The spokesman said he was not aware of any meetings overnight between Clarke and Major , nor of any talks between the prime minister and parliamentary business managers .

<response> The spokesman said he was not aware of any meetings overnight between <person>Clarke</person> and <person>Major</person> , nor of any talks between the prime minister and parliamentary business managers . </response>


Both Major and Clarke were in their constituencies on Friday .

<response> Both <person>Major</person> and <person>Clarke</person> were in their constituencies on Friday . </response>


Two dead after executive jet crashes in Newfoundland .

<response> Two dead after executive jet crashes in <location>Newfoundland</location> . </response>


STEPHENVILLE , Newfoundland 1996-12-06

<response> <location>STEPHENVILLE</location> , <location>Newfoundland</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


Two people were killed when an executive jet en route to Ireland from Michigan crashed on approach to an airport in Stephenville , Newfoundland , on Friday , authorities said .

<response> Two people were killed when an executive jet en route to <location>Ireland</location> from <location>Michigan</location> crashed on approach to an airport in <location>Stephenville</location> , <location>Newfoundland</location> , on Friday , authorities said . </response>


The pilot and co-pilot , the only two aboard , were killed in the crash of the Learjet 36 , airport manager David Snow said in a telephone interview .

<response> The pilot and co-pilot , the only two aboard , were killed in the crash of the <misc>Learjet 36</misc> , airport manager <person>David Snow</person> said in a telephone interview . </response>


Snow said the plane last reported to air traffic control at about 3 A.M. local time / 1:30 A.M. EST ( 0630 GMT ) when it began its final approach about 10 miles ( 16 km ) from the airport in this east coast Canadian province .

<response> <person>Snow</person> said the plane last reported to air traffic control at about 3 A.M. local time / 1:30 A.M. EST ( 0630 <misc>GMT</misc> ) when it began its final approach about 10 miles ( 16 km ) from the airport in this east coast <misc>Canadian</misc> province . </response>


<response> That was the last communication the aircraft made with the airport , he added . </response>


" We considered it as being missing until about 0600 ( 4:30 A.M. EST ) ( 0930 GMT ) .

<response> " We considered it as being missing until about 0600 ( 4:30 A.M. EST ) ( 0930 <misc>GMT</misc> ) . </response>


That 's when the wreckage was discovered , " Snow said .

<response> That 's when the wreckage was discovered , " <person>Snow</person> said . </response>


He said the cargo flight originated in Grand Rapids , Michigan , and was due to stop at Stephenville for refueling before going to Shannon , Ireland .

<response> He said the cargo flight originated in <location>Grand Rapids</location> , <location>Michigan</location> , and was due to stop at <location>Stephenville</location> for refueling before going to <location>Shannon</location> , <location>Ireland</location> . </response>


<response> The cause of the crash was not yet known . </response>


Investigators were due to fly to Stephenville later on Friday .

<response> Investigators were due to fly to <location>Stephenville</location> later on Friday . </response>


PLO says Arafat , Netanyahu could meet Saturday .

<response> <organization>PLO</organization> says <person>Arafat</person> , <person>Netanyahu</person> could meet Saturday . </response>


JERUSALEM 1996-12-06

<response> <location>JERUSALEM</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


PLO negotiators said on Friday Palestinian President Yasser Arafat , Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak might all meet on Saturday to try to clinch a deal on Israel 's handover of Hebron to the PLO .

<response> <organization>PLO</organization> negotiators said on Friday <misc>Palestinian</misc> President <person>Yasser Arafat</person> , <misc>Israeli</misc> Prime Minister <person>Benjamin Netanyahu</person> and <misc>Egyptian</misc> President <person>Hosni Mubarak</person> might all meet on Saturday to try to clinch a deal on <location>Israel</location> 's handover of <location>Hebron</location> to the <organization>PLO</organization> . </response>


" It is very possible that Arafat and Netanyahu will meet in Cairo on Saturday .

<response> " It is very possible that <person>Arafat</person> and <person>Netanyahu</person> will meet in <location>Cairo</location> on Saturday . </response>


There is work on arranging such a meeting hosted by President Mubarak , " one PLO official , who requested anonymity , told Reuters .

<response> There is work on arranging such a meeting hosted by President <person>Mubarak</person> , " one <organization>PLO</organization> official , who requested anonymity , told <organization>Reuters</organization> . </response>


Israeli officials said no meeting had yet been set .

<response> <misc>Israeli</misc> officials said no meeting had yet been set . </response>


Arafat 's adviser Nabil Abu Rdainah said :

<response> <person>Arafat</person> 's adviser <person>Nabil Abu Rdainah</person> said : </response>


" President Arafat is ready to meet Prime Minister Netanyahu but no time or date has been set for such a meeting yet .

<response> " President <person>Arafat</person> is ready to meet Prime Minister <person>Netanyahu</person> but no time or date has been set for such a meeting yet . </response>


" President Arafat 's position is clear that such a meeting should come after successful negotiations so that the meeting would have positive results .

<response> " President <person>Arafat</person> 's position is clear that such a meeting should come after successful negotiations so that the meeting would have positive results . </response>


Especially since the Hebron issue has not been agreed yet and the crucial disputed issues have not been resolved . "

<response> Especially since the <location>Hebron</location> issue has not been agreed yet and the crucial disputed issues have not been resolved . " </response>


But Rdainah said Arafat would go to Cairo on Saturday for talks with Mubarak .

<response> But <person>Rdainah</person> said <person>Arafat</person> would go to <location>Cairo</location> on Saturday for talks with <person>Mubarak</person> . </response>


Both Arafat and Netanyahu have expressed willingness to meet .

<response> Both <person>Arafat</person> and <person>Netanyahu</person> have expressed willingness to meet . </response>


They last met in Washington after clashes in September that killed 60 Palestinians and 15 Israelis .

<response> They last met in <location>Washington</location> after clashes in September that killed 60 <misc>Palestinians</misc> and 15 <misc>Israelis</misc> . </response>


The violence was spurred by Israel 's opening an entrance to a tunnel near Moslem sites in Jerusalem .

<response> The violence was spurred by <location>Israel</location> 's opening an entrance to a tunnel near <misc>Moslem</misc> sites in <location>Jerusalem</location> . </response>


The Palestine Liberation Organisation ( PLO ) negotiators said the last two weeks of talks with Israel on implementing the long-delayed handover of most of Hebron to PLO rule had been " meaningless " , necessitating an Arafat-Netanyahu meeting .

<response> The <organization>Palestine Liberation Organisation</organization> ( <organization>PLO</organization> ) negotiators said the last two weeks of talks with <location>Israel</location> on implementing the long-delayed handover of most of <location>Hebron</location> to <organization>PLO</organization> rule had been " meaningless " , necessitating an Arafat-Netanyahu meeting . </response>


Mubarak 's adviser Osama el-Baz said on Thursday there were efforts to arrange a meeting between the Israeli and Palestinian leaders .

<response> <person>Mubarak</person> 's adviser <person>Osama el-Baz</person> said on Thursday there were efforts to arrange a meeting between the <misc>Israeli</misc> and <misc>Palestinian</misc> leaders . </response>


Palestinian Authority Secretary General Ahmed Abdel-Rahman said on Thursday he understood it could be held in Cairo either on Friday or Sunday .

<response> <organization>Palestinian Authority</organization> Secretary General <person>Ahmed Abdel-Rahman</person> said on Thursday he understood it could be held in <location>Cairo</location> either on Friday or Sunday . </response>


Abdel-Rahman had said on Thursday he did not think Saturday would be the date because it is the Jewish sabbath .

<response> <person>Abdel-Rahman</person> had said on Thursday he did not think Saturday would be the date because it is the <misc>Jewish</misc> sabbath . </response>


But the Jewish sabbath ends at sundown , so a night meeting would not interfere with the religious observance .

<response> But the <misc>Jewish</misc> sabbath ends at sundown , so a night meeting would not interfere with the religious observance . </response>


Turkey hindered by own landmines on Syrian border .

<response> <location>Turkey</location> hindered by own landmines on <misc>Syrian</misc> border . </response>


ANKARA 1996-12-06

<response> <location>ANKARA</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


Turkey 's efforts to prevent Kurdish rebels and smugglers infiltrating from Syria are being badly hindered because the military does not have a map of its own minefields on the border , a commission of parliamentarians said .

<response> <location>Turkey</location> 's efforts to prevent <misc>Kurdish</misc> rebels and smugglers infiltrating from <location>Syria</location> are being badly hindered because the military does not have a map of its own minefields on the border , a commission of parliamentarians said . </response>


<response> " It is not known exactly where the mines have been sown because a minefield chart cannot be found , " the commission said in a report on border protection . </response>


The report , to be debated in parliament in coming weeks , was seen by Reuters on Friday . "

<response> The report , to be debated in parliament in coming weeks , was seen by <organization>Reuters</organization> on Friday . " </response>


<response> Officials say the minefields present an obstacle to the security forces , " it said . </response>


It said Kurdistan Workers Party ( PKK ) guerrillas sometimes know the layout of mined areas along the border better than the security forces .

<response> It said <organization>Kurdistan Workers Party</organization> ( <organization>PKK</organization> ) guerrillas sometimes know the layout of mined areas along the border better than the security forces . </response>


<response> " Terrorists and smugglers have dug up the mines , defused them and opened up wide paths in some areas . </response>


<response> They can come in and out easily as the minefields are not an obstacle , " it said . </response>


<response> An armed forces spokesman was not available for comment . </response>


Turkey says Syria sponsors the PKK , fighting for Kurdish self-rule in southeast Turkey .

<response> <location>Turkey</location> says <location>Syria</location> sponsors the <organization>PKK</organization> , fighting for <misc>Kurdish</misc> self-rule in southeast <location>Turkey</location> . </response>


Damascus denies aiding the rebels .

<response> <location>Damascus</location> denies aiding the rebels . </response>


The PKK also crosses into Turkey from bases in the mountains of northern Iraq .

<response> The <organization>PKK</organization> also crosses into <location>Turkey</location> from bases in the mountains of northern <location>Iraq</location> . </response>


<response> More than 21,000 people have died in the 12-year-old conflict . </response>


Three dead in Kurd militia blood feud in Turkey .

<response> Three dead in <misc>Kurd</misc> militia blood feud in <location>Turkey</location> . </response>


DIYARBAKIR , Turkey 1996-12-06

<response> <location>DIYARBAKIR</location> , <location>Turkey</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


Three people were killed on Friday in a gun battle between rival groups of anti-guerrilla militiamen on the streets of this southeastern Turkish city , police said .

