Cambodia's bickering political parties broke a three-month deadlock Friday and agreed to a coalition government leaving strongman Hun Sen as sole prime minister, King Norodom Sihanouk announced. In a long-elusive compromise , opposition leader Prince Norodom Ranariddh will become president of the National Assembly resulting from disputed elections in July, even though Hun Sen's party holds a majority of 64 seats in the 122-member chamber. Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party narrowly won the polls, but a strong second-place finish by Ranariddh's FUNCINPEC gave the royalist party leverage in post-election negotiations. After a three-month impasse, they agreed last week to a coalition deal that will make Hun Sen sole prime minister and Ranariddh president of the National Assembly. Speaking upon his return from a brief stay in Bangkok, the prince said he would soon meet with Hun Sen to discuss the apportioning of ministries in the new coalition government. Last week , Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party and Ranariddh's FUNCINPEC party agreed to form a coalition that would leave Hun Sen as sole prime minister and make the prince president of the National Assembly. Ranariddh, whose FUNCINPEC party finished a close second in the election, returned last week and struck a deal with Hun Sen to form a coalition government. The agreement will make Hun Sen prime minister and Ranariddh president of the National Assembly. Uncompromising enemies just a few months ago, Hun Sen and FUNCINPEC President Prince Norodom Ranariddh agreed Nov. 13 to form a government at a summit convened by Sihanouk. The deal, which will make Hun Sen prime minister and Ranariddh president of the National Assembly , ended more than three months of political deadlock that followed a July election narrowly won by Hun Sen. Key to the agreement was the formation of a Senate as the upper house of Parliament, to be led by CPP President Chea Sim, the outgoing head of the National Assembly. Government and opposition parties have asked King Norodom Sihanouk to host a summit meeting after a series of post-election negotiations between the two opposition groups and Hun Sen's party to form a new government failed. Opposition leaders Prince Norodom Ranariddh and Sam Rainsy , citing Hun Sen's threats to arrest opposition figures after two alleged attempts on his life, said they could not negotiate freely in Cambodia and called for talks at Sihanouk's residence in Beijing. Government and opposition parties have asked King Norodom Sihanouk to host a summit meeting after a series of post-election negotiations between the two opposition groups and Hun Sen's party to form a new government failed. Opposition leaders Prince Norodom Ranariddh and Sam Rainsy , citing Hun Sen's threats to arrest opposition figures after two alleged attempts on his life, said they could not negotiate freely in Cambodia and called for talks at Sihanouk's residence in Beijing. Cambodia's two-party opposition asked the Asian Development Bank Monday to stop providing loans to the incumbent government, which it calls illegal. Negotiations to form the next government have become deadlocked, and opposition party leaders Prince Norodom Ranariddh and Sam Rainsy are out of the country following threats of arrest from strongman Hun Sen. Hun Sen complained Monday that the opposition was trying to make its members' return an international issue. The opposition, alleging widespread fraud and intimidation, refused to accept the results of the polls. Fearing for their safety, Sam Rainsy and his then-ally Prince Norodom Ranariddh led an exodus of opposition lawmakers out of Cambodia after parliament was ceremonially opened in late September. Negotiations to form the next government have become deadlocked, and opposition party leaders Prince Norodom Ranariddh and Sam Rainsy are out of the country following threats of arrest from strongman Hun Sen. Hun Sen complained Monday that the opposition was trying to make its members' return an international issue. Hun Sen's ruling party narrowly won a majority in elections in July , but the opposition _ claiming widespread intimidation and fraud _ has denied Hun Sen the two-thirds vote in parliament required to approve the next government. The killings of nearly 100 of Ranariddh's supporters documented by U.N. human rights workers in the aftermath of the coup were dismissed by the CPP as mostly fabrications meant to distort the political situation. Ranariddh and his core supporters did not return to Cambodia until a few months before an election in July this year that the ruling party narrowly won. The prince fled Cambodia and did not return until a few months before elections in July. Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party narrowly won the polls , but a strong second-place finish by Ranariddh's FUNCINPEC gave the royalist party leverage in post-election negotiations. Sam Rainsy, a staunch critic of Hun Sen, was forced to take refuge in a U.N. office in September to avoid arrest after Hun Sen accused him of being behind a plot against his life. The alleged assassination attempt came during massive street demonstrations organized by the opposition after Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party narrowly won the election. King Norodom Sihanouk has declined requests to chair a summit of Cambodia's top political leaders, saying the meeting would not bring any progress in deadlocked negotiations to form a government. Fearing arrest, many opposition members of Parliament left Cambodia after the ceremonial opening of the National Assembly on Sep. 24. A series of negotiations to forge a new government have failed. Fearing arrest, many opposition members of Parliament left Cambodia after the ceremonial opening of the National Assembly on Sep. 24. A series of negotiations to forge a new government have failed. Cambodian leader Hun Sen has guaranteed the safety and political freedom of all politicians, trying to ease the fears of his rivals that they will be arrested or killed if they return to the country. The assurances were aimed especially at Sam Rainsy, leader of a vocally anti-Hun Sen opposition party, who was forced to take refuge in the U.N. offices in September to avoid arrest after Hun Sen accused him of being behind a plot against his life. Sam Rainsy, who earlier called Hun Sen's statement ``full of loopholes,'' asked Sihanouk for his help in obtaining a promise from Hun Sen that all members of the Sam Rainsy Party were free from prosecution for their political activities during and after last July's election. Sam Rainsy , a staunch critic of Hun Sen, was forced to take refuge in a U.N. office in September to avoid arrest after Hun Sen accused him of being behind a plot against his life. Sam Rainsy, who earlier called Hun Sen's statement ``full of loopholes,'' asked Sihanouk for his help in obtaining a promise from Hun Sen that all members of the Sam Rainsy Party were free from prosecution for their political activities during and after last July's election. Sam Rainsy , a staunch critic of Hun Sen, was forced to take refuge in a U.N. office in September to avoid arrest after Hun Sen accused him of being behind a plot against his life. Hun Sen and Ranariddh, co-prime ministers in a coalition formed in 1993 after a landmark U.N.-sponsored election, often clashed over power-sharing and the integration of guerrilla fighters from the crumbling Khmer Rouge. Their arguments turned bloody last year when Hun Sen ousted Ranariddh in a coup. The deal assures the two-thirds vote in parliament needed to approve a new government. The men served as co-prime ministers until Hun Sen overthrew Ranariddh in a coup last year. The deal assures the two-thirds vote in parliament needed to approve a new government. The men served as co-prime ministers until Hun Sen overthrew Ranariddh in a coup last year. Negotiations to form the next government have become deadlocked, and opposition party leaders Prince Norodom Ranariddh and Sam Rainsy are out of the country following threats of arrest from strongman Hun Sen. Hun Sen complained Monday that the opposition was trying to make its members' return an international issue. Hun Sen's ruling party narrowly won a majority in elections in July, but the opposition _ claiming widespread intimidation and fraud _ has denied Hun Sen the two-thirds vote in parliament required to approve the next government. Ranariddh and his core supporters did not return to Cambodia until a few months before an election in July this year that the ruling party narrowly won. Ranariddh and his opposition ally , Sam Rainsy, refused to accept the election results, alleging widespread intimidation and fraud by the CPP. The alleged assassination attempt came during massive street demonstrations organized by the opposition after Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party narrowly won the election. The opposition , alleging widespread fraud and intimidation , refused to accept the results of the polls. Ranariddh and Sam Rainsy have charged that Hun Sen's victory in the elections was achieved through widespread fraud. They have demanded a thorough investigation into their election complaints as a precondition for their cooperation in getting the national assembly moving and a new government formed. Hun Sen's party won 64 of the 122 seats in parliament in July's national election, but not the two-thirds majority necessary to form a government on its own. Opposition parties led by Ranariddh and former finance minister Sam Ram Rainsy have refused to enter into a coalition with Hun Sen until their allegations of election fraud have been thoroughly investigated. Hun Sen's party won 64 of the 122 seats in parliament in July's national election, but not the two-thirds majority necessary to form a government on its own. Opposition parties led by Ranariddh and former finance minister Sam Ram Rainsy have refused to enter into a coalition with Hun Sen until their allegations of election fraud have been thoroughly investigated. Cambodia's bickering political parties broke a three-month deadlock Friday and agreed to a coalition government leaving strongman Hun Sen as sole prime minister , King Norodom Sihanouk announced. King Norodom Sihanouk on Tuesday praised agreements by Cambodia's top two political parties _ previously bitter rivals _ to form a coalition government led by strongman Hun Sen. Cambodian leader Hun Sen on Friday rejected opposition parties' demands for talks outside the country , accusing them of trying to ``internationalize'' the political crisis. Cambodian leader Hun Sen on Friday rejected opposition parties' demands for talks outside the country, accusing them of trying to ``internationalize'' the political crisis. That meant the Honduran coast had been under hurricane conditions for more than a day. ``The hurricane has destroyed almost everything ,'' said Mike Brown, a resident of Guanaja Island which was within miles (kms) of the eye of the hurricane. Caught near the heart of the storm were the Bay Islands, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) off Honduras' coast and popular with divers and beachcombers. ``The hurricane has destroyed almost everything ,'' said Mike Brown, a resident of Guanaja Island, 20 miles (32 kilometers) off the coast. BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) - The European Union on Tuesday approved 6.4 million European currency units (dlrs 7.7 million) in aid for thousands of victims of the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch in Central America. At least 231 people have been confirmed dead in Honduras from former-hurricane Mitch, bringing the storm's death toll in the region to 357, the National Emergency Commission said Saturday. In Honduras , at least 231 deaths have been blamed on Mitch , the National Emergency Commission said Saturday. Honduras braced for potential catastrophe Tuesday as Hurricane Mitch roared through the northwest Caribbean , churning up high waves and intense rain that sent coastal residents scurrying for safer ground. Hurricane Mitch cut through the Honduran coast like a ripsaw Thursday , its devastating winds whirling for a third day through resort islands and mainland communities. In Honduras, at least 231 deaths have been blamed on Mitch, the National Emergency Commission said Saturday. El Salvador _ where 140 people died in flash floods _ declared a state of emergency Saturday, as did Guatemala, where 21 people died when floods swept away their homes. BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) - The European Union on Tuesday approved 6.4 million European currency units (dlrs 7.7 million) in aid for thousands of victims of the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch in Central America. EU spokesman Pietro Petrucci said the funds will be used to provide basic care such as medicine, food, water sanitation and blankets to thousands of people whose homes were destroyed by torrential rains and mudslides. It also was only 30 miles (50 kms) off the coast, and hurricane-force winds stretched outward 105 miles (165 kms); tropical storm-force winds 175 miles (280 kms). That meant the Honduran coast had been under hurricane conditions for more than a day. It also was only 30 miles (50 kms) off the coast, and hurricane-force winds stretched outward 105 miles (165 kms); tropical storm-force winds 175 miles (280 kms). That meant the Honduran coast had been under hurricane conditions for more than a day. More than 72,000 people had been evacuated to shelters. Nine other deaths had been reported elsewhere in the region by early Thursday _ more than a day after Mitch drifted to just off the coast and seemed to park there. She later will stop in El Salvador and Guatemala before continuing on to Haiti and the Dominican Republic for a visit that had been canceled due to Hurricane Georges, which struck the Caribbean in October. Mitch , which sat off the Honduran coast for several days last week , destroyed scores of Central American communities before moving northwest. ``We hope this visit will help call attention to the suffering and humanitarian need this disaster has created,'' Carter said in a statement. U.S. President Bill Clinton requested a ``global relief effort'' to help Central America and boosted U.S. emergency aid to dlrs 70 million. ``We hope this visit will help call attention to the suffering and humanitarian need this disaster has created,'' Carter said in a statement. U.S. President Bill Clinton requested a ``global relief effort '' to help Central America and boosted U.S. emergency aid to dlrs 70 million. Aid groups and governments have called for other countries to send medicine, water, canned food, roofing materials and equipment to help deliver supplies. In Washington on Thursday, President Bill Clinton ordered dlrs 30 million in Defense Department equipment and services and dlrs 36 million in food, fuel and other aid be sent to Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala. U.S. President Bill Clinton requested a ``global relief effort'' to help Central America and boosted U.S. emergency aid to dlrs 70 million. Clinton is dispatching a delegation next week led by Tipper Gore, wife of Vice President Al Gore, to deliver some of the supplies destined for Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala. Eight others died in Nicaragua in flooding. Honduran officials said more than 200 towns and villages had been isolated by the storm, left without power, telephones or clean drinking water. Eight others died in Nicaragua in flooding. Honduran officials said more than 200 towns and villages had been isolated by the storm , left without power, telephones or clean drinking water. Aid workers struggled Friday to reach survivors of Hurricane Mitch , who are in danger of dying from starvation and disease in the wake of the storm that officials estimate killed more than 10,000 people. British police, acting on an international arrest warrant from Spanish judge Baltasar Garzon on Friday, detained the ailing general in the London clinic where he was recovering from back surgery. The detention and the possible extradition of Pinochet to Spain to stand trial for genocide, terrorism and torture during his 17-year dictatorship was warmly welcomed by human rights activists worldwide. ``There is a climate of division, confrontation and instability in Chile,'' parliamentary deputy Alberto Espina told reporters in Madrid after meeting the Chilean ambassador. Pinochet was arrested in London on Oct. 16 at the instigation of Spanish magistrate Baltasar Garzon who is seeking to extradite the former dictator on charges of genocide, terrorism and torture. ``Sometimes it should be made clear that crimes, wherever they take place, cannot be left unpunished,'' European Commission President Jacques Santer said. Pinochet was detained by British police in London on Oct. 16 by request of a Spanish magistrate as a first step toward his extradition to stand trial for genocide and terrorism. Europe's top official said Friday that he hoped former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet would be extradited to Spain to be tried for crimes committed during his 17-year rule. 'I would like to ask for compassion for a person who is very, very, very, ill.'' Pinochet, 82, had surgery Oct. 9 for a herniated disc, a painful spinal disorder which had hindered his movement. He was arrested Oct. 16 at the instigation of a Spanish magistrate seeking to extradite him on charges of genocide, terrorism and torture. Pinochet is under arrest in a London hospital where he'd gone for back surgery. He was detained on a warrant from a Spanish magistrate seeking to extradite him on charges of genocide, terrorism and torture during his 1973-90 rule. He said the case seemed to be ``unprecedented and unusual.'' Pinochet, 82, was placed under arrest in London Friday by British police acting on a warrant issued by a Spanish judge. The former strongman's son vowed to hire top attorneys to defend his 82-year-old father, who ruled Chile with an iron fist for 17 years. British police arrested Pinochet in his bed Friday at a private London hospital in response to a request from Spain , which wants to question Pinochet about allegations of murder during the decade after he seized power in 1973. ``She regarded it as a private meeting,'' said Mark Worthington, spokesman for the Lady Thatcher, Conservative Party prime minister from 1979-90. The 82-year-old Pinochet was arrested Friday at a Spanish magistrate's request. 