Former Italian international winger Gianluigi Lentini , transferred to Milan in 1992 for what was believed to be a world record sum , has been loaned to serie A club Atalanta for a year , newspapers reported on Friday .

<response> Former <misc>Italian</misc> international winger <person>Gianluigi Lentini</person> , transferred to <organization>Milan</organization> in 1992 for what was believed to be a world record sum , has been loaned to <misc>serie A</misc> club <organization>Atalanta</organization> for a year , newspapers reported on Friday . </response>


The Gazzetta dello Sport said the deal would cost Atalanta around $ 600,000 .

<response> The <organization>Gazzetta dello Sport</organization> said the deal would cost <organization>Atalanta</organization> around $ 600,000 . </response>


Lentini , 27 , joined Milan from Torino in a $ 12 million deal that many have speculated involved far more money changing hands and which has subsequently been investigated by magistrates for alleged financial irregularities .

<response> <person>Lentini</person> , 27 , joined <organization>Milan</organization> from <organization>Torino</organization> in a $ 12 million deal that many have speculated involved far more money changing hands and which has subsequently been investigated by magistrates for alleged financial irregularities . </response>


The player suffered severe head injuries in a near-fatal car crash the following year and has since struggled to regain the form that made him a hero in Turin .

<response> The player suffered severe head injuries in a near-fatal car crash the following year and has since struggled to regain the form that made him a hero in <location>Turin</location> . </response>


The move to Bergamo-based Atalanta reunites Lentini , who fell out with ex-Milan coach Fabio Capello last season , with his former coach at Torino , Emiliano Mondonico .

<response> The move to <misc>Bergamo-based</misc> <organization>Atalanta</organization> reunites <person>Lentini</person> , who fell out with <misc>ex-Milan</misc> coach <person>Fabio Capello</person> last season , with his former coach at <organization>Torino</organization> , <person>Emiliano Mondonico</person> . </response>


CRICKET - SRI LANKA BEAT AUSTRALIA BY FOUR WICKETS .

<response> CRICKET - <location>SRI LANKA</location> BEAT <location>AUSTRALIA</location> BY FOUR WICKETS . </response>


COLOMBO 1996-08-30

<response> <location>COLOMBO</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


Sri Lanka beat Australia by four wickets in the third match of the Singer World Series one-day ( 50 overs ) cricket tournament on Friday .

<response> <location>Sri Lanka</location> beat <location>Australia</location> by four wickets in the third match of the <misc>Singer World Series</misc> one-day ( 50 overs ) cricket tournament on Friday . </response>


Scores : Australia 228-9 in 50 overs , Sri Lanka 232-6 in 45.5 overs .

<response> Scores : <location>Australia</location> 228-9 in 50 overs , <location>Sri Lanka</location> 232-6 in 45.5 overs . </response>


CRICKET - AUSTRALIA V SRI LANKA SCOREBOARD .

<response> CRICKET - <location>AUSTRALIA</location> V <location>SRI LANKA</location> SCOREBOARD . </response>


COLOMBO 1996-08-30


Scoreboard of the third Singer

<response> Scoreboard of the third <misc>Singer</misc> </response>


World Series cricket match between Australia and Sri Lanka on

<response> <misc>World Series</misc> cricket match between <location>Australia</location> and <location>Sri Lanka</location> on </response>


Friday :


Australia


M. Waugh c and b Jayasuriya 50

<response> <person>M. Waugh</person> c and b <person>Jayasuriya</person> 50 </response>


M. Slater run out 9

<response> <person>M. Slater</person> run out 9 </response>


S. Law c Tillekeratne b Dharmasena 13

<response> <person>S. Law</person> c <person>Tillekeratne</person> b <person>Dharmasena</person> 13 </response>


M. Bevan c Vaas b Chandana 56

<response> <person>M. Bevan</person> c <person>Vaas</person> b <person>Chandana</person> 56 </response>


S. Waugh b Muralitharan 22

<response> <person>S. Waugh</person> b <person>Muralitharan</person> 22 </response>


R. Ponting not out 46

<response> <person>R. Ponting</person> not out 46 </response>


D. Lehmann st Kaluwitharana b Chandana 2

<response> <person>D. Lehmann</person> st <person>Kaluwitharana</person> b <person>Chandana</person> 2 </response>


I. Healy c Ranatunga b Muralitharan 8

<response> <person>I. Healy</person> c <person>Ranatunga</person> b <person>Muralitharan</person> 8 </response>


J. Gillespie st Kaluwitharana b Chandana 6

<response> <person>J. Gillespie</person> st <person>Kaluwitharana</person> b <person>Chandana</person> 6 </response>


D. Fleming c Chandana b Jayasuriya 3

<response> <person>D. Fleming</person> c <person>Chandana</person> b <person>Jayasuriya</person> 3 </response>


G. McGrath not out 8

<response> <person>G. McGrath</person> not out 8 </response>


Extras ( lb-3 nb-2 ) 5

<response> Extras ( lb-3 nb-2 ) 5 </response>


Total ( nine wickets , 50 overs ) 228

<response> Total ( nine wickets , 50 overs ) 228 </response>


Fall of wickets : 1-21 2-52 3-97 4-149 5-157 6-163 7-178


8-198 9-203 .


Bowling : Vass 7-0-29-0 , de Silva 4-0-25-0 , Dharmasena

<response> Bowling : <person>Vass</person> 7-0-29-0 , <person>de Silva</person> 4-0-25-0 , <person>Dharmasena</person> </response>


9-0-49-1 , Muralitharan 10-0-41-2 , Jayasuriya 10-0-43-2 , Chandana

<response> 9-0-49-1 , <person>Muralitharan</person> 10-0-41-2 , <person>Jayasuriya</person> 10-0-43-2 , <person>Chandana</person> </response>


10-0-38-3 .


Sri Lanka

<response> <location>Sri Lanka</location> </response>


S. Jayasuriya c Healy b Fleming 44

<response> <person>S. Jayasuriya</person> c <person>Healy</person> b <person>Fleming</person> 44 </response>


R. Kaluwitharana b S. Waugh 8

<response> <person>R. Kaluwitharana</person> b <person>S. Waugh</person> 8 </response>


A. Gurusinha run out 16

<response> <person>A. Gurusinha</person> run out 16 </response>


A.de Silva not out 83

<response> <person>A.de Silva</person> not out 83 </response>


A. Ranatunga lbw b Fleming 0

<response> <person>A. Ranatunga</person> lbw b <person>Fleming</person> 0 </response>


H. Tillekeratne lbw b Fleming 1

<response> <person>H. Tillekeratne</person> lbw b <person>Fleming</person> 1 </response>


R. Mahanama b McGrath 50

<response> <person>R. Mahanama</person> b <person>McGrath</person> 50 </response>


U. Chandana not out 14

<response> <person>U. Chandana</person> not out 14 </response>


Extras ( lb-3 nb-6 w-7 ) 16

<response> Extras ( lb-3 nb-6 w-7 ) 16 </response>


Total ( six wickets , 45.5 overs ) 232

<response> Total ( six wickets , 45.5 overs ) 232 </response>


Fall of wickets : 1-22 2-78 3-78 4-78 5-81 6-196 .


Did not bat : Dharmasena , Vaas , Muralitharan .

<response> Did not bat : <person>Dharmasena</person> , <person>Vaas</person> , <person>Muralitharan</person> . </response>


Bowling : S. Waugh 5-1-36-1 , Law 2-0-23-0 , McGrath 9.5-0-44-1 ,

<response> Bowling : <person>S. Waugh</person> 5-1-36-1 , <person>Law</person> 2-0-23-0 , <person>McGrath</person> 9.5-0-44-1 , </response>


Fleming 8-1-26-3 , Gillespie 6-0-27-0 , M. Waugh 5-0-29-0 , Lehmann

<response> <person>Fleming</person> 8-1-26-3 , <person>Gillespie</person> 6-0-27-0 , <person>M. Waugh</person> 5-0-29-0 , <person>Lehmann</person> </response>


6-0-26-0 , Bevan 4-0-18-0 .

<response> 6-0-26-0 , <person>Bevan</person> 4-0-18-0 . </response>


Man of the Match : Aravinda de Silva

<response> Man of the Match : <person>Aravinda de Silva</person> </response>


Next Series match : India v Zimbabwe , September 1 .

<response> Next Series match : <location>India</location> v <location>Zimbabwe</location> , September 1 . </response>


CRICKET - AUSTRALIA 228-9 IN 50 OVERS V SRI LANKA .

<response> CRICKET - <location>AUSTRALIA</location> 228-9 IN 50 OVERS V <location>SRI LANKA</location> . </response>


COLOMBO 1996-08-30

<response> <location>COLOMBO</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


Australia scored 228 for nine wickets in their 50 overs against Sri Lanka in the third day-night limited overs match of the Singer World Series tournament on Friday .

<response> <location>Australia</location> scored 228 for nine wickets in their 50 overs against <location>Sri Lanka</location> in the third day-night limited overs match of the <misc>Singer World Series</misc> tournament on Friday . </response>


CRICKET - AUSTRALIA WIN TOSS AND CHOOSE TO BAT .

<response> CRICKET - <location>AUSTRALIA</location> WIN TOSS AND CHOOSE TO BAT . </response>


COLOMBO 1996-08-30


Australia won the toss and

<response> <location>Australia</location> won the toss and </response>


elected to bat against Sri Lanka in the third day-night limited

<response> elected to bat against <location>Sri Lanka</location> in the third day-night limited </response>


overs cricket match in the Singer world series tournament on

<response> overs cricket match in the <misc>Singer</misc> world series tournament on </response>


Friday .


Teams :


Australia - Ian Healy ( captain ) , Michael Bevan , Damien

<response> <location>Australia</location> - <person>Ian Healy</person> ( captain ) , <person>Michael Bevan</person> , <person>Damien</person> </response>


Flemming , Jason Gillespie , Stuart Law , Glenn McGrath , Ricky

<response> <person>Flemming</person> , <person>Jason Gillespie</person> , <person>Stuart Law</person> , <person>Glenn McGrath</person> , <person>Ricky</person> </response>


Ponting , Michael Slater , Darren Lehmann , Mark Waugh , Steve

<response> <person>Ponting</person> , <person>Michael Slater</person> , <person>Darren Lehmann</person> , <person>Mark Waugh</person> , <person>Steve</person> </response>


Waugh .

<response> <person>Waugh</person> . </response>


Sri Lanka - Arjuna Ranatunga ( captain ) , Sanath Jayasuriya ,

<response> <location>Sri Lanka</location> - <person>Arjuna Ranatunga</person> ( captain ) , <person>Sanath Jayasuriya</person> , </response>


Romesh Kaluwitharana , Asanka Gurusinha , Aravinda de Silva ,

<response> <person>Romesh Kaluwitharana</person> , <person>Asanka Gurusinha</person> , <person>Aravinda de Silva</person> , </response>


Hashan Tillekeratne , Roshan Mahanama , Kumara Dharmasena ,

<response> <person>Hashan Tillekeratne</person> , <person>Roshan Mahanama</person> , <person>Kumara Dharmasena</person> , </response>


Chaminda Vaas , Muthiah Muralitharan , Upul Chandana .