<response> Three people were killed on Friday in a gun battle between rival groups of anti-guerrilla militiamen on the streets of this southeastern <misc>Turkish</misc> city , police said . </response>


Four others were wounded in the clash , caused by a blood feud between two families , the Kesers and Karabuluts , serving as state-paid village guards against Kurdish rebels .

<response> Four others were wounded in the clash , caused by a blood feud between two families , the <person>Kesers</person> and <person>Karabuluts</person> , serving as state-paid village guards against <misc>Kurdish</misc> rebels . </response>


<response> Police said the guards fired automatic weapons at each other . </response>


<response> One of the dead was a civilian passer-by . </response>


The role of the 70,000 mainly Kurdish village guards who fight Kurdistan Workers Party ( PKK ) guerrillas in the southeast has been questioned recently after media allegations that many of them are involved in common crime .

<response> The role of the 70,000 mainly <misc>Kurdish</misc> village guards who fight <organization>Kurdistan Workers Party</organization> ( <organization>PKK</organization> ) guerrillas in the southeast has been questioned recently after media allegations that many of them are involved in common crime . </response>


<response> The head of the region 's main pro-state militia is at the centre of a security scandal that has shaken the government . </response>


More than 21,000 people have been killed in the 12-year-old conflict between Turkish security forces and the PKK , fighting for Kurdish autonomy or independence .

<response> More than 21,000 people have been killed in the 12-year-old conflict between <misc>Turkish</misc> security forces and the <organization>PKK</organization> , fighting for <misc>Kurdish</misc> autonomy or independence . </response>


Texas / w Okla fed cattle roundup - USDA .

<response> <location>Texas</location> / w <location>Okla</location> fed cattle roundup - <organization>USDA</organization> . </response>


AMARILLO 1996-12-06

<response> <location>AMARILLO</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


Trade very slow in the Panhandle area Thursday .

<response> Trade very slow in the <location>Panhandle</location> area Thursday . </response>


<response> Slaughter steers and heifers not well tested . </response>


<response> Feedlots reporting light inquiry from buyers . </response>


- USDA

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


<response> Thursday 200 Week Ago Holiday Year Ago 10,900 </response>


<response> Wk to Date 69,100 Week Ago 58,100 Year Ago 30,800 </response>


<response> Sales reported on 200 head steers ; 69,100 head confirmed for week to date which includes 14,000 formulated and 3,400 contracted cattle to be shipped this week . </response>


<response> Slaughter Steers : Pen Select and Choice 2-3 , 1150 lbs 67.00 . </response>


<response> Pen Select , few choice 2-3 1150 lbs 66.00 . </response>


Kansas feedlot cattle roundup - USDA .

<response> <location>Kansas</location> feedlot cattle roundup - <organization>USDA</organization> . </response>


DODGE CITY 1996-12-06

<response> <location>DODGE CITY</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


Trade slow .


<response> Not enough slaughter steer or heifer sales confirmed for an adequate market test . </response>


- USDA


<response> Thursday 600 week ago holiday year ago 14,200 </response>


<response> week to date 89,300 week ago 71,000 year ago 47,200 </response>


Inquiry good , demand light .

<response> Inquiry good , demand light . </response>


<response> Sales confirmed on 500 slaughter steers and 100 slaughter heifers Thursday . </response>


<response> For the week to date 89,300 head confirmed including 30,600 head of contracted or formulated cattle . </response>


<response> Steers : Select and Choice 2-3 , 1200 lbs 67.00 . </response>


<response> Heifers : Select and Choice 2-3 , 1150 lbs 67.00 . </response>


Delphis Hanover weekly municipal bond yields .

<response> <organization>Delphis Hanover</organization> weekly municipal bond yields . </response>


Delphis Hanover weekly muni bond yields calculated Dec 5

<response> <organization>Delphis Hanover</organization> weekly muni bond yields calculated Dec 5 </response>


Aaa Aa A Baa


1997 3.50 3.60* 3.70 3.75 4.00 4.00 4.30 4.35


2001 4.20 4.20 4.35 4.40 4.65 4.65 5.00 5.00


2006 4.70 4.70 4.85 4.85 5.15 5.15 5.50 5.50


2011 5.15 5.15 5.30 5.30 5.60 5.60 5.90 5.90


2016 5.35 5.30 5.50 5.45 5.80 5.75 6.10 6.05


2021 5.45 5.40 5.60 5.55 5.90 5.85 6.20 6.15


2026 5.50 5.45 5.65 5.60 5.95 5.90 6.25 6.20


*from previous calculation on Nov 27

<response> *from previous calculation on Nov 27 </response>


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

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


ACCESS energy futures prices add to daytime gains .

<response> <misc>ACCESS</misc> energy futures prices add to daytime gains . </response>


LOS ANGELES 1996-12-05

<response> <organization>LOS ANGELES</organization> 1996-12-05 </response>


U.S. energy futures added to floor session gains in light NYMEX ACCESS trade Thursday , as forecasts for colder temperatures in distillate-hungry Northeastern markets raised supply concerns .

<response> <location>U.S.</location> energy futures added to floor session gains in light <misc>NYMEX ACCESS</misc> trade Thursday , as forecasts for colder temperatures in distillate-hungry Northeastern markets raised supply concerns . </response>


<response> " The cold weather forecasts are helping right now , " a trader said . </response>


Earlier , NYMEX crude ended daytime trade 78 cents higher at $ 25.58 a barrel , following breakthroughs of key technical levels and reports of tighter supplies .

<response> Earlier , <organization>NYMEX</organization> crude ended daytime trade 78 cents higher at $ 25.58 a barrel , following breakthroughs of key technical levels and reports of tighter supplies . </response>


Front-month heating oil firmed 0.09 cents a gallon to 75.20 cents as roughly 100 lots changed hands within the first few hours of ACCESS .

<response> Front-month heating oil firmed 0.09 cents a gallon to 75.20 cents as roughly 100 lots changed hands within the first few hours of <misc>ACCESS</misc> . </response>


<response> About 112 lots were exchanged overall , traders said . </response>


NYMEX gasoline for January delivery climbed 0.12 cents a gallon to 69.80 cents as a light 33 lots traded in the nearby month and 35 moved overall .

<response> <organization>NYMEX</organization> gasoline for January delivery climbed 0.12 cents a gallon to 69.80 cents as a light 33 lots traded in the nearby month and 35 moved overall . </response>


<response> January crude was barely changed from its settlement , edging up one cent to $ 25.66 a barrel . </response>


<response> About 350 lots were traded for January and 870 in all months . </response>


-- David Brinkerhoff , Los Angeles bureau +1 213 380 2014

<response> -- <person>David Brinkerhoff</person> , <location>Los Angeles</location> bureau +1 213 380 2014 </response>


U.S. blasts release of convicted bomber .

<response> <location>U.S.</location> blasts release of convicted bomber . </response>


WASHINGTON 1996-12-05

<response> <location>WASHINGTON</location> 1996-12-05 </response>


The United States Thursday blasted the release from a Greek prison of a Palestinian guerrilla convicted of bombing an airliner and killing a teenager in 1982 , saying the move " does not make sense . "

<response> The <location>United States</location> Thursday blasted the release from a <misc>Greek</misc> prison of a <misc>Palestinian</misc> guerrilla convicted of bombing an airliner and killing a teenager in 1982 , saying the move " does not make sense . " </response>


<response> " All of us who have been victimised by terrorists ... need to stand together against terrorists . </response>


We ca n't let terrorists out of jail when they are a danger to civilians all around the world , " State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns said . '

<response> We ca n't let terrorists out of jail when they are a danger to civilians all around the world , " <organization>State Department</organization> spokesman <person>Nicholas Burns</person> said . ' </response>


Mohammed Rashid " is a terrorist who deserves to be behind bars .

<response> <person>Mohammed Rashid</person> " is a terrorist who deserves to be behind bars . </response>


It is inexplicable to us why he would have been allowed to leave Greece before serving his just sentence ... This is an incomprehensible move .

<response> It is inexplicable to us why he would have been allowed to leave <location>Greece</location> before serving his just sentence ... This is an incomprehensible move . </response>


It does not make sense , " Burns told a news briefing .

<response> It does not make sense , " <person>Burns</person> told a news briefing . </response>


He spoke after Rashid left Greece Thursday on being freed from prison early for good behaviour after serving 8-1/2 years .

<response> He spoke after <person>Rashid</person> left <location>Greece</location> Thursday on being freed from prison early for good behaviour after serving 8-1/2 years . </response>


The Clinton administration 's strong views on this subject have been conveyed to the Greek government , Burns said .

<response> The <person>Clinton</person> administration 's strong views on this subject have been conveyed to the <misc>Greek</misc> government , <person>Burns</person> said . </response>


Mahammad Rashid was whisked from Korydallos maximum security prison just outside Athens to the airport where he boarded a regular Olympic Airways flight to Cairo where he would transit to Tunis and the former Palestine Liberation Organisation headquarters .

<response> <person>Mahammad Rashid</person> was whisked from <location>Korydallos</location> maximum security prison just outside <location>Athens</location> to the airport where he boarded a regular <organization>Olympic Airways</organization> flight to <location>Cairo</location> where he would transit to <location>Tunis</location> and the former <organization>Palestine Liberation Organisation</organization> headquarters . </response>


Rashid , 46 , was sentenced to 18 years in prison by a Greek court in 1992 after being convicted of premeditated murder in the mid-air bombing of a Pan American airliner in 1982 .

<response> <person>Rashid</person> , 46 , was sentenced to 18 years in prison by a <misc>Greek</misc> court in 1992 after being convicted of premeditated murder in the mid-air bombing of a <misc>Pan American</misc> airliner in 1982 . </response>


<response> His sentence had been reduced to 15 years in 1993 . </response>


A parole court ruled recently that Rashid could be freed after serving 8-1/2 years , with time in pre-trial detention counted towards his term , but said he must be expelled immediately from Greece .

<response> A parole court ruled recently that <person>Rashid</person> could be freed after serving 8-1/2 years , with time in pre-trial detention counted towards his term , but said he must be expelled immediately from <location>Greece</location> . </response>


The United States accuses Rashid of belonging to the May 15 Palestinian guerrilla group and being an accomplished student of master Palestinian bombmaker Abu Ibrahim .

