NATO said it was closely monitoring the movement of about 75 Moslem men towards the village of Mahala in Bosnia 's Serb republic on Saturday , two days after a violent confrontation with Serbs .

<response> <organization>NATO</organization> said it was closely monitoring the movement of about 75 <misc>Moslem</misc> men towards the village of <location>Mahala</location> in <location>Bosnia</location> 's <misc>Serb</misc> republic on Saturday , two days after a violent confrontation with <misc>Serbs</misc> . </response>


<response> " I have to report this morning that we have in fact received reports ... </response>


that up to 75 Moslem men are believed to be approaching Mahala , " NATO spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Max Marriner said in Sarajevo .

<response> that up to 75 <misc>Moslem</misc> men are believed to be approaching <location>Mahala</location> , " <organization>NATO</organization> spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel <person>Max Marriner</person> said in <location>Sarajevo</location> . </response>


Marriner said that NATO troops had set up a checkpoint on the road between Tuzla and Mahala to establish the identities and intentions of the men headed towards the village .

<response> <person>Marriner</person> said that <organization>NATO</organization> troops had set up a checkpoint on the road between <location>Tuzla</location> and <location>Mahala</location> to establish the identities and intentions of the men headed towards the village . </response>


Mahala is a Moslem village on Bosnian Serb republic territory .

<response> <location>Mahala</location> is a <misc>Moslem</misc> village on <misc>Bosnian Serb</misc> republic territory . </response>


Moslems were driven from the village during the 43- month Bosnian war and most of their houses were destroyed .

<response> <misc>Moslems</misc> were driven from the village during the 43- month <misc>Bosnian</misc> war and most of their houses were destroyed . </response>


Some Moslems began returning to rebuild their properties earlier in the week .

<response> Some <misc>Moslems</misc> began returning to rebuild their properties earlier in the week . </response>


Fights and shooting broke out between the Moslems and Serb police on Thursday and NATO troops finally brought restored order .

<response> Fights and shooting broke out between the <misc>Moslems</misc> and <misc>Serb</misc> police on Thursday and <organization>NATO</organization> troops finally brought restored order . </response>


A Reuters reporter who entered Mahala on Saturday morning found it tranquil but NATO troops and U.N. police were seen on the ground and NATO helicopters flew overhead .

<response> A <organization>Reuters</organization> reporter who entered <location>Mahala</location> on Saturday morning found it tranquil but <organization>NATO</organization> troops and <organization>U.N.</organization> police were seen on the ground and <organization>NATO</organization> helicopters flew overhead . </response>


Chechens exuberant but cautious on peace deal .

<response> <misc>Chechens</misc> exuberant but cautious on peace deal . </response>


Liutauras Stremaitis

<response> <person>Liutauras Stremaitis</person> </response>


URUS-MARTAN , Russia 1996-08-31

<response> <location>URUS-MARTAN</location> , <location>Russia</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


Crowds of pro-independence Chechens greeted a newly-signed peace deal by singing , dancing and firing guns in the air on Saturday , but the celebrations held a trace of uncertainty .

<response> Crowds of pro-independence <misc>Chechens</misc> greeted a newly-signed peace deal by singing , dancing and firing guns in the air on Saturday , but the celebrations held a trace of uncertainty . </response>


More than a thousand women , children and men gathered in a field to the north of the town of Urus-Martan on Saturday to wait for a column of rebels to withdraw from the capital Grozny about 25 km ( 12 miles ) away .

<response> More than a thousand women , children and men gathered in a field to the north of the town of <location>Urus-Martan</location> on Saturday to wait for a column of rebels to withdraw from the capital <location>Grozny</location> about 25 km ( 12 miles ) away . </response>


<response> The men fired weapons into the air as groups of women danced . </response>


Adults in the crowd carried posters of former Chechen leader Dzhokhar Dudayev -- who declared independence in 1991 -- and children , carrying photographs of him , called " Troops out ! "

<response> Adults in the crowd carried posters of former <misc>Chechen</misc> leader <person>Dzhokhar Dudayev</person> -- who declared independence in 1991 -- and children , carrying photographs of him , called " Troops out ! " </response>


Russian military officials have expressed fears that the rebels and their supporters will see the deal signed by Russian peace envoy Alexander Lebed in the early hours of Saturday as a military victory for the separatists .

<response> <misc>Russian</misc> military officials have expressed fears that the rebels and their supporters will see the deal signed by <misc>Russian</misc> peace envoy <person>Alexander Lebed</person> in the early hours of Saturday as a military victory for the separatists . </response>


It involves the withdrawal of Russian troops sent to Chechnya in December 1994 to crush the separatists and a postponement of the issue at the heart of the conflict -- the status of the mainly-Moslem North Caucasus region .

<response> It involves the withdrawal of <misc>Russian</misc> troops sent to <location>Chechnya</location> in December 1994 to crush the separatists and a postponement of the issue at the heart of the conflict -- the status of the <misc>mainly-Moslem</misc> <location>North Caucasus</location> region . </response>


<response> But the people in the crowd on Saturday , who had turned out in support of the rebels , did not seem sure that the war was over . </response>


<response> " We hope for the best , that it really has ended so we can live in peace . </response>


It 's our only dream , " said a 30-year-old woman , Mubatik Dagayeva .

<response> It 's our only dream , " said a 30-year-old woman , <person>Mubatik Dagayeva</person> . </response>


Aiza Dudayeva , with her 10-year-old son beside her , shared the guarded optimism . "

<response> <person>Aiza Dudayeva</person> , with her 10-year-old son beside her , shared the guarded optimism . " </response>


We really want the war to end , we hope and believe that our sons and brothers will win , " said Dudayeva , adding that she was from Urus-Martan .

<response> We really want the war to end , we hope and believe that our sons and brothers will win , " said <person>Dudayeva</person> , adding that she was from <location>Urus-Martan</location> . </response>


Urus-Martan is a traditionally anti-separatist pocket in Chechnya and Moscow-backed leader Doku Zavgayev , who has been sidelined in the peace deal , has warned that it and places like it could become centres of civil war if Russian troops leave .

<response> <location>Urus-Martan</location> is a traditionally anti-separatist pocket in <location>Chechnya</location> and <misc>Moscow-backed</misc> leader <person>Doku Zavgayev</person> , who has been sidelined in the peace deal , has warned that it and places like it could become centres of civil war if <misc>Russian</misc> troops leave . </response>


<response> But on Saturday the people gathered just outside the town seemed to be united in favour of the separatists . </response>


<response> Two columns of rebels appeared in jeeps and cars , firing their guns in the air , as the crowd rushed towards them . </response>


Mouldi Mamatuyev , in his late 20 's , dressed in black and carrying a machine gun , was welcomed by his mother and sister .

<response> <person>Mouldi Mamatuyev</person> , in his late 20 's , dressed in black and carrying a machine gun , was welcomed by his mother and sister . </response>


" Two sons have come back , " said his mother Nurbika Mamatuyeva . "

<response> " Two sons have come back , " said his mother <person>Nurbika Mamatuyeva</person> . " </response>


It 's the end .


We believe in God . "

<response> We believe in <person>God</person> . " </response>


Mamatuyev joked that his sister Lisa was a rebel too , and she responded by grabbing hold of his gun and shouting the Chechen war cry " Allahu Akhbar " ( God is Greatest ) and " Freedom for Chechnya ! "

<response> <person>Mamatuyev</person> joked that his sister <person>Lisa</person> was a rebel too , and she responded by grabbing hold of his gun and shouting the <misc>Chechen</misc> war cry " <person>Allahu Akhbar</person> " ( <person>God</person> is Greatest ) and " Freedom for <location>Chechnya</location> ! " </response>


The fighter , sitting next to a man dressed in green and carrying a grenade-launcher , said that the strict Islamic law adopted by the rebels during the conflict was now needed to impose peace .

<response> The fighter , sitting next to a man dressed in green and carrying a grenade-launcher , said that the strict <misc>Islamic</misc> law adopted by the rebels during the conflict was now needed to impose peace . </response>


<response> " The war has ended if everything works out , if there is law there will be power . </response>


Only Sheriat ( Islamic law ) can end the war . "

<response> Only <misc>Sheriat</misc> ( <misc>Islamic</misc> law ) can end the war . " </response>


Polish group to bid for Ruch newsstand chain - paper .

<response> <misc>Polish</misc> group to bid for <organization>Ruch</organization> newsstand chain - paper . </response>


WARSAW 1996-08-31

<response> <location>WARSAW</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


A Polish consortium including the Bank Rozwoju Exportu SA ( BRE ) plans to rival France 's Hachette in bidding for Polish state-owned press distribution chain Ruch SA , Zycie Warszawy daily said on Saturday .

<response> A <misc>Polish</misc> consortium including the <organization>Bank Rozwoju Exportu SA</organization> ( <organization>BRE</organization> ) plans to rival <location>France</location> 's <organization>Hachette</organization> in bidding for <misc>Polish</misc> state-owned press distribution chain <organization>Ruch SA</organization> , <organization>Zycie Warszawy</organization> daily said on Saturday . </response>


Zycie Warszawy said its own publisher , mineral water firm Multico , and a group headed by Polish businessman Zygmunt Solorz were forming a consortium which would offer about $ 120 million , with finance provided by BRE .

<response> <organization>Zycie Warszawy</organization> said its own publisher , mineral water firm <organization>Multico</organization> , and a group headed by <misc>Polish</misc> businessman <person>Zygmunt Solorz</person> were forming a consortium which would offer about $ 120 million , with finance provided by <organization>BRE</organization> . </response>


The consortium wanted 40 percent of Ruch 's shares , the state would get 20 percent of Ruch and 40 percent would be offered on the Warsaw stock exchange .

<response> The consortium wanted 40 percent of <organization>Ruch</organization> 's shares , the state would get 20 percent of <organization>Ruch</organization> and 40 percent would be offered on the <location>Warsaw</location> stock exchange . </response>


" This division would guarantee a dispersal of capital , preventing anyone from taking total control over Ruch and dictating market conditions , " the paper quoted one of the initiators of the move as saying , without giving a name .

<response> " This <misc>division</misc> would guarantee a dispersal of capital , preventing anyone from taking total control over <organization>Ruch</organization> and dictating market conditions , " the paper quoted one of the initiators of the move as saying , without giving a name . </response>


A consortium of press distributor Hachette and Polish publishers group UWP are seeking more than than 50 percent of Ruch and French President Jacques Chirac is likely to support its case when he visits Poland in September , the daily said .

