>


<response> It is not clear when the conference will be held . </response>


About 1,000 people have been killed in Egypt since Islamic militants took up arms in 1992 in an attempt to overthrow the government and set up a strict Islamic state .

<response> About 1,000 people have been killed in <location>Egypt</location> since <misc>Islamic</misc> militants took up arms in 1992 in an attempt to overthrow the government and set up a strict <misc>Islamic</misc> state . </response>


Cairo says several Egyptian militants on the run from death sentences or convictions for violent attacks at home have taken shelter in Britain .

<response> <location>Cairo</location> says several <misc>Egyptian</misc> militants on the run from death sentences or convictions for violent attacks at home have taken shelter in <location>Britain</location> . </response>


Israeli army ransacks Bedouin Palestinian camp .

<response> <misc>Israeli</misc> army ransacks <misc>Bedouin Palestinian</misc> camp . </response>


AL-MUNTAR , West Bank 1996-08-26

<response> <location>AL-MUNTAR</location> , <location>West Bank</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


Israeli security forces ransacked a Bedouin encampment in the West Bank on Monday to expel them from an area which Palestinians say had been earmarked for Jewish settlement expansion , residents said .

<response> <misc>Israeli</misc> security forces ransacked a <misc>Bedouin</misc> encampment in the <location>West Bank</location> on Monday to expel them from an area which <misc>Palestinians</misc> say had been earmarked for <misc>Jewish</misc> settlement expansion , residents said . </response>


They said soldiers stole a gold necklace and about $ 2,000 in Israeli currency from an elderly woman and her daughter-in-law while rummaging through their luggage before destroying family shacks and animal barns .

<response> They said soldiers stole a gold necklace and about $ 2,000 in <misc>Israeli</misc> currency from an elderly woman and her daughter-in-law while rummaging through their luggage before destroying family shacks and animal barns . </response>


" They rammed our shacks with jeeps and destroyed the shack over my baby , " said 25-year-old Amina Muhammad . "

<response> " They rammed our shacks with jeeps and destroyed the shack over my baby , " said 25-year-old <person>Amina Muhammad</person> . " </response>


He was saved only by a miracle . "

<response> He was saved only by a miracle . " </response>


A spokesman for Israel 's civil administration in the West Bank said the Bedouins were moved because they were encamped on an Israeli army firing zone .

<response> A spokesman for <location>Israel</location> 's civil administration in the <location>West Bank</location> said the <misc>Bedouins</misc> were moved because they were encamped on an <misc>Israeli</misc> army firing zone . </response>


The spokesman Peter Lerner said he knew nothing about soldiers having stolen anything from the Palestinians .

<response> The spokesman <person>Peter Lerner</person> said he knew nothing about soldiers having stolen anything from the <misc>Palestinians</misc> . </response>


Israeli security forces have been pursuing Bedouin Palestinians living in the desolate wilderness between East Jerusalem and the Dead Sea , where several Jewish settlements have been established .

<response> <misc>Israeli</misc> security forces have been pursuing <misc>Bedouin Palestinians</misc> living in the desolate wilderness between <location>East Jerusalem</location> and the <location>Dead Sea</location> , where several <misc>Jewish</misc> settlements have been established . </response>


The Israeli army also uses the area for military training .

<response> The <misc>Israeli</misc> army also uses the area for military training . </response>


U.S. base metals and scrap prices - August 26 .

<response> <location>U.S.</location> base metals and scrap prices - August 26 . </response>


U.S. premiums added to LME official cash settlement price , except for copper , which is added to the COMEX spot month .

<response> <location>U.S.</location> premiums added to <organization>LME</organization> official cash settlement price , except for copper , which is added to the <misc>COMEX</misc> spot month . </response>


<response> Premium includes price for delivery to consumer 's works . </response>


Aluminum : Western grade 3.25-3.75 cents / pound

<response> Aluminum : <misc>Western</misc> grade 3.25-3.75 cents / pound </response>


Russian grade A7E 3.25-3.75 cents / pound

<response> <misc>Russian</misc> grade A7E 3.25-3.75 cents / pound </response>


Russian grade A0 nominal 2.00-2.25 cents / pound

<response> <misc>Russian</misc> grade A0 nominal 2.00-2.25 cents / pound </response>


<response> Zinc : Special high grade SHG 5.50-6.00 cents / pound </response>


Lead 3.50-4.00 cents / pound

<response> Lead 3.50-4.00 cents / pound </response>


Tin ( Grade A ) 6.5-8.5 cents / pound

<response> Tin ( Grade A ) 6.5-8.5 cents / pound </response>


<response> ( low lead , 50 ppm ) 9.0-10.5 cents / pound </response>


<response> Nickel ( melting grade ) 9.0-12.0 cents / pound </response>


<response> Copper ( high grade cathode ) 2.50-3.0 cents / pound </response>


Aluminum alloy ( A380 grade ) , Midwest

<response> Aluminum alloy ( A380 grade ) , <location>Midwest</location> </response>


and East coast , delivered to consumer 65-66 cents / pound

<response> and <location>East coast</location> , delivered to consumer 65-66 cents / pound </response>


