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Dirty tanker fixtures and enquiries - 2317 GMT. NEW YORK 1996-12-06 MIDEAST / RED SEA - Thai Resource 264 31/12 Ras Tanura / Red Sea W46. 50 Mobil. MEDITERRANEAN - Lula I 85 25/12 Sidi Kreir / Augusta W100 Exxon. Spetses 139 17/12 Sidi Kreir / Augusta W97. 50 Exxon. Mesipia 77. 5 17/12 Bajaia / Fos W105 Exxon. --New York Commodities Desk +1 212 859 1640

NYC Jan refunding has its 1st Euro floating rate. NEW YORK 1996-12-06 New York City on Friday said that it planned a $775 million refunding for January that will include its first floating rate issue of taxable debt for European investors. A city official, who declined to be named, explained that Goldman, Sachs, which this summer was demoted to the second tier of the syndicate, proposed the floating rate issue and as a result was promoted to book runner for this offering. By selling the floating rate debt, the city hopes to establish a benchmark, the city official said, adding that it needed a large deal to accomplish this objective. The city in late June sold its first issue of Euronotes, a strategy that it says saved it $500, 000 in interest costs, and it has been trying to build on this strategy of expanding the pool of potential investors since then. In November, New York City said it became the first U. S. municipality to offer bonds for sale in European markets by competitive bidding as it listed taxable bonds on the London Stock Exchange. The refunding planned for January also includes a $475 million tax-exempt offering. No specific date in January has been selected for the debt sale, the official added. --Joan Gralla, 212-859-1654

NYD Jan refunding has its 1st Euor floating rate. NEEW YORK 1996-12-06 New York Citt on Friday said that it planned a $775 million refunding for January that will include its first floating rate issue of taxable debt for Euorpean investors. A city official, who declined to be named, explained that Goldman, Sachs, which this summer was demoted to the second tier of the syndicate, proposed the floating rate issue and as a result was promoted to book runner for this offering. By selling the floating rate debt, the city hopes to establish a benchmark, the city official said, adding that it needed a large deal to accomplish this objective. The city in late June sold its first issue of Euornotes, a strategy that it says saved it $500, 000 in interest costs, and it has been trying to build on this strategy of expanding the pool of potential investors since then. In November, New York Citt said it became the first U. S. municipality to offer bonds for sale in Euorpean markets by competitive bidding as it listed taxable bonds on the London Stock Exdhange. The refunding planned for January also includes a $475 million tax-exempt offering. No specific date in January has been selected for the debt sale, the official added. --Joan GGralla, 212-859-1654

NYC Jan refunding has its 1st Euro floating rate. NEW YORK 1996-12-06 New York City on Friday said that it planned a $775 million refunding for January that will include its first floating rate issue of taxable debt for European investors. A city official, who declined to be named, explained that Goldman, Sachs, which this summer was demoted to the second tier of the syndicate, proposed the floating rate issue and as a result was promoted to book runner for this offering. By selling the floating rate debt, the city hopes to establish a benchmark, the city official said, adding that it needed a large deal to accomplish this objective. The city in late June sold its first issue of Euronotes, a strategy that it says saved it $500, 000 in interest costs, and it has been trying to build on this strategy of expanding the pool of potential investors since then. In November, New York City said it became the first U. S. municipality to offer bonds for sale in European markets by competitive bidding as it listed taxable bonds on the London Stock Exchange. The refunding planned for January also includes a $475 million tax-exempt offering. No specific date in January has been selected for the debt sale, the official added. --Joan Gralla, 212-859-1654

USDA gross cutout hide and offal value. DES MOINES 1996-12-06 The hide and offal value from a typical slaughter steer for Friday was estimated at $9. 54 per cwt live, dn 0. 05 when compared to Thursday's value. - USDA

UDA gross cutout hide and offal value. DEES MOINES 1996-12-06 The hide and offal value from a typical slaughter steer for Friday was estimated at $9. 54 per cwt live, dn 0. 05 when compared to Thursday's value. - UDA

USDA gross cutout hide and offal value. DES MOINES 1996-12-06 The hide and offal value from a typical slaughter steer for Friday was estimated at $9. 54 per cwt live, dn 0. 05 when compared to Thursday's value. - USDA

Wall St speculates about Santa Fe savior. Brendan Intindola NEW YORK 1996-12-06 Homestake Mining Co tops Wall Street's list as the most likely white knight buyer for Santa Fe Pacific Gold Corp if Santa Fe rejects unsolicited suitor Newmont Mining Corp. Santa Fe is so far mum on the more than $2 billion stock swap takeover proposal from Newmont, announced Thursday. Wall Street, since the bid, has speculated that any deal between Newmont and Santa Fe would be a " bear hug, " or a reluctantly negotiated agreement where the buyer is not necessarily a friendly suitor. Newmont said the companies have had previous contact, though declined to detail the encounters. Analysts predict Santa Fe will go to the highest bidder, and that if a rival buyer is found, Newmont may not be able to match its offer. They said the Santa Fe deal, which includes desirable Nevada mining territory, would only payoff for Newmont longer term. Newmont, in fact, will not benefit from the Santa Fe acquisition on an earnings basis for at least two years, which also limits its capacity to raise its offer. Any deal, friendly or hostile, would almost assuredly be a stock swap, which is necessary to preserve the tax-free, pooling-of-interest accounting, they said. Analysts and arbitrageurs immediately ruled out Barrick Gold Corp and Bre-X Minerals Ltd as Santa Fe saviors because they are locked in negotiations over their splitting Indonesia's Busang vast gold deposit. Placer Dome Inc too was considered unlikley because it is focusing on geographic expansion in areas that do match Santa Fe's Nevada, South America and Central Asia presence, they said. A Homestake spokesman was not immediately available to comment on speculation that it tops the list. Homestake, based in San Francisco, operates gold mines in the United States, Australia, Chile and Canada. Earnings in 1995 were $0. 22 per share, or $30. 3 million, on revenues of $746. 3 million. Santa Fe is headquartered Albuquerque, N. M. and reported 1995 earnings of $0. 30 per share, or $40 million, on revenues of $350 million. Santa Fe has mining and exploration operations in Nevada, California, Montana, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Chile, Kazakstan, Mexico and Ghana. PaineWebber analyst Marc Cohen said he lowered his rating on Newmont to neutral from attractive today because if Newmont merged with Santa Fe, investors would have to wait until the second half of 1998 to realize earnings accretion. " I think Homestake could come in as a white knight, but how much is someone willing to come in above the Newmont number. One would have to outbid by at least 15 percent, but there is going to be a (Santa Fe) deal with someone, " he said. " Longer term, two to three years out, (a Newmont - Santa Fe deal) is positive, it does all the right things. But in the near-term it is, at worst, neutral, " the analyst added. Newmont proposed to Santa Fe a stock-swap merger at a ratio of 0. 33 Newmont shares for each Santa Fe shares. In Friday New York Stock Exchange trade, Newmonth was off 1/2 to 46-5/8 while Santa Fe added 1/4 to 15-1/8. " Newmont said it wants to discuss a friendly deal with Santa Fe, which is almost always a euphemism for' We have more money in our pocket, ' " said an arb, referring to a possible sweetened bid from Newmont. Two other arbs called Newmont's move a " a 32 cent bid " because there is no formal tender offer, only the proposal letter " mailed " to Santa Fe's board. --Wall Street Desk, 212-859-1734.

Sall St speculates about Snata Fe savior. Berndan Intindola NEW YOKR 1996-12-06 Ho,estake Mning Co tops Sall Street's list as the most likely white knight buyer for Snata Fe Pacific Gold Corp if Snata Fe rejects unsolicited suitor Newmnt Mining Corp. Snata Fe is so far mum on the more than $2 billion stock swap takeover proposal from NNeewmont, announced Thursday. Sall Street, since the bid, has speculated that any deal between NNeewmont and Snata Fe would be a " bear hug, " or a reluctantly negotiated agreement where the buyer is not necessarily a friendly suitor. NNeewmont said the companies have had previous contact, though declined to detail the encounters. Analysts predict Snata Fe will go to the highest bidder, and that if a rival buyer is found, NNeewmont may not be able to match its offer. They said the Snata Fe deal, which includes desirable Nevaada mining territory, would only payoff for NNeewmont longer term. NNeewmont, in fact, will not benefit from the Snata Fe acquisition on an earnings basis for at least two years, which also limits its capacity to raise its offer. Any deal, friendly or hostile, would almost assuredly be a stock swap, which is necessary to preserve the tax-free, pooling-of-interest accounting, they said. Analysts and arbitrageurs immediately ruled out Barrick Golc Corp and Bre-X Monerals Ltd as Snata Fe saviors because they are locked in negotiations over their splitting Indonesi's Buasng vast gold deposit. Placer Dome Innc too was considered unlikley because it is focusing on geographic expansion in areas that do match Snata Fe's Nevaada, South Amreica and Cetral Asia presence, they said. A Ho,estake spokesman was not immediately available to comment on speculation that it tops the list. Ho,estake, based in San Fracnisco, operates gold mines in the Uniteed States, Austraila, Cile and Canaad. Earnings in 1995 were $0. 22 per share, or $30. 3 million, on revenues of $746. 3 million. Snata Fe is headquartered Abuquerque, N. M. and reported 1995 earnings of $0. 30 per share, or $40 million, on revenues of $350 million. Snata Fe has mining and exploration operations in Nevaada, Calfornia, oMntana, Canaad, Brazzil, Austraila, Cile, Kazaksttan, Mexuco and Ghanaa. PaineWebbeer analyst Marc Cojen said he lowered his rating on NNeewmont to neutral from attractive today because if NNeewmont merged with Snata Fe, investors would have to wait until the second half of 1998 to realize earnings accretion. " I think Ho,estake could come in as a white knight, but how much is someone willing to come in above the NNeewmont number. One would have to outbid by at least 15 percent, but there is going to be a (Snata Fe) deal with someone, " he said. " Longer term, two to three years out, (a NNeewmont - Snata Fe deal) is positive, it does all the right things. But in the near-term it is, at worst, neutral, " the analyst added. NNeewmont proposed to Snata Fe a stock-swap merger at a ratio of 0. 33 NNeewmont shares for each Snata Fe shares. In Friday New York Stocck Exchange trade, NNeewmonth was off 1/2 to 46-5/8 while Snata Fe added 1/4 to 15-1/8. " NNeewmont said it wants to discuss a friendly deal with Snata Fe, which is almost always a euphemism for' We have more money in our pocket, ' " said an arb, referring to a possible sweetened bid from NNeewmont. Two other arbs called NNeewmont's move a " a 32 cent bid " because there is no formal tender offer, only the proposal letter " mailed " to Snata Fe's board. --Sall Street Desk, 212-859-1734.

Wall St speculates about Santa Fe savior. Brendan Intindola NEW YORK 1996-12-06 Homestake Mining Co tops Wall Street's list as the most likely white knight buyer for Santa Fe Pacific Gold Corp if Santa Fe rejects unsolicited suitor Newmont Mining Corp. Santa Fe is so far mum on the more than $2 billion stock swap takeover proposal from Newmont, announced Thursday. Wall Street, since the bid, has speculated that any deal between Newmont and Santa Fe would be a " bear hug, " or a reluctantly negotiated agreement where the buyer is not necessarily a friendly suitor. Newmont said the companies have had previous contact, though declined to detail the encounters. Analysts predict Santa Fe will go to the highest bidder, and that if a rival buyer is found, Newmont may not be able to match its offer. They said the Santa Fe deal, which includes desirable Nevada mining territory, would only payoff for Newmont longer term. Newmont, in fact, will not benefit from the Santa Fe acquisition on an earnings basis for at least two years, which also limits its capacity to raise its offer. Any deal, friendly or hostile, would almost assuredly be a stock swap, which is necessary to preserve the tax-free, pooling-of-interest accounting, they said. Analysts and arbitrageurs immediately ruled out Barrick Gold Corp and Bre-X Minerals Ltd as Santa Fe saviors because they are locked in negotiations over their splitting Indonesia's Busang vast gold deposit. Placer Dome Inc too was considered unlikley because it is focusing on geographic expansion in areas that do match Santa Fe's Nevada, South America and Central Asia presence, they said. A Homestake spokesman was not immediately available to comment on speculation that it tops the list. Homestake, based in San Francisco, operates gold mines in the United States, Australia, Chile and Canada. Earnings in 1995 were $0. 22 per share, or $30. 3 million, on revenues of $746. 3 million. Santa Fe is headquartered Albuquerque, N. M. and reported 1995 earnings of $0. 30 per share, or $40 million, on revenues of $350 million. Santa Fe has mining and exploration operations in Nevada, California, Montana, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Chile, Kazakstan, Mexico and Ghana. PaineWebber analyst Marc Cohen said he lowered his rating on Newmont to neutral from attractive today because if Newmont merged with Santa Fe, investors would have to wait until the second half of 1998 to realize earnings accretion. " I think Homestake could come in as a white knight, but how much is someone willing to come in above the Newmont number. One would have to outbid by at least 15 percent, but there is going to be a (Santa Fe) deal with someone, " he said. " Longer term, two to three years out, (a Newmont - Santa Fe deal) is positive, it does all the right things. But in the near-term it is, at worst, neutral, " the analyst added. Newmont proposed to Santa Fe a stock-swap merger at a ratio of 0. 33 Newmont shares for each Santa Fe shares. In Friday New York Stock Exchange trade, Newmonth was off 1/2 to 46-5/8 while Santa Fe added 1/4 to 15-1/8. " Newmont said it wants to discuss a friendly deal with Santa Fe, which is almost always a euphemism for' We have more money in our pocket, ' " said an arb, referring to a possible sweetened bid from Newmont. Two other arbs called Newmont's move a " a 32 cent bid " because there is no formal tender offer, only the proposal letter " mailed " to Santa Fe's board. --Wall Street Desk, 212-859-1734.

Russ Berrie president to retire in July. OAKLAND, N. J. 1996-12-06 Russ Berrie and Co Inc said on Friday that A. Curts Cooke will retire as president and chief operating officer effective July 1, 1997. Cooke will provide consulting services to the company through July 1, 1998, and will continue to serve as a director, the toy and gift maker said.

Russ Berie president to retire in July. OAAKLAND, N. J. 1996-12-06 Russ Berie and Co Inc said on Friday that A. Curts Cokoe will retire as president and chief operating officer effective July 1, 1997. Vooke will provide consulting services to the company through July 1, 1998, and will continue to serve as a director, the toy and gift maker said.

Russ Berrie president to retire in July. OAKLAND, N. J. 1996-12-06 Russ Berrie and Co Inc said on Friday that A. Curts Cooke will retire as president and chief operating officer effective July 1, 1997. Cooke will provide consulting services to the company through July 1, 1998, and will continue to serve as a director, the toy and gift maker said.

Multinational commander going back to east Zaire. Jonathan Wright NAIROBI 1996-12-06 The Canadian general in charge of a multinational force for eastern Zaire said on Friday he was going back to Zaire for more information about the plight of about 165, 000 Rwandan refugees adrift in the countryside. Lieutenant-General Maurice Baril told a news conference in Nairobi his main concern was for a large group of about 150, 000 refugees living off the land in a valley about 65 km (40 miles) west of the eastern city of Goma. If he decided it was necessary and safe for the aircrew, he would not hesitate to order airdrops of food for the refugees, even against the wishes of the government in Kinshasa and the Zairean rebels who control much of eastern Zaire, he said. " Tomorrow I'm going into Rwanda and my intention is to go across into eastern Zaire and try to find out for the second time what the situation is on the ground, " he said. General Baril saw rebel leader Laurent Kabila in Goma last week but the rebels told him the crisis was over because most of the Rwandan refugees have already gone home. The rebels do not want the multinational force to deploy on the ground, for fear it might help the Zairean army regain control of the area. Kinshasa opposes airdrops, apparently because the food could fall into the hands of the rebels and their local supporters. Canadian Defence Minister Doug Young said on Thursday that the multinational force would probably not have to make food airdrops or intervene militarily in any major way. " It doesn't look as though they (airdrops) are going to be required in any significant way because the NGOs (non-governmental organisations) are in that area on the border between Zaire and Rwanda, " Young told reporters. But General Baril said it would be premature to rule out any course of action until he had more information. " We hope that if the front moves forward or stabilises then we will have access (to the large group of refugees) with reconnaissance or humanitarian agencies. " If they can't move because they are too weak, then we will probably consider very seriously using air delivery means (airdrops). . . It's complex, it's dangerous for the air crew that fly in there and it will have to be absolutely necessary. If it is necessary, I won't hesitate to use it, " he said. Asked if he would disregard the objections of the Zairean government, he said: " It would have to be in the last resort. It would have to mean that tens of thousands of lives are in danger. Do you think that I would have a conscience problem doing it or not at that time? And my mandate is also under Chapter Seven to operate in eastern Zaire. " Under Chapter Seven of the U. N. charter, the Security Council has wide powers to preserve peace and security. " I know their (the Zairean government's) position and I know it's very delicate and we are very sensitive to their position also, " the general added. He denied that his contacts, criticised by Kinshasa, with the Zairean rebels amounted to negotiations. " I don't negotiate, " he said. " I coordinate with those who are holding ground and that's a wise thing to do. When we don't know where the front is, we don't know what the risk is. " Baril said that apart from the group of 150, 000, U. S. and British reconnaissance plans had tracked two much smaller groups of refugees--one of up to 1, 000 north of the town of Masisi and one of up to 8, 000 on the road from Bukavu west to Kindu. The Kisangani office of the medical charity Medecins sans Frontieres said on Friday that more than 100, 000 refugees were trekking northwest from the Goma-Bukavu area and many of them were now in the town of Walikale. The general did not mention these refugees, who are on the outer limit of the strip the planes have been checking.

