Commonwealth foreign ministers are to meet in London on Wednesday to discuss what action to take , after a visit to Nigeria was called off when the government imposed strict rules on whom the mission would be allowed to see .

<response> <organization>Commonwealth</organization> foreign ministers are to meet in <location>London</location> on Wednesday to discuss what action to take , after a visit to <location>Nigeria</location> was called off when the government imposed strict rules on whom the mission would be allowed to see . </response>


Nigeria was suspended from the club of Britain and its former colonies in November after the hanging of nine minority rights activists for murder in spite of international pleas for clemency .

<response> <location>Nigeria</location> was suspended from the club of <location>Britain</location> and its former colonies in November after the hanging of nine minority rights activists for murder in spite of international pleas for clemency . </response>


Dutroux suspected in murder of Slovak woman .

<response> <person>Dutroux</person> suspected in murder of <misc>Slovak</misc> woman . </response>


Peter Laca

<response> <person>Peter Laca</person> </response>


BRATISLAVA 1996-08-28

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


Marc Dutroux , the chief accused in a Belgian child murder and sex abuse scandal , is suspected of murdering a young Slovak woman , the Slovak office of Interpol said on Wednesday .

<response> <person>Marc Dutroux</person> , the chief accused in a <misc>Belgian</misc> child murder and sex abuse scandal , is suspected of murdering a young <misc>Slovak</misc> woman , the <misc>Slovak</misc> office of <organization>Interpol</organization> said on Wednesday . </response>


Rudolf Gajdos , head of Slovak Interpol , told a news conference Dutroux was also believed to have planned the kidnapping of at least one Slovak woman .

<response> <person>Rudolf Gajdos</person> , head of <misc>Slovak</misc> <organization>Interpol</organization> , told a news conference <person>Dutroux</person> was also believed to have planned the kidnapping of at least one <misc>Slovak</misc> woman . </response>


" One of the police versions in the case of the murder of young gypsy woman in Topolcany , western Slovakia , this July , is a suspicion that Mark Dutroux could have been involved in the murder , " Gajdos said without elaborating on the age of the victim and on the other versions .

<response> " One of the police versions in the case of the murder of young gypsy woman in <location>Topolcany</location> , western <location>Slovakia</location> , this July , is a suspicion that <person>Mark Dutroux</person> could have been involved in the murder , " <person>Gajdos</person> said without elaborating on the age of the victim and on the other versions . </response>


Slovak police , Interpol , and Belgian police have been following leads on Dutroux 's activities in Slovakia and the neighbouring Czech Republic where he is known to have made frequent visits .

<response> <misc>Slovak</misc> police , <organization>Interpol</organization> , and <misc>Belgian</misc> police have been following leads on <person>Dutroux</person> 's activities in <location>Slovakia</location> and the neighbouring <location>Czech Republic</location> where he is known to have made frequent visits . </response>


Gajdos said the police sketch of the suspected murderer was " 60 percent identical with Dutroux 's portrait " , and that Dutroux was known to have been in Topolcany around the time of the woman 's murder .

<response> <person>Gajdos</person> said the police sketch of the suspected murderer was " 60 percent identical with <person>Dutroux</person> 's portrait " , and that <person>Dutroux</person> was known to have been in <location>Topolcany</location> around the time of the woman 's murder . </response>


" Topolcany and the area around this town were reported to have been the most visited places by Dutroux and his accomplices in Slovakia , " Gajdos said .

<response> " <location>Topolcany</location> and the area around this town were reported to have been the most visited places by <person>Dutroux</person> and his accomplices in <location>Slovakia</location> , " <person>Gajdos</person> said . </response>


Dutroux , a convicted child rapist and unemployed father-of-three , led police 11 days ago to the bodies of eight-year-olds Julie Lejeune and Melissa Russo in the garden of another of the six houses he owns around the southern Belgian city of Charleroi .

<response> <person>Dutroux</person> , a convicted child rapist and unemployed father-of-three , led police 11 days ago to the bodies of eight-year-olds <person>Julie Lejeune</person> and <person>Melissa Russo</person> in the garden of another of the six houses he owns around the southern <misc>Belgian</misc> city of <location>Charleroi</location> . </response>


" The Belgian police also informed us that Dutroux , together with one other man , had ( also ) planned the kidnapping of at least one Slovak woman , " Gajdos said .

<response> " The <misc>Belgian</misc> police also informed us that <person>Dutroux</person> , together with one other man , had ( also ) planned the kidnapping of at least one <misc>Slovak</misc> woman , " <person>Gajdos</person> said . </response>


<response> " The plan apparently failed due to difficulties in crossing the border , " he added , but did not elaborate . </response>


The Slovak police are also investigating visits by about 10 Slovak women , aged 17 to 22 , to Belgium , at the invitation of Dutroux .

<response> The <misc>Slovak</misc> police are also investigating visits by about 10 <misc>Slovak</misc> women , aged 17 to 22 , to <location>Belgium</location> , at the invitation of <person>Dutroux</person> . </response>


The women said they went to Belgium voluntarily and police suspect they were used to act in pornographic films , Gajdos said earlier this week .

<response> The women said they went to <location>Belgium</location> voluntarily and police suspect they were used to act in pornographic films , <person>Gajdos</person> said earlier this week . </response>


But he added they had difficulty remembering what happened during their visits to Belgium , perhaps because of drugs , and were unsure whether they were filmed for pornography .

<response> But he added they had difficulty remembering what happened during their visits to <location>Belgium</location> , perhaps because of drugs , and were unsure whether they were filmed for pornography . </response>


Dutroux , 39 , who was charged last week with the abduction and illegal imprisonment of two girls aged 14 and 12 , is also suspected in the disappearance of Belgians An Marchal , 19 , and Eefje Lambrecks , 17 , who went missing a year ago .

<response> <person>Dutroux</person> , 39 , who was charged last week with the abduction and illegal imprisonment of two girls aged 14 and 12 , is also suspected in the disappearance of Belgians <person>An Marchal</person> , 19 , and <person>Eefje Lambrecks</person> , 17 , who went missing a year ago . </response>


Knifeman kills Polish beauty queen , wounds husband .

<response> Knifeman kills <misc>Polish</misc> beauty queen , wounds husband . </response>


WARSAW 1996-08-28

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


A man knifed to death international model Agnieszka Kotlarska outside her home in Wroclaw , western Poland , Polish television said on Wednesday .

<response> A man knifed to death international model <person>Agnieszka Kotlarska</person> outside her home in <location>Wroclaw</location> , western <location>Poland</location> , <misc>Polish</misc> television said on Wednesday . </response>


The man , who said he had once been engaged to her , first knifed Kotlarska 's husband in the leg , then stabbed her three times in the chest when she tried to intervene during the incident on Tuesday .

<response> The man , who said he had once been engaged to her , first knifed <person>Kotlarska</person> 's husband in the leg , then stabbed her three times in the chest when she tried to intervene during the incident on Tuesday . </response>


She died in hospital .

<response> She died in hospital . </response>


Kotlarska , who was 24 and had a three-year-old child , was Miss Poland in 1991 and went on to a U.S.-based modelling career that included working with Italian designer Gianni Versace and Vogue magazine , the Gazeta Wyborcza newspaper said .

<response> <person>Kotlarska</person> , who was 24 and had a three-year-old child , was <misc>Miss Poland</misc> in 1991 and went on to a <misc>U.S.-based</misc> modelling career that included working with <misc>Italian</misc> designer <person>Gianni Versace</person> and <organization>Vogue</organization> magazine , the <organization>Gazeta Wyborcza</organization> newspaper said . </response>


She had been due to fly on a TWA airliner which exploded near New York last month , but had cancelled her booking , the newspaper said .

<response> She had been due to fly on a <organization>TWA</organization> airliner which exploded near <location>New York</location> last month , but had cancelled her booking , the newspaper said . </response>


Her attacker , identified only as Jerzy L. , 36 , was arrested by police and will appear in court on Thursday morning , television reported .

<response> Her attacker , identified only as <person>Jerzy L.</person> , 36 , was arrested by police and will appear in court on Thursday morning , television reported . </response>


It said he had admitted the attack but had denied intending to kill Kotlarska .

<response> It said he had admitted the attack but had denied intending to kill <person>Kotlarska</person> . </response>


Russian shares slip in thin volume .

<response> <misc>Russian</misc> shares slip in thin volume . </response>


MOSCOW 1996-08-28

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


Leading Russian shares edged down on Wednesday in thin volume in the absence of Western orders , traders said .

<response> Leading <misc>Russian</misc> shares edged down on Wednesday in thin volume in the absence of <misc>Western</misc> orders , traders said . </response>


The Russian Trading System index of 21 issues fell 1.64 percent to 180.38 on volume of $ 4.38 million .

<response> The <misc>Russian Trading System</misc> index of 21 issues fell 1.64 percent to 180.38 on volume of $ 4.38 million . </response>


" The market was extremely quiet today , some profit-taking locally , no Western orders , " said Nick Mokhoff , director of sales and trade at Alliance-Menatep . "

<response> " The market was extremely quiet today , some profit-taking locally , no <misc>Western</misc> orders , " said <person>Nick Mokhoff</person> , director of sales and trade at <organization>Alliance-Menatep</organization> . " </response>


<response> We are just a bit lower with a lot of inactivity during the whole day . " </response>


Alexander Babayan , managing director at CentrInvest Securities , said the volume of orders was four to five times lower than a week ago .

<response> <person>Alexander Babayan</person> , managing director at <organization>CentrInvest Securities</organization> , said the volume of orders was four to five times lower than a week ago . </response>


As often , the most volume was in UES .

<response> As often , the most volume was in <organization>UES</organization> . </response>


" Unified is one of the blue chips , which has more prospects than anybody else does , because they have ADRs supposedly coming up , " Mokhoff said .

<response> " Unified is one of the blue chips , which has more prospects than anybody else does , because they have <misc>ADRs</misc> supposedly coming up , " <person>Mokhoff</person> said . </response>


UES officials said last week the board had not yet approved the final version of its application to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to issue ADRs .

<response> <organization>UES</organization> officials said last week the board had not yet approved the final version of its application to the <organization>U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</organization> to issue <misc>ADRs</misc> . </response>


UES fell to $ 0.0817 from $ 0.0822 at Tuesday 's close with 8.90 million shares changing hands .

<response> <organization>UES</organization> fell to $ 0.0817 from $ 0.0822 at Tuesday 's close with 8.90 million shares changing hands . </response>


Gazprom was the loser of the day with prices closing at $ 0.300 , down from $ 0.355 on Tuesday and $ 0.445 on Monday .