<response> The <location>United States</location> accuses <person>Rashid</person> of belonging to the May 15 <misc>Palestinian</misc> guerrilla group and being an accomplished student of master <misc>Palestinian</misc> bombmaker <person>Abu Ibrahim</person> . </response>


Three FBI agents who testified against Rashid during the trial , held at Korydallos prison , said they had ample evidence against Rashid for a bomb planted on a Pan American plane in Brazil in 1982 and a mid-air bomb blast on a TWA airliner approaching Athens in 1986 which killed four U.S. citizens .

<response> Three <organization>FBI</organization> agents who testified against <person>Rashid</person> during the trial , held at <location>Korydallos</location> prison , said they had ample evidence against <person>Rashid</person> for a bomb planted on a <misc>Pan American</misc> plane in <location>Brazil</location> in 1982 and a mid-air bomb blast on a <organization>TWA</organization> airliner approaching <location>Athens</location> in 1986 which killed four <location>U.S.</location> citizens . </response>


<response> School football player banned for slashing opponents . </response>


ALBUQUERQUE , N.M. 1996-12-05

<response> <location>ALBUQUERQUE</location> , <location>N.M.</location> 1996-12-05 </response>


A New Mexico high school football player who used razor-sharp helmet buckles to slash opponents and a referee was expelled from high school banned Thursday from competition for one year .

<response> A <location>New Mexico</location> high school football player who used razor-sharp helmet buckles to slash opponents and a referee was expelled from high school banned Thursday from competition for one year . </response>


Mike Cito , 17 , was expelled from St Pius X High School in Albuquerque after an October game in which he used the sharpened chin strap buckles to injure two opposing players and the referee .

<response> <person>Mike Cito</person> , 17 , was expelled from <organization>St Pius X High School</organization> in <location>Albuquerque</location> after an October game in which he used the sharpened chin strap buckles to injure two opposing players and the referee . </response>


<response> One of the players need 10 stitches to a cut on his forearm . </response>


Officials said the New Mexico Activities Association decided to bar Cito from any inter-scholastic competition until next October , regardless of the school he attends .

<response> Officials said the <organization>New Mexico Activities Association</organization> decided to bar <person>Cito</person> from any inter-scholastic competition until next October , regardless of the school he attends . </response>


Cito 's father , Stephen Cito , had admitted filing the metal buckles to a fine edge , saying he did it to get even with the referee and with players who had roughed up his son in a previous game .

<response> <person>Cito</person> 's father , <person>Stephen Cito</person> , had admitted filing the metal buckles to a fine edge , saying he did it to get even with the referee and with players who had roughed up his son in a previous game . </response>


<response> Cyberspace squabbles overshadow copyright talks . </response>


Elif Kaban

<response> <person>Elif Kaban</person> </response>


GENEVA 1996-12-06

<response> <location>GENEVA</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


In a gloomy Geneva conference centre built before the dawn of the Internet , groups of staid officials made a first stab on Friday at rewriting copyright laws for the digital age .

<response> In a gloomy <location>Geneva</location> conference centre built before the dawn of the <misc>Internet</misc> , groups of staid officials made a first stab on Friday at rewriting copyright laws for the digital age . </response>


<response> But critics at the first government-level meeting to revise copyright laws in 25 years said the officials and legislators might as well be trying to police the ether . </response>


<response> After four days of diplomatic wrangling over procedures , some 600 delegates from nations small and large got down to the nitty-gritty of setting the digital agenda for the first time . </response>


<response> Cyberspace squabbles overshadowed the debate on a stack of proposals covering literary and artistic works , the rights of performers and producers of music and producers of databases . </response>


<response> " If it goes on like this , we wo n't have enough time to finish all the discussions , " a frustrated Western delegate said . " </response>


<response> They announced they will start evening sessions next week . " </response>


Attempts by copyright-based industries to ensure they get a cut from online works led to a storm of protests by Internet companies and critics who say the pacts would curb public access to online information from soccer results to stock prices .

<response> Attempts by copyright-based industries to ensure they get a cut from online works led to a storm of protests by <misc>Internet</misc> companies and critics who say the pacts would curb public access to online information from soccer results to stock prices . </response>


<response> " It 's not illegal to make photocopies of newspaper articles . </response>


It 's fair use .


<response> We can read sports statistics or stock prices . </response>


But with the treaty , this kind of fact will be owned and subject to licensing , " said James Love , a consumer lobbyist heading the Washington-based Consumer Project on Technology .

<response> But with the treaty , this kind of fact will be owned and subject to licensing , " said <person>James Love</person> , a consumer lobbyist heading the <misc>Washington-based</misc> <person>Consumer Project</person> on Technology . </response>


<response> " None of the treaties are ready to move . </response>


<response> These people do n't understand what they 're doing . " </response>


<response> At stake are billions of dollars and the future of the electronic information industry -- the coming medium for the distribution of music , films , literature , software and commerce . </response>


Supporters of the three pacts say they are only an extension of existing intellectual property rights , covered by the century-old Berne Convention .

<response> Supporters of the three pacts say they are only an extension of existing intellectual property rights , covered by the century-old <misc>Berne Convention</misc> . </response>


<response> But an array of opponents from the network industry to consumer , scientific and academic groups say the pacts will give sweeping powers to entertainment and copyright-based industries . </response>


A quick survey at the conference centre found few officials who had actually surfed the Internet .

<response> A quick survey at the conference centre found few officials who had actually surfed the <misc>Internet</misc> . </response>


Mongolia 's state copyright official , Gundegma Jargalshaihan , said apologetically that he had just arrived from Ulan Bator and was not aware of the details of the digital agenda .

<response> <location>Mongolia</location> 's state copyright official , <person>Gundegma Jargalshaihan</person> , said apologetically that he had just arrived from <location>Ulan Bator</location> and was not aware of the details of the digital agenda . </response>


" We do n't have money for Internet in Mongolia , " he added .

<response> " We do n't have money for <misc>Internet</misc> in <location>Mongolia</location> , " he added . </response>


Alexander Bavykin , deputy legal chief at Russia 's foreign ministry , said Moscow had yet to formulate a policy on copyright in cybersppace .

<response> <person>Alexander Bavykin</person> , deputy legal chief at <location>Russia</location> 's foreign ministry , said <location>Moscow</location> had yet to formulate a policy on copyright in cybersppace . </response>


He too had never browsed the Net .

<response> He too had never browsed the Net . </response>


<response> " I 've never tried it and why should I ? </response>


<response> There are lots of other things in this life I have n't tried either , " he said . </response>


A visit to the computer centre offering Internet services found a lone European official clicking away on his mouse .

<response> A visit to the computer centre offering <misc>Internet</misc> services found a lone <misc>European</misc> official clicking away on his mouse . </response>


" Internet is a potential cash cow for copyright-based industries and we need roadmaps on the information superhighway , " said Marc Pearl , vice-president of the Information Technology Association of America , a trade association of U.S. network companies opposing the treaties .

<response> " <misc>Internet</misc> is a potential cash cow for copyright-based industries and we need roadmaps on the information superhighway , " said <person>Marc Pearl</person> , vice-president of the <organization>Information Technology Association of America</organization> , a trade association of <location>U.S.</location> network companies opposing the treaties . </response>


<response> " But there are a lot of dinosaurs here . </response>


People here do n't understand Internet technology .

<response> People here do n't understand <misc>Internet</misc> technology . </response>


<response> Because they do n't understand technology , they fear the unknown . " </response>


Before the Internet , those whose business was to protect copyrights knew where they stood .

<response> Before the <misc>Internet</misc> , those whose business was to protect copyrights knew where they stood . </response>


<response> Their enemies were tangible if elusive , such as the people who pirated music cassettes . </response>


But the Internet , a global computer network where anything from music to software can be duplicated and distributed at the click of a computer mouse , has ripped up the rulebooks .

<response> But the <misc>Internet</misc> , a global computer network where anything from music to software can be duplicated and distributed at the click of a computer mouse , has ripped up the rulebooks . </response>


Network operators said the draft laws would hold them responsible for copyright infringements in the system and expose them to multi-billion-dollar liabilities .

<response> <misc>Network</misc> operators said the draft laws would hold them responsible for copyright infringements in the system and expose them to multi-billion-dollar liabilities . </response>


" There are 500 million messages transmitted through the Internet everyday , " said Tim Casey of the U.S.-based MCI Communications Corporation . "

<response> " There are 500 million messages transmitted through the <misc>Internet</misc> everyday , " said <person>Tim Casey</person> of the <misc>U.S.-based</misc> <organization>MCI Communications Corporation</organization> . " </response>


How can we control them all ? "

<response> How can we control them all ? " </response>


Italy evacuates 17 nuns and priests from Zaire .

<response> <location>Italy</location> evacuates 17 nuns and priests from <location>Zaire</location> . </response>


ROME 1996-12-06

<response> <location>ROME</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


Italy said on Friday it had evacuated 17 Roman Catholic nuns and priests from Zaire where they had been at risk from fighting between government troops and ethnic Tutsi rebels .

<response> <location>Italy</location> said on Friday it had evacuated 17 <misc>Roman Catholic</misc> nuns and priests from <location>Zaire</location> where they had been at risk from fighting between government troops and ethnic <misc>Tutsi</misc> rebels . </response>


The Foreign Ministry said the 10 Europeans and seven Africans took a special flight from the Garamba national park in northern Zaire to the Ugandan capital Kampala where they were being looked after at the Italian embassy .

<response> The <organization>Foreign Ministry</organization> said the 10 <misc>Europeans</misc> and seven <misc>Africans</misc> took a special flight from the <location>Garamba</location> national park in northern <location>Zaire</location> to the <misc>Ugandan</misc> capital <location>Kampala</location> where they were being looked after at the <misc>Italian</misc> embassy . </response>


<response> The group had travelled from their mission on the edge of the park to a landing strip to make the rendezvous , a ministry official said . </response>


The ministry said the group consisted of 13 nuns , seven Italians and six Zaireans , and four priests , two from Belgium , one from Spain and one from Zambia .

<response> The ministry said the group consisted of 13 nuns , seven <misc>Italians</misc> and six <misc>Zaireans</misc> , and four priests , two from <location>Belgium</location> , one from <location>Spain</location> and one from <location>Zambia</location> . </response>


Third Paris blast victim was Moroccan student .