Aluminum scrap , Midwest and East coast average price ,

<response> Aluminum scrap , <location>Midwest</location> and <location>East coast</location> average price , </response>


delivered to consumer

<response> delivered to consumer </response>


<response> Old Sheet and Cast metal 42 to 44 cents / pound </response>


<response> Turnings , clean and dry 43 to 44 cents / pound </response>


<response> Mixed low-copper clips 48 to 49 cents / pound </response>


Copper scrap , Midwest and East coast average price ,

<response> Copper scrap , <location>Midwest</location> and <location>East coast</location> average price , </response>


delivered to consumer


No2 Refined 75 to 77 cents / pound

<response> No2 Refined 75 to 77 cents / pound </response>


No1 Bare Bright 91 to 92 cents / pound

<response> No1 Bare Bright 91 to 92 cents / pound </response>


No1 Burnt 87 to 90 cents / pound

<response> No1 Burnt 87 to 90 cents / pound </response>


<response> Lead batteries , delivered consumer 4.5 to 6.0 cents / pound </response>


U.S. Producer list / transaction prices

<response> <location>U.S.</location> Producer list / transaction prices </response>


Alcan aluminum , U.S. Midwest ( effective date : August 1 , 1996 )

<response> <organization>Alcan</organization> aluminum , <location>U.S. Midwest</location> ( effective date : August 1 , 1996 ) </response>


P1020 ingot 75 cents / pound

<response> P1020 ingot 75 cents / pound </response>


extrusion billet 85 cents / pound

<response> extrusion billet 85 cents / pound </response>


Noranda aluminum , U.S. Midwest ( effective date:August 1 , 1996 )

<response> <organization>Noranda</organization> aluminum , <location>U.S. Midwest</location> ( effective date:August 1 , 1996 ) </response>


ingot 75 cents / pound

<response> ingot 75 cents / pound </response>


extrusion billet 85 cents / pound


RSR pure lead price ( effective date : March 20 , 1996 )

<response> <organization>RSR</organization> pure lead price ( effective date : March 20 , 1996 ) </response>


52 cents / pound


Doe Run pure lead price ( effective date : August 14 , 1996 )

<response> <organization>Doe Run</organization> pure lead price ( effective date : August 14 , 1996 ) </response>


50 cents / pound


ASARCO pure lead ( effective date : August 1 , 1996 )

<response> <organization>ASARCO</organization> pure lead ( effective date : August 1 , 1996 ) </response>


premium over LME cash 7.5 cents / pound

<response> premium over <organization>LME</organization> cash 7.5 cents / pound </response>


-- ( New York commodities desk 212 859 1646 )

<response> -- ( <location>New York</location> commodities desk 212 859 1646 ) </response>


Florida boy kills himself before starting new school .

<response> <location>Florida</location> boy kills himself before starting new school . </response>


FORT LAUDERDALE , Fla. 1996-08-26

<response> <location>FORT LAUDERDALE</location> , <location>Fla.</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


A 12-year-old Florida boy hanged himself in his backyard just hours before he was due to start at a new school on Monday , police said .

<response> A 12-year-old <location>Florida</location> boy hanged himself in his backyard just hours before he was due to start at a new school on Monday , police said . </response>


Samuel Graham , who told his family earlier that he was nervous about starting at a new school because he feared teasing about his weight problem , had been due to spend his first day at Parkway Middle School Monday , police said .

<response> <person>Samuel Graham</person> , who told his family earlier that he was nervous about starting at a new school because he feared teasing about his weight problem , had been due to spend his first day at <organization>Parkway Middle School</organization> Monday , police said . </response>


<response> The boy was last seen alive Sunday night when he joined his two younger brothers and father in a bedtime prayer . </response>


<response> Two younger brothers found him hanging from a tree early Monday morning . </response>


<response> His father cut him down and tried to revive him but paramedics pronounced him dead when they arrived . </response>


The Broward County Sheriff 's Office found a step stool and a flashlight under the tree where the boy was hanged .

<response> The <organization>Broward County Sheriff 's Office</organization> found a step stool and a flashlight under the tree where the boy was hanged . </response>


<response> They said there was no sign of foul play and that investigators believed the death was a suicide . </response>


<response> CBOT rice closes higher on technical bounce . </response>


CHICAGO 1996-08-26

<response> <location>CHICAGO</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


<response> CBOT rice futures closed higher on a technical bounce tied to signs the market was oversold , traders said . </response>


<response> " It rallied on ideas the market was oversold , " a trader said . </response>


Traders said the U.S. cash market remains well above the benchmark Thai price which limited gains .