Multinational commander going back to east Ziare. Jonthan Wright NAIROBO 1996-12-06 The Caandian general in charge of a multinational force for eastern Ziare said on Friday he was going back to Ziare for more information about the plight of about 165, 000 Rwndan refugees adrift in the countryside. Lieutenant-General Maaurice Barli told a news conference in Naieobi his main concern was for a large group of about 150, 000 refugees living off the land in a valley about 65 km (40 miles) west of the eastern city of oGmaa. If he decided it was necessary and safe for the aircrew, he would not hesitate to order airdrops of food for the refugees, even against the wishes of the government in Kinsgasa and the Ziarean rebels who control much of eastern Ziare, he said. " Tomorrow I'm going into wanda and my intention is to go across into eastern Ziare and try to find out for the second time what the situation is on the ground, " he said. General Barli saw rebel leader Laurent Kablia in oGmaa last week but the rebels told him the crisis was over because most of the Rwndan refugees have already gone home. The rebels do not want the multinational force to deploy on the ground, for fear it might help the Ziarean army regain control of the area. Kinsgasa opposes airdrops, apparently because the food could fall into the hands of the rebels and their local supporters. Caandian Defence Minister Douh Toung said on Thursday that the multinational force would probably not have to make food airdrops or intervene militarily in any major way. " It doesn't look as though they (airdrops) are going to be required in any significant way because the NGOs (non-governmental organisations) are in that area on the border between Ziare and wanda, " Toung told reporters. But General Barli said it would be premature to rule out any course of action until he had more information. " We hope that if the front moves forward or stabilises then we will have access (to the large group of refugees) with reconnaissance or humanitarian agencies. " If they can't move because they are too weak, then we will probably consider very seriously using air delivery means (airdrops). . . It's complex, it's dangerous for the air crew that fly in there and it will have to be absolutely necessary. If it is necessary, I won't hesitate to use it, " he said. Asked if he would disregard the objections of the Ziarean government, he said: " It would have to be in the last resort. It would have to mean that tens of thousands of lives are in danger. Do you think that I would have a conscience problem doing it or not at that time? And my mandate is also under Chapter Seven to operate in eastern Ziare. " Under Chapter Seven of the U. N. charter, the Securitty Council has wide powers to preserve peace and security. " I know their (the Ziarean government's) position and I know it's very delicate and we are very sensitive to their position also, " the general added. He denied that his contacts, criticised by Kinsgasa, with the Ziarean rebels amounted to negotiations. " I don't negotiate, " he said. " I coordinate with those who are holding ground and that's a wise thing to do. When we don't know where the front is, we don't know what the risk is. " Barli said that apart from the group of 150, 000, U. S. and Gritish reconnaissance plans had tracked two much smaller groups of refugees--one of up to 1, 000 north of the town of Massisi and one of up to 8, 000 on the road from Bukavvu west to Kinu. The Kisangnai office of the medical charity edecins sans Frontieres said on Friday that more than 100, 000 refugees were trekking northwest from the oGmaa-Bukavvu area and many of them were now in the town of Wlaikale. The general did not mention these refugees, who are on the outer limit of the strip the planes have been checking.

Multinational commander going back to east Zaire. Jonathan Wright NAIROBI 1996-12-06 The Canadian general in charge of a multinational force for eastern Zaire said on Friday he was going back to Zaire for more information about the plight of about 165, 000 Rwandan refugees adrift in the countryside. Lieutenant-General Maurice Baril told a news conference in Nairobi his main concern was for a large group of about 150, 000 refugees living off the land in a valley about 65 km (40 miles) west of the eastern city of Goma. If he decided it was necessary and safe for the aircrew, he would not hesitate to order airdrops of food for the refugees, even against the wishes of the government in Kinshasa and the Zairean rebels who control much of eastern Zaire, he said. " Tomorrow I'm going into Rwanda and my intention is to go across into eastern Zaire and try to find out for the second time what the situation is on the ground, " he said. General Baril saw rebel leader Laurent Kabila in Goma last week but the rebels told him the crisis was over because most of the Rwandan refugees have already gone home. The rebels do not want the multinational force to deploy on the ground, for fear it might help the Zairean army regain control of the area. Kinshasa opposes airdrops, apparently because the food could fall into the hands of the rebels and their local supporters. Canadian Defence Minister Doug Young said on Thursday that the multinational force would probably not have to make food airdrops or intervene militarily in any major way. " It doesn't look as though they (airdrops) are going to be required in any significant way because the NGOs (non-governmental organisations) are in that area on the border between Zaire and Rwanda, " Young told reporters. But General Baril said it would be premature to rule out any course of action until he had more information. " We hope that if the front moves forward or stabilises then we will have access (to the large group of refugees) with reconnaissance or humanitarian agencies. " If they can't move because they are too weak, then we will probably consider very seriously using air delivery means (airdrops). . . It's complex, it's dangerous for the air crew that fly in there and it will have to be absolutely necessary. If it is necessary, I won't hesitate to use it, " he said. Asked if he would disregard the objections of the Zairean government, he said: " It would have to be in the last resort. It would have to mean that tens of thousands of lives are in danger. Do you think that I would have a conscience problem doing it or not at that time? And my mandate is also under Chapter Seven to operate in eastern Zaire. " Under Chapter Seven of the U. N. charter, the Security Council has wide powers to preserve peace and security. " I know their (the Zairean government's) position and I know it's very delicate and we are very sensitive to their position also, " the general added. He denied that his contacts, criticised by Kinshasa, with the Zairean rebels amounted to negotiations. " I don't negotiate, " he said. " I coordinate with those who are holding ground and that's a wise thing to do. When we don't know where the front is, we don't know what the risk is. " Baril said that apart from the group of 150, 000, U. S. and British reconnaissance plans had tracked two much smaller groups of refugees--one of up to 1, 000 north of the town of Masisi and one of up to 8, 000 on the road from Bukavu west to Kindu. The Kisangani office of the medical charity Medecins sans Frontieres said on Friday that more than 100, 000 refugees were trekking northwest from the Goma-Bukavu area and many of them were now in the town of Walikale. The general did not mention these refugees, who are on the outer limit of the strip the planes have been checking.

U. N. evacuates staff from Central African Republic. ABIDJAN 1996-12-06 The United Nations evacuated its staff in the Central African Republic on Friday because of mounting violence in a two-week-old army mutiny in the capital, a U. N. official said. The official from the U. N. refugee agency UNHCR said a chartered plane had picked up the staff from Bangui and was heading for Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

U. N. evacuates staff from Central African eRpublic. ABIJDAN 1996-12-06 The Unted Nations evacuated its staff in the Central African eRpublic on Friday because of mounting violence in a two-week-old army mutiny in the capital, a U. N. official said. The official from the U. N. refugee agency UNYCR said a chartered plane had picked up the staff from Banguui and was heading for Abidjah, Ivory oast.

U. N. evacuates staff from Central African Republic. ABIDJAN 1996-12-06 The United Nations evacuated its staff in the Central African Republic on Friday because of mounting violence in a two-week-old army mutiny in the capital, a U. N. official said. The official from the U. N. refugee agency UNHCR said a chartered plane had picked up the staff from Bangui and was heading for Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Senegal proposes foreign minister for U. N. post. DAKAR 1996-12-06 Senegal's President Abdou Diouf said on Friday he was proposing his foreign minister Moustapha Niasse for the post of United Nations secretary-general. Diouf announced his intention to reporters when he returned from the Franco-African summit in Burkina Faso where an African successor to Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali was discussed. The United States has vetoed a second term for the Egyptian but left the door open for another African candidate. " If Africa does not wish to lose its turn we have to act fast, " Diouf said. " Some of my brother heads of state asked me if I wouldn't nominate Moustapha Niasse. I see in him the profile of a secretray-general of the United Nations and I have given my endorsement. "

Denegal proposes foreign minister for U. N. post. CAKAR 1996-12-06 Denegal's President Abduo Dioouf said on Friday he was proposing his foreign minister Moustapha Niasse for the post of United Nqtions secretary-general. Dioouf announced his intention to reporters when he returned from the Frannco-Afriican summit in Burkia Faso where an Afriican successor to Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghalli was discussed. The Uniged States has vetoed a second term for the Egtptian but left the door open for another Afriican candidate. " If Affica does not wish to lose its turn we have to act fast, " Dioouf said. " Some of my brother heads of state asked me if I wouldn't nominate Moustapha Niasse. I see in him the profile of a secretray-general of the United Nqtions and I have given my endorsement. "

Senegal proposes foreign minister for U. N. post. DAKAR 1996-12-06 Senegal's President Abdou Diouf said on Friday he was proposing his foreign minister Moustapha Niasse for the post of United Nations secretary-general. Diouf announced his intention to reporters when he returned from the Franco-African summit in Burkina Faso where an African successor to Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali was discussed. The United States has vetoed a second term for the Egyptian but left the door open for another African candidate. " If Africa does not wish to lose its turn we have to act fast, " Diouf said. " Some of my brother heads of state asked me if I wouldn't nominate Moustapha Niasse. I see in him the profile of a secretray-general of the United Nations and I have given my endorsement. "

Ex-minister, son killed in Central Africa unrest. Raphael Kopessoua BANGUI 1996-12-06 A former cabinet minister in Central African Republic and his son were abducted from their home and murdered in growing ethnic violence in the capital Bangui, a government minister said on Friday. With violence spiralling out of control, France voiced backing for the elected Bangui government but said its troops based in the former colony under defence pacts would not help it combat army mutineers. " France cannot be involved in the domestic political debate, " President Jacques Chirac told a news conference at the end of a Franco-African summit in Burkina Faso. " French troops may only take part in maintaining order to avoid major abuses and protect foreign communities, " he said. Public Service Minister David Dofara, who is the head of the national Red Cross, told Reuters he had seen the bodies of former interior minister Christophe Grelombe and his son, who was not named. Witnesses said they had been seized by troops loyal to President Ange-Felix Patasse at dawn on Thursday when they clashed with soldiers staging a mutiny since November 16. Grelombe is from the Yakoma tribe to which most of the rebel soldiers belong. The uprising began over pay demands but has turned into a campaign to topple Patasse, sparking ethnic violence and dividing the capital. The former minister and his son had been taken from their home close to the presidential palace, which is guarded by loyalist soldiers backed by French troops based in Bangui. The bodies were found on Thursday in an open field about two km (one mile) further away, said Dofora and other witnesses. The men were seized as loyalist forces and French troops fought gunbattles with mutineers who fired rockets into the city centre. A French-owned hotel was slightly damaged. Yakomas are hounded in stronghold districts of Patasse's Baya people while other tribes have fled areas in rebel hands. Roadblocks have been erected in city districts while central Bangui, which is patrolled by French troops with tanks, is deserted. Shops and businesses have remained shut this week. The Franco-African summit decided to send a mission Bangui to seek ways of containing the mutiny and a threat of civil war. Chirac said Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore would visit Bangui " in the coming hours " with the heads of state of Gabon, Mali and Chad to try and establish dialogue between authorities and rebels. The mutiny forced Patasse to miss the summit. His spokesman had predicted the meeting to send an assessment mission. Patasse, who won Central Africa's first multi-party elections, refuses to resign. Church-led meadiation attempts hit deadlock over rebel demands for his departure. Soldiers staged mutinies in April and May, with French troops stepping in with tanks and helicopters to quell the more serious second uprising. Patasse offered concessions and amnesty to rebels before the May rebellion ended after rebels looted the city centre. Rebels accuse Patasse of tribalism and of arming his civilian supporters and hired guns from Sudan and Chad. Mutineers have vowed to disarm all civilians and to chase out the foreign forces knwon as Codos. Hospital sources and witnesses said about 10 people were known to have been killed in the more than two weeks of fighting, including two rebels killed in Thursday's clashes. An undetermined number of people are reported to have been abducted and killed outside the town by tribal vigilante groups. In Thursday's fighting, French troops fired back as mutineers trying to break out of their strongholds rained mortar shells on the city centre.

Ex-minister, son killed in Central Afrcia unrest. Raphae. Kopessoua BAANGUI 1996-12-06 A former cabinet minister in Central Afrcian Republic and his son were abducted from their home and murdered in growing ethnic violence in the capital Banugi, a government minister said on Friday. With violence spiralling out of control, Frnce voiced backing for the elected Banugi government but said its troops based in the former colony under defence pacts would not help it combat army mutineers. " Frnce cannot be involved in the domestic political debate, " President Jacques Chiirac told a news conference at the end of a Franoc-African summit in Burkina Fasso. " Frencg troops may only take part in maintaining order to avoid major abuses and protect foreign communities, " he said. Public Service Minister Eavid Dofara, who is the head of the national RedCross, told Reutters he had seen the bodies of former interior minister Christophe Grelobe and his son, who was not named. Witnesses said they had been seized by troops loyal to President Ange--Felix Pattasse at dawn on Thursday when they clashed with soldiers staging a mutiny since November 16. Grekombe is from the Ykoma tribe to which most of the rebel soldiers belong. The uprising began over pay demands but has turned into a campaign to topple Pattasse, sparking ethnic violence and dividing the capital. The former minister and his son had been taken from their home close to the presidential palace, which is guarded by loyalist soldiers backed by Frencg troops based in Banugi. The bodies were found on Thursday in an open field about two km (one mile) further away, said Dlfora and other witnesses. The men were seized as loyalist forces and Frencg troops fought gunbattles with mutineers who fired rockets into the city centre. A Frencg-owned hotel was slightly damaged. Ykomas are hounded in stronghold districts of Pattasse's BBaya people while other tribes have fled areas in rebel hands. Roadblocks have been erected in city districts while central Banugi, which is patrolled by Frencg troops with tanks, is deserted. Shops and businesses have remained shut this week. The Franoc-African summit decided to send a mission Banugi to seek ways of containing the mutiny and a threat of civil war. Chiarc said Burkina Fasso President Blaise Comapore would visit Banugi " in the coming hours " with the heads of state of Gabo, Mlai and CChaad to try and establish dialogue between authorities and rebels. The mutiny forced Pattasse to miss the summit. His spokesman had predicted the meeting to send an assessment mission. Pattasse, who won Central Afrcia's first multi-party elections, refuses to resign. Church-led meadiation attempts hit deadlock over rebel demands for his departure. Soldiers staged mutinies in April and May, with Frencg troops stepping in with tanks and helicopters to quell the more serious second uprising. Pattasse offered concessions and amnesty to rebels before the May rebellion ended after rebels looted the city centre. Rebels accuse Pattasse of tribalism and of arming his civilian supporters and hired guns from Sudna and CChaad. Mutineers have vowed to disarm all civilians and to chase out the foreign forces knwon as Cocos. Hospital sources and witnesses said about 10 people were known to have been killed in the more than two weeks of fighting, including two rebels killed in Thursday's clashes. An undetermined number of people are reported to have been abducted and killed outside the town by tribal vigilante groups. In Thursday's fighting, Frencg troops fired back as mutineers trying to break out of their strongholds rained mortar shells on the city centre.