<response> A consortium of press distributor <organization>Hachette</organization> and <misc>Polish</misc> publishers group <organization>UWP</organization> are seeking more than than 50 percent of <organization>Ruch</organization> and <misc>French</misc> President <person>Jacques Chirac</person> is likely to support its case when he visits <location>Poland</location> in September , the daily said . </response>


News-stand chain Ruch , which controls about 65 percent of Poland 's press distribution market , had a net profit of 16.2 million zlotys on sales of 2.7 billion zlotys in 1995 .

<response> News-stand chain <organization>Ruch</organization> , which controls about 65 percent of <location>Poland</location> 's press distribution market , had a net profit of 16.2 million zlotys on sales of 2.7 billion zlotys in 1995 . </response>


<response> It has about 17,000 news-stands and was the country 's sole press distributor before the 1989 fall of communism . </response>


Zycie Warszawy said the new , open consortium , which also included several listed Polish firms , would on Monday inform Privatisation Minister Wieslaw Kaczmarek of its plans .

<response> <organization>Zycie Warszawy</organization> said the new , open consortium , which also included several listed <misc>Polish</misc> firms , would on Monday inform Privatisation Minister <person>Wieslaw Kaczmarek</person> of its plans . </response>


It aims to invest $ 200 million in Ruch over five years -- more than the sum Ruch says it needs to upgrade its outlets .

<response> It aims to invest $ 200 million in <organization>Ruch</organization> over five years -- more than the sum <organization>Ruch</organization> says it needs to upgrade its outlets . </response>


Initially Poland offered up to 75 percent of Ruch but in March Kaczmarek cancelled the tender and offered a minority stake with an option to increase the equity .

<response> Initially <location>Poland</location> offered up to 75 percent of <organization>Ruch</organization> but in March <person>Kaczmarek</person> cancelled the tender and offered a minority stake with an option to increase the equity . </response>


Two consortia -- UWP-Hachette and a consortium of a Polish SPC group and Swiss firms -- placed initial bids .

<response> Two consortia -- <organization>UWP-Hachette</organization> and a consortium of a <misc>Polish</misc> <organization>SPC</organization> group and <misc>Swiss</misc> firms -- placed initial bids . </response>


But after the change of tender conditions Swiss investors pulled out and SPC decided to bid jointly with UWP-Hachette .

<response> But after the change of tender conditions <misc>Swiss</misc> investors pulled out and <organization>SPC</organization> decided to bid jointly with <organization>UWP-Hachette</organization> . </response>


Kaczmarek said in May he was unhappy that only one investor ended up bidding for Ruch , in which the government was initially offering up to 35 percent of shares with an option to extend the holding after investment promises are fulfilled .

<response> <person>Kaczmarek</person> said in May he was unhappy that only one investor ended up bidding for <organization>Ruch</organization> , in which the government was initially offering up to 35 percent of shares with an option to extend the holding after investment promises are fulfilled . </response>


-- Anthony Barker +48 22 653 9700

<response> -- <person>Anthony Barker</person> +48 22 653 9700 </response>


Three Russian soldiers killed in gun attack .

<response> Three <misc>Russian</misc> soldiers killed in gun attack . </response>


MOSCOW 1996-08-31

<response> <location>MOSCOW</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


Three Russian servicemen were killed on Saturday when unidentified gunmen attacked guards at an anti-aircraft installation outside Moscow , Interfax news agency said .

<response> Three <misc>Russian</misc> servicemen were killed on Saturday when unidentified gunmen attacked guards at an anti-aircraft installation outside <location>Moscow</location> , <organization>Interfax</organization> news agency said . </response>


It quoted military officials as saying the attack took place in Sergiyev Posad 70 km ( 45 miles ) from the capital .

<response> It quoted military officials as saying the attack took place in <location>Sergiyev Posad</location> 70 km ( 45 miles ) from the capital . </response>


The officials said the attackers had seized two Kalashnikov assault rifles and disappeared .

<response> The officials said the attackers had seized two <misc>Kalashnikov</misc> assault rifles and disappeared . </response>


Attacks on servicemen aimed at seizing their guns have become frequent in Russia where the number of violent crimes committed with the use of fire arms is growing .

<response> Attacks on servicemen aimed at seizing their guns have become frequent in <location>Russia</location> where the number of violent crimes committed with the use of fire arms is growing . </response>


Cuban novelist Jose Soler Puig dies at 79 .

<response> <misc>Cuban</misc> novelist <person>Jose Soler Puig</person> dies at 79 . </response>


HAVANA 1996-08-31

<response> <location>HAVANA</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


One of Cuba 's most acclaimed authors , Jose Soler Puig , died at the age of 79 , the official newspaper Granma reported on Saturday .

<response> One of <location>Cuba</location> 's most acclaimed authors , <person>Jose Soler Puig</person> , died at the age of 79 , the official newspaper <organization>Granma</organization> reported on Saturday . </response>


Puig 's first novel , " Bertillon 166 , " was published in 1960 , a year after the Cuban revolution brought President Fidel Castro to power .

<response> <person>Puig</person> 's first novel , " <misc>Bertillon 166</misc> , " was published in 1960 , a year after the <misc>Cuban</misc> revolution brought President <person>Fidel Castro</person> to power . </response>


The book , which has been translated into 40 languages , deals with a day in the life of Santiago de Cuba , Puig 's native city , under the pre-Castro government of Fulgencio Batista .

<response> The book , which has been translated into 40 languages , deals with a day in the life of <location>Santiago de Cuba</location> , <person>Puig</person> 's native city , under the <misc>pre-Castro</misc> government of <person>Fulgencio Batista</person> . </response>


The titles of his other novels translate as " In the Year of January " ( 1963 ) , " The Collapse " ( 1964 ) , " Sleeping Bread " ( 1975 ) , " The Decaying Mansion " ( 1977 ) and " A World of Things " ( 1982 ) , followed by " The Knot , " " Soul Alone " and , most recently , " A Woman . "

<response> The titles of his other novels translate as " <misc>In the Year of January</misc> " ( 1963 ) , " <misc>The Collapse</misc> " ( 1964 ) , " <misc>Sleeping Bread</misc> " ( 1975 ) , " <misc>The Decaying Mansion</misc> " ( 1977 ) and " <misc>A World of Things</misc> " ( 1982 ) , followed by " <misc>The Knot</misc> , " " <misc>Soul Alone</misc> " and , most recently , " <misc>A Woman</misc> . " </response>


Granma called " Sleeping Bread " Puig 's " greatest gift to the modern novel in our America . "

<response> <organization>Granma</organization> called " <misc>Sleeping Bread</misc> " <person>Puig</person> 's " greatest gift to the modern novel in our <location>America</location> . " </response>


<response> The author said in an interview shortly before his death that his own experiences had lent his books their strong sense of realism . " </response>


I 'm a thief of ideas , " he said . "

<response> I 'm a thief of ideas , " he said . " </response>


<response> The stories have been given to me by people . " </response>


In the same interview , published by Prensa Latina on Saturday , Puig was asked if he feared death . "

<response> In the same interview , published by <organization>Prensa Latina</organization> on Saturday , <person>Puig</person> was asked if he feared death . " </response>


<response> Death is not a punishment -- death is the end of life 's punishment , " he said . </response>


U.N. Ambassador Albright arrives in Chile .

<response> <organization>U.N.</organization> Ambassador <person>Albright</person> arrives in <location>Chile</location> . </response>


SANTIAGO 1996-08-31

<response> <person>SANTIAGO</person> 1996-08-31 </response>


The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations , Madeleine Albright , arrived in Chile late Friday for talks on various Security Council issues with Chilean officials as part of a five-nation Latin American tour .

<response> The <location>U.S.</location> ambassador to the <organization>United Nations</organization> , <person>Madeleine Albright</person> , arrived in <location>Chile</location> late Friday for talks on various <organization>Security Council</organization> issues with <misc>Chilean</misc> officials as part of a five-nation <misc>Latin American</misc> tour . </response>


Albright will meet Foreign Minister Jose Miguel Insulza Monday for talks on issues currently up for debate on the council , of which Chile is a non-permanent member , a U.S. embassy statement said .

<response> <person>Albright</person> will meet Foreign Minister <person>Jose Miguel Insulza</person> Monday for talks on issues currently up for debate on the council , of which <location>Chile</location> is a non-permanent member , a <location>U.S.</location> embassy statement said . </response>


The two will also discuss various issues affecting relations between the United States and Chile , local officials said .

<response> The two will also discuss various issues affecting relations between the <location>United States</location> and <location>Chile</location> , local officials said . </response>


Albright , who arrived from Uruguay , will rest most of the weekend in Chile , officials said .

<response> <person>Albright</person> , who arrived from <location>Uruguay</location> , will rest most of the weekend in <location>Chile</location> , officials said . </response>


Her official programme will begin on Monday , and she will leave that day for Bolivia to attend a Latin American summit meeting in the city of Cochabamba .

<response> Her official programme will begin on Monday , and she will leave that day for <location>Bolivia</location> to attend a <misc>Latin American</misc> summit meeting in the city of <location>Cochabamba</location> . </response>


Her tour will also include Honduras and Guatemala .

<response> Her tour will also include <location>Honduras</location> and <location>Guatemala</location> . </response>


Mexican army attacked in Michoacan state - report .

<response> <misc>Mexican</misc> army attacked in <location>Michoacan</location> state - report . </response>


MEXICO CITY 1996-08-30

<response> <location>MEXICO CITY</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


A group of heavily-armed men attacked a military convoy in the western Mexican state of Michoacan on Friday , killing one soldier and wounding two , radio reports said .

<response> A group of heavily-armed men attacked a military convoy in the western <misc>Mexican</misc> state of <location>Michoacan</location> on Friday , killing one soldier and wounding two , radio reports said . </response>


Radio Red quoted local police in the town of Tacambaro , Michoacan , 80 km ( 50 miles ) south of the state capital Morelia , as saying 40 to 50 armed men attacked the convoy .

<response> <organization>Radio Red</organization> quoted local police in the town of <location>Tacambaro</location> , <location>Michoacan</location> , 80 km ( 50 miles ) south of the state capital <location>Morelia</location> , as saying 40 to 50 armed men attacked the convoy . </response>


Gonzalo Montoya , a police commander in Tacambaro , told Radio Red the group was armed with AK-47s and other high-powered assault rifles and wore military-style fatigues .