<response> <person>Chaminda Vaas</person> , <person>Muthiah Muralitharan</person> , <person>Upul Chandana</person> . </response>


ROMANIA COMELF H1 PROFIT RISE BELOW TARGET .

<response> <location>ROMANIA</location> <organization>COMELF</organization> H1 PROFIT RISE BELOW TARGET . </response>


BUCHAREST 1996-08-30

<response> <location>BUCHAREST</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


Romanian listed state engineer Comelf said it almost doubled six-month output , with net profit rising by 33 percent to 1.069 billion lei .

<response> <misc>Romanian</misc> listed state engineer <organization>Comelf</organization> said it almost doubled six-month output , with net profit rising by 33 percent to 1.069 billion lei . </response>


<response> But the company complained inflation and the artificially high rate of the leu cut profit margins on exports , keeping profits well below its forecast of 1.4 billion lei . </response>


Comelf 's six-month output rose to 4,378 tonnes of equipment from 2,684 tonnes in the equivalent period in 1995 , the company report to the Bucharest stock exchange showed .

<response> <organization>Comelf</organization> 's six-month output rose to 4,378 tonnes of equipment from 2,684 tonnes in the equivalent period in 1995 , the company report to the <location>Bucharest</location> stock exchange showed . </response>


Comelf , based in the central Transylvanian town of Bistrita , manufactures water purification equipment , machinery for the thermal power sector and other equipment .

<response> <organization>Comelf</organization> , based in the central <misc>Transylvanian</misc> town of <location>Bistrita</location> , manufactures water purification equipment , machinery for the thermal power sector and other equipment . </response>


<response> " In the first six months of 1996 we concentrated on increasing the volume of our output and exports in particular and improving the quality of our products , " the report said . </response>


From January to June Comelf exported 59 percent of its output , up from 37.3 percent in the same period last year .

<response> From January to June <organization>Comelf</organization> exported 59 percent of its output , up from 37.3 percent in the same period last year . </response>


<response> The company said higher than anticipated inflation and rising raw materials and wage costs also hit profits . </response>


<response> Year-on-year inflation , initially estimated at 20 percent in December , was 33.8 percent in June , higher than a revised end-year forecast of 30 percent . </response>


<response> The 12 month figure quickened to 40.3 percent in July . </response>


<response> The leu currency has slipped only gradually this year , and is currently quoted at an official rate of 3,162 to the dollar , well below the 3,550 retail price that exporters say is more realistic . </response>


-- Luli Popescu , Bucharest Newsroom 40-1 3120264

<response> -- <person>Luli Popescu</person> , <organization>Bucharest Newsroom</organization> 40-1 3120264 </response>


POLISH NBP REFRAINS FROM REVERSE REPO OPERATION .

<response> <misc>POLISH</misc> NBP REFRAINS FROM REVERSE REPO OPERATION . </response>


WARSAW 1996-08-30

<response> <location>WARSAW</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


The National Bank of Poland

<response> The <organization>National Bank of Poland</organization> </response>


<response> refrained from staging a reverse repo operation on Friday , the </response>


bank said .


-- Warsaw Newsroom +48 22 653 9700

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


Canada government cash balances fall in week .

<response> <location>Canada</location> government cash balances fall in week . </response>


OTTAWA 1996-08-30

<response> <location>OTTAWA</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


The government of Canada 's cash balances fell in the week that ended August 28 , the Bank of Canada said on Friday .

<response> The government of <location>Canada</location> 's cash balances fell in the week that ended August 28 , the <organization>Bank of Canada</organization> said on Friday . </response>


Wk to Aug 28 Chg on wk Chg on yr

<response> Wk to Aug 28 Chg on wk Chg on yr </response>


<response> Notes in circulation 27.35 +0.435 +0.237 </response>


<response> Government cash balances 3.54 - 0.629 +0.089 </response>


<response> Govt securities outstanding 463.73 +1.660 +10.436 </response>


Treasury bills 152.80 +0.300 - 11.900

<response> <organization>Treasury</organization> bills 152.80 +0.300 - 11.900 </response>


Canada savings bonds 30.12 - 0.004 +0.578

<response> <location>Canada</location> savings bonds 30.12 - 0.004 +0.578 </response>


All figures in billions of dollars .

<response> All figures in billions of dollars . </response>


Chartered bank assets July June

<response> Chartered bank assets July June </response>


Net foreign currency - 12.63 - 12.08

<response> Net foreign currency - 12.63 - 12.08 </response>


Canadian dollar 639.55 639.38

<response> <misc>Canadian</misc> dollar 639.55 639.38 </response>


Total Canadian liquid assets 107.83 107.24

<response> Total <misc>Canadian</misc> liquid assets 107.83 107.24 </response>


July 96 June 96 July 95

<response> July 96 June 96 July 95 </response>


M1 63.02 62.83 57.50


M2 389.79 391.32 381.65


M3 482.13 480.72 461.42


<response> Note - Figures are unadjusted , in billions of dollars . </response>


-- Reuters Ottawa Bureau ( 613 ) 235-6745

<response> -- <organization>Reuters Ottawa Bureau</organization> ( 613 ) 235-6745 </response>


Jones Medical completes acquisition .

<response> <organization>Jones Medical</organization> completes acquisition . </response>


ST. LOUIS 1996-08-30

<response> <location>ST. LOUIS</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


Jones Medical Industries Inc said Friday it completed the acquisition of Daniels Pharmaceuticals Inc of St. Petersburg , Fla. , for about 2,960,000 shares of Jones common stock .

<response> <organization>Jones Medical Industries Inc</organization> said Friday it completed the acquisition of <organization>Daniels Pharmaceuticals Inc</organization> of <location>St. Petersburg</location> , <location>Fla.</location> , for about 2,960,000 shares of <organization>Jones</organization> common stock . </response>


Jones stock closed down 1/8 at 40 Friday .

<response> <organization>Jones</organization> stock closed down 1/8 at 40 Friday . </response>


Daniels Pharmaceuticals manufactures prescription pharmaceutical products , the largest of which is Levoxyl , a synthetic thyroid hormone for treating hypothyroidism .

<response> <organization>Daniels Pharmaceuticals</organization> manufactures prescription pharmaceutical products , the largest of which is <misc>Levoxyl</misc> , a synthetic thyroid hormone for treating hypothyroidism . </response>


-- Chicago newsdesk , 312 408-8787

<response> -- <location>Chicago</location> newsdesk , 312 408-8787 </response>


<response> NYMEX heating oil near session lows in pre-close . </response>


NEW YORK 1996-08-30

<response> <location>NEW YORK</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


NYMEX refined product prices lingered at session lows amid slim volume before the close while crude experienced lackluster buying ahead of the U.S. Labor Day weekend , traders said .

<response> NYMEX refined product prices lingered at session lows amid slim volume before the close while crude experienced lackluster buying ahead of the <location>U.S.</location> <misc>Labor Day</misc> weekend , traders said . </response>


" There was some profit-taking early on , and it 's just sitting there , " a Texas trader said of heating oil 's and gasoline 's losses .

<response> " There was some profit-taking early on , and it 's just sitting there , " a <location>Texas</location> trader said of heating oil 's and gasoline 's losses . </response>


<response> September heating oil stood 1.02 cents lower at 62.65 cents a gallon . </response>


<response> Heat hit a session low of 62.45 shortly before the close . </response>


<response> September gasoline stood 0.87 cent lower at 62.85 cents a gallon . </response>


<response> Friday 's low in September gasoline was 62.75 . </response>


<response> Traders also said players were selling refined products in favor of crude ahead of the front month 's Friday expiry in the refined products . </response>


<response> The October heating oil-to-crude crack spread narrowed to $ 4.22 a barrel from Thursday 's $ 4.58 while the October gasoline-to-crude spread narrowed to $ 3.60 from Thursday 's $ 3.86 a barrel . </response>


<response> October crude stood eight cents higher at $ 22.23 barrel . </response>


Buying interest in crude did not have enough conviction to send it much higher since many players had left early to start the Labor Day holiday weekend , traders said .

<response> Buying interest in crude did not have enough conviction to send it much higher since many players had left early to start the <misc>Labor Day</misc> holiday weekend , traders said . </response>


NYMEX will be closed Monday due to Labor Day .

<response> NYMEX will be closed Monday due to <misc>Labor Day</misc> . </response>


-- Harry Milling , New York Energy Desk , +1 212-859-1761

<response> -- <person>Harry Milling</person> , <organization>New York Energy Desk</organization> , +1 212-859-1761 </response>


U.S. debt futures end lower , shaken by Chicago NAPM .

<response> <location>U.S.</location> debt futures end lower , shaken by <location>Chicago</location> <organization>NAPM</organization> . </response>


CHICAGO 1996-08-30

<response> <location>CHICAGO</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


U.S. debt futures finished a shortened pre-holiday session sharply lower , as the markets were shaken by a stronger than expected rise in the August National Association of Purchasing Management ( NAPM ) index for the Chicago area , traders and analysts said .

<response> <location>U.S.</location> debt futures finished a shortened pre-holiday session sharply lower , as the markets were shaken by a stronger than expected rise in the August <organization>National Association of Purchasing Management</organization> ( <organization>NAPM</organization> ) index for the <location>Chicago</location> area , traders and analysts said . </response>


The August Chicago NAPM rose 8.8 points to 60.0 , its highest level since 62.6 in February 1995 and the largest monthly rise since December 1993 .

<response> The August <location>Chicago</location> <organization>NAPM</organization> rose 8.8 points to 60.0 , its highest level since 62.6 in February 1995 and the largest monthly rise since December 1993 . </response>


Primary dealers immediately sold Eurodollar and bond futures , after the market on average was expecting the index to rise marginally to 51.9 from July 's 51.2 .

<response> Primary dealers immediately sold <misc>Eurodollar</misc> and bond futures , after the market on average was expecting the index to rise marginally to 51.9 from July 's 51.2 . </response>


Traders also said Japanese investors were unwinding long Eurodollar futures / short swaps , and that heavy put buying helped pressure Eurodollars to lower levels before the close .

<response> Traders also said <misc>Japanese</misc> investors were unwinding long <misc>Eurodollar</misc> futures / short swaps , and that heavy put buying helped pressure <misc>Eurodollars</misc> to lower levels before the close . </response>


One U.S. firm bought 35,000 September 97 mid-curve put options at a strike price of 93.25 to 93.30 in the last two sessions , while a French firm bought 4,000 September 93.30 to 93.32 put spreads .