<response> <organization>Gazprom</organization> was the loser of the day with prices closing at $ 0.300 , down from $ 0.355 on Tuesday and $ 0.445 on Monday . </response>


Mokhoff said uncertainty about when Gazprom would issue ADRs and about whether shares from the Russian market could be converted into ADRs had hurt prices .

<response> <person>Mokhoff</person> said uncertainty about when <organization>Gazprom</organization> would issue <misc>ADRs</misc> and about whether shares from the <misc>Russian</misc> market could be converted into <misc>ADRs</misc> had hurt prices . </response>


" Western investors ... will be investing in ADRs and I do not think people in Russia will be able to come up with the money for the underlying shares to drive the Russian shares to those levels , " Mokhoff said .

<response> " <misc>Western</misc> investors ... will be investing in <misc>ADRs</misc> and I do not think people in <location>Russia</location> will be able to come up with the money for the underlying shares to drive the <misc>Russian</misc> shares to those levels , " <person>Mokhoff</person> said . </response>


Gazprom has also tightened the rules restricting shareholers ' rights to trade its shares .

<response> <organization>Gazprom</organization> has also tightened the rules restricting shareholers ' rights to trade its shares . </response>


Mosenergo closed at at $ 0.958 after $ 0.966 , Rostelekom fell to $ 2.56 from $ 2.58 and LUKoil was $ 9.82 after $ 9.85 .

<response> <organization>Mosenergo</organization> closed at at $ 0.958 after $ 0.966 , <organization>Rostelekom</organization> fell to $ 2.56 from $ 2.58 and <organization>LUKoil</organization> was $ 9.82 after $ 9.85 . </response>


-- Julie Tolkacheva , Moscow Newsroom , +7095 941 8520

<response> -- <person>Julie Tolkacheva</person> , <organization>Moscow Newsroom</organization> , +7095 941 8520 </response>


Albania asks Greece to explain deportations .

<response> <location>Albania</location> asks <location>Greece</location> to explain deportations . </response>


TIRANA 1996-08-28

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


Albania asked Greece on Wednesday to explain why it was deporting more Albanian immigrants , Foreign Minister Tritan Shehu said .

<response> <location>Albania</location> asked <location>Greece</location> on Wednesday to explain why it was deporting more <misc>Albanian</misc> immigrants , Foreign Minister <person>Tritan Shehu</person> said . </response>


The Albanian daily Koha Jone reported earlier that Greece had deported about 5,000 Albanians in the last five days .

<response> The <misc>Albanian</misc> daily <organization>Koha Jone</organization> reported earlier that <location>Greece</location> had deported about 5,000 <misc>Albanians</misc> in the last five days . </response>


" The Foreign Ministry is trying to find out from the Greek embassy why Albanian refugees have been deported from Greece , " Shehu told Reuters .

<response> " The <organization>Foreign Ministry</organization> is trying to find out from the <misc>Greek</misc> embassy why <misc>Albanian</misc> refugees have been deported from <location>Greece</location> , " <person>Shehu</person> told <organization>Reuters</organization> . </response>


Athens and Tirana signed an accord in May to legalise the status of Albanian immigrant workers , estimated at 350,000 , and remove a long-standing stumbling block in relations between the two Balkan neighbours .

<response> <location>Athens</location> and <location>Tirana</location> signed an accord in May to legalise the status of <misc>Albanian</misc> immigrant workers , estimated at 350,000 , and remove a long-standing stumbling block in relations between the two <location>Balkan</location> neighbours . </response>


Bulgarians recover 75 pct of confiscated land .

<response> <misc>Bulgarians</misc> recover 75 pct of confiscated land . </response>


SOFIA 1996-08-28

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


Bulgaria has restored ownership rights to pre-communist private owners of 75 percent of the arable land or around four million hectares , an Agriculture Ministry official said on Wednesday .

<response> <location>Bulgaria</location> has restored ownership rights to pre-communist private owners of 75 percent of the arable land or around four million hectares , an <organization>Agriculture Ministry</organization> official said on Wednesday . </response>


" So far 75 percent has been returned with the land restitution almost completed in some regions like Southeastern Bulgaria but lagging behind in other areas , predominantly in the mountains , " the official told a news conference .

<response> " So far 75 percent has been returned with the land restitution almost completed in some regions like <location>Southeastern Bulgaria</location> but lagging behind in other areas , predominantly in the mountains , " the official told a news conference . </response>


<response> The ministry has said that it planned to return 96.6 percent of the arable land or 5.2 million hectares to its original owners by the end of this year . </response>


A land reform act passed four years ago abolished Soviet-style collective farms , allowing the return of 5.4 million hectares to original owners or their heirs .

<response> A land reform act passed four years ago abolished <misc>Soviet-style</misc> collective farms , allowing the return of 5.4 million hectares to original owners or their heirs . </response>


-- Sofia Newsroom , ( ++359-2 ) 981 8569

<response> -- <organization>Sofia Newsroom</organization> , ( ++359-2 ) 981 8569 </response>


German chancellor to meet Yeltsin Sept 7 - Interfax .

<response> <misc>German</misc> chancellor to meet <person>Yeltsin</person> Sept 7 - <organization>Interfax</organization> . </response>


MOSCOW 1996-08-28

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


German Chancellor Helmut Kohl , who spoke to President Boris Yeltsin by telephone on Wednesday , plans a trip to Moscow on September 7 and will visit Yeltsin at his vacation home near Moscow , Interfax news agency said .

<response> <misc>German</misc> Chancellor <person>Helmut Kohl</person> , who spoke to President <person>Boris Yeltsin</person> by telephone on Wednesday , plans a trip to <location>Moscow</location> on September 7 and will visit <person>Yeltsin</person> at his vacation home near <location>Moscow</location> , <organization>Interfax</organization> news agency said . </response>


Interfax , quoting Yeltsin press secretary Sergei Yastrzhembsky , said Yeltsin and Kohl had discussed bilateral relations and international issues on the telephone .

<response> <organization>Interfax</organization> , quoting <person>Yeltsin</person> press secretary <person>Sergei Yastrzhembsky</person> , said <person>Yeltsin</person> and <person>Kohl</person> had discussed bilateral relations and international issues on the telephone . </response>


Yeltsin had told Kohl about efforts to find a political solution to the conflict in Russia 's breakaway Chechnya region , Interfax added .

<response> <person>Yeltsin</person> had told <person>Kohl</person> about efforts to find a political solution to the conflict in <location>Russia</location> 's breakaway <location>Chechnya</location> region , <organization>Interfax</organization> added . </response>


Yeltsin , who left on vacation on Monday , is staying at an exclusive private hunting lodge some 100 km ( 60 miles ) from Moscow .

<response> <person>Yeltsin</person> , who left on vacation on Monday , is staying at an exclusive private hunting lodge some 100 km ( 60 miles ) from <location>Moscow</location> . </response>


Germany has been one of the loudest critics of Russia 's military intervention in Chechnya , a 20-month-old conflict in which tens of thousands of people have been killed .

<response> <location>Germany</location> has been one of the loudest critics of <location>Russia</location> 's military intervention in <location>Chechnya</location> , a 20-month-old conflict in which tens of thousands of people have been killed . </response>


Exiled Bosnians protest confusing voting rules .

<response> Exiled <misc>Bosnians</misc> protest confusing voting rules . </response>


Duncan Shiels

<response> <person>Duncan Shiels</person> </response>


NAGYATAD , Hungary 1996-08-28

<response> <location>NAGYATAD</location> , <location>Hungary</location> 1996-08-28 </response>


Bosnian refugees in Hungary , the first to vote last weekend in their country 's first post-war election , found the rules confusing and some had no idea who they voted for , refugees and officials said on Wednesday .

<response> <misc>Bosnian</misc> refugees in <location>Hungary</location> , the first to vote last weekend in their country 's first post-war election , found the rules confusing and some had no idea who they voted for , refugees and officials said on Wednesday . </response>


" For the most part they really did n't understand what was going on , " the director of the Nagyatad camp Lajos Horvath told Reuters on Wednesday .

<response> " For the most part they really did n't understand what was going on , " the director of the <location>Nagyatad</location> camp <person>Lajos Horvath</person> told <organization>Reuters</organization> on Wednesday . </response>


<response> " It was confusing , they had no experience of voting , many of the refugees are only semi-literate and none of them knew anything about the candidates , " he said . </response>


<response> " They just voted along ethnic lines where they could . " </response>


The Bosnian election is set for September 14 and voting began on Wednesday for most of the 600,000 Bosnians living abroad .

<response> The <misc>Bosnian</misc> election is set for September 14 and voting began on Wednesday for most of the 600,000 <misc>Bosnians</misc> living abroad . </response>


The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe , which is running the election , allowed the ballot to be held on Sunday in four Hungarian refugee camps .

<response> The <organization>Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe</organization> , which is running the election , allowed the ballot to be held on Sunday in four <misc>Hungarian</misc> refugee camps . </response>


Some Moslem refugees among the 385 registered voters Hungary 's largest camp Nagyatad have written to the OSCE complaining that they were unable to vote in contests for the president or assembly of the Bosnian-Croat Federation , where most Moslems live .

<response> Some <misc>Moslem</misc> refugees among the 385 registered voters <location>Hungary</location> 's largest camp <location>Nagyatad</location> have written to the <organization>OSCE</organization> complaining that they were unable to vote in contests for the president or assembly of the <location>Bosnian-Croat Federation</location> , where most <misc>Moslems</misc> live . </response>


This was because their pre-war homes are now in the Serb-controlled territory , so they were voting for the national assembly of the Republika Srbska , most of the candidates for which are Serbs .

<response> This was because their pre-war homes are now in the <misc>Serb-controlled</misc> territory , so they were voting for the national assembly of the <location>Republika Srbska</location> , most of the candidates for which are <misc>Serbs</misc> . </response>


For the foreign powers which back last year 's Dayton peace agreement , the main point of the election rules is that by voting as though they were still in their pre-war homes , Bosnians should override the effects of ethnic cleansing and reassert the concept of a single multi-ethnic state .

<response> For the foreign powers which back last year 's <location>Dayton</location> peace agreement , the main point of the election rules is that by voting as though they were still in their pre-war homes , <misc>Bosnians</misc> should override the effects of ethnic cleansing and reassert the concept of a single multi-ethnic state . </response>


But Adem Hodzic , one of the refugees who signed the letter of complaint , told Reuters :

<response> But <person>Adem Hodzic</person> , one of the refugees who signed the letter of complaint , told <organization>Reuters</organization> : </response>


" We only realised after voting that we were being denied the rights of other Bosnian Moslems to choose our president .