<response> Traders said the <location>U.S.</location> cash market remains well above the benchmark <misc>Thai</misc> price which limited gains . </response>


<response> Rice futures volume was estimated at 450 contracts , up from 202 Friday . </response>


<response> Rice options volume was estimated at 50 contracts , down from 56 Friday . </response>


<response> Rice futures closed 13 to 16 cents per cwt higher , with September up 16 at $ 10.28 a cwt . </response>


Sam Nelson 312-408-8721

<response> <person>Sam Nelson</person> 312-408-8721 </response>


Talbott to meet Russian , Canadian counterparts .

<response> <person>Talbott</person> to meet <misc>Russian</misc> , <misc>Canadian</misc> counterparts . </response>


WASHINGTON 1996-08-26

<response> <location>WASHINGTON</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott flew to Ottawa on Monday to meet his Russian counterpart and discuss a range of bilateral and European security issues , the State Department said .

<response> Deputy Secretary of State <person>Strobe Talbott</person> flew to <location>Ottawa</location> on Monday to meet his <misc>Russian</misc> counterpart and discuss a range of bilateral and <misc>European</misc> security issues , the <organization>State Department</organization> said . </response>


Talbott , the second-ranking State Department official , was to meet Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Mamedov as part of a regular pattern of consultations , the department said .

<response> <person>Talbott</person> , the second-ranking <organization>State Department</organization> official , was to meet <misc>Russian</misc> Deputy Foreign Minister <person>Georgy Mamedov</person> as part of a regular pattern of consultations , the department said . </response>


" There is much to discuss on the fall calendar , " acting chief spokesman Glyn Davies said . "

<response> " There is much to discuss on the fall calendar , " acting chief spokesman <person>Glyn Davies</person> said . " </response>


<response> There 's a fairly intensive diplomatic calendar coming up in the fall . " </response>


He said Talbott , who was scheduled to return on Tuesday , would also to meet his Canadian counterpart , Gordon Smith , in Ottawa for talks that would include the situation in Haiti .

<response> He said <person>Talbott</person> , who was scheduled to return on Tuesday , would also to meet his <misc>Canadian</misc> counterpart , <person>Gordon Smith</person> , in <location>Ottawa</location> for talks that would include the situation in <location>Haiti</location> . </response>


U.S. Midwest hog market seen steady Tuesday - trade .

<response> <location>U.S. Midwest</location> hog market seen steady Tuesday - trade . </response>


CHICAGO 1996-08-26


Midwest direct cash hog prices Tuesday were seen steady following strong demand Monday that lifted prices as much as $ 1.50 per cwt in some areas , livestock dealers said .

<response> <location>Midwest</location> direct cash hog prices Tuesday were seen steady following strong demand Monday that lifted prices as much as $ 1.50 per cwt in some areas , livestock dealers said . </response>


<response> The demand was sparked by Saturday 's active slaughter , which left some packers short on supplies to get Monday operations started , they said . </response>


Top prices in Iowa / southern Minnesota Tuesday were expected to range from mostly $ 59.50 to $ 60.00 , steady following a $ 0.50 - $ 1.50 jump Monday .

<response> Top prices in <location>Iowa</location> / southern <location>Minnesota</location> Tuesday were expected to range from mostly $ 59.50 to $ 60.00 , steady following a $ 0.50 - $ 1.50 jump Monday . </response>


Illinois tops were seen matching Monday 's at $ 59.00 with tops in Indiana at $ 57.50 .

<response> <location>Illinois</location> tops were seen matching Monday 's at $ 59.00 with tops in <location>Indiana</location> at $ 57.50 . </response>


However , USDA reported tops of $ 58.00 in Illinois and in Iowa / southern Minnesota , $ 60.00 on some hogs Monday .

<response> However , <organization>USDA</organization> reported tops of $ 58.00 in <location>Illinois</location> and in <location>Iowa</location> / southern <location>Minnesota</location> , $ 60.00 on some hogs Monday . </response>


<response> Attempts to move prices higher again Tuesday could be offset by expected increased hog marketings this week , sources said . </response>


Producers were expected to ship as many hogs as they can ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend , they said .

<response> Producers were expected to ship as many hogs as they can ahead of the <misc>Labor Day</misc> holiday weekend , they said . </response>


Demand for hogs is expected to be light by the end of the week , as the industry prepares for Labor Day , Monday , September 1 when most U.S. packers will be closed .

<response> Demand for hogs is expected to be light by the end of the week , as the industry prepares for <misc>Labor Day</misc> , Monday , September 1 when most <location>U.S.</location> packers will be closed . </response>


-- Bob Janis 312-983-7347--

<response> -- <person>Bob Janis</person> 312-983-7347-- </response>


Gore presents new image of lead attack dog .