<response> One <location>U.S.</location> firm bought 35,000 September 97 mid-curve put options at a strike price of 93.25 to 93.30 in the last two sessions , while a <misc>French</misc> firm bought 4,000 September 93.30 to 93.32 put spreads . </response>


<response> " Even before the data came out , we were seeing put buying , " one floor trader said . </response>


<response> Meanwhile , funds were reportedly good sellers of five-year notes . </response>


Rumors circulated that the Federal Reserve was buying five-year notes , and that a renowned hedge fund manager was buying 10-year notes in the cash markets .

<response> Rumors circulated that the <organization>Federal Reserve</organization> was buying five-year notes , and that a renowned hedge fund manager was buying 10-year notes in the cash markets . </response>


<response> However , December T-bonds ended below a major trendline level at 106-26/32 , as the yield in the cash bond market set its highest monthly close since April 1995 at 7.12 percent , one analyst said . </response>


<response> December bonds blew through the July 30 low of 107-06/32 , even though conditions were slightly oversold , traders said . </response>


<response> The December calendar spread continued to widen , also reflecting the market 's fear of rising inflation . </response>


While the market continues to price-in higher U.S. interest rates , there was little conviction to the theory that the Federal Reserve would tighten rates before the next Federal Open Market Committee meeting on September 24 .

<response> While the market continues to price-in higher <location>U.S.</location> interest rates , there was little conviction to the theory that the <organization>Federal Reserve</organization> would tighten rates before the next <organization>Federal Open Market Committee</organization> meeting on September 24 . </response>


Federal Reserve governor Lawrence Lindsey , speaking on U.S. cable television network CNBC , said the U.S. economy appears on balance to be a bit strong , adding the central bank would not curb growth provided inflation remains in check .

<response> <organization>Federal Reserve</organization> governor <person>Lawrence Lindsey</person> , speaking on <location>U.S.</location> cable television network <organization>CNBC</organization> , said the <location>U.S.</location> economy appears on balance to be a bit strong , adding the central bank would not curb growth provided inflation remains in check . </response>


Earlier in the day , Fed chairman Alan Greenspan said at the annual Jackson Hole symposium that the goal of price stability is within reach for major nations .

<response> Earlier in the day , <organization>Fed</organization> chairman <person>Alan Greenspan</person> said at the annual <misc>Jackson Hole symposium</misc> that the goal of price stability is within reach for major nations . </response>


Traders said the Fed 's decision to adopt a tightening bias at the July FOMC meeting has cast more focus on every piece of U.S. economic news .

<response> Traders said the <organization>Fed</organization> 's decision to adopt a tightening bias at the July <organization>FOMC</organization> meeting has cast more focus on every piece of <location>U.S.</location> economic news . </response>


" The Fed 's stance has really sensitized us to all this data , " one analyst said . "

<response> " The <organization>Fed</organization> 's stance has really sensitized us to all this data , " one analyst said . " </response>


<response> The revisions to GDP , for example , may not have attracted a lot of attention . " </response>


At the end of pit trade , December bonds were off 27/32 at 106-25/32 , 10-year notes down 21/32 at 105-17/32 , munibonds off 17/32 at 111-20/32 , December Eurodollars were down 11 bps at 93.94 , March Eurodollars were off 13 bps at 93.72 and March T-bills were down 12 bps at 94.33 .

<response> At the end of pit trade , December bonds were off 27/32 at 106-25/32 , 10-year notes down 21/32 at 105-17/32 , munibonds off 17/32 at 111-20/32 , December <misc>Eurodollars</misc> were down 11 bps at 93.94 , March <misc>Eurodollars</misc> were off 13 bps at 93.72 and March T-bills were down 12 bps at 94.33 . </response>


Douglas & Lomason shares rise on merger .

<response> <organization>Douglas & Lomason</organization> shares rise on merger . </response>


FARMINGTON HILLS , Mich .

<response> <location>FARMINGTON HILLS</location> , <location>Mich</location> . </response>


Shares of Douglas & Lomason Co were up 4-1/2 at 30-5/8 Friday afternoon after Thursday 's announcement that the vehicle seat maker had agreed to be acquired by Magna International Inc for $ 31 a share , or $ 135 million .

<response> Shares of <organization>Douglas & Lomason Co</organization> were up 4-1/2 at 30-5/8 Friday afternoon after Thursday 's announcement that the vehicle seat maker had agreed to be acquired by <organization>Magna International Inc</organization> for $ 31 a share , or $ 135 million . </response>


Magna was up 1/8 to 48-1/4 on the New York Stock Exchange .

<response> <organization>Magna</organization> was up 1/8 to 48-1/4 on the <organization>New York Stock Exchange</organization> . </response>


Douglas & Lomason has 4.45 million common shares outstanding , some of which are option shares to be purchased at exercise prices less than the $ 31 offered price .

<response> <organization>Douglas & Lomason</organization> has 4.45 million common shares outstanding , some of which are option shares to be purchased at exercise prices less than the $ 31 offered price . </response>


The acquisition will beef up Markham , Ontario-based Magna 's North American car and truck seating business , allowing it to better compete with Johnson Controls Inc and Lear Corp .

<response> The acquisition will beef up <organization>Markham</organization> , <misc>Ontario-based</misc> <organization>Magna</organization> 's <misc>North American</misc> car and truck seating business , allowing it to better compete with <organization>Johnson Controls Inc</organization> and <organization>Lear Corp</organization> . </response>


Family-controlled Douglas & Lomason , which had 1995 revenue of $ 561 million , was finding it more difficult to compete for new seating contracts from vehicle makers , said James Hoey , chief financial officer .

<response> Family-controlled <organization>Douglas & Lomason</organization> , which had 1995 revenue of $ 561 million , was finding it more difficult to compete for new seating contracts from vehicle makers , said <person>James Hoey</person> , chief financial officer . </response>


" Unfortunately , in the auto industry these days , a $ 500 million company is not a big company anymore , " Hoey said . "

<response> " Unfortunately , in the auto industry these days , a $ 500 million company is not a big company anymore , " <person>Hoey</person> said . " </response>


<response> This merger makes us much more competitive . " </response>


He added that Douglas & Lomason 's top executives have been asked to stay on with Magna after the merger , though their future roles have not yet been defined .

<response> He added that <organization>Douglas & Lomason</organization> 's top executives have been asked to stay on with <organization>Magna</organization> after the merger , though their future roles have not yet been defined . </response>


Douglas & Lomason 's profits were hurt in the past year by model changeovers , which had reduced production at some important customers , but are now recovering , analysts said .

<response> <organization>Douglas & Lomason</organization> 's profits were hurt in the past year by model changeovers , which had reduced production at some important customers , but are now recovering , analysts said . </response>


<response> The company earned $ 11.2 million on sales of $ 299 million in the first six months of 1996 , up from year-earlier earnings of $ 4.7 million on sales of $ 285.7 million . </response>


Ford plans to cut its roster of 2,300 tier-one suppliers -- those it deals with directly -- in half over the next five years .

<response> <organization>Ford</organization> plans to cut its roster of 2,300 tier-one suppliers -- those it deals with directly -- in half over the next five years . </response>


" The deal really levels the seating field somewhat , " said John Casesa of Schroder Wertheim & Co . "

<response> " The deal really levels the seating field somewhat , " said <person>John Casesa</person> of <organization>Schroder Wertheim & Co</organization> . " </response>


It should give Magna the critical mass to be a bigger player in that market . "

<response> It should give <organization>Magna</organization> the critical mass to be a bigger player in that market . " </response>


Magna 's traditional strength has been instrument panels , door panels and other interior components .

<response> <organization>Magna</organization> 's traditional strength has been instrument panels , door panels and other interior components . </response>


Magna , Johnson Controls and Lear have been working to build up their capabilties to supply complete interiors to automakers , including seats , instrument panels , door panels carpeting and headliners .

<response> <organization>Magna</organization> , <organization>Johnson Controls</organization> and <organization>Lear</organization> have been working to build up their capabilties to supply complete interiors to automakers , including seats , instrument panels , door panels carpeting and headliners . </response>


UK meals / feeds follow Chicago higher , trade slow .

<response> <location>UK</location> meals / feeds follow <location>Chicago</location> higher , trade slow . </response>


LONDON 1996-08-30

<response> <location>LONDON</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


UK meals and feeds sellers marked up high protein soymeal by around 1.50 stg a tonne on Friday following gains in Chicago at Thursday 's close .

<response> <location>UK</location> meals and feeds sellers marked up high protein soymeal by around 1.50 stg a tonne on Friday following gains in <location>Chicago</location> at Thursday 's close . </response>


<response> Trade was very quiet with only one deal reported when spot high protein soymeal fetched 215 stg a tonne ex-store on the south coast . </response>


<response> " I would n't get too excited about this one becuase I think it 's for all of five tonnes , which when you think about just about sums up the state of the market at the moment , " said a trader . </response>


-- Jim Ballantyne , London Newsroom +44 171 542 8062

<response> -- <person>Jim Ballantyne</person> , <organization>London Newsroom</organization> +44 171 542 8062 </response>


Iraqi captors of Sudanese jet charged with hijack .

<response> <misc>Iraqi</misc> captors of <misc>Sudanese</misc> jet charged with hijack . </response>


LONDON 1996-08-30


Seven Iraqis who seized a Sudanese airliner with 199 people aboard and forced it to fly to London were on Friday charged with hijack , ending speculation that they might be offered immediate asylum in Britain .

<response> Seven <misc>Iraqis</misc> who seized a <misc>Sudanese</misc> airliner with 199 people aboard and forced it to fly to <location>London</location> were on Friday charged with hijack , ending speculation that they might be offered immediate asylum in <location>Britain</location> . </response>


Police said the seven men , who freed all their hostages after the plane landed at Stansted airport on Tuesday and then appealed for asylum , would appear in court on Saturday .

<response> Police said the seven men , who freed all their hostages after the plane landed at <location>Stansted</location> airport on Tuesday and then appealed for asylum , would appear in court on Saturday . </response>


The Iraqis claimed they were " ordinary people persecuted by the regime of Saddam ( Hussein ) " but interior ministry officials had consistently said it was likely the seven would be charged with hijack before any plea for asylum was considered .

<response> The <misc>Iraqis</misc> claimed they were " ordinary people persecuted by the regime of <person>Saddam</person> ( <person>Hussein</person> ) " but <organization>interior ministry</organization> officials had consistently said it was likely the seven would be charged with hijack before any plea for asylum was considered . </response>


Under English law the maximum sentence for hijack is life imprisonment , but there has been widespread speculation that the seven will receive lesser sentences and then be allowed to stay rather than being sent back to Iraq .