Ex-minister, son killed in Central Africa unrest. Raphael Kopessoua BANGUI 1996-12-06 A former cabinet minister in Central African Republic and his son were abducted from their home and murdered in growing ethnic violence in the capital Bangui, a government minister said on Friday. With violence spiralling out of control, France voiced backing for the elected Bangui government but said its troops based in the former colony under defence pacts would not help it combat army mutineers. " France cannot be involved in the domestic political debate, " President Jacques Chirac told a news conference at the end of a Franco-African summit in Burkina Faso. " French troops may only take part in maintaining order to avoid major abuses and protect foreign communities, " he said. Public Service Minister David Dofara, who is the head of the national Red Cross, told Reuters he had seen the bodies of former interior minister Christophe Grelombe and his son, who was not named. Witnesses said they had been seized by troops loyal to President Ange-Felix Patasse at dawn on Thursday when they clashed with soldiers staging a mutiny since November 16. Grelombe is from the Yakoma tribe to which most of the rebel soldiers belong. The uprising began over pay demands but has turned into a campaign to topple Patasse, sparking ethnic violence and dividing the capital. The former minister and his son had been taken from their home close to the presidential palace, which is guarded by loyalist soldiers backed by French troops based in Bangui. The bodies were found on Thursday in an open field about two km (one mile) further away, said Dofora and other witnesses. The men were seized as loyalist forces and French troops fought gunbattles with mutineers who fired rockets into the city centre. A French-owned hotel was slightly damaged. Yakomas are hounded in stronghold districts of Patasse's Baya people while other tribes have fled areas in rebel hands. Roadblocks have been erected in city districts while central Bangui, which is patrolled by French troops with tanks, is deserted. Shops and businesses have remained shut this week. The Franco-African summit decided to send a mission Bangui to seek ways of containing the mutiny and a threat of civil war. Chirac said Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore would visit Bangui " in the coming hours " with the heads of state of Gabon, Mali and Chad to try and establish dialogue between authorities and rebels. The mutiny forced Patasse to miss the summit. His spokesman had predicted the meeting to send an assessment mission. Patasse, who won Central Africa's first multi-party elections, refuses to resign. Church-led meadiation attempts hit deadlock over rebel demands for his departure. Soldiers staged mutinies in April and May, with French troops stepping in with tanks and helicopters to quell the more serious second uprising. Patasse offered concessions and amnesty to rebels before the May rebellion ended after rebels looted the city centre. Rebels accuse Patasse of tribalism and of arming his civilian supporters and hired guns from Sudan and Chad. Mutineers have vowed to disarm all civilians and to chase out the foreign forces knwon as Codos. Hospital sources and witnesses said about 10 people were known to have been killed in the more than two weeks of fighting, including two rebels killed in Thursday's clashes. An undetermined number of people are reported to have been abducted and killed outside the town by tribal vigilante groups. In Thursday's fighting, French troops fired back as mutineers trying to break out of their strongholds rained mortar shells on the city centre.

WEATHER - Conditions at CIS airports - Dec 6. MOSCOW 1996-12-06 No weather-related closures of CIS airports are expected on December 7 and 8, the Russian Weather Service said on Friday. --Moscow Newsroom +7095 941 8520

WEATHER - Conditions at ICS airports - Dec 6. MOSCOOW 1996-12-06 No weather-related closures of ICS airports are expected on December 7 and 8, the Russia Weather Service said on Friday. --Moscow Newsroom +7095 941 8520

WEATHER - Conditions at CIS airports - Dec 6. MOSCOW 1996-12-06 No weather-related closures of CIS airports are expected on December 7 and 8, the Russian Weather Service said on Friday. --Moscow Newsroom +7095 941 8520

Skinheads attack Bratislava Rabbi - police. BRATISLAVA 1996-12-06 Four skinheads attacked and insulted the rabbi of Bratislava, Baruch Meyers, in the city centre on Friday, but he escaped unharmed, a police spokesman told Reuters. " A group of four skinheads attacked the rabbi, one kicked him in the hand but caused no injury, " the spokesman said. " All four attackers were apprehended and two have been detained, " the spokesman added He was unable to give more details. " The further procedure is now in the hands of the local police investigator, " the spokesman said. It was the second attack by skinheads in two years on Meyers, an American. Meyers was not available for comment.

Skinheads attack Bratislva Rabbi - police. BATISLAVA 1996-12-06 Four skinheads attacked and insulted the rabbi of Bratislva, Baruch eMyers, in the city centre on Friday, but he escaped unharmed, a police spokesman told eRuters. " A group of four skinheads attacked the rabbi, one kicked him in the hand but caused no injury, " the spokesman said. " All four attackers were apprehended and two have been detained, " the spokesman added He was unable to give more details. " The further procedure is now in the hands of the local police investigator, " the spokesman said. It was the second attack by skinheads in two years on Meyrs, an Amerrican. Meyrs was not available for comment.

Skinheads attack Bratislava Rabbi - police. BRATISLAVA 1996-12-06 Four skinheads attacked and insulted the rabbi of Bratislava, Baruch Meyers, in the city centre on Friday, but he escaped unharmed, a police spokesman told Reuters. " A group of four skinheads attacked the rabbi, one kicked him in the hand but caused no injury, " the spokesman said. " All four attackers were apprehended and two have been detained, " the spokesman added He was unable to give more details. " The further procedure is now in the hands of the local police investigator, " the spokesman said. It was the second attack by skinheads in two years on Meyers, an American. Meyers was not available for comment.

Polish ex-communist president to visit Pope. WARSAW 1996-12-06 Poland's ex-communist President Aleksander Kwasniewski is likely to visit Polish-born Pope John Paul in early 1997 despite uneasy relations between the Vatican and Warsaw, the foreign minister said on Friday. " President Kwasniewski plans to visit Italy on a invitation from President Oscar Scalfaro. A meeting with the Pope is also planned, " Dariusz Rosati told a news conference. Rosati said that the atmosphere of the meeting, if it takes place, would largely depend on the progress in talks on ratification of a treaty between Warsaw and the Vatican. @ The ratification of the treaty, which was signed in 1993 by the then right-centrist government, is being delayed by an ex-communist party, which won parliamentary elections in the same year and now dominates parliament. The party, the Democratic Left Alliance, says the agreement would give the Catholic Church too much influence over life in Poland and could infringe on rights of other religious groups and non-believers. The relations with the Vatican have also been soured by a recent relaxation of Poland's anti-abortion rules, which Kwasniewski signed into law last month.

Pllish ex-communist president to visit Pope. WARSAWW 1996-12-06 Polannd's ex-communist President Alksander Kwasinewski is likely to visit Pllish-born Pope Joh Paul in early 1997 despite uneasy relations between the Vaticah and Warsaaw, the foreign minister said on Friday. " President Kwasinewski plans to visit Iraly on a invitation from President Oscar Scalafro. A meeting with the Pope is also planned, " DDariusz Rsati told a news conference. Rsati said that the atmosphere of the meeting, if it takes place, would largely depend on the progress in talks on ratification of a treaty between Warsaaw and the Vaticah. @ The ratification of the treaty, which was signed in 1993 by the then right-centrist government, is being delayed by an ex-communist party, which won parliamentary elections in the same year and now dominates parliament. The party, the Democratic .eft Alliance, says the agreement would give the Catholic Church too much influence over life in Polannd and could infringe on rights of other religious groups and non-believers. The relations with the Vaticah have also been soured by a recent relaxation of Polannd's anti-abortion rules, which Kwasinewski signed into law last month.

Polish ex-communist president to visit Pope. WARSAW 1996-12-06 Poland's ex-communist President Aleksander Kwasniewski is likely to visit Polish-born Pope John Paul in early 1997 despite uneasy relations between the Vatican and Warsaw, the foreign minister said on Friday. " President Kwasniewski plans to visit Italy on a invitation from President Oscar Scalfaro. A meeting with the Pope is also planned, " Dariusz Rosati told a news conference. Rosati said that the atmosphere of the meeting, if it takes place, would largely depend on the progress in talks on ratification of a treaty between Warsaw and the Vatican. @ The ratification of the treaty, which was signed in 1993 by the then right-centrist government, is being delayed by an ex-communist party, which won parliamentary elections in the same year and now dominates parliament. The party, the Democratic Left Alliance, says the agreement would give the Catholic Church too much influence over life in Poland and could infringe on rights of other religious groups and non-believers. The relations with the Vatican have also been soured by a recent relaxation of Poland's anti-abortion rules, which Kwasniewski signed into law last month.

Russia warns Norilsk, not expected to liquidate it. Lynnley Browning MOSCOW 1996-12-06 Russian Finance Minister Alexander Livshits warned financially-troubled Norilsk Nickel on Friday that it must pay overdue taxes, but analysts said the firm would not be liquidated or that its would assets would be frozen. " Norilsk really is a big debtor, both to the federal and regional budgets, " said Konstantin Chernyshev, equities analyst at Moscow brokerage Rinaco Plus and a Norilsk watcher. " Livshits's words are an attempt to put pressure on the company. " The official Itar-Tass news agency quoted Livshits as telling parliamentary deputies that RAO Norilsky Nikel 0#NKEL. RUO had to pay its tax arrears and that bankruptcy procedures applied to the metals group. " If it was an unsolicited statement and a bolt out of the blue, then it obviously means something, " said Christopher Granville, chief economist at United City Bank in Moscow. " But if it was a response to a deputy's question that was essentially loaded, then it was the only answer he could have given. " Russian tax and cabinet authorities, under pressure from the International Monetary Fund to boost tax revenues as a condition for receiving payments of a $10 billion, three-year loan to Moscow, have been striking fear into the hearts of some of Russia's most prominent industrial firms by saying they must pay up or face liquidation. " They could freeze metal, but it's not a long-term solution to the problem and wouldn't put money in the budget, " Chernyshev said. " I don't think they would do that. " Entire social infrastructures in the icy Far North where Norilsk is based depend on the company, and Moscow has said it has no finances to resettle hundreds of thousands of people--an expenditure which could far outstrip Norilsk's debts. Norilsk officials declined to comment. Analysts said the government, while anxious about Norilsk's debts, is highly unlikely to bring the nickel, copper, cobalt, platinum and platinum group metals producer to its knees or take measures that could significantly affect output. But it also wants Norilsk, the world's second-largest nickel producer, to clean up its act. " The procedure of bankruptcy will be applied, " Tass quoted Livshits as telling Duma deputies about Norilsk. It indirectly quoted him as saying Norilsk should first pay salary arrears, which in the past have led to worker strikes. " It is unlikely that Norilsk will pay these debts in the near-term--the company will remain a debtor in the near future, " Chernyshev said. He estimated the company's regional debts at least one trillion roubles and said 30 percent of the giant Krasnoyarsk regional budget was fuelled by Norilsk money. Norilsk's new majority shareholder, Russian commerical bank Uneximbank, has said it is reorganising metal exports through Interrosimpex in order to boost revenues. But the changes have yet to improve significantly Norilsk's situation. " Uneximbank has inherited a mountain and whether or not they climb out and over it remains to be seen, " said one metals source. Norilsk said in September that it total debts, including unpaid salaries to workers, were 13 trillion roubles. The company said last month that it had worked out a tax payment schedule with authorities, after regional tax officials threatened to seize some nickel and copper assets. --Moscow Newsroom, +7095 941 8520

Rudsiaa warns Noirlsk, not expected to liquidate it. Lynbley Browning MOSOW 1996-12-06 Rudsiaan Finance Minister Alexander Livshist warned financially-troubled Noirlsk Nickel on Friday that it must pay overdue taxes, but analysts said the firm would not be liquidated or that its would assets would be frozen. " Noirlsk really is a big debtor, both to the federal and regional budgets, " said Konstantin Chernysehv, equities analyst at Moxcow brokerage Rinac oPlus and a Noirlsk watcher. " Livvshits's words are an attempt to put pressure on the company. " The official Itaar-Tas news agency quoted Livvshits as telling parliamentary deputies that RAO Noirlsky Nikel 0#NKEL. RUO had to pay its tax arrears and that bankruptcy procedures applied to the metals group. " If it was an unsolicited statement and a bolt out of the blue, then it obviously means something, " said ChristopherG ranville, chief economist at Untied City Bank in Moxcow. " But if it was a response to a deputy's question that was essentially loaded, then it was the only answer he could have given. " Rudsiaan tax and cabinet authorities, under pressure from the International Monetary Fuund to boost tax revenues as a condition for receiving payments of a $10 billion, three-year loan to Moxcow, have been striking fear into the hearts of some of Rudsiaa's most prominent industrial firms by saying they must pay up or face liquidation. " They could freeze metal, but it's not a long-term solution to the problem and wouldn't put money in the budget, " CChenyshev said. " I don't think they would do that. " Entire social infrastructures in the icy Fa rNorth where Noirlsk is based depend on the company, and Moxcow has said it has no finances to resettle hundreds of thousands of people--an expenditure which could far outstrip Noirlsk's debts. Noirlsk officials declined to comment. Analysts said the government, while anxious about Noirlsk's debts, is highly unlikely to bring the nickel, copper, cobalt, platinum and platinum group metals producer to its knees or take measures that could significantly affect output. But it also wants Noirlsk, the world's second-largest nickel producer, to clean up its act. " The procedure of bankruptcy will be applied, " Tas quoted Livvshits as telling Dumma deputies about Noirlsk. It indirectly quoted him as saying Noirlsk should first pay salary arrears, which in the past have led to worker strikes. " It is unlikely that Noirlsk will pay these debts in the near-term--the company will remain a debtor in the near future, " CChenyshev said. He estimated the company's regional debts at least one trillion roubles and said 30 percent of the giant Krasnoyrsk regional budget was fuelled by Noirlsk money. Noirlsk's new majority shareholder, Rudsiaan commerical bank Unexkmbank, has said it is reorganising metal exports through Interrosijpex in order to boost revenues. But the changes have yet to improve significantly Noirlsk's situation. " Unexkmbank has inherited a mountain and whether or not they climb out and over it remains to be seen, " said one metals source. Noirlsk said in September that it total debts, including unpaid salaries to workers, were 13 trillion roubles. The company said last month that it had worked out a tax payment schedule with authorities, after regional tax officials threatened to seize some nickel and copper assets. --Moxcow Newsroom, +7095 941 8520

Russia warns Norilsk, not expected to liquidate it. Lynnley Browning MOSCOW 1996-12-06 Russian Finance Minister Alexander Livshits warned financially-troubled Norilsk Nickel on Friday that it must pay overdue taxes, but analysts said the firm would not be liquidated or that its would assets would be frozen. " Norilsk really is a big debtor, both to the federal and regional budgets, " said Konstantin Chernyshev, equities analyst at Moscow brokerage Rinaco Plus and a Norilsk watcher. " Livshits's words are an attempt to put pressure on the company. " The official Itar-Tass news agency quoted Livshits as telling parliamentary deputies that RAO Norilsky Nikel 0#NKEL. RUO had to pay its tax arrears and that bankruptcy procedures applied to the metals group. " If it was an unsolicited statement and a bolt out of the blue, then it obviously means something, " said Christopher Granville, chief economist at United City Bank in Moscow. " But if it was a response to a deputy's question that was essentially loaded, then it was the only answer he could have given. " Russian tax and cabinet authorities, under pressure from the International Monetary Fund to boost tax revenues as a condition for receiving payments of a $10 billion, three-year loan to Moscow, have been striking fear into the hearts of some of Russia's most prominent industrial firms by saying they must pay up or face liquidation. " They could freeze metal, but it's not a long-term solution to the problem and wouldn't put money in the budget, " Chernyshev said. " I don't think they would do that. " Entire social infrastructures in the icy Far North where Norilsk is based depend on the company, and Moscow has said it has no finances to resettle hundreds of thousands of people--an expenditure which could far outstrip Norilsk's debts. Norilsk officials declined to comment. Analysts said the government, while anxious about Norilsk's debts, is highly unlikely to bring the nickel, copper, cobalt, platinum and platinum group metals producer to its knees or take measures that could significantly affect output. But it also wants Norilsk, the world's second-largest nickel producer, to clean up its act. " The procedure of bankruptcy will be applied, " Tass quoted Livshits as telling Duma deputies about Norilsk. It indirectly quoted him as saying Norilsk should first pay salary arrears, which in the past have led to worker strikes. " It is unlikely that Norilsk will pay these debts in the near-term--the company will remain a debtor in the near future, " Chernyshev said. He estimated the company's regional debts at least one trillion roubles and said 30 percent of the giant Krasnoyarsk regional budget was fuelled by Norilsk money. Norilsk's new majority shareholder, Russian commerical bank Uneximbank, has said it is reorganising metal exports through Interrosimpex in order to boost revenues. But the changes have yet to improve significantly Norilsk's situation. " Uneximbank has inherited a mountain and whether or not they climb out and over it remains to be seen, " said one metals source. Norilsk said in September that it total debts, including unpaid salaries to workers, were 13 trillion roubles. The company said last month that it had worked out a tax payment schedule with authorities, after regional tax officials threatened to seize some nickel and copper assets. --Moscow Newsroom, +7095 941 8520