<response> <person>Gore</person> presents new image of lead attack dog . </response>


Michael Posner

<response> <person>Michael Posner</person> </response>


CHICAGO 1996-08-26

<response> <location>CHICAGO</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


No more mild-mannered and meek Al Gore , the vice president and likely heir apparent to President Bill Clinton , emerged on Monday as the new Democratic attack dog leading a front-line assault on Bob Dole and House Speaker Newt Gingrich .

<response> No more mild-mannered and meek <person>Al Gore</person> , the vice president and likely heir apparent to President <person>Bill Clinton</person> , emerged on Monday as the new <misc>Democratic</misc> attack dog leading a front-line assault on <person>Bob Dole</person> and <organization>House</organization> Speaker <person>Newt Gingrich</person> . </response>


While Clinton takes a train trip to the Democratic Convention that will renominate him on Wednesday for a second term , Gore is the bright star in the convention city now .

<response> While <person>Clinton</person> takes a train trip to the <misc>Democratic Convention</misc> that will renominate him on Wednesday for a second term , <person>Gore</person> is the bright star in the convention city now . </response>


Crowds anxiously wait for his appearances , thrusting out hands for him to grip as they scream " 12 more years " -- a wishful hope to eight years of Gore after a Clinton re-election .

<response> Crowds anxiously wait for his appearances , thrusting out hands for him to grip as they scream " 12 more years " -- a wishful hope to eight years of <person>Gore</person> after a <person>Clinton</person> re-election . </response>


Over a 15-hour span from Sunday evening to Monday morning , so many people jammed Gore events that the fire marshal stopped members of Congress , reporters and others from entering a pro-Israel rally and a meeting of the New York delegation .

<response> Over a 15-hour span from Sunday evening to Monday morning , so many people jammed <person>Gore</person> events that the fire marshal stopped members of <organization>Congress</organization> , reporters and others from entering a <misc>pro-Israel</misc> rally and a meeting of the <location>New York</location> delegation . </response>


In his appearances , the often stiff and wooden Gore seemed transformed into a new energetic , gesturing " pol " as he ripped into Republican presidential nominee Dole and Gingrich , who has emerged as the favorite right-wing foil of Democrats .

<response> In his appearances , the often stiff and wooden <person>Gore</person> seemed transformed into a new energetic , gesturing " pol " as he ripped into <misc>Republican</misc> presidential nominee <person>Dole</person> and <person>Gingrich</person> , who has emerged as the favorite right-wing foil of <misc>Democrats</misc> . </response>


Gore told a roaring labor rally of about 1,000 union workers that Dole and Gingrich were the virtual personifaction of evil , without even mentioning that former Housing Secretary Jack Kemp is Dole 's running mate .

<response> <person>Gore</person> told a roaring labor rally of about 1,000 union workers that <person>Dole</person> and <person>Gingrich</person> were the virtual personifaction of evil , without even mentioning that former Housing Secretary <person>Jack Kemp</person> is <person>Dole</person> 's running mate . </response>


" With equal measures of ignorance and audacity this two-headed monster of Dole and Gingrich has been launching an all out assault on decades of progress of behalf of working men and women , " Gore said to whoops of " 12 more years . "

<response> " With equal measures of ignorance and audacity this two-headed monster of <person>Dole</person> and <person>Gingrich</person> has been launching an all out assault on decades of progress of behalf of working men and women , " <person>Gore</person> said to whoops of " 12 more years . " </response>


<response> " They want to drive you out of politics and they ca n't , " he added . " </response>


<response> They want to silence your voices in elections . " </response>


At a downtown hotel Monday , the 48-year-old Gore gave Wisconsin delegates a taste again of the new Gore .

<response> At a downtown hotel Monday , the 48-year-old <person>Gore</person> gave <location>Wisconsin</location> delegates a taste again of the new <person>Gore</person> . </response>


" I want you to ask this question .

<response> " I want you to ask this question . </response>


What would Wisconsin face if the same extremist coalition , the Gingrich / Dole Congress , also controlled the executive branch ? "

<response> What would <location>Wisconsin</location> face if the same extremist coalition , the <organization>Gingrich / Dole Congress</organization> , also controlled the executive branch ? " </response>


Gore said .

<response> <person>Gore</person> said . </response>


Noting the next presidential term will probably see two or three Supreme Court justice nominations , he warned , " Their extremist agenda would come out of the Gingrich Congress , into and through the Dole White House , down through the Supreme Court . "

<response> Noting the next presidential term will probably see two or three <organization>Supreme Court</organization> justice nominations , he warned , " Their extremist agenda would come out of the <organization>Gingrich Congress</organization> , into and through the <organization>Dole White House</organization> , down through the <organization>Supreme Court</organization> . " </response>


He painted a scene of horrors he saw if Republicans controlled the White House and the Congress they hold now . "

<response> He painted a scene of horrors he saw if <misc>Republicans</misc> controlled the <location>White House</location> and the <organization>Congress</organization> they hold now . " </response>


<response> Our personal and religious liberties would be at risk . </response>


Medicare would be at risk of withering on the vine .