<response> Under <misc>English</misc> law the maximum sentence for hijack is life imprisonment , but there has been widespread speculation that the seven will receive lesser sentences and then be allowed to stay rather than being sent back to <location>Iraq</location> . </response>


The hijack began on Monday when an Amman-bound plane was taken over shortly after it took off from Khartoum .

<response> The hijack began on Monday when an <misc>Amman-bound</misc> plane was taken over shortly after it took off from <location>Khartoum</location> . </response>


The hijackers threatened to blow it up during a refuelling stop in Cyprus unless they were taken to London .

<response> The hijackers threatened to blow it up during a refuelling stop in <location>Cyprus</location> unless they were taken to <location>London</location> . </response>


<response> After a search of the aircraft following the hijackers ' surrender , police found only knives and fake explosives . </response>


Late bond market prices .

<response> Late bond market prices . </response>


This is how major world bond markets were trading in late European business on Friday .

<response> This is how major world bond markets were trading in late <misc>European</misc> business on Friday . </response>


GERMANY - Bunds extended losses , flirting with session lows after falling victim to sharply higher U.S. economic data which revived fears that interest rates may soon turn higher .

<response> <location>GERMANY</location> - Bunds extended losses , flirting with session lows after falling victim to sharply higher <location>U.S.</location> economic data which revived fears that interest rates may soon turn higher . </response>


The September Bund future on the London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange ( LIFFE ) was trading at 97.18 , down 0.20 from Thursday 's settlement price .

<response> The September Bund future on the <organization>London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange</organization> ( <organization>LIFFE</organization> ) was trading at 97.18 , down 0.20 from Thursday 's settlement price . </response>


BRITAIN - Gilts struggled off the day 's lows but ended 10/32 down on the day .

<response> <location>BRITAIN</location> - Gilts struggled off the day 's lows but ended 10/32 down on the day . </response>


A sharp plunge in U.S. Treasuries after a shock rise in the Chicago PMI pulled gilts lower , but traders said the market was nervous anyway ahead of August MO data and the PMI survey due on Monday .

<response> A sharp plunge in <organization>U.S. Treasuries</organization> after a shock rise in the <misc>Chicago PMI</misc> pulled gilts lower , but traders said the market was nervous anyway ahead of August MO data and the PMI survey due on Monday . </response>


The September long gilt future on LIFFE was trading at 107-2/32 , down 8/32 from Thursday 's settlement price .

<response> The September long gilt future on <organization>LIFFE</organization> was trading at 107-2/32 , down 8/32 from Thursday 's settlement price . </response>


FRANCE - Bond and PIBOR futures ended the day higher despite much stronger than expected U.S. data .

<response> <location>FRANCE</location> - Bond and PIBOR futures ended the day higher despite much stronger than expected <location>U.S.</location> data . </response>


The September notional bond future on the MATIF in Paris settled at 123.14 , up 0.04 from Thursday 's settlement price .

<response> The September notional bond future on the MATIF in <location>Paris</location> settled at 123.14 , up 0.04 from Thursday 's settlement price . </response>


ITALY - Bond futures held to easier levels in late afternoon after the sharp drop in Treasuries , but a resilient lira helped limit BTP losses .

<response> <location>ITALY</location> - Bond futures held to easier levels in late afternoon after the sharp drop in <organization>Treasuries</organization> , but a resilient lira helped limit BTP losses . </response>


The September bond future on LIFFE was trading at 115.45 , down 0.13 from Thursday 's settlement price .

<response> The September bond future on <organization>LIFFE</organization> was trading at 115.45 , down 0.13 from Thursday 's settlement price . </response>


UNITED STATES - Prices of U.S. Treasury securities were trading sharply lower near midday after a surprisingly strong Chicago Purchasing Managers ' report shook the markets ahead of the long Labour Day weekend .

<response> <location>UNITED STATES</location> - Prices of <organization>U.S. Treasury</organization> securities were trading sharply lower near midday after a surprisingly strong <organization>Chicago Purchasing Managers</organization> ' report shook the markets ahead of the long <misc>Labour Day</misc> weekend . </response>


The September Treasury bond future on the Chicago Board of Trade was trading at 107-11/32 , down 26/32 from Thursday 's settlement price .

<response> The September <organization>Treasury</organization> bond future on the <organization>Chicago Board of Trade</organization> was trading at 107-11/32 , down 26/32 from Thursday 's settlement price . </response>


<response> The long bond was quoted to yield 7.12 percent . </response>


JAPAN - Yield for benchmark 182nd cash bond fell on buy-backs following weaker-than-expected industrial output data , which convinced traders the BOJ would not raise interest rates soon .

<response> <location>JAPAN</location> - Yield for benchmark 182nd cash bond fell on buy-backs following weaker-than-expected industrial output data , which convinced traders the <organization>BOJ</organization> would not raise interest rates soon . </response>


Japanese Goverment Bonds futures which closed before the output data , lost much of day 's gains as Tokyo stock prices recovered from the day 's low.In after hours trading the September future on LIFFE was trading at 122.53 , up 0.26 from Thursday 's settlement price on the Tokyo Stock Exchange .

<response> <misc>Japanese Goverment Bonds</misc> futures which closed before the output data , lost much of day 's gains as <location>Tokyo</location> stock prices recovered from the day 's low.In after hours trading the September future on <organization>LIFFE</organization> was trading at 122.53 , up 0.26 from Thursday 's settlement price on the <organization>Tokyo Stock Exchange</organization> . </response>


EUROBONDS - Primary market activity was sharply lower , as players wound down ahead of Monday 's U.S. Labour Day holiday and next week 's U.S. employment data .

<response> <misc>EUROBONDS</misc> - Primary market activity was sharply lower , as players wound down ahead of Monday 's <location>U.S.</location> <misc>Labour Day</misc> holiday and next week 's <location>U.S.</location> employment data . </response>


NSW Treasury launched a A$ 100 million three-year discount bond aimed at Japanese investors .

<response> <organization>NSW Treasury</organization> launched a <misc>A$</misc> 100 million three-year discount bond aimed at <misc>Japanese</misc> investors . </response>


DNIB issued a 275 million Norwegian crown bond , which was pre-placed with a European institution .

<response> <organization>DNIB</organization> issued a 275 million <misc>Norwegian</misc> crown bond , which was pre-placed with a <misc>European</misc> institution . </response>


DNIB also set a 110 million guilder step-up bond .

<response> <organization>DNIB</organization> also set a 110 million guilder step-up bond . </response>


Next week Kansai Electric Power and Kansai International Airport are likely to launch 10-year dollar deals .

<response> Next week <organization>Kansai Electric Power</organization> and <organization>Kansai International Airport</organization> are likely to launch 10-year dollar deals . </response>


Boxing-Bruno quits on doctor 's advice .

<response> <misc>Boxing-Bruno</misc> quits on doctor 's advice . </response>


LONDON 1996-08-30

<response> <location>LONDON</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


Former world heavyweight champion Frank Bruno has quit the ring on medical advice , Britain 's Sun newspaper reported on Friday .

<response> Former world heavyweight champion <person>Frank Bruno</person> has quit the ring on medical advice , <location>Britain</location> 's <organization>Sun</organization> newspaper reported on Friday . </response>


An eye specialist told the 35-year-old Bruno that he could be blinded in one eye if he boxed again , the newspaper said .

<response> An eye specialist told the 35-year-old <person>Bruno</person> that he could be blinded in one eye if he boxed again , the newspaper said . </response>


The Briton , who lost his World Boxing Council ( WBC ) title to Mike Tyson in March , said : " I was in shock as soon as he told me and it still has n't really sunk in .

<response> The <misc>Briton</misc> , who lost his <organization>World Boxing Council</organization> ( <organization>WBC</organization> ) title to <person>Mike Tyson</person> in March , said : " I was in shock as soon as he told me and it still has n't really sunk in . </response>


<response> " I never wanted to end like this but at the end of the day I 'm glad I had a good innings . " </response>


Bruno , for years one of Britain 's most popular sportsmen , had hoped to have another shot at the world title and had been in training until a routine eye test on Monday highlighted a problem with his right eye .

<response> <person>Bruno</person> , for years one of <location>Britain</location> 's most popular sportsmen , had hoped to have another shot at the world title and had been in training until a routine eye test on Monday highlighted a problem with his right eye . </response>


Professor David McLeod , who examined Bruno , told the Sun : " There is a risk he could be blinded in the eye if he steps into the ring again .

<response> Professor <person>David McLeod</person> , who examined <person>Bruno</person> , told the <organization>Sun</organization> : " There is a risk he could be blinded in the eye if he steps into the ring again . </response>


<response> He is in danger of getting a retinal detachment and there is no point in exposing himself to that . " </response>


Bruno lost three world title fights before finally landing the crown by beating American Oliver McCall in a unanimous points decision at Wembley in September 1995 .

<response> <person>Bruno</person> lost three world title fights before finally landing the crown by beating <misc>American</misc> <person>Oliver McCall</person> in a unanimous points decision at <location>Wembley</location> in September 1995 . </response>


He was only the third Briton ever to hold a world heavyweight title .

<response> He was only the third <misc>Briton</misc> ever to hold a world heavyweight title . </response>


But Bruno lost the title on his first defence when he fought American Tyson in Las Vegas .

<response> But <person>Bruno</person> lost the title on his first defence when he fought <misc>American</misc> <person>Tyson</person> in <location>Las Vegas</location> . </response>


Bruno suffered a cut eye in the opening round and the referee stopped the fight in the third as the Briton crumbled under a flurry of punches .

<response> <person>Bruno</person> suffered a cut eye in the opening round and the referee stopped the fight in the third as the <misc>Briton</misc> crumbled under a flurry of punches . </response>


Soccer - McCarthy names team to play Liechtenstein .

<response> Soccer - <person>McCarthy</person> names team to play <location>Liechtenstein</location> . </response>


DUBLIN 1996-08-30

<response> <location>DUBLIN</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


Irish soccer manager Mick McCarthy on Friday announced the team to play Liechtenstein in Saturday 's World Cup qualifying match .

<response> <misc>Irish</misc> soccer manager <person>Mick McCarthy</person> on Friday announced the team to play <location>Liechtenstein</location> in Saturday 's <misc>World Cup</misc> qualifying match . </response>


Birmingham 's Gary Breen was selected ahead of Phil Babb in defence , while 18-year-old Ian Harte makes his international competitive debut .

<response> <organization>Birmingham</organization> 's <person>Gary Breen</person> was selected ahead of <person>Phil Babb</person> in defence , while 18-year-old <person>Ian Harte</person> makes his international competitive debut . </response>


Keith O'Neill of Norwich City joins Niall Quinn up front .

<response> <person>Keith O'Neill</person> of <organization>Norwich City</organization> joins <person>Niall Quinn</person> up front . </response>


The team is as follows :

<response> The team is as follows : </response>


Given , Breen , Staunton , Irwin , McAteer , Harte , McLoughlin , Houghton , Townsend , Quinn , O'Neill .