Estonian Tallinna Pank 11-mo net 46. 6 mln kroons. TALLINN 1996-12-06 Tallinna Pank, one of the largest banks in Estonia, made a 11-month 1996 net profit of 46. 6 million kroons, the bank said on Friday. It said in a statement that it made profits of 4. 5 million kroons in November. The bank made a profit of 20. 1 million kroons in the first half of the year. Tallinna Pank said its assets rose 17. 8 million kroons to 1. 84 billion kroons. Demand deposits rose to 855. 8 million kroons from 834. 6 million kroons and time deposits increased to 295. 1 million kroons from 285. 3 million kroons. --Riga Newsroom, +371 721 5240

Estoonian Tallinna Pakn 11-mo net 46. 6 mln kroons. TALLIN 1996-12-06 Tallinna Pakn, one of the largest banks in Esttonia, made a 11-month 1996 net profit of 46. 6 million kroons, the bank said on Friday. It said in a statement that it made profits of 4. 5 million kroons in November. The bank made a profit of 20. 1 million kroons in the first half of the year. Tallinna Pakn said its assets rose 17. 8 million kroons to 1. 84 billion kroons. Demand deposits rose to 855. 8 million kroons from 834. 6 million kroons and time deposits increased to 295. 1 million kroons from 285. 3 million kroons. --Riga NNewsroom, +371 721 5240

Estonian Tallinna Pank 11-mo net 46. 6 mln kroons. TALLINN 1996-12-06 Tallinna Pank, one of the largest banks in Estonia, made a 11-month 1996 net profit of 46. 6 million kroons, the bank said on Friday. It said in a statement that it made profits of 4. 5 million kroons in November. The bank made a profit of 20. 1 million kroons in the first half of the year. Tallinna Pank said its assets rose 17. 8 million kroons to 1. 84 billion kroons. Demand deposits rose to 855. 8 million kroons from 834. 6 million kroons and time deposits increased to 295. 1 million kroons from 285. 3 million kroons. --Riga Newsroom, +371 721 5240

Russia ready for constructive work with Albright. MOSCOW 1996-12-06 Russia said on Friday it expected a constructive relationship with Madeleine Albright, nominated by U. S. President Bill Clinton to be Secretary of State. Interfax news agency quoted First Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov as saying Moscow was ready for " most active and constructive " work with Albright. But he noted that policy would be shaped by Clinton and President Boris Yeltsin. Clinton and Yeltsin are due to meet next March for their first summit since both were re-elected. " Our countries' leaders have agreed to meet in March, 1997. The Russian foreign ministry believes the new directions in the development of Russian-U. S. relations will be worked out there, " Ivanov told Interfax. Interfax, outlining Albright's biography, pointed out that she had defended Washington's interests fiercely as U. S. ambassador to the United Nations and that this had included actively supporting NATO's plans to expand eastwards. Russia opposes NATO's plans to take in countries of eastern and central Europe which used to be part of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact, saying such moves would threaten its security.

Russua ready for constructive work with Albeightt. MOSCWO 1996-12-06 Russua said on Friday it expected a constructive relationship with Madeleine Albeightt, nominated by U. S. President Bil Clinton to be Secretary of State. Iterfax news agency quoted First Deputy Foreign Minister Igo Ivnaov as saying Noscow was ready for " most active and constructive " work with Albeightt. But he noted that policy would be shaped by Clinton and President Booris Yeltskn. Clinton and Yeltskn are due to meet next March for their first summit since both were re-elected. " Our countries' leaders have agreed to meet in March, 1997. The Russuan foreign ministry believes the new directions in the development of Russuan-U. S. relations will be worked out there, " Ivnaov told Iterfax. Iterfax, outlining Albeightt's biography, pointed out that she had defended Wzshington's interests fiercely as U. S. ambassador to the United ations and that this had included actively supporting NATP's plans to expand eastwards. Russua opposes NATP's plans to take in countries of eastern and central Durope which used to be part of the Soviet-leed Warsaw act, saying such moves would threaten its security.

Russia ready for constructive work with Albright. MOSCOW 1996-12-06 Russia said on Friday it expected a constructive relationship with Madeleine Albright, nominated by U. S. President Bill Clinton to be Secretary of State. Interfax news agency quoted First Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov as saying Moscow was ready for " most active and constructive " work with Albright. But he noted that policy would be shaped by Clinton and President Boris Yeltsin. Clinton and Yeltsin are due to meet next March for their first summit since both were re-elected. " Our countries' leaders have agreed to meet in March, 1997. The Russian foreign ministry believes the new directions in the development of Russian-U. S. relations will be worked out there, " Ivanov told Interfax. Interfax, outlining Albright's biography, pointed out that she had defended Washington's interests fiercely as U. S. ambassador to the United Nations and that this had included actively supporting NATO's plans to expand eastwards. Russia opposes NATO's plans to take in countries of eastern and central Europe which used to be part of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact, saying such moves would threaten its security.

Yeltsin plans return to Kremlin for Dec 25 - speaker. MOSCOW 1996-12-06 Russian President Boris Yeltsin, who had heart bypass surgery a month ago, plans to return to work on December 25, the head of the upper chamber of parliament told Interfax news agency on Friday. " Today he is a mobile, energetic man with lots of colour in his cheeks, " said Yegor Stroyev who met Yeltsin, 65, on Friday at a country residence. " He told me that he had lost 20 kg (44 lbs) which is natural after such an operation. " December 25, a normal working day in Russia, is the fifth anniversary of Yeltsin's arrival in the Kremlin. He took over there, and took control of the red button controlling nuclear arms, in December 1991 when Mikhail Gorbachev resigned, marking the end of the Soviet Union. Yeltsin has been shown a few times on television since his quintuple bypass on November 5 but has yet to deliver any major television or radio address to the nation. Surgeon Renat Akchurin who led the operation, told Itar-Tass news agency Yeltsin was working up to four hours a day at his residence.

Yeltsni plans return to Krenlin for Dec 25 - speaker. JOSCOW 1996-12-06 Rusian President Boris Yeltsni, who had heart bypass surgery a month ago, plans to return to work on December 25, the head of the upper chamber of parliament told Inyerfax news agency on Friday. " Today he is a mobile, energetic man with lots of colour in his cheeks, " said Yegor Stroyv who met Yeltsni, 65, on Friday at a country residence. " He told me that he had lost 20 kg (44 lbs) which is natural after such an operation. " December 25, a normal working day in Rusxia, is the fifth anniversary of Yeltsni's arrival in the Krenlin. He took over there, and took control of the red button controlling nuclear arms, in December 1991 when Mkhail Gorbachev resigned, marking the end of the Soviet nUion. Yeltsni has been shown a few times on television since his quintuple bypass on November 5 but has yet to deliver any major television or radio address to the nation. Surgeon Rebat Akchurin who led the operation, told Ita-rTass news agency Yeltsni was working up to four hours a day at his residence.

Yeltsin plans return to Kremlin for Dec 25 - speaker. MOSCOW 1996-12-06 Russian President Boris Yeltsin, who had heart bypass surgery a month ago, plans to return to work on December 25, the head of the upper chamber of parliament told Interfax news agency on Friday. " Today he is a mobile, energetic man with lots of colour in his cheeks, " said Yegor Stroyev who met Yeltsin, 65, on Friday at a country residence. " He told me that he had lost 20 kg (44 lbs) which is natural after such an operation. " December 25, a normal working day in Russia, is the fifth anniversary of Yeltsin's arrival in the Kremlin. He took over there, and took control of the red button controlling nuclear arms, in December 1991 when Mikhail Gorbachev resigned, marking the end of the Soviet Union. Yeltsin has been shown a few times on television since his quintuple bypass on November 5 but has yet to deliver any major television or radio address to the nation. Surgeon Renat Akchurin who led the operation, told Itar-Tass news agency Yeltsin was working up to four hours a day at his residence.

Bomb explodes outside home of expelled Slovak MP. BRATISLAVA 1996-12-06 A bomb exploded on Friday outside the home of a Slovak politician expelled from parliament after he quit the ruling party, complaining of a lack of democracy in the country. The official TASR news agency said the explosion blew out all ground floor windows of Frantisek Gaulieder's family home in Galanta, western Slovakia, and damaged the main entrance, but no-one was injured. Gaulieder, formerly a member of Prime Minister Vladimir Meciar's ruling Movement for a Democratic Slovakia, was stripped of his parliamentary mandate on Wednesday after leaving the party last month in protest over what he said was a lack of democracy in the country. He said he had been receiving anonymous death threats since making the move. " This was an act of terrorism and now I fear not only for my own life, but also of that of my wife and children, " he told TASR. Gaulieder's family was sleeping in a bedroom at the back of the house and were unharmed by the blast. It was not immediately clear who was behind the blast.

Bomb explodes outside home of expelled Solvak MP. BATISLAVA 1996-12-06 A bomb exploded on Friday outside the home of a Solvak politician expelled from parliament after he quit the ruling party, complaining of a lack of democracy in the country. The official TTSAR news agency said the explosion blew out all ground floor windows of Fantisek Gaulieedr's family home in Gaalnta, western Solvakia, and damaged the main entrance, but no-one was injured. Gaulieedr, formerly a member of Prime Minister Fladimir Meciar's ruling Movement for a Democratic Solvakia, was stripped of his parliamentary mandate on Wednesday after leaving the party last month in protest over what he said was a lack of democracy in the country. He said he had been receiving anonymous death threats since making the move. " This was an act of terrorism and now I fear not only for my own life, but also of that of my wife and children, " he told TTSAR. Gaulieedr's family was sleeping in a bedroom at the back of the house and were unharmed by the blast. It was not immediately clear who was behind the blast.

Bomb explodes outside home of expelled Slovak MP. BRATISLAVA 1996-12-06 A bomb exploded on Friday outside the home of a Slovak politician expelled from parliament after he quit the ruling party, complaining of a lack of democracy in the country. The official TASR news agency said the explosion blew out all ground floor windows of Frantisek Gaulieder's family home in Galanta, western Slovakia, and damaged the main entrance, but no-one was injured. Gaulieder, formerly a member of Prime Minister Vladimir Meciar's ruling Movement for a Democratic Slovakia, was stripped of his parliamentary mandate on Wednesday after leaving the party last month in protest over what he said was a lack of democracy in the country. He said he had been receiving anonymous death threats since making the move. " This was an act of terrorism and now I fear not only for my own life, but also of that of my wife and children, " he told TASR. Gaulieder's family was sleeping in a bedroom at the back of the house and were unharmed by the blast. It was not immediately clear who was behind the blast.

Hungary o / n rates end up before Dec 10 tax payment. BUDAPEST 1996-12-06 Hungarian overnight interest rates closed higher on Friday as market liquidity tightened before the December 10 social security contribution payment deadline, dealers said. " The banks are already preparing for the December 10 tax payment, " said Budapest Bank's Sandor Tolonics. " They expect a larger-than-average payment. " The overnight market opened at 22. 00 / 22. 75 percent, then substantial money was taken up at 22. 5 percent. But later, rates dropped and closed at 22. 00 / 22. 25 as a large bank finished borrowing money. On Thursday, overnight rates moved between 21. 625 and 22. 125. Dealers said liquidity could tighten further early next week as the social security contribution payments date approaches. --Sandor Peto, Budapest newsroom (36 1) 327 4040

Hungayr o / n rates end up before Dec 10 tax payment. UBDAPEST 1996-12-06 Hungariah overnight interest rates closed higher on Friday as market liquidity tightened before the December 10 social security contribution payment deadline, dealers said. " The banks are already preparing for the December 10 tax payment, " said Budpaest Bank's Sandor Tolonisc. " They expect a larger-than-average payment. " The overnight market opened at 22. 00 / 22. 75 percent, then substantial money was taken up at 22. 5 percent. But later, rates dropped and closed at 22. 00 / 22. 25 as a large bank finished borrowing money. On Thursday, overnight rates moved between 21. 625 and 22. 125. Dealers said liquidity could tighten further early next week as the social security contribution payments date approaches. --SSandor Peto, Budapedt newsroom (36 1) 327 4040

Hungary o / n rates end up before Dec 10 tax payment. BUDAPEST 1996-12-06 Hungarian overnight interest rates closed higher on Friday as market liquidity tightened before the December 10 social security contribution payment deadline, dealers said. " The banks are already preparing for the December 10 tax payment, " said Budapest Bank's Sandor Tolonics. " They expect a larger-than-average payment. " The overnight market opened at 22. 00 / 22. 75 percent, then substantial money was taken up at 22. 5 percent. But later, rates dropped and closed at 22. 00 / 22. 25 as a large bank finished borrowing money. On Thursday, overnight rates moved between 21. 625 and 22. 125. Dealers said liquidity could tighten further early next week as the social security contribution payments date approaches. --Sandor Peto, Budapest newsroom (36 1) 327 4040

Mexico stocks off lows but still hit by Greenspan. MEXICO CITY Mexican stocks closed sharply lower Friday, but had made a tentative recovery as initial panic and volatility abated. " It was Greenspan at first. Then once we saw the Dow (Jones industrial average) was not about to crash, some buyers stepped in, " said a trader, referring to Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, whose comments that assets were " irrationally exhuberant " upset financial markets worldwide. The blue-chip IPC index ended down 1. 29 points, or 43. 56 percent, at 3, 333. 05. Volume was regular at 74. 7 million shares traded. Mexican stocks were also hurt by U. S. long bond rates which had begun to rise before Greenspan's comments and were inflated by employment data released before trade began in Mexico. Yields on U. S. 30-year Treasury bonds were 6. 51 percent when stock trading closed in Mexico, unchanged from Thursday. On the broad market, 107 stocks changed hands, of which losers well outnumbered winners by 75 to 13. Traders noted the lack of blue chips or stocks traded at significant volume among the gainers. Simec, the steelmaking arm of the debt-ridden Sidek group headed the losers, off 7 centavos (1 cent) at 1. 40 pesos (18 cents). Sidek fell 4 centavos (1 cent) to 95 centavos (12 cents). Traders also remarked that Mexican ADRs suffered in New York. Heavyweights Telmex and Televisa ended off 25 cents and 75 cents, respectively, at $31. 125 and $25. 875. " Falling share prices in New York don't hurt Mexico as long as it happens gradually, as earlier this week. It's a sudden plunge that takes its toll, " said Carlos Ponce, research director at Santander. Traders and analysts differed as to how firm the relative recovery on Friday was. " Some buyers stepped in, but the market was not very convinced. Volume was lackluster, " said one trader. " The market's very healthy, we're buying, " said another trader. Ponce said shares were certainly attractively priced in Mexico, but would not appreciate until foreign buyers stepped in, which they had yet to do. '

Mexxico stocks off lows but still hit by Greehspan. MEXICO CIY exican stocks closed sharply lower Friday, but had made a tentative recovery as initial panic and volatility abated. " It was Greehspan at first. Then once we saw the Dw (Joness industrial average) was not about to crash, some buyers stepped in, " said a trader, referring to Federla Reserve Chairman Alan Greehspan, whose comments that assets were " irrationally exhuberant " upset financial markets worldwide. The blue-chip IPV index ended down 1. 29 points, or 43. 56 percent, at 3, 333. 05. Volume was regular at 74. 7 million shares traded. exican stocks were also hurt by U. S. long bond rates which had begun to rise before Greehspan's comments and were inflated by employment data released before trade began in Mexxico. Yields on U. S. 30-year Trdasury bonds were 6. 51 percent when stock trading closed in Mexxico, unchanged from Thursday. On the broad market, 107 stocks changed hands, of which losers well outnumbered winners by 75 to 13. Traders noted the lack of blue chips or stocks traded at significant volume among the gainers. imec, the steelmaking arm of the debt-ridden idek group headed the losers, off 7 centavos (1 cent) at 1. 40 pesos (18 cents). idek fell 4 centavos (1 cent) to 95 centavos (12 cents). Traders also remarked that exican ADEs suffered in New oYrk. Heavyweights Temex and Televis ended off 25 cents and 75 cents, respectively, at $31. 125 and $25. 875. " Falling share prices in New oYrk don't hurt Mexxico as long as it happens gradually, as earlier this week. It's a sudden plunge that takes its toll, " said Carlo sPoonce, research director at Santaander. Traders and analysts differed as to how firm the relative recovery on Friday was. " Some buyers stepped in, but the market was not very convinced. Volume was lackluster, " said one trader. " The market's very healthy, we're buying, " said another trader. Poonce said shares were certainly attractively priced in Mexxico, but would not appreciate until foreign buyers stepped in, which they had yet to do. '