<response> <person>Gonzalo Montoya</person> , a police commander in <location>Tacambaro</location> , told <organization>Radio Red</organization> the group was armed with <misc>AK-47s</misc> and other high-powered assault rifles and wore military-style fatigues . </response>


Montoya said he thought the attackers were criminals linked to drug trafficking or kidnapping in the area . "

<response> <person>Montoya</person> said he thought the attackers were criminals linked to drug trafficking or kidnapping in the area . " </response>


<response> We often see people dressed in military-style clothing here , " he said . </response>


The attack comes a day after rebels of the self-styled Popular Revolutionary Army ( EPR ) launched coordinated attacks in at least three Mexican states , killing up to 14 people and wounding about 20 .

<response> The attack comes a day after rebels of the self-styled <organization>Popular Revolutionary Army</organization> ( <organization>EPR</organization> ) launched coordinated attacks in at least three <misc>Mexican</misc> states , killing up to 14 people and wounding about 20 . </response>


China said to fear dissidents more than criminals .

<response> <location>China</location> said to fear dissidents more than criminals . </response>


MANILA 1996-08-31

<response> <location>MANILA</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


The detention of veteran dissident Wang Donghai showed China 's determination to crush any vestige of dissent during the current profound transitions in the nation 's leadership , a human rights activist said on Saturday .

<response> The detention of veteran dissident <person>Wang Donghai</person> showed <location>China</location> 's determination to crush any vestige of dissent during the current profound transitions in the nation 's leadership , a human rights activist said on Saturday . </response>


Xiao Qiang , executive director of the New York-based group Human Rights in China , said Wang 's arrest on Friday appeared to be part of the national " Strike Hard " campaign that has imprisoned thousands and sent hundreds to their death .

<response> <person>Xiao Qiang</person> , executive director of the <misc>New York-based</misc> group <organization>Human Rights in China</organization> , said <person>Wang</person> 's arrest on Friday appeared to be part of the national " <misc>Strike Hard</misc> " campaign that has imprisoned thousands and sent hundreds to their death . </response>


Although supposedly aimed at criminals , dozens of human rights activists have been detained in the campaign , which is meant to strengthen the Communist Party 's grip on power as senior leader Deng Xiaoping nears death , Xiao said in an interview .

<response> Although supposedly aimed at criminals , dozens of human rights activists have been detained in the campaign , which is meant to strengthen the <organization>Communist Party</organization> 's grip on power as senior leader <person>Deng Xiaoping</person> nears death , <person>Xiao</person> said in an interview . </response>


" China is going through this power transition period .

<response> " <location>China</location> is going through this power transition period . </response>


The authorities are apparently extremely afraid of any political and social discontent , " said Xiao , in Manila to attend an Amnesty International conference on human rights in China .

<response> The authorities are apparently extremely afraid of any political and social discontent , " said <person>Xiao</person> , in <location>Manila</location> to attend an <organization>Amnesty International</organization> conference on human rights in <location>China</location> . </response>


He said one of Wang 's apparent offences was to write a public letter in May suggesting that a free press and an independent judicial system were vital if the government really meant to stamp out rampant corruption .

<response> He said one of <person>Wang</person> 's apparent offences was to write a public letter in May suggesting that a free press and an independent judicial system were vital if the government really meant to stamp out rampant corruption . </response>


Xiao said crushing legitimate dissent was only making the problem worse and one day China would pay a high price .

<response> <person>Xiao</person> said crushing legitimate dissent was only making the problem worse and one day <location>China</location> would pay a high price . </response>


<response> " Those issues are not going to go away by repression . </response>


<response> You only make things more hidden but potentially more explosive , " he said . </response>


Wang was arrested in the east China city of Hangzhou by security officers who told the dissident 's family he would be sent to a study class -- a euphemism for coercive ideological reform .

<response> <person>Wang</person> was arrested in the east <location>China</location> city of <location>Hangzhou</location> by security officers who told the dissident 's family he would be sent to a study class -- a euphemism for coercive ideological reform . </response>


Wang , 45 , was sentenced last month to one year 's " re-education by labour " but was released because of ill-health .

<response> <person>Wang</person> , 45 , was sentenced last month to one year 's " re-education by labour " but was released because of ill-health . </response>


Xiao said conditions in the labour camp were so brutal they drove another activist sentenced with Wang to attempt suicide .

<response> <person>Xiao</person> said conditions in the labour camp were so brutal they drove another activist sentenced with <person>Wang</person> to attempt suicide . </response>


Police beat Wang and his colleague , Chen Longde , and encouraged other camp inmates to attack them as well , Xiao said .

<response> Police beat <person>Wang</person> and his colleague , <person>Chen Longde</person> , and encouraged other camp inmates to attack them as well , <person>Xiao</person> said . </response>


Manila hails Indonesia , OIC for peace deal support .

<response> <location>Manila</location> hails <location>Indonesia</location> , <organization>OIC</organization> for peace deal support . </response>


MANILA 1996-08-31


Philippine president Fidel Ramos expressed gratitude to Indonesian president Suharto and the Organisation of Islamic Conference ( OIC ) on Saturday for supporting talks that ended a conflict with local Moslem rebels .

<response> <location>Philippine</location> president <person>Fidel Ramos</person> expressed gratitude to <misc>Indonesian</misc> president <person>Suharto</person> and the <organization>Organisation of Islamic Conference</organization> ( <organization>OIC</organization> ) on Saturday for supporting talks that ended a conflict with local <misc>Moslem</misc> rebels . </response>


" I extend the deepest gratitude ... to your excellency for your untiring and invaluable friendship and support , " Ramos told Suharto in a letter .

<response> " I extend the deepest gratitude ... to your excellency for your untiring and invaluable friendship and support , " <person>Ramos</person> told <person>Suharto</person> in a letter . </response>


<response> The full text of the letter was released to reporters on Saturday . </response>


Jakarta served as the host to the series of negotiations which culminated in the initialling of the agreement last Friday .

<response> <location>Jakarta</location> served as the host to the series of negotiations which culminated in the initialling of the agreement last Friday . </response>


The formal signing of the peace agreement is scheduled on Monday in Manila .

<response> The formal signing of the peace agreement is scheduled on Monday in <location>Manila</location> . </response>


Ramos said the peace agreement " shall bring down the curtain on a long and storied era of strife in Philippine history . "

<response> <person>Ramos</person> said the peace agreement " shall bring down the curtain on a long and storied era of strife in <location>Philippine</location> history . " </response>


The war claimed more than 125,000 lives in the southern Mindanao island over a quarter of a century .

<response> The war claimed more than 125,000 lives in the southern <location>Mindanao</location> island over a quarter of a century . </response>


Burma 's Suu Kyi says military rulers abuse law .

<response> <location>Burma</location> 's <person>Suu Kyi</person> says military rulers abuse law . </response>


Deborah Charles

<response> <person>Deborah Charles</person> </response>


RANGOON 1996-08-31

<response> <location>RANGOON</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


Burma 's democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi hit out at the government on Saturday for recent arrests and jailing of activists , saying the military abused the law to try to crush the democracy movement .

<response> <location>Burma</location> 's democracy leader <person>Aung San Suu Kyi</person> hit out at the government on Saturday for recent arrests and jailing of activists , saying the military abused the law to try to crush the democracy movement . </response>


" The main purpose of this press conference is to make it known to the world that the authorities are misusing the law all the time in order to try to crush the democracy movement , " Suu Kyi told reporters at her Rangoon home .

<response> " The main purpose of this press conference is to make it known to the world that the authorities are misusing the law all the time in order to try to crush the democracy movement , " <person>Suu Kyi</person> told reporters at her <location>Rangoon</location> home . </response>


Suu Kyi said at least 61 democracy supporters had been arrested since May , and about 30 of them had been sentenced , most to long prison terms .

<response> <person>Suu Kyi</person> said at least 61 democracy supporters had been arrested since May , and about 30 of them had been sentenced , most to long prison terms . </response>


In May the government launched a sweeping crackdown on the democracy movement , detaining over 260 members of Suu Kyi 's National League for Democracy ( NLD ) ahead of a party congress .

<response> In May the government launched a sweeping crackdown on the democracy movement , detaining over 260 members of <person>Suu Kyi</person> 's <organization>National League for Democracy</organization> ( <organization>NLD</organization> ) ahead of a party congress . </response>


<response> Most were released but several dozen remain in custody . </response>


The Burmese government last week confirmed the recent sentencing of nine democracy activists who were arrested in the May crackdown , including Suu Kyi 's assistant Win Htein .

<response> The <misc>Burmese</misc> government last week confirmed the recent sentencing of nine democracy activists who were arrested in the May crackdown , including <person>Suu Kyi</person> 's assistant <person>Win Htein</person> . </response>


<response> The military government , which in May said it had detained the politicians to prevent anarchy , said the activists were charged with attempting to destroy the peace and stability of the state . </response>


But Suu Kyi disagreed with the methods , saying officials often arrested NLD supporters in the middle of the night , then did not give them the opportunity to defend themselves in trials .

<response> But <person>Suu Kyi</person> disagreed with the methods , saying officials often arrested <organization>NLD</organization> supporters in the middle of the night , then did not give them the opportunity to defend themselves in trials . </response>


<response> " When our people are tried , they are tried in a very secretive way . </response>


<response> Their families are not told , " she said . </response>


Suu Kyi , who spearheads a campaign for sanctions on Burma 's government , was under house arrest for six years without being tried before being released in July 1995 .

<response> <person>Suu Kyi</person> , who spearheads a campaign for sanctions on <location>Burma</location> 's government , was under house arrest for six years without being tried before being released in July 1995 . </response>


Several other leading members of the NLD have served prison terms .

<response> Several other leading members of the <organization>NLD</organization> have served prison terms . </response>


The NLD party won a landslide victory in a 1990 election but the State Law and Order Restoration Council ( SLORC ) , which assumed power in 1988 after crushing pro-democracy demonstrations , never recognised the poll .

<response> The <organization>NLD</organization> party won a landslide victory in a 1990 election but the <organization>State Law and Order Restoration Council</organization> ( <organization>SLORC</organization> ) , which assumed power in 1988 after crushing pro-democracy demonstrations , never recognised the poll . </response>


<response> " This lack of rule of law is an indication that the authorities are not interested in fair play , " she said . " </response>


<response> They are using a travesty of the law to try and crush our movements and to sentence our people to long terms in prison without proper trial . " </response>


Suu Kyi said once the activists were sentenced , they suffered inhuman conditions and lack of rights in prison .