<response> <person>Given</person> , <person>Breen</person> , <person>Staunton</person> , <person>Irwin</person> , <person>McAteer</person> , <person>Harte</person> , <person>McLoughlin</person> , <person>Houghton</person> , <person>Townsend</person> , <person>Quinn</person> , <person>O'Neill</person> . </response>


-- Dublin Newsroom +353 1 676 9779

<response> -- <organization>Dublin Newsroom</organization> +353 1 676 9779 </response>


Nigerian thieves hire police truck to carry loot .

<response> <misc>Nigerian</misc> thieves hire police truck to carry loot . </response>


LAGOS 1996-08-30

<response> <location>LAGOS</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


A gang of thieves in eastern Nigeria paid a police corporal to carry off eight air conditioners they had just stolen , the national news agency reported on Friday .

<response> A gang of thieves in eastern <location>Nigeria</location> paid a police corporal to carry off eight air conditioners they had just stolen , the national news agency reported on Friday . </response>


" Little did I know I was dealing with robbers , " the News Agency of Nigeria quoted the unnamed corporal as saying .

<response> " Little did I know I was dealing with robbers , " the <organization>News Agency of Nigeria</organization> quoted the unnamed corporal as saying . </response>


<response> He admitted to having been paid 3,000 naira ( $ 37.50 ) for his services in transporting the loot valued at 300,000 naira ( $ 3,750 ) . </response>


Police in the town of Uyo said the corporal had been arrested , while the air conditioners had been returned to their rightful owner .

<response> Police in the town of <location>Uyo</location> said the corporal had been arrested , while the air conditioners had been returned to their rightful owner . </response>


<response> They did not comment on the whereabouts of the thieves . </response>


( $ 1=80 naira )


East Dries miners fail to report for work .

<response> <organization>East Dries</organization> miners fail to report for work . </response>


JOHANNESBURG 1996-08-30

<response> <location>JOHANNESBURG</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


Workers at Driefontein Consolidated Ltd 's east gold mine have failed to report for work since Wednesday night , mine managers Gold Fields of South Africa Ltd said on Friday .

<response> Workers at <organization>Driefontein Consolidated Ltd</organization> 's east gold mine have failed to report for work since Wednesday night , mine managers <organization>Gold Fields of South Africa Ltd</organization> said on Friday . </response>


<response> " Discussions with employee and union representatives are continuing , " the company said in a statement . </response>


It gave no further details .

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


At least 17 miners have been killed in labour unrest -- sparked by ethnic differences -- at Driefontein Consolidated and Gold Fields ' Kloof Gold Mining Co this month .

<response> At least 17 miners have been killed in labour unrest -- sparked by ethnic differences -- at <organization>Driefontein Consolidated and Gold Fields ' Kloof Gold Mining Co</organization> this month . </response>


-- Johannesburg newsroom , +27-11 482 1003

<response> -- <location>Johannesburg</location> newsroom , +27-11 482 1003 </response>


Chad government closes university after protests .

<response> <location>Chad</location> government closes university after protests . </response>


N'DJAMENA 1996-08-30

<response> <location>N'DJAMENA</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


The government of Chad has closed N'Djamena University after two days of protests over grant arrears in which Education Minister Nagoum Yamassoum was held hostage for four hours , state radio said on Friday .

<response> The government of <location>Chad</location> has closed <organization>N'Djamena University</organization> after two days of protests over grant arrears in which Education Minister <person>Nagoum Yamassoum</person> was held hostage for four hours , state radio said on Friday . </response>


<response> " The minister and his colleagues who were held in the rector 's office were freed thanks an intervention by gendarmes , " one university official said . </response>


<response> " Angry students cut the telephone , water and electricity of the university offices before smashing the windows and breaking down the doors . " </response>


<response> Paramilitary police detained more than 120 students in the protest . </response>


<response> The students ' union said second and third-year students were demanding four months of unpaid grants . </response>


<response> End-of-year examinations would go ahead on September 2 despite the closure , university officials said . </response>


Yeltsin endorses Lebed Chechnya peace plan - agency .

<response> <person>Yeltsin</person> endorses <person>Lebed</person> <location>Chechnya</location> peace plan - agency . </response>


MOSCOW 1996-08-30

<response> <location>MOSCOW</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin said on Friday that President Boris Yeltsin , who is vacationing outside Moscow , had backed security chief Alexander Lebed 's peace plan for Chechnya , Interfax news agency said .

<response> <misc>Russian</misc> Prime Minister <person>Viktor Chernomyrdin</person> said on Friday that President <person>Boris Yeltsin</person> , who is vacationing outside <location>Moscow</location> , had backed security chief <person>Alexander Lebed</person> 's peace plan for <location>Chechnya</location> , <organization>Interfax</organization> news agency said . </response>


" Lebed is now in Chechnya solving some problems , " Interfax quoted Chernomyrdin as saying . "

<response> " <person>Lebed</person> is now in <location>Chechnya</location> solving some problems , " <organization>Interfax</organization> quoted <person>Chernomyrdin</person> as saying . " </response>


The main thing is his programme .

<response> The main thing is his programme . </response>


It was agreed with Boris Nikolayevich ( Yeltsin ) yesterday . "

<response> It was agreed with <person>Boris Nikolayevich</person> ( <person>Yeltsin</person> ) yesterday . " </response>


Lebed , whom Yeltsin ordered to restore peace in Chechnya , struck a military deal with separatist rebels last week ending the worst fighting in the region in more than a year .

<response> <person>Lebed</person> , whom <person>Yeltsin</person> ordered to restore peace in <location>Chechnya</location> , struck a military deal with separatist rebels last week ending the worst fighting in the region in more than a year . </response>


He later discussed with rebel chief-of-staff Aslan Maskhadov a framework political agreement to tackle the most painful issue of the 20-month war -- the future political status of Chechnya .

<response> He later discussed with rebel chief-of-staff <person>Aslan Maskhadov</person> a framework political agreement to tackle the most painful issue of the 20-month war -- the future political status of <location>Chechnya</location> . </response>


Lebed said on Friday he hoped to sign a document with the rebels later in the day which would deal with the political settlement of the conflict .

<response> <person>Lebed</person> said on Friday he hoped to sign a document with the rebels later in the day which would deal with the political settlement of the conflict . </response>


Moscow , which wants to keep Chechnya as a part of the Russian Federation , sent troops to the region in December 1994 to quell its independence bid .

<response> <location>Moscow</location> , which wants to keep <location>Chechnya</location> as a part of the <location>Russian Federation</location> , sent troops to the region in December 1994 to quell its independence bid . </response>


Yeltsin has said any deal should preserve Russia 's territorial integrity .

<response> <person>Yeltsin</person> has said any deal should preserve <location>Russia</location> 's territorial integrity . </response>


Itar-Tass news agency quoted Lebed as saying that he would suggest to the rebels that the decision on Chechnya 's future political status be deferred by up to 10 years .

<response> <organization>Itar-Tass</organization> news agency quoted <person>Lebed</person> as saying that he would suggest to the rebels that the decision on <location>Chechnya</location> 's future political status be deferred by up to 10 years . </response>


Lebed said he had a telephone conversation with Yeltsin late on Thursday but gave no details .

<response> <person>Lebed</person> said he had a telephone conversation with <person>Yeltsin</person> late on Thursday but gave no details . </response>


Yeltsin 's press office could not confirm the call .

<response> <person>Yeltsin</person> 's press office could not confirm the call . </response>


Chernomyrdin said on Thursday after a meeting with Lebed and top officials , who discussed Lebed 's plans to restore peace in Chechnya , that it needed more work .

<response> <person>Chernomyrdin</person> said on Thursday after a meeting with <person>Lebed</person> and top officials , who discussed <person>Lebed</person> 's plans to restore peace in <location>Chechnya</location> , that it needed more work . </response>


Lebed , Chechens sign framework political deal .

<response> <person>Lebed</person> , <misc>Chechens</misc> sign framework political deal . </response>


KHASAVYURT , Russia 1996-08-31

<response> <location>KHASAVYURT</location> , <location>Russia</location> 1996-08-31 </response>


Russian peacemaker Alexander Lebed said he and rebel military leader Aslan Maskhadov agreed after overnight talks to defer the decision on whether Chechnya should be independent until December 31 , 2001 .

<response> <misc>Russian</misc> peacemaker <person>Alexander Lebed</person> said he and rebel military leader <person>Aslan Maskhadov</person> agreed after overnight talks to defer the decision on whether <location>Chechnya</location> should be independent until December 31 , 2001 . </response>


" We just now signed a statement and attached the basic principles of relations between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic , " Lebed told reporters after he and Maskhadov signed a package of documents .

<response> " We just now signed a statement and attached the basic principles of relations between the <location>Russian Federation</location> and the <location>Chechen Republic</location> , " <person>Lebed</person> told reporters after he and <person>Maskhadov</person> signed a package of documents . </response>


He gave no further details .

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


" That 's it , the war is over , " Lebed told reporters who witnessed the signing .

<response> " That 's it , the war is over , " <person>Lebed</person> told reporters who witnessed the signing . </response>


Lebed said he and Maskhadov agreed to defer by more than five years the painful issue of Chechnya 's political status .

<response> <person>Lebed</person> said he and <person>Maskhadov</person> agreed to defer by more than five years the painful issue of <location>Chechnya</location> 's political status . </response>


" Then , with cool heads , calmly and soberly we will sort out our relations , " Lebed said after the late-night signing ceremony in this settlement outside Chechnya 's eastern border .

<response> " Then , with cool heads , calmly and soberly we will sort out our relations , " <person>Lebed</person> said after the late-night signing ceremony in this settlement outside <location>Chechnya</location> 's eastern border . </response>


Tens of thousands of people have died in the war , begun in late 1994 after Moscow sent troops to quell Chechnya 's independence bid .

<response> Tens of thousands of people have died in the war , begun in late 1994 after <location>Moscow</location> sent troops to quell <location>Chechnya</location> 's independence bid . </response>


But Russia failed to win control over the whole of Chechnya and its troops suffered several humiliating defeats .

<response> But <location>Russia</location> failed to win control over the whole of <location>Chechnya</location> and its troops suffered several humiliating defeats . </response>


President Boris Yeltsin ordered Lebed to restore peace in Chechnya and gave him unspecified sweeping powers to carry out the mission .

<response> President <person>Boris Yeltsin</person> ordered <person>Lebed</person> to restore peace in <location>Chechnya</location> and gave him unspecified sweeping powers to carry out the mission . </response>


Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin said on Friday that Yeltsin backed a package of proposals Lebed took to the talks .

<response> Prime Minister <person>Viktor Chernomyrdin</person> said on Friday that <person>Yeltsin</person> backed a package of proposals <person>Lebed</person> took to the talks . </response>


Ruling Moslem party ends vote boycott .