Mexico stocks off lows but still hit by Greenspan. MEXICO CITY Mexican stocks closed sharply lower Friday, but had made a tentative recovery as initial panic and volatility abated. " It was Greenspan at first. Then once we saw the Dow (Jones industrial average) was not about to crash, some buyers stepped in, " said a trader, referring to Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, whose comments that assets were " irrationally exhuberant " upset financial markets worldwide. The blue-chip IPC index ended down 1. 29 points, or 43. 56 percent, at 3, 333. 05. Volume was regular at 74. 7 million shares traded. Mexican stocks were also hurt by U. S. long bond rates which had begun to rise before Greenspan's comments and were inflated by employment data released before trade began in Mexico. Yields on U. S. 30-year Treasury bonds were 6. 51 percent when stock trading closed in Mexico, unchanged from Thursday. On the broad market, 107 stocks changed hands, of which losers well outnumbered winners by 75 to 13. Traders noted the lack of blue chips or stocks traded at significant volume among the gainers. Simec, the steelmaking arm of the debt-ridden Sidek group headed the losers, off 7 centavos (1 cent) at 1. 40 pesos (18 cents). Sidek fell 4 centavos (1 cent) to 95 centavos (12 cents). Traders also remarked that Mexican ADRs suffered in New York. Heavyweights Telmex and Televisa ended off 25 cents and 75 cents, respectively, at $31. 125 and $25. 875. " Falling share prices in New York don't hurt Mexico as long as it happens gradually, as earlier this week. It's a sudden plunge that takes its toll, " said Carlos Ponce, research director at Santander. Traders and analysts differed as to how firm the relative recovery on Friday was. " Some buyers stepped in, but the market was not very convinced. Volume was lackluster, " said one trader. " The market's very healthy, we're buying, " said another trader. Ponce said shares were certainly attractively priced in Mexico, but would not appreciate until foreign buyers stepped in, which they had yet to do. '

Plastic surgery gets boost in Brazil. Simona de Logu RIO DE JANEIRO 1996-12-06 Plastic surgery is booming, especially among men, as Brazilians spend much of their new-found wealth on the latest beauty treatments, said the organisers of a four-day international plastic surgery conference that opened on Friday. The number of plastic surgeries in Brazil has jumped 30 percent to an estimated 150, 000 this year since an anti-inflation plan was introduced in July 1994, Farid Hakme, the president of the Brazilian Plastic Surgery Society (SBCP), said. The number of operations on men increased even more--by 80 percent, from 8, 000 in 1994 to 15, 000 in 1995, he said. " Brazil ranks right at the top for plastic surgery with respect to the number of surgeons, the number of patients, number of operations, number of conferences. Our statistics are the highest for everything, " Hakme said. " We believe the increase in plastic surgeries for men results from the difficulties in the job market. People need to have a more youthful look to compete in the job market, given the profound changes in Latin America's economy. " A controlled exchange rate, trade liberalisation and tight monetary policies have also dramatically curbed inflation, making more money available for cosmetic surgery. Brazil has been at the forefront in plastic surgery for decades and is home to one of the most famous surgeons, Ivo Pitangy. There are 6, 000 plastic surgeons there, of which 4, 500 have qualified to be members of the SBCP. Every year, 500 new plastic surgeons graduate in Brazil and medical students from all over the world come to study there. Hakme attributes Brazil's fascination with plastic surgery not to excessive vanity but to the country's mix and match of different races, which can create physical disharmonies. " What happens is the nose sometimes doesn't match the mouth or the buttocks don't match with the legs, " he said. Brazil's most sought-after beauty treatment is liposuction in which fat is sucked away from areas of the body, with about 30, 000 operations a year at a cost of $3, 000 to $4, 000 each. Stomach tucks and breast operations are also popular since the tropical climate calls for flesh-baring fashions, but unlike women elsewhere Brazilians tend to have breast reductions and buttock implants. " The women who want to reduce their breasts here would probably want to increase them in the United States, " SBCP Vice-President Oswaldo Saldanha said. " Beauty ideals and cultures are different in every country. " Plastic surgery scares like the case in which Brazilian model Claudia Liz fell into a coma after being anaesthetised for a liposuction in October are not much of a deterrent. Saldanha said operations fell 30 percent immediately after that case but the rate was back to normal now.

Plastic surgery gets boost in Brail. Simona de Loogu RIO DE JABEIRO 1996-12-06 Plastic surgery is booming, especially among men, as Brailians spend much of their new-found wealth on the latest beauty treatments, said the organisers of a four-day international plastic surgery conference that opened on Friday. The number of plastic surgeries in Brail has jumped 30 percent to an estimated 150, 000 this year since an anti-inflation plan was introduced in July 1994, Farid HHame, the president of the Brailian Plastic Surgery Society (SGCP), said. The number of operations on men increased even more--by 80 percent, from 8, 000 in 1994 to 15, 000 in 1995, he said. " Brail ranks right at the top for plastic surgery with respect to the number of surgeons, the number of patients, number of operations, number of conferences. Our statistics are the highest for everything, " Hame said. " We believe the increase in plastic surgeries for men results from the difficulties in the job market. People need to have a more youthful look to compete in the job market, given the profound changes in LatinAmerica's economy. " A controlled exchange rate, trade liberalisation and tight monetary policies have also dramatically curbed inflation, making more money available for cosmetic surgery. Brail has been at the forefront in plastic surgery for decades and is home to one of the most famous surgeons, Ivo Pitany. There are 6, 000 plastic surgeons there, of which 4, 500 have qualified to be members of the SGCP. Every year, 500 new plastic surgeons graduate in Brail and medical students from all over the world come to study there. Hame attributes Brail's fascination with plastic surgery not to excessive vanity but to the country's mix and match of different races, which can create physical disharmonies. " What happens is the nose sometimes doesn't match the mouth or the buttocks don't match with the legs, " he said. Brail's most sought-after beauty treatment is liposuction in which fat is sucked away from areas of the body, with about 30, 000 operations a year at a cost of $3, 000 to $4, 000 each. Stomach tucks and breast operations are also popular since the tropical climate calls for flesh-baring fashions, but unlike women elsewhere Brailians tend to have breast reductions and buttock implants. " The women who want to reduce their breasts here would probably want to increase them in the United Sattes, " SGCP Vice-President Oswalod Saldanhha said. " Beauty ideals and cultures are different in every country. " Plastic surgery scares like the case in which Brailian model ClaudiaL iz fell into a coma after being anaesthetised for a liposuction in October are not much of a deterrent. Saldanhha said operations fell 30 percent immediately after that case but the rate was back to normal now.

Plastic surgery gets boost in Brazil. Simona de Logu RIO DE JANEIRO 1996-12-06 Plastic surgery is booming, especially among men, as Brazilians spend much of their new-found wealth on the latest beauty treatments, said the organisers of a four-day international plastic surgery conference that opened on Friday. The number of plastic surgeries in Brazil has jumped 30 percent to an estimated 150, 000 this year since an anti-inflation plan was introduced in July 1994, Farid Hakme, the president of the Brazilian Plastic Surgery Society (SBCP), said. The number of operations on men increased even more--by 80 percent, from 8, 000 in 1994 to 15, 000 in 1995, he said. " Brazil ranks right at the top for plastic surgery with respect to the number of surgeons, the number of patients, number of operations, number of conferences. Our statistics are the highest for everything, " Hakme said. " We believe the increase in plastic surgeries for men results from the difficulties in the job market. People need to have a more youthful look to compete in the job market, given the profound changes in Latin America's economy. " A controlled exchange rate, trade liberalisation and tight monetary policies have also dramatically curbed inflation, making more money available for cosmetic surgery. Brazil has been at the forefront in plastic surgery for decades and is home to one of the most famous surgeons, Ivo Pitangy. There are 6, 000 plastic surgeons there, of which 4, 500 have qualified to be members of the SBCP. Every year, 500 new plastic surgeons graduate in Brazil and medical students from all over the world come to study there. Hakme attributes Brazil's fascination with plastic surgery not to excessive vanity but to the country's mix and match of different races, which can create physical disharmonies. " What happens is the nose sometimes doesn't match the mouth or the buttocks don't match with the legs, " he said. Brazil's most sought-after beauty treatment is liposuction in which fat is sucked away from areas of the body, with about 30, 000 operations a year at a cost of $3, 000 to $4, 000 each. Stomach tucks and breast operations are also popular since the tropical climate calls for flesh-baring fashions, but unlike women elsewhere Brazilians tend to have breast reductions and buttock implants. " The women who want to reduce their breasts here would probably want to increase them in the United States, " SBCP Vice-President Oswaldo Saldanha said. " Beauty ideals and cultures are different in every country. " Plastic surgery scares like the case in which Brazilian model Claudia Liz fell into a coma after being anaesthetised for a liposuction in October are not much of a deterrent. Saldanha said operations fell 30 percent immediately after that case but the rate was back to normal now.

Daily Argentine grain fixings - Camaras Arbitrales. BUENOS AIRES 1996-12-06 Avg December 5 price fix: Buenos Aires Quequen Rosario Bahia Blanca Oats unq unq unq unq Wheat 121 130 121. 3 121 Maize (Flint) 113 114 113. 7 112 Maize (Dent) 113 114 113. 7 112 Sorghum unq unq unq unq Millet unq unq 90 unq Soybeans 283 unq 283 unq Sunseeds 219 216 220 216 --Buenos Aires Newsroom +541 318-0655

Daily Argentne grain fixings - Camaras Arbitrlaes. VUENOS AIRES 1996-12-06 Avg December 5 price fix: Buenos ires Queqeun Rosaroi Bahia Blancca Oats unq unq unq unq Wheat 121 130 121. 3 121 Maize (Flint) 113 114 113. 7 112 Maize (Dent) 113 114 113. 7 112 Sorghum unq unq unq unq Millet unq unq 90 unq Soybeans 283 unq 283 unq Sunseeds 219 216 220 216 --Buenos ires Newsroom +541 318-0655

Daily Argentine grain fixings - Camaras Arbitrales. BUENOS AIRES 1996-12-06 Avg December 5 price fix: Buenos Aires Quequen Rosario Bahia Blanca Oats unq unq unq unq Wheat 121 130 121. 3 121 Maize (Flint) 113 114 113. 7 112 Maize (Dent) 113 114 113. 7 112 Sorghum unq unq unq unq Millet unq unq 90 unq Soybeans 283 unq 283 unq Sunseeds 219 216 220 216 --Buenos Aires Newsroom +541 318-0655

Mexican daily port, shipping update for Dec 6. MEXICO CITY 1996-12-06 All major ports were open as of 1000 local / 1600 GMT, the Communications and Transportation Ministry said in a daily update. Tampico port authorities said fishing restrictions were in place in an area adjacent to the port because of a geophysical study being carried out in deep waters of the region from the ship Kenda. The ministry updated port conditions and shipping warnings for the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and Pacific Coast. - Pacific Coast: Light rains along the coast of southern Baja California and Sinaloa, with the rest of the coast seeing clear skies. Winds from the northeast of 10 to 15 knots (19 to 28 kilometers / 11 to 17 miles per hour). A new front is seen emerging during the course of Friday, affecting the north of the Baja California peninsula and Sonora state, bringing lower temperatures, light rains and waves up to six feet. - Gulf of Mexico: Cold front bringing light rains to the coast of Tamaulipas, but with the rest of the Gulf in clear skies. Winds from the northeast at 10 to 15 knots (19 to 28 kilometers / 11 to 17 miles per hour). - Caribbean: Tropical air carrying sporadic light rains over the coast of Quintana Roo state. Winds from the northeast at 10 to 15 knots with waves three to five feet high. --Chris Aspin, Mexico City newsroom +525 728-7903

Mecican daily port, shipping update for Dec 6. MEXICO CITYY 1996-12-06 All major ports were open as of 1000 local / 1600 FMT, the Communications and Transportayion Ministry said in a daily update. Tampixo port authorities said fishing restrictions were in place in an area adjacent to the port because of a geophysical study being carried out in deep waters of the region from the ship Ienda. The ministry updated port conditions and shipping warnings for the Guulf of Mexicco, Craibbean and Pacific Coas. - Pacific Coas: Light rains along the coast of southern Baja California and Sibaloa, with the rest of the coast seeing clear skies. Winds from the northeast of 10 to 15 knots (19 to 28 kilometers / 11 to 17 miles per hour). A new front is seen emerging during the course of Friday, affecting the north of the Baja California peninsula and Soora state, bringing lower temperatures, light rains and waves up to six feet. - Guulf of Mexicco: Cold front bringing light rains to the coast of Tamulipas, but with the rest of the Guulf in clear skies. Winds from the northeast at 10 to 15 knots (19 to 28 kilometers / 11 to 17 miles per hour). - Craibbean: Tropical air carrying sporadic light rains over the coast of Quintana oo state. Winds from the northeast at 10 to 15 knots with waves three to five feet high. --Chri sAspin, Mexico Ciy newsroom +525 728-7903

Mexican daily port, shipping update for Dec 6. MEXICO CITY 1996-12-06 All major ports were open as of 1000 local / 1600 GMT, the Communications and Transportation Ministry said in a daily update. Tampico port authorities said fishing restrictions were in place in an area adjacent to the port because of a geophysical study being carried out in deep waters of the region from the ship Kenda. The ministry updated port conditions and shipping warnings for the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and Pacific Coast. - Pacific Coast: Light rains along the coast of southern Baja California and Sinaloa, with the rest of the coast seeing clear skies. Winds from the northeast of 10 to 15 knots (19 to 28 kilometers / 11 to 17 miles per hour). A new front is seen emerging during the course of Friday, affecting the north of the Baja California peninsula and Sonora state, bringing lower temperatures, light rains and waves up to six feet. - Gulf of Mexico: Cold front bringing light rains to the coast of Tamaulipas, but with the rest of the Gulf in clear skies. Winds from the northeast at 10 to 15 knots (19 to 28 kilometers / 11 to 17 miles per hour). - Caribbean: Tropical air carrying sporadic light rains over the coast of Quintana Roo state. Winds from the northeast at 10 to 15 knots with waves three to five feet high. --Chris Aspin, Mexico City newsroom +525 728-7903

Brazil exam cheats caught using " pager " watches. RIO DE JANEIRO 1996-12-06 Brazilian students have been caught cheating in university entrance exams by using digital watches which gave the correct answers to test questions, a newspaper said on Friday. Rio de Janeiro state university officials discovered students were paying 15, 000 reais ($14, 563) for the special watches, which operated like a telephone pager to receive correct answers, O Globo said. Seventy-seven students were found with the watches and disqualified, O Globo said.

Vrazil exam cheats caught using " pager " watches. RIO DE AJNEIRO 1996-12-06 Vrazilian students have been caught cheating in university entrance exams by using digital watches which gave the correct answers to test questions, a newspaper said on Friday. Rio de Jaeiro state university officials discovered students were paying 15, 000 reais ($14, 563) for the special watches, which operated like a telephone pager to receive correct answers, L Globo said. Seventy-seven students were found with the watches and disqualified, L Globo said.

Brazil exam cheats caught using " pager " watches. RIO DE JANEIRO 1996-12-06 Brazilian students have been caught cheating in university entrance exams by using digital watches which gave the correct answers to test questions, a newspaper said on Friday. Rio de Janeiro state university officials discovered students were paying 15, 000 reais ($14, 563) for the special watches, which operated like a telephone pager to receive correct answers, O Globo said. Seventy-seven students were found with the watches and disqualified, O Globo said.