<response> " We only realised after voting that we were being denied the rights of other <misc>Bosnian Moslems</misc> to choose our president . </response>


<response> This vote seals the division of my country . " </response>


Under the election rules citizens vote for a three-man presidency and House of Representatives for all Bosnia-Hercegovina and for assemblies and cantonal seats in either the Moslem-Croat Federation or the Republika Srbska .

<response> Under the election rules citizens vote for a three-man presidency and <organization>House of Representatives</organization> for all <location>Bosnia-Hercegovina</location> and for assemblies and cantonal seats in either the <location>Moslem-Croat Federation</location> or the <location>Republika Srbska</location> . </response>


On Sunday voters in Hungary also cast ballots for municipal councils but these will be invalidated following the cancellation of local elections by the OSCE on Tuesday .

<response> On Sunday voters in <location>Hungary</location> also cast ballots for municipal councils but these will be invalidated following the cancellation of local elections by the <organization>OSCE</organization> on Tuesday . </response>


Husein Micijevic , who also signed the letter , alleged that elderly voters were directed who to vote for by Hungarian translators who stood in the polling booth to help them .

<response> <person>Husein Micijevic</person> , who also signed the letter , alleged that elderly voters were directed who to vote for by <misc>Hungarian</misc> translators who stood in the polling booth to help them . </response>


<response> " Probably 100 refugees were shown where to put their cross , " he said . </response>


Seventy eight-year-old Mandolina Zelic , a Bosnian Croat who has spent the last five years in Nagyatad , told Reuters she had cast her ballot because she 'd been told to by the camp authorities but had no idea who she voted for .

<response> Seventy eight-year-old <person>Mandolina Zelic</person> , a <misc>Bosnian Croat</misc> who has spent the last five years in <location>Nagyatad</location> , told <organization>Reuters</organization> she had cast her ballot because she 'd been told to by the camp authorities but had no idea who she voted for . </response>


<response> " At first the organisers would n't let anyone help me but when they saw I did n't understand a young translator ringed the names I had to mark , " she said . " </response>


I do n't know who I voted for . "

<response> I do n't know who I voted for . " </response>


Maria Szabo of the Hungarian office organising the elections on behalf of the OSCE told Reuters on Wednesday her office was studying the letter but said they had followed OSCE instructions very carefully .

<response> <person>Maria Szabo</person> of the <misc>Hungarian</misc> office organising the elections on behalf of the <organization>OSCE</organization> told <organization>Reuters</organization> on Wednesday her office was studying the letter but said they had followed <organization>OSCE</organization> instructions very carefully . </response>


<response> " The envelopes , each with the five different voting slips , were sealed until voting and had written instructions on how to vote , " she said . " </response>


<response> But of course those who could not read had to be shown . " </response>


Estonia presidential race next round on Sept 20 .

<response> <location>Estonia</location> presidential race next round on Sept 20 . </response>


TALLINN 1996-08-28

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


Estonia will hold the next round of an inconclusive state presidential race on September 20 , parliamentary officers of the Baltic state ruled on Wednesday .

<response> <location>Estonia</location> will hold the next round of an inconclusive state presidential race on September 20 , parliamentary officers of the <misc>Baltic</misc> state ruled on Wednesday . </response>


This comes after three votes in the 101-strong parliament on Monday and Tuesday failed to give either incumbent Lennart Meri or rival candidate Arnold Ruutel the necessary 68 votes for a clear mandate .

<response> This comes after three votes in the 101-strong parliament on Monday and Tuesday failed to give either incumbent <person>Lennart Meri</person> or rival candidate <person>Arnold Ruutel</person> the necessary 68 votes for a clear mandate . </response>


The outcome was a rebuff for Meri , failing three times to win backing in his bid for a second term as head of state of the former Soviet republic .

<response> The outcome was a rebuff for <person>Meri</person> , failing three times to win backing in his bid for a second term as head of state of the former <misc>Soviet</misc> republic . </response>


Parliament 's press officer told Reuters that Speaker Toomas Savi will convene an electoral college involving 101 MPs and and 273 local government representatives on September 20 .

<response> Parliament 's press officer told <organization>Reuters</organization> that Speaker <person>Toomas Savi</person> will convene an electoral college involving 101 MPs and and 273 local government representatives on September 20 . </response>


Both Meri , 67 , and Ruutel , 68 will automatically be listed as candidates but the election will also be open to new nominations with the backing of any 21 members of the college .

<response> Both <person>Meri</person> , 67 , and <person>Ruutel</person> , 68 will automatically be listed as candidates but the election will also be open to new nominations with the backing of any 21 members of the college . </response>


<response> The winner has to secure a majority from the college within two rounds of voting otherwise the election will go back before the parliament . </response>


Lebed likely to fail on Chechnya - Polish minister .

<response> <person>Lebed</person> likely to fail on <location>Chechnya</location> - <misc>Polish</misc> minister . </response>


WARSAW 1996-08-28

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


Russian security chief Aleksander Lebed faces an almost impossible task in Chechnya and is likely to be sidelined , Polish Foreign Minister Dariusz Rosati was reported as saying on Wednesday .

<response> <misc>Russian</misc> security chief <person>Aleksander Lebed</person> faces an almost impossible task in <location>Chechnya</location> and is likely to be sidelined , <misc>Polish</misc> Foreign Minister <person>Dariusz Rosati</person> was reported as saying on Wednesday . </response>


According to best-selling daily Gazeta Wyborcza , Rosati told the Polish parliament 's foreign affairs committee on Tuesday that the fact Lebed had been charged with resolving the conflict in Chechnya showed he would be marginalised .

<response> According to best-selling daily <organization>Gazeta Wyborcza</organization> , <person>Rosati</person> told the <misc>Polish</misc> parliament 's foreign affairs committee on Tuesday that the fact <person>Lebed</person> had been charged with resolving the conflict in <location>Chechnya</location> showed he would be marginalised . </response>


" It is almost impossible to gain success in this , " it quoted Rosati as saying during a committee debate .

<response> " It is almost impossible to gain success in this , " it quoted <person>Rosati</person> as saying during a committee debate . </response>


" Lebed has no diplomatic experience .

<response> " <person>Lebed</person> has no diplomatic experience . </response>


Yeltsin sent him there to compromise him .

<response> <person>Yeltsin</person> sent him there to compromise him . </response>


<response> This tactical manoeuvre also shows that in the ruling circle there is no unity of action , " he said . </response>


Lebed , who has arranged a military truce with separatist rebels in the southern Russia region , was in Moscow this week seeking support for a deal on Chechnya 's political status .

<response> <person>Lebed</person> , who has arranged a military truce with separatist rebels in the southern <location>Russia</location> region , was in <location>Moscow</location> this week seeking support for a deal on <location>Chechnya</location> 's political status . </response>


But Russian President Boris Yeltsin has seemed unwilling to meet his envoy and went on holiday on Monday .

<response> But <misc>Russian</misc> President <person>Boris Yeltsin</person> has seemed unwilling to meet his envoy and went on holiday on Monday . </response>


Gazeta Wyborcza quoted Rosati as saying Yeltsin was very ill and effectively on leave , but for now retained control in Russia although matters were passing into the hands of his close collaborators .

<response> <organization>Gazeta Wyborcza</organization> quoted <person>Rosati</person> as saying <person>Yeltsin</person> was very ill and effectively on leave , but for now retained control in <location>Russia</location> although matters were passing into the hands of his close collaborators . </response>


Rosati said Russia 's July polls , in which Yeltsin won re-election , showed democracy had passed an important test and the Russian people had chosed the path of further reforms .

<response> <person>Rosati</person> said <location>Russia</location> 's July polls , in which <person>Yeltsin</person> won re-election , showed democracy had passed an important test and the <misc>Russian</misc> people had chosed the path of further reforms . </response>


But he said a power struggle in Russia 's ruling circles could not be ruled out , which could harm further reforms .

<response> But he said a power struggle in <location>Russia</location> 's ruling circles could not be ruled out , which could harm further reforms . </response>


He expressed concern over problems in the Russian economy , saying this could lead to social unrest , the daily reported .

<response> He expressed concern over problems in the <misc>Russian</misc> economy , saying this could lead to social unrest , the daily reported . </response>


On Moscow 's foreign policy , Rosati said it had changed its stance on NATO 's eastward expansion and was preparing itself for Poland 's inevitable entry into the Western alliance .

<response> On <location>Moscow</location> 's foreign policy , <person>Rosati</person> said it had changed its stance on <organization>NATO</organization> 's eastward expansion and was preparing itself for <location>Poland</location> 's inevitable entry into the <misc>Western</misc> alliance . </response>


He also reportedly criticised Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov , saying his style of work resembled that of the Soviet-era 1970s and 1980s .

<response> He also reportedly criticised <misc>Russian</misc> Foreign Minister <person>Yevgeny Primakov</person> , saying his style of work resembled that of the <misc>Soviet-era</misc> 1970s and 1980s . </response>


Romania state budget soars in June .

<response> <location>Romania</location> state budget soars in June . </response>


BUCHAREST 1996-08-28

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


Romania 's state budget deficit jumped sharply in June to 1,242.9 billion lei for the January-June period from 596.5 billion lei in January-May , official data showed on Wednesday .

<response> <location>Romania</location> 's state budget deficit jumped sharply in June to 1,242.9 billion lei for the January-June period from 596.5 billion lei in January-May , official data showed on Wednesday . </response>


<response> Six-month expenditures stood at 9.50 trillion lei , up from 7.56 trillion lei at end-May , with education and health spending accounting for 31.6 percent of state expenses and economic subsidies and support taking some 26 percent . </response>


<response> January-June revenues went up to 8.26 trillion lei from 6.96 trillion lei in the first five months this year . </response>


Romania 's government is expected to revise the 1996 budget on Wednesday to bring it into line with higher inflation , new wage and pension indexations and costs of energy imports that have pushed up the state deficit .

<response> <location>Romania</location> 's government is expected to revise the 1996 budget on Wednesday to bring it into line with higher inflation , new wage and pension indexations and costs of energy imports that have pushed up the state deficit . </response>


<response> Under the revised version state spending is expected to rise by some 566 billion lei . </response>


<response> No new deficit forecast has been issued so far . </response>


<response> In July the government gave a 6.0-percent wage and pension indexation to cover energy , fuel and bread price increases , which quickened inflation to 7.5 percent last month . </response>


<response> In the original state budget , approved in March , revenues were envisaged at around 16.98 trillion lei and expenditures 20.17 trillion lei for 1996 . </response>


<response> The state budget deficit was originally forecast to be 3.19 trillion lei for the whole year . </response>


<response> On Wednesday , the leu 's official rate was 3,161 to the dollar . </response>


-- Bucharest Newsroom 40-1 3120264

<response> -- <organization>Bucharest Newsroom</organization> 40-1 3120264 </response>


Costa Rica says Dutch pair kidnapped by Nicaraguans .