<response> <person>Suu Kyi</person> said once the activists were sentenced , they suffered inhuman conditions and lack of rights in prison . </response>


<response> " Almost all of the prisoners start suffering from various health problems after a couple of years in jail , " she said . " </response>


<response> Some of our people have been in prison for five to six years . " </response>


Most political prisoners are held in Rangoon 's Insein Prison .

<response> Most political prisoners are held in <location>Rangoon</location> 's <location>Insein Prison</location> . </response>


<response> Some who have been released have recounted torture methods like sleep and food deprivation and physical abuse . </response>


" If there are any more instances of death in custody it will be further proof that a prison sentence for political prisoners is sometimes almost the same as a death sentence , " Suu Kyi said .

<response> " If there are any more instances of death in custody it will be further proof that a prison sentence for political prisoners is sometimes almost the same as a death sentence , " <person>Suu Kyi</person> said . </response>


Hla Than , an elected member of parliament for the NLD , died in early August after being at Insein for six years .

<response> <person>Hla Than</person> , an elected member of parliament for the <organization>NLD</organization> , died in early August after being at <location>Insein</location> for six years . </response>


His death came five weeks after James Leander ( Leo ) Nichols , a close friend of Suu Kyi and Danish honorary consul , died while serving a prison term at Insein .

<response> His death came five weeks after <person>James Leander ( Leo ) Nichols</person> , a close friend of <person>Suu Kyi</person> and <misc>Danish</misc> honorary consul , died while serving a prison term at <location>Insein</location> . </response>


Suu Kyi said the government had increased its repression tactics on the democracy movement because it feared the growing popularity of the movement .

<response> <person>Suu Kyi</person> said the government had increased its repression tactics on the democracy movement because it feared the growing popularity of the movement . </response>


But she said she and the NLD would not stop their efforts to bring democracy to Burma even if it meant more arrests of party members or even herself .

<response> But she said she and the <organization>NLD</organization> would not stop their efforts to bring democracy to <location>Burma</location> even if it meant more arrests of party members or even herself . </response>


" We will carry on .

<response> " We will carry on . </response>


Nobody is free from arrest in Burma . "

<response> Nobody is free from arrest in <location>Burma</location> . " </response>


Dow Chemical in China ethylene venture .

<response> <organization>Dow Chemical</organization> in <location>China</location> ethylene venture . </response>


BEIJING 1996-08-31

<response> <location>BEIJING</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


The Dow Chemical Co of the United States will invest $ 4 billion to build an ethylene plant in Tianjin city in northern China , the China Daily said on Saturday .

<response> The <organization>Dow Chemical Co</organization> of the <location>United States</location> will invest $ 4 billion to build an ethylene plant in <location>Tianjin</location> city in northern <location>China</location> , the <organization>China Daily</organization> said on Saturday . </response>


<response> The plant will have annual production of 400,000 tonnes , the newspaper said . </response>


<response> It gave no further details of the venture . </response>


Tianjin boasts a range of infrastructure facilities , attracting several multinational oil companies to invest in recent years .

<response> <location>Tianjin</location> boasts a range of infrastructure facilities , attracting several multinational oil companies to invest in recent years . </response>


Caltex Petroleum Corp plans to build a lubricants blender in a bonded zone in Tianjin , the newspaper said .

<response> <organization>Caltex Petroleum Corp</organization> plans to build a lubricants blender in a bonded zone in <location>Tianjin</location> , the newspaper said . </response>


Multinational firms including Mobil , Shell and Caltex , were also attracted to Tianjin due to China 's rising demand for lube and oil-based products , the newspaper said .

<response> Multinational firms including <organization>Mobil</organization> , <organization>Shell</organization> and <organization>Caltex</organization> , were also attracted to <location>Tianjin</location> due to <location>China</location> 's rising demand for lube and oil-based products , the newspaper said . </response>


It gave no further details .

<response> It gave no further details . </response>


N. Korea urges S. Korea to return war veteran .

<response> <location>N. Korea</location> urges <location>S. Korea</location> to return war veteran . </response>


SEOUL 1996-08-31

<response> <location>SEOUL</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


North Korea demanded on Saturday that South Korea return a northern war veteran who has been in the South since the 1950-53 war , Seoul 's unification ministry said .

<response> <location>North Korea</location> demanded on Saturday that <location>South Korea</location> return a northern war veteran who has been in the <location>South</location> since the 1950-53 war , <location>Seoul</location> 's unification ministry said . </response>


" ...I request the immediate repatriation of Kim In-so to North Korea where his family is waiting , " North Korean Red Cross president Li Song-ho said in a telephone message to his southern couterpart , Kang Young-hoon .

<response> " ...I request the immediate repatriation of <person>Kim In-so</person> to <location>North Korea</location> where his family is waiting , " <organization>North Korean Red Cross</organization> president <person>Li Song-ho</person> said in a telephone message to his southern couterpart , <person>Kang Young-hoon</person> . </response>


Li said Kim had been critically ill with a cerebral haemorrhage .

<response> <person>Li</person> said <person>Kim</person> had been critically ill with a cerebral haemorrhage . </response>


The message was distributed to the press by the South Korean unification ministry .

<response> The message was distributed to the press by the <misc>South Korean</misc> unification ministry . </response>


Kim , an unrepentant communist , was captured during the Korean War and released after spending more than 30 years in a southern jail .

<response> <person>Kim</person> , an unrepentant communist , was captured during the <misc>Korean</misc> War and released after spending more than 30 years in a southern jail . </response>


He submitted a petition to the International Red Cross in 1993 asking for his repatriation .

<response> He submitted a petition to the <organization>International Red Cross</organization> in 1993 asking for his repatriation . </response>


The domestic Yonhap news agency said the South Korean government would consider the northern demand only if the North accepted Seoul 's requests , which include regular reunions of families split by the Korean War .

<response> The domestic <organization>Yonhap</organization> news agency said the <misc>South Korean</misc> government would consider the northern demand only if the <location>North</location> accepted <location>Seoul</location> 's requests , which include regular reunions of families split by the <misc>Korean</misc> War . </response>


<response> Government officials were not available to comment . </response>


South Korea in 1993 unconditionally repatriated Li In-mo , a nothern partisan seized by the South during the war and jailed for more than three decades .

<response> <location>South Korea</location> in 1993 unconditionally repatriated <person>Li In-mo</person> , a nothern partisan seized by the <location>South</location> during the war and jailed for more than three decades . </response>


Chinese police hold veteran dissident .

<response> <misc>Chinese</misc> police hold veteran dissident . </response>


BEIJING 1996-08-31

<response> <location>BEIJING</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


Chinese police have detained veteran dissident Wang Donghai , the New York-based pressure group Human Rights in China said on Saturday .

<response> <misc>Chinese</misc> police have detained veteran dissident <person>Wang Donghai</person> , the <misc>New York-based</misc> pressure group <organization>Human Rights in China</organization> said on Saturday . </response>


Police in Hangzhou , capital of the eastern province of Zhejiang , told Wang 's family that Wang would be sent to a study class , a euphemism for coercive ideological reform , the group said .

<response> Police in <location>Hangzhou</location> , capital of the eastern province of <location>Zhejiang</location> , told <person>Wang</person> 's family that <person>Wang</person> would be sent to a study class , a euphemism for coercive ideological reform , the group said . </response>


Police gave no reason for detaining Wang on Friday and would not let his family meet him or say where he was being held , the group said .

<response> Police gave no reason for detaining <person>Wang</person> on Friday and would not let his family meet him or say where he was being held , the group said . </response>


Police also would not say why Wang was being sent to a study class -- a holdover from the chaotic 1966-76 Cultural Revolution -- or say when he would be released , the group said .

<response> Police also would not say why <person>Wang</person> was being sent to a study class -- a holdover from the chaotic <misc>1966-76 Cultural Revolution</misc> -- or say when he would be released , the group said . </response>


Wang 's family and Hangzhou police could not be reached for immediate comment .

<response> <person>Wang</person> 's family and <location>Hangzhou</location> police could not be reached for immediate comment . </response>


The group demanded Wang 's release and said his detention was a dangerous signal China was returning to its Cultural Revolution days .

<response> The group demanded <person>Wang</person> 's release and said his detention was a dangerous signal <location>China</location> was returning to its <misc>Cultural Revolution</misc> days . </response>


Last month , Wang , 45 , a veteran dissident of the 1979 Democracy Wall movement , was ordered to serve one year of " re-education through labour " , but released because of poor health .

<response> Last month , <person>Wang</person> , 45 , a veteran dissident of the 1979 <organization>Democracy Wall</organization> movement , was ordered to serve one year of " re-education through labour " , but released because of poor health . </response>


<response> Re-education through labour is an administrative punishment with a maximum of three years that can be imposed by police without recourse to prosecutors or the courts . </response>


Wang was jailed for two years for organising street protests after the military crushed pro-democracy demonstrations by students at Beijing 's Tiananmen Square on June 4 , 1989 , with heavy loss of life .

<response> <person>Wang</person> was jailed for two years for organising street protests after the military crushed pro-democracy demonstrations by students at <location>Beijing</location> 's <location>Tiananmen Square</location> on June 4 , 1989 , with heavy loss of life . </response>


Chinese authorities appeared to be using administrative punishment more frequently to take dissidents out of circulation without having to go through a more complicated judicial process to impose criminal sentences , Western diplomats have said .

<response> <misc>Chinese</misc> authorities appeared to be using administrative punishment more frequently to take dissidents out of circulation without having to go through a more complicated judicial process to impose criminal sentences , <misc>Western</misc> diplomats have said . </response>


China police detains dissident Wang Donghai .

<response> <location>China</location> police detains dissident <person>Wang Donghai</person> . </response>


BEIJING 1996-08-31


Chinese police have detained dissident Wang Donghai , the New York-based pressure group Human Rights in China said on Saturday .

<response> <misc>Chinese</misc> police have detained dissident <person>Wang Donghai</person> , the <misc>New York-based</misc> pressure group <organization>Human Rights in China</organization> said on Saturday . </response>


Police detained Wang on Friday and would not let his family meet him or say where he was being held , the group said .

<response> Police detained <person>Wang</person> on Friday and would not let his family meet him or say where he was being held , the group said . </response>


The pressure group said Wang would be sent to a study class , often a euphemism in China for ideological reform .