<response> <misc>Medicare</misc> would be at risk of withering on the vine . </response>


Medicaid would be at risk of being taken away from poor children .

<response> <misc>Medicaid</misc> would be at risk of being taken away from poor children . </response>


Education would be at risk .

<response> Education would be at risk . </response>


<response> The environment would be at risk from the polluters that control that coalition , " he said . </response>


His new style mixed an assault on Republicans with what he sees as " productive opportunity , a vision for the future that lifts up working families , that builds Wisconsin stronger , that builds America stronger .

<response> His new style mixed an assault on <misc>Republicans</misc> with what he sees as " productive opportunity , a vision for the future that lifts up working families , that builds <location>Wisconsin</location> stronger , that builds <location>America</location> stronger . </response>


With your help we can re-elect Bill Clinton . "

<response> With your help we can re-elect <person>Bill Clinton</person> . " </response>


Dole 's tax cut plans were called " deja-voodoo economics .... It 's a warmed-over plan that failed and drove our economy into a ditch .

<response> <person>Dole</person> 's tax cut plans were called " deja-voodoo economics .... It 's a warmed-over plan that failed and drove our economy into a ditch . </response>


<response> We got burned once and we wo n't let that happen to our nation again . " </response>


Gore ridiculed Dole 's defense of the tobacco industry , praised Clinton for " courage " in advancing regulations of it .

<response> <person>Gore</person> ridiculed <person>Dole</person> 's defense of the tobacco industry , praised <person>Clinton</person> for " courage " in advancing regulations of it . </response>


To the delegates of Wisconsin , a leading dairy state , Gore had the right audience in poking fun at Dole 's comparison to addiction to tobacco to those who ca n't tolerate milk .

<response> To the delegates of <location>Wisconsin</location> , a leading dairy state , <person>Gore</person> had the right audience in poking fun at <person>Dole</person> 's comparison to addiction to tobacco to those who ca n't tolerate milk . </response>


" Some people say milk is bad for you , " Gore said as Wisconsin delegates held aloft a plastic inflated cow .

<response> " Some people say milk is bad for you , " <person>Gore</person> said as <location>Wisconsin</location> delegates held aloft a plastic inflated cow . </response>


He praised Clinton for vetoing the Republican Congress ' attempt to repeal parts of the Clean Air Act , and criticized Republicans for " slashing money to combat drugs in schools . "

<response> He praised <person>Clinton</person> for vetoing the <misc>Republican</misc> <organization>Congress</organization> ' attempt to repeal parts of the <misc>Clean Air Act</misc> , and criticized <misc>Republicans</misc> for " slashing money to combat drugs in schools . " </response>


" The choice has never been starker , the stakes today have never been higher , " Gore said . "

<response> " The choice has never been starker , the stakes today have never been higher , " <person>Gore</person> said . " </response>


<response> We 're not going to let them get away with that . " </response>


Actor Reeve highlights Democrats ' first night .

<response> Actor <person>Reeve</person> highlights <misc>Democrats</misc> ' first night . </response>


CHICAGO 1996-08-26

<response> <location>CHICAGO</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


The highlights of the first day of the Democratic convention on Monday were expected to feature a mix of party leaders and people who have overcome adversity .

<response> The highlights of the first day of the <misc>Democratic</misc> convention on Monday were expected to feature a mix of party leaders and people who have overcome adversity . </response>


Among the latter were gun control advocate Sarah Brady and actor Christopher Reeve and the politicians included Rep .

<response> Among the latter were gun control advocate <person>Sarah Brady</person> and actor <person>Christopher Reeve</person> and the politicians included <misc>Rep .</misc> </response>


Richard Gephardt and Sen .

<response> <person>Richard Gephardt</person> and Sen . </response>


Thomas Daschle .

<response> <person>Thomas Daschle</person> . </response>


<response> Here are thumbnail profiles of the convention 's key Monday speakers . </response>


Sarah Brady -- The nation 's toughest gun control law is named after Ronald Reagan 's press secretary James Brady but it was his wife who was the major force behind its passage .

<response> <person>Sarah Brady</person> -- The nation 's toughest gun control law is named after <person>Ronald Reagan</person> 's press secretary <person>James Brady</person> but it was his wife who was the major force behind its passage . </response>


As head of Handgun Control Inc. , Sarah Brady , 54 , campaigned nonstop for tough gun control in the years following the shooting of her husband and then President Reagan in 1981 .

<response> As head of <organization>Handgun Control Inc.</organization> , <person>Sarah Brady</person> , 54 , campaigned nonstop for tough gun control in the years following the shooting of her husband and then President <person>Reagan</person> in 1981 . </response>


Her reward was the passage in 1993 of the " Brady Bill " which requires a mandatory five-day waiting period for purchase of handguns and also mandates background checks for would-be gun purchasers .