<response> <location>Costa Rica</location> says <misc>Dutch</misc> pair kidnapped by <misc>Nicaraguans</misc> . </response>


SAN JOSE , Costa Rica 1996-08-28

<response> <location>SAN JOSE</location> , <location>Costa Rica</location> 1996-08-28 </response>


The Costa Rican government said on Wednesday that a Dutch couple abducted over the weekend from a tree farm in northern Costa Rica was kidnapped by former Nicaraguan guerrillas .

<response> The <misc>Costa Rican</misc> government said on Wednesday that a <misc>Dutch</misc> couple abducted over the weekend from a tree farm in northern <location>Costa Rica</location> was kidnapped by former <misc>Nicaraguan</misc> guerrillas . </response>


" Even though it 's an act of common delinquency , the case could take a difficult turn because former Nicaraguan guerrillas are involved , " Security Minister Bernardo Arce told reporters .

<response> " Even though it 's an act of common delinquency , the case could take a difficult turn because former <misc>Nicaraguan</misc> guerrillas are involved , " Security Minister <person>Bernardo Arce</person> told reporters . </response>


Earlier this year , a German tourist and a Swiss tour guide were kidnapped from the same general area in northern Costa Rica near the Nicaraguan border .

<response> Earlier this year , a <misc>German</misc> tourist and a <misc>Swiss</misc> tour guide were kidnapped from the same general area in northern <location>Costa Rica</location> near the <misc>Nicaraguan</misc> border . </response>


<response> They were held for 71 days before relatives paid a ransom to free them . </response>


Two Nicaraguan former guerrillas have been arrested in the case .

<response> Two <misc>Nicaraguan</misc> former guerrillas have been arrested in the case . </response>


Because of the apparent threat to foreigners in Costa Rica near the Nicaraguan border , Arce said the government has advised many to take additional security measures on their own .

<response> Because of the apparent threat to foreigners in <location>Costa Rica</location> near the <misc>Nicaraguan</misc> border , <person>Arce</person> said the government has advised many to take additional security measures on their own . </response>


Hurte Sierd Zylstra and his wife , Jetsi Hendrika Coers , both 50 years old , were seized late on Saturday or early on Sunday from a teak tree plantation they manage by at least two heavily armed men who took the two off in their own car , leaving behind a ransom note demanding $ 1.5 million .

<response> <person>Hurte Sierd Zylstra</person> and his wife , <person>Jetsi Hendrika Coers</person> , both 50 years old , were seized late on Saturday or early on Sunday from a teak tree plantation they manage by at least two heavily armed men who took the two off in their own car , leaving behind a ransom note demanding $ 1.5 million . </response>


The plantation is owned by Dutch citizen Ebe Huizinga , who has since arrived in Costa Rica to deal with the matter .

<response> The plantation is owned by <misc>Dutch</misc> citizen <person>Ebe Huizinga</person> , who has since arrived in <location>Costa Rica</location> to deal with the matter . </response>


Gov't dodging extradition , Colombian official says .

<response> Gov't dodging extradition , <misc>Colombian</misc> official says . </response>


BOGOTA , Colombia 1996-08-28

<response> <location>BOGOTA</location> , <location>Colombia</location> 1996-08-28 </response>


A top judicial official and critic of President Ernesto Samper accused the government of indifference on Wednesday over efforts to lift Colombia 's five-year-old ban on extradition .

<response> A top judicial official and critic of President <person>Ernesto Samper</person> accused the government of indifference on Wednesday over efforts to lift <location>Colombia</location> 's five-year-old ban on extradition . </response>


" It would seem that the subject of extradition is unworthy of an opinion from the government , " Deputy Prosecutor-General Adolfo Salamanca said .

<response> " It would seem that the subject of extradition is unworthy of an opinion from the government , " Deputy Prosecutor-General <person>Adolfo</person> <location>Salamanca</location> said . </response>


Constitutional reforms were proposed on Tuesday by two senators , one of them a member of Samper 's own Liberal Party , aimed at lifting the ban on extradition introduced in 1991 .

<response> Constitutional reforms were proposed on Tuesday by two senators , one of them a member of <person>Samper</person> 's own <organization>Liberal Party</organization> , aimed at lifting the ban on extradition introduced in 1991 . </response>


U.S. Ambassador Myles Frechette applauded the move , saying it could prompt the Clinton administration to remove Colombia from a list of outcast nations that have failed to cooperate in U.S. counternarcotics efforts .

<response> <location>U.S.</location> Ambassador <person>Myles Frechette</person> applauded the move , saying it could prompt the <person>Clinton</person> administration to remove <location>Colombia</location> from a list of outcast nations that have failed to cooperate in <location>U.S.</location> counternarcotics efforts . </response>


Samper -- who weathered a year-old crisis stemming from charges he financed his 1994 election campaign with drug money -- appeared less than enthusiastic , however .

<response> <person>Samper</person> -- who weathered a year-old crisis stemming from charges he financed his 1994 election campaign with drug money -- appeared less than enthusiastic , however . </response>


<response> " Extradition is not on the government 's legislative agenda , " he told reporters on Tuesday . </response>


<response> He added that he did not oppose the idea of opening a public debate over the issue . </response>


But he fell far short of endorsing the idea of putting Colombian drug lords onto U.S.-bound flights to serve stiff penalities in American prisons .

<response> But he fell far short of endorsing the idea of putting <misc>Colombian</misc> drug lords onto U.S.-bound flights to serve stiff penalities in <misc>American</misc> prisons . </response>


Salamanca , who spoke at a meeting on kidnapping in Colombia , has said in the past that there was ample evidence to prove that Samper 's campaign received millions of dollars in contributions from the country 's top drug lords .

<response> <location>Salamanca</location> , who spoke at a meeting on kidnapping in <location>Colombia</location> , has said in the past that there was ample evidence to prove that <person>Samper</person> 's campaign received millions of dollars in contributions from the country 's top drug lords . </response>


Quake shakes Costa Rica during Hashimoto visit .

<response> Quake shakes <location>Costa Rica</location> during <person>Hashimoto</person> visit . </response>


SAN JOSE , Costa Rica 1996-08-28

<response> <location>SAN JOSE</location> , <location>Costa Rica</location> 1996-08-28 </response>


A moderate earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale shook Costa Rica on Wednesday during a visit by Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto , but there were no reports of casualties or damage , officials said .

<response> A moderate earthquake measuring 5.0 on the <person>Richter</person> scale shook <location>Costa Rica</location> on Wednesday during a visit by <misc>Japanese</misc> Prime Minister <person>Ryutaro Hashimoto</person> , but there were no reports of casualties or damage , officials said . </response>


The quake struck at 11.16 a.m. ( 1716 GMT ) and was centred 10 miles ( 16 km ) south of the port of Quepos , which is 90 miles ( 140 km ) south of the capital San Jose , the Costa Rican Volcanic and Seismologicial Observatory said .

<response> The quake struck at 11.16 a.m. ( 1716 <misc>GMT</misc> ) and was centred 10 miles ( 16 km ) south of the port of <location>Quepos</location> , which is 90 miles ( 140 km ) south of the capital <location>San Jose</location> , the <organization>Costa Rican Volcanic and Seismologicial Observatory</organization> said . </response>


<response> The quake was felt for about seven seconds in most of the country but preliminary reports said no one was hurt , it added . </response>


The quake took place a few minutes before the end of a welcoming ceremony at Juan Santamaria airport for Hashimoto , who was starting a three-hour visit as part of a Latin American tour .

<response> The quake took place a few minutes before the end of a welcoming ceremony at <location>Juan Santamaria</location> airport for <person>Hashimoto</person> , who was starting a three-hour visit as part of a <misc>Latin American</misc> tour . </response>


Hashimoto , who arrived at 11 a.m. ( 1700 GMT ) , showed no sign of having felt the quake , witnesses said .

<response> <person>Hashimoto</person> , who arrived at 11 a.m. ( 1700 <misc>GMT</misc> ) , showed no sign of having felt the quake , witnesses said . </response>


Barrier removed to Brazil CVRD sell-off .

<response> Barrier removed to <location>Brazil</location> <organization>CVRD</organization> sell-off . </response>


BRASILIA 1996-08-28

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


The Brazilian Senate Wednesday agreed to shelve a bill linking the privatization of mining conglomerate Vale do Rio Doce to congressional approval , officials said .

<response> The <misc>Brazilian</misc> <organization>Senate</organization> Wednesday agreed to shelve a bill linking the privatization of mining conglomerate <organization>Vale do Rio Doce</organization> to congressional approval , officials said . </response>


Officials said the Senate vote removed all existing legislative hurdles in the way of CVRD 's sell-off .

<response> Officials said the <organization>Senate</organization> vote removed all existing legislative hurdles in the way of <organization>CVRD</organization> 's sell-off . </response>


The motion was put forward by Sen .

<response> The motion was put forward by <location>Sen</location> . </response>


Jose Eduardo Dutra , who had drawn up the bill .

<response> <person>Jose Eduardo Dutra</person> , who had drawn up the bill . </response>


The Senate vote also annulled a substitute version of Dutra 's bill which had sought to dedicate revenue from Vale 's privatization to regional infrastructure projects .

<response> The <organization>Senate</organization> vote also annulled a substitute version of <person>Dutra</person> 's bill which had sought to dedicate revenue from <organization>Vale</organization> 's privatization to regional infrastructure projects . </response>


-- William Schomberg , Brasilia newsroom 55-61-2230358

<response> -- <person>William Schomberg</person> , <location>Brasilia</location> newsroom 55-61-2230358 </response>


RTRS - Arthur Yates year net A$ 6.1 mln .

<response> <organization>RTRS</organization> - <organization>Arthur Yates</organization> year net <misc>A$</misc> 6.1 mln . </response>


SYDNEY 1996-08-29

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


Year to June 30


( million A$ unless stated )

<response> ( million <misc>A$</misc> unless stated ) </response>


Operating profit 9.75 vs 5.79

<response> Operating profit 9.75 vs 5.79 </response>


Net profit 6.08 vs 3.98

<response> Net profit 6.08 vs 3.98 </response>


Final dividend ( cents ) 4.0 vs 4.0

<response> Final dividend ( cents ) 4.0 vs 4.0 </response>


Total dividend ( cents ) 6.0 vs 6.0

<response> Total dividend ( cents ) 6.0 vs 6.0 </response>


NOTE : Arthur Yates and Co ltd is a garden products group .