<response> Third <location>Paris</location> blast victim was <misc>Moroccan</misc> student . </response>


PARIS 1996-12-06

<response> <location>PARIS</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


Moroccan Mohamed Benchaou , the third person to die after a bombing on a Paris train , was a 25-year-old student about to submit a mathematics doctorate , the Moroccan embassy said on Friday .

<response> <misc>Moroccan</misc> <person>Mohamed Benchaou</person> , the third person to die after a bombing on a <location>Paris</location> train , was a 25-year-old student about to submit a mathematics doctorate , the <misc>Moroccan</misc> embassy said on Friday . </response>


Benchaou died of his injuries on Thursday night , two days after the blast .

<response> <person>Benchaou</person> died of his injuries on Thursday night , two days after the blast . </response>


A newly-married Canadian woman and a man from New Caledonia died instantly in the bomb that injured 90 others in the rush-hour train .

<response> A newly-married <misc>Canadian</misc> woman and a man from <location>New Caledonia</location> died instantly in the bomb that injured 90 others in the rush-hour train . </response>


An embassy spokesman said Benchaou , the son of a Moroccan army colonel , had been due to take his doctorate in March and hoped to become a teacher .

<response> An embassy spokesman said <person>Benchaou</person> , the son of a <misc>Moroccan</misc> army colonel , had been due to take his doctorate in March and hoped to become a teacher . </response>


Investigators have said the explosion bore the hallmarks of Algerian Moslem fundamentalists who staged a series of bombings last year which killed eight people and injured more than 160 .

<response> Investigators have said the explosion bore the hallmarks of <misc>Algerian</misc> <misc>Moslem</misc> fundamentalists who staged a series of bombings last year which killed eight people and injured more than 160 . </response>


Italian President urges separatists to turn back .

<response> <misc>Italian</misc> President urges separatists to turn back . </response>


MANTUA , Italy 1996-12-06

<response> MANTUA , <location>Italy</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


Italian President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro visited the symbolic heartland of the separatist Northern League on Friday and appealed to its supporters to drop their campaign for a breakaway state .

<response> <misc>Italian</misc> President <person>Oscar Luigi Scalfaro</person> visited the symbolic heartland of the separatist <organization>Northern League</organization> on Friday and appealed to its supporters to drop their campaign for a breakaway state . </response>


Addressing a convention on Italian unity in Mantua , where the party has set up its own " parliament of the north " , Scalfaro made a direct appeal to what he called " my friends from the League " to work instead for federal reform .

<response> Addressing a convention on <misc>Italian</misc> unity in Mantua , where the party has set up its own " parliament of the north " , <person>Scalfaro</person> made a direct appeal to what he called " my friends from the <organization>League</organization> " to work instead for federal reform . </response>


<response> " It is an invitation , a commitment , a promise . </response>


Let 's march together , " Scalfaro , a northerner himself , said .

<response> <location>Let</location> 's march together , " <person>Scalfaro</person> , a northerner himself , said . </response>


" Help Italy to teach , to propose a capacity for strong local autonomy , for the federalism which can give new vigour to our blood .

<response> " Help <location>Italy</location> to teach , to propose a capacity for strong local autonomy , for the federalism which can give new vigour to our blood . </response>


<response> But turn back from the line you are taking now , " he said . </response>


Scalfaro was in Mantua to attend a ceremony commemorating the executions there by Austrian rulers in 1852 and 1853 of a group of Italians who had campaigned for national unity .

<response> <person>Scalfaro</person> was in <location>Mantua</location> to attend a ceremony commemorating the executions there by <misc>Austrian</misc> rulers in 1852 and 1853 of a group of <misc>Italians</misc> who had campaigned for national unity . </response>


He was jeered and whistled at by a small group of League supporters when he arrived for a visit marked by heavy security .

<response> He was jeered and whistled at by a small group of <location>League</location> supporters when he arrived for a visit marked by heavy security . </response>


Witnesses said the protesters were outnumbered by other Italians who waved tricolour flags in the national red , white and green or shouted " Viva Italia " .

<response> Witnesses said the protesters were outnumbered by other <misc>Italians</misc> who waved tricolour flags in the national red , white and green or shouted " Viva <location>Italia</location> " . </response>


The League won more than eight percent of votes at the last general election in April on a federalist platform but its leader Umberto Bossi later switched to a separatist agenda .

<response> The <organization>League</organization> won more than eight percent of votes at the last general election in April on a federalist platform but its leader <person>Umberto Bossi</person> later switched to a separatist agenda . </response>


A three-day " independence " march along the Po River in September , culminating in a declaration in Venice of a self-styled " Republic of Padania " , flopped badly .

<response> A three-day " independence " march along the <location>Po</location> River in September , culminating in a declaration in <location>Venice</location> of a self-styled " <location>Republic of Padania</location> " , flopped badly . </response>


Denmark 's Radiometer H1 result seen flat .

<response> <location>Denmark</location> 's Radiometer H1 result seen flat . </response>


COPENHAGEN 1996-12-06

<response> <location>COPENHAGEN</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


A Reuter consensus survey sees medical equipment group Radiometer reporting largely unchanged earnings when it publishes first half 19996/97 results next Wednesday .

<response> A <organization>Reuter</organization> consensus survey sees medical equipment group <organization>Radiometer</organization> reporting largely unchanged earnings when it publishes first half 19996/97 results next <organization>Wednesday</organization> . </response>


<response> An average of four analysts ' forecasts predicted pre-tax profit of 147.3 million crowns compared to 144.5 million in the first six months of 1995/96 . </response>


<response> They said that the group 's failure to introduce new products was behind the share 's weak performance in 1996 , during which it has lost seven percent so far . </response>


-- Soeren Linding Jakobsen , Copenhagen newsroom +45 33969650

<response> -- <person>Soeren Linding Jakobsen</person> , <location>Copenhagen</location> newsroom +45 33969650 </response>


Moslem fundamentalists kill 19 Algerians - agency .

<response> <misc>Moslem</misc> fundamentalists kill 19 <misc>Algerians</misc> - agency . </response>


PARIS 1996-12-06

<response> <location>PARIS</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


Moslem fundamentalists killed 19 civilians overnight in Blida province south of Algiers , Algerian security forces said on Friday .

<response> <misc>Moslem</misc> fundamentalists killed 19 civilians overnight in <location>Blida</location> province south of <location>Algiers</location> , <misc>Algerian</misc> security forces said on Friday . </response>


In a statement carried on the official Algerian news agency APS , the security forces said the 19 had been killed by " a group of terrorists " .

<response> In a statement carried on the official <misc>Algerian</misc> news agency <organization>APS</organization> , the security forces said the 19 had been killed by " a group of terrorists " . </response>


Belgian police smash major drugs rings , 30 arrested .

<response> <misc>Belgian</misc> police smash major drugs rings , 30 arrested . </response>


BRUSSELS 1996-12-06

<response> <location>BRUSSELS</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


Police smashed two drugs smuggling rings and arrested 30 people after a taxidriver in Spain alerted them to a suitcase of heroin left in his cab , Belgian police said on Friday .

<response> Police smashed two drugs smuggling rings and arrested 30 people after a taxidriver in <location>Spain</location> alerted them to a suitcase of heroin left in his cab , <misc>Belgian</misc> police said on Friday . </response>


Police seized dozens of kilos of heroin with a street value of hundreds of millions of Belgian francs , a public prosecutor 's office spokesman in the port city of Antwerp said .

<response> Police seized dozens of kilos of heroin with a street value of hundreds of millions of <misc>Belgian</misc> francs , a public prosecutor 's office spokesman in the port city of <organization>Antwerp</organization> said . </response>


He said a 24-year-old Belgian woman left a suitcase containing 13 kg ( 29 lb ) of heroin in a taxi in Barcelona .

<response> He said a 24-year-old <misc>Belgian</misc> woman left a suitcase containing 13 kg ( 29 lb ) of heroin in a taxi in <location>Barcelona</location> . </response>


The taxidriver alerted police who arrested a 33-year-old Turkish man when he came to pick up the suitcase at a lost luggage office .

<response> The taxidriver alerted police who arrested a 33-year-old <misc>Turkish</misc> man when he came to pick up the suitcase at a lost luggage office . </response>


The woman was later arrested in Belgium .

<response> The woman was later arrested in <location>Belgium</location> . </response>


She and the Turkish man smuggled heroin from Turkey to Antwerp from where it was taken to Spain , France and Germany by others , the spokesman said .

<response> She and the <misc>Turkish</misc> man smuggled heroin from <location>Turkey</location> to <organization>Antwerp</organization> from where it was taken to <location>Spain</location> , <location>France</location> and <location>Germany</location> by others , the spokesman said . </response>


He said 14 people were arrested in Belgium and 16 others in other European nations after an investigation lasting nearly a year .

<response> He said 14 people were arrested in <location>Belgium</location> and 16 others in other <misc>European</misc> nations after an investigation lasting nearly a year . </response>


( $ 1=32.14 Belgian Franc )

<response> ( $ 1=32.14 <misc>Belgian</misc> Franc ) </response>


Port conditions update - Lloyds Shipping .

<response> Port conditions update - <organization>Lloyds Shipping</organization> . </response>


GREECE , Dec 5 - Greek port workers called off a strike which had kept the country 's ports closed , giving the government until Feb 1 to introduce a promised bonus scheme .

<response> <location>GREECE</location> , Dec 5 - <misc>Greek</misc> port workers called off a strike which had kept the country 's ports closed , giving the government until Feb 1 to introduce a promised bonus scheme . </response>


German Jan-August coffee imports detailed .

<response> <misc>German</misc> Jan-August coffee imports detailed . </response>


HAMBURG 1996-12-06

<response> <location>HAMBURG</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


German net green coffee imports from outside the EU totalled 7.73 million bags in January-August compared with 7.66 million in the year-ago period , the DKV coffee association said .

<response> <misc>German</misc> net green coffee imports from outside the <organization>EU</organization> totalled 7.73 million bags in January-August compared with 7.66 million in the year-ago period , the <organization>DKV</organization> coffee association said . </response>


<response> Imports of 1.04 million bags in August were down from 1.08 million in August 1995 but up from 992,860 bags in July 1996 . </response>


Colombia shipped 198,226 bags in August after 164,185 in July , El Salvador 160,553 ( 129,184 ) , Indonesia 72,218 ( 78,959 ) , Ethiopia 69,252 ( 60,456 ) and Kenya 63,969 ( 60,043 ) .