<response> Her reward was the passage in 1993 of the " <misc>Brady Bill</misc> " which requires a mandatory five-day waiting period for purchase of handguns and also mandates background checks for would-be gun purchasers . </response>


Reagan recovered fully from his wounds but Brady , who was close to death after being shot by John Hinckley Jr .

<response> <person>Reagan</person> recovered fully from his wounds but <person>Brady</person> , who was close to death after being shot by <person>John Hinckley Jr</person> . </response>


, suffered serious brain damage .

<response> , suffered serious brain damage . </response>


Sarah was Brady 's second wife and they have a son , James Scott Brady Jr .

<response> <person>Sarah</person> was <person>Brady</person> 's second wife and they have a son , <person>James Scott Brady Jr</person> . </response>


Before the assassination attempt , she had worked for Republican congressmen and for the Republican Party .

<response> Before the assassination attempt , she had worked for <misc>Republican</misc> congressmen and for the <organization>Republican Party</organization> . </response>


Christopher Reeve -- Reeve was best known for playing the comic book hero Superman in four movies but his greatest heroics came in real life .

<response> <person>Christopher Reeve</person> -- <person>Reeve</person> was best known for playing the comic book hero <person>Superman</person> in four movies but his greatest heroics came in real life . </response>


Reeve , an accomplished rider who owned several horses , suffered multiple injuries including two shattered neck vertebrae when he was thrown from his horse at an equestrian event in Culpepper , Virginia , on May 27 , 1995 .

<response> <person>Reeve</person> , an accomplished rider who owned several horses , suffered multiple injuries including two shattered neck vertebrae when he was thrown from his horse at an equestrian event in <location>Culpepper</location> , <location>Virginia</location> , on May 27 , 1995 . </response>


Almost entirely paralyzed , Reeve underwent extensive surgery to fuse the vertebrae to the base of the skull and prevent any further damage to his spine .

<response> Almost entirely paralyzed , <person>Reeve</person> underwent extensive surgery to fuse the vertebrae to the base of the skull and prevent any further damage to his spine . </response>


<response> That allowed him to be moved to a semi-upright position . </response>


Over time he regained the power of speech , so much so that he was asked to address the opening night of the Democratic National Convention .

<response> Over time he regained the power of speech , so much so that he was asked to address the opening night of the <misc>Democratic National Convention</misc> . </response>


Reeve , 43 , was classically trained as an actor but became the prototypical handsome leading man .

<response> <person>Reeve</person> , 43 , was classically trained as an actor but became the prototypical handsome leading man . </response>


He performed in summer stock and soap operas before being plucked as an almost unknown to play the lead in " Superman " and three sequels .

<response> He performed in summer stock and soap operas before being plucked as an almost unknown to play the lead in " <person>Superman</person> " and three sequels . </response>


Richard Gephardt -- Gephardt , House Democratic leader , is a politician with a " Mr Clean " reputation who sought the presidency eight years ago and is widely believed to still have ambitions for the job .

<response> <person>Richard Gephardt</person> -- <person>Gephardt</person> , <organization>House</organization> <misc>Democratic</misc> leader , is a politician with a " <person>Mr Clean</person> " reputation who sought the presidency eight years ago and is widely believed to still have ambitions for the job . </response>


Gephardt , 55 , the son of a milkman from a working class district of St. Louis , is a consummate congressional insider , sufficiently skilled in compromise and the ways of the legislature to manage the often-unruly House Democrats .

<response> <person>Gephardt</person> , 55 , the son of a milkman from a working class district of <location>St. Louis</location> , is a consummate congressional insider , sufficiently skilled in compromise and the ways of the legislature to manage the often-unruly <organization>House</organization> <misc>Democrats</misc> . </response>


A former lawyer , he was in the front line of President Bill Clinton 's battle with the Republican-led Congress over the budget but has opposed the president 's decision to sign the Republican-written welfare reform bill .

<response> A former lawyer , he was in the front line of President <person>Bill Clinton</person> 's battle with the <misc>Republican-led</misc> <organization>Congress</organization> over the budget but has opposed the president 's decision to sign the <misc>Republican-written</misc> welfare reform bill . </response>


He advocated tough action against foreign countries to cut U.S. trade deficits but sometimes been out of step with the party 's liberal wing .

<response> He advocated tough action against foreign countries to cut <location>U.S.</location> trade deficits but sometimes been out of step with the party 's liberal wing . </response>


He was an opponent of abortion until 1986 and voted for President Ronald Reagan 's big tax cut bill .

<response> He was an opponent of abortion until 1986 and voted for President <person>Ronald Reagan</person> 's big tax cut bill . </response>


Gephardt , a red-haired square-jawed man , is a less than fiery orator .