<response> NOTE : <organization>Arthur Yates and Co</organization> ltd is a garden products group . </response>


Sales 148.29 vs 133.82

<response> Sales 148.29 vs 133.82 </response>


Other income 1.90 vs 2.07

<response> Other income 1.90 vs 2.07 </response>


Shr ( cents ) 8.63 vs 7.23

<response> Shr ( cents ) 8.63 vs 7.23 </response>


Dividend is 100 percent franked

<response> Dividend is 100 percent franked </response>


Pay date Nov 25


Reg date Nov 11


Tax 3.67 vs 1.82


Interest 2.78 vs 2.69

<response> Interest 2.78 vs 2.69 </response>


Depreciation 3.25 vs 2.79

<response> Depreciation 3.25 vs 2.79 </response>


-- Sydney newsroom 61-2 9373-1800

<response> -- <location>Sydney</location> newsroom 61-2 9373-1800 </response>


Briton held in Thailand over 4.4 kg heroin find .

<response> <misc>Briton</misc> held in <location>Thailand</location> over 4.4 kg heroin find . </response>


BANGKOK 1996-08-28

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


Thai airport police arrested a British bartender for allegedly attempting to board a flight for Amsterdam with nearly 4.4 kg ( 9.68 lb ) of heroin in his luggage , police said on Wednesday .

<response> <misc>Thai</misc> airport police arrested a <misc>British</misc> bartender for allegedly attempting to board a flight for <location>Amsterdam</location> with nearly 4.4 kg ( 9.68 lb ) of heroin in his luggage , police said on Wednesday . </response>


Police said James Lee Williams , 28 , was stopped at a Bangkok airport departure lounge on Monday after officials found the drug in a bag that Williams planned to carry onto the plane .

<response> Police said <person>James Lee Williams</person> , 28 , was stopped at a <location>Bangkok</location> airport departure lounge on Monday after officials found the drug in a bag that <person>Williams</person> planned to carry onto the plane . </response>


Williams ' hometown was not immediately available .

<response> <person>Williams</person> ' hometown was not immediately available . </response>


<response> The maximum sentence for heroin trafficking is the death penalty , although it is normally commuted to life imprisonment . </response>


PLO Council calls for halt to contacts with Israel .

<response> <organization>PLO Council</organization> calls for halt to contacts with <location>Israel</location> . </response>


RAMALLAH , West Bank 1996-08-28

<response> <location>RAMALLAH</location> , <location>West Bank</location> 1996-08-28 </response>


The Palestinian Legislative Council on Wednesday called for a halt to contacts with Israel , just hours after President Yasser Arafat said the Jewish state had effectively declared war on the Palestinians by pursuing its hardline policies .

<response> The <organization>Palestinian Legislative Council</organization> on Wednesday called for a halt to contacts with <location>Israel</location> , just hours after President <person>Yasser Arafat</person> said the <misc>Jewish</misc> state had effectively declared war on the <misc>Palestinians</misc> by pursuing its hardline policies . </response>


A resolution released by the council called for " halting contacts with the Israeli side and leaving the mechanism to carry out this to Palestinian President Yasser Arafat " .

<response> A resolution released by the council called for " halting contacts with the <misc>Israeli</misc> side and leaving the mechanism to carry out this to <misc>Palestinian</misc> President <person>Yasser Arafat</person> " . </response>


The council was meeting in Ramallah to discuss Israel 's new policy of Jewish settlement expansion and its uncompromising line on Jerusalem since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took office in June .

<response> The council was meeting in <location>Ramallah</location> to discuss <location>Israel</location> 's new policy of <misc>Jewish</misc> settlement expansion and its uncompromising line on <location>Jerusalem</location> since Prime Minister <person>Benjamin Netanyahu</person> took office in June . </response>


<response> Council resolutions are not necessarily binding . </response>


Arafat had earlier blasted Israel saying its policies amounted to a declaration of war against the Palestinian people .

<response> <person>Arafat</person> had earlier blasted <location>Israel</location> saying its policies amounted to a declaration of war against the <misc>Palestinian</misc> people . </response>


He also called for the first general strike in two years in the West Bank and Gaza on Thursday .

<response> He also called for the first general strike in two years in the <location>West Bank</location> and <location>Gaza</location> on Thursday . </response>


" What happened concerning continuous violations and crimes from this new Israeli leadership means they are declaring a state of war against the Palestinian people , " Arafat told the council .

<response> " What happened concerning continuous violations and crimes from this new <misc>Israeli</misc> leadership means they are declaring a state of war against the <misc>Palestinian</misc> people , " <person>Arafat</person> told the council . </response>


Council speaker Ahmed Korei said the decision was part of a comprehensive plan to confront Israeli settlement policy , land confiscation and what he termed other violations of the Israeli-PLO peace deals .

<response> Council speaker <person>Ahmed Korei</person> said the decision was part of a comprehensive plan to confront <misc>Israeli</misc> settlement policy , land confiscation and what he termed other violations of the <misc>Israeli-PLO</misc> peace deals . </response>


Iraqi Kurd group says agrees new ceasefire .

<response> <misc>Iraqi Kurd</misc> group says agrees new ceasefire . </response>


ANKARA 1996-08-28

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


An Iraqi Kurdish group on Wednesday said it had agreed a new U.S.-brokered ceasefire with a rival faction after a previous accord was shattered by sporadic fighting between the groups in recent days .

<response> An <misc>Iraqi Kurdish</misc> group on Wednesday said it had agreed a new <misc>U.S.-brokered</misc> ceasefire with a rival faction after a previous accord was shattered by sporadic fighting between the groups in recent days . </response>


" The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan ( PUK ) leadership declares its endorsement for a ceasefire arrangement with the KDP ( Kurdistan Democratic Party ) to take effect as of 8:00 a.m. on August 28 , " the PUK said in a statement .

<response> " The <organization>Patriotic Union of Kurdistan</organization> ( <organization>PUK</organization> ) leadership declares its endorsement for a ceasefire arrangement with the <organization>KDP</organization> ( <organization>Kurdistan Democratic Party</organization> ) to take effect as of 8:00 a.m. on August 28 , " the <organization>PUK</organization> said in a statement . </response>


The PUK said the ceasefire was agreed after talks between U.S. Assistant Secretary for Near East Affairs Robert Pelletreau and PUK leader Jalal Talabani .

<response> The <organization>PUK</organization> said the ceasefire was agreed after talks between <location>U.S.</location> Assistant Secretary for <location>Near East</location> Affairs <person>Robert Pelletreau</person> and <organization>PUK</organization> leader <person>Jalal Talabani</person> . </response>


The KDP , led by Massoud Barzani , had said a previous ceasefire negotiated by Pelletreau last Friday was broken by the PUK .

<response> The <organization>KDP</organization> , led by <person>Massoud Barzani</person> , had said a previous ceasefire negotiated by <person>Pelletreau</person> last Friday was broken by the <organization>PUK</organization> . </response>


Talabani has agreed to take part in talks in London on reaching a comprehensive settlement for the PUK-KDP conflict , the PUK statement said .

<response> <person>Talabani</person> has agreed to take part in talks in <location>London</location> on reaching a comprehensive settlement for the <misc>PUK-KDP</misc> conflict , the <organization>PUK</organization> statement said . </response>


It said the KDP was responsible for breaking the previous ceasefire by refusing to endorse it publicly .

<response> It said the <organization>KDP</organization> was responsible for breaking the previous ceasefire by refusing to endorse it publicly . </response>


Kurd group says Iraqi troops massing near north .

<response> <misc>Kurd</misc> group says <misc>Iraqi</misc> troops massing near north . </response>


ANKARA 1996-08-28


An Iraqi Kurdish group on Wednesday said Iraq was massing troops near Kurdish regions in the north , where a U.S.-led allied air force protects the local population against attacks from Baghdad .

<response> An <misc>Iraqi Kurdish</misc> group on Wednesday said <location>Iraq</location> was massing troops near <misc>Kurdish</misc> regions in the north , where a <misc>U.S.-led</misc> allied air force protects the local population against attacks from <location>Baghdad</location> . </response>


" The Iraqi regime has started threatening the Kurdish population by massing troops in preparation to attack Kurdish towns and population centres , " the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan ( PUK ) said in a statement .

<response> " The <misc>Iraqi</misc> regime has started threatening the <misc>Kurdish</misc> population by massing troops in preparation to attack <misc>Kurdish</misc> towns and population centres , " the <organization>Patriotic Union of Kurdistan</organization> ( <organization>PUK</organization> ) said in a statement . </response>


The PUK said it had received confirmed reports that Iraqi troops , supported by tanks , artillery and armoured vehicles , have already penetrated some Kurdish areas .

<response> The <organization>PUK</organization> said it had received confirmed reports that <misc>Iraqi</misc> troops , supported by tanks , artillery and armoured vehicles , have already penetrated some <misc>Kurdish</misc> areas . </response>


It said the military presence reflects cooperation between President Saddam Hussein and the PUK 's rival , the Kurdistan Democratic Party ( KDP ) .

<response> It said the military presence reflects cooperation between President <person>Saddam Hussein</person> and the <organization>PUK</organization> 's rival , the <organization>Kurdistan Democratic Party</organization> ( <organization>KDP</organization> ) . </response>


The PUK statement follows KDP assertions that the PUK is receiving military support from Iran .

<response> The <organization>PUK</organization> statement follows <organization>KDP</organization> assertions that the <organization>PUK</organization> is receiving military support from <location>Iran</location> . </response>


Hostilities between the two warring Iraqi Kurdish factions have continued in the last few days despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire last Friday .

<response> Hostilities between the two warring <misc>Iraqi Kurdish</misc> factions have continued in the last few days despite a <misc>U.S.-brokered</misc> ceasefire last Friday . </response>


The PUK called on the United Nations and allied forces to halt the Iraqi aggression .

<response> The <organization>PUK</organization> called on the <organization>United Nations</organization> and allied forces to halt the <misc>Iraqi</misc> aggression . </response>


U.S. , French and British aircraft have safeguarded the Iraqi Kurdish population against aggression from Baghdad since shortly after the Gulf War in 1991 .