'I would like to ask for compassion for a person who is very, very, very, ill.'' Pinochet, 82, had surgery Oct. 9 for a herniated disc, a painful spinal disorder which had hindered his movement. He was arrested Oct. 16 at the instigation of a Spanish magistrate seeking to extradite him on charges of genocide, terrorism and torture. Pinochet is under arrest in a London hospital where he'd gone for back surgery. He was detained on a warrant from a Spanish magistrate seeking to extradite him on charges of genocide, terrorism and torture during his 1973-90 rule. He said the case seemed to be ``unprecedented and unusual.'' Pinochet , 82, was placed under arrest in London Friday by British police acting on a warrant issued by a Spanish judge. Margaret Thatcher entertained former Children dictator Gen. Augusto Pinochet at her home two weeks before he was arrested in his bed in a London hospital , the ex-prime minister's office said Tuesday, amid growing diplomatic and domestic controversy over the move. ``Sometimes it should be made clear that crimes, wherever they take place, cannot be left unpunished,'' European Commission President Jacques Santer said. Pinochet was detained by British police in London on Oct. 16 by request of a Spanish magistrate as a first step toward his extradition to stand trial for genocide and terrorism. Aznar made similar comments when he meet journalists on the margin of a European Union summit in this Alpine lakeside resort. Pinochet is under arrest in a London hospital where he'd gone for back surgery. The wife of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet appealed for his release, saying he is too sick to be extradited to Spain to face charges of genocide. The wife of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet appealed for his release , saying he is too sick to be extradited to Spain to face charges of genocide. Margaret Thatcher entertained former Children dictator Gen. Augusto Pinochet at her home two weeks before he was arrested in his bed in a London hospital, the ex-prime minister's office said Tuesday, amid growing diplomatic and domestic controversy over the move. Pinochet, who has vowed to fight attempts to extradite him to Spain on allegations of murder, genocide and torture, had drinks with Lady Thatcher and her husband, Denis, in their home in London's elite Belgravia district four days before he was hospitalized for back surgery performed Oct. 9. Aznar made similar comments when he meet journalists on the margin of a European Union summit in this Alpine lakeside resort. Pinochet is under arrest in a London hospital where he'd gone for back surgery. He remained Chilean army commander-in-chief until March. The magistrate broadened his charges Monday to include killings of Chileans as well as Spaniards, and genocide _ for which there is no diplomatic immunity. Margaret Thatcher entertained former Children dictator Gen. Augusto Pinochet at her home two weeks before he was arrested in his bed in a London hospital, the ex-prime minister's office said Tuesday, amid growing diplomatic and domestic controversy over the move. Pinochet, who has vowed to fight attempts to extradite him to Spain on allegations of murder, genocide and torture , had drinks with Lady Thatcher and her husband, Denis, in their home in London's elite Belgravia district four days before he was hospitalized for back surgery performed Oct. 9. Daily El Mundo said the ailing retired general's family and aides have been shielding him from the details for fear he would fly into a rage that would kill him. Pinochet was detained in the London clinic while recovering from back surgery. The wife of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet appealed for his release, saying he is too sick to be extradited to Spain to face charges of genocide. ''This is very painful for our family,'' a tearful Lucia Pinochet told reporters late Friday outside the private London Clinic, where her husband is under arrest as he recuperates from back surgery. Bertossa said he had opened a judicial investigation in response to a complaint by the widow of the victim, Alexei Jaccard, who was 25 when he was tortured in Chile and subsequently disappeared. The prosecutor said he was asking the Swiss federal government to seek Pinochet's extradition from Britain to face trial in Geneva. Spanish magistrate Baltasar Garzon is seeking his extradition on charges of genocide, torture and terrorism during his 17-year rule which ended 1990. On Monday , Switzerland also requested Pinochet's arrest and extradition on charges of murder, kidnapping and torture. The judge is probing Pinochet's role in the death of Spaniards in Chile under his rule in the 1970s and 80s. The Chilean government has protested Pinochet's arrest , insisting that as a senator he was traveling on a diplomatic passport and had immunity from arrest. The detention and the possible extradition of Pinochet to Spain to stand trial for genocide, terrorism and torture during his 17-year dictatorship was warmly welcomed by human rights activists worldwide. But it sparked protests from the Chilean government , and fears it could damage economic relations. The Spanish warrant cited 94 victims, but could be broadened to include some 3,000 people who were killed or disappeared during his 17-year-rule. Chile argues that Pinochet must be released because as a senator he enjoys diplomatic immunity _ and because he is in poor health. He was detained on a warrant from a Spanish magistrate seeking to extradite him on charges of genocide, terrorism and torture during his 1973-90 rule. The Chilean government has urged Britain to release Pinochet on humanitarian grounds, and argued that as a senator, he is entitled to diplomatic immunity. The United States has obtained new evidence to link the owner of a Sudanese factory destroyed in a U.S. cruise missile strike last month to a terrorist group backed by Osama bin Laden, the suspected mastermind of the bombings of two U.S. embassies in East Africa, according to U.S. intelligence officials. Albania says it has uncovered a terrorist network operated by Osama Bin Laden, the Islamic fundamentalist accused of masterminding the August embassy bombings in Africa, and that it's members have infiltrated other parts of Europe, The Sunday Times reported. Albania says it has uncovered a terrorist network operated by Osama Bin Laden, the Islamic fundamentalist accused of masterminding the August embassy bombings in Africa, and that it's members have infiltrated other parts of Europe, The Sunday Times reported. Administration officials have denied since August that the raid was intended to kill bin Laden, a Saudi exile who has been charged by federal prosecutors with leading a global war against U.S. interests. He has been linked to the Aug. 7 bombing of two U.S. embassies in East Africa. Those arrested need not be taken to court for trial for up to three months. Police seized copies of the newspaper for reproducing a foreign newspaper interview of Afghanistan-based Saudi billionaire Osama Bin Laden, who has been accused by the United States of masterminding bombing attacks on the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in August. The man accused of orchestrating the U.S. embassy bombings in Tanzania and Kenya was declared a free man Friday in Afghanistan , where he has lived for years with the permission of the hard-line Islamic Taliban militia. Saudi exile Osama bin Laden, the alleged mastermind of a conspiracy to attack U.S. targets around the world, and Muhammad Atef, the alleged military commander of bin Laden's terrorist organization, Al-Qaeda, were charged in a separate 238-page indictment with murder and conspiracy in the bombings. Bin Laden is believed to be living in Afghanistan. Saudi exile Osama bin Laden, the alleged mastermind of a conspiracy to attack U.S. targets around the world, and Muhammad Atef, the alleged military commander of bin Laden's terrorist organization, Al-Qaeda, were charged in a separate 238-page indictment with murder and conspiracy in the bombings. Bin Laden is believed to be living in Afghanistan. They have cited the source in the papers filed to support the extradition of two associates of bin Laden who are under arrest in Germany and Britain. Bin Laden , a Saudi exile, is thought to be living in Afghanistan. The United States has obtained new evidence to link the owner of a Sudanese factory destroyed in a U.S. cruise missile strike last month to a terrorist group backed by Osama bin Laden , the suspected mastermind of the bombings of two U.S. embassies in East Africa, according to U.S. intelligence officials. Albania says it has uncovered a terrorist network operated by Osama Bin Laden , the Islamic fundamentalist accused of masterminding the August embassy bombings in Africa, and that it's members have infiltrated other parts of Europe, The Sunday Times reported. Fazul Abdullah Mohammed is a fugitive. Saudi exile Osama bin Laden, the alleged mastermind of a conspiracy to attack U.S. targets around the world , and Muhammad Atef, the alleged military commander of bin Laden's terrorist organization, Al-Qaeda, were charged in a separate 238-page indictment with murder and conspiracy in the bombings. Sometime in the summer of 1997, an operative for Osama bin Laden sat down at his personal computer in a hideaway in Kenya. He was worried, he wrote in an angry dispatch, about the security of the ``East Africa network'' of bin Laden, the Saudi exile accused of masterminding a worldwide terrorist conspiracy against Americans. NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) _ FBI agents this week began questioning relatives of the victims of the Aug. 7 U.S. Embassy bombing as well as the seriously injured on request of the U.S. Attorney's office for the Southern District of New York, a U.S. official said Thursday. The blast at the embassy building in downtown Nairobi killed 213 people, 12 of them Americans, and injured 5,400. NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) _ FBI agents this week began questioning relatives of the victims of the Aug. 7 U.S. Embassy bombing as well as the seriously injured on request of the U.S. Attorney's office for the Southern District of New York, a U.S. official said Thursday. The blast at the embassy building in downtown Nairobi killed 213 people, 12 of them Americans , and injured 5,400. The Taliban have refused to turn over bin Laden to the United States, but they say if there is evidence they will try him under Islamic law. In the 90 percent of Afghanistan ruled by the Taliban a harsh brand of Islamic justice has been imposed, including the death penalty. The man accused of orchestrating the U.S. embassy bombings in Tanzania and Kenya was declared a free man Friday in Afghanistan, where he has lived for years with the permission of the hard-line Islamic Taliban militia. The Taliban , who control about 90 percent of Afghanistan , on Friday closed their three-week inquiry into allegations that Osama bin Laden is waging a war of terror against the United States. U.S. authorities charge Salim helped finance, train and arm members of a terrorist organization, including the alleged bombers of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. A criminal complaint unsealed Sept. 25 in U.S. District Court in New York charges him with murder conspiracy and use of weapons of mass destruction. Administration spokesmen have drawn a distinction between attempting to kill a specific person like bin Laden and attacking a group of people who command a terrorist organization. Administration officials have denied since August that the raid was intended to kill bin Laden, a Saudi exile who has been charged by federal prosecutors with leading a global war against U.S. interests. The Taliban's chief justice accused the United States on Wednesday of looking for an `` excuse'' to launch another missile attack on his war-shattered homeland. The United States has obtained new evidence to link the owner of a Sudanese factory destroyed in a U.S. cruise missile strike last month to a terrorist group backed by Osama bin Laden, the suspected mastermind of the bombings of two U.S. embassies in East Africa, according to U.S. intelligence officials. They've locked us out, they've refused to negotiate and they've given us a proposal that's ludicrous.'' Not only are both sides still awaiting the outcome of an arbitration decision that is due before Oct. 18 - the Fordham Law School dean John Feerick will rule whether or not more than 200 players with $800 million in guaranteed contracts should be paid during the lockout _ but the owners and players also are making time to win public opinion before they test their fans' loyalties by canceling games. More than 220 National Basketball Association players with guaranteed contracts will find out Monday whether they are to be paid during the management lockout, a long-awaited arbitrator's decision that may affect leverage in the league's dispute with the players and have major ramifications on American sports-labor law. In a critical ruling for the North American National Basketball Association and the players' union , arbitrator John Feerick decides Monday whether more than 200 players with guaranteed contracts should be paid during the lockout. In a critical ruling for the North American National Basketball Association and the players' union, arbitrator John Feerick decides Monday whether more than 200 players with guaranteed contracts should be paid during the lockout. In a critical ruling for the North American National Basketball Association and the players' union , arbitrator John Feerick decides Monday whether more than 200 players with guaranteed contracts should be paid during the lockout. In a critical ruling for the North American National Basketball Association and the players' union, arbitrator John Feerick decides Monday whether more than 200 players with guaranteed contracts should be paid during the lockout. Despite modest encouragement over a new proposal delivered by the players to the owners, the National Basketball Association Tuesday canceled the first two weeks of the regular season, the first time in the league's 51-year history that it will lose games to a labor dispute. ``Unfortunately, it didn't work out.'' After 35,001 games without a blemish, the NBA now joins the National Hockey League, the National Football League and Major League Baseball in having lost games to a labor dispute. ``Unfortunately, it didn't work out.'' After 35,001 games without a blemish, the NBA now joins the National Hockey League, the National Football League and Major League Baseball in having lost games to a labor dispute. Despite modest encouragement over a new proposal delivered by the players to the owners, the National Basketball Association Tuesday canceled the first two weeks of the regular season , the first time in the league's 51-year history that it will lose games to a labor dispute. The National Basketball Association, embroiled in a labor dispute with its players, Tuesday canceled the first two weeks of the 1998-99 season. Circuit Court of Appeals, a process that could prevent the players from getting paid for several months. The NBA has already canceled the first two weeks of the regular season because of the labor dispute. In a decision that will almost certainly lead to the first work stoppage in National Basketball Association history, the league Monday announced the cancellation of all 114 preseason games. Neither side is predicting progress toward signing a new collective bargaining agreement and beginning the season as scheduled on Nov. 3. The league canceled the entire 114-game preseason on Monday. Despite modest encouragement over a new proposal delivered by the players to the owners, the National Basketball Association Tuesday canceled the first two weeks of the regular season, the first time in the league's 51-year history that it will lose games to a labor dispute. The NBA's deputy commissioner , Russ Granik, announced the cancellation after nearly three and a half hours of meetings concluded at a Manhattan hotel. It is the first time in the league's 51-year history that it will lose regular-season games. The NBA's deputy commissioner , Russ Granik, announced the cancellation after nearly three and a half hours of meetings concluded at a Manhattan hotel. In a critical ruling for the North American National Basketball Association and the players' union, arbitrator John Feerick decides Monday whether more than 200 players with guaranteed contracts should be paid during the lockout. If the players win , the owners will be liable for about dlrs 800 million in guaranteed salaries, although they have vowed to appeal if they lose. In a critical ruling for the North American National Basketball Association and the players' union, arbitrator John Feerick decides Monday whether more than 200 players with guaranteed contracts should be paid during the lockout. If the players win , the owners will be liable for about dlrs 800 million in guaranteed salaries, although they have vowed to appeal if they lose. In a critical ruling for the North American National Basketball Association and the players' union, arbitrator John Feerick decides Monday whether more than 200 players with guaranteed contracts should be paid during the lockout. If the players win, the owners will be liable for about dlrs 800 million in guaranteed salaries , although they have vowed to appeal if they lose. In a critical ruling for the North American National Basketball Association and the players' union, arbitrator John Feerick decides Monday whether more than 200 players with guaranteed contracts should be paid during the lockout. If the players win, the owners will be liable for about dlrs 800 million in guaranteed salaries , although they have vowed to appeal if they lose. The NBA's deputy commissioner, Russ Granik, announced the cancellation after nearly three and a half hours of meetings concluded at a Manhattan hotel. The decision to cancel 99 games between Nov. 3 and Nov. 16 came after the players association proposed the implementation of a tax system instead of a hard salary cap, a proposal the owners said they would respond to by Friday. The NBA's deputy commissioner, Russ Granik, announced the cancellation after nearly three and a half hours of meetings concluded at a Manhattan hotel. The decision to cancel 99 games between Nov. 3 and Nov. 16 came after the players association proposed the implementation of a tax system instead of a hard salary cap, a proposal the owners said they would respond to by Friday. The NBA's deputy commissioner, Russ Granik, announced the cancellation after nearly three and a half hours of meetings concluded at a Manhattan hotel. The decision to cancel 99 games between Nov. 3 and Nov. 16 came after the players association proposed the implementation of a tax system instead of a hard salary cap , a proposal the owners said they would respond to by Friday. The NBA's deputy commissioner, Russ Granik, announced the cancellation after nearly three and a half hours of meetings concluded at a Manhattan hotel. The decision to cancel 99 games between Nov. 3 and Nov. 16 came after the players association proposed the implementation of a tax system instead of a hard salary cap , a proposal the owners said they would respond to by Friday. If the players win, the owners will be liable for about dlrs 800 million in guaranteed salaries, although they have vowed to appeal if they lose. The league already has sued the players over Feerick's jurisdiction. If the players win, the owners will be liable for about dlrs 800 million in guaranteed salaries, although they have vowed to appeal if they lose. The league already has sued the players over Feerick's jurisdiction. Congolese rebels have taken their two-month campaign to oust President Laurent Kabila to the Internet. Congolese rebels have taken their two-month campaign to oust President Laurent Kabila to the Internet. Congolese rebels have taken their two-month campaign to oust President Laurent Kabila to the Internet. Congolese rebels have taken their two-month campaign to oust President Laurent Kabila to the Internet. The bloody bandages of injured rebels trucked back to this rear base Wednesday offered evidence that the three-day battle for the strategic air base at Kindu was not going well for those fighting to oust Congolese President Laurent Kabila. After a week of battling for Kindu, rebel fighters had made little progress and failed to capture the town outright. The rebels see Kindu as a major prize in their two-month revolt against President Laurent Kabila , whom they accuse of mismanagement, corruption and warmongering among Congo's 400 tribes. Wamba said the rebels control 40 percent of Congo, an area of 15 million people. So far, Kabila has refused to negotiate with the rebels, accusing them of being the puppets of neighboring Rwanda and Uganda. Wamba said the rebels control 40 percent of Congo, an area of 15 million people. So far, Kabila has refused to negotiate with the rebels, accusing them of being the puppets of neighboring Rwanda and Uganda. The rebels want direct negotiations with Kabila. But the president has so far refused, accusing the rebels of being puppets of Rwanda and Uganda , which Kabila has accused of orchestrating the rebellion. The rebels want direct negotiations with Kabila. But the president has so far refused, accusing the rebels of being puppets of Rwanda and Uganda , which Kabila has accused of orchestrating the rebellion. There are unconfirmed reports that troops from Chad and the Sudan are involved in defending Kindu. Kabila accuses Rwanda and Uganda _ former allies who installed him in power in May 1997 after an eight-month rebellion _ of sponsoring the new fighting. There are unconfirmed reports that troops from Chad and the Sudan are involved in defending Kindu. Kabila accuses Rwanda and Uganda _ former allies who installed him in power in May 1997 after an eight-month rebellion _ of sponsoring the rebels. The site _ www.prairienet.org/panafrican/cdm _ has been set up on the donor-supported Prairenet Community Network in eastern Illinois. The rebels are a coalition of ethnic Tutsis, disenchanted members of Kabila's army and political opponents who accuse Kabila of power-grabbing, mismanagement, corruption and sowing dissent among Congo's 400 tribes. The site _ www.prairienet.org/panafrican/cdm _ has been set up on the donor-supported Prairenet Community Network in eastern Illinois. The rebels are a coalition of ethnic Tutsis, disenchanted members of Kabila's army and political opponents who accuse Kabila of power-grabbing, mismanagement, corruption and sowing dissent among Congo's 400 tribes. Rebel military sources said the fighting continued inside Kindu where the rebels were apparently meeting stiff resistance. The rebels _ ethnic Tutsis , disenchanted members of President Laurent Kabila's army and opposition politicians _ took up arms Aug. 2 accusing Kabila of mismanagement, corruption and creating division among Congo's 400 tribes. Sudan denies involvement in Congo. The rebels accuse Kabila of betraying the eight-month rebellion that brought him to power in May 1997 through mismanagement and creating divisions among Congo's 400 tribes. After a week of battling for Kindu, rebel fighters had made little progress and failed to capture the town outright. The rebels see Kindu as a major prize in their two-month revolt against President Laurent Kabila , whom they accuse of mismanagement, corruption and warmongering among Congo's 400 tribes. Rebels in eastern Congo on Saturday said they shot down a passenger jet ferrying 40 government soldiers into a strategic airport facing a rebel assault. Rebels in eastern Congo on Saturday said they shot down a passenger jet ferrying 40 government soldiers into a strategic airport facing a rebel assault. Rebels in eastern Congo on Saturday said they shot down a passenger jet ferrying 40 government soldiers into a strategic airport facing a rebel assault. Some troops reportedly retreated through a single road corridor leading out of the town. On Saturday, the rebels said they shot down a Congolese Boeing 727 which was attempting to land at Kindu air base with 40 troops and ammunition. The site _ www.prairienet.org/panafrican/cdm _ has been set up on the donor-supported Prairenet Community Network in eastern Illinois. The rebels are a coalition of ethnic Tutsis, disenchanted members of Kabila's army and political opponents who accuse Kabila of power-grabbing, mismanagement, corruption and sowing dissent among Congo's 400 tribes. The site _ www.prairienet.org/panafrican/cdm _ has been set up on