<response> <location>Colombia</location> shipped 198,226 bags in August after 164,185 in July , <location>El Salvador</location> 160,553 ( 129,184 ) , <location>Indonesia</location> 72,218 ( 78,959 ) , <location>Ethiopia</location> 69,252 ( 60,456 ) and <location>Kenya</location> 63,969 ( 60,043 ) . </response>


Brazil was in seventh position with 54,333 bags ( 29,055 ) .

<response> <location>Brazil</location> was in seventh position with 54,333 bags ( 29,055 ) . </response>


-- Hamburg newsroom +49-40-41903275

<response> -- <location>Hamburg</location> newsroom +49-40-41903275 </response>


Munich Re says to split stock .

<response> <organization>Munich Re</organization> says to split stock . </response>


MUNICH , Germany 1996-12-06

<response> <location>MUNICH</location> , <location>Germany</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


Muenchener Rueckversicherungs AG , the world 's largest reinsurer , said on Friday it expected to switch its shares to a lower par value by September 1997 at the earliest .

<response> <misc>Muenchener</misc> <organization>Rueckversicherungs AG</organization> , the world 's largest reinsurer , said on Friday it expected to switch its shares to a lower par value by September 1997 at the earliest . </response>


The group , known as Munich Re , plans to seek approval for the move at its shareholders ' meeting today .

<response> The group , known as <organization>Munich Re</organization> , plans to seek approval for the move at its shareholders ' meeting today . </response>


<response> The company said the switch would probably become effective in September . </response>


The planned 10-for-one stock split would reduce the par value of Munich Re 's shares to five marks from 50 , causing their price to drop to around one tenth of the present value .

<response> The planned 10-for-one stock split would reduce the par value of <organization>Munich Re</organization> 's shares to five marks from 50 , causing their price to drop to around one tenth of the present value . </response>


Munich Re 's registered shares , part of the blue-chip DAX index , were trading at 3,710 marks on Friday .

<response> <organization>Munich Re</organization> 's registered shares , part of the blue-chip <misc>DAX</misc> index , were trading at 3,710 marks on Friday . </response>


-- Frankfurt Newsroom , +49 69 756525

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


EU experts postpone talks on rice area aid .

<response> <organization>EU</organization> experts postpone talks on rice area aid . </response>


BRUSSELS 1996-12-06

<response> <location>BRUSSELS</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


European Union rice experts on Thursday postponed discussion on area aid payments to rice producers because the documents were not available in all the EU languages , an EU offcial said on Friday .

<response> <organization>European Union</organization> rice experts on Thursday postponed discussion on area aid payments to rice producers because the documents were not available in all the <organization>EU</organization> languages , an <organization>EU</organization> offcial said on Friday . </response>


<response> " The discussion in the experts group had to be postponed because the documents needed to be translated into the official languages and the item will be on next week 's agenda , " the offcial said . </response>


European rice producers are due to get compensatory area aid payments similar to those paid to cereal producers because of cuts in intervention prices .

<response> <misc>European</misc> rice producers are due to get compensatory area aid payments similar to those paid to cereal producers because of cuts in intervention prices . </response>


-- Brussels Newsroom 32 2 287 6800

<response> -- <organization>Brussels Newsroom</organization> 32 2 287 6800 </response>


Frankfurt dollar fix 1.5338 marks .

<response> <location>Frankfurt</location> dollar fix 1.5338 marks . </response>


FRANKFURT 1996-12-06

<response> <location>FRANKFURT</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


The dollar was fixed at 1.5338 marks in Frankfurt on Friday , after 1.5607 marks on Thursday .

<response> The dollar was fixed at 1.5338 marks in <location>Frankfurt</location> on Friday , after 1.5607 marks on Thursday . </response>


There was no Bundesbank intervention .

<response> There was no <organization>Bundesbank</organization> intervention . </response>


John Lewis UK store sales up 4.5 % in week .

<response> <organization>John Lewis UK</organization> store sales up 4.5 % in week . </response>


LONDON 1996-12-06

<response> <location>LONDON</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


The John Lewis Partnership said its UK department store sales rose 4.5 percent in the week to November 30 compared with the same week a year earlier .

<response> The <person>John Lewis</person> Partnership said its <location>UK</location> department store sales rose 4.5 percent in the week to November 30 compared with the same week a year earlier . </response>


<response> In the 18 weeks to November 30 , sales were up 13.6 percent year-on-year . </response>


Total sales , including the Waitrose supermarket chain , rose 5.8 percent in the week and were up 11.4 percent in the 18-week period .

<response> Total sales , including the <organization>Waitrose</organization> supermarket chain , rose 5.8 percent in the week and were up 11.4 percent in the 18-week period . </response>


-- Rosemary Bennett , London Newsroom 44 171 542 2774

<response> -- <person>Rosemary Bennett</person> , <organization>London Newsroom</organization> 44 171 542 2774 </response>


Timah at 15.625 in London at 0931 GMT .

<response> <organization>Timah</organization> at 15.625 in <location>London</location> at 0931 <misc>GMT</misc> . </response>


LONDON 1996-12-06


PT Tambang Timah was traded at $ 15.625 per GDR in London on Friday at around 0931 GMT .

<response> <organization>PT Tambang Timah</organization> was traded at $ 15.625 per GDR in <location>London</location> on Friday at around 0931 <misc>GMT</misc> . </response>


<response> It recorded a low of $ 15.625 and a high of $ 15.725 . </response>


<response> Its previous close on Thursday was $ 15.80 . </response>


<response> One Global Depository Receipt represents 10 common shares . </response>


-- Jakarta newsroom +6221 384-6364

<response> -- <location>Jakarta</location> newsroom +6221 384-6364 </response>


British " Euro-sceptic " says Clarke should resign .

<response> <misc>British</misc> " <misc>Euro-sceptic</misc> " says <person>Clarke</person> should resign . </response>


A " Euro-sceptic " member of the ruling Conservative party said on Thursday British finance minister Kenneth Clarke had to resign to prevent the party disintegrating over the issue of a single European currency .

<response> A " <misc>Euro-sceptic</misc> " member of the ruling <misc>Conservative</misc> party said on Thursday <misc>British</misc> finance minister <person>Kenneth Clarke</person> had to resign to prevent the party disintegrating over the issue of a single <misc>European</misc> currency . </response>


Member of Parliament Tony Marlow said the resignation of the chancellor of the exchequer was the only way to make the Conservatives electable in a general election which must take place by May next year .

<response> Member of Parliament <person>Tony Marlow</person> said the resignation of the chancellor of the exchequer was the only way to make the Conservatives electable in a general election which must take place by May next year . </response>


" We have a divided and split Cabinet .

<response> " We have a divided and split <organization>Cabinet</organization> . </response>


This cannot endure , " Marlow told BBC television 's Newsnight programme on Thursday . "

<response> This cannot endure , " <person>Marlow</person> told <organization>BBC</organization> television 's <misc>Newsnight</misc> programme on Thursday . " </response>


It is not sustainable .

<response> It is not sustainable . </response>


Kenneth Clarke has to go .

<response> <person>Kenneth Clarke</person> has to go . </response>


<response> If he does n't resign , the prime minister has got to fire him . " </response>


Marlow 's comment come on the heels of speculation that Clarke had threatened to resign if the government changed its " wait and see " policy on a single currency and declared it would not sign up for the currency in the next Parliament .

<response> <person>Marlow</person> 's comment come on the heels of speculation that <person>Clarke</person> had threatened to resign if the government changed its " wait and see " policy on a single currency and declared it would not sign up for the currency in the next Parliament . </response>


Clarke denied on Thursday he had threatened to resign and said his position on the single currency was in tune with that of Prime Minister John Major .

<response> <person>Clarke</person> denied on Thursday he had threatened to resign and said his position on the single currency was in tune with that of Prime Minister <person>John Major</person> . </response>


Major told parliament on Thursday he would keep his options open on single-currency membership .

<response> <person>Major</person> told parliament on Thursday he would keep his options open on single-currency membership . </response>


His statement was interpreted as a significant victory for Clarke and fellow pro-European Michael Heseltine , deputy prime minister .

<response> His statement was interpreted as a significant victory for <person>Clarke</person> and fellow <misc>pro-European</misc> <person>Michael Heseltine</person> , deputy prime minister . </response>


Pro-European Conservative MP Edwina Currie told the BBC that if Clarke resigned , other ministers would go with him .

<response> <misc>Pro-European</misc> <misc>Conservative</misc> MP <person>Edwina Currie</person> told the <organization>BBC</organization> that if <person>Clarke</person> resigned , other ministers would go with him . </response>


Court ejects head of Australian child-sex inquiry .

<response> Court ejects head of <misc>Australian</misc> child-sex inquiry . </response>


CANBERRA 1996-12-06

<response> <location>CANBERRA</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


The Australian opposition on Friday demanded a high-powered investigation into paedophilia in the Australian diplomatic service after the federal court forced the head of the existing inquiry to stand aside .

<response> The <misc>Australian</misc> opposition on Friday demanded a high-powered investigation into paedophilia in the <misc>Australian</misc> diplomatic service after the federal court forced the head of the existing inquiry to stand aside . </response>


The court said inquiry head Chris Hunt might be biased , since he privately told a newspaper he had turned up no major evidence of paedophile activity , even though he still had months ' of investigation before him .

<response> The court said inquiry head <person>Chris Hunt</person> might be biased , since he privately told a newspaper he had turned up no major evidence of paedophile activity , even though he still had months ' of investigation before him . </response>


" Today we are left with a ruinous wreck beyond salvage and a continuing pall of doubt and suspicion hanging over our diplomatic service , " opposition foreign affairs spokesman Laurie Brereton said .

<response> " Today we are left with a ruinous wreck beyond salvage and a continuing pall of doubt and suspicion hanging over our diplomatic service , " opposition foreign affairs spokesman <person>Laurie Brereton</person> said . </response>


<response> But the government responded by pressing ahead with the original inquiry , established in May , appointing a new head to lead it . </response>


Critics say that if there were many paedophiles in senior posts in the Foreign Affairs Department then a secret inquiry would be open to internal influence and would become a public service whitewash .

<response> Critics say that if there were many paedophiles in senior posts in the <organization>Foreign Affairs Department</organization> then a secret inquiry would be open to internal influence and would become a public service whitewash . </response>


<response> Accordingly , they demand an open investigation . </response>


A spokesman for Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer said the appointment of a new inquiry head , administrative law expert Pamela O'Neil , showed the government 's commitment to pursue the matter .