<response> <location>U.S.</location> , <misc>French</misc> and <misc>British</misc> aircraft have safeguarded the <misc>Iraqi Kurdish</misc> population against aggression from <location>Baghdad</location> since shortly after the <misc>Gulf War</misc> in 1991 . </response>


The allied force , known as Operation Provide Comfort , is based in southern Turkey .

<response> The allied force , known as <misc>Operation Provide Comfort</misc> , is based in southern <location>Turkey</location> . </response>


Iraq says hijackers were not diplomats .

<response> <location>Iraq</location> says hijackers were not diplomats . </response>


BAGHDAD 1996-08-28

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


Iraq on Wednesday said the hijackers of a Sudanese airliner were not Iraqi diplomats and added that " noble Iraqis " would never contemplate such an action .

<response> <location>Iraq</location> on Wednesday said the hijackers of a <misc>Sudanese</misc> airliner were not <misc>Iraqi</misc> diplomats and added that " noble <misc>Iraqis</misc> " would never contemplate such an action . </response>


The official Iraqi News Agency ( INA ) quoted Iraq 's ambassador in Khartoum as saying that Iraq 's embassy in the Sudanese capital had nothing to do with the Monday night hijacking .

<response> The official <organization>Iraqi News Agency</organization> ( <organization>INA</organization> ) quoted <location>Iraq</location> 's ambassador in <location>Khartoum</location> as saying that <location>Iraq</location> 's embassy in the <misc>Sudanese</misc> capital had nothing to do with the Monday night hijacking . </response>


Iraq 's ambassador in Khartoum denounced the hijacking and described it as a terrorist act which had nothing to do " with the morals and values of noble Iraqis , " INA said .

<response> <location>Iraq</location> 's ambassador in <location>Khartoum</location> denounced the hijacking and described it as a terrorist act which had nothing to do " with the morals and values of noble <misc>Iraqis</misc> , " <organization>INA</organization> said . </response>


Ambassador Abdulsamad Hameed Ali told INA there was only one diplomat among the 199 passengers and crew on the Sudan Airways Airbus .

<response> Ambassador <person>Abdulsamad Hameed Ali</person> told <organization>INA</organization> there was only one diplomat among the 199 passengers and crew on the <organization>Sudan Airways</organization> <misc>Airbus</misc> . </response>


" He was not involved ...

<response> " He was not involved ... </response>


<response> on the contrary he was harassed by the elements which carried out the hijacking , " he said . </response>


INA did not say the hijackers were Iraqis .

<response> <organization>INA</organization> did not say the hijackers were <misc>Iraqis</misc> . </response>


The hijack started when the flight left Khartoum for Amman on Monday night .

<response> The hijack started when the flight left <location>Khartoum</location> for <location>Amman</location> on Monday night . </response>


The hijackers told the crew they had grenades and other explosives and threatened to blow up the plane if they were not taken to London .

<response> The hijackers told the crew they had grenades and other explosives and threatened to blow up the plane if they were not taken to <location>London</location> . </response>


The airliner refuelled at Larnaca , Cyprus and landed at London 's Stansted airport in the early hours of Tuesday .

<response> The airliner refuelled at <location>Larnaca</location> , <location>Cyprus</location> and landed at <location>London</location> 's <location>Stansted</location> airport in the early hours of Tuesday . </response>


Seven Iraqi suspected hijackers surrendered and British police said they had apparently asked for political asylum .

<response> Seven <misc>Iraqi</misc> suspected hijackers surrendered and <misc>British</misc> police said they had apparently asked for political asylum . </response>


<response> Several had brought their families along , including children . </response>


Dole blasts Clinton for ignoring teen drug use .

<response> <person>Dole</person> blasts <person>Clinton</person> for ignoring teen drug use . </response>


Judith Crosson

<response> <person>Judith Crosson</person> </response>


VENTURA , Calif. 1996-08-28

<response> <location>VENTURA</location> , <location>Calif.</location> 1996-08-28 </response>


Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole Wednesday accused the Clinton administration of ignoring drug use among teenagers and said if elected he would use the National Guard to stop drugs from entering the United States .

<response> <misc>Republican</misc> presidential candidate <person>Bob Dole</person> Wednesday accused the <person>Clinton</person> administration of ignoring drug use among teenagers and said if elected he would use the <organization>National Guard</organization> to stop drugs from entering the <location>United States</location> . </response>


<response> " He 'll probably mention his war on drugs , which he 's going to start like everything else -- next year . </response>


It 's too late , Mr. President , " Dole told an outdoor crowd of several hundred at a private religious school .

<response> It 's too late , Mr. President , " <person>Dole</person> told an outdoor crowd of several hundred at a private religious school . </response>


<response> He also commented briefly on published reports that the administration was planning to announce a plan to lower capital gains taxes for home sales . " </response>


Welcome to the club .

<response> Welcome to the club . </response>


We 've had it out there for weeks and weeks and weeks , " Dole said .

<response> We 've had it out there for weeks and weeks and weeks , " <person>Dole</person> said . </response>


Dole said former first lady Nancy Reagan was laughed at with her " just say no " anti-drug message . "

<response> <person>Dole</person> said former first lady <person>Nancy Reagan</person> was laughed at with her " just say no " anti-drug message . " </response>


But it worked , " Dole said .

<response> But it worked , " <person>Dole</person> said . </response>


Meanwhile , in Los Angeles , Dole 's running mate , Jack Kemp , campaigned aggressively for the black vote in an area that was the flashpoint of the 1992 Los Angeles riots .

<response> Meanwhile , in <location>Los Angeles</location> , <person>Dole</person> 's running mate , <person>Jack Kemp</person> , campaigned aggressively for the black vote in an area that was the flashpoint of the 1992 <location>Los Angeles</location> riots . </response>


Kemp told a crowd of about 300 African Americans in south central Los Angeles , " Keep your eyes open , keep your ears open , keep your heart open .

<response> <person>Kemp</person> told a crowd of about 300 <misc>African Americans</misc> in south central <location>Los Angeles</location> , " Keep your eyes open , keep your ears open , keep your heart open . </response>


<response> I want to tell you with all my heart that we want to win your vote . " </response>


In Dole 's address to a group that was largely white , the presidential nominee likened the stream of illegal drugs into the United States to missiles aimed at American children and promised to appoint federal judges who would be tough on illegal drug use .

<response> In <person>Dole</person> 's address to a group that was largely white , the presidential nominee likened the stream of illegal drugs into the <location>United States</location> to missiles aimed at <misc>American</misc> children and promised to appoint federal judges who would be tough on illegal drug use . </response>


" They 're aiming millions and millions of missiles right at these young people , whether it 's a needle , whether it 's a cigarette , whatever the delivery system is -- it 's poison and it 's got to stop in America . "

<response> " They 're aiming millions and millions of missiles right at these young people , whether it 's a needle , whether it 's a cigarette , whatever the delivery system is -- it 's poison and it 's got to stop in <location>America</location> . " </response>


he said .


Dole said 70 percent of the cocaine that entered the United States and 40 percent of the marijuana came from Mexico . "

<response> <person>Dole</person> said 70 percent of the cocaine that entered the <location>United States</location> and 40 percent of the marijuana came from <location>Mexico</location> . " </response>


<response> We 've got an international problem and I 'm prepared to use our military might . </response>


<response> We want to stop drugs at the border , " he said . </response>


Dole 's remarks prompted questions about whether he was seeking a ban on cigarettes . "

<response> <person>Dole</person> 's remarks prompted questions about whether he was seeking a ban on cigarettes . " </response>


<response> I did n't say anything about cigarettes . </response>


I was talking about drugs .

<response> I was talking about drugs . </response>


I said you should n't smoke either .

<response> I said you should n't smoke either . </response>


<response> That 's all I said , " he replied as he was shaking hands with well-wishers . </response>


When asked specifically if he was suggesting a ban on cigarettes , Dole replied : " Oh no .

<response> When asked specifically if he was suggesting a ban on cigarettes , <person>Dole</person> replied : " Oh no . </response>


Come on , you know better than that . "

<response> Come on , you know better than that . " </response>


Dole campaign aides said the candidate was telling young people not to smoke .

<response> <person>Dole</person> campaign aides said the candidate was telling young people not to smoke . </response>


Dole also said he opposed California Proposition 215 which , if approved by voters , would allow the cultivation of marijuana plants for medicinal uses .

<response> <person>Dole</person> also said he opposed <misc>California Proposition 215</misc> which , if approved by voters , would allow the cultivation of marijuana plants for medicinal uses . </response>


Dole said the initiative would allow marijuana to be used for anything from a headache to an ingrown toenail .

<response> <person>Dole</person> said the initiative would allow marijuana to be used for anything from a headache to an ingrown toenail . </response>


In an effort to paint the drug issue in non-political terms , Dole said three times during his 20-minute address that illegal drug use was neither a Democratic nor a Republican issue but one that involves all people .

<response> In an effort to paint the drug issue in non-political terms , <person>Dole</person> said three times during his 20-minute address that illegal drug use was neither a <misc>Democratic</misc> nor a <misc>Republican</misc> issue but one that involves all people . </response>


The anti-drug message is a theme Dole feels has strong voter appeal .

<response> The anti-drug message is a theme <person>Dole</person> feels has strong voter appeal . </response>


On Sunday near Chicago he accused President Bill Clinton of " raising the white flag " in the war on drugs .

<response> On Sunday near <location>Chicago</location> he accused President <person>Bill Clinton</person> of " raising the white flag " in the war on drugs . </response>


<response> A recent survey showed that illegal drug use among 12-17 year-olds had doubled in the past four years . </response>


Dole was flanked by several California Republican politicians including Gov .

<response> <person>Dole</person> was flanked by several <location>California</location> <misc>Republican</misc> politicians including Gov . </response>


Pete Wilson , who said local and state governments cannot fight illegal drugs alone .

<response> <person>Pete Wilson</person> , who said local and state governments cannot fight illegal drugs alone . </response>


" We need all the help we can get .

<response> " We need all the help we can get . </response>


We need to get the kind of help we used to get when Ronald Reagan and George Bush were in the White House , " Wilson said .

<response> We need to get the kind of help we used to get when <person>Ronald Reagan</person> and <person>George Bush</person> were in the <location>White House</location> , " <person>Wilson</person> said . </response>


BALANCE-Water Dist 1 Johnson Cty , Kan .

<response> <misc>BALANCE-Water Dist 1</misc> <location>Johnson Cty</location> , <location>Kan</location> . </response>


, at $ 11 mln .


WATER DISTRICT 1 OF JOHNSON CO .