<response> The pressure group said <person>Wang</person> would be sent to a study class , often a euphemism in <location>China</location> for ideological reform . </response>


Wang 's family could not immediately be reached for comment .

<response> <person>Wang</person> 's family could not immediately be reached for comment . </response>


Wang was jailed for two years for organising street protests after the military brutally crushed pro-democracy demonstrations by students at Beijing 's Tiananmen Square on June 4 , 1989 , with heavy loss of life .

<response> <person>Wang</person> was jailed for two years for organising street protests after the military brutally crushed pro-democracy demonstrations by students at <location>Beijing</location> 's <location>Tiananmen Square</location> on June 4 , 1989 , with heavy loss of life . </response>


Hong Kong jails 88-year-old drug trafficker .

<response> <location>Hong Kong</location> jails 88-year-old drug trafficker . </response>


HONG KONG 1996-08-31

<response> <location>HONG KONG</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


An 88-year-old army veteran was jailed for 15 years by a Hong Kong court for drugs trafficking after he admitted he had stashed heroin under his mattress , a newspaper said on Saturday .

<response> An 88-year-old army veteran was jailed for 15 years by a <location>Hong Kong</location> court for drugs trafficking after he admitted he had stashed heroin under his mattress , a newspaper said on Saturday . </response>


" I am sorry to my ancestors for five generations , " Chen Chun-yeh told the High Court after sentencing on Friday , the Hong Kong Standard said . "

<response> " I am sorry to my ancestors for five generations , " <person>Chen Chun-yeh</person> told the <organization>High Court</organization> after sentencing on Friday , the <organization>Hong Kong Standard</organization> said . " </response>


<response> Tell my sons to collect my bones , " he said after hearing he was likely to die behind bars . </response>


Chen , a former army secretary of the Chinese Nationalist regime which fled from mainland China to Taiwan in 1949 , pleaded guilty to trafficking 42 kg ( 92 pounds ) of drugs that could have been turned into 25 kg ( 55 pounds ) of heroin .

<response> <person>Chen</person> , a former army secretary of the <misc>Chinese</misc> Nationalist regime which fled from mainland <location>China</location> to <location>Taiwan</location> in 1949 , pleaded guilty to trafficking 42 kg ( 92 pounds ) of drugs that could have been turned into 25 kg ( 55 pounds ) of heroin . </response>


<response> The ex-officer admitted stashing heroin under his mattress . </response>


China cities to ban disposable plastic containers .

<response> <location>China</location> cities to ban disposable plastic containers . </response>


BEIJING 1996-08-31

<response> <location>BEIJING</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


Two Chinese cities are to ban the use of disposable plastic containers as part of efforts to fight pollution , the China Daily said on Saturday .

<response> Two <misc>Chinese</misc> cities are to ban the use of disposable plastic containers as part of efforts to fight pollution , the <organization>China Daily</organization> said on Saturday . </response>


Authorities in Wuhan , capital of the central province of Hubei , would punish those who sell or use disposable plastic containers from September 1 , the newspaper said .

<response> Authorities in <location>Wuhan</location> , capital of the central province of <location>Hubei</location> , would punish those who sell or use disposable plastic containers from September 1 , the newspaper said . </response>


It did not elaborate .

<response> It did not elaborate . </response>


<response> The city 's industrial and commercial departments would confiscate disposable plastic containers and police would prevent new ones from entering the city , it said . </response>


Wuhan consumes more than 200 million disposable plastic containers a year , the newspaper said .

<response> <location>Wuhan</location> consumes more than 200 million disposable plastic containers a year , the newspaper said . </response>


The boomtown of Guangzhou , capital of the southern province of Guangdong , would ban disposable plastic containers by the end of 1996 , it said .

<response> The boomtown of <location>Guangzhou</location> , capital of the southern province of <location>Guangdong</location> , would ban disposable plastic containers by the end of 1996 , it said . </response>


Guangzhou uses up 500,000 such containers each day , the newspaper said .

<response> <location>Guangzhou</location> uses up 500,000 such containers each day , the newspaper said . </response>


It gave no further details .

<response> It gave no further details . </response>


Iraqi Kurds say Iranian troops enter north Iraq .

<response> <misc>Iraqi Kurds</misc> say <misc>Iranian</misc> troops enter north <location>Iraq</location> . </response>


ISTANBUL 1996-08-31

<response> <location>ISTANBUL</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


Iranian troops on Saturday entered Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq in the wake of an assault backed by Baghdad into the region , an Iraqi Kurdish group told Reuters .

<response> <misc>Iranian</misc> troops on Saturday entered <misc>Kurdish-controlled</misc> northern <location>Iraq</location> in the wake of an assault backed by <location>Baghdad</location> into the region , an <misc>Iraqi Kurdish</misc> group told <organization>Reuters</organization> . </response>


" They entered this morning .

<response> " They entered this morning . </response>


<response> They have occupied the area to the depth of 40 km ( 25 miles ) . </response>


They have established a headquarters in Chuman , " Faik Nerweyi of the Kurdistan Democratic Party ( KDP ) told Reuters by telephone from Ankara .

<response> They have established a headquarters in <location>Chuman</location> , " <person>Faik Nerweyi</person> of the <organization>Kurdistan Democratic Party</organization> ( <organization>KDP</organization> ) told <organization>Reuters</organization> by telephone from <location>Ankara</location> . </response>


Nerweyi said he did not know the size or nature of the Iranian force in northern Iraq , but said KDP fighters had been easily outgunned in the area close to the Iranian border and had quickly withdrawn further west .

<response> <person>Nerweyi</person> said he did not know the size or nature of the <misc>Iranian</misc> force in northern <location>Iraq</location> , but said <organization>KDP</organization> fighters had been easily outgunned in the area close to the <misc>Iranian</misc> border and had quickly withdrawn further west . </response>


<response> " They were far too strong , " he said . </response>


Nerweyi said he did not know if there were any casualties .

<response> <person>Nerweyi</person> said he did not know if there were any casualties . </response>


A U.N. official in Baghdad said the KDP , backed by Iraqi tanks , heavy artillery and helicopters had taken control of the main northern Iraqi city of Arbil after fighting on Saturday .

<response> A <organization>U.N.</organization> official in <location>Baghdad</location> said the <organization>KDP</organization> , backed by <misc>Iraqi</misc> tanks , heavy artillery and helicopters had taken control of the main northern <misc>Iraqi</misc> city of <location>Arbil</location> after fighting on Saturday . </response>


U.S. President Bill Clinton has authorised the repositioning of U.S. firepower in the Gulf region in response to the Iraqi attacks .

<response> <location>U.S.</location> President <person>Bill Clinton</person> has authorised the repositioning of <location>U.S.</location> firepower in the <location>Gulf</location> region in response to the <misc>Iraqi</misc> attacks . </response>


The KDP charges that the rival Patriotic Union of Kurdistan , which took control of Arbil in fighting in December 1994 , has backing from Iran .

<response> The <organization>KDP</organization> charges that the rival <organization>Patriotic Union of Kurdistan</organization> , which took control of <location>Arbil</location> in fighting in December 1994 , has backing from <location>Iran</location> . </response>


The PUK accuses the KDP of collaborating with Baghdad .

<response> The <organization>PUK</organization> accuses the <organization>KDP</organization> of collaborating with <location>Baghdad</location> . </response>


Northern Iraq has been under Iraqi Kurdish control since after the 1991 Gulf War .

<response> Northern <location>Iraq</location> has been under <misc>Iraqi Kurdish</misc> control since after the 1991 <misc>Gulf War</misc> . </response>


U.S.-led allied planes based in Turkey are intended to protect the Kurds from Baghdad .

<response> <misc>U.S.-led</misc> allied planes based in <location>Turkey</location> are intended to protect the <misc>Kurds</misc> from <location>Baghdad</location> . </response>


Ceasefire monitors to meet in south Lebanon .

<response> Ceasefire monitors to meet in south <location>Lebanon</location> . </response>


JERUSALEM 1996-08-31

<response> <location>JERUSALEM</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


A committee monitoring the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hizbollah guerrillas will meet in south Lebanon on Sunday to discuss an Israeli complaint against the Islamic group , the Israeli army said .

<response> A committee monitoring the ceasefire agreement between <location>Israel</location> and <organization>Hizbollah</organization> guerrillas will meet in south <location>Lebanon</location> on Sunday to discuss an <misc>Israeli</misc> complaint against the <misc>Islamic</misc> group , the <misc>Israeli</misc> army said . </response>


Representatives of the five nations making up the committee -- Israel , Lebanon , Syria , France and the United States -- will meet at 11 a.m. ( 0800 GMT ) in Naqoura , the coastal headquarters of the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon ( UNIFIL ) .

<response> Representatives of the five nations making up the committee -- <location>Israel</location> , <location>Lebanon</location> , <location>Syria</location> , <location>France</location> and the <location>United States</location> -- will meet at 11 a.m. ( 0800 <misc>GMT</misc> ) in <location>Naqoura</location> , the coastal headquarters of the <organization>U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon</organization> ( <organization>UNIFIL</organization> ) . </response>


" The committee will meet following a complaint by Israel over an incident in which two Lebanese residents were injured by Hizbollah fire in the Sikhin village ...

<response> " The committee will meet following a complaint by <location>Israel</location> over an incident in which two <misc>Lebanese</misc> residents were injured by <organization>Hizbollah</organization> fire in the <location>Sikhin</location> village ... </response>


on August 29 , " an Israeli army spokeswoman said on Saturday .

<response> on August 29 , " an <misc>Israeli</misc> army spokeswoman said on Saturday . </response>


The monitoring committee was set up to deal with violations of an April 25 ceasefire understanding that ended 17 days of fighting between Israel and the guerrillas .

<response> The monitoring committee was set up to deal with violations of an April 25 ceasefire understanding that ended 17 days of fighting between <location>Israel</location> and the guerrillas . </response>


The understandings forbid firing from or at civilian targest but do not rule out guerrilla attacks on Israeli troops and their local militia allies in south Lebanon .

<response> The understandings forbid firing from or at civilian targest but do not rule out guerrilla attacks on <misc>Israeli</misc> troops and their local militia allies in south <location>Lebanon</location> . </response>


Around 1,000 Israeli troops patrol a 15 km ( nine-mile ) south Lebanon occupation zone which the Jewish state carved out in 1985 to prevent attacks on its northern bordder .