<response> Ruling <misc>Moslem</misc> party ends vote boycott . </response>


SARAJEVO 1996-08-30

<response> <location>SARAJEVO</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


Bosnia 's ruling Moslem nationalist party on Friday called on its refugee voters to end a boycott of absentee balloting in national elections , citing assurances provided by a U.S. envoy , government radio said .

<response> <location>Bosnia</location> 's ruling <misc>Moslem</misc> nationalist party on Friday called on its refugee voters to end a boycott of absentee balloting in national elections , citing assurances provided by a <location>U.S.</location> envoy , government radio said . </response>


The Bosnian government radio broadcast said U.S. Assistant Secretary of State John Kornblum had reassured SDA officials , including presumably its leader , Bosnian President Alija Izetbegovic , whom he met during a Friday visit .

<response> The <misc>Bosnian</misc> government radio broadcast said <location>U.S.</location> Assistant Secretary of State <person>John Kornblum</person> had reassured <organization>SDA</organization> officials , including presumably its leader , <misc>Bosnian</misc> President <person>Alija Izetbegovic</person> , whom he met during a Friday visit . </response>


But the radio report did not specify what guarantees , if any , the U.S. envoy had provided .

<response> But the radio report did not specify what guarantees , if any , the <location>U.S.</location> envoy had provided . </response>


<response> Absentee voting in the elections began on Wednesday , August 28 and runs for a week . </response>


Election day for those living inside Bosnia is September 14 .

<response> Election day for those living inside <location>Bosnia</location> is September 14 . </response>


The Party of Democratic Action ( SDA ) had called on Wednesday for its followers abroad to boycott the absentee balloting because of voter registration irregularities , especially among Serb refugees .

<response> The <organization>Party of Democratic Action</organization> ( <organization>SDA</organization> ) had called on Wednesday for its followers abroad to boycott the absentee balloting because of voter registration irregularities , especially among <misc>Serb</misc> refugees . </response>


The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) postponed municipal elections as a result of the irregularities but decided to proceed with voting for higher offices .

<response> The <organization>Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe</organization> ( <organization>OSCE</organization> ) postponed municipal elections as a result of the irregularities but decided to proceed with voting for higher offices . </response>


The SDA , joined by two other parties , has been demanding that OSCE prohibit refugees voting from any place other than their pre-war place of residence as a means to prevent the elections from ratifying the results of ethnic cleansing .

<response> The <organization>SDA</organization> , joined by two other parties , has been demanding that <organization>OSCE</organization> prohibit refugees voting from any place other than their pre-war place of residence as a means to prevent the elections from ratifying the results of ethnic cleansing . </response>


Belgrade airport runway repairs Sept 21-26-agency .

<response> <location>Belgrade</location> airport runway repairs Sept 21-26-agency . </response>


BELGRADE 1996-08-30

<response> <location>BELGRADE</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


Belgrade 's main airport Aerodrom Beograd will be closed to traffic for runway maintenance and modernization from September 21 to 26 , the Yugoslav news agency Tanjug reported late on Friday .

<response> <location>Belgrade</location> 's main airport <location>Aerodrom Beograd</location> will be closed to traffic for runway maintenance and modernization from September 21 to 26 , the <misc>Yugoslav</misc> news agency <organization>Tanjug</organization> reported late on Friday . </response>


" During the works , all flights will be re-routed to the nearby airport in Batajnica , with no change in schedules , " Tanjug quotes Belgrade airport General Director Ljubomir Acimovic as saying .

<response> " During the works , all flights will be re-routed to the nearby airport in <location>Batajnica</location> , with no change in schedules , " <organization>Tanjug</organization> quotes <location>Belgrade</location> airport General Director <person>Ljubomir Acimovic</person> as saying . </response>


The airport in Surcin will continue to carry out all other activities and has secured enough buses to transport passengers to Batajnica , Acimovic said .

<response> The airport in <location>Surcin</location> will continue to carry out all other activities and has secured enough buses to transport passengers to <location>Batajnica</location> , <person>Acimovic</person> said . </response>


The value of maintenance works , which will last 120 hours straight , is 20 million dinars and the funds have been secured by Belgrade airport , Tanjug said .

<response> The value of maintenance works , which will last 120 hours straight , is 20 million dinars and the funds have been secured by <location>Belgrade</location> airport , <organization>Tanjug</organization> said . </response>


The Batajnica airport will take over complete air traffic control during this period , Federal Air Traffic Control Administration Director Branko Bilbija said .

<response> The <location>Batajnica</location> airport will take over complete air traffic control during this period , <organization>Federal Air Traffic Control Administration</organization> Director <person>Branko Bilbija</person> said . </response>


-- Amra Kevic , Belgrade newsroom +381 11 2224305

<response> -- <person>Amra Kevic</person> , <location>Belgrade</location> newsroom +381 11 2224305 </response>


Top Belarus politician blasts president .

<response> Top <location>Belarus</location> politician blasts president . </response>


Larisa Sayenko

<response> <person>Larisa Sayenko</person> </response>


MINSK 1996-08-30

<response> <location>MINSK</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


A senior Belarus politician accused President Alexander Lukashenko on Friday of attempting to set up a dictatorship in the former Soviet republic .

<response> A senior <location>Belarus</location> politician accused President <person>Alexander Lukashenko</person> on Friday of attempting to set up a dictatorship in the former <misc>Soviet</misc> republic . </response>


The speaker of the Belarus parliament , Semyon Sharetsky , told Reuters that a draft constitution , due to be put to a national referendum on November 7 , would dangerously increase the powers of the ruler .

<response> The speaker of the <location>Belarus</location> parliament , <person>Semyon Sharetsky</person> , told <organization>Reuters</organization> that a draft constitution , due to be put to a national referendum on November 7 , would dangerously increase the powers of the ruler . </response>


" The world community should not be indifferent to the fact that President Lukashenko , who leads this European state of 10 million people , is trying to establish a dictatorship with his new constitution , " Sharetsky said .

<response> " The world community should not be indifferent to the fact that President <person>Lukashenko</person> , who leads this <misc>European</misc> state of 10 million people , is trying to establish a dictatorship with his new constitution , " <person>Sharetsky</person> said . </response>


<response> The new constitution calls for a two-chamber parliament with a 110-seat majority-elected house of representatives and a regionally-represented senate with a third of its members named by the president . </response>


Lukashenko 's aides shrugged off Sharetsky 's charge . "

<response> <person>Lukashenko</person> 's aides shrugged off <person>Sharetsky</person> 's charge . " </response>


If there was a dictatorship they would n't have the right to say things like this , " Sergei Posukhov , Lukashenko 's political adviser , told Reuters .

<response> If there was a dictatorship they would n't have the right to say things like this , " <person>Sergei Posukhov</person> , <person>Lukashenko</person> 's political adviser , told <organization>Reuters</organization> . </response>


<response> " The people have asked us to establish order and that 's our main aim . " </response>


Lukashenko , 41 , won presidential polls in 1994 on promises to restore order , fight corruption and repair the strong links with Russia that were disrupted by the collapse of the Soviet Union .

<response> <person>Lukashenko</person> , 41 , won presidential polls in 1994 on promises to restore order , fight corruption and repair the strong links with <location>Russia</location> that were disrupted by the collapse of the <location>Soviet Union</location> . </response>


But during his period in office he has battled against nationalist opponents , trade unions and parliament and Sharetsky said the current parliament was ready to try to impeach him .

<response> But during his period in office he has battled against nationalist opponents , trade unions and parliament and <person>Sharetsky</person> said the current parliament was ready to try to impeach him . </response>


<response> " This constitution , which has been prepared in secret , aims to gather all power in one man 's hands , " he said . " </response>


<response> We should not be fooled by his quasi-democratic rhetoric and his methods , like this referendum . " </response>


Lukashenko signed a pact with Moscow in April to create a strong economic and political union which he believes could grow into a federation .

<response> <person>Lukashenko</person> signed a pact with <location>Moscow</location> in April to create a strong economic and political union which he believes could grow into a federation . </response>


But nationalist groups , scared by the prospect of renewed Moscow domination and Russia 's backing for Lukashenko , protested against the deal .

<response> But nationalist groups , scared by the prospect of renewed <location>Moscow</location> domination and <location>Russia</location> 's backing for <person>Lukashenko</person> , protested against the deal . </response>


Lukashenko responded by cracking down on the nationalist opposition and jailing nearly 200 people for taking part in demonstrations against the pact .

<response> <person>Lukashenko</person> responded by cracking down on the nationalist opposition and jailing nearly 200 people for taking part in demonstrations against the pact . </response>


The United States last week granted political asylum to two opposition leaders , Zenon Poznyak and Sergei Naumchik .

<response> The <location>United States</location> last week granted political asylum to two opposition leaders , <person>Zenon Poznyak</person> and <person>Sergei Naumchik</person> . </response>


Tajik troops now control devastated town .

<response> <misc>Tajik</misc> troops now control devastated town . </response>


Yuri Kushko

<response> <person>Yuri Kushko</person> </response>


TAVILDARA , Tajikistan 1996-08-30

<response> <location>TAVILDARA</location> , <location>Tajikistan</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


Tajik government troops now control of the strategically vital town of Tavildara after driving out Islamic rebels , but sporadic gunfire still echoed in the nearby Pamir mountains on Friday .

<response> <misc>Tajik</misc> government troops now control of the strategically vital town of <location>Tavildara</location> after driving out <misc>Islamic</misc> rebels , but sporadic gunfire still echoed in the nearby <location>Pamir</location> mountains on Friday . </response>


The commander-in-chief of Tajikistan 's armed forces , Major-General Nikolai Sherbatov , took a group of journalists by helicopter to the remote , and now devastated , town to show that his forces held it .

<response> The commander-in-chief of <location>Tajikistan</location> 's armed forces , Major-General <person>Nikolai Sherbatov</person> , took a group of journalists by helicopter to the remote , and now devastated , town to show that his forces held it . </response>


He said his troops took Tavildara without casualties on August 23 , but the crack of sniper and machinegun fire revealed the presence of opposition fighters in the surrounding mountains .

<response> He said his troops took <location>Tavildara</location> without casualties on August 23 , but the crack of sniper and machinegun fire revealed the presence of opposition fighters in the surrounding mountains . </response>


Sherbatov said the rebels were located about three km ( two miles ) east of Tavildara around the village of Layron .

<response> <person>Sherbatov</person> said the rebels were located about three km ( two miles ) east of <location>Tavildara</location> around the village of <location>Layron</location> . </response>


Tavildara , 200 km ( 120 miles ) east of the capital Dushanbe , was in ruins .