<response> <misc>WATER DISTRICT 1</misc> OF <organization>JOHNSON CO</organization> . </response>


, KS

<response> , <location>KS</location> </response>


RE : $ 45,020,000

<response> RE : $ 45,020,000 </response>


WATER REVENUE BONDS

<response> WATER REVENUE BONDS </response>


$ 22,040,000 SER .

<response> $ 22,040,000 SER . </response>


$ 22,980,000 RFDG , SER .

<response> $ 22,980,000 RFDG , SER . </response>


MOODY 'S : Aa S&P : AA+

<response> <organization>MOODY 'S</organization> : Aa <organization>S&P</organization> : AA+ </response>


Delivery Date : 09/05/1996 ( FIRM )

<response> Delivery Date : 09/05/1996 ( FIRM ) </response>


06/01 12/01


MATURITY SER A SER B SER A SER B

<response> MATURITY SER A SER B SER A SER B </response>


1998 665M 840M 570M

<response> 1998 665M 840M 570M </response>


2000 - - 605M


2001 - 70M -


2002 - 895M 600M


2003 705M - 795M


2004 655M 90M 965M

<response> 2004 655M 90M 965M </response>


2009 65M - -


2010 60M - 100M


2011 30M - 90M


2012 20M - 35M


TOTAL : 11,450


A.G. Edwards & Sons , Inc .

<response> <organization>A.G. Edwards & Sons , Inc</organization> . </response>


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

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


CME lumber futures close lower on profit taking .

<response> <organization>CME</organization> lumber futures close lower on profit taking . </response>


CHICAGO 1996-08-28

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


Profit taking continued to weigh on CME lumber futures but prices ended only slightly lower as strong cash markets underpinned futures , traders said .

<response> Profit taking continued to weigh on <organization>CME</organization> lumber futures but prices ended only slightly lower as strong cash markets underpinned futures , traders said . </response>


<response> The same pattern of the past few days persisted with futures declining early on the profit taking before firming late . </response>


<response> There was cash-related buying late from people who want to take delivery of the September contract , they said . </response>


<response> Cash sources noted that although the cash market is generally quiet , prices remain firm on demand for prompt delivery wood , they added . </response>


<response> Random Lengths quoted cash spruce at $ 419 per tbf , up $ 5 from last Friday and $ 7 over the last midweek quote . </response>


Reduced concern over Hurricane Edouard prompted some of the early profit taking .

<response> Reduced concern over Hurricane <misc>Edouard</misc> prompted some of the early profit taking . </response>


<response> Expectations the storm would turn more to the north partly eased concerns , they said . </response>


<response> Lumber closed $ 2.20 to $ 0.20 per tbf lower with September off $ 0.70 at $ 413.20 and November off most at $ 369.00 per tbf . </response>


-- Jerry Bieszk 312-408-8725

<response> -- <person>Jerry Bieszk</person> 312-408-8725 </response>


WHEAT--Rains boost U.S. HRW planting prospects .

<response> WHEAT--Rains boost <location>U.S.</location> HRW planting prospects . </response>


Greg Frost

<response> <person>Greg Frost</person> </response>


KANSAS CITY , Mo .

<response> <location>KANSAS CITY</location> , <location>Mo</location> . </response>


Above-normal summer rainfall in the U.S. High Plains has produced near-ideal conditions for planting the 1997 hard red winter wheat crop , analysts said Wednesday .

<response> Above-normal summer rainfall in the <location>U.S.</location> <location>High Plains</location> has produced near-ideal conditions for planting the 1997 hard red winter wheat crop , analysts said Wednesday . </response>


From central Texas north to Kansas , rains throughout July and August have relieved most of the drought conditions that plagued the region earlier this year .

<response> From central <location>Texas</location> north to <location>Kansas</location> , rains throughout July and August have relieved most of the drought conditions that plagued the region earlier this year . </response>


" Our moisture situation is excellent , especially for fall planting of winter wheat , " said Kim Anderson , extension wheat marketing economist at Oklahoma State University .

<response> " Our moisture situation is excellent , especially for fall planting of winter wheat , " said <person>Kim Anderson</person> , extension wheat marketing economist at <organization>Oklahoma State University</organization> . </response>


The irony of the above-average summer rainfall was not lost on High Plains wheat producers , who only three months ago were caught in a drought so severe that old-timers likened conditions to the " Dust Bowl " days of the 1930s .

<response> The irony of the above-average summer rainfall was not lost on <location>High Plains</location> wheat producers , who only three months ago were caught in a drought so severe that old-timers likened conditions to the " <misc>Dust Bowl</misc> " days of the 1930s . </response>


" It 's definitely a turnabout from this past year , but you know last year we had pretty good moisture about this time of year , and then about October 1 it quit , " said Mark Hodges , executive director of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission . "

<response> " It 's definitely a turnabout from this past year , but you know last year we had pretty good moisture about this time of year , and then about October 1 it quit , " said <person>Mark Hodges</person> , executive director of the <organization>Oklahoma Wheat Commission</organization> . " </response>


<response> Hopefully that 's not going to happen this year . " </response>


According to figures released by the Oklahoma Climatological Survey , an average of 20.19 inches fell across the state between March 1 and August 26 , 1996 .

<response> According to figures released by the <misc>Oklahoma Climatological Survey</misc> , an average of 20.19 inches fell across the state between March 1 and August 26 , 1996 . </response>


That 's about 1/2 inch above the average for the same time period , according to Howard Johnson , associate state climatologist at the University of Oklahoma .

<response> That 's about 1/2 inch above the average for the same time period , according to <person>Howard Johnson</person> , associate state climatologist at the <organization>University of Oklahoma</organization> . </response>


<response> He noted that the majority of that 20.19 inches had fallen since July . </response>


<response> As an example of just how dry it was , data showed that between October 1 , 1995 and March 1 , 1996 , the state received an average of only 4.6 inches of rainfall . </response>


In northern Texas , the current rainfall situation was similar to most of Oklahoma , said Rodney Mosier , executive assistant for the Texas Wheat Producers .

<response> In northern <location>Texas</location> , the current rainfall situation was similar to most of <location>Oklahoma</location> , said <person>Rodney Mosier</person> , executive assistant for the <organization>Texas Wheat Producers</organization> . </response>


" Up here in the Texas Panhandle , we 've had some extremely beneficial rains that came through within the last several days and are really setting us up for ideal conditions for planting wheat , " Mosier said .

<response> " Up here in the <location>Texas Panhandle</location> , we 've had some extremely beneficial rains that came through within the last several days and are really setting us up for ideal conditions for planting wheat , " <person>Mosier</person> said . </response>


But he warned that the situation was not as ideal in central and southern Texas , where mositure levels were still short despite the rains brought by Hurricane Dolly last week .

<response> But he warned that the situation was not as ideal in central and southern <location>Texas</location> , where mositure levels were still short despite the rains brought by Hurricane <misc>Dolly</misc> last week . </response>


In Kansas , typically the number one U.S. hard red winter wheat producer , topsoil moisture levels were rated mostly adequate during the week ended Sunday , according to the state 's agricultural statistics service .

<response> In <location>Kansas</location> , typically the number one <location>U.S.</location> hard red winter wheat producer , topsoil moisture levels were rated mostly adequate during the week ended Sunday , according to the state 's agricultural statistics service . </response>


In its weekly report released Monday , the service said Kansas topsoil moisture was rated eight percent surplus , 77 percent adequate and 15 percent short to very short .

<response> In its weekly report released Monday , the service said <location>Kansas</location> topsoil moisture was rated eight percent surplus , 77 percent adequate and 15 percent short to very short . </response>


Oklahoma 's Agricultural Statistics Service showed similar conditions , rating topsoil moisture levels as seven percent surplus , 81 percent adequate and 12 percent short to very short .

<response> <location>Oklahoma</location> 's <organization>Agricultural Statistics Service</organization> showed similar conditions , rating topsoil moisture levels as seven percent surplus , 81 percent adequate and 12 percent short to very short . </response>


Data on topsoil moisture ratings were not released by the Texas Agricultural Statistics Service .

<response> Data on topsoil moisture ratings were not released by the <organization>Texas Agricultural Statistics Service</organization> . </response>


-- Greg Frost , 816 561-8671

<response> -- <person>Greg Frost</person> , 816 561-8671 </response>


First Union National Bank of Fla. settles suit .

<response> <organization>First Union National Bank of Fla.</organization> settles suit . </response>


JACKSONVILLE , Fla. 1996-08-28

<response> <location>JACKSONVILLE</location> , <location>Fla.</location> 1996-08-28 </response>


First Union National Bank of Florida said on Wednesday it agreed to settle a class action law suit involving its collateral protection insurance ( CPI ) program .

<response> <organization>First Union National Bank of Florida</organization> said on Wednesday it agreed to settle a class action law suit involving its collateral protection insurance ( <misc>CPI</misc> ) program . </response>


To provide for the settlements , First Union has established a common fund of $ 4.7 million for cash refunds and $ 19.4 million in credit refunds for outstanding CPI balances .

<response> To provide for the settlements , <organization>First Union</organization> has established a common fund of $ 4.7 million for cash refunds and $ 19.4 million in credit refunds for outstanding <misc>CPI</misc> balances . </response>


The bank is a division of First Union Corp .

<response> The bank is a division of <organization>First Union Corp</organization> . </response>


<response> The bank said most of the charges resulted from loan portfolios from banks and thrifts that were acquired in the 1980s . </response>


First Union said it has discontinued CPI as an element of its motor vehicle or boat installment loan contracts .

<response> <organization>First Union</organization> said it has discontinued <misc>CPI</misc> as an element of its motor vehicle or boat installment loan contracts . </response>


As part of the settlement agreement , customers who had CPI placed on loans from January 1 , 1986 to September 31 , 1996 , will receive cash or credit refunds , the bank said .

<response> As part of the settlement agreement , customers who had <misc>CPI</misc> placed on loans from January 1 , 1986 to September 31 , 1996 , will receive cash or credit refunds , the bank said . </response>


Cash refunds will go to those who paid their loans to First Union while credit refunds will go to those who have existing loan balances , the bank said .

<response> Cash refunds will go to those who paid their loans to <organization>First Union</organization> while credit refunds will go to those who have existing loan balances , the bank said . </response>


Amoco says in talks over Yemen oil acreage .

<response> <organization>Amoco</organization> says in talks over <location>Yemen</location> oil acreage . </response>


NEW YORK 1996-08-28

<response> <location>NEW YORK</location> 1996-08-28 </response>


Amoco Corp officials said the company is in talks over crude oil production sharing in Yemen , but declined to comment on a published report Amoco had reached preliminary agreement on a block in the Shabwa area .