<response> Around 1,000 <misc>Israeli</misc> troops patrol a 15 km ( nine-mile ) south <location>Lebanon</location> occupation zone which the <misc>Jewish</misc> state carved out in 1985 to prevent attacks on its northern bordder . </response>


Hizbollah ( Party of God ) gunmen have waged a guerrilla war to oust Israel from the area .

<response> <organization>Hizbollah</organization> ( <organization>Party of God</organization> ) gunmen have waged a guerrilla war to oust <location>Israel</location> from the area . </response>


KPD confirms Iraqi military aid-U.N. official .

<response> <organization>KPD</organization> confirms <misc>Iraqi</misc> military <misc>aid-U.N.</misc> official . </response>


BAGHDAD 1996-08-31

<response> <location>BAGHDAD</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


Kurdistan Democratic Party ( KDP ) of Massoud Barzani said that it was being backed by Iraqi heavy armour and artillery in a battle with rival Kurds for the city of Arbil , a senior U.N. official in Baghdad said .

<response> <organization>Kurdistan Democratic Party</organization> ( <organization>KDP</organization> ) of <person>Massoud Barzani</person> said that it was being backed by <misc>Iraqi</misc> heavy armour and artillery in a battle with rival <misc>Kurds</misc> for the city of <location>Arbil</location> , a senior <organization>U.N.</organization> official in <location>Baghdad</location> said . </response>


" They have confirmed to us that Iraqi troops are taking part in the attack on Arbil ...

<response> " They have confirmed to us that <misc>Iraqi</misc> troops are taking part in the attack on <location>Arbil</location> ... </response>


We got the information from KDP leaders in KDP headquarters in Saladdin , " the official , who asked not to be identified , told Reuters .

<response> We got the information from <organization>KDP</organization> leaders in <organization>KDP</organization> headquarters in <location>Saladdin</location> , " the official , who asked not to be identified , told <organization>Reuters</organization> . </response>


Fire destroys restaurant in Bahraini village .

<response> Fire destroys restaurant in <location>Bahraini</location> village . </response>


MANAMA 1996-08-31

<response> <location>MANAMA</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


A fire has completely gutted a Turkish-operated restaurant in a Bahraini village , residents said .

<response> A fire has completely gutted a Turkish-operated restaurant in a <location>Bahraini</location> village , residents said . </response>


They said a fire broke out at Shul'ala restaurant in the early hours on Saturday in al-Daih village , five km ( three miles ) west of the capital Manama .

<response> They said a fire broke out at <location>Shul'ala</location> restaurant in the early hours on Saturday in <location>al-Daih</location> village , five km ( three miles ) west of the capital <location>Manama</location> . </response>


<response> It was not immediately clear what caused the fire or if there were any casualties . </response>


<response> Government officials had no immediate comment . </response>


Iraq 's Aziz says Baghdad aiding KDP against rivals .

<response> <location>Iraq</location> 's <person>Aziz</person> says <location>Baghdad</location> aiding <organization>KDP</organization> against rivals . </response>


BAGHDAD 1996-08-31


Iraq 's Deputy Prime Minister Tareq Aziz said on Saturday Iraqi troops were fighting in northern Iraq to aid Kurdish rebel leader Massoud Barzani against rival forces .

<response> <location>Iraq</location> 's Deputy Prime Minister <person>Tareq Aziz</person> said on Saturday <misc>Iraqi</misc> troops were fighting in northern <location>Iraq</location> to aid <misc>Kurdish</misc> rebel leader <person>Massoud Barzani</person> against rival forces . </response>


" The leadership has decided to provide support and military aid to Mr Massoud Barzani and his comrades to enable them confront the vicious aggression ...

<response> " The leadership has decided to provide support and military aid to Mr <person>Massoud Barzani</person> and his comrades to enable them confront the vicious aggression ... </response>


from ( Patriotic Union of Kurdistan chief ) Jalal Talabani , " Aziz said in a statement carried by the official Iraqi News Agency ( INA ) .

<response> from ( <organization>Patriotic Union of Kurdistan</organization> chief ) <person>Jalal Talabani</person> , " <person>Aziz</person> said in a statement carried by the official <organization>Iraqi News Agency</organization> ( <organization>INA</organization> ) . </response>


Aziz said Iraq 's military intervention , the first on such scale since the U.S. and allies decided to protect Iraqi Kurds against Baghdad , was in response to a plea from Barzani to President Saddam Hussein to back him militarily and save his people from attacks by Iran and Talabani .

<response> <person>Aziz</person> said <location>Iraq</location> 's military intervention , the first on such scale since the <location>U.S.</location> and allies decided to protect <misc>Iraqi Kurds</misc> against <location>Baghdad</location> , was in response to a plea from <person>Barzani</person> to President <person>Saddam Hussein</person> to back him militarily and save his people from attacks by <location>Iran</location> and <person>Talabani</person> . </response>


He said Barzani sent a message to Saddam on August 22 in which he said : " The conspiracy is beyond our capability therefore we plead with your excellency to order Iraqi armed forces to interfere to help us to evade the foreign threat and put an end to Talabani 's treason and conspiracy . "

<response> He said <person>Barzani</person> sent a message to <person>Saddam</person> on August 22 in which he said : " The conspiracy is beyond our capability therefore we plead with your excellency to order <misc>Iraqi</misc> armed forces to interfere to help us to evade the foreign threat and put an end to <person>Talabani</person> 's treason and conspiracy . " </response>


U.N. relief officials said they were not aware that the tanks advancing on Arbil were manned by Iraqi troops as they advanced from KDP-controlled areas and raised KDP flags .

<response> <organization>U.N.</organization> relief officials said they were not aware that the tanks advancing on <location>Arbil</location> were manned by <misc>Iraqi</misc> troops as they advanced from KDP-controlled areas and raised <organization>KDP</organization> flags . </response>


U.N. denies reports of Iraqi tank assault on Arbil .

<response> <organization>U.N.</organization> denies reports of <misc>Iraqi</misc> tank assault on <location>Arbil</location> . </response>


BAGHDAD 1996-08-31

<response> <location>BAGHDAD</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


United Nations relief officials said on Saturday the fighting in Arbil in northern Iraq was between rival Kurdish factions and they were not aware of any Iraqi military advance on the city .

<response> <organization>United Nations</organization> relief officials said on Saturday the fighting in <location>Arbil</location> in northern <location>Iraq</location> was between rival <misc>Kurdish</misc> factions and they were not aware of any <misc>Iraqi</misc> military advance on the city . </response>


" KDP ( Kurdistan Democratic Party ) is trying to overtake the city .

<response> " <organization>KDP</organization> ( <organization>Kurdistan Democratic Party</organization> ) is trying to overtake the city . </response>


They are using tanks .

<response> They are using tanks . </response>


I think they will succeed .

<response> I think they will succeed . </response>


We have in no way seen any Iraqi troops in the city or in its approaches , " a U.N. relief official told Reuters .

<response> We have in no way seen any <misc>Iraqi</misc> troops in the city or in its approaches , " a <organization>U.N.</organization> relief official told <organization>Reuters</organization> . </response>


PRESS DIGEST - Tunisia - Aug 31 .

<response> PRESS DIGEST - <location>Tunisia</location> - Aug 31 . </response>


TUNIS 1996-08-31

<response> <location>TUNIS</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


These are the leading stories in the Tunisian press on Saturday .

<response> These are the leading stories in the <misc>Tunisian</misc> press on Saturday . </response>


Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy .

<response> <organization>Reuters</organization> has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy . </response>


LA PRESSE

<response> <organization>LA PRESSE</organization> </response>


- After Tunisia called on France to respect Tunisian immigrants ' dignity , France says it welcomes legal Tunisian residents .

<response> - After <location>Tunisia</location> called on <location>France</location> to respect <misc>Tunisian</misc> immigrants ' dignity , <location>France</location> says it welcomes legal <misc>Tunisian</misc> residents . </response>


- Tunisia 's exports of spare parts amounted to 220 million dinars in 1995 .

<response> - <location>Tunisia</location> 's exports of spare parts amounted to 220 million dinars in 1995 . </response>


LE TEMPS

<response> <organization>LE TEMPS</organization> </response>


- Trade talks between Tunisia and the Palestinian Authority .

<response> - Trade talks between <location>Tunisia</location> and the <organization>Palestinian Authority</organization> . </response>


- Speaker of parliament Habib Boulares arrives in Tripoli to represent President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali at the Libyan revolution anniversary celebrations .

<response> - Speaker of parliament <person>Habib Boulares</person> arrives in <location>Tripoli</location> to represent President <person>Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali</person> at the <misc>Libyan</misc> revolution anniversary celebrations . </response>


( $ 1 = 0.96 dinar )

<response> ( $ 1 = 0.96 dinar ) </response>


Automakers , U.S. agency plan air bag safety ads .

<response> Automakers , <location>U.S.</location> agency plan air bag safety ads . </response>


DETROIT 1996-08-31

<response> <location>DETROIT</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


<response> Automakers , suppliers , insurers and the federal government 's auto safety agency Saturday launched a $ 10 million safety awareness campaign aimed at reducing the number of children killed accidentally by air bags in cars and trucks . </response>


<response> Officials said they will work with law enforcement agencies , pediatricians and media to warn parents about the dangers that air bags pose to children and adults not wearing seatbelts . </response>


<response> Since 1993 , 24 children have been killed by the explosive force of automotive air bags , which inflate at speeds up to 200 miles per hour . </response>


The first portion of the campaign involves pickup trucks equipped with billboards that were driving along some of the nation 's busiest interstate highways during the Labor Day weekend , including Interstate 95 on the East Coast , Interstates 80 and 90 in the Midwest and Interstate 5 in California .

<response> The first portion of the campaign involves pickup trucks equipped with billboards that were driving along some of the nation 's busiest interstate highways during the <misc>Labor Day</misc> weekend , including <location>Interstate 95</location> on the <location>East Coast</location> , <location>Interstates 80</location> and <location>90</location> in the <location>Midwest</location> and <location>Interstate 5</location> in <location>California</location> . </response>


<response> The boards read : " Air Bag Safety : Everyone Buckled , Kids in Back . " </response>


Janet Dewey , executive director of the industry-funded National Automobile Occupant Protection Campaign , said most of the injuries to children occurred because they were not wearing seatbelts .