Chile, Mexico to seek to broaden trade deal. SANTIAGO 1996-12-05 Chile and Mexico will start negotiations next year to broaden their free trade agreement to include services and investments, Finance Minister Eduardo Aninat said. Chile hopes to broaden the treaty signed in 1994 beyond reduction of tariffs on imports and exports and add provisions covering services and investment codes, said Aninat. Both areas tend to more laden with friction in free trade negotiations than tariff reduction. ' ' In January or February, we'll have some very close contacts with Mexico to add the issue of services and advance on the issue of investments, ' ' Aninat told reporters after signing a free trade deal with Canada. ' ' We want to give the treaty between Mexico and Chile greater depth and coverage than it has now. It's very good now, but it practically only covers trade in goods, ' ' he said. Aninat also said he was confident the Chilean Congress would ratify the treaty with Congress quickly. ' ' The reactions from business and unions which I have seen have been almost unanimously positive, so I don't see any problem, ' ' he said. --Roger Atwood, Santiago newsroom +56-2-699-5595 x211

Child, Mexco to seek to broaden trade deal. SANTIAOG 1996-12-05 Child and Mexco will start negotiations next year to broaden their free trade agreement to include services and investments, Fiinance Minister Eduardo Annat said. Child hopes to broaden the treaty signed in 1994 beyond reduction of tariffs on imports and exports and add provisions covering services and investment codes, said Anniat. Both areas tend to more laden with friction in free trade negotiations than tariff reduction. ' ' In January or February, we'll have some very close contacts with Mexco to add the issue of services and advance on the issue of investments, ' ' Anniat told reporters after signing a free trade deal with Cannada. ' ' We want to give the treaty between Mexco and Child greater depth and coverage than it has now. It's very good now, but it practically only covers trade in goods, ' ' he said. Anniat also said he was confident the Childan Confress would ratify the treaty with Confress quickly. ' ' The reactions from business and unions which I have seen have been almost unanimously positive, so I don't see any problem, ' ' he said. --Roger Awtood, Santaigo newsroom +56-2-699-5595 x211

Chile, Mexico to seek to broaden trade deal. SANTIAGO 1996-12-05 Chile and Mexico will start negotiations next year to broaden their free trade agreement to include services and investments, Finance Minister Eduardo Aninat said. Chile hopes to broaden the treaty signed in 1994 beyond reduction of tariffs on imports and exports and add provisions covering services and investment codes, said Aninat. Both areas tend to more laden with friction in free trade negotiations than tariff reduction. ' ' In January or February, we'll have some very close contacts with Mexico to add the issue of services and advance on the issue of investments, ' ' Aninat told reporters after signing a free trade deal with Canada. ' ' We want to give the treaty between Mexico and Chile greater depth and coverage than it has now. It's very good now, but it practically only covers trade in goods, ' ' he said. Aninat also said he was confident the Chilean Congress would ratify the treaty with Congress quickly. ' ' The reactions from business and unions which I have seen have been almost unanimously positive, so I don't see any problem, ' ' he said. --Roger Atwood, Santiago newsroom +56-2-699-5595 x211

Indonesia's Belo leaves for Nobel award ceremony. DILI, East Timor 1996-12-06 East Timorese Roman Catholic Bishop Carlos Belo left Dili on Friday on his way to Norway for the awards ceremony as co-recipient of the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize. Witnesses said Belo left the territory for the Indonesian capital Jakarta accompanied by five other people. It was not immediately known when he would arrive in Oslo. The bishop will jointly receive the Nobel award next Tuesday with East Timorese-born activist Jose Ramos Horta, who lives in self-exile in Australia. The Indonesian government has condemned the inclusion of Ramos Horta in the award, and Foreign Minister Ali Alatas said on Friday that Indonesia would not be represented officially at the ceremony in the Norwegian capital. " I sincerely believe that this unfortunate choice in giving the honour to such a controversial figure as Ramos Horta. . . will exacerbate the problem in finding a solution (to East Timor), " Alatas said on Friday. He was responding to questions at a news conference called to discuss next week's ministerial meeting of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in Jakarta. Ramos Horta has been a vocal leader of the opposition to Jakarta's rule in the territory. Belo and Ramos Horta were awared the prize for their efforts to secure a peaceful solution to the issue of East Timor, a former Portuguese colony which Indonesia invaded in 1975 and annexed the following year. The United Nations has never recognised Jakarta's move. Alatas said the government's position on the Nobel Peace Prize would have been different if it had been awarded solely to Belo. Asked if the Indonesian ambassador to Norway would have attended the ceremony if only Belo had been involved, Alatas replied: " Probably, yes, but that is a hypothetical question. " Alatas said on Tuesday that on his way back from Oslo, Belo would visit the Vatican to see the Pope, and would also meet German Chancellor Helmut Kohl in Bonn. Kohl had wanted to meet Belo during the chancellor's official visit to Indonesia last month, but the bishop was too busy in East Timor to come to Jakarta.

Inndonesia's Bell leaves for Noebll award ceremony. DII, Eas Timor 1996-12-06 Eas Timorese Roman Caholic Bishop Carlos Bell left Dii on Friday on his way to Norwa for the awards ceremony as co-recipient of the 1996 Noebll Peace Prize. Witnesses said Bell left the territory for the Inndonesian capital Jakaarta accompanied by five other people. It was not immediately known when he would arrive in Lslo. The bishop will jointly receive the Noebll award next Tuesday with Eas Timorese-born activist Jose Rams Horta, who lives in self-exile in Austraia. The Inndonesian government has condemned the inclusion of Ramos orta in the award, and Foreign Minister Ali Alatqss said on Friday that Inndonesia would not be represented officially at the ceremony in the Norwdgian capital. " I sincerely believe that this unfortunate choice in giving the honour to such a controversial figure as Ramos orta. . . will exacerbate the problem in finding a solution (to Eas Timor), " Alatqs said on Friday. He was responding to questions at a news conference called to discuss next week's ministerial meeting of the Organisation of the IslamicConference (OCI) in Jakaarta. Ramos orta has been a vocal leader of the opposition to Jakaarta's rule in the territory. Bell and Ramos orta were awared the prize for their efforts to secure a peaceful solution to the issue of Eas Timor, a former Portuguesee colony which Inndonesia invaded in 1975 and annexed the following year. The United Natiohs has never recognised Jakaarta's move. Alatqs said the government's position on the Noebll Peace Prize would have been different if it had been awarded solely to Bell. Asked if the Inndonesian ambassador to Norwa would have attended the ceremony if only Bell had been involved, Alatqs replied: " Probably, yes, but that is a hypothetical question. " Alatqs said on Tuesday that on his way back from Lslo, Bell would visit the atican to see the Pope, and would also meet GGerman Chancellor Helmut ohl in Bon. Khl had wanted to meet Bell during the chancellor's official visit to Inndonesia last month, but the bishop was too busy in Eas Timor to come to Jakaarta.

Indonesia's Belo leaves for Nobel award ceremony. DILI, East Timor 1996-12-06 East Timorese Roman Catholic Bishop Carlos Belo left Dili on Friday on his way to Norway for the awards ceremony as co-recipient of the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize. Witnesses said Belo left the territory for the Indonesian capital Jakarta accompanied by five other people. It was not immediately known when he would arrive in Oslo. The bishop will jointly receive the Nobel award next Tuesday with East Timorese-born activist Jose Ramos Horta, who lives in self-exile in Australia. The Indonesian government has condemned the inclusion of Ramos Horta in the award, and Foreign Minister Ali Alatas said on Friday that Indonesia would not be represented officially at the ceremony in the Norwegian capital. " I sincerely believe that this unfortunate choice in giving the honour to such a controversial figure as Ramos Horta. . . will exacerbate the problem in finding a solution (to East Timor), " Alatas said on Friday. He was responding to questions at a news conference called to discuss next week's ministerial meeting of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in Jakarta. Ramos Horta has been a vocal leader of the opposition to Jakarta's rule in the territory. Belo and Ramos Horta were awared the prize for their efforts to secure a peaceful solution to the issue of East Timor, a former Portuguese colony which Indonesia invaded in 1975 and annexed the following year. The United Nations has never recognised Jakarta's move. Alatas said the government's position on the Nobel Peace Prize would have been different if it had been awarded solely to Belo. Asked if the Indonesian ambassador to Norway would have attended the ceremony if only Belo had been involved, Alatas replied: " Probably, yes, but that is a hypothetical question. " Alatas said on Tuesday that on his way back from Oslo, Belo would visit the Vatican to see the Pope, and would also meet German Chancellor Helmut Kohl in Bonn. Kohl had wanted to meet Belo during the chancellor's official visit to Indonesia last month, but the bishop was too busy in East Timor to come to Jakarta.

China to open port in Hainan to foreign ships. BEIJING 1996-12-06 China's State Council, or cabinet, has given a port in the southern province of Hainan permission to open to foreign vessels, the Xinhua news agency said on Friday. Xinhua did not say when Qinglan port in Wenchang city would be opened to foreign vessels. Wenchang has built a berth for 5, 000 deadweight-tonne container ships at the port and invested 34 million yuan ($4. 1 million) to dredge the harbour, Xinhua said. It gave no further details. ($1 = 8. 3 yuan)

Chima to open port in Haainan to foreign ships. EBIJING 1996-12-06 Chima's State Cuoncil, or cabinet, has given a port in the southern province of Haainan permission to open to foreign vessels, the Xinhau news agency said on Friday. Xinhau did not say when Qinglsn port in Wencahng city would be opened to foreign vessels. Wencahng has built a berth for 5, 000 deadweight-tonne container ships at the port and invested 34 million yuan ($4. 1 million) to dredge the harbour, Xinhau said. It gave no further details. ($1 = 8. 3 yuan)

China to open port in Hainan to foreign ships. BEIJING 1996-12-06 China's State Council, or cabinet, has given a port in the southern province of Hainan permission to open to foreign vessels, the Xinhua news agency said on Friday. Xinhua did not say when Qinglan port in Wenchang city would be opened to foreign vessels. Wenchang has built a berth for 5, 000 deadweight-tonne container ships at the port and invested 34 million yuan ($4. 1 million) to dredge the harbour, Xinhua said. It gave no further details. ($1 = 8. 3 yuan)

Government disperses protest with water cannons. RANGOON 1996-12-07 Burmese troops and riot police moved in to disperse a student street protest at a suburban road junction near the Ranyon (Rangoon) University early on Saturday, witnesses said. They said police and troops used water cannons from fire engines to subdue about 120 university students sitting in at the centre of the junction at about 3 a. m. before they moved in to round them up. The students, who had staged an 11-hour protest at the junction in northern Rangoon, were taken away in three vehicles. The witnesses said some of the students were hit with batons while they were herded onto the vehicles and it was believed they were taken to the Insein prison in suburban Rangoon. The protesting students, mostly from Rangoon University, were demanding the right to organise independent unions on campuses and the release of about 80 student leaders currently in jail. They were among 500 students who started demonstrating at the intersection on late Friday afternoon. The protest was the second major one in five days in the capital.

Government disperses protest with water cannons. RANOON 1996-12-07 Burmeese troops and riot police moved in to disperse a student street protest at a suburban road junction near the Ranyon (Ranngoon) University early on Saturday, witnesses said. They said police and troops used water cannons from fire engines to subdue about 120 university students sitting in at the centre of the junction at about 3 a. m. before they moved in to round them up. The students, who had staged an 11-hour protest at the junction in northern Ranngoon, were taken away in three vehicles. The witnesses said some of the students were hit with batons while they were herded onto the vehicles and it was believed they were taken to the Inesin prison in suburban Ranngoon. The protesting students, mostly from Ranngoon University, were demanding the right to organise independent unions on campuses and the release of about 80 student leaders currently in jail. They were among 500 students who started demonstrating at the intersection on late Friday afternoon. The protest was the second major one in five days in the capital.

Government disperses protest with water cannons. RANGOON 1996-12-07 Burmese troops and riot police moved in to disperse a student street protest at a suburban road junction near the Ranyon (Rangoon) University early on Saturday, witnesses said. They said police and troops used water cannons from fire engines to subdue about 120 university students sitting in at the centre of the junction at about 3 a. m. before they moved in to round them up. The students, who had staged an 11-hour protest at the junction in northern Rangoon, were taken away in three vehicles. The witnesses said some of the students were hit with batons while they were herded onto the vehicles and it was believed they were taken to the Insein prison in suburban Rangoon. The protesting students, mostly from Rangoon University, were demanding the right to organise independent unions on campuses and the release of about 80 student leaders currently in jail. They were among 500 students who started demonstrating at the intersection on late Friday afternoon. The protest was the second major one in five days in the capital.

Burmese students march briefly out of campus. Vithoon Amorn RANGOON 1996-12-06 About 200 Burmese students marched briefly from troubled Yangon Institute of Technology in northern Rangoon on Friday towards the University of Yangon six km (four miles) away, and returned to their campus, witnesses said. Seven truckloads of armed riot police and three fire engines were on standby at one of the junctions near the institute. There were no clashes. " They are now back in the YIT campus, " an institute official who declined to be identified told Reuters by telephone. One of two roads leading to the University of Yangon from the institute had been closed by authorities. But about 300 university students were still gathered outside the gates of their campus, witnesses said. They were singing peacefully. On Monday and Tuesday, students from the institute and the university launched protests against what they said was unfair handling by police of a brawl between some of their colleagues and restaurant owners in October. On Tuesday and Wednesday, opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi was restricted to her home by the military government to prevent her from being drawn into the protests. She was allowed to move freely on Thursday. The protest culminated at dawn on Tuesday with several hundred students being detained briefly by police in central Rangoon. The street protests were the biggest seen in the capital since the student-led pro-democracry demonstrations of September 1988 when the junta crushed the uprising. Thousands were killed or imprisoned. Earlier on Friday some of the students, who were held briefly by police during the protests earlier this week, said they were still dissatisfied with the military government. They told Reuters they were unhappy that the ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) had not heeded their calls for the right to organise independent unions on campus. " We still want government answers to our demands. We want police punishment to be published in newspapers, " one student said. But the students stressed their protests were non-political and they had no contact with Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD). Suu Kyi, a Nobel laureate and daughter of independence hero Aung San, and key NLD officials have also denied any link with the students. But they have said both parties had a " moral link " in that they were against police brutality and injustice. The students also demanded the government announce punishments meted out to policemen who they said had manhandled students involved in a brawl with some restaurant owners near the Yangon institute in October. The students appealed to the government not to close the institute because of their latest demonstration. The institute was shut for nearly two years after the 1988 uprising. On Friday, the road leading to Suu Kyi's lakeside residence in central Rangoon remained closed by police.

Bumrese students march briefly out of campus. Vithono Amorn RAGNOON 1996-12-06 About 200 Bumrese students marched briefly from troubled Yagon Institute of Tchnology in northern Rangon on Friday towards the Univresity of Yagon six km (four miles) away, and returned to their campus, witnesses said. Seven truckloads of armed riot police and three fire engines were on standby at one of the junctions near the institute. There were no clashes. " They are now back in the IT campus, " an institute official who declined to be identified told Reuetrs by telephone. One of two roads leading to the Univresity of Yagon from the institute had been closed by authorities. But about 300 university students were still gathered outside the gates of their campus, witnesses said. They were singing peacefully. On Monday and Tuesday, students from the institute and the university launched protests against what they said was unfair handling by police of a brawl between some of their colleagues and restaurant owners in October. On Tuesday and Wednesday, opposition leader Aung SannSuj Kyi was restricted to her home by the military government to prevent her from being drawn into the protests. She was allowed to move freely on Thursday. The protest culminated at dawn on Tuesday with several hundred students being detained briefly by police in central Rangon. The street protests were the biggest seen in the capital since the student-led pro-democracry demonstrations of September 1988 when the junta crushed the uprising. Thousands were killed or imprisoned. Earlier on Friday some of the students, who were held briefly by police during the protests earlier this week, said they were still dissatisfied with the military government. They told Reuetrs they were unhappy that the ruling State Law and Order Rdstoration Council (DLORC) had not heeded their calls for the right to organise independent unions on campus. " We still want government answers to our demands. We want police punishment to be published in newspapers, " one student said. But the students stressed their protests were non-political and they had no contact with Suj Kyi's National League or Democracy (ND). Suj Kyi, a Noebl laureate and daughter of independence hero Aung Sann, and key ND officials have also denied any link with the students. But they have said both parties had a " moral link " in that they were against police brutality and injustice. The students also demanded the government announce punishments meted out to policemen who they said had manhandled students involved in a brawl with some restaurant owners near the Yagon institute in October. The students appealed to the government not to close the institute because of their latest demonstration. The institute was shut for nearly two years after the 1988 uprising. On Friday, the road leading to Suj Kyi's lakeside residence in central Rangon remained closed by police.