<response> <location>Tavildara</location> , 200 km ( 120 miles ) east of the capital <location>Dushanbe</location> , was in ruins . </response>


<response> Shells had smashed roofs and windows and empty shell cases littered the streets . </response>


<response> The town straddles a strategically important road linking government and rebel-held territory and has fallen succesively to both sides in a bloody tug-of-war which began last February . </response>


Tajikistan , which borders Afghanistan and China , has been split by a dragging four-year conflict after a civil war between communists and a frail coalition of Islamic and liberal groups .

<response> <location>Tajikistan</location> , which borders <location>Afghanistan</location> and <location>China</location> , has been split by a dragging four-year conflict after a civil war between communists and a frail coalition of <misc>Islamic</misc> and liberal groups . </response>


Tens of thousands of people have been killed and many more have been displaced in the fighting , which breached a shaky United Nations-sponsored ceasefire .

<response> Tens of thousands of people have been killed and many more have been displaced in the fighting , which breached a shaky <misc>United Nations-sponsored</misc> ceasefire . </response>


Tavildara is now apparently inhabited only by a few old men , women and their grubby , barefoot children .

<response> <location>Tavildara</location> is now apparently inhabited only by a few old men , women and their grubby , barefoot children . </response>


<response> Fruit remained on the trees as there was no one to pick it . </response>


<response> " Help me , help me , " said a chorus of women begging soldiers for food . </response>


<response> The town 's school and a shop doubling as a warehouse for humanitarian aid were destroyed in the fighting . </response>


" We had to build our own earth shelters to survive the fighting , " said Rajab Adinayev , a bearded elderly Tajik in a long white shirt .

<response> " We had to build our own earth shelters to survive the fighting , " said <person>Rajab Adinayev</person> , a bearded elderly <misc>Tajik</misc> in a long white shirt . </response>


<response> Although shy in front of the government soldiers , several inhabitants accused government forces of widespread looting of homes and livestock . </response>


<response> They also said rebel fighters had looted medicines from the local hospital . </response>


One elderly man , who declined to give his name , said two of his sons were now refugees in Moscow and the other two had left to fight for the opposition .

<response> One elderly man , who declined to give his name , said two of his sons were now refugees in <location>Moscow</location> and the other two had left to fight for the opposition . </response>


<response> He also said government soldiers had raped the wife of one of his sons . " </response>


<response> It 's not important who holds this town , we just need to stop the war , " he said . </response>


Polish Foreign Minister to visit Yugoslavia .

<response> <misc>Polish</misc> Foreign Minister to visit <location>Yugoslavia</location> . </response>


WARSAW 1996-08-30

<response> <location>WARSAW</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


Poland 's Foreign Minister Dariusz Rosati will visit Yugoslavia on September 3 and 4 to revive a dialogue between the two governments which was effectively frozen in 1992 , PAP news agency reported on Friday .

<response> <location>Poland</location> 's Foreign Minister <person>Dariusz Rosati</person> will visit <location>Yugoslavia</location> on September 3 and 4 to revive a dialogue between the two governments which was effectively frozen in 1992 , <organization>PAP</organization> news agency reported on Friday . </response>


During Rosati 's trip the two countries will sign an agreement on mutual protection of investments and a note easing conditions on the granting of visas , the agency quoted Foreign Ministry officials as saying .

<response> During <person>Rosati</person> 's trip the two countries will sign an agreement on mutual protection of investments and a note easing conditions on the granting of visas , the agency quoted <organization>Foreign Ministry</organization> officials as saying . </response>


The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is the only country of the former Yugoslavia where Poles currently require visas .

<response> The <location>Federal Republic of Yugoslavia</location> is the only country of the former <location>Yugoslavia</location> where <misc>Poles</misc> currently require visas . </response>


<response> They are also to clinch protocols on culture and understanding between the two foreign ministries . </response>


Rosati will meet Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic and Yugoslav politicians in Belgrade , before visiting Montenegro .

<response> <person>Rosati</person> will meet <misc>Serbian</misc> President <person>Slobodan Milosevic</person> and <misc>Yugoslav</misc> politicians in <location>Belgrade</location> , before visiting <location>Montenegro</location> . </response>


Poland revived diplomatic ties at ambassadorial level with Yugoslavia in April but economic links are almost moribund , despite the end of a three-year U.N. trade embargo imposed to punish Belgrade for its support of Bosnian Serbs .

<response> <location>Poland</location> revived diplomatic ties at ambassadorial level with <location>Yugoslavia</location> in April but economic links are almost moribund , despite the end of a three-year <organization>U.N.</organization> trade embargo imposed to punish <location>Belgrade</location> for its support of <misc>Bosnian Serbs</misc> . </response>


Poland is seeking pacts on avoiding double taxation and wants cooperation in fighting crime .

<response> <location>Poland</location> is seeking pacts on avoiding double taxation and wants cooperation in fighting crime . </response>


Yeltsin visits wife Naina in hospital - Interfax .

<response> <person>Yeltsin</person> visits wife <person>Naina</person> in hospital - <organization>Interfax</organization> . </response>


MOSCOW 1996-08-30

<response> <location>MOSCOW</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


Russian President Boris Yeltsin visited his wife Naina in hospital on Friday evening , Interfax news agency quoted spokesman Sergei Yastrzhembsky as saying .

<response> <misc>Russian</misc> President <person>Boris Yeltsin</person> visited his wife <person>Naina</person> in hospital on Friday evening , <organization>Interfax</organization> news agency quoted spokesman <person>Sergei Yastrzhembsky</person> as saying . </response>


Naina Yeltsin had a kidney operation last Saturday .

<response> <person>Naina Yeltsin</person> had a kidney operation last Saturday . </response>


Earlier Russian news reports had said Yeltsin 's children and grandchildren had visited the Russian first lady but they said only that Yeltsin , on vacation outside Moscow , had spoken to her by telephone .

<response> Earlier <misc>Russian</misc> news reports had said <person>Yeltsin</person> 's children and grandchildren had visited the <misc>Russian</misc> first lady but they said only that <person>Yeltsin</person> , on vacation outside <location>Moscow</location> , had spoken to her by telephone . </response>


" Naina Yeltsin looks well , she is active , she is clearly getting better , " Yastrzhembsky quoted Yeltsin as saying .

<response> " <person>Naina Yeltsin</person> looks well , she is active , she is clearly getting better , " <person>Yastrzhembsky</person> quoted <person>Yeltsin</person> as saying . </response>


Naina Yeltsin is recovering in Moscow 's Central Clinical Hospital , where the president himself was treated twice last year for heart attacks .

<response> <person>Naina Yeltsin</person> is recovering in <location>Moscow</location> 's <location>Central Clinical Hospital</location> , where the president himself was treated twice last year for heart attacks . </response>


Yeltsin , 65 , has been seen only rarely since he was elected for a second term in office on July 3 , although his aides have denied a string of rumours that he has been taken ill again .

<response> <person>Yeltsin</person> , 65 , has been seen only rarely since he was elected for a second term in office on July 3 , although his aides have denied a string of rumours that he has been taken ill again . </response>


Yastrzhembsky said Yeltsin had travelled from the hospital to spend the night at the Barvikha sanatorium outside Moscow .

<response> <person>Yastrzhembsky</person> said <person>Yeltsin</person> had travelled from the hospital to spend the night at the <location>Barvikha</location> sanatorium outside <location>Moscow</location> . </response>


He was likely to return on Saturday to his holiday resort , a hunting lodge some 100 km ( 60 miles ) from Moscow .

<response> He was likely to return on Saturday to his holiday resort , a hunting lodge some 100 km ( 60 miles ) from <location>Moscow</location> . </response>


Lebed , Chechens start peace talks .

<response> <person>Lebed</person> , <misc>Chechens</misc> start peace talks . </response>


KHASAVYURT , Russia 1996-08-30

<response> <location>KHASAVYURT</location> , <location>Russia</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


Russian peacemaker Alexander Lebed and Chechen separatist military leader Aslan Maskhadov started a new round of peace talks on Friday in this settlement just outside the rebel region .

<response> <misc>Russian</misc> peacemaker <person>Alexander Lebed</person> and <misc>Chechen</misc> separatist military leader <person>Aslan Maskhadov</person> started a new round of peace talks on Friday in this settlement just outside the rebel region . </response>


Lebed , who flew into Chechnya earlier in the day , said he hoped to sign a framework agreement on a political settlement of the 20-month conflict in which tens of thousands of people have died .

<response> <person>Lebed</person> , who flew into <location>Chechnya</location> earlier in the day , said he hoped to sign a framework agreement on a political settlement of the 20-month conflict in which tens of thousands of people have died . </response>


Neither Lebed nor Maskhadov made any statement before the talks .

<response> Neither <person>Lebed</person> nor <person>Maskhadov</person> made any statement before the talks . </response>


Russian judge stabbed to death over $ 7 fine .

<response> <misc>Russian</misc> judge stabbed to death over $ 7 fine . </response>


MOSCOW 1996-08-30


A Moscow street vendor stabbed to death a woman judge in a city court on Friday after she fined him the equivalent of seven dollars for trading illegally , Interfax news agency said .

<response> A <location>Moscow</location> street vendor stabbed to death a woman judge in a city court on Friday after she fined him the equivalent of seven dollars for trading illegally , <organization>Interfax</organization> news agency said . </response>


Interfax said Judge Olga Lavrentyeva , 28 , on Thursday ordered the confiscation of several overcoats , suits and shirts which vendor Valery Ivankov , 41 , was illegally trading on Moscow streets and fined him 38,000 roubles ( seven dollars ) .

<response> <organization>Interfax</organization> said Judge <person>Olga Lavrentyeva</person> , 28 , on Thursday ordered the confiscation of several overcoats , suits and shirts which vendor <person>Valery Ivankov</person> , 41 , was illegally trading on <location>Moscow</location> streets and fined him 38,000 roubles ( seven dollars ) . </response>


The next morning , Ivankov appeared in the courtroom and stabbed Lavrentyeva .

<response> The next morning , <person>Ivankov</person> appeared in the courtroom and stabbed <person>Lavrentyeva</person> . </response>


The judge died later in hospital .

<response> The judge died later in hospital . </response>


Interfax quoted Levrentyeva 's colleagues as saying that judges were generally unprotected against criminal attacks .

<response> <organization>Interfax</organization> quoted <person>Levrentyeva</person> 's colleagues as saying that judges were generally unprotected against criminal attacks . </response>


Cofinec plunges on H1 results .

<response> <organization>Cofinec</organization> plunges on H1 results . </response>


Emese Bartha

<response> <person>Emese Bartha</person> </response>


BUDAPEST 1996-08-30

<response> <location>BUDAPEST</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


Shares of France-registered printed packaging company Cofinec S.A. plunged sharply on the Budapest Stock Exchange ( BSE ) on Friday , despite a mostly reassuring forecast by the group .