<response> A spokesman for <organization>Foreign Affairs</organization> Minister <person>Alexander Downer</person> said the appointment of a new inquiry head , administrative law expert <person>Pamela O'Neil</person> , showed the government 's commitment to pursue the matter . </response>


A report is due in May next year .

<response> A report is due in May next year . </response>


One Australian diplomat has been prosecuted this year for having sex with a Cambodian boy under 16 but was acquitted .

<response> One <misc>Australian</misc> diplomat has been prosecuted this year for having sex with a <misc>Cambodian</misc> boy under 16 but was acquitted . </response>


Police have investigated others .

<response> Police have investigated others . </response>


A newspaper reported allegations in April that diplomats had directed Australian government aid to certain foreign orphanages to secure sex with children .

<response> A newspaper reported allegations in April that diplomats had directed <misc>Australian</misc> government aid to certain foreign orphanages to secure sex with children . </response>


Australian hitman killed wrong victim .

<response> <misc>Australian</misc> hitman killed wrong victim . </response>


SYDNEY 1996-12-06

<response> <location>SYDNEY</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


An Australian hitman who went to the wrong house and killed the wrong man was sentenced to 20 years jail on Friday .

<response> An <misc>Australian</misc> hitman who went to the wrong house and killed the wrong man was sentenced to 20 years jail on Friday . </response>


Paul Crofts , 33 , and an accomplice were contracted to shoot a man , identified only as Tony , in the leg to punish him for his misconduct with a female friend of the contractor , the New South Wales Supreme Court was told .

<response> <person>Paul Crofts</person> , 33 , and an accomplice were contracted to shoot a man , identified only as <person>Tony</person> , in the leg to punish him for his misconduct with a female friend of the contractor , the <organization>New South Wales Supreme Court</organization> was told . </response>


But in February 1993 Leszic Betcher , was shot and killed after answering a knock at the door of his Sydney home . "

<response> But in February 1993 <person>Leszic Betcher</person> , was shot and killed after answering a knock at the door of his <location>Sydney</location> home . " </response>


The inference from all the material is that the marauders had come to the wrong house , " Judge Michael Grove said .

<response> The inference from all the material is that the marauders had come to the wrong house , " Judge <person>Michael Grove</person> said . </response>


In sentencing Crofts , who pleaded guilty , Grove took into account his " mildly retarded " intellectual state , which placed him in the lowest two percent of the population .

<response> In sentencing <person>Crofts</person> , who pleaded guilty , <person>Grove</person> took into account his " mildly retarded " intellectual state , which placed him in the lowest two percent of the population . </response>


Grove said Betcher was " not only the victim of a horrendous crime , but his death was brought about in circumstances of an equally ghastly error on the part of the prisoner and his accomplices " .

<response> <person>Grove</person> said <person>Betcher</person> was " not only the victim of a horrendous crime , but his death was brought about in circumstances of an equally ghastly error on the part of the prisoner and his accomplices " . </response>


<response> The unnamed accomplice was earlier sentenced to 20 years in prison . </response>


NZ 's Bolger says Nats to meet NZ First on Sunday .

<response> <location>NZ</location> 's <person>Bolger</person> says <person>Nats</person> to meet <location>NZ</location> First on Sunday . </response>


WELLINGTON 1996-12-06

<response> <location>WELLINGTON</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


New Zealand Prime Minister Jim Bolger , emerging from coalition talks with the nationalist New Zealand First party on Friday afternoon , said National and NZ First would meet again on Sunday .

<response> <location>New Zealand</location> Prime Minister <person>Jim Bolger</person> , emerging from coalition talks with the nationalist <organization>New Zealand First</organization> party on Friday afternoon , said <organization>National</organization> and <organization>NZ First</organization> would meet again on Sunday . </response>


Bolger said he expected a government to be formed by Thursday .

<response> <person>Bolger</person> said he expected a government to be formed by Thursday . </response>


NZ 's Peters says Nat , Lab talks at similar stage .

<response> <location>NZ</location> 's <person>Peters</person> says <person>Nat</person> , <person>Lab</person> talks at similar stage . </response>


WELLINGTON 1996-12-06


New Zealand First leader Winston Peters on Friday said coalition talks with the National and Labour parties were at a similar level of completion .

<response> <organization>New Zealand First</organization> leader <person>Winston Peters</person> on Friday said coalition talks with the <organization>National</organization> and <organization>Labour</organization> parties were at a similar level of completion . </response>


Peters left a meeting between NZ First and National negotiators to spend 20 minutes speaking to Labour leader Helen Clark .

<response> <person>Peters</person> left a meeting between <organization>NZ First</organization> and <organization>National</organization> negotiators to spend 20 minutes speaking to <organization>Labour</organization> leader <person>Helen Clark</person> . </response>


He told Reuters he had needed to speak to her before she left Wellington later on Friday .

<response> He told <organization>Reuters</organization> he had needed to speak to her before she left <location>Wellington</location> later on Friday . </response>


Peters said the talks with Labour and National had reached " about the same level of completion , and that 's good " .

<response> <person>Peters</person> said the talks with <organization>Labour</organization> and <organization>National</organization> had reached " about the same level of completion , and that 's good " . </response>


RTRS - Australian MP John Langmore formally resigns .

<response> <organization>RTRS</organization> - <misc>Australian</misc> MP <person>John Langmore</person> formally resigns . </response>


CANBERRA 1996-12-06

<response> <location>CANBERRA</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


Australian parliamentarian John Langmore has formally resigned from his lower house seat , the office of House of Representatives speaker Bob Halverson said on Friday .

<response> <misc>Australian</misc> parliamentarian <person>John Langmore</person> has formally resigned from his lower house seat , the office of <organization>House of Representatives</organization> speaker <person>Bob Halverson</person> said on Friday . </response>


" Halverson announced that he had received today from Mr John Vance Langmore , a letter resigning his place as member of the House of Representatives for the electoral division of Fraser in the Australian Capital Territory , " his office said in a statement .

<response> " <person>Halverson</person> announced that he had received today from Mr <person>John Vance Langmore</person> , a letter resigning his place as member of the <organization>House of Representatives</organization> for the electoral division of <person>Fraser</person> in the <misc>Australian Capital Territory</misc> , " his office said in a statement . </response>


Halverson was considering possible dates for the by-election , his office said .

<response> <person>Halverson</person> was considering possible dates for the by-election , his office said . </response>


Langmore , 57 , announced in November that he intended to resign from parliament to take up a position as Australia 's senior representative at the United Nations headquarters in New York .

<response> <person>Langmore</person> , 57 , announced in November that he intended to resign from parliament to take up a position as <location>Australia</location> 's senior representative at the <organization>United Nations</organization> headquarters in <location>New York</location> . </response>


He played an active role at the U.N. social development conference in Copenhagen last year and has co-authored articles with U.N. development programme officer Inge Kaul .

<response> He played an active role at the <organization>U.N.</organization> social development conference in <location>Copenhagen</location> last year and has co-authored articles with <organization>U.N.</organization> development programme officer <person>Inge Kaul</person> . </response>


Langmore , a persistent campaigner for interventionist economic policy , has been Labor member for Fraser since 1984 .

<response> <person>Langmore</person> , a persistent campaigner for interventionist economic policy , has been Labor member for <person>Fraser</person> since 1984 . </response>


He was senior private secretary to the employment and industrial relations minister from 1983 to 1984 and was economic advisor to then treasurer Paul Keating in 1983 .

<response> He was senior private secretary to the employment and industrial relations minister from 1983 to 1984 and was economic advisor to then treasurer <person>Paul Keating</person> in 1983 . </response>


His previous posts include assistant director of the national planning office of Papua New Guinea from 1969 to 1973 .

<response> His previous posts include assistant director of the national planning office of <location>Papua New Guinea</location> from 1969 to 1973 . </response>


-- Canberra Bureau 61-6 273-2730

<response> -- <location>Canberra</location> Bureau 61-6 273-2730 </response>


Burmese students march out of campus again .

<response> <misc>Burmese</misc> students march out of campus again . </response>


RANGOON 1996-12-06

<response> <location>RANGOON</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


A group of Burmese students on Friday marched out of the Yangon Institute of Technology ( YIT ) in the northern outskirts of Rangoon and moved toward the University of Yangon about six km ( four miles ) away , witnesses said .

<response> A group of <misc>Burmese</misc> students on Friday marched out of the <organization>Yangon Institute of Technology</organization> ( <organization>YIT</organization> ) in the northern outskirts of <location>Rangoon</location> and moved toward the <organization>University of Yangon</organization> about six km ( four miles ) away , witnesses said . </response>


<response> The witnesses could not give exact numbers of those taking part in the march or any other details immediately . </response>


On Monday and Tuesday , students from the YIT and the university launched street protests against what they called unfair handling by police of a brawl between some of their colleagues and restaurant owners in October .

<response> On Monday and Tuesday , students from the <organization>YIT</organization> and the university launched street protests against what they called unfair handling by police of a brawl between some of their colleagues and restaurant owners in October . </response>


The protests culminated at dawn on Tuesday with several hundred of the student protesters being detained briefly by police near the central Shwe Dagon pagoda in Rangoon .

<response> The protests culminated at dawn on Tuesday with several hundred of the student protesters being detained briefly by police near the central <location>Shwe Dagon</location> pagoda in <location>Rangoon</location> . </response>


They were later released .

<response> They were later released . </response>


On Friday , some students told Reuters that they were still dissatisfied with the ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council 's ( SLORC ) handling of their demands .

<response> On Friday , some students told <organization>Reuters</organization> that they were still dissatisfied with the ruling <organization>State Law and Order Restoration Council</organization> 's ( <organization>SLORC</organization> ) handling of their demands . </response>


<response> They said they wanted to organise independent unions on university campuses and demanded that details of the punishment of policemen who allegedly manhandled some students at the October brawl be published in newspapers . </response>


Thai rice vessels loading and movements at Dec 06 .