the donor-supported Prairenet Community Network in eastern Illinois. The rebels are a coalition of ethnic Tutsis, disenchanted members of Kabila's army and political opponents who accuse Kabila of power-grabbing, mismanagement, corruption and sowing dissent among Congo's 400 tribes. They are tired of insecurity and have little hope things will get better,'' said Kasuku, the son of an Italian settler and a Rwandan Tutsi refugee mother. On Aug. 2 , Tutsis, political opponents, and disenchanted members of President Laurent Kabila's army took up arms , accusing Kabila of corruption, nepotism and fostering tribal strife. They are tired of insecurity and have little hope things will get better,'' said Kasuku, the son of an Italian settler and a Rwandan Tutsi refugee mother. On Aug. 2, Tutsis, political opponents, and disenchanted members of President Laurent Kabila's army took up arms, accusing Kabila of corruption, nepotism and fostering tribal strife. He offered no details and the report could not be confirmed independently. Rebel military sources said the fighting continued inside Kindu where the rebels were apparently meeting stiff resistance. Rebel commander Richard Mondo said troops had fired artillery rounds into Kindu Monday and early Tuesday, sending the population fleeing out of town. Advance units had crossed the Lualaba River from the north and were meeting stiff resistance in the town , he said. Sweaty and weary, some limping and others bandaged, they waited to be airlifted to a hospital in Goma, the rebel stronghold 380 kilometers (235 miles) east, on the Rwandan border. The rebels _ a coalition of ethnic Tutsis, disenchanted soldiers in Kabila's army and opposition politicians _ faced stiff resistance. The rebels are a coalition of ethnic Tutsis, disenchanted members of Kabila's army and political opponents who accuse Kabila of power-grabbing, mismanagement, corruption and sowing dissent among Congo's 400 tribes. After an initial lightning advance in the far west of Africa's third-largest nation , the rebels were stopped at the outskirts of the capital , Kinshasa, by troops from Angola, Zimbabwe and Namibia, who are backing Kabila. The rebels are a coalition of ethnic Tutsis, disenchanted members of Kabila's army and political opponents who accuse Kabila of power-grabbing, mismanagement, corruption and sowing dissent among Congo's 400 tribes. After an initial lightning advance in the far west of Africa's third-largest nation , the rebels were stopped at the outskirts of the capital , Kinshasa, by troops from Angola, Zimbabwe and Namibia, who are backing Kabila. The rebel victory would also open routes to Katanga and Eastern Kasai provinces, rich in copper and diamonds. The rebels targeted Kindu since late August, when they were forced to retreat their march from extreme western Congo to the outskirts of Kinshasa after Angola and Zimbabwe sent troops to bail out Kabila. Rebels attacked a village in western Uganda and killed six civilians before soldiers drove them off, a military spokesman said Thursday. The rebel victory would also open routes to Katanga and Eastern Kasai provinces, rich in copper and diamonds. The rebels targeted Kindu since late August , when they were forced to retreat their march from extreme western Congo to the outskirts of Kinshasa after Angola and Zimbabwe sent troops to bail out Kabila. After a day of fighting , Congolese rebels said Sunday they had entered Kindu, the strategic town and airbase in eastern Congo used by the government to halt their advances. A day after shooting down a jetliner carrying 40 people , rebels clashed with government troops near a strategic airstrip in eastern Congo on Sunday. A day after shooting down a jetliner, Congolese rebels and their Rwandan allies pushed Sunday through government defense lines, showing the confidence of a victor in a week-old battle for a strategic air base. Fighting in Kindu , 32 kilometers (20 miles) northeast of the Elila River bridge, died down after the rebels fired a barrage of artillery into the government-held quarters and the air base, four kilometers (two miles) away. A day after shooting down a jetliner carrying 40 people, rebels clashed with government troops near a strategic airstrip in eastern Congo on Sunday. Fighting for the town of Kindu in this vast West African nation subsided after rebels launched an artillery barrage into government-held buildings and the airfield, two miles (three kilometers) away. Habibie finds attending a summit of Asia-Pacific leaders ``difficult'' because of his concerns about the arrest of Malaysia's former deputy prime minister, a Thai newspaper reported Sunday. Asia-Pacific leaders are scheduled to meet next month in Malaysia for an annual economics meeting. The United States would downgrade President Bill Clinton's visit to Kuala Lumpur next month if Anwar continued to be mistreated, the Wall Street Journal quoted an official in Washington as saying. Clinton is scheduled to go to Malaysia for the meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. The United States would downgrade President Bill Clinton's visit to Kuala Lumpur next month if Anwar continued to be mistreated, the Wall Street Journal quoted an official in Washington as saying. Clinton is scheduled to go to Malaysia for the meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. The council's lobbying efforts with the U.S. and Southeast Asian governments have concentrated on removing tariffs and other barriers to overseas trade. The delegation will travel to Kuala Lumpur for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum Nov. 14-18. Anwar is a charismatic politician who was once picked to be the successor to Malaysia's long-serving Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. But he was suddenly fired by Mahathir on Sept. 2 after the two differed on economic policy. But because of the large number of candidates for the deputy's job within the ruling United Malays National Organization, a decision was not expected quickly. The party leaders, who have been conducting a national campaign to explain to Malaysians why the popular Anwar was fired Sept. 2 , will also confer on what to do now that the High Court judge has banned all comments on Anwar's guilt or innocence. ``I just explained our culture to them,'' he said. Anwar was fired as deputy premier in September and later arrested, appearing in court with a black eye, bruises and a neck brace. Former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, now on trial on charges of corruption and sexual misconduct, made the warning in an interview with Monday's edition of Time magazine. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad fired Anwar in September , saying he was morally unfit to lead, then had him expelled from Malaysia's ruling party. Clinton is scheduled to go to Malaysia for the meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Wearing a neck brace Monday after a court-ordered hospital checkup, Anwar was ordered to stand trial Nov. 2 on four charges of abusing his powers to interfere with a police investigation. The leaders of Malaysia's ruling party met Tuesday to discuss a replacement for ousted deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim , who faces trial next month in a case that will test the country's legal system. Instead of stepping aside, Anwar launched a reform movement across Malaysia that quickly led to big rallies demanding that Mahathir step down. The prime minister used riot police to thwart the protests, and jailed Anwar , charging him with corruption and sex crimes, and scheduling his trial for Nov. 2. Both presidents have hinted they might not attend the meeting of the 18 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation nations next month in the Malaysian capital out of concern for Anwar. The former deputy prime minister and finance minister of Malaysia was arrested Sept. 20 on corruption and illegal sex charges, then brought to court with a black eye and bruises. Estrada has expressed support for Anwar, whom he considers a personal friend, and indicated he may not attend a summit of Asia Pacific Rim nations in Malaysia next month. He has also said Anwar should be held in house arrest during his upcoming trial on corruption and sexual misconduct charges. Estrada has expressed support for Anwar, whom he considers a personal friend, and indicated he may not attend a summit of Asia Pacific Rim nations in Malaysia next month. He has also said Anwar should be held in house arrest during his upcoming trial on corruption and sexual misconduct charges. Asia-Pacific leaders are scheduled to meet next month in Malaysia for an annual economics meeting. Last week , Philippine President Joseph Estrada said he was considering not going to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum because of Anwar Ibrahim's arrest. He says he was beaten by security guards. Estrada has expressed support for Anwar, whom he considers a personal friend, and indicated he may not attend a summit of Asia Pacific Rim nations in Malaysia next month. China claims Taiwan as a breakaway province and argues that only sovereign nations are allowed to send their heads of state. APEC groups Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States. Desert will be simple: fresh tropical fruit, said Maleia Marsden, general manager of the Cyberview Lodge, where the leaders were expected to stay during the summit Nov. 17-18. APEC groups Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States. ``But we want to see whether this is strongly sustainable.'' Critics said it was predictable that capital controls would be a short-term tonic to Malaysia's economy. Mahathir's decision drew jeers from international investors and policy- makers, who warned that Malaysia was seeking a quick fix that would retard its desperately needed reforms and leave it the odd man out when Asia finally recovered from the regional malaise. Now, though, Mahathir's allies are marshaling new economic data that they say indicate that capital controls are breathing new life into the country's moribund economy. APEC groups Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States. Russia, Vietnam and Peru will join in November. APEC groups Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States. Russia, Vietnam and Peru will also join APEC this year. The worsening financial gloom is likely to dominate talks at next week's summit in Kuala Lumpur of leaders from the 18-nation Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. The summit is to take place on Nov. 17-18. The worsening financial gloom is likely to dominate talks at next week's summit in Kuala Lumpur of leaders from the 18-nation Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. The summit is to take place on Nov. 17-18. ``I'm concerned because people should not forget that Anwar Ibrahim had contributed a lot for the benefit of his country.'' Anwar is a charismatic politician who was once picked to be the successor to Malaysia's long-serving Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. ``I'm concerned because people should not forget that Anwar Ibrahim had contributed a lot for the benefit of his country.'' Anwar is a charismatic politician who was once picked to be the successor to Malaysia's long-serving Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. A car rigged with explosives blew up Friday morning in Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda market packed with Israelis shopping for the Jewish Sabbath, killing two people and wounding 21. A burly policeman bent to cover a bloodied corpse with whatever was at hand _ a sodden piece of cardboard, a plastic shopping bag. Two people were killed and at least 21 injured when an explosives-rigged car blew up Friday at Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda market, only meters (yards) from the site of a suicide bombing 16 months ago. The decision came less than three hours after a car rigged with explosives blew up in an outdoor market in downtown Jersualem. Two people were killed and 21 others were wounded in the attack for which the Islamic militant group Hamas claimed responsibility. At least half a dozen other Islamic activists have been rounded up since the bombing, the sources said. Palestinian political leaders said Israel should not use Friday's suicide bombing, which killed the two assailants and wounded 21 Israelis , as an excuse to stop the peace process. At least half a dozen other Islamic activists have been rounded up since the bombing, the sources said. Palestinian political leaders said Israel should not use Friday's suicide bombing, which killed the two assailants and wounded 21 Israelis , as an excuse to stop the peace process. Relatives say that the 21-year-old Palestinian from this village near Jerusalem showed no sign that he was heading for a suicide mission with his brother-in-law as part of a secret cell of Islamic Holy War. Their car-bomb blew apart two hours later in a Jerusalem market, killing both men and wounding 24 people. Implementation of the Israeli-Palestinian land-for-security accord, signed Oct. 23 in Washington, was to have begun this past week, but has hit various snags. Most recently, Israel 's Cabinet put off a vote to ratify the accord after a suicide bombing Friday in Jerusalem that killed the two assailants and injured 21 Israelis. Israel's Cabinet announced within hours of a market bombing Friday that it will put off a vote indefinitely on whether to ratify the Wye River accord until Palestinians crack down further on terrorism. Israel's Cabinet decided Friday to suspend indefinitely its ratification of the land-for-security agreement with the Palestinians. Israel's Cabinet decided Friday to suspend indefinitely its ratification of the land-for-security agreement with the Palestinians. The Palestinian cabinet promised to crack down on the militants, who it said were jeopardizing the recovery of Palestinian land and hopes for statehood by giving Israel a pretext to postpone carrying out the Wye accord. The Israeli Cabinet suspended a meeting to ratify the agreement after the bombing , demanding that the Palestinians conduct an ``all-out war on terror.'' Groundbreaking at the site led to angry Palestinian protests and a breakdown of peace talks in March 1997. Netanyahu's Cabinet delayed action on the new peace accord following Friday's suicide bombing at a Jerusalem market, and his remarks about building on Har Homa may be seen as a provocation by the Palestinians at a politically sensitive moment. Implementation of the Israeli-Palestinian land-for-security accord, signed Oct. 23 in Washington, was to have begun this past week, but has hit various snags. Most recently , Israel's Cabinet put off a vote to ratify the accord after a suicide bombing Friday in Jerusalem that killed the two assailants and injured 21 Israelis. A car rigged with explosives blew up Friday morning in Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda market packed with Israelis shopping for the Jewish Sabbath, killing two people and wounding 21. The Islamic militant group Hamas, which has tried to stop the peace agreement, claimed responsibility , police said. The militant Palestinian movement Islamic Holy War said Saturday that it carried out the suicide bombing in a Jerusalem market on Friday , which prompted arrests by the Palestinian Authority overnight. The radical group Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility Saturday for the suicide bombing of a crowded Jerusalem market and promised more attacks to try to block the new peace accord. ``The United States understands the delay by a day or two but expects the agreement to be approved soon,'' Albright told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone, Channel Two reported. The radical group Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility Saturday for the market bombing and vowed more attacks to try to block the new peace accord. U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright told Netanyahu by phone that she expects Israel's Cabinet to ratify the new peace accord within a few days despite the market bombing, Channel Two television reported Saturday. The radical group Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility Saturday for the market bombing and vowed more attacks to try to block the new peace accord. Most recently, Israel's Cabinet put off a vote to ratify the accord after a suicide bombing Friday in Jerusalem that killed the two assailants and injured 21 Israelis. The radical group Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility. An Islamic Jihad official in the Syrian capital of Damascus confirmed that the group's leader Ramadan Abdullah Shallah claimed responsibility for Friday's bombing in an interview with the Paris-based Radio Monte Carlo. Palestinian security sources and the families of the dead bombers had already identified them as Islamic Jihad activists. An Islamic Jihad official in the Syrian capital of Damascus confirmed that the group's leader Ramadan Abdullah Shallah claimed responsibility for Friday's bombing in an interview with the Paris-based Radio Monte Carlo. Palestinian security sources and the families of the dead bombers had already identified them as Islamic Jihad activists. An Islamic Jihad official in the Syrian capital of Damascus confirmed that the group's leader Ramadan Abdullah Shallah claimed responsibility for Friday's bombing in an interview with the Paris-based Radio Monte Carlo. Palestinian security sources and the families of the dead bombers had already identified them as Islamic Jihad activists. An Islamic Jihad official in the Syrian capital of Damascus confirmed that the group's leader Ramadan Abdullah Shallah claimed responsibility for Friday's bombing in an interview with the Paris-based Radio Monte Carlo. Palestinian security sources and the families of the dead bombers had already identified them as Islamic Jihad activists. An Islamic Jihad official in the Syrian capital of Damascus confirmed that the group's leader Ramadan Abdullah Shallah claimed responsibility for Friday's bombing in an interview with the Paris-based Radio Monte Carlo. Palestinian security sources and the families of the dead bombers had already identified them as Islamic Jihad activists. An Islamic Jihad official in the Syrian capital of Damascus confirmed that the group's leader Ramadan Abdullah Shallah claimed responsibility for Friday's bombing in an interview with the Paris-based Radio Monte Carlo. Palestinian security sources and the families of the dead bombers had already identified them as Islamic Jihad activists. At least half a dozen other Islamic activists have been rounded up since the bombing, the sources said. Palestinian political leaders said Israel should not use Friday's suicide bombing , which killed the two assailants and wounded 21 Israelis, as an excuse to stop the peace process. Groundbreaking at the site led to angry Palestinian protests and a breakdown of peace talks in March 1997. Netanyahu's Cabinet delayed action on the new peace accord following Friday's suicide bombing at a Jerusalem market , and his remarks about building on Har Homa may be seen as a provocation by the Palestinians at a politically sensitive moment. At least half a dozen other Islamic activists have been rounded up since the bombing, the sources said. Palestinian political leaders said Israel should not use Friday's suicide bombing , which killed the two assailants and wounded 21 Israelis, as an excuse to stop the peace process. Groundbreaking at the site led to angry Palestinian protests and a breakdown of peace talks in March 1997. Netanyahu's Cabinet delayed action on the latest Israeli-Palestinian accord following Friday's suicide bombing at a Jerusalem market , and his remarks about building on Har Homa may be seen as a provocation by the Palestinians at a politically sensitive moment. Implementation of the Israeli-Palestinian land-for-security accord, signed Oct. 23 in Washington, was to have begun this past week, but has hit various snags. Most recently, Israel's Cabinet put off a vote to ratify the accord after a suicide bombing Friday in Jerusalem that killed the two assailants and injured 21 Israelis. The radical group Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility Saturday for the suicide bombing of a crowded Jerusalem market and promised more attacks to try to block the new peace accord. ``The United States understands the delay by a day or two but expects the agreement to be approved soon,'' Albright told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone, Channel Two reported. The radical group Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility Saturday for the market bombing and vowed more attacks to try to block the new peace accord. U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright told Netanyahu by phone that she expects Israel's Cabinet to ratify the new peace accord within a few days despite the market bombing, Channel Two television reported Saturday. The radical group Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility Saturday for the market bombing and vowed more attacks to try to block the new peace accord. A defiant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel would continue to build Jewish neighborhoods throughout Jerusalem, including at a controversial site in the traditionally Arab sector of the city. A defiant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel would continue to build Jewish neighborhoods throughout Jerusalem, including at a controversial site in the traditionally Arab sector of the city. A