<response> <person>Gephardt</person> , a red-haired square-jawed man , is a less than fiery orator . </response>


His 1988 bid for the Democratic nomination only took off after he recreated himself as a firebreathing reformer of the establishment , standing up for blue collar workers and farmers .

<response> His 1988 bid for the <misc>Democratic</misc> nomination only took off after he recreated himself as a firebreathing reformer of the establishment , standing up for blue collar workers and farmers . </response>


Tom Daschle -- Daschle , 48 , was largely unknown outside Washington and his state of South Dakota when he surprisingly beat more prominent rivals to become Senate Democratic leader after the party lost its majority to the Republicans in 1994 .

<response> <person>Tom Daschle</person> -- <person>Daschle</person> , 48 , was largely unknown outside <location>Washington</location> and his state of <location>South Dakota</location> when he surprisingly beat more prominent rivals to become <organization>Senate</organization> <misc>Democratic</misc> leader after the party lost its majority to the <misc>Republicans</misc> in 1994 . </response>


A mild-mannered and youthful man who rose rapidly after entering the Senate in 1987 , he presented himself as a Midwest moderate , as a Democratic winner in a Republican state able to unite Senate factions .

<response> A mild-mannered and youthful man who rose rapidly after entering the <organization>Senate</organization> in 1987 , he presented himself as a <location>Midwest</location> moderate , as a <misc>Democratic</misc> winner in a <misc>Republican</misc> state able to unite <organization>Senate</organization> factions . </response>


Concern that he might be steamrollered by the vastly more experienced Republican leader Bob Dole was dispelled when he showed a tough edge , outmaneuvering Dole in a wrangle over scrapping a gas tax and raising the federal minimum wage .

<response> Concern that he might be steamrollered by the vastly more experienced <misc>Republican</misc> leader <person>Bob Dole</person> was dispelled when he showed a tough edge , outmaneuvering <person>Dole</person> in a wrangle over scrapping a gas tax and raising the federal minimum wage . </response>


In his early Senate years he was seen as a " prairie populist " , working on legislation protecting farmers ' prices and also on compensating veterans sickened by Agent Orange defoliant spraying in the Vietnam War .

<response> In his early <organization>Senate</organization> years he was seen as a " prairie populist " , working on legislation protecting farmers ' prices and also on compensating veterans sickened by <misc>Agent Orange</misc> defoliant spraying in the <misc>Vietnam War</misc> . </response>


Daschle was a key player in President Bill Clinton 's failed attempt at sweeping healthcare changes but when he became minority leader he declared he would be no water-carrier for the White House .

<response> <person>Daschle</person> was a key player in President <person>Bill Clinton</person> 's failed attempt at sweeping healthcare changes but when he became minority leader he declared he would be no water-carrier for the <location>White House</location> . </response>


He has made clear he opposed Clinton 's signing of the Republican-initiated welfare reform bill .

<response> He has made clear he opposed <person>Clinton</person> 's signing of the <misc>Republican-initiated</misc> welfare reform bill . </response>


He has spent his adult life in politics , coming to Congress as an aide in 1972 after three years in the Air Force and then being elected to the House of Representatives himself in 1978 .

<response> He has spent his adult life in politics , coming to <organization>Congress</organization> as an aide in 1972 after three years in the <organization>Air Force</organization> and then being elected to the <organization>House of Representatives</organization> himself in 1978 . </response>


U.S. boy , 13 , accused of murdering adoptive mother .

<response> <location>U.S.</location> boy , 13 , accused of murdering adoptive mother . </response>


DALLAS 1996-08-26

<response> <location>DALLAS</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


A 13-year-old Dallas boy has been charged with murdering his adoptive mother over the weekend , police said on Monday .

<response> A 13-year-old <location>Dallas</location> boy has been charged with murdering his adoptive mother over the weekend , police said on Monday . </response>


Margaret McCullough , 55 , was found dead in her home on Saturday with gunshot wounds to the head .

<response> <person>Margaret McCullough</person> , 55 , was found dead in her home on Saturday with gunshot wounds to the head . </response>


Police , who at first thought her son had been kidnapped , found him on Sunday with a friend in his mother 's car in Oklahoma and arrested him .

<response> Police , who at first thought her son had been kidnapped , found him on Sunday with a friend in his mother 's car in <location>Oklahoma</location> and arrested him . </response>


<response> A shotgun and a .357 handgun were found in the car . </response>


<response> A police spokesman said the boy was being questioned . " </response>


<response> They are talking to him now about the motive and everything else . " </response>


McCullough had adopted the boy , who was the grandson of her late husband , shortly after his birth but neighbours said they often had loud arguments .

<response> <person>McCullough</person> had adopted the boy , who was the grandson of her late husband , shortly after his birth but neighbours said they often had loud arguments . </response>


Pakistani bourse to use new recomposed index .