<response> <person>Janet Dewey</person> , executive director of the industry-funded <organization>National Automobile Occupant Protection Campaign</organization> , said most of the injuries to children occurred because they were not wearing seatbelts . </response>


<response> A child 's chances of being killed in a car accident , whether the vehicle was equipped with an air bag or not , is reduced by 29 percent when they are in the rear seat , she said . </response>


<response> The auto industry was about three to six years away from introducing " smart " air bags with the ability to detect the size and position of an occupant and adjust inflation pressures accordingly . </response>


<response> Current air bags were designed to halt the forward momentum of an average-sized , unbelted adult male , not a small child . </response>


Automakers petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to allow them to introduce air bags that inflate less aggressively to help reduce unwanted injuries .

<response> Automakers petitioned the <organization>National Highway Traffic Safety Administration</organization> to allow them to introduce air bags that inflate less aggressively to help reduce unwanted injuries . </response>


" Even if changes are made to airbags today , we 'd still have 20 million vehicles on the road with current technology , " Dewey said . "

<response> " Even if changes are made to airbags today , we 'd still have 20 million vehicles on the road with current technology , " <person>Dewey</person> said . " </response>


<response> The public has n't been getting the message . " </response>


Two die as New Hampshire motel explodes and burns .

<response> Two die as <location>New Hampshire</location> motel explodes and burns . </response>


ROCHESTER , N.H. 1996-08-30

<response> <location>ROCHESTER</location> , <location>N.H.</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


Adds deaths , other details )

<response> Adds deaths , other details ) </response>


An explosion leveled Rochester 's one-story Lilac Falls Motel , killing two people , fire officials said Friday .

<response> An explosion leveled <location>Rochester</location> 's one-story <location>Lilac Falls</location> Motel , killing two people , fire officials said Friday . </response>


<response> " It was an explosion , and then it got involved in fire . </response>


As far as I know , it 's been to four alarms -- more trucks , more people , " said Don Penney of the Rochester Fire Department said .

<response> As far as I know , it 's been to four alarms -- more trucks , more people , " said <person>Don Penney</person> of the <organization>Rochester Fire Department</organization> said . </response>


Eyewitnesses told Boston television stations they saw a gasoline truck parked behind the Lilac Falls Motel and smelled gasoline shortly before the explosion .

<response> Eyewitnesses told <location>Boston</location> television stations they saw a gasoline truck parked behind the <location>Lilac Falls Motel</location> and smelled gasoline shortly before the explosion . </response>


<response> Fire department officials said they were investigating the cause of the blast and searching for any more casualties . </response>


<response> Officials did not immediately identify the victims . </response>


<response> Local hospital officials said a few firemen were treated for smoke inhalation but there were no other injuries . </response>


Car kills two trying to avoid Texas drag race .

<response> Car kills two trying to avoid <location>Texas</location> drag race . </response>


DALLAS 1996-08-31

<response> <location>DALLAS</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


An illegal drag race on a Dallas street turned deadly when another vehicle veered into the crowd , killing two people and injuring a dozen more , police said Saturday .

<response> An illegal drag race on a <location>Dallas</location> street turned deadly when another vehicle veered into the crowd , killing two people and injuring a dozen more , police said Saturday . </response>


<response> Organisers tried to block off traffic while preparing the drag race late on Friday , but an allegedly drunk driver was unable to slow down in time and ran into a group of spectators as he swerved to avoid one of the cars that was to take part in the race . </response>


<response> A 26-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman were killed . </response>


<response> The driver , aged 51 , was arrested and charged on two counts of intoxicated manslaughter . </response>


A police spokesman said the straight , flat stretch of road was often used illegally as a drag strip by Dallas youths .

<response> A police spokesman said the straight , flat stretch of road was often used illegally as a drag strip by <location>Dallas</location> youths . </response>


U.S. warplanes , ships in Gulf await Clinton order .

<response> <location>U.S.</location> warplanes , ships in <location>Gulf</location> await <person>Clinton</person> order . </response>


Jim Adams

<response> <person>Jim Adams</person> </response>


WASHINGTON 1996-08-31

<response> <location>WASHINGTON</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


More than 300 U.S. warplanes and 20 ships were available on Saturday in case President Bill Clinton ordered the use of U.S. force against Iraqi military action in northern Iraq , U.S. defense officials said .

<response> More than 300 <location>U.S.</location> warplanes and 20 ships were available on Saturday in case President <person>Bill Clinton</person> ordered the use of <location>U.S.</location> force against <misc>Iraqi</misc> military action in northern <location>Iraq</location> , <location>U.S.</location> defense officials said . </response>


They said 200 fighter planes , including 79 on the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson , were already in the Gulf ; the aircraft carrier Enterprise was in the eastern Mediterranean with 79 more , and an air expeditionary force with up to 40 more was ready to fly from the United States if ordered .

<response> They said 200 fighter planes , including 79 on the aircraft carrier <misc>Carl Vinson</misc> , were already in the <location>Gulf</location> ; the aircraft carrier <misc>Enterprise</misc> was in the eastern <misc>Mediterranean</misc> with 79 more , and an air expeditionary force with up to 40 more was ready to fly from the <location>United States</location> if ordered . </response>


" Yesterday the president ordered the Department of Defense to take prudent planning steps to have forces ready to deploy to the region should he direct us to do so , " Pentagon spokesman Doug Kennett said . "

<response> " Yesterday the president ordered the <organization>Department of Defense</organization> to take prudent planning steps to have forces ready to deploy to the region should he direct us to do so , " <organization>Pentagon</organization> spokesman <person>Doug Kennett</person> said . " </response>


<response> We have taken those prudent planning steps . " </response>


Clinton said on Saturday he had ordered U.S. forces in the Gulf to go on high alert and was reinforcing them in response to Iraqi attacks on Kurdish dissidents in northern Iraq .

<response> <person>Clinton</person> said on Saturday he had ordered <location>U.S.</location> forces in the <location>Gulf</location> to go on high alert and was reinforcing them in response to <misc>Iraqi</misc> attacks on <misc>Kurdish</misc> dissidents in northern <location>Iraq</location> . </response>


" These developments ... cause me grave concern , " Clinton said at a campaign stop in Troy , Tennessee .

<response> " These developments ... cause me grave concern , " <person>Clinton</person> said at a campaign stop in <location>Troy</location> , <location>Tennessee</location> . </response>


<response> But he added , " It is premature at this time , and I want to emphasize that , highly premature to speculate on any response we might have . " </response>


The U.S. defense officials said military flights to enforce no-fly zones in both northern and southern Iraq doubled over the weekend .

<response> The <location>U.S.</location> defense officials said military flights to enforce no-fly zones in both northern and southern <location>Iraq</location> doubled over the weekend . </response>


Clinton said Iraqi military forces overran the city of Arbil , which has been held since 1994 by Kurdish rebels who Baghdad says are backed by Iran .

<response> <person>Clinton</person> said <misc>Iraqi</misc> military forces overran the city of <location>Arbil</location> , which has been held since 1994 by <misc>Kurdish</misc> rebels who <location>Baghdad</location> says are backed by <location>Iran</location> . </response>


There were unconfirmed reports that Iran had sent troops into northern Iraq in response to Iraq 's attack .

<response> There were unconfirmed reports that <location>Iran</location> had sent troops into northern <location>Iraq</location> in response to <location>Iraq</location> 's attack . </response>


U.S. plans rely heavily on U.S. air attacks on Iraqi forces , but there are also 23,000 U.S. troops in the region , according to defense officials .

<response> <location>U.S.</location> plans rely heavily on <location>U.S.</location> air attacks on <misc>Iraqi</misc> forces , but there are also 23,000 <location>U.S.</location> troops in the region , according to defense officials . </response>


In addition to the 158 F / A-18 , F-14 and other fighter planes on the aircraft carriers Vinson and Enterprise , the Air Force air expeditionary force of 30 to 40 F-15 and F-16 fighter planes and fuel tankers is ready to fly from three U.S. bases in the United States , they said .

<response> In addition to the 158 <misc>F / A-18</misc> , <misc>F-14</misc> and other fighter planes on the aircraft carriers <misc>Vinson</misc> and <misc>Enterprise</misc> , the <organization>Air Force</organization> air expeditionary force of 30 to 40 <misc>F-15</misc> and <misc>F-16</misc> fighter planes and fuel tankers is ready to fly from three <location>U.S.</location> bases in the <location>United States</location> , they said . </response>


The expeditionary force would include nearly 1,000 Air Force personnel in ground and support crews , they said .

<response> The expeditionary force would include nearly 1,000 <organization>Air Force</organization> personnel in ground and support crews , they said . </response>


The 23,000 U.S. military people already in the Gulf consist of 15,000 sailors and Marines , 6,000 U.S. servicemen based primarily in Saudi Arabia and 2,000 U.S. troops in the area for military exercises .

<response> The 23,000 <location>U.S.</location> military people already in the <location>Gulf</location> consist of 15,000 sailors and <misc>Marines</misc> , 6,000 <location>U.S.</location> servicemen based primarily in <location>Saudi Arabia</location> and 2,000 <location>U.S.</location> troops in the area for military exercises . </response>


Most of the Marines are on three ships in the Tarawa Amphibious Readiness Group .

<response> Most of the <misc>Marines</misc> are on three ships in the <organization>Tarawa Amphibious Readiness Group</organization> . </response>


The Carl Vinson leads a battle group that includes seven other ships , and there are nine other U.S. ships in the Gulf for a total of 20 .

<response> The <misc>Carl Vinson</misc> leads a battle group that includes seven other ships , and there are nine other <location>U.S.</location> ships in the <location>Gulf</location> for a total of 20 . </response>


Two missing Belgian teenagers found unharmed .

<response> Two missing <misc>Belgian</misc> teenagers found unharmed . </response>


BRUSSELS 1996-08-31

<response> <location>BRUSSELS</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


Two Belgian teenage girls missing since Thursday have been found unharmed , police said on Saturday .

<response> Two <misc>Belgian</misc> teenage girls missing since Thursday have been found unharmed , police said on Saturday . </response>


" The girls , Rachel and Severine , have been found .

<response> " The girls , <person>Rachel</person> and <person>Severine</person> , have been found . </response>


They are unharmed , " a police official in Liege said .

<response> They are unharmed , " a police official in <location>Liege</location> said . </response>


<response> He declined to say whether the girls had been kidnapped or whether they had gone away of their own accord . </response>


Late on Friday , the two girls -- Rachel Legeard , 18 , and Severine Potty , 19 -- were reported missing after failing to return home from a shopping trip to the eastern town of Liege on Thursday .