defiant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel would continue to build Jewish neighborhoods throughout Jerusalem, including at a controversial site in the traditionally Arab sector of the city. A car rigged with explosives blew up Friday morning in Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda market packed with Israelis shopping for the Jewish Sabbath, killing two people and wounding 21. The Islamic militant group Hamas, which has tried to stop the peace agreement , claimed responsibility, police said. At least half a dozen other Islamic activists have been rounded up since the bombing, the sources said. Palestinian political leaders said Israel should not use Friday's suicide bombing, which killed the two assailants and wounded 21 Israelis, as an excuse to stop the peace process. At least half a dozen other Islamic activists have been rounded up since the bombing, the sources said. Palestinian political leaders said Israel should not use Friday's suicide bombing, which killed the two assailants and wounded 21 Israelis, as an excuse to stop the peace process. Palestinian officials said they had jailed several of the small but radical group's members from the West Bank, and raided and then shut down a nursery school linked to the organization in Bethlehem, which is controlled by the Palestinians. The two bombers who carried out Friday's attack , which led the Israeli Cabinet to suspend deliberations on the land-for-security accord signed with the Palestinians last month, were identified as members of Islamic Holy War from West Bank villages under Israeli security control. One of Israel's key demands is that the Palestinians do more to fight attacks by Islamic militants against Israeli targets. The Palestinians , however, said the two bombers had come from Israeli-controlled areas and that Israel thus bore at least part of the security responsibility for the attack. Israel said it showed Arafat's crackdown on terrorists had not been sweeping enough. The Palestinians, however, have also accused Israel of failing to take at least partial security responsibility for the attack , because both attackers came from Israeli-controlled areas , and had recently served time in Israeli jails. Israel's Cabinet decided Friday to suspend indefinitely its ratification of the land-for-security agreement with the Palestinians. The decision came less than three hours after a car rigged with explosives blew up in an outdoor market in downtown Jersualem. Relatives say that the 21-year-old Palestinian from this village near Jerusalem showed no sign that he was heading for a suicide mission with his brother-in-law as part of a secret cell of Islamic Holy War. Their car-bomb blew apart two hours later in a Jerusalem market , killing both men and wounding 24 people. On Sept. 2, he fired the last one, Anwar Ibrahim, calling him morally unfit for office. Anwar mounted a nationwide campaign against the prime minister before being detained as a national security risk and charged with illegal homosexual acts and corruption in connection with those allegations. Mahathir and Anwar had differed over economic policy and Anwar says Mahathir feared him as an alternative leader. Anwar mounted a nationwide campaign against the prime minister before being detained as a national security risk and charged with illegal homosexual acts and corruption in connection with those allegations. But today, in a dizzying turnaround, Malaysia is on Asia's critical list, its economy teetering on the edge of disaster and its stability shaken by what seems to have been an entirely avoidable political cat fight. Last month, Mahathir dismissed and arrested his deputy and heir apparent, Anwar Ibrahim , 51, accusing him of corruption and illegal sex acts. He then began speaking out against Mahathir and was arrested Sept. 20. Anwar has been accused of engaging in homosexual acts illegal under Malaysia law , but the charges are generally seen as a pretext for his political persecution. Anwar said Mahathir viewed him as a threat. Anwar since has been charged with corruption and illegal homosexual acts , and is to go on trial Nov. 2. Anwar said police beat him in custody. In recent appearances in court , where he is facing charges of corruption and illegal homosexual acts , he was seen with a black eye and a neck brace. On Sept. 2, Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad fired Anwar, calling him morally unfit for office. Mahathir and Anwar had differed over economic policy and Anwar says Mahathir feared him as an alternative leader. Anwar is a charismatic politician who was once picked to be the successor to Malaysia's long-serving Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. But he was suddenly fired by Mahathir on Sept. 2 after the two differed on economic policy. But he fired his protege from his posts as deputy prime minister and finance minister on grounds he was morally unfit to lead. The two had differed over economic policy and Anwar has said Mahathir feared he was a threat to his 17-year rule. The arrest of former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim won't lead to massive social unrest or frighten away investors, Malaysia's trade minister said Thursday. Anwar was fired by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Sept. 2 after the two differed on economic policy. The arrest of former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim won't lead to massive social unrest or frighten away investors, Malaysia's trade minister said Thursday. Anwar was fired by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Sept. 2 after the two differed on economic policy. ``The police cannot harm their detainees in the course of their interrogation.'' Mahathir fired Anwar on Sept. 2 from his posts as deputy prime minister and finance minister, saying he was morally unfit for office. Another challenged Mahathir for leadership of the ruling party, and lost. On Sept. 2 , he fired the last one, Anwar Ibrahim, calling him morally unfit for office. The EU ``hopes that appropriate action will be taken against any individuals, including officials, found responsible for such mistreatment,'' the statement added. On Sept. 2 , Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad fired Anwar, calling him morally unfit for office. Mahathir, who had heart bypass surgery in 1989, had groomed Anwar, 51, as his successor. But he fired his protege from his posts as deputy prime minister and finance minister on grounds he was morally unfit to lead. Anwar was sacked on Sept. 2 from his posts as deputy prime minister and finance minister, after he had differed with Mahathir on policy for escaping economic recession. But the prime minister said the deputy was fired because he was morally unfit. Local newspapers that are normally pro-Mahathir have splashed close-up photos of Anwar's badly bruised face for two days. People are peering at the pictures, downloading copies from the Internet, discussing whether Mahathir, who also oversees the police as home affairs minister, knew what was happening to the man he had once groomed as his successor. ``I'm concerned because people should not forget that Anwar Ibrahim had contributed a lot for the benefit of his country.'' Anwar is a charismatic politician who was once picked to be the successor to Malaysia's long-serving Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. ``I'm concerned because people should not forget that Anwar Ibrahim had contributed a lot for the benefit of his country.'' Anwar is a charismatic politician who was once picked to be the successor to Malaysia's long-serving Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. ``I'm concerned because people should not forget that Anwar Ibrahim had contributed a lot for the benefit of his country.'' Anwar is a charismatic politician who was once picked to be the successor to Malaysia's long-serving Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. The ruling coalition had scheduled a giant rally in the capital Saturday, aimed at drawing in the youth to whom Anwar's campaign of reform has the most appeal. Mahathir , who had heart bypass surgery in 1989, had groomed Anwar, 51 , as his successor. One of the major charges against Anwar hinges on Aness' confession. Singh spoke to reporters after attending court proceedings Monday where Anwar's trial was fixed for Nov. 2 on corruption charges. Clinton is scheduled to go to Malaysia for the meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Wearing a neck brace Monday after a court-ordered hospital checkup, Anwar was ordered to stand trial Nov. 2 on four charges of abusing his powers to interfere with a police investigation. The leaders of Malaysia's ruling party met Tuesday to discuss a replacement for ousted deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim , who faces trial next month in a case that will test the country's legal system. Anwar said Mahathir viewed him as a threat. Anwar since has been charged with corruption and illegal homosexual acts, and is to go on trial Nov. 2. ``The police cannot harm their detainees in the course of their interrogation.'' Mahathir fired Anwar on Sept. 2 from his posts as deputy prime minister and finance minister , saying he was morally unfit for office. The EU ``hopes that appropriate action will be taken against any individuals, including officials, found responsible for such mistreatment,'' the statement added. On Sept. 2 , Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad fired Anwar , calling him morally unfit for office. But because of the large number of candidates for the deputy's job within the ruling United Malays National Organization, a decision was not expected quickly. The party leaders, who have been conducting a national campaign to explain to Malaysians why the popular Anwar was fired Sept. 2 , will also confer on what to do now that the High Court judge has banned all comments on Anwar's guilt or innocence. Anwar, 51, was arrested Sept. 20 under the Internal Security Act, which allows indefinite detention without trial, after two weeks of rallies around Malaysia at which he called for government reform and Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's resignation. Anwar was sacked on Sept. 2 from his posts as deputy prime minister and finance minister , after he had differed with Mahathir on policy for escaping economic recession. BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) - The European Union on Friday expressed its ``deep concern'' over reports of physical abuse of Malaysia's former deputy-prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, who was arrested last month. ``I've finally given up reading local newspapers. They're so skewed,'' said Michael Chan, a lawyer who upgraded his computer with a high-speed modem the day after Anwar was arrested on Sept. 20. She said authorities have denied lawyers access to her husband, and asked: ``How are they going to prepare for his defense?'' Anwar , 51, was arrested Sept. 20 under the Internal Security Act , which allows indefinite detention without trial, after two weeks of rallies around Malaysia at which he called for government reform and Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's resignation. ``The EU expresses hope that the other political demonstrators still detained under the Internal Security Act will also be released soon,'' the statement said. The former deputy-premier , who was also finance minister, pleaded innocent this week to charges of sodomy and corruption. His trial is to halt on Nov. 14 and resume after the APEC meetings. He has pleaded innocent to all charges , including another corruption count and five charges of sodomy. Anwar since has been charged with corruption and illegal homosexual acts, and is to go on trial Nov. 2. He has pleaded innocent to all the charges , which he says were trumped up by his political enemies. Bruises on the face of jailed dissident Anwar Ibrahim, splashed on newspaper front pages for two days and downloaded from the Internet, are blemishing the image of Malaysian police. After first suggesting that the former deputy prime minister had beaten himself on the face, neck and arms during 10 days in police custody , Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad called for an investigation of the wounds Anwar displayed in court Tuesday and Wednesday. He told the magistrate's courts he was beaten by police on Sept. 20, the night of his arrest. Faced with mounting public criticism, Mahathir called Thursday for a probe by the attorney general of the alleged mistreatment of Anwar. But he was suddenly fired by Mahathir on Sept. 2 after the two differed on economic policy. He then began speaking out against Mahathir and was arrested Sept. 20. Anwar was fired by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Sept. 2 after the two differed on economic policy. He then began speaking out against Mahathir and was arrested Sept. 20. Under NATO threat to end his punishing offensive against ethnic Albanian separatists in Kosovo , President Slobodan Milosevic of Yugoslavia has ordered most units of his army back to their barracks and may well avoid an attack by the alliance, military observers and diplomats say. There was no statement from Holbrooke after the meeting. Before boarding a plane for Belgrade, however, Holbrooke said conditions in the southern Serbian province had not improved since the alliance started two weeks ago to finalize plans for air raids to force Milosevic to halt his offensive against Kosovo Albanian separatists. With NATO attacks said to be only days away, top U.S. envoy Richard Holbrooke delivered an 11th-hour warning Monday to Yugoslavia's president to halt his crackdown on ethnic Albanians in Kosovo or face airstrikes. Holbrooke issued no statement after the meeting. Before boarding a plane for the Yugoslav capital, Belgrade, however, Holbrooke said conditions in the southern Serbian province had not improved since the alliance started two weeks ago to finalize plans for air raids to force Milosevic to halt his offensive against Kosovo Albanian separatists. With NATO attacks said to be only days away, top U.S. envoy Richard Holbrooke delivered a last-minute warning Monday to Yugoslavia's president to halt his crackdown on ethnic Albanians in Kosovo or face airstrikes. The United States and Russia are ratcheting up the pressure on President Slobodan Milosevic, warning that NATO airstrikes are inevitable unless he takes decisive action soon to end the humanitarian crisis in the southern Serbian province. The United States and Russia are ratcheting up the pressure on President Slobodan Milosevic, warning that NATO airstrikes are inevitable unless he takes decisive action soon to end the humanitarian crisis in the southern Serbian province. The United States and Russia are ratcheting up the pressure on President Slobodan Milosevic, warning that NATO airstrikes are inevitable unless he takes decisive action soon to end the humanitarian crisis in the southern Serbian province. The United States and Russia are ratcheting up the pressure on President Slobodan Milosevic, warning that NATO airstrikes are inevitable unless he takes decisive action soon to end the humanitarian crisis in the southern Serbian province. In Berlin, German Gen. Dieter Stoeckmann told German radio that NATO action could come ``within days.'' NATO's decision may depend on a report U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan is scheduled to present Monday to the Security Council on whether Yugoslavia is meeting U.N. demands. With the threat of NATO attack mounting, Yugoslavia 's prime minister warned Monday the nation faces the ``immiment danger of war'' and claimed the government was taking steps to comply with international demands for peace in Kosovo. With the threat of NATO attack mounting, Yugoslavia 's prime minister warned Monday the nation faces the ``imminent danger of war'' and claimed the government is taking steps to comply with international demands for peace in Kosovo. Holbrooke said he will explain the ``extreme gravity of the situation'' when he meets Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic later Monday. Speaking after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Javier Solana and Supreme Allied Commander Europe Wesley K. Clark, Holbrooke said ``while the level of fighting (in Kosovo) may have abated temporarily, the capacity for its resumption is there. '' Holbrooke is en route to Belgrade for a meeting with Milosevic. ``While the level of fighting (in Kosovo) may have abated temporarily, the capacity for its resumption is there ,'' Holbrooke said after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Javier Solana and Supreme Allied Commander Europe Wesley K. Clark. In Brussels, however, Holbrooke made clear that half-measures would not be enough to satisfy Washington and prevent a NATO attack. ``While the level of fighting may have abated temporarily, the capacity for its resumption is there ,'' Holbrooke said after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Javier Solana and Supreme Allied Commander Europe Wesley K. Clark. His military operation created more than 250,000 refugees, whom the Clinton administration is gearing up to take care of this winter through a variety of relief organizations. U.S. officials said they expected Richard Holbrooke, the U.S. envoy who dealt with Milosevic in negotiating an end to the war in Bosnia , to meet with him on Monday to discuss a political plan for Kosovo. Holbrooke said he planned to drive home to Milosevic ``the extreme gravity of the situation.'' Holbrooke negotiated the peace deal with Milosevic and other Balkan leaders that ended the 3 and one-half year Bosnian war in 1995. Holbrooke said he planned to drive home to Milosevic ``the extreme gravity of the situation.'' Holbrooke negotiated the peace deal with Milosevic and other Balkan leaders that ended the 3 1/2 year Bosnian war in 1995. BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) _ U.S. special envoy Richard Holbrooke said Monday the military situation in Kosovo was as bad now as two weeks ago. But Annan said he did not ``have the means necessary to provide an independent assessment of compliance as required by the Security Council'' and suggested the 15 members may want to make their ``own judgement in this respect.'' But U.S. special envoy Richard Holbrooke said the situation in the southern Serbian province was as bad now as two weeks ago. The daily reports of the observer mission, made up of U.S., European Union and Russian military experts, are one of the key elements in helping Washington and European capitals decide whether Milosevic has met their demands for a cease-fire. By putting the army back in its barracks, sending some police units out of Kosovo and ordering an end to burning and looting of villages, Milosevic may well avoid a NATO attack, diplomats here and in Washington said. Under NATO threat to end his punishing offensive against ethnic Albanian separatists in Kosovo, President Slobodan Milosevic of Yugoslavia has ordered most units of his army back to their barracks and may well avoid an attack by the alliance, military observers and diplomats say. BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) _ U.S. special envoy Richard Holbrooke said Monday the military situation in Kosovo was as bad now as two weeks ago. Holbrooke said he will explain the ``extreme gravity of the situation'' when he meets Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic later Monday. In Brussels, Belgium, however, U.S. special envoy Richard Holbrooke told reporters Monday that the situation in Kosovo has not improved. Holbrooke is en route to Belgrade for a meeting with Milosevic. Fearing airstrikes, Yugoslav generals put the nation's air defense on high alert, but tried a belated compromise by moving some tanks and other heavy equipment out of Kosovo. A Western diplomat said up to 120 Yugoslav army armored vehicles, including tanks , have been pulled out. Fearing airstrikes, Yugoslav generals put the nation's air defense on high alert, but tried a belated compromise by moving some tanks and other heavy equipment out of Kosovo. A Western diplomat said up to 120 Yugoslav army armored vehicles, including tanks , have been pulled out. Following a meeting with Solana in Brussels, Belgium, U.S. special envoy Richard Holbrooke said the situation in the southern Serbian province was as bad now as two weeks ago. Holbrooke said he would tell Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic of ``the extreme gravity of the situation. '' Following a meeting with Solana in Brussels, Belgium, U.S. special envoy Richard Holbrooke said the situation in the southern Serbian province was as bad now as two weeks ago. Holbrooke said he would tell Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic of `` the extreme gravity of the situation.'' ``You would not give them to your children or your elderly mother knowing she would get cramps in her stomach and diarrhea unless her stomach was moaning.'' Three years of floods and drought that started in 1995 devastated North Korea's collective farming and planned economy, already teetering from the loss of its Soviet bloc trading partners. ``You would not give them to your children or your elderly mother knowing she would get cramps in her stomach and diarrhea unless her stomach was moaning.'' Three years of floods and drought that started in 1995 devastated North Korea's collective farming and planned economy, already teetering from the loss of its Soviet bloc trading partners. Naewoe is run by South Korea's main