<response> <misc>Pakistani</misc> bourse to use new recomposed index . </response>


KARACHI , Pakistan 1996-08-26

<response> <location>KARACHI</location> , <location>Pakistan</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


The Karachi Stock Exchange ( KSE ) said on Monday it would introduce a new recomposed KSE-100 index on September 10 .

<response> The <organization>Karachi Stock Exchange</organization> ( <organization>KSE</organization> ) said on Monday it would introduce a new recomposed <misc>KSE-100</misc> index on September 10 . </response>


A KSE statement said the recomposed index would be more representative , capturing market capitalisation of 82.3 percent , up from 79.9 percent previously .

<response> A <organization>KSE</organization> statement said the recomposed index would be more representative , capturing market capitalisation of 82.3 percent , up from 79.9 percent previously . </response>


-- Karachi newsroom 9221-5685192

<response> -- <location>Karachi</location> newsroom 9221-5685192 </response>


<response> NWE oil products mixed , holiday dulls trade . </response>


LONDON 1996-08-26

<response> <location>LONDON</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


NWE oil products were mixed on Monday but markets were becalmed because of a public holiday in the United Kingdom , traders said .

<response> NWE oil products were mixed on Monday but markets were becalmed because of a public holiday in the <location>United Kingdom</location> , traders said . </response>


An explosion at Repsol 's Puertollano refinery , which killed four workers , had not affected output of oil products , an official said .

<response> An explosion at <organization>Repsol</organization> 's <location>Puertollano</location> refinery , which killed four workers , had not affected output of oil products , an official said . </response>


" The plant is functioning as usual , " Jose Manuel Prieto , director of personnel , told Spanish state television .

<response> " The plant is functioning as usual , " <person>Jose Manuel Prieto</person> , director of personnel , told <misc>Spanish</misc> state television . </response>


Gasoline prices were notionally unchanged from Friday despite sagging NYMEX numbers , with the arbitrage window to the U.S. considered closed for the moment .

<response> Gasoline prices were notionally unchanged from Friday despite sagging NYMEX numbers , with the arbitrage window to the <location>U.S.</location> considered closed for the moment . </response>


Eurograde barges were offered at $ 207 fob ARA for Amsterdam-Rotterdam barrels , and at $ 206 for full ARA material .

<response> Eurograde barges were offered at $ 207 fob ARA for <location>Amsterdam-Rotterdam</location> barrels , and at $ 206 for full ARA material . </response>


" There is no market at the moment , " one Rotterdam trader said . "

<response> " There is no market at the moment , " one <location>Rotterdam</location> trader said . " </response>


<response> Maybe sentiment is a little bit weaker but prices have not changed . " </response>


Outright gas oil prices were notionally softer as the NYMEX heating oil contract headed lower , and following news that the Indian Oil Corp ( IOC ) had issued a tender to buy only 120,000 tonnes of high speed diesel for October .

<response> Outright gas oil prices were notionally softer as the NYMEX heating oil contract headed lower , and following news that the <organization>Indian Oil Corp</organization> ( <organization>IOC</organization> ) had issued a tender to buy only 120,000 tonnes of high speed diesel for October . </response>


Asian traders had earlier expected an IOC tender for around 400,000 tonnes .

<response> <misc>Asian</misc> traders had earlier expected an <organization>IOC</organization> tender for around 400,000 tonnes . </response>


ARA gas oil barges were quiet although one trader said he had seen offers at $ 1 a tonne over September IPE for prompt barrels , while Antwerp material was available for 0-50 cents over September .

<response> ARA gas oil barges were quiet although one trader said he had seen offers at $ 1 a tonne over September IPE for prompt barrels , while <location>Antwerp</location> material was available for 0-50 cents over September . </response>


The IOC tender had " a bearish impact , but not a great impact , " one German player said .

<response> The <organization>IOC</organization> tender had " a bearish impact , but not a great impact , " one <misc>German</misc> player said . </response>


Fuel oil markets were also listless .

<response> Fuel oil markets were also listless . </response>


<response> Offers were around a dollar a tonne higher at $ 102 fob ARA but bids were scarce . </response>


-- Nicholas Shaxson , London newsroom +44 171 542 8167

<response> -- <person>Nicholas Shaxson</person> , <location>London</location> newsroom +44 171 542 8167 </response>


Prairies saw no frost Monday , none rest of week .

<response> <location>Prairies</location> saw no frost Monday , none rest of week . </response>


WINNIPEG 1996-08-26

<response> <location>WINNIPEG</location> 1996-08-26 </response>


Canada 's Prairies saw no frost on Monday morning and none was expected anywhere on the grainbelt until late in the Labour Day long weekend , Environment Canada said .

<response> <location>Canada</location> 's <location>Prairies</location> saw no frost on Monday morning and none was expected anywhere on the grainbelt until late in the <misc>Labour Day</misc> long weekend , <organization>Environment Canada</organization> said . </response>


<response> " Apparently , we 're home free for the rest of the week . </response>