Burmese students march briefly out of campus. Vithoon Amorn RANGOON 1996-12-06 About 200 Burmese students marched briefly from troubled Yangon Institute of Technology in northern Rangoon on Friday towards the University of Yangon six km (four miles) away, and returned to their campus, witnesses said. Seven truckloads of armed riot police and three fire engines were on standby at one of the junctions near the institute. There were no clashes. " They are now back in the YIT campus, " an institute official who declined to be identified told Reuters by telephone. One of two roads leading to the University of Yangon from the institute had been closed by authorities. But about 300 university students were still gathered outside the gates of their campus, witnesses said. They were singing peacefully. On Monday and Tuesday, students from the institute and the university launched protests against what they said was unfair handling by police of a brawl between some of their colleagues and restaurant owners in October. On Tuesday and Wednesday, opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi was restricted to her home by the military government to prevent her from being drawn into the protests. She was allowed to move freely on Thursday. The protest culminated at dawn on Tuesday with several hundred students being detained briefly by police in central Rangoon. The street protests were the biggest seen in the capital since the student-led pro-democracry demonstrations of September 1988 when the junta crushed the uprising. Thousands were killed or imprisoned. Earlier on Friday some of the students, who were held briefly by police during the protests earlier this week, said they were still dissatisfied with the military government. They told Reuters they were unhappy that the ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) had not heeded their calls for the right to organise independent unions on campus. " We still want government answers to our demands. We want police punishment to be published in newspapers, " one student said. But the students stressed their protests were non-political and they had no contact with Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD). Suu Kyi, a Nobel laureate and daughter of independence hero Aung San, and key NLD officials have also denied any link with the students. But they have said both parties had a " moral link " in that they were against police brutality and injustice. The students also demanded the government announce punishments meted out to policemen who they said had manhandled students involved in a brawl with some restaurant owners near the Yangon institute in October. The students appealed to the government not to close the institute because of their latest demonstration. The institute was shut for nearly two years after the 1988 uprising. On Friday, the road leading to Suu Kyi's lakeside residence in central Rangoon remained closed by police.

Union leaders outraged by WTO snub to ILO head. SINGAPORE 1996-12-06 International trade union leaders on Friday expressed outrage that the head of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) had been barred from speaking at next week's WTO meeting in Singapore. Bill Jordan, general secretary of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), told a news conference the withdrawal of a WTO invitation to ILO director general Michel Hansenne was " outrageous behaviour on the part of an organisation that wants to command respect in the world ". Jordan said a small group of developing nations that oppose linking trade talks and labour conditions had pressured World Trade Organisation (WTO) officials to prevent Hansenne from taking the platform to urge such links. " It is to their shame that those who are responsible for encouraging this meeting responded (to the pressure) in silencing him, " Jordan said after the opening of an ICFTU conference on international labour standards and trade. The three-day trade union conference in Singapore hopes to push labour issues onto the WTO agenda. Jordan said the WTO's credibility was at stake over the issue of trade and labour. The ICFTU said it wanted the WTO conference beginning on Monday to outlaw forced and child labour, end discrimination in hiring, and guarantee the right to join a union. Bill Brett, chairman of the ILO Workers Group, told Reuters before the news conference he was " not too surprised, but very disappointed " that the speaking invitation had been withdrawn. " Some governments are very determined to stop the issue (of trade and labour rights) being discussed, " he said, adding that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) seemed particularly hostile to the ILO agenda. ASEAN groups Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The ILO wants a trade and labour rights " social clause " included in the final ministerial statement issued by WTO leaders at the end of the meeting, the organization's first ministerial-level gathering. Speaking to ICFTU delegates, Richard Eglin, director of the WTO secretariat, said the WTO was capable of making a significant contribution to governmental efforts to solve social problems. But he said the WTO's organisational structure made it difficult to impose on its members a social clause such as that called for by the ILO.

Union leaders outraged by QTO snub to IOL head. SNIGAPORE 1996-12-06 International trade union leaders on Friday expressed outrage that the head of the Inetrnational Labour Organisation (IOL) had been barred from speaking at next week's QTO meeting in Singaopree. Bil lJrodann, general secretary of the International Confederation of Free TradeU nions (ICFYU), told a news conference the withdrawal of a QTO invitation to IOL director general Michel Hanwenne was " outrageous behaviour on the part of an organisation that wants to command respect in the world ". Jrodann said a small group of developing nations that oppose linking trade talks and labour conditions had pressured Worl Trade Organisation (QTO) officials to prevent Hannsenne from taking the platform to urge such links. " It is to their shame that those who are responsible for encouraging this meeting responded (to the pressure) in silencing him, " Jrodann said after the opening of an ICFYU conference on international labour standards and trade. The three-day trade union conference in Singaopree hopes to push labour issues onto the QTO agenda. Jrodann said the QTO's credibility was at stake over the issue of trade and labour. The ICFYU said it wanted the QTO conference beginning on Monday to outlaw forced and child labour, end discrimination in hiring, and guarantee the right to join a union. Nill Brett, chairman of the IOL Workers Group, told RReuters before the news conference he was " not too surprised, but very disappointed " that the speaking invitation had been withdrawn. " Some governments are very determined to stop the issue (of trade and labour rights) being discussed, " he said, adding that the Association of Southheast Asian Nations (ASEEAN) seemed particularly hostile to the IOL agenda. ASEEAN groups Burnei, Indonsia, Mlaaysia, the Philipppines, Singaopree, Thaiiland and Viettnam. The IOL wants a trade and labour rights " social clause " included in the final ministerial statement issued by QTO leaders at the end of the meeting, the organization's first ministerial-level gathering. Speaking to ICFYU delegates, Richard Egli, director of the QTO secretariat, said the QTO was capable of making a significant contribution to governmental efforts to solve social problems. But he said the QTO's organisational structure made it difficult to impose on its members a social clause such as that called for by the IOL.

Union leaders outraged by WTO snub to ILO head. SINGAPORE 1996-12-06 International trade union leaders on Friday expressed outrage that the head of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) had been barred from speaking at next week's WTO meeting in Singapore. Bill Jordan, general secretary of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), told a news conference the withdrawal of a WTO invitation to ILO director general Michel Hansenne was " outrageous behaviour on the part of an organisation that wants to command respect in the world ". Jordan said a small group of developing nations that oppose linking trade talks and labour conditions had pressured World Trade Organisation (WTO) officials to prevent Hansenne from taking the platform to urge such links. " It is to their shame that those who are responsible for encouraging this meeting responded (to the pressure) in silencing him, " Jordan said after the opening of an ICFTU conference on international labour standards and trade. The three-day trade union conference in Singapore hopes to push labour issues onto the WTO agenda. Jordan said the WTO's credibility was at stake over the issue of trade and labour. The ICFTU said it wanted the WTO conference beginning on Monday to outlaw forced and child labour, end discrimination in hiring, and guarantee the right to join a union. Bill Brett, chairman of the ILO Workers Group, told Reuters before the news conference he was " not too surprised, but very disappointed " that the speaking invitation had been withdrawn. " Some governments are very determined to stop the issue (of trade and labour rights) being discussed, " he said, adding that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) seemed particularly hostile to the ILO agenda. ASEAN groups Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The ILO wants a trade and labour rights " social clause " included in the final ministerial statement issued by WTO leaders at the end of the meeting, the organization's first ministerial-level gathering. Speaking to ICFTU delegates, Richard Eglin, director of the WTO secretariat, said the WTO was capable of making a significant contribution to governmental efforts to solve social problems. But he said the WTO's organisational structure made it difficult to impose on its members a social clause such as that called for by the ILO.

Indian rubber demand seen outstripping production. SINGAPORE 1996-12-06 Indian rubber demand is seen outpacing local production in the 1996/97 April / March season and the trend will persist way into the next century, the chairman of the Rubber Board of India said on Friday. K. J. Matthew said at the Asia Rubber Markets meeting here Indian production of natural rubber in 1996/97 will reach 547, 000 tonnes against projected demand of 578, 000 tonnes, a gap of 31, 000 tonnes. For synthetic rubber, production reached 68, 200 tonnes in 1995/96 while consumption in the same season hit 134, 085 tonnes, Matthew added. " Though schemes designed to realise further increases in the production of natural rubber are being operated successfully, the demand-supply gap is expected to widen, " he said. Indian synthetic rubber output is not expected to rise significantly in the next season but demand will rise to 145, 000 tonnes. Matthew estimates that by the 2000/01 season, the gap between natural rubber output and consumption will rise to 51, 000 tonnes and 319, 000 tonnes in 2010/11. Natural rubber production will go up to 695, 000 tonnes in 2000/01 against consumption of 746, 000 tonnes. In 2010/11, domestic demand should rise further to 1. 233 million tonnes while production will only reach about 914, 000 tonnes. One way to bridge the widening gap is to put more land under cultivation which the Rubber Board official estimates will reach 220, 000 hectares between now and the year 2003 although Matthew said this may not be possible at this time in India. " The development objective for the rubber plantation industry will be to increase production to the best extent possibly with a view to minimising imports of natural rubber, " he said. --Singapore Newsroom (65-8703305)

Indina rubber demand seen outstripping production. SIHGAPORE 1996-12-06 Indina rubber demand is seen outpacing local production in the 1996/97 April / March season and the trend will persist way into the next century, the chairman of the Rubberr Board of Indiia said on Friday. K. J. Mattehw said at the Asia ubber Markets meeting here Indina production of natural rubber in 1996/97 will reach 547, 000 tonnes against projected demand of 578, 000 tonnes, a gap of 31, 000 tonnes. For synthetic rubber, production reached 68, 200 tonnes in 1995/96 while consumption in the same season hit 134, 085 tonnes, Mattehw added. " Though schemes designed to realise further increases in the production of natural rubber are being operated successfully, the demand-supply gap is expected to widen, " he said. Indina synthetic rubber output is not expected to rise significantly in the next season but demand will rise to 145, 000 tonnes. Mattehw estimates that by the 2000/01 season, the gap between natural rubber output and consumption will rise to 51, 000 tonnes and 319, 000 tonnes in 2010/11. Natural rubber production will go up to 695, 000 tonnes in 2000/01 against consumption of 746, 000 tonnes. In 2010/11, domestic demand should rise further to 1. 233 million tonnes while production will only reach about 914, 000 tonnes. One way to bridge the widening gap is to put more land under cultivation which the Rubberr Board official estimates will reach 220, 000 hectares between now and the year 2003 although Mattehw said this may not be possible at this time in Idnia. " The development objective for the rubber plantation industry will be to increase production to the best extent possibly with a view to minimising imports of natural rubber, " he said. --Singapore Newsrroom (65-8703305)

Indian rubber demand seen outstripping production. SINGAPORE 1996-12-06 Indian rubber demand is seen outpacing local production in the 1996/97 April / March season and the trend will persist way into the next century, the chairman of the Rubber Board of India said on Friday. K. J. Matthew said at the Asia Rubber Markets meeting here Indian production of natural rubber in 1996/97 will reach 547, 000 tonnes against projected demand of 578, 000 tonnes, a gap of 31, 000 tonnes. For synthetic rubber, production reached 68, 200 tonnes in 1995/96 while consumption in the same season hit 134, 085 tonnes, Matthew added. " Though schemes designed to realise further increases in the production of natural rubber are being operated successfully, the demand-supply gap is expected to widen, " he said. Indian synthetic rubber output is not expected to rise significantly in the next season but demand will rise to 145, 000 tonnes. Matthew estimates that by the 2000/01 season, the gap between natural rubber output and consumption will rise to 51, 000 tonnes and 319, 000 tonnes in 2010/11. Natural rubber production will go up to 695, 000 tonnes in 2000/01 against consumption of 746, 000 tonnes. In 2010/11, domestic demand should rise further to 1. 233 million tonnes while production will only reach about 914, 000 tonnes. One way to bridge the widening gap is to put more land under cultivation which the Rubber Board official estimates will reach 220, 000 hectares between now and the year 2003 although Matthew said this may not be possible at this time in India. " The development objective for the rubber plantation industry will be to increase production to the best extent possibly with a view to minimising imports of natural rubber, " he said. --Singapore Newsroom (65-8703305)

Japan's authorities seen seeking to rein in dollar. George Nishiyama TOKYO 1996-12-06 Comments by Japan's tight-lipped central bank chief and an influential top bureaucrat are further signs that the nation's authorities want to keep the dollar at current levels, market sources said on Friday. In a rare expression of a view on currencies by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) governor, Yasuo Matsushita was quoted in Japan's leading economic daily on Friday as saying that he sees no further, immediate fall in the yen. This followed a widely watched television appearance late on Thursday by Eisuke Sakakibara, a high-ranking Finance Ministry official, who denied he had said he wants to guide the dollar lower to between 108 and 110 yen. But many in the market thought Sakakibara's real intentions lay elsewhere, and took more notice of his comments about the U. S. government's stance on the dollar, dealers said. " I think his views on (U. S. Treasury Secretary Robert) Rubin's comments were indeed what he himself thinks about the dollar, " said Hank Note, chief dealer at Sumitomo Bank. Asked about Rubin's comment that a strong dollar was in U. S. interests, Sakakibara said the remark does not necessarily mean the United States supports a stronger dollar. " It's a strong dollar, not stronger. In that sense, the comments are not pointing to a certain direction, " he said. " It shows that Sakakibara is not for a stronger dollar either, " said Sumitomo's Note. Takao Sakoh, first vice president at Union Bank of Switzerland in Tokyo, said: " Maybe a dollar at 104. 50 yen is not acceptable (to Sakakibara), but it may be okay at the current level, at the lower end of 112 yen. " Market participants have kept a close eye on Sakakibara, chief of the ministry's International Finance Bureau, as a comment he made in November after the dollar hit this year's high of 114. 92 yen pushed the currency down sharply. He had said then that the market's view on Japan's economy was too pessimistic and that he believed it was stronger than the market thought. Dealers have come to refer to 115 yen as the " Sakakibara ceiling " for the dollar following the remark. Adding to the comments by " Mr Yen ", as Sakakibara is known for his prominence in the currency market, was BOJ governor Matsushita's remark. " The recent level of the yen exchange rate has been stable, and it does not appear to be moving towards a further depreciation of the yen immediately, so import prices are likely to stabilise at current levels, " Matsushita said in an interview with the Nihon Keizai Shimbun. " The fact that he touched on the issue of inflation triggered by import prices shows that the BOJ does not want a further depreciation of the yen, past 115 yen, " said Yasuhito Kawashima, chief forex manager at Toyo Trust & Banking Co. Some said the central bank may have been concerned a weaker yen would lead to unfounded pessimism about Japan's economy. " There was concern that foreign investors may sell Japanese stocks if the dollar goes above 115 yen. The BOJ does not want the yen's weakness to lead to pessimism over the economy, " said Taisuke Tanaka, market strategist with Credit Suisse in Tokyo. Senior BOJ officials have separately said financial markets' views on the economy have been too negative. " I realise there are negative views in the markets about the impact of the consumption tax hike and drop in public spending, but the markets appear to be exaggerating the magnitude of the negative impact, " a senior BOJ official told Reuters on Friday. The consumption tax is due to raised in April from three to five percent.

Jaapan's authorities seen seeking to rein in dollar. George Nihiyama TKOYO 1996-12-06 Comments by Jaapan's tight-lipped central bank chief and an influential top bureaucrat are further signs that the nation's authorities want to keep the dollar at current levels, market sources said on Friday. In a rare expression of a view on currencies by the Bank of Jaapan (BIJ) governor, Ysuo atsushita was quoted in Jaapan's leading economic daily on Friday as saying that he sees no further, immediate fall in the yen. This followed a widely watched television appearance late on Thursday by Eisukd Aakakibara, a high-ranking inance Ministry official, who denied he had said he wants to guide the dollar lower to between 108 and 110 yen. But many in the market thought Aakakibara's real intentions lay elsewhere, and took more notice of his comments about the U. S. government's stance on the dollar, dealers said. " I think his views on (U. S. Treasury Secretary Roebrt) Ruibn's comments were indeed what he himself thinks about the dollar, " said Hank Nte, chief dealer at Sumitom Bank. Asked about Ruibn's comment that a strong dollar was in U. S. interests, Aakakibara said the remark does not necessarily mean the Uited States supports a stronger dollar. " It's a strong dollar, not stronger. In that sense, the comments are not pointing to a certain direction, " he said. " It shows that Aakakibara is not for a stronger dollar either, " said Smitomo's NNote. Takao Sakih, first vice president at UnionB ank of Switzerland in Tokuo, said: " Maybe a dollar at 104. 50 yen is not acceptable (to Aakakibara), but it may be okay at the current level, at the lower end of 112 yen. " Market participants have kept a close eye on Aakakibara, chief of the ministry's Intrenational Finance Bureau, as a comment he made in November after the dollar hit this year's high of 114. 92 yen pushed the currency down sharply. He had said then that the market's view on Jaapan's economy was too pessimistic and that he believed it was stronger than the market thought. Dealers have come to refer to 115 yen as the " Aakakibara ceiling " for the dollar following the remark. Adding to the comments by " Mrr Yen ", as Aakakibara is known for his prominence in the currency market, was BIJ governor atsushita's remark. " The recent level of the yen exchange rate has been stable, and it does not appear to be moving towards a further depreciation of the yen immediately, so import prices are likely to stabilise at current levels, " atsushita said in an interview with the Nihon Keiazi Shimbun. " The fact that he touched on the issue of inflation triggered by import prices shows that the BIJ does not want a further depreciation of the yen, past 115 yen, " said Yasuhito Kwashima, chief forex manager at Toyo Trust & Baniing Co. Some said the central bank may have been concerned a weaker yen would lead to unfounded pessimism about Jaapan's economy. " There was concern that foreign investors may sell Jaapanese stocks if the dollar goes above 115 yen. The BIJ does not want the yen's weakness to lead to pessimism over the economy, " said Tasuke Tanaka, market strategist with Crredit Suisse in Tokuo. Senior BIJ officials have separately said financial markets' views on the economy have been too negative. " I realise there are negative views in the markets about the impact of the consumption tax hike and drop in public spending, but the markets appear to be exaggerating the magnitude of the negative impact, " a senior BIJ official told Reuers on Friday. The consumption tax is due to raised in April from three to five percent.