government intelligence agency and specializes in monitoring communist news media. Three years of floods and drought that started in 1995 devastated North Korea's collective farming and planned economy, forcing the country to rely on outside aid to feed its 23 million people. Naewoe is run by South Korea's main government intelligence agency and specializes in monitoring communist news media. Three years of floods and drought that started in 1995 devastated North Korea's collective farming and planned economy, forcing the country to rely on outside aid to feed its 23 million people. Naewoe is run by South Korea's main government intelligence agency and specializes in monitoring communist news media. Three years of floods and drought that started in 1995 devastated North Korea's collective farming and planned economy, forcing the country to rely on outside aid to feed its 23 million people. ``Humanitarian suffering cannot be routine in any part of the world,'' said Margareta Wahlstrom, the Red Cross' undersecretary of disaster relief, who returned to Beijing Tuesday after a week inspecting the aid agency's operations in North Korea. She and other Red Cross officials saw further ravages of North Korea's slow-motion famine: electricity supplied to only half the capital, Pyongyang, at a time; the elderly looking swollen, a sign of long-term hunger; a generation of children stunted , with 10-year-olds looking like 6-year-olds and 5-year-olds like 2-year-olds. Years of food shortages have stunted the growth of millions of North Korean children , with two-thirds of children under age seven suffering malnourishment, U.N. experts said Wednesday. For three weeks this fall, crews led by foreign scientists were finally permitted to fan out across North Korea to conduct the first random sample nutritional survey of children, providing by far the most solid data on the crisis. They found that 62 percent of children under 7 had stunted growth, a symptom of long-term malnutrition. For three weeks this fall, crews led by foreign scientists were finally permitted to fan out across North Korea to conduct the first random sample nutritional survey of children, providing by far the most solid data on the crisis. They found that 62 percent of children under 7 had stunted growth , a symptom of long-term malnutrition. North Korea is entering its fourth winter of chronic food shortages with its people malnourished and at risk of dying from normally curable illnesses, senior Red Cross officials said Tuesday. Citing a North Korean human rights group and Japanese tourists visiting the region, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported Monday that 150 North Koreans had been sent home from China, despite having presented petitions for political asylum. North Korea is entering its fourth winter of chronic food shortages , having harvested only 3 million tons of grain this year, about two-thirds of the minimum needed by its 23 million people. Famine-threatened North Korea's harvest will be no better this year than last and could be worse , a senior U.N. aid official said Saturday. Although hard figures are not yet available, the prospects for this year are that ``the harvest will not be any better,'' Ngongi told reporters in Beijing after visiting North Korea. ``It may be worse than last year. '' In September, Doctors Without Borders announced that it was pulling its staff of 13 from North Korea because it feared that its aid was going to the politically connected rather than to the most needy. North Korea does not release mortality figures or health statistics, but Hall said that the United Nations had gathered and would soon release data indicating that 30 percent of North Korean children under age 2 are acutely malnourished and that 67 percent of all children are physically stunted. It was the first ``technically sound survey'' of the problem, UNICEF official Kirsi Madi told reporters. The most alarming findings were for toddlers aged one to two, 30 percent of whom were acutely malnourished. Famine-threatened North Korea's harvest will be no better this year than last and could be worse, a senior U.N. aid official said Saturday. North Korea needs a minimum 4.5 million to 5 million tons of grain to feed its 23 million people , but managed last year to harvest just 2.8 million tons, Namanga Ngongi, deputy head of the World Food Program said. Famine-threatened North Korea's harvest will be no better this year than last and could be worse, a senior U.N. aid official said Saturday. North Korea needs a minimum 4.5 million to 5 million tons of grain to feed its 23 million people, but managed last year to harvest just 2.8 million tons, Namanga Ngongi, deputy head of the World Food Program said. Hunger and malnutrition in Cambodia are reaching crisis levels comparable to the effects of famine in North Korea, a U.N. World Food Program representative said Tuesday. Though North Korea is suffering from a simple lack of food, a faltering economy in Cambodia combined with weak health care and education is causing similar levels of malnutrition in children , said Ken Davies, the WFP's country director. Among other shocking findings, researchers from the World Food Program, Unicef and the European Union found that, because of long-term food shortages, a staggering 62 percent of children under 7 years old suffer from stunted growth. They have discovered that, despite a huge international food aid program over the past three years, severe malnutrition is widespread among toddlers at crucial stages of brain development, suggesting that this generation's physical and mental abilities will not develop normally and that the losses can never be recovered. She and other Red Cross officials saw further ravages of North Korea's slow-motion famine: electricity supplied to only half the capital, Pyongyang, at a time; the elderly looking swollen, a sign of long-term hunger; a generation of children stunted, with 10-year-olds looking like 6-year-olds and 5-year-olds like 2-year-olds. Everywhere, from bakeries to government ministries, people were being served noodles and cakes made from soybeans mixed with acorns, grass and herbs, Red Cross president Astrid Heiberg said. The body governing the games threatened several times to award Asia's version of the Olympics to other countries, but Thailand argued that all would be ready by opening day. The Bangkok games are expected to attract more than 10,000 athletes from 43 nations. The body governing the games threatened several times to award Asia's version of the Olympics to other countries, but Thailand argued that all would be ready by opening day. The Bangkok games are expected to attract more than 10,000 athletes from 43 nations. Horses belonging to Iran's equestrian team will not be allowed to compete in next month's Asian Games because they failed to meet the requirements of the games' veterinary commission, the Thai organizers announced Thursday. Saudi Arabia is considering sending a small team to the Bangkok Asian Games from which it pulled out unexpectedly this week, a Saudi official said Saturday. A snooker game between longtime Asian rivals India and Pakistan led to a flareup of tempers Sunday, showing a depth of differences that shocked Thai organizers and spectators at the Asian Games. Thailand showed its nearly complete facilities for the Asian Games to a tough jury Thursday _ the heads of the organizing committees from the 43 nations competing in the December event. Thai police have detained more than 300 beggars, most from neighboring countries, in a campaign to make Bangkok's streets safer for spectators and athletes arriving for the upcoming Asian Games , a senior police officer said Friday. A snooker game between longtime Asian rivals India and Pakistan led to a flareup of tempers Sunday, showing a depth of differences that shocked Thai organizers and spectators at the Asian Games. Organizers of December's Asian Games have dismissed press reports that a sports complex would not be completed on time , saying preparations are well in hand, a local newspaper said Friday. Horses belonging to Iran's equestrian team will not be allowed to compete in next month's Asian Games because they failed to meet the requirements of the games' veterinary commission, the Thai organizers announced Thursday. Saudi Arabia's abrupt withdrawal from the Asian Games left organizers scrambling Thursday to change schedules and Thai diplomats mulling a decade of relations strained by jewel theft and the murder of diplomats. In response to criticism from home and abroad, Chinese officials broke their silence Wednesday to defend their arrest this week of a prominent dissident who was trying to form an opposition political party. ``Xu Wenli is suspected of involvement in activities damaging to national security and has violated relevant criminal codes of the People's Republic of China,'' said a statement from the Foreign Ministry, which on Tuesday declined to comment on the arrest. The sudden arrest on Monday night of Xu, as well as several other activists involved with him in trying to form the China Democratic Party , set off strong protests from human rights groups, other Chinese dissidents and Washington. ``Xu Wenli is suspected of involvement in activities damaging to national security and has violated relevant criminal codes of the People's Republic of China,'' said a statement from the Foreign Ministry, which on Tuesday declined to comment on the arrest. The sudden arrest on Monday night of Xu, as well as several other activists involved with him in trying to form the China Democratic Party , set off strong protests from human rights groups, other Chinese dissidents and Washington. Xu's wife, He Xintong, said Wednesday night that she had still not been informed of the specific charge against her husband, although she surmised from the aggressive behavior of the arresting officers that the sentence ``could be long.'' Qin's family was told that he was charged with ``plotting to subvert the government ,'' a crime that for serious offenses commands sentences of three years to life. Xu and another influential dissident, Qin Yongmin, were arrested Monday night in police raids in two cities that delivered the sternest blow so far to a five-month campaign to establish the China Democracy Party and challenge the ruling Communist Party's monopoly on power. Qin was arrested for plotting to overthrow the government , a crime that could land him in jail for life. Qin and Wang will be tried separately, in cities 500 kilometers (300 miles) apart and in proceedings attended only by family and a few observers selected by the courts. Qin, 44, and Wang , 31 , are accused of inciting the subversion of state power , apparently for helping to organize the China Democracy Party. One leader of a suppressed new political party will be tried on Dec. 17 on a charge of colluding with foreign enemies of China `` to incite the subversion of state power,'' according to court documents given to his wife on Monday. ``I don't hold much hope,'' she added in a telephone interview. Wang , who spent two years in prison after the 1989 student demonstrations in Tiananmen Square, was accused of organizing a political party that sought to overturn Communist Party rule and of colluding with foreign enemies of the state. A Chinese dissident fleeing a new round of arrests of democracy activists in Shanghai arrived here Wednesday and announced that he and other opponents of the Chinese government plan a demonstration Thursday at the United Nations to protest the crackdown. The dissident , Yao Zhenxian, who was released in April from a Chinese labor camp, is a leader of the China Democracy Party , which was formed in June during President Clinton's visit to China. Speaking through an interpreter at Kennedy International Airport, Yao, 44, said little about why he had left Shanghai, except that he and his younger brother, Yao Zhenxiang, 38, had been sent to a labor camp in 1996 on a ``trumped-up charge'' of publishing pornography. The younger Yao , who is also a prominent figure in the China Democracy Party , is scheduled for release in April. In response to criticism from home and abroad, Chinese officials broke their silence Wednesday to defend their arrest this week of a prominent dissident who was trying to form an opposition political party. ``Xu Wenli is suspected of involvement in activities damaging to national security and has violated relevant criminal codes of the People's Republic of China,'' said a statement from the Foreign Ministry, which on Tuesday declined to comment on the arrest. State Department spokesman James P. Rubin said U.S. officials conveyed their concerns to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and urged that Xu be released immediately. U.S. officials received confirmation Wednesday that Xu is being detained on suspicion of ``having conducted activities damaging to China's national security ,'' Rubin said. In response to criticism from home and abroad, Chinese officials broke their silence Wednesday to defend their arrest this week of a prominent dissident who was trying to form an opposition political party. ``Xu Wenli is suspected of involvement in activities damaging to national security and has violated relevant criminal codes of the People's Republic of China ,'' said a statement from the Foreign Ministry, which on Tuesday declined to comment on the arrest. The arrests of Xu and Qin at their homes Monday night and the accusations against them and Wang were the sharpest action Chinese leaders have taken since dissidents began pushing to set up and legally register the China Democracy Party in June. Xu and Qin were ``suspected of involvement in activities endangering state security'' and their ``behavior breached relevant provisions of the criminal laws of the People's Republic of China ,'' Zhu said at a twice-weekly briefing. The charges that Wang faces, in a trial that will almost certainly be secret and quick, could bring a sentence of five years or more. Wang , 32, has been imprisoned in his home city, Hangzhou in eastern China, for a month, but was not formally arrested until Nov. 30. The father said he did not agree with his son's political tactics but now he felt he had no choice but to protest his treatment. Qin Yongmin was arrested on Nov. 30 , only hours after his mother died of a stroke. Underscoring the warning, they said his colleague, Xu Wenli, won't be released soon and may be charged for having links to ``reactionary groups,'' Zha said. Xu and another influential dissident , Qin Yongmin, were arrested Monday night in police raids in two cities that delivered the sternest blow so far to a five-month campaign to establish the China Democracy Party and challenge the ruling Communist Party's monopoly on power. Wang, 32, has been imprisoned in his home city, Hangzhou in eastern China, for a month, but was not formally arrested until Nov. 30. On that day two prominent dissidents , both promoters of the new party , were detained. The younger Yao, who is also a prominent figure in the China Democracy Party, is scheduled for release in April. Last week the Chinese government arrested 10 members and sympathizers of the China Democracy Party , one of whom, Wang Youcai, is to go on trial Dec. 17. A third prominent member of the dissident community, Xu Wenli, was also arrested in the crackdown, but not yet charged. To prevent displays of solidarity outside Wang's trial, police have detained at least ten dissidents in the eastern city of Hangzhou , a Hong Kong-based rights group reported. U.S. officials in Beijing urged the government to release Xu and asked for clarification as to the exact nature of his crime. China signed the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights with great fanfare in October, and Xu's arrest is seen by human rights groups as a test of the nation's commitment to its tenets. Zhu criticized the United States for condemning the arrests, saying that ``no country, including the United States, should interfere in China's internal affairs.'' China in October signed a key U.N. treaty on civil and political rights that guarantees freedom of expression and freedom of association. The soul-searching and recriminations _ and a possibility of congressional leadership challenges _ came as election results showed that Republicans had been unable to increase their 55-45 hold over the Senate and that Democrats had picked up five seats in the House. The Democratic surge marked the first time since 1934 that the president's party had gained seats in a midterm election, and it whittled the Republican House majority down to a mere six votes. The Democratic victories were even more remarkable in a political year marked by the months-long scandal over President Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky. The Republicans' new 223-211 majority (assuming a Democrat leading in Oregon holds on to win), with one independent, amounted to the smallest congressional majority since the Republican-controlled Congress of 1953 , the last time Republicans controlled the House until they captured it again in 1994. The soul-searching and recriminations _ and a possibility of congressional leadership challenges _ came as election results showed that Republicans had been unable to increase their 55-45 hold over the Senate and that Democrats had picked up five seats in the House. The Democratic surge marked the first time since 1934 that the president's party had gained seats in a midterm election, and it whittled the Republican House majority down to a mere six votes. The Democratic victories were even more remarkable in a political year marked by the months-long scandal over President Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky. The Republicans' new 223-211 majority (assuming a Democrat leading in Oregon holds on to win), with one independent, amounted to the smallest congressional majority since the Republican-controlled Congress of 1953 , the last time Republicans controlled the House until they captured it again in 1994. The soul-searching and recriminations _ and a possibility of congressional leadership challenges _ came as election results showed that Republicans had been unable to increase their 55-45 hold over the Senate and that Democrats had picked up five seats in the House. The Democratic surge marked the first time since 1934 that the president's party had gained seats in a midterm election, and it whittled the Republican House majority down to a mere six votes. The Democratic victories were even more remarkable in a political year marked by the months-long scandal over President Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky. The Republicans' new 223-211 majority (assuming a Democrat leading in Oregon holds on to win), with one independent, amounted to the smallest congressional majority since the Republican-controlled Congress of 1953 , the last time Republicans controlled the House until they captured it again in 1994. An intense struggle for control of the House is underway, with Rep. Bob Livingston conducting a telephone campaign to replace Rep. Newt Gingrich as speaker and Gingrich fighting with a counter-campaign that has given some members pause about ousting him. At the same time, a small band of Republicans vowed on Thursday that they would not vote to re-elect Gingrich under any circumstances, a move that, because of the Republicans ' shrunken House majority , could tie the party in knots for months because it could throw the speakership to a Democrat. But Gingrich's counter-campaign has given some members pause about ousting him. At the same time, a small band of Republicans vowed on Thursday that they would not vote to re-elect Gingrich under any circumstances, a move that, because of the Republicans ' shrunken House majority , could tie the party in knots for months. Gray Davis, a cautious pragmatist like Gore, won a smashing victory. The returns _ an even break in the Senate and a Democratic gain of five in the House of Representatives _ also made the impeachment of President Clinton less likely. Stunned by the Democratic resurgence in the mid-term elections, congressional Republicans tore into each other Wednesday over who was to blame for their failure to make the traditional opposition party gains in an off-year election. The soul-searching and recriminations _ and a possibility of congressional leadership challenges _ came as election results showed that Republicans had been unable to increase their 55-45 hold over the Senate and that Democrats had picked up five seats in the House. Stunned by the Democratic resurgence in the mid-term elections, congressional Republicans tore into each other Wednesday over who was to blame for their failure to make the traditional opposition party gains in an off-year election. The soul-searching and recriminations _ and a possibility of congressional leadership challenges _ came as election results showed that Republicans had been unable to increase their 55-45 hold over the Senate and that Democrats had picked up five seats in the House. Stunned by the Democratic resurgence in the mid-term elections, congressional Republicans tore into each other Wednesday over who was to blame for their failure to make the traditional opposition party gains in an off-year election. The soul-searching and recriminations _ and a possibility of congressional leadership challenges _ came as election results showed that Republicans had been unable to increase their 55-45 hold over the Senate and that Democrats had picked up five seats in the House. Rep. Matt Salmon, R-Ariz., said: ``I personally