<response> Late on Friday , the two girls -- <person>Rachel Legeard</person> , 18 , and <person>Severine Potty</person> , 19 -- were reported missing after failing to return home from a shopping trip to the eastern town of <location>Liege</location> on Thursday . </response>


Earlier , police declined to comment on whether it suspected a link with the Marc Dutroux case , the paedophile kidnap , sex abuse and murder scandal which has rocked Belgium in the past two weeks .

<response> Earlier , police declined to comment on whether it suspected a link with the <person>Marc Dutroux</person> case , the paedophile kidnap , sex abuse and murder scandal which has rocked <location>Belgium</location> in the past two weeks . </response>


Algeria restaurant bomb kills seven - newSpaper .

<response> <location>Algeria</location> restaurant bomb kills seven - newSpaper . </response>


PARIS 1996-08-31

<response> <location>PARIS</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


A bomb explosion in a restaurant west of Algiers on Friday killed seven people , an Algerian newspaper said on Saturday .

<response> A bomb explosion in a restaurant west of <location>Algiers</location> on Friday killed seven people , an <misc>Algerian</misc> newspaper said on Saturday . </response>


Algerian security forces said in a statement that two people were killed and six were wounded when a home-made bomb ripped through a restaurant in the coastal town of Staoueli .

<response> <misc>Algerian</misc> security forces said in a statement that two people were killed and six were wounded when a home-made bomb ripped through a restaurant in the coastal town of <location>Staoueli</location> . </response>


But Le Matin newspaper , quoting witnesses , said the bomb killed seven people and wounded 20 .

<response> But <organization>Le Matin</organization> newspaper , quoting witnesses , said the bomb killed seven people and wounded 20 . </response>


Liberte newspaper said the bomb was hidden in a bag in front of the restaurant and that a booby-trapped car was defused near the restaurant shortly before the bomb went off .

<response> <organization>Liberte</organization> newspaper said the bomb was hidden in a bag in front of the restaurant and that a booby-trapped car was defused near the restaurant shortly before the bomb went off . </response>


A week ago a home-made bomb exploded in a market in the western coastal town of Bou Haroun , 65 km ( 40 miles ) from Algiers .

<response> A week ago a home-made bomb exploded in a market in the western coastal town of <location>Bou Haroun</location> , 65 km ( 40 miles ) from <location>Algiers</location> . </response>


<response> Newspapers said it killed two women and five children . </response>


Algerian newspapers quoted the Human Rights National Observatory ( ONDH ) , a government-appointed watchdog , as saying earlier in August that about 1,400 civilians had been killed in bomb attacks blamed on Moslem guerrillas in the past two years .

<response> <misc>Algerian</misc> newspapers quoted the <organization>Human Rights National Observatory</organization> ( <organization>ONDH</organization> ) , a government-appointed watchdog , as saying earlier in August that about 1,400 civilians had been killed in bomb attacks blamed on <misc>Moslem</misc> guerrillas in the past two years . </response>


An estimated 50,000 people have died in Algeria 's violence pitting Moslem rebels against government forces since early 1992 when the authorities cancelled a general election in which radical Islamists had taken a commanding lead .

<response> An estimated 50,000 people have died in <location>Algeria</location> 's violence pitting <misc>Moslem</misc> rebels against government forces since early 1992 when the authorities cancelled a general election in which radical <misc>Islamists</misc> had taken a commanding lead . </response>


Iran agents stormed German diplomat 's home -- Bonn .

<response> <location>Iran</location> agents stormed <misc>German</misc> diplomat 's home -- <location>Bonn</location> . </response>


BONN 1996-08-31

<response> <location>BONN</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


Iranian security forces burst into the home of a German cultural attache in Tehran a month ago and seized his guests for questioning , Bonn 's foreign ministry said on Saturday .

<response> <misc>Iranian</misc> security forces burst into the home of a <misc>German</misc> cultural attache in <location>Tehran</location> a month ago and seized his guests for questioning , <location>Bonn</location> 's foreign ministry said on Saturday . </response>


A spokesman said he could substantially confirm a report in the news weekly Der Spiegel , which said Iranian secret police burst in while attache Jens Gust was entertaining six Iranian writers and their wives .

<response> A spokesman said he could substantially confirm a report in the news weekly <organization>Der Spiegel</organization> , which said <misc>Iranian</misc> secret police burst in while attache <person>Jens Gust</person> was entertaining six <misc>Iranian</misc> writers and their wives . </response>


Gust was threatened with violence , then locked into a room to be interrogated on suspicion of " promoting activities hostile to the state " while his guests were taken away , the magazine said .

<response> <person>Gust</person> was threatened with violence , then locked into a room to be interrogated on suspicion of " promoting activities hostile to the state " while his guests were taken away , the magazine said . </response>


The ministry spokesman said the German embassy immediately made a sharp protest to the Tehran government .

<response> The ministry spokesman said the <misc>German</misc> embassy immediately made a sharp protest to the <location>Tehran</location> government . </response>


The Iranian ambassador was also summoned to the ministry in Bonn to hear a sharp protest and " disapproval of this glaring breach of the principles of international law " , he added .

<response> The <misc>Iranian</misc> ambassador was also summoned to the ministry in <location>Bonn</location> to hear a sharp protest and " disapproval of this glaring breach of the principles of international law " , he added . </response>


Iran subsequently said it regretted the incident , which it said had been the result of a misunderstanding .

<response> <location>Iran</location> subsequently said it regretted the incident , which it said had been the result of a misunderstanding . </response>


<response> All those detained appeared to have been freed , the spokesman said . </response>


Relations between the two countries are currently under strain because of the testimony in a Berlin court of former Iranian president Abolhassan Banisadr .

<response> Relations between the two countries are currently under strain because of the testimony in a <location>Berlin</location> court of former <misc>Iranian</misc> president <person>Abolhassan Banisadr</person> . </response>


Banisadr , an avowed opponent of the Tehran government who now lives in exile , accused top Iranian leaders of personally ordering the assassination of three exiled Kurdish leaders in a Berlin restaurant in 1992 .

<response> <person>Banisadr</person> , an avowed opponent of the <location>Tehran</location> government who now lives in exile , accused top <misc>Iranian</misc> leaders of personally ordering the assassination of three exiled <misc>Kurdish</misc> leaders in a <location>Berlin</location> restaurant in 1992 . </response>


Iran has asked Germany to extradite Banisadr , who is due is due back in Berlin next Thursday to continue his testimony .

<response> <location>Iran</location> has asked <location>Germany</location> to extradite <person>Banisadr</person> , who is due is due back in <location>Berlin</location> next Thursday to continue his testimony . </response>


Banisadr , who received political asylum in France after fleeing there in 1981 , told Der Spiegel he did not plan to ask for a guarantee of safe conduct .

<response> <person>Banisadr</person> , who received political asylum in <location>France</location> after fleeing there in 1981 , told <organization>Der Spiegel</organization> he did not plan to ask for a guarantee of safe conduct . </response>


If Germany were to extradite him , he said , it would " lose face before the whole world " .

<response> If <location>Germany</location> were to extradite him , he said , it would " lose face before the whole world " . </response>


German prosecutors have already accused Iran 's intelligence minister Ali Fallahiyan of ordering the killing of the Kurdish leaders .

<response> <misc>German</misc> prosecutors have already accused <location>Iran</location> 's intelligence minister <person>Ali Fallahiyan</person> of ordering the killing of the <misc>Kurdish</misc> leaders . </response>


Iran , which denies the allegations , urged German authorities to disregard Banisadr 's testimony and said it could hurt relations .

<response> <location>Iran</location> , which denies the allegations , urged <misc>German</misc> authorities to disregard <person>Banisadr</person> 's testimony and said it could hurt relations . </response>


Italy 's Dini meets Burundi negotiator Nyerere .

<response> <location>Italy</location> 's <person>Dini</person> meets <location>Burundi</location> negotiator <person>Nyerere</person> . </response>


ROME 1996-08-31

<response> <location>ROME</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini on Saturday met former Tanzanian president Julius Nyerere , the international negotiator for Burundi , the ministry said .

<response> <misc>Italian</misc> Foreign Minister <person>Lamberto Dini</person> on Saturday met former <misc>Tanzanian</misc> president <person>Julius Nyerere</person> , the international negotiator for <location>Burundi</location> , the ministry said . </response>


Nyerere arrived in Rome this week on a private visit and held talks with the U.S. special envoy to Burundi , Howard Wolpe , and the Sant ' Egidio Community , an Italian Roman Catholic organisation which has been monitoring Burundi closely .

<response> <person>Nyerere</person> arrived in <location>Rome</location> this week on a private visit and held talks with the <location>U.S.</location> special envoy to <location>Burundi</location> , <person>Howard Wolpe</person> , and the <organization>Sant ' Egidio Community</organization> , an <misc>Italian</misc> <misc>Roman Catholic</misc> organisation which has been monitoring <location>Burundi</location> closely . </response>


" ( Nyerere ) informed Minister Dini of the latest developments in the ( Great Lakes ) region , with particular respect to Burundi following the military coup d'etat on July 25 , " the ministry said in a statement .

<response> " ( <person>Nyerere</person> ) informed Minister <person>Dini</person> of the latest developments in the ( <location>Great Lakes</location> ) region , with particular respect to <location>Burundi</location> following the military coup d'etat on July 25 , " the ministry said in a statement . </response>


It gave no details of their talks .

<response> It gave no details of their talks . </response>


Nyerere was due to be presented with an " Artisans for Peace " prize by the Lay Volunteers ' International Organisation on Sunday .

<response> <person>Nyerere</person> was due to be presented with an " <misc>Artisans for Peace</misc> " prize by the <organization>Lay Volunteers ' International Organisation</organization> on Sunday . </response>


He leaves Rome on Monday .

<response> He leaves <location>Rome</location> on Monday . </response>


The U.N. Security Council on Friday condemned the coup by retired Tutsi major Pierre Buyoya and for the first time said in a resolution it intended to pressure Buyoya into unconditional negotiations with all parties and factions " without exception " .

<response> The <organization>U.N. Security Council</organization> on Friday condemned the coup by retired <misc>Tutsi</misc> major <person>Pierre Buyoya</person> and for the first time said in a resolution it intended to pressure <person>Buyoya</person> into unconditional negotiations with all parties and factions " without exception " . </response>