<response> <misc>Thai</misc> rice vessels loading and movements at Dec 06 . </response>


BANGKOK 1996-11-29

<response> <location>BANGKOK</location> 1996-11-29 </response>


The Thai Commerce Ministry detailed rice loading at Thai ports as follows ( in tonnes ) :

<response> The <misc>Thai</misc> <organization>Commerce Ministry</organization> detailed rice loading at <misc>Thai</misc> ports as follows ( in tonnes ) : </response>


<response> Vessel Date of Arrival Quantity Destination </response>


Iran Sabr 19/11/96 9,000 Iran

<response> <misc>Iran Sabr</misc> 19/11/96 9,000 <location>Iran</location> </response>


Princess of Loine 19/11/96 10,000 Philippines

<response> <misc>Princess of Loine</misc> 19/11/96 10,000 <location>Philippines</location> </response>


Deligst 20/11/96 5,500 Indonesia

<response> <misc>Deligst</misc> 20/11/96 5,500 <location>Indonesia</location> </response>


Seagramd ace 20/11/96 5,000 Japan

<response> <misc>Seagramd</misc> ace 20/11/96 5,000 <location>Japan</location> </response>


Lucky Emdldm 20/11/96 5,000 Japan

<response> <misc>Lucky Emdldm</misc> 20/11/96 5,000 <location>Japan</location> </response>


Algoa Day 21/11/96 6,000 Africa

<response> <misc>Algoa Day</misc> 21/11/96 6,000 <location>Africa</location> </response>


Sangthai Glory 22/11/96 3,000 Singapore

<response> <misc>Sangthai Glory</misc> 22/11/96 3,000 <location>Singapore</location> </response>


Myos Yang 5 22/11/96 4,000 Indonesia

<response> <misc>Myos Yang</misc> 5 22/11/96 4,000 <location>Indonesia</location> </response>


Budisuryana 22/11/96 3,800 Malaysia

<response> <misc>Budisuryana</misc> 22/11/96 3,800 <location>Malaysia</location> </response>


King Ace 22/11/96 5,000 Japan

<response> <misc>King Ace</misc> 22/11/96 5,000 <location>Japan</location> </response>


Tong Shun 25/11/96 3,000 Vietnam

<response> <misc>Tong Shun</misc> 25/11/96 3,000 <location>Vietnam</location> </response>


But 2 27/11/96 5,000 Burma

<response> <misc>But</misc> 2 27/11/96 5,000 <location>Burma</location> </response>


-- Bangkok newsroom ( 662 ) 652-0642

<response> -- <misc>Bangkok</misc> newsroom ( 662 ) 652-0642 </response>


Chinese girl nearly dies from cigarette smoke .

<response> <misc>Chinese</misc> girl nearly dies from cigarette smoke . </response>


SHANGHAI 1996-12-06

<response> <location>SHANGHAI</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


A five-year-old girl in the east China city of Tianjin choked and almost died from cigarette smoke at her grandfather 's birthday with relatives smoking for hours in a small room , the Wen Hui Bao newspaper said on Friday .

<response> A five-year-old girl in the east <location>China</location> city of <location>Tianjin</location> choked and almost died from cigarette smoke at her grandfather 's birthday with relatives smoking for hours in a small room , the <organization>Wen Hui Bao</organization> newspaper said on Friday . </response>


<response> The newspaper said the girl was rushed to hospital and found to be having extreme difficulty breathing . </response>


<response> It said eight of the people at the party , including the girl 's father , immediately announced they would give up smoking . </response>


South Korean won closes down on import settlements .

<response> <misc>South Korean</misc> won closes down on import settlements . </response>


SEOUL 1996-12-06

<response> <location>SEOUL</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


The won slid against the U.S. unit on Friday as players prepared for Monday 's import settlement needs , traders said .

<response> The won slid against the <location>U.S.</location> unit on Friday as players prepared for Monday 's import settlement needs , traders said . </response>


<response> The won ended at 831.00 , slightly down from an opening of 830.60 . </response>


It ranged between 830.20 and 831.40 .

<response> It ranged between 830.20 and 831.40 . </response>


" A sale of about $ 60 million by Hyundai Heavy pushed the dollar down earlier in the day , but Monday 's import needs helped it recover , " said a Koram Bank dealer .

<response> " A sale of about $ 60 million by <organization>Hyundai Heavy</organization> pushed the dollar down earlier in the day , but Monday 's import needs helped it recover , " said a <organization>Koram Bank</organization> dealer . </response>


<response> Dealers said the dollar / yen 's movement on the world market would continue to set the trend for the dollar / won next week . </response>


Foreign planes to land in China 's popular Guilin .

<response> Foreign planes to land in <location>China</location> 's popular <location>Guilin</location> . </response>


BEIJING 1996-12-06

<response> <location>BEIJING</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


China 's tourist spot of Guilin in the southern region of Guangxi will open its airport to foreign aircraft , the Xinhua news agency said on Friday .

<response> <location>China</location> 's tourist spot of <location>Guilin</location> in the southern region of <location>Guangxi</location> will open its airport to foreign aircraft , the <organization>Xinhua</organization> news agency said on Friday . </response>


An assessment group made up of the State Council 's Port Office , the Civil Aviation Administration of China , the General Administration of Customs and other authorities had granted the airport permission to handle foreign aircraft , Xinhua said .

<response> An assessment group made up of the <organization>State Council</organization> 's Port Office , the <organization>Civil Aviation Administration of China</organization> , the <organization>General Administration of Customs</organization> and other authorities had granted the airport permission to handle foreign aircraft , <organization>Xinhua</organization> said . </response>


" The move is expected to give a shot in the arm to the economic expansion of Guangxi and southwest China as a whole , " the agency said but gave no further details .

<response> " The move is expected to give a shot in the arm to the economic expansion of <location>Guangxi</location> and southwest <location>China</location> as a whole , " the agency said but gave no further details . </response>


Guilin is well known for its mountain and river scenery and is one of China 's most popular tourist destinations .

<response> <location>Guilin</location> is well known for its mountain and river scenery and is one of <location>China</location> 's most popular tourist destinations . </response>


EPA says economic assessment unchanged by GDP data .

<response> <organization>EPA</organization> says economic assessment unchanged by GDP data . </response>


TOKYO 1996-12-06

<response> <location>TOKYO</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


Japan 's Economic Planning Agency has not changed its view that the economy is gradually recovering , despite relatively weak gross domestic product figures released on Tuesday , EPA Vice Minister Shimpei Nukaya told reporters on Friday .

<response> <location>Japan</location> 's <organization>Economic Planning Agency</organization> has not changed its view that the economy is gradually recovering , despite relatively weak gross domestic product figures released on Tuesday , <organization>EPA</organization> Vice Minister <person>Shimpei Nukaya</person> told reporters on Friday . </response>


<response> He said the GDP growth was weak but that this reflected the economy between July and September and did not take into account more recent data . </response>


When asked about the outlook for the fiscal year beginning in April , Nukaya said the economy may slow down in the early part of the fiscal year due to a planned consumption tax hike , but that would be only temporary .

<response> When asked about the outlook for the fiscal year beginning in April , <person>Nukaya</person> said the economy may slow down in the early part of the fiscal year due to a planned consumption tax hike , but that would be only temporary . </response>


<response> The consumption tax will be raised to five percent from three percent from April 1 . </response>


Sangetsu - 96/97 parent forecast .

<response> <organization>Sangetsu</organization> - 96/97 parent forecast . </response>


TOKYO 1996-12-06


Year to March 31 , 1997

<response> Year to March 31 , 1997 </response>


( in billions of yen unless specified )

<response> ( in billions of yen unless specified ) </response>


LATEST ACTUAL


( Parent ) FORECAST YEAR-AGO

<response> ( Parent ) FORECAST YEAR-AGO </response>


Sales 128.00 117.56

<response> Sales 128.00 117.56 </response>


Current 12.00 9.94

<response> Current 12.00 9.94 </response>


Net 6.20 5.36


EPS 143.56 yen 127.64 yen

<response> EPS 143.56 yen 127.64 yen </response>


Ord div 30.00 yen 30.00 yen

<response> Ord div 30.00 yen 30.00 yen </response>


NOTE - Sangetsu Co Ltd is a trader specialising in interiors .

<response> NOTE - <organization>Sangetsu Co Ltd</organization> is a trader specialising in interiors . </response>


Bre-X , Barrick said to continue Busang talks .

<response> <organization>Bre-X</organization> , <organization>Barrick</organization> said to continue <location>Busang</location> talks . </response>


K.T. Arasu

<response> <location>K.T. Arasu</location> </response>


JAKARTA 1996-12-06

<response> <location>JAKARTA</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


Canada 's Bre-X Minerals Ltd and Barrick Gold Corp are to continue negotiations to hammer out a partnership agreement to develop the spectacular Busang gold find in Indonesia , sources close to the talks said on Friday .

<response> <location>Canada</location> 's <organization>Bre-X Minerals Ltd</organization> and <organization>Barrick Gold Corp</organization> are to continue negotiations to hammer out a partnership agreement to develop the spectacular <location>Busang</location> gold find in <location>Indonesia</location> , sources close to the talks said on Friday . </response>


" The negotiations will be held both in Toronto and in Jakarta , " one source , speaking on condition of anonymity , told Reuters .

<response> " The negotiations will be held both in <location>Toronto</location> and in <location>Jakarta</location> , " one source , speaking on condition of anonymity , told <organization>Reuters</organization> . </response>


Another source said most of the key negotiators from both Bre-X and Barrick had returned to Toronto , but declined to say if there had been any progress in their negotiations .

<response> Another source said most of the key negotiators from both <organization>Bre-X</organization> and <organization>Barrick</organization> had returned to <location>Toronto</location> , but declined to say if there had been any progress in their negotiations . </response>


Both sources said Bre-X and Barrick did not hold talks on Thursday with Mines and Energy Ministry Secretary-General Umar Said , who is coordinating the negotiations over the Busang find in East Kalimantan .

<response> Both sources said <organization>Bre-X</organization> and <organization>Barrick</organization> did not hold talks on Thursday with <organization>Mines and Energy Ministry</organization> Secretary-General <person>Umar Said</person> , who is coordinating the negotiations over the <location>Busang</location> find in <location>East Kalimantan</location> . </response>


The first source also said Bre-X had until December 21 to submit to the Indonesian Mines and Energy Ministry a feasibility study on the central region of the Busang property , estimated to contain 2.6 million ounces of gold .

<response> The first source also said <organization>Bre-X</organization> had until December 21 to submit to the <organization>Indonesian Mines and Energy Ministry</organization> a feasibility study on the central region of the <location>Busang</location> property , estimated to contain 2.6 million ounces of gold . </response>


The richest parts of the property to the north and south of the central region have been estimated by Bre-X to contain 57 million ounces of gold .