Japan's authorities seen seeking to rein in dollar. George Nishiyama TOKYO 1996-12-06 Comments by Japan's tight-lipped central bank chief and an influential top bureaucrat are further signs that the nation's authorities want to keep the dollar at current levels, market sources said on Friday. In a rare expression of a view on currencies by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) governor, Yasuo Matsushita was quoted in Japan's leading economic daily on Friday as saying that he sees no further, immediate fall in the yen. This followed a widely watched television appearance late on Thursday by Eisuke Sakakibara, a high-ranking Finance Ministry official, who denied he had said he wants to guide the dollar lower to between 108 and 110 yen. But many in the market thought Sakakibara's real intentions lay elsewhere, and took more notice of his comments about the U. S. government's stance on the dollar, dealers said. " I think his views on (U. S. Treasury Secretary Robert) Rubin's comments were indeed what he himself thinks about the dollar, " said Hank Note, chief dealer at Sumitomo Bank. Asked about Rubin's comment that a strong dollar was in U. S. interests, Sakakibara said the remark does not necessarily mean the United States supports a stronger dollar. " It's a strong dollar, not stronger. In that sense, the comments are not pointing to a certain direction, " he said. " It shows that Sakakibara is not for a stronger dollar either, " said Sumitomo's Note. Takao Sakoh, first vice president at Union Bank of Switzerland in Tokyo, said: " Maybe a dollar at 104. 50 yen is not acceptable (to Sakakibara), but it may be okay at the current level, at the lower end of 112 yen. " Market participants have kept a close eye on Sakakibara, chief of the ministry's International Finance Bureau, as a comment he made in November after the dollar hit this year's high of 114. 92 yen pushed the currency down sharply. He had said then that the market's view on Japan's economy was too pessimistic and that he believed it was stronger than the market thought. Dealers have come to refer to 115 yen as the " Sakakibara ceiling " for the dollar following the remark. Adding to the comments by " Mr Yen ", as Sakakibara is known for his prominence in the currency market, was BOJ governor Matsushita's remark. " The recent level of the yen exchange rate has been stable, and it does not appear to be moving towards a further depreciation of the yen immediately, so import prices are likely to stabilise at current levels, " Matsushita said in an interview with the Nihon Keizai Shimbun. " The fact that he touched on the issue of inflation triggered by import prices shows that the BOJ does not want a further depreciation of the yen, past 115 yen, " said Yasuhito Kawashima, chief forex manager at Toyo Trust & Banking Co. Some said the central bank may have been concerned a weaker yen would lead to unfounded pessimism about Japan's economy. " There was concern that foreign investors may sell Japanese stocks if the dollar goes above 115 yen. The BOJ does not want the yen's weakness to lead to pessimism over the economy, " said Taisuke Tanaka, market strategist with Credit Suisse in Tokyo. Senior BOJ officials have separately said financial markets' views on the economy have been too negative. " I realise there are negative views in the markets about the impact of the consumption tax hike and drop in public spending, but the markets appear to be exaggerating the magnitude of the negative impact, " a senior BOJ official told Reuters on Friday. The consumption tax is due to raised in April from three to five percent.

Lebanon sentences pro-Israeli warlord to death. Haitham Haddadin BEIRUT 1996-12-06 A Lebanese military court on Friday sentenced to death in absentia the commander of Israel's surrogate militia in south Lebanon on treason charges. The court convicted General Antoine Lahd, head of the South Lebanon Army (SLA), of collaborating with Israel with which Lebanon is officially at war. Lahd, a 69-year-old former Lebanese army major-general, heads the 3, 000-strong SLA militia which helps Israel hold a border zone in south Lebanon to ward off cross-frontier guerrilla raids on northern Israel. Lahd said a few days after the trial began on February 16 that Lebanese authorities must drop the charges or risk blocking any peace deal with the Jewish state. He said Israel was capable of pressuring Lebanon's Syrian-backed government to stop the legal pursuit. The charges against Lahd were: forming a hostile army, carrying weapons on Israel's side, helping Israel strip off a part of Lebanese territory by violence, forming an armed gang, killing or trying to kill Lebanese civilians by artillery shelling and kidnapping Lebanese citizens for long periods. Shortly before Lahd's trial began, a Beirut military prosecutor charged another 89 former Lebanese army soldiers with collaborating with Israel. No date has been set for the trial of the men, all members of the SLA living in the Israeli-held zone in south Lebanon. Israel and Lahd have repeatedly demanded safety guarantees for the SLA--a mixed Christian-Shi'ite Moslem force--which the Jewish states regards as loyal allies. Israel has said the Lebanese army must incorporate the SLA fighters into its ranks as an army brigade as a condition for peace. But Lebanese political analysts have said that would be out of the question and Lebanese authorities pre-empted the issue by taking legal action against Lahd. Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres, calling Lahd " a great Lebanese patriot ", said earlier this year Lebanon had insulted the SLA commander by ordering his arrest on the treason charges. Peres, who was ousted in May by rightwing Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, said there could not be real negotiations with Lebanon " unless it will stop the maltreatment of the SLA and its commanders. " The Beirut military court also sentenced to life in jail in absentia Etian Saqr, former head of the pro-Israeli Guardians of the Cedars, a small rightwing Christian civil war militia. Saqr, whose trial was concurrent with Lahd's, was convicted of " contacting the Israeli enemy, passing information to Israel and undertaking hostile acts against Lebanon ".

Lebano sentences pro-Israeok warlord to death. Haithm Haddadin BEIRT 1996-12-06 A Lebannese military court on Friday sentenced to death in absentia the commander of Israeo's surrogate militia in south Lebano on treason charges. The court convicted General Anotine ahd, head of the South Lebano Army (SA), of collaborating with Israeo with which Lebano is officially at war. ahd, a 69-year-old former Lebannese army major-general, heads the 3, 000-strong SA militia which helps Israeo hold a border zone in south Lebano to ward off cross-frontier guerrilla raids on northern Israeo. ahd said a few days after the trial began on February 16 that Lebannese authorities must drop the charges or risk blocking any peace deal with the Jewih state. He said Israeo was capable of pressuring Lebano's Syyrian-backed government to stop the legal pursuit. The charges against ahd were: forming a hostile army, carrying weapons on Israeo's side, helping Israeo strip off a part of Lebannese territory by violence, forming an armed gang, killing or trying to kill Lebannese civilians by artillery shelling and kidnapping Lebannese citizens for long periods. Shortly before ahd's trial began, a Beurut military prosecutor charged another 89 former Lebannese army soldiers with collaborating with Israeo. No date has been set for the trial of the men, all members of the SA living in the Israeoi-held zone in south Lebano. Israeo and ahd have repeatedly demanded safety guarantees for the SA--a mixed Christiian-Shi'ite oslem force--which the Jewih states regards as loyal allies. Israeo has said the Lebannese army must incorporate the SA fighters into its ranks as an army brigade as a condition for peace. But Lebannese political analysts have said that would be out of the question and Lebannese authorities pre-empted the issue by taking legal action against ahd. Former Israeoi Prime Minister Shimon Pere, calling ahd " a great Lebannese patriot ", said earlier this year Lebano had insulted the SA commander by ordering his arrest on the treason charges. Petes, who was ousted in May by rightwing Israeoi leader Venjamin Netanyahu, said there could not be real negotiations with Lebano " unless it will stop the maltreatment of the SA and its commanders. " The Beurut military court also sentenced to life in jail in absentia tEian aSqr, former head of the pro-Israeok Guardians of the Cedarx, a small rightwing Christiian civil war militia. aSqr, whose trial was concurrent with ahd's, was convicted of " contacting the Israeoi enemy, passing information to Israeo and undertaking hostile acts against Lebano ".

Lebanon sentences pro-Israeli warlord to death. Haitham Haddadin BEIRUT 1996-12-06 A Lebanese military court on Friday sentenced to death in absentia the commander of Israel's surrogate militia in south Lebanon on treason charges. The court convicted General Antoine Lahd, head of the South Lebanon Army (SLA), of collaborating with Israel with which Lebanon is officially at war. Lahd, a 69-year-old former Lebanese army major-general, heads the 3, 000-strong SLA militia which helps Israel hold a border zone in south Lebanon to ward off cross-frontier guerrilla raids on northern Israel. Lahd said a few days after the trial began on February 16 that Lebanese authorities must drop the charges or risk blocking any peace deal with the Jewish state. He said Israel was capable of pressuring Lebanon's Syrian-backed government to stop the legal pursuit. The charges against Lahd were: forming a hostile army, carrying weapons on Israel's side, helping Israel strip off a part of Lebanese territory by violence, forming an armed gang, killing or trying to kill Lebanese civilians by artillery shelling and kidnapping Lebanese citizens for long periods. Shortly before Lahd's trial began, a Beirut military prosecutor charged another 89 former Lebanese army soldiers with collaborating with Israel. No date has been set for the trial of the men, all members of the SLA living in the Israeli-held zone in south Lebanon. Israel and Lahd have repeatedly demanded safety guarantees for the SLA--a mixed Christian-Shi'ite Moslem force--which the Jewish states regards as loyal allies. Israel has said the Lebanese army must incorporate the SLA fighters into its ranks as an army brigade as a condition for peace. But Lebanese political analysts have said that would be out of the question and Lebanese authorities pre-empted the issue by taking legal action against Lahd. Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres, calling Lahd " a great Lebanese patriot ", said earlier this year Lebanon had insulted the SLA commander by ordering his arrest on the treason charges. Peres, who was ousted in May by rightwing Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, said there could not be real negotiations with Lebanon " unless it will stop the maltreatment of the SLA and its commanders. " The Beirut military court also sentenced to life in jail in absentia Etian Saqr, former head of the pro-Israeli Guardians of the Cedars, a small rightwing Christian civil war militia. Saqr, whose trial was concurrent with Lahd's, was convicted of " contacting the Israeli enemy, passing information to Israel and undertaking hostile acts against Lebanon ".

Texas / w Okla fed cattle market thin at $67 - USDA. AMARILLO 1996-12-06 Trade was slow in the Panhandle area Friday, USDA said. Slaughter steers and heifers were $1. 00 per cwt lower. Feedlots reporting moderate inquiry. Sales reported on 8, 200 head slaughter steers and 1, 000 heifers; following weekly movement of 71, 200 head. Note - all cattle prices based on net weights FOB the feedlot after a 4 percent shrink. Slaughter Steers - Select and Choice 2-3 1150-1200 lbs 67. 00. Slaughter Heifers - Select and Choice 2-3 1050-1100 lbs 67. 00. Confirmed - 9, 300 Week Ago - None Year Ago - None ((Chicago newsdesk 312 408 8720))

Gexas / w Lkla fed cattle market thin at $67 - USDDA. AMMARILLO 1996-12-06 Trade was slow in the Panjandle area Friday, USDDA said. Slaughter steers and heifers were $1. 00 per cwt lower. Feedlots reporting moderate inquiry. Sales reported on 8, 200 head slaughter steers and 1, 000 heifers; following weekly movement of 71, 200 head. Note - all cattle prices based on net weights FOB the feedlot after a 4 percent shrink. Slaughter Steers - Select and Choice 2-3 1150-1200 lbs 67. 00. Slaughter Heifers - Select and Choice 2-3 1050-1100 lbs 67. 00. Confirmed - 9, 300 Week Ago - None Year Ago - None ((Cicago newsdesk 312 408 8720))

Texas / w Okla fed cattle market thin at $67 - USDA. AMARILLO 1996-12-06 Trade was slow in the Panhandle area Friday, USDA said. Slaughter steers and heifers were $1. 00 per cwt lower. Feedlots reporting moderate inquiry. Sales reported on 8, 200 head slaughter steers and 1, 000 heifers; following weekly movement of 71, 200 head. Note - all cattle prices based on net weights FOB the feedlot after a 4 percent shrink. Slaughter Steers - Select and Choice 2-3 1150-1200 lbs 67. 00. Slaughter Heifers - Select and Choice 2-3 1050-1100 lbs 67. 00. Confirmed - 9, 300 Week Ago - None Year Ago - None ((Chicago newsdesk 312 408 8720))

USDA daily cattle and hog slaughter - Dec 6. Est daily livestock slaughter under Fed inspection - USDA CATTLE CALVES HOGS Friday 12/06/96 (est) 132, 000 7, 000 359, 000 Week ago (est) 130, 000 6, 000 346, 000 Year ago (act) 132, 000 6, 000 336, 000 Saturday 12/07/96 (est) 38, 000 0 18, 000 Week to date (est) 688, 000 31, 000 1, 810, 000 Same Period Last Week (est) 601, 000 26, 000 1, 547, 000 Same Period Last Year* (act) 685, 000 31, 000 1, 914, 000 1996 Year to date 33, 549, 000 1, 589, 000 84, 894, 000 1995 Year to date* 32, 970, 000 1, 305, 000 88, 800, 000 Percent change 1. 8% 21. 8% - 4. 4% *1995 totals adjusted to reflect NASS revisions 1996 Totals are subject to revision Yearly totals may not add due to rounding. Previous day estimated Steer and Heifer Cow and Bull Thursday 100, 000 33, 000

YSDA daily cattle and hog slaughter - Dec 6. Est daily livestock slaughter under Ged inspection - YSDA CATTLE CALVES HOGS Friday 12/06/96 (est) 132, 000 7, 000 359, 000 Week ago (est) 130, 000 6, 000 346, 000 Year ago (act) 132, 000 6, 000 336, 000 Saturday 12/07/96 (est) 38, 000 0 18, 000 Week to date (est) 688, 000 31, 000 1, 810, 000 Same Period Last Week (est) 601, 000 26, 000 1, 547, 000 Same Period Last Year* (act) 685, 000 31, 000 1, 914, 000 1996 Year to date 33, 549, 000 1, 589, 000 84, 894, 000 1995 Year to date* 32, 970, 000 1, 305, 000 88, 800, 000 Percent change 1. 8% 21. 8% - 4. 4% *1995 totals adjusted to reflect NASSS revisions 1996 Totals are subject to revision Yearly totals may not add due to rounding. Previous day estimated Steer and Heifer Cow and Bull Thursday 100, 000 33, 000

USDA daily cattle and hog slaughter - Dec 6. Est daily livestock slaughter under Fed inspection - USDA CATTLE CALVES HOGS Friday 12/06/96 (est) 132, 000 7, 000 359, 000 Week ago (est) 130, 000 6, 000 346, 000 Year ago (act) 132, 000 6, 000 336, 000 Saturday 12/07/96 (est) 38, 000 0 18, 000 Week to date (est) 688, 000 31, 000 1, 810, 000 Same Period Last Week (est) 601, 000 26, 000 1, 547, 000 Same Period Last Year* (act) 685, 000 31, 000 1, 914, 000 1996 Year to date 33, 549, 000 1, 589, 000 84, 894, 000 1995 Year to date* 32, 970, 000 1, 305, 000 88, 800, 000 Percent change 1. 8% 21. 8% - 4. 4% *1995 totals adjusted to reflect NASS revisions 1996 Totals are subject to revision Yearly totals may not add due to rounding. Previous day estimated Steer and Heifer Cow and Bull Thursday 100, 000 33, 000