have made the decision that I cannot vote for Newt Gingrich for speaker in January, and there are six others who have told me they feel the same way, seven people who just will not, and it takes six to deadlock the vote.'' Fury at the speaker has boiled over since Tuesday's elections, when Republicans suffered a net loss of five seats in the House. Rep. Matt Salmon, R-Ariz., said: ``I personally have made the decision that I cannot vote for Newt Gingrich for speaker in January, and there are six others who have told me they feel the same way, seven people who just will not, and it takes six to deadlock the vote.'' Fury at the speaker has boiled over since Tuesday's elections, when Republicans suffered a net loss of five seats in the House. The Republicans' new 223-211 majority (assuming a Democrat leading in Oregon holds on to win), with one independent, amounted to the smallest congressional majority since the Republican-controlled Congress of 1953, the last time Republicans controlled the House until they captured it again in 1994. With attention now shifting to the House Judiciary Committee and its impeachment inquiry, Rep. Henry Hyde told fellow Republicans on the panel in a conference call Wednesday that the only witness Republicans were likely to call would be the independent counsel , Kenneth Starr. The Republicans' new 223-211 majority (assuming a Democrat leading in Oregon holds on to win), with one independent, amounted to the smallest congressional majority since the Republican-controlled Congress of 1953, the last time Republicans controlled the House until they captured it again in 1994. With attention now shifting to the House Judiciary Committee and its impeachment inquiry, Rep. Henry Hyde told fellow Republicans on the panel in a conference call Wednesday that the only witness Republicans were likely to call would be the independent counsel, Kenneth Starr. The Republicans' new 223-211 majority (assuming a Democrat leading in Oregon holds on to win), with one independent, amounted to the smallest congressional majority since the Republican-controlled Congress of 1953, the last time Republicans controlled the House until they captured it again in 1994. With attention now shifting to the House Judiciary Committee and its impeachment inquiry, Rep. Henry Hyde told fellow Republicans on the panel in a conference call Wednesday that the only witness Republicans were likely to call would be the independent counsel , Kenneth Starr. The Republicans' new 223-211 majority (assuming a Democrat leading in Oregon holds on to win), with one independent, amounted to the smallest congressional majority since the Republican-controlled Congress of 1953, the last time Republicans controlled the House until they captured it again in 1994. With attention now shifting to the House Judiciary Committee and its impeachment inquiry, Rep. Henry Hyde told fellow Republicans on the panel in a conference call Wednesday that the only witness Republicans were likely to call would be the independent counsel, Kenneth Starr. Stunned by the Democratic resurgence in the mid-term elections , congressional Republicans tore into each other Wednesday over who was to blame for their failure to make the traditional opposition party gains in an off-year election. Stunned by the Democratic resurgence in the mid-term elections , congressional Republicans tore into each other Wednesday over who was to blame for their failure to make the traditional opposition party gains in an off-year election. Stunned by the Democratic resurgence in the mid-term elections , congressional Republicans tore into each other Wednesday over who was to blame for their failure to make the traditional opposition party gains in an off-year election. The soul-searching and recriminations _ and a possibility of congressional leadership challenges _ came as election results showed that Republicans had been unable to increase their 55-45 hold over the Senate and that Democrats had picked up five seats in the House. The Democratic surge marked the first time since 1934 that the president's party had gained seats in a midterm election, and it whittled the Republican House majority down to a mere six votes. The soul-searching and recriminations _ and a possibility of congressional leadership challenges _ came as election results showed that Republicans had been unable to increase their 55-45 hold over the Senate and that Democrats had picked up five seats in the House. The Democratic surge marked the first time since 1934 that the president's party had gained seats in a midterm election, and it whittled the Republican House majority down to a mere six votes. The soul-searching and recriminations _ and a possibility of congressional leadership challenges _ came as election results showed that Republicans had been unable to increase their 55-45 hold over the Senate and that Democrats had picked up five seats in the House. The Democratic surge marked the first time since 1934 that the president's party had gained seats in a midterm election, and it whittled the Republican House majority down to a mere six votes. The soul-searching and recriminations _ and a possibility of congressional leadership challenges _ came as election results showed that Republicans had been unable to increase their 55-45 hold over the Senate and that Democrats had picked up five seats in the House. The Democratic surge marked the first time since 1934 that the president's party had gained seats in a midterm election , and it whittled the Republican House majority down to a mere six votes. The soul-searching and recriminations _ and a possibility of congressional leadership challenges _ came as election results showed that Republicans had been unable to increase their 55-45 hold over the Senate and that Democrats had picked up five seats in the House. The Democratic surge marked the first time since 1934 that the president's party had gained seats in a midterm election , and it whittled the Republican House majority down to a mere six votes. The soul-searching and recriminations _ and a possibility of congressional leadership challenges _ came as election results showed that Republicans had been unable to increase their 55-45 hold over the Senate and that Democrats had picked up five seats in the House. The Democratic surge marked the first time since 1934 that the president's party had gained seats in a midterm election , and it whittled the Republican House majority down to a mere six votes. The Democratic surge marked the first time since 1934 that the president's party had gained seats in a midterm election, and it whittled the Republican House majority down to a mere six votes. The Democratic victories were even more remarkable in a political year marked by the months-long scandal over President Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky. The Democratic surge marked the first time since 1934 that the president's party had gained seats in a midterm election, and it whittled the Republican House majority down to a mere six votes. The Democratic victories were even more remarkable in a political year marked by the months-long scandal over President Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky. The Democratic surge marked the first time since 1934 that the president's party had gained seats in a midterm election, and it whittled the Republican House majority down to a mere six votes. The Democratic victories were even more remarkable in a political year marked by the months-long scandal over President Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky. The Democratic victories were even more remarkable in a political year marked by the months-long scandal over President Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky. The Republicans' new 223-211 majority (assuming a Democrat leading in Oregon holds on to win), with one independent, amounted to the smallest congressional majority since the Republican-controlled Congress of 1953, the last time Republicans controlled the House until they captured it again in 1994. The Democratic victories were even more remarkable in a political year marked by the months-long scandal over President Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky. The Republicans' new 223-211 majority (assuming a Democrat leading in Oregon holds on to win), with one independent, amounted to the smallest congressional majority since the Republican-controlled Congress of 1953, the last time Republicans controlled the House until they captured it again in 1994. The Democratic victories were even more remarkable in a political year marked by the months-long scandal over President Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky. The Republicans' new 223-211 majority (assuming a Democrat leading in Oregon holds on to win), with one independent, amounted to the smallest congressional majority since the Republican-controlled Congress of 1953, the last time Republicans controlled the House until they captured it again in 1994. The disappointing election results also left Gingrich open to a fractious challenge for his post as speaker. Members and aides said Wednesday that a fury at the speaker had bubbled up overnight and that some members were trying to organize a slate of candidates to replace Gingrich and his leadership team when House Republicans convene on Nov. 18 to select their leaders for next year. But many were already angry at him for what they said was his failure to articulate a clear message for the party going into the elections and for a messy budget process that gave President Clinton a political edge and contradicted Republican principles of fiscal conservativism by containing massive amounts of pork spending. House Republicans are to meet Nov. 18 to vote by secret ballot for their leaders. But many were already angry at him for what they said was his failure to articulate a clear message for the party going into the elections and for a messy budget process that gave President Clinton a political edge and contradicted Republican principles of fiscal conservativism by containing massive amounts of pork spending. House Republicans are to meet Nov. 18 to vote by secret ballot for their leaders. With attention now shifting to the House Judiciary Committee and its impeachment inquiry, Rep. Henry Hyde told fellow Republicans on the panel in a conference call Wednesday that the only witness Republicans were likely to call would be the independent counsel, Kenneth Starr. Hyde, the chairman, told lawmakers he hoped to have the committee vote on possible articles of impeachment by Thanksgiving, an act that would take the issue out of his hands and put it into Gingrich's. With attention now shifting to the House Judiciary Committee and its impeachment inquiry, Rep. Henry Hyde told fellow Republicans on the panel in a conference call Wednesday that the only witness Republicans were likely to call would be the independent counsel, Kenneth Starr. Hyde, the chairman, told lawmakers he hoped to have the committee vote on possible articles of impeachment by Thanksgiving, an act that would take the issue out of his hands and put it into Gingrich's. With attention now shifting to the House Judiciary Committee and its impeachment inquiry, Rep. Henry Hyde told fellow Republicans on the panel in a conference call Wednesday that the only witness Republicans were likely to call would be the independent counsel, Kenneth Starr. Hyde, the chairman, told lawmakers he hoped to have the committee vote on possible articles of impeachment by Thanksgiving, an act that would take the issue out of his hands and put it into Gingrich's. America Online is on the verge of agreeing to purchase Netscape Communications Corp. , the Internet pioneer at the center of the government's antitrust suit against Microsoft Corp., executives involved in the talks said Sunday. America Online is on the verge of agreeing to purchase Netscape Communications Corp. , the Internet pioneer at the center of the government's antitrust suit against Microsoft Corp., executives involved in the talks said Sunday. America Online Inc. wants to become the ``next Microsoft'' in two promising information-age fields where Microsoft Corp. is just another company _ the Internet media business and electronic commerce. With its proposed purchase of Netscape Communications Corp. , AOL, the nation's largest dial-up online service with more than 14 million subscribers, hopes to take a significant step toward that ambitious goal. With its proposed purchase of Netscape Communications Corp., AOL, the nation's largest dial-up online service with more than 14 million subscribers, hopes to take a significant step toward that ambitious goal. If the $4 billion deal is completed _ the companies had not reached a final agreement as of Monday night _ AOL would acquire a leading Internet brand and enlarge its wired audience by absorbing the millions who regularly visit Netscape's popular NetCenter site on the World Wide Web. The New York Times said in an editorial for Wednesday, Nov. 25: America Online 's effort to acquire Netscape and set up a partnership with Sun Microsystems is a reminder of how rapidly the corporate landscape can change in fast-moving technical fields. Now, the company has to get serious if it is to win the hearts and minds of corporate executives in pin-stripe suits. Nearly lost in the complexity of America Online 's deal to buy Netscape Communication Corp. is America Online's announcement that it will enter an entirely new market: working behind the computer screen to help companies open and operate online stores. Now, the company has to get serious if it is to win the hearts and minds of corporate executives in pin-stripe suits. Nearly lost in the complexity of America Online 's deal to buy Netscape Communication Corp. is America Online's announcement that it will enter an entirely new market: working behind the computer screen to help companies open and operate online stores. But as part of the deal, AOL would also enter into a joint marketing and development partnership with Sun Microsystems to strengthen Netscape's other business of selling to large corporations the heavy-duty software needed to serve up Web pages and other Internet technologies to many thousands of users at the same time. The purchase , an exchange of AOL shares for Netscape stock, is valued at roughly $4 billion. With its proposed purchase of Netscape Communications Corp., AOL, the nation's largest dial-up online service with more than 14 million subscribers, hopes to take a significant step toward that ambitious goal. If the $4 billion deal is completed _ the companies had not reached a final agreement as of Monday night _ AOL would acquire a leading Internet brand and enlarge its wired audience by absorbing the millions who regularly visit Netscape's popular NetCenter site on the World Wide Web. News that Bankers Trust may be close to accepting an $8.9 billion offer from Deutsche Bank of Germany heightened interest in financial-services and bank stocks. And word that America Online may acquire Netscape Communications for $4 billion in stock powered Internet and other technology stocks to even loftier valuations. Envisioning a thoroughly networked world in which the World Wide Web is a limitless marketplace of information, entertainment, products and services, America Online Inc. Tuesday laid out the details of its agreement to buy the Netscape Communications Corporation for $4.2 billion. The Netscape deal, if consummated, would realign three businesses at the forefront of the modern economy _ on-line services, Internet software and electronic commerce. It would strengthen two of Microsoft's leading rivals, AOL and Sun Microsystems. The Netscape deal, if consummated, would realign three businesses at the forefront of the modern economy _ on-line services, Internet software and electronic commerce. It would strengthen two of Microsoft 's leading rivals, AOL and Sun Microsystems. The Netscape deal, if consummated, would realign three businesses at the forefront of the modern economy _ on-line services, Internet software and electronic commerce. It would strengthen two of Microsoft's leading rivals, AOL and Sun Microsystems. The Netscape deal, if consummated, would realign three businesses at the forefront of the modern economy _ on-line services, Internet software and electronic commerce. It would strengthen two of Microsoft 's leading rivals, AOL and Sun Microsystems. Microsoft Corp. argued in federal court Monday that the proposed acquisition of Netscape Communications Corp. by America Online seriously undermined the government's antitrust suit against the software giant. ``Whatever the deal ends up being _ if there ends up being a deal _ is not going to remove any of the obstacles that Microsoft has placed in the path of competition in this industry,'' he said. Michael Lacovara, a Microsoft lawyer who was questioning a government witness, economist Frederick Warren-Boulton, suggested to him during the trial Monday that the proposed acquisition undermined Warren-Boulton's argument , that Microsoft seems headed toward obtaining a monopoly in Internet browser software to match the one it apparently holds in operating systems. Microsoft Corp. argued in federal court Monday that the proposed acquisition of Netscape Communications Corp. by America Online seriously undermined the government's antitrust suit against the software giant. The outcome of the Microsoft antitrust case may be a long way off , but one thing is already clear: This is the first major e-mail trial. ``This deal would insure that the fundamental elements of Netscape survive within bigger companies that can drive its technologies forward,'' said David B. Yoffie, a professor at the Harvard business school and co-author with Michael A. Cusumano of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology of a recent book, ``Competing on Internet Time: Lessons from Netscape and Its Battle with Microsoft.'' The impact of the deal, if any , on the government's antitrust suit against Microsoft is uncertain. America Online is on the verge of agreeing to purchase Netscape Communications Corp., the Internet pioneer at the center of the government's antitrust suit against Microsoft Corp., executives involved in the talks said Sunday. The proposed deal is a complex, three-way transaction involving AOL, Netscape and Sun Microsystems Inc. AOL, the leading on-line service with more than 14 million subscribers , would acquire Netscape's popular site on the World Wide Web and its software business. America Online is on the verge of agreeing to purchase Netscape Communications Corp., the Internet pioneer at the center of the government's antitrust suit against Microsoft Corp., executives involved in the talks said Sunday. The proposed deal is a complex, three-way transaction involving AOL, Netscape and Sun Microsystems Inc. AOL, the leading on-line service with more than 14 million subscribers , would acquire Netscape's popular site on the World Wide Web and its software business. Now, the company has to get serious if it is to win the hearts and minds of corporate executives in pin-stripe suits. Nearly lost in the complexity of America Online's deal to buy Netscape Communication Corp. is America Online's announcement that it will enter an entirely new market : working behind the computer screen to help companies open and operate online stores. Now, the company has to get serious if it is to win the hearts and minds of corporate executives in pin-stripe suits. Nearly lost in the complexity of America Online's deal to buy Netscape Communication Corp. is America Online's announcement that it will enter an entirely new market : working behind the computer screen to help companies open and operate online stores. ``Most companies that sell to consumers realize that they need to get into the e-commerce space,'' said America Online president Robert Pittman in a news conference Tuesday. ``We see a major business in offering them an end-to-end solution. '' ``Most companies that sell to consumers realize that they need to get into the e-commerce space,'' said America Online president Robert Pittman in a news conference Tuesday. ``We see a major business in offering them an end-to-end solution. '' Now Microsoft has moved so aggressively into the Internet that the Justice Department is accusing it of predatory behavior, and America Online has rocketed forward to make deals with other Internet players. In its antitrust suit against Microsoft , the federal government charges that the company has illegally bundled its own browser with its Windows operating system to smother Netscape's chances of marketing its browser. Now Microsoft has moved so aggressively into the Internet that the Justice Department is accusing it of predatory behavior, and America Online has rocketed forward to make deals with other Internet players. In its antitrust suit against Microsoft, the federal government charges that the company has illegally bundled its own browser with its Windows operating system to smother Netscape's chances of marketing its browser. It would strengthen two of Microsoft's leading rivals, AOL and Sun Microsystems. At the same time, however, it would subsume Netscape, an Internet software maker once regarded as the most serious challenger to Microsoft's dominance of the personal computer software market. It would strengthen two of Microsoft's leading rivals, AOL and Sun Microsystems. At the same time, however, it would end the independent existence of Netscape, an Internet software maker once regarded as the most serious challenger to Microsoft's dominance