<response> <organization>Amoco Corp</organization> officials said the company is in talks over crude oil production sharing in <location>Yemen</location> , but declined to comment on a published report <organization>Amoco</organization> had reached preliminary agreement on a block in the <location>Shabwa</location> area . </response>


" We 've been asked ( by Yemen ) not to comment ( on the talks ) , " said Amoco spokesman Dan Dietsch . "

<response> " We 've been asked ( by <location>Yemen</location> ) not to comment ( on the talks ) , " said <organization>Amoco</organization> spokesman <person>Dan Dietsch</person> . " </response>


<response> We can neither confirm nor deny that report , " he said . </response>


According to Middle East Economic Survey ( MEES ) , Yemen and Amoco signed a " memorandum of understanding " for a production-sharing agreement in Shabwa Block No .

<response> According to <misc>Middle East Economic Survey</misc> ( <misc>MEES</misc> ) , <location>Yemen</location> and <organization>Amoco</organization> signed a " memorandum of understanding " for a production-sharing agreement in <misc>Shabwa Block No .</misc> </response>


S-1 in the former South Yemen , which united with North Yemen in 1990 .

<response> <misc>S-1</misc> in the former <location>South Yemen</location> , which united with <location>North Yemen</location> in 1990 . </response>


According to another Amoco official , the company is not exploring now for oil anywhere in Yemen .

<response> According to another <organization>Amoco</organization> official , the company is not exploring now for oil anywhere in <location>Yemen</location> . </response>


The officials said Amoco was deferring to the Yemeni Ministry of Petroleum and Minerals for any specific comments on the Amoco-Yemen talks .

<response> The officials said <organization>Amoco</organization> was deferring to the <misc>Yemeni</misc> <organization>Ministry of Petroleum and Minerals</organization> for any specific comments on the <misc>Amoco-Yemen</misc> talks . </response>


The former Soviet Union was displaced as contractor of the potentially rich Shabwa oilfields once it collapsed in December 1991 , according to the International Petroleum Encyclopedia .

<response> The former <location>Soviet Union</location> was displaced as contractor of the potentially rich <location>Shabwa</location> oilfields once it collapsed in December 1991 , according to the <misc>International Petroleum Encyclopedia</misc> . </response>


-- Oliver Ludwig , New York Energy Desk +1 212 859 1633

<response> -- <person>Oliver Ludwig</person> , <organization>New York Energy Desk</organization> +1 212 859 1633 </response>


Burundi defends military regime to hostile UN .

<response> <location>Burundi</location> defends military regime to hostile <organization>UN</organization> . </response>


Evelyn Leopold

<response> <person>Evelyn Leopold</person> </response>


UNITED NATIONS 1996-08-28

<response> <organization>UNITED NATIONS</organization> 1996-08-28 </response>


Burundi 's ambassador on Wednesday lashed out at economic sanctions imposed by African states and said any thought of an arms embargo would be a windfall for guerrillas fighting his army-run government .

<response> <location>Burundi</location> 's ambassador on Wednesday lashed out at economic sanctions imposed by <misc>African</misc> states and said any thought of an arms embargo would be a windfall for guerrillas fighting his army-run government . </response>


In a lengthy debate on Burundi before the U.N. Security Council , Ambassador Nsanze Terence said the new military government took over to stabilise the country and wanted negotiations under former Tanzanian President Julius Nyrere .

<response> In a lengthy debate on <location>Burundi</location> before the <organization>U.N. Security Council</organization> , Ambassador <person>Nsanze Terence</person> said the new military government took over to stabilise the country and wanted negotiations under former <misc>Tanzanian</misc> President <person>Julius Nyrere</person> . </response>


Nearly every African member who spoke , as well as most Security Council members , however , were unsympathetic towards the government of President Pierre Buyoya , an army major put in power in a July coup by the Tutsi-run military , which is locked in a guerrilla war with the majority Hutus .

<response> Nearly every <misc>African</misc> member who spoke , as well as most <organization>Security Council</organization> members , however , were unsympathetic towards the government of President <person>Pierre Buyoya</person> , an army major put in power in a July coup by the <misc>Tutsi-run</misc> military , which is locked in a guerrilla war with the majority <misc>Hutus</misc> . </response>


" These ( African ) brothers should have been the first to bind the wounds of Burundi , " Terence said of the economic embargo . "

<response> " These ( <misc>African</misc> ) brothers should have been the first to bind the wounds of <location>Burundi</location> , " <person>Terence</person> said of the economic embargo . " </response>


Quite the contrary , Burundi has seen economic war declared against it by fellow African people ... a gratuitous immolation of the people of Burundi . "

<response> Quite the contrary , <location>Burundi</location> has seen economic war declared against it by fellow <misc>African</misc> people ... a gratuitous immolation of the people of <location>Burundi</location> . " </response>


He said his government had just asked U.N. human rights monitors to increase their numbers in Burundi in an effort " to put an end to this vicious circle of violence . "

<response> He said his government had just asked <organization>U.N.</organization> human rights monitors to increase their numbers in <location>Burundi</location> in an effort " to put an end to this vicious circle of violence . " </response>


More than 150,000 people have been killed in violence between the minority Tutsis and the majority Hutus since 1993 .

<response> More than 150,000 people have been killed in violence between the minority <misc>Tutsis</misc> and the majority <misc>Hutus</misc> since 1993 . </response>


Botswana 's envoy , Mothusi Nkgowe , said coups should be relegated " to the dump heap of history " as there could be no justification for the overthrow of a legitimate government .

<response> <location>Botswana</location> 's envoy , <person>Mothusi Nkgowe</person> , said coups should be relegated " to the dump heap of history " as there could be no justification for the overthrow of a legitimate government . </response>


Chile has proposed a resolution , still under discussion , that would impose an immediate arms embargo on Burundi and call for negotiations .

<response> <location>Chile</location> has proposed a resolution , still under discussion , that would impose an immediate arms embargo on <location>Burundi</location> and call for negotiations . </response>


<response> The draft suggests further sanctions against those who impede a political solution . </response>


Among the council 's five permanent members , Russia and the United States appeared to support most elements of the Chilean proposal , while Britain , France and China were cautious .

<response> Among the council 's five permanent members , <location>Russia</location> and the <location>United States</location> appeared to support most elements of the <misc>Chilean</misc> proposal , while <location>Britain</location> , <location>France</location> and <location>China</location> were cautious . </response>


Terence , a Tutsi , said any arms embargo would leave the army unable to defend itself against Hutu guerrillas and leave the population exposed to " armed terroritsts . "

<response> <person>Terence</person> , a <misc>Tutsi</misc> , said any arms embargo would leave the army unable to defend itself against <misc>Hutu</misc> guerrillas and leave the population exposed to " armed terroritsts . " </response>


But Chilean Ambassador Juan Somavia said : " Every weapon that reached Burundi is a weapon aimed mainly at killing an unarmed civilian .

<response> But <misc>Chilean</misc> Ambassador <person>Juan Somavia</person> said : " Every weapon that reached <location>Burundi</location> is a weapon aimed mainly at killing an unarmed civilian . </response>


We must not send a signal different from the African leaders themselves .

<response> We must not send a signal different from the <misc>African</misc> leaders themselves . </response>


<response> Inaction is becoming the worst possible course of action . " </response>


Burundi 's parliament has been suspended and political parties are banned but Terence told reporters Buyoya would reconvene a new type of national assembly in October .

<response> <location>Burundi</location> 's parliament has been suspended and political parties are banned but <person>Terence</person> told reporters <person>Buyoya</person> would reconvene a new type of national assembly in October . </response>


The United States said the coup leaders had taken no steps to restore democracy and indiscriminate killings continued .

<response> The <location>United States</location> said the coup leaders had taken no steps to restore democracy and indiscriminate killings continued . </response>


Ambassador Karl Inderfurth said the new government should have " unconditional " negotiations with all parties inside and outside of the country .

<response> Ambassador <person>Karl Inderfurth</person> said the new government should have " unconditional " negotiations with all parties inside and outside of the country . </response>


He said Washington strongly supported the economic sanctions imposed already and if these did not work the council would consider " an arms embargo or targeted sanctions against faction leaders . "

<response> He said <location>Washington</location> strongly supported the economic sanctions imposed already and if these did not work the council would consider " an arms embargo or targeted sanctions against faction leaders . " </response>


But he said the international community had to be prepared for the worst and avoid a replay of the horrors in neighbouring Rwanda , where widespread genocide broke out against the Tutsis two years ago .

<response> But he said the international community had to be prepared for the worst and avoid a replay of the horrors in neighbouring <location>Rwanda</location> , where widespread genocide broke out against the <misc>Tutsis</misc> two years ago . </response>


He again said the United Nations should draw up contingency plans for a rapid humanitarian intervention .

<response> He again said the <organization>United Nations</organization> should draw up contingency plans for a rapid humanitarian intervention . </response>


Swiss arrest Rwandan on genocide suspicion .

<response> <misc>Swiss</misc> arrest <misc>Rwandan</misc> on genocide suspicion . </response>


BERNE 1996-08-28

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


Swiss authorities said on Wednesday they had arrested a former Rwandan mayor , now living in Switzerland , on suspicion of violating human rights during the genocide in his country in 1994 .

<response> <misc>Swiss</misc> authorities said on Wednesday they had arrested a former <misc>Rwandan</misc> mayor , now living in <location>Switzerland</location> , on suspicion of violating human rights during the genocide in his country in 1994 . </response>


The Defence Ministry said in a statement that investigations were still in the preliminary stage but it was cooperating closely with police in the cantons of Geneva and Freiburg .

<response> The <organization>Defence Ministry</organization> said in a statement that investigations were still in the preliminary stage but it was cooperating closely with police in the cantons of <location>Geneva</location> and <location>Freiburg</location> . </response>


It did not identify the man .

<response> It did not identify the man . </response>


OPTIONS -- EOE options volumes - close .

<response> OPTIONS -- <organization>EOE</organization> options volumes - close . </response>


AMSTERDAM 1996-08-28

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


1605 GMT

<response> 1605 <misc>GMT</misc> </response>


CALLS PUTS PCT OF TOTAL

<response> CALLS PUTS PCT OF TOTAL </response>


TOTAL VOLUME -- 83,008 60,131 22,877 --

<response> TOTAL VOLUME -- 83,008 60,131 22,877 -- </response>


FEATURES - AEX INDEX 7,391 5,658 15.72

<response> FEATURES - <misc>AEX</misc> INDEX 7,391 5,658 15.72 </response>