<response> Shares of <misc>France-registered</misc> printed packaging company <organization>Cofinec S.A.</organization> plunged sharply on the <organization>Budapest Stock Exchange</organization> ( <organization>BSE</organization> ) on Friday , despite a mostly reassuring forecast by the group . </response>


Cofinec 's Global Depositary Receipts ( GDRs ) opened at 5,200 forints on the BSE , down 600 from Thursday 's close , following the release of its first half results this morning .

<response> <organization>Cofinec</organization> 's Global Depositary Receipts ( GDRs ) opened at 5,200 forints on the <misc>BSE</misc> , down 600 from Thursday 's close , following the release of its first half results this morning . </response>


Cofinec CEO Stephen Frater told reporters in a conference call from Vienna on Friday before the opening of the bourse that he expects a stronger second half , although the group will not be able to achieve its annual profit goal .

<response> <organization>Cofinec</organization> CEO <person>Stephen Frater</person> told reporters in a conference call from <location>Vienna</location> on Friday before the opening of the bourse that he expects a stronger second half , although the group will not be able to achieve its annual profit goal . </response>


" We will not achieve the full 37 million French franc ( net ) profit forecast , " Frater said . "

<response> " We will not achieve the full 37 million <misc>French</misc> franc ( net ) profit forecast , " <person>Frater</person> said . " </response>


<response> Obviously , we cannot make up the unexpected decrease that has been experienced in the first half of the year . " </response>


Frater declined to give a forecast for the full year , ahead of a supervisory board meeting next week .

<response> <person>Frater</person> declined to give a forecast for the full year , ahead of a supervisory board meeting next week . </response>


Cofinec , the first foreign company to list on the Budapest bourse , released its consolidated first half figures ( IAS ) this morning .

<response> <organization>Cofinec</organization> , the first foreign company to list on the <location>Budapest</location> bourse , released its consolidated first half figures ( IAS ) this morning . </response>


In the conference call , Frater said he regarded Cofinec GDRs -- which are trading below their issue price of 6,425 forints -- as a buying opportunity .

<response> In the conference call , <person>Frater</person> said he regarded <organization>Cofinec</organization> GDRs -- which are trading below their issue price of 6,425 forints -- as a buying opportunity . </response>


" Obviously , at some point it represents a buying opportunity , " Frater said . "

<response> " Obviously , at some point it represents a buying opportunity , " <person>Frater</person> said . " </response>


<response> I think the reality is that we operate in emerging markets , emerging markets tend to be more volatile . " </response>


<response> " My message is that the fundamental strategy of the company , its fundamental market position has not changed . " </response>


The group , which operates in Hungary , Poland and the Czech Republic , reported an operating profit before interest of 21.8 million French francs compared to 34.1 million in the same six months of 1995 .

<response> The group , which operates in <location>Hungary</location> , <location>Poland</location> and the <location>Czech Republic</location> , reported an operating profit before interest of 21.8 million <misc>French</misc> francs compared to 34.1 million in the same six months of 1995 . </response>


Net profit for the January-June 1996 period was 2.1 million French francs , down from 10.3 million in the first six months of 1995 , with the bulk of this decline attributable to the performance of Petofi , one of its Hungarian units .

<response> Net profit for the January-June 1996 period was 2.1 million <misc>French</misc> francs , down from 10.3 million in the first six months of 1995 , with the bulk of this decline attributable to the performance of <organization>Petofi</organization> , one of its <misc>Hungarian</misc> units . </response>


Cofinec said Petofi general manager Laszlo Sebesvari had submitted his resignation and will be leaving Petofi but will remain on Petofi 's board of directors .

<response> <organization>Cofinec</organization> said <organization>Petofi</organization> general manager <person>Laszlo Sebesvari</person> had submitted his resignation and will be leaving <organization>Petofi</organization> but will remain on <organization>Petofi</organization> 's board of directors . </response>


" Until a new general manager of Petofi is appointed ...

<response> " Until a new general manager of <organization>Petofi</organization> is appointed ... </response>


I will in fact move to Kecskemet ( site of Petofi printing house ) for the interim and will serve as acting chief executive officer of Petofi , " Frater said .

<response> I will in fact move to <location>Kecskemet</location> ( site of <organization>Petofi</organization> printing house ) for the interim and will serve as acting chief executive officer of <organization>Petofi</organization> , " <person>Frater</person> said . </response>


-- Budapest newsroom ( 36 1 ) 327 4040

<response> -- <location>Budapest</location> newsroom ( 36 1 ) 327 4040 </response>


Romania cen bank one-week rate rises to 50.19 pct .

<response> <location>Romania</location> cen bank one-week rate rises to 50.19 pct . </response>


BUCHAREST 1996-08-30

<response> <location>BUCHAREST</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


The National Bank of Romania ( BNR ) said its one-week refinancing rate has been lifted this week to 50.19 percent from 49 percent after two banks bids ' exceeded its offer at Thursday 's auction .

<response> The <organization>National Bank of Romania</organization> ( <organization>BNR</organization> ) said its one-week refinancing rate has been lifted this week to 50.19 percent from 49 percent after two banks bids ' exceeded its offer at Thursday 's auction . </response>


The two banks entered bids totalling 497.5 billion lei at rates ranging from 49 to 51 percent , against the BNR 's offer of 420 billion lei .

<response> The two banks entered bids totalling 497.5 billion lei at rates ranging from 49 to 51 percent , against the <organization>BNR</organization> 's offer of 420 billion lei . </response>


<response> Traders said that over the past few days the two major banks , keen to meet minimum reserve targets , also chased funds on the money market , being ready to gulp short-term money at rates up to 49 percent . </response>


<response> Other banks traded one-week rates near 48 percent . </response>


-- Bucharest Newsroom 40-1 3120264

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


Potent landmines found near Colombian presidency .

<response> Potent landmines found near <misc>Colombian</misc> presidency . </response>


BOGOTA , Colombia 1996-08-30

<response> <location>BOGOTA</location> , <location>Colombia</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


Eight claymore mines fitted with powerful C-4 plastic explosives were found stashed in a real estate office on Friday located about two blocks from Colombia 's presidential palace , police said .

<response> Eight claymore mines fitted with powerful C-4 plastic explosives were found stashed in a real estate office on Friday located about two blocks from <location>Colombia</location> 's presidential palace , police said . </response>


" These are powerful weapons , " a spokesman with the Municipal Police told Reuters by telephone , adding that police had not ruled out a possible terrorist attack on the ornate Casa de Narino presidential palace in Bogota 's historic downtown area .

<response> " These are powerful weapons , " a spokesman with the <organization>Municipal Police</organization> told <organization>Reuters</organization> by telephone , adding that police had not ruled out a possible terrorist attack on the ornate <location>Casa de Narino</location> presidential palace in <location>Bogota</location> 's historic downtown area . </response>


<response> " They could cause serious damage as much as 500 meters ( yards ) away from wherever they were detonated , " the spokesman added . </response>


<response> He said police backed by explosive experts were combing the area in search of other possible weapons or explosive devices . </response>


<response> The police spokeman said plastic explosive like C-4 is not a normal component in claymore mines . </response>


<response> But he said the eight mines seized by police had been " specially adapted . " </response>


<response> The spokesman declined further comment , except to say that two women and a man identified as a lawyer had been arrested in connection with the landmines . </response>


Assault charges dropped against Surinam ex-rebel .

<response> Assault charges dropped against <location>Surinam</location> ex-rebel . </response>


PARAMARIBO , Surinam 1996-08-30

<response> <location>PARAMARIBO</location> , <location>Surinam</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


Flamboyant former Surinamese guerrilla leader Ronny Brunswijk walked free on Friday after charges of attempted murder were dropped , police said .

<response> Flamboyant former <misc>Surinamese</misc> guerrilla leader <person>Ronny Brunswijk</person> walked free on Friday after charges of attempted murder were dropped , police said . </response>


Brunswijk had been in police custody for 10 days after Freddy Pinas , a Surinamese-born visitor from the Netherlands , accused Brunswijk of trying to kill him in a bar-room brawl in the mining town of Moengo 56 miles ( 90 km ) east of Paramaribo .

<response> <person>Brunswijk</person> had been in police custody for 10 days after <person>Freddy Pinas</person> , a <misc>Surinamese-born</misc> visitor from the <location>Netherlands</location> , accused <person>Brunswijk</person> of trying to kill him in a bar-room brawl in the mining town of <location>Moengo</location> 56 miles ( 90 km ) east of <location>Paramaribo</location> . </response>


Brunswijk , 35 , denied the charge and reached an agreement with Pinas after replacing a golden necklace lost in the scuffle .

<response> <person>Brunswijk</person> , 35 , denied the charge and reached an agreement with <person>Pinas</person> after replacing a golden necklace lost in the scuffle . </response>


It was the second time Brunswijk had been charged with attempted murder in less than two years .

<response> It was the second time <person>Brunswijk</person> had been charged with attempted murder in less than two years . </response>


<response> In 1994 he served two months for shooting a thief in the backside . </response>


Brunswijk , who led a rebel group against the military regime of Desi Bouterse in the late 1980s , is now a successful businessman with mining and logging interests .

<response> <person>Brunswijk</person> , who led a rebel group against the military regime of <person>Desi Bouterse</person> in the late 1980s , is now a successful businessman with mining and logging interests . </response>


Cambodian opposition newspaper editor pardoned .

<response> <misc>Cambodian</misc> opposition newspaper editor pardoned . </response>


PHNOM PENH 1996-08-30

<response> <location>PHNOM PENH</location> 1996-08-30 </response>


Cambodia 's King Norodom Sihanouk on Friday gave a royal pardon to an opposition newspaper editor who had alleged top-level corruption .

<response> <location>Cambodia</location> 's King <person>Norodom Sihanouk</person> on Friday gave a royal pardon to an opposition newspaper editor who had alleged top-level corruption . </response>


Hen Vipheak , former editor of the Sereipheap Thmei ( New Liberty ) newspaper , stepped through the gates of the run-down French colonial-era T3 prison late Friday afternoon , following intervention on his behalf by King Sihanouk .

<response> <person>Hen Vipheak</person> , former editor of the <organization>Sereipheap Thmei</organization> ( <organization>New Liberty</organization> ) newspaper , stepped through the gates of the run-down <misc>French</misc> colonial-era <location>T3</location> prison late Friday afternoon , following intervention on his behalf by King <person>Sihanouk</person> . </response>


The Supreme Court had on August 23 sent the opposition Khmer Nation Party steering committee member to jail after upholding rulings by the municipal and appeal courts that handed down a five million riels ( $ 2,000 ) fine and one year 's imprisonment .

<response> The <organization>Supreme Court</organization> had on August 23 sent the opposition <organization>Khmer Nation Party</organization> steering committee member to jail after upholding rulings by the municipal and appeal courts that handed down a five million riels ( $ 2,000 ) fine and one year 's imprisonment . </response>