<response> The richest parts of the property to the north and south of the central region have been estimated by <organization>Bre-X</organization> to contain 57 million ounces of gold . </response>


" Bre-X is expected to complete the feasibility report by December 16 and submit it to the government before the December 21 deadline , " the source said .

<response> " <organization>Bre-X</organization> is expected to complete the feasibility report by December 16 and submit it to the government before the December 21 deadline , " the source said . </response>


He said Bre-X would then formally seek the permission of the Indonesian government to begin construction to develop Busang 's central region , which might take up to two years .

<response> He said <organization>Bre-X</organization> would then formally seek the permission of the <misc>Indonesian</misc> government to begin construction to develop <location>Busang</location> 's central region , which might take up to two years . </response>


The source declined to say if there had been any progress in the talks between Bre-X and Barrick .

<response> The source declined to say if there had been any progress in the talks between <organization>Bre-X</organization> and <organization>Barrick</organization> . </response>


" This is a huge project ...

<response> " This is a huge project ... </response>


we are not selling furniture , and Bre-X has 13,000 shareholders to answer to , " the source said .

<response> we are not selling furniture , and <organization>Bre-X</organization> has 13,000 shareholders to answer to , " the source said . </response>


<response> " While there has been some agreement in principle on some issues , there are still others such as procedures and mechanisms that needed to be sorted out , " he added . </response>


The source said no new deadline had been set by the Mines and Energy Ministry for Bre-X and Barrick to strike a deal .

<response> The source said no new deadline had been set by the <organization>Mines and Energy Ministry</organization> for <organization>Bre-X</organization> and <organization>Barrick</organization> to strike a deal . </response>


The Ministry had given the companies until December 4 to complete a partnership deal , and advised Bre-X to take a 25 percent stake and Barrick 75 percent to develop the property .

<response> The Ministry had given the companies until December 4 to complete a partnership deal , and advised <organization>Bre-X</organization> to take a 25 percent stake and <organization>Barrick</organization> 75 percent to develop the property . </response>


<response> " As far as I am aware , there 's been no new deadline , " the source said . </response>


The Ministry 's Umar said on Thursday that both Bre-X and Barrick had responded positively to a government letter recommending a 25-75 split in the Busang gold property .

<response> The Ministry 's <person>Umar</person> said on Thursday that both <organization>Bre-X</organization> and <organization>Barrick</organization> had responded positively to a government letter recommending a 25-75 split in the <organization>Busang</organization> gold property . </response>


<response> The government also wants 10 percent of the property . </response>


Umar said the government had yet to receive a formal reply from the companies .

<response> <person>Umar</person> said the government had yet to receive a formal reply from the companies . </response>


He had said earlier that if the two companies failed to reach a partnership agreement , the government would explore other ways to expedite development of the Busang find .

<response> He had said earlier that if the two companies failed to reach a partnership agreement , the government would explore other ways to expedite development of the <organization>Busang</organization> find . </response>


Bre-X has a partnership deal with PT Panutan Duta of the Panutan Group run by President Suharto 's eldest son , Sigit Harjojudanto , under which Panutan would receive $ 40 million over 40 months plus a 10 percent stake Busang 's richest parts .

<response> <organization>Bre-X</organization> has a partnership deal with <person>PT Panutan Duta</person> of the <organization>Panutan Group</organization> run by President <person>Suharto</person> 's eldest son , <person>Sigit Harjojudanto</person> , under which <person>Panutan</person> would receive $ 40 million over 40 months plus a 10 percent stake <organization>Busang</organization> 's richest parts . </response>


Barrick has teamed up with a construction company in the Citra Group of Suharto 's eldest daughter , Siti Hardianti Rukmana , in what Barrick had said was a partnership " to prepare us for a potential mining development project " .

<response> <organization>Barrick</organization> has teamed up with a construction company in the <organization>Citra Group</organization> of <person>Suharto</person> 's eldest daughter , <person>Siti Hardianti Rukmana</person> , in what <organization>Barrick</organization> had said was a partnership " to prepare us for a potential mining development project " . </response>


Honda RV exceeds sales target .

<response> <misc>Honda RV</misc> exceeds sales target . </response>


TOKYO 1996-12-06

<response> <location>TOKYO</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


Honda Motor Co Ltd said on Friday that it had received 15,000 domestic orders for its S-MX recreational vehicle in the first two weeks after its launch .

<response> <organization>Honda Motor Co Ltd</organization> said on Friday that it had received 15,000 domestic orders for its <misc>S-MX</misc> recreational vehicle in the first two weeks after its launch . </response>


Honda launched the S-MX light minivan , featuring cubic body styling , on November 22 with a monthly sales target of 5,000 units .

<response> <organization>Honda</organization> launched the <misc>S-MX</misc> light minivan , featuring cubic body styling , on November 22 with a monthly sales target of 5,000 units . </response>


<response> A version with lower road clearance and front and rear spoilers accounted for two-thirds of the sales . </response>


FEATURE - Singapore sees prestige in hosting WTO .

<response> FEATURE - <location>Singapore</location> sees prestige in hosting <organization>WTO</organization> . </response>


Ramthan Hussain

<response> <person>Ramthan Hussain</person> </response>


SINGAPORE 1996-12-06

<response> <location>SINGAPORE</location> 1996-12-06 </response>


Singapore 's winning campaign to host the World Trade Organisation ( WTO ) 's first ministerial meeting reflected its ambition to play a key role in shaping global free trade , the lifeblood of its economy , analysts said .

<response> <location>Singapore</location> 's winning campaign to host the <organization>World Trade Organisation</organization> ( <organization>WTO</organization> ) 's first ministerial meeting reflected its ambition to play a key role in shaping global free trade , the lifeblood of its economy , analysts said . </response>


" As one of the world 's most externally oriented economies , Singapore has a disproportionately large stake in the WTO , " said Desmond Supple , economist at research house I.D.E.A .

<response> " As one of the world 's most externally oriented economies , <location>Singapore</location> has a disproportionately large stake in the <organization>WTO</organization> , " said <person>Desmond Supple</person> , economist at research house <organization>I.D.E.A</organization> . </response>


" Singapore stands to benefit more than most from continued global trade liberalisation as trade is the engine of its growth , accounting for nearly three times its gross domestic product . "

<response> " <location>Singapore</location> stands to benefit more than most from continued global trade liberalisation as trade is the engine of its growth , accounting for nearly three times its gross domestic product . " </response>


The city-state met U.S. opposition two years ago in its bid to host the meeting , expected to gather 4,000 officials from 160 countries from December 9 to 13 .

<response> The city-state met <location>U.S.</location> opposition two years ago in its bid to host the meeting , expected to gather 4,000 officials from 160 countries from December 9 to 13 . </response>


In a stand some analysts linked to controversy over Singapore 's caning of an American teenager for vandalism , then-U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor had said the meeting ought to be held where the WTO was going to be headquartered .

<response> In a stand some analysts linked to controversy over <location>Singapore</location> 's caning of an <misc>American</misc> teenager for vandalism , <misc>then-U.S.</misc> Trade Representative <person>Mickey Kantor</person> had said the meeting ought to be held where the <organization>WTO</organization> was going to be headquartered . </response>


That would have meant Geneva .

<response> That would have meant <location>Geneva</location> . </response>


But Singapore had the support of other WTO members .

<response> But <location>Singapore</location> had the support of other <organization>WTO</organization> members . </response>


Derek da Cunha , senior fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies ( ISEAS ) , said Singapore 's hosting of the conference " carries a great deal of symbolism for the city-state , underscoring its commitment to free trade and its trading links across the globe . "

<response> <person>Derek da Cunha</person> , senior fellow at the <organization>Institute of Policy Studies</organization> ( <organization>ISEAS</organization> ) , said <location>Singapore</location> 's hosting of the conference " carries a great deal of symbolism for the city-state , underscoring its commitment to free trade and its trading links across the globe . " </response>


There is the international prestige Singapore would enjoy , but " more importantly there is a genuine national interest in fostering better global free trade and an open market " , said Tan Kong Yam , head of Business Policy at the National University of Singapore .

<response> There is the international prestige <location>Singapore</location> would enjoy , but " more importantly there is a genuine national interest in fostering better global free trade and an open market " , said <person>Tan Kong Yam</person> , head of Business Policy at the <organization>National University of Singapore</organization> . </response>


At the ministerial meeting , trade ministers will review the work of the WTO and the implementation of the Uruguay Round free trade commitments under its predecessor the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade ( GATT ) .

<response> At the ministerial meeting , trade ministers will review the work of the <organization>WTO</organization> and the implementation of the <location>Uruguay</location> Round free trade commitments under its predecessor the <misc>General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade</misc> ( <misc>GATT</misc> ) . </response>


In June , the WTO hailed Singapore for its open market policies but the European Union and other trading powers called on Singapore to speed up the opening of its services sector .

<response> In June , the <organization>WTO</organization> hailed <location>Singapore</location> for its open market policies but the <organization>European Union</organization> and other trading powers called on <location>Singapore</location> to speed up the opening of its services sector . </response>


Supple said the struggle that Singapore had to wage in vying to host the meeting would be repeated during the talks .

<response> <person>Supple</person> said the struggle that <location>Singapore</location> had to wage in vying to host the meeting would be repeated during the talks . </response>


<response> " There is tension at every step of the way , " since a battle line between the West and developing countries has been drawn over the issue of linking trade liberalisation with labour rights , he said . </response>


Supple said hosting the meeting carried prestige for Singapore , " however , this is quite intangible as the prestige factor may not necessarily lead to any additional investment and trade flows to this region . "

<response> <person>Supple</person> said hosting the meeting carried prestige for <location>Singapore</location> , " however , this is quite intangible as the prestige factor may not necessarily lead to any additional investment and trade flows to this region . " </response>


From a commercial point of view , the meeting would be good for Singapore 's tourism industry , Tan said .

<response> From a commercial point of view , the meeting would be good for <location>Singapore</location> 's tourism industry , <person>Tan</person> said . </response>


A large part of Singapore 's workforce would be mobilised to ensure the meeting would run without a glitch but the average Singaporean " would probably not be too concerned about some of the issues , " Tan said .

<response> A large part of <location>Singapore</location> 's workforce would be mobilised to ensure the meeting would run without a glitch but the average <misc>Singaporean</misc> " would probably not be too concerned about some of the issues , " <person>Tan</person> said . </response>