of the personal computer software market. ``The president clearly understands that such a ban would be a clear violation of our rights ... that would mean a return to the Iron Curtain in everyday life,'' said presidential spokesman Dmitry Yakushin. The remarks came after media reports of a government economic plan in the works that would prohibit Russians from buying U.S. dollars and other foreign currencies , and institute other strict economic controls, rolling back seven years of reforms. President Boris Yeltsin would respond strongly to any effort to prohibit Russians from buying foreign currencies , believing the move would be like bringing another Iron Curtain down on the country, his spokesman said Friday. But, he said, the government would take steps to staunch the flow of dollars from Russia. Responding to media reports of a government economic plan that would prohibit Russians from buying U.S. dollars and other foreign currency , Primakov said the reports ``absolutely do not correspond to reality,'' ITAR-Tass quoted him as saying. Russia's new prime minister picked an unusual way to reassure the nation Thursday. Russia's new prime minister picked an unusual way to reassure the nation Thursday. Russia's new prime minister picked an unusual way to reassure the nation Thursday. After two weeks of deliberations he announced that he still had no plan to rescue the country from its economic crisis. Russia's new prime minister picked an unusual way to reassure the nation Thursday. After two weeks of deliberations he announced that he still had no plan to rescue the country from its economic crisis. Kuchma urged the economists to come up with recommendations before a national meeting of economists in November, the Interfax news agency reported. Ukraine has suffered economic problems since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union and it has been especially hard hit by the financial crisis in neighboring Russia , its main trading partner. Ukraine has suffered economic problems since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union and it has been especially hard hit by the financial crisis in neighboring Russia, its main trading partner. The Russian crisis has hurt bilateral trade, caused the Ukrainian currency to fall and led to a withdrawal of investors from Ukraine. The measure was meant to prevent mass withdrawals of deposits that most Ukrainian banks have already experienced as people, scared by the fall of the national currency and the turmoil in neighboring Russia, started to stock up on food, clothing and household goods. Government officials say that Ukrainians have recently withdrawn at least 10 percent of the 3 billion hryvna (dlrs 882 million) they deposited in banks. The fund Kuchma proposed to establish would have accumulated money in a special National Bank account and repay people in case the bank they kept their savings in went bankrupt or became insolvent. Although the decree provided for compensation of deposits amounting only to 500 hryvna (dlrs 147 at the current exchange rate), its authors said it would cover more than 90 percent of Ukrainians who keep their money in banks. Traders were alarmed to see prices on the New York Stock Exchange nosedive 2.9 percent on Wednesday, even though the Federal Reserve had lowered a key interest rate one-quarter percentage point on Tuesday. Some traders were disappointed that the cut was not deeper amid fears a go-slow approach would not do enough to counter the economic crises that have swept through Asia and Russia and are threatening Latin America. ``It is affecting Wall Street, the Japanese market, ours and others.'' The managing director of the International Monetary Fund, Michel Camdessus, on Thursday said the Fed made the right decision in cutting rates and that global powers now must push for stronger growth to offset steep recessions in Asia and Russia. The United States is disappointed by the economic confusion within the new Russian government of Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov , said Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on Friday, and she warned Russia about the dangers of an anti-Western policy. Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov said Saturday that the economic crisis would not bring an end to the government's program of privatizing state property. President Boris Yeltsin would respond strongly to any effort to prohibit Russians from buying foreign currencies, believing the move would be like bringing another Iron Curtain down on the country, his spokesman said Friday. After two weeks of deliberations he announced that he still had no plan to rescue the country from its economic crisis. ``I want to repeat once more _ there is no program,'' Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov said. Turkey has sent 10,000 troops to its southeastern border with Syria amid growing tensions between the two neighbors , newspapers reported Thursday. Turkey's Foreign Ministry said Mubarak was expected in Ankara, possibly on Monday. The talks in Damascus came as Turkey has massed forces near the border with Syria after threatening to eradicate Kurdish rebel bases in the neighboring country. Turkey's Foreign Ministry said Mubarak was expected in Ankara, possibly on Monday. The talks in Damascus came as Turkey has massed forces near the border with Syria after threatening to eradicate Kurdish rebel bases in the neighboring country. Turkey's Foreign Ministry said Mubarak was expected in Ankara, possibly on Monday. The talks in Damascus came as Turkey has massed forces near the border with Syria after threatening to eradicate Kurdish rebel bases in the neighboring country. Turkish President Suleyman Demirel said that Turkey was in a position of self-defense and had suffered for many years from Damascus' sheltering of the autonomy-seeking rebels. Some 10,000 Turkish troops were deployed this week on the Turkish-Syrian border , news reports said. Tensions between Turkey and Syria, Iran's closest Arab ally, have escalated in recent days. Ankara has sent troops to its border with Syria , prompting fears of an attack. Tensions between Turkey and Syria, Iran's closest Arab ally, have escalated in recent days. Ankara has sent troops to its border with Syria , prompting fears of an attack. Syria denied the allegation. Ankara has sent troops to its border with Syria , prompting fears of an attack. ``Turkey in particular ... repeatedly dynamites every effort'' for the creation of a climate of regional stability. Turkish troops have reportedly massed on the frontier with Syria , while Ankara has indicated its readiness for cross-border raids to eradicate what it claims are guerrilla bases harboring Kurdish rebels. Syria denied the allegation. Ankara has sent troops to its border with Syria , prompting fears of an attack. Lebanon on Monday denied it is harboring Kurdish rebels and blamed Israel for the rising tension between Syria and Turkey. Lebanon on Monday denied it is harboring Kurdish rebels and blamed Israel for the rising tension between Syria and Turkey. ``The Turkish threats are the first outcome of the Turkish-Israeli strategic alliance,'' Hariri was quoted as saying. The Lebanese press also accused Israel of inflaming the tensions. Lebanon on Monday denied it is harboring Kurdish rebels and blamed Israel for the rising tension between Syria and Turkey. Lebanon on Monday denied it is harboring Kurdish rebels and blamed Israel for the rising tension between Syria and Turkey. Lebanon on Monday denied it is harboring Kurdish rebels and blamed Israel for the rising tension between Syria and Turkey. Lebanon on Monday denied it is harboring Kurdish rebels and blamed Israel for the rising tension between Syria and Turkey. ``I declare to the world that we retain our right to counter Syria, which has not given up its hostile attitude despite all our warnings and peaceful approaches,'' he said. Turkey accuses Syria of harboring Turkish Kurdish rebels fighting for autonomy in Turkey's southeast; it says rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan lives in Damascus. Moussa said Mubarak had consulted by phone on Saturday with Assad and also conveyed a message to Turkish President Suleyman Demirel through Turkey's ambassador to Egypt, Yasser Yakis. Turkey long has accused Syria of sheltering Kurdish rebels , who have been fighting since 1984 for more autonomy for the Kurdish population in southeastern Turkey. Moussa said Mubarak had consulted by phone on Saturday with Assad and also conveyed a message to Turkish President Suleyman Demirel through Turkey's ambassador to Egypt, Yasser Yakis. Turkey long has accused Syria of sheltering Kurdish rebels , who have been fighting since 1984 for more autonomy for the Kurdish population in southeastern Turkey. Syria denies the allegation. Turkey long has accused Syria of providing refuge to Kurdish rebels , who have been fighting since 1984 for more autonomy for the Kurdish population in southeastern Turkey. Iran has offered to mediate between Syria and Turkey in the deepening dispute over Kurdish rebel bases and plans to dispatch envoys to the two countries, the Tehran Times reported Monday. Egypt already has launched a mediation effort to try to prevent a military confrontation over Turkish allegations that Syria is harboring Turkish Kurdish rebels. Syria denies the allegation. Turkey long has accused Syria of providing refuge to Kurdish rebels , who have been fighting since 1984 for more autonomy for the Kurdish population in southeastern Turkey. Iran has offered to mediate between Syria and Turkey in the deepening dispute over Kurdish rebel bases and will dispatch envoys to the two countries, the Tehran Times reported Monday. Egypt already has launched a mediation effort to try to prevent a military confrontation over Turkey's allegations that Syria is harboring Turkish Kurdish rebels. Some 10,000 Turkish troops were deployed this week on the Turkish-Syrian border, news reports said. Damascus denies that it is supporting the rebels , who wage cross-border raids from camps in Iraq, Iran and Syria. Turkish President Suleyman Demirel warned Damascus on Sunday that Turkey would not allow its neighbor to continue sheltering Kurdish rebels. Syria denies the allegation. Turkish President Suleyman Demirel warned Damascus on Sunday that Turkey would not let its neighbor continue sheltering Kurdish rebels. Syria denies the allegation. Prime Minister Rafik Hariri said his country backs Syria in the dispute which was triggered Sunday when Turkish President Suleyman Demirel warned Damascus that his country would not allow its neighbor to continue sheltering Kurdish rebels. Syria denied the allegation. Turkish troops have reportedly massed on the frontier with Syria, while Ankara has indicated its readiness for cross-border raids to eradicate what it claims are guerrilla bases harboring Kurdish rebels. Syria has denied the charge. Prime Minister Rafik Hariri said his country backs Syria in the dispute, which was triggered Sunday when Turkish President Suleyman Demirel warned Damascus that his country would not allow its neighbor to continue sheltering Kurdish rebels. Syria denied the allegation. ``I declare to the world that we retain our right to counter Syria, which has not given up its hostile attitude despite all our warnings and peaceful approaches,'' he said. Turkey accuses Syria of harboring Turkish Kurdish rebels fighting for autonomy in Turkey's southeast ; it says rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan lives in Damascus. Moussa said Mubarak had consulted by phone on Saturday with Assad and also conveyed a message to Turkish President Suleyman Demirel through Turkey's ambassador to Egypt, Yasser Yakis. Turkey long has accused Syria of sheltering Kurdish rebels, who have been fighting since 1984 for more autonomy for the Kurdish population in southeastern Turkey. Moussa said Mubarak had consulted by phone on Saturday with Assad and also conveyed a message to Turkish President Suleyman Demirel through Turkey's ambassador to Egypt, Yasser Yakis. Turkey long has accused Syria of sheltering Kurdish rebels, who have been fighting since 1984 for more autonomy for the Kurdish population in southeastern Turkey. ``I don't believe it will come to that,'' he said. The war in Turkey's southeast waged by rebels seeking autonomy for the country's large Kurdish minority, has killed some 37,000 people since 1984. Syria denies the allegation. Turkey long has accused Syria of providing refuge to Kurdish rebels, who have been fighting since 1984 for more autonomy for the Kurdish population in southeastern Turkey. Syria denies the allegation. Turkey long has accused Syria of providing refuge to Kurdish rebels, who have been fighting since 1984 for more autonomy for the Kurdish population in southeastern Turkey. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak met here Sunday with Syrian President Hafez Assad to try to defuse growing tension between Syria and Turkey. It did not say when Iran planned to send its emissaries. Tensions between Turkey and Syria , Iran's closest Arab ally, have escalated in recent days. It did not say when Iran planned to send its emissaries. Tensions between Turkey and Syria , Iran's closest Arab ally, have escalated in recent days. Greece on Monday warned that mounting tension between Turkey and Syria could lead to ``tragic results'' if not dealt with in its early stages. Greece on Monday warned that mounting tension between Turkey and Syria could lead to ``tragic results '' if not dealt with in its early stages. The talks in Damascus came as Turkey has massed forces near the border with Syria after threatening to eradicate Kurdish rebel bases in the neighboring country. In a show of force on Friday , Turkish jets buzzed the Syrian frontier , a Turkish daily reported. Ankara has sent troops to its border with Syria, prompting fears of an attack. There have been unconfirmed reports of Turkish jets violating Syria airspace near the border. Ankara has sent troops to its border with Syria, prompting fears of an attack. There have been unconfirmed reports of Turkish jets violating Syria airspace near the border. Ankara has sent troops to its border with Syria, prompting fears of an attack. There have been unconfirmed reports of Turkish jets violating Syria airspace near the border. Ankara has sent troops to its border with Syria, prompting fears of an attack. There have been unconfirmed reports of Turkish jets violating Syria airspace near the border. Egypt already has launched a mediation effort to try to prevent a military confrontation over Turkish allegations that Syria is harboring Turkish Kurdish rebels. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak held talks Sunday with Syrian President Hafez Assad in Damascus and was expected to visit Turkey later this week. Egypt already has launched a mediation effort to try to prevent a military confrontation over Turkish allegations that Syria is harboring Turkish Kurdish rebels. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak held talks Sunday with Syrian President Hafez Assad in Damascus and was expected to visit Turkey later this week. Egypt already has launched a mediation effort to try to prevent a military confrontation over Turkey's allegations that Syria is harboring Turkish Kurdish rebels. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak held talks Sunday with Syrian President Hafez Assad in Damascus and was expected to visit Turkey later this week. Egypt already has launched a mediation effort to try to prevent a military confrontation over Turkey's allegations that Syria is harboring Turkish Kurdish rebels. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak held talks Sunday with Syrian President Hafez Assad in Damascus and was expected to visit Turkey later this week. There have been unconfirmed reports of Turkish jets violating Syria airspace near the border. Turkish President Suleyman Demirel warned Damascus on Sunday that Turkey would not allow its neighbor to continue sheltering Kurdish rebels. There have been unconfirmed reports of Turkish jets violating Syria airspace near the border. Turkish President Suleyman Demirel warned Damascus on Sunday that Turkey would not allow its neighbor to continue sheltering Kurdish rebels. There have been unconfirmed reports of Turkish jets violating Syria airspace near the border. Turkish President Suleyman Demirel warned Damascus on Sunday that Turkey would not let its neighbor continue sheltering Kurdish rebels. He called for a ``diplomatic dialogue'' to defuse the tension, said Assad's spokesman Jubran Kourieh. Prime Minister Rafik Hariri said his country backs Syria in the dispute, which was triggered Sunday when Turkish President Suleyman Demirel warned Damascus that his country would not allow its neighbor to continue sheltering Kurdish rebels. Tensions between Turkey and Syria, Iran's closest Arab ally, have escalated in recent days. Ankara has sent troops to its border with Syria, prompting fears of an attack. Tensions between Turkey and Syria, Iran's closest Arab ally, have escalated in recent days. Ankara has sent troops to its border with Syria, prompting fears of an attack. Syria denied the allegation. Ankara has sent troops to its border with Syria, prompting fears of an attack. Syria denied the allegation. Ankara has sent troops to its border with Syria, prompting fears of an attack. Two yacht crew members are dead, three yachts remain missing and rescue resources were stretched to the limit Monday as huge seas and gale-force winds continued to batter the Sydney-to-Hobart race fleet. ``It does say in the instructions that it is the sole responsibility of the skipper of each yacht to decide whether he continues in the race or retires,'' he said. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has alerted all shipping in Bass Strait as high winds and huge seas smash into the remnants of the 115-boat fleet. ``It does say in the instructions that it is the sole responsibility of the skipper of each yacht to decide whether he continues in the race or retires,'' he said. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has alerted all shipping in Bass Strait as high winds and huge seas smash into the remnants of the 115-boat fleet. Two yacht crew members are dead, three yachts remain missing and rescue resources were stretched to the limit Monday as huge seas and gale-force winds continued to batter the Sydney-to-Hobart race fleet. ``It does say in the instructions that it is the sole responsibility of the skipper of each yacht to decide whether he continues in the race or retires,'' he said. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has alerted all shipping in Bass Strait as high winds and huge seas smash into the remnants of the 115-boat fleet. ``It does say in the instructions that it is the sole responsibility of the skipper of each yacht to decide whether he continues in the race or retires,'' he said. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has alerted all shipping in Bass Strait as high winds and huge seas smash into the remnants of the 115-boat fleet. Gale-force winds and high seas battered yachts in the Sydney-to-Hobart race Monday , killing at least two crew members and leaving two yachts missing. Gale-force winds and high seas battered yachts in Australia's Sydney-to-Hobart race Monday , killing at least two crew members and leaving three yachts missing. Gale-force winds and high seas battered yachts in Australia's Sydney-to-Hobart race Monday , killing at least two crew members and leaving three yachts missing. Two sailors died and 15 others were missing after gale-force winds and high seas battered yachts in the Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race Monday. Charles sailed in four Admiral's Cups and represented Britain in the Star Class at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics where he finished 11th. Two sailors died after gale-force winds and high seas battered the entrants. Charles sailed in four Admiral's Cups and represented Britain in the Star Class at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics where he finished 11th. Two sailors died after gale-force winds and high seas battered the entrants. Two yacht crew members are dead , three yachts remain missing and rescue resources were stretched to the limit Monday as huge seas and gale-force winds continued to batter the Sydney-to-Hobart race fleet. A helicopter rescue team flew to a spot about 50 nautical miles off the far south New South Wales town of Merimbula early Monday morning. Two crew found dead on the stricken 40-foot vessel Business Post Naiad were left behind while seven colleagues were winched aboard the helicopter and flown to Merimbula Hospital, he said. Two yacht crew members are dead , three yachts remain missing and rescue resources were stretched to the limit Monday as huge seas and gale-force winds continued to batter the Sydney-to-Hobart race fleet. A helicopter rescue team flew to a spot about 50 nautical miles off the far south New South Wales town of Merimbula early Monday morning. Two crew found dead on the stricken 40-foot vessel Business Post Naiad were left behind while seven colleagues were winched aboard the helicopter and flown to Merimbula Hospital, he said. Gale-force winds and high seas battered yachts in Australia's Sydney-to-Hobart race Monday, killing at least two crew members and leaving three yachts missing. The two dead were found on the 40-foot (12-meter) vessel Business Post Naiad, about 60 miles (100 kilometers ) off the New South Wales town of Merimbula, according to the Australian Search and Rescue Coordination Center in Canberra. Gale-force winds and high seas battered yachts in Australia's Sydney-to-Hobart race Monday, killing at least two crew members and leaving three yachts missing. The two dead were found on the 40-foot (12-meter) vessel Business Post Naiad, about 60 miles (100 kilometers ) off the New South Wales town of Merimbula, according to the Australian Search and Rescue Coordination Center in Canberra. Two sailors died and 15 others were missing after gale-force winds and high seas battered yachts in the Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race Monday. ``There are two that have been confirmed deceased which is tragedy because in the 54-year history of the race I think there's only two people who have died in it before,'' said Australian Maritime Safety Authority spokesman David Gray. The two dead were found on the 40-foot vessel Business Post Naiad, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) off the New South Wales state town of Merimbula. ``We are unsure about what has happened to the other three, it appears they were washed out of the liferaft,'' a spokesman for the authority said. The two dead , both Australians, were found on the 40-foot vessel Business Post Naiad, about 100 kilometers (60 miles ) off the New South Wales state town of Merimbula. Neither organization was able to say how the sailors died or give details on the injuries suffered by surviving crewmen. Three yachts remain missing and there was no sign of a sailor swept off the Sword of Orion when the boat rolled in wild seas on Sunday night. Neither organization was able to say how the sailors died or give details on the injuries suffered by surviving crewmen. Three yachts remain missing and there was no sign of a sailor swept off the Sword of Orion when the boat rolled in wild seas on Sunday night. The nine crew on board were thought to be safe and the vessel was sailing unassisted. The spokesman said no word had been received on the fate of the Winston Churchill or the sailor swept from the deck of Sword of Orion on Sunday night. With winds gusting to 90 mph (145 kph) and seas swelling to 35 feet (10 meters), the race continued even as rescue teams searched for the missing vessels. There was no sign of a sailor swept off the Sword of Orion when the 30-foot (9-meter) boat rolled in wild seas Sunday night near Gabo Island, about 280 miles (450 kilometers) east of Melbourne. With winds gusting to 90 mph (145 kph) and seas swelling to 35 feet (10 meters), the race continued even as rescue teams searched for the missing vessels. AusSAR said no word had been received on the fate of the Winston Churchill or the sailor swept from the deck of Sword of Orion on Sunday night. Grave fears were held for the safety of the nine crew on missing cutter Winston Churchill, while contact has been lost with the five crew aboard Solo Globe. British sailor Glyn Charles was swept off the Sword of Orion on Sunday night when the boat rolled in wild seas. Another crewman has a broken leg. The yacht , which has a crew of 11 , was halfway across Bass Strait heading towards Hobart, capital of the island state of Tasmania and the finish line in the annual race. Several crewmen were injured including one with a broken leg. The yacht , which has a crew of 11 , was halfway across Bass Strait when it overturned. Several crewmen were injured including one with a broken leg. The yacht , which has a crew of 11 , was halfway across Bass Strait when it overturned. As of mid-morning Monday, he had been in the water for 15 hours. The yacht , which has a crew of 11 , was halfway across Bass Strait when it overturned. There was no sign of a sailor swept off the Sword of Orion when the 30-foot (9-meter) boat rolled in wild seas Sunday night near Gabo Island, about 280 miles (450 kilometers) east of Melbourne. The yacht , which has a crew of 11 , was halfway across Bass Strait when it overturned. As of mid-morning Monday, he had been in the water for 15 hours. The yacht , which has a crew of 11 , was halfway across Bass Strait when it overturned. Earlier, as winds gusting to 80 knots and seas of 35 feet caused havoc to the fleet, several rescues took place. A police helicopter rescued a yachtsman swept overboard when the Victorian yacht Kingurra was rolled over in huge seas 19 nautical miles south of Gabo Island. Two yacht crew members are dead, three yachts remain missing and rescue resources were stretched to the limit Monday as huge seas and gale-force winds continued to batter the Sydney-to-Hobart race fleet. A helicopter rescue team flew to a spot about 50 nautical miles off the far south New South Wales town of Merimbula early Monday morning. Earlier, as winds gusting to 80 knots and seas of 35 feet caused havoc to the fleet, several rescues took place. A police helicopter rescued a yachtsman swept overboard when the Victorian yacht Kingurra was rolled over in huge seas 19 nautical miles south of Gabo Island. Earlier, as winds gusting to 80 knots and seas of 35 feet caused havoc to the fleet, several rescues took place. A police helicopter rescued a yachtsman swept overboard when the Victorian yacht Kingurra was rolled over in huge seas 19 nautical miles south of Gabo Island. ``We had John Quinn survive for 5 1-2 hours in 1993 and that was in the middle of the night in very severe conditions.'' A police helicopter rescued a yachtsman swept overboard when Kingurra rolled over 35 kilometers (22 miles) south of Gabo Island. The deaths were confirmed by an Australian Search and Rescue Coordination Center spokesman in Canberra a short time later. Neither organization was able to say how the sailors died or give details on the injuries suffered by surviving crewmen. The deaths were confirmed by an Australian Search and Rescue Coordination Center spokesman in Canberra a short time later. Neither organization was able to say how the sailors died or give details on the injuries suffered by surviving crewmen. Seven others on board the Business Post Naiad were put aboard a helicopter and flown to Merimbula Hospital, the center said. The center was unable to identify the sailors, say how they died or give details on the injuries sustained by surviving crewmen. Seven others on board were taken to a hospital by helicopter, the center said. The center was unable to identify the sailors, say how they died or give details on the injuries sustained by surviving crewmen. Seven others on board were taken to a hospital by helicopter, the center said. The center was unable to identify the sailors, say how they died or give details on the injuries sustained by surviving crewmen. Two yacht crew members are dead, three yachts remain missing and rescue resources were stretched to the limit Monday as huge seas and gale-force winds continued to batter the Sydney-to-Hobart race fleet. Neither organization was able to say how the sailors died or give details on the injuries suffered by surviving crewmen. Three yachts remain missing and there was no sign of a sailor swept off the Sword of Orion when the boat rolled in wild seas on Sunday night. Two yacht crew members are dead, three yachts remain missing and rescue resources were stretched to the limit Monday as huge seas and gale-force winds continued to batter the Sydney-to-Hobart race fleet. Neither organization was able to say how the sailors died or give details on the injuries suffered by surviving crewmen. Three yachts remain missing and there was no sign of a sailor swept off the Sword of Orion when the boat rolled in wild seas on Sunday night. Three yachts remain missing and there was no sign of a sailor swept off the Sword of Orion when the boat rolled in wild seas on Sunday night. The missing boats are veteran cutter Winston Churchill , which sailed in the inaugural 1945 race, B-52 and Solo Globe Challenger. Three yachts remain missing and there was no sign of a sailor swept off the Sword of Orion when the boat rolled in wild seas on Sunday night. The missing boats are veteran cutter Winston Churchill , which sailed in the inaugural 1945 race, B-52 and Solo Globe Challenger. Race spokesman Peter Campbell said it was not known how long the sailor could survive in the water. The missing boats are veteran cutter Winston Churchill , which sailed in the inaugural 1945 race; B-52; and Solo Globe Challenger. The Navy sent a Sea King helicopter with night-vision and heat-seeking equipment to search the area and the frigate HMAS Newcastle was on its way to the area. The missing boats are veteran cutter Winston Churchill , which sailed in the inaugural 1945 race and Solo Globe Challenger. Three yachts remain missing and there was no sign of a sailor swept off the Sword of Orion when the boat rolled in wild seas on Sunday night. The missing boats are veteran cutter Winston Churchill , which sailed in the inaugural 1945 race, B-52 and Solo Globe Challenger. Three yachts remain missing and there was no sign of a sailor swept off the Sword of Orion when the boat rolled in wild seas on Sunday night. The missing boats are veteran cutter Winston Churchill , which sailed in the inaugural 1945 race, B-52 and Solo Globe Challenger. Race spokesman Peter Campbell said it was not known how long the sailor could survive in the water. The missing boats are veteran cutter Winston Churchill , which sailed in the inaugural 1945 race ; B-52; and Solo Globe Challenger. The Navy sent a Sea King helicopter with night-vision and heat-seeking equipment to search the area and the frigate HMAS Newcastle was on its way to the area. The missing boats are veteran cutter Winston Churchill , which sailed in the inaugural 1945 race and Solo Globe Challenger. Several crewmen were injured including one with a broken leg. The yacht , which has a crew of 11, was halfway across Bass Strait when it overturned. Several crewmen were injured including one with a broken leg. The yacht , which has a crew of 11, was halfway across Bass Strait when it overturned. There was no sign of a sailor swept off the Sword of Orion when the 30-foot (9-meter) boat rolled in wild seas Sunday night near Gabo Island, about 280 miles (450 kilometers) east of Melbourne. The yacht , which has a crew of 11, was halfway across Bass Strait when it overturned. As of mid-morning Monday, he had been in the water for 15 hours. The yacht , which has a crew of 11, was halfway across Bass Strait when it overturned. Endeavour's astronauts connected the first two building blocks of the international space station on Sunday, creating a seven-story tower in the shuttle cargo bay. It was the first time that the Russian-built Zarya control module and the made-in-America Unity chamber had ever touched. Endeavour's astronauts connected the first two building blocks of the international space station on Sunday, creating a seven-story tower in the shuttle cargo bay. It was the first time that the Russian-built Zarya control module and the made-in-America Unity chamber had ever touched. Endeavour's astronauts connected the first two building blocks of the international space station on Sunday, creating a seven-story tower in the shuttle cargo bay. It was the first time that the Russian-built Zarya control module and the made-in-America Unity chamber had ever touched. Endeavour's astronauts connected the first two building blocks of the international space station on Sunday, creating a seven-story tower in the shuttle cargo bay. It was the first time that the Russian-built Zarya control module and the made-in-America Unity chamber had ever touched. Endeavour's astronauts connected the first two building blocks of the international space station on Sunday, creating a seven-story tower in the shuttle cargo bay. It was the first time that the Russian-built Zarya control module and the made-in-America Unity chamber had ever touched. Endeavour's astronauts connected the first two building blocks of the international space station on Sunday, creating a seven-story tower in the shuttle cargo bay. It was the first time that the Russian-built Zarya control module and the made-in-America Unity chamber had ever touched. Endeavour's astronauts connected the first two building blocks of the international space station on Sunday, creating a seven-story tower in the shuttle cargo bay. It was the first time that the Russian-built Zarya control module and the made-in-America Unity chamber had ever touched. Endeavour's astronauts connected the first two building blocks of the international space station on Sunday, creating a seven-story tower in the shuttle cargo bay. It was the first time that the Russian-built Zarya control module and the made-in-America Unity chamber had ever touched. It was the first time that the Russian-built Zarya control module and the made-in-America Unity chamber had ever touched. It looked to be a perfect and, hopefully, long-lasting fit. It was the first time that the Russian-built Zarya control module and the made-in-America Unity chamber had ever touched. It looked to be a perfect and, hopefully, long-lasting fit. It was the first time that the Russian-built Zarya control module and the made-in-America Unity chamber had ever touched. It looked to be a perfect and, hopefully, long-lasting fit. It was the first time that the Russian-built Zarya control module and the made-in-America Unity chamber had ever touched. It looked to be a perfect and, hopefully, long-lasting fit. It was the first time that the Russian-built Zarya control module and the made-in-America Unity chamber had ever touched. It looked to be a perfect and, hopefully, long-lasting fit. It was the first time that the Russian-built Zarya control module and the made-in-America Unity chamber had ever touched. It looked to be a perfect and, hopefully, long-lasting fit. The two station pieces are so big _ 77 feet from the tip of one to the tip of the other with a combined mass of 70,000 pounds _ that Currie and her crewmates had to rely on a computerized vision system and camera views, rather than direct line of sight. This was the first time such a ``blind'' docking had ever been attempted. The two station pieces are so big _ 77 feet from the tip of one to the tip of the other with a combined mass of 70,000 pounds _ that Currie and her crewmates had to rely on a computerized vision system and camera views, rather than direct line of sight. This was the first time such a ``blind'' docking had ever been attempted. The two station pieces are so big _ 77 feet from the tip of one to the tip of the other with a combined mass of 70,000 pounds _ that Currie and her crewmates had to rely on a computerized vision system and camera views, rather than direct line of sight. This was the first time such a ``blind'' docking had ever been attempted. The two station pieces are so big _ 77 feet from the tip of one to the tip of the other with a combined mass of 70,000 pounds _ that Currie and her crewmates had to rely on a computerized vision system and camera views, rather than direct line of sight. This was the first time such a ``blind'' docking had ever been attempted. The two station pieces are so big _ 77 feet from the tip of one to the tip of the other with a combined mass of 70,000 pounds _ that Currie and her crewmates had to rely on a computerized vision system and camera views, rather than direct line of sight. This was the first time such a ``blind'' docking had ever been attempted. The two station pieces are so big _ 77 feet from the tip of one to the tip of the other with a combined mass of 70,000 pounds _ that Currie and her crewmates had to rely on a computerized vision system and camera views, rather than direct line of sight. This was the first time such a ``blind'' docking had ever been attempted. Following a series of intricate maneuvers and the skillful use of the space shuttle Endeavour's robot arm , astronauts on Sunday joined the first two of many segments that will form the international space station. Endeavour's astronauts connected the first two building blocks of the international space station on Sunday , creating a seven-story tower in the shuttle cargo bay. Endeavour's astronauts connected the first two building blocks of the international space station on Sunday , creating a seven-story tower in the shuttle cargo bay. Endeavour's astronauts connected the first two building blocks of the international space station on Sunday , creating a seven-story tower in the shuttle cargo bay. Endeavour's astronauts connected the first two building blocks of the international space station on Sunday , creating a seven-story tower in the shuttle cargo bay. More than five minutes and 500 miles later, the spaceship's main engines could still be seen in the distance, twinkling like a new star. On their 12-day flight, Endeavour's astronauts are to locate a Russian part already in orbit, grasp it with the shuttle's robot arm and attach the new U.S. module. ``That's terrific.'' The 240-mile- high construction job began two hours earlier with Nancy Currie's capture of Zarya (Russian for Sunrise) using the shuttle robot arm. ``That's terrific.'' The 240-mile- high construction job began two hours earlier with Nancy Currie's capture of Zarya (Russian for Sunrise) using the shuttle robot arm. ``That's terrific.'' The 240-mile- high construction job began two hours earlier with Nancy Currie's capture of Zarya (Russian for Sunrise) using the shuttle robot arm. ``That's terrific.'' The 240-mile- high construction job began two hours earlier with Nancy Currie's capture of Zarya (Russian for Sunrise) using the shuttle robot arm. When the two pieces were aligned within inches of one another, Cabana fired small thruster rockets that raised the shuttle, allowing the modules to clamp together. The two station pieces, together measuring about 77 feet from end to end and having a combined mass of 70,000 pounds , are the first of 100 major components to be united in space over the next five years to form an orbiting outpost that would weigh almost a million pounds and span an area the size of two football fields. Then came the hard part: stacking the two giant cylinders in the cargo bay. The two station pieces are so big _ 77 feet from the tip of one to the tip of the other with a combined mass of 70,000 pounds _ that Currie and her crewmates had to rely on a computerized vision system and camera views, rather than direct line of sight. Then came the hard part: stacking the two giant cylinders in the cargo bay. The two station pieces are so big _ 77 feet from the tip of one to the tip of the other with a combined mass of 70,000 pounds _ that Currie and her crewmates had to rely on a computerized vision system and camera views, rather than direct line of sight. Then came the hard part: stacking the two giant cylinders in the cargo bay. The two station pieces are so big _ 77 feet from the tip of one to the tip of the other with a combined mass of 70,000 pounds _ that Currie and her crewmates had to rely on a computerized vision system and camera views, rather than direct line of sight. Then came the hard part: stacking the two giant cylinders in the cargo bay. The two station pieces are so big _ 77 feet from the tip of one to the tip of the other with a combined mass of 70,000 pounds _ that Currie and her crewmates had to rely on a computerized vision system and camera views, rather than direct line of sight. It looked to be a perfect and, hopefully, long-lasting fit. ``We have capture of Zarya ,'' commander Robert Cabana announced the two pieces came together. It looked to be a perfect and, hopefully, long-lasting fit. ``We have capture of Zarya ,'' commander Robert Cabana announced the moment the two pieces came together. It looked to be a perfect and, hopefully, long-lasting fit. ``We have capture of Zarya ,'' commander Robert Cabana announced the moment the two pieces came together. It looked to be a perfect and, hopefully, long-lasting fit. ``We have capture of Zarya ,'' commander Robert Cabana announced the moment the two pieces came together. ``We're halfway home,'' Cabana said. Then came the hard part: stacking the two giant cylinders in the cargo bay. ``We're halfway home,'' Cabana said. Then came the hard part: stacking the two giant cylinders in the cargo bay. ``We're halfway home,'' Cabana said. Then came the hard part: stacking the two giant cylinders in the cargo bay. ``We're halfway home,'' Cabana said. Then came the hard part: stacking the two giant cylinders in the cargo bay. It was slow going; she wanted and needed perfect alignment. Once she was sure she had it, Cabana fired Endeavour's thrusters, and the brief burst raised the shuttle and thereby Unity enough for the docking mechanisms on the two station components to snap together. It was slow going; she wanted and needed perfect alignment. Once she was sure she had it, Cabana fired Endeavour's thrusters, and the brief burst raised the shuttle and thereby Unity enough for the docking mechanisms on the two station components to snap together. It was slow going; she wanted and needed perfect alignment. Once she was sure she had it, Cabana fired Endeavour's thrusters, and the brief burst raised the shuttle and thereby Unity enough for the docking mechanisms on the two station components to snap together. It was slow going; she wanted and needed perfect alignment. Once she was sure she had it, Cabana fired Endeavour's thrusters, and the brief burst raised the shuttle and thereby Unity enough for the docking mechanisms on the two station components to snap together. Endeavour's astronauts connected the first two building blocks of the international space station on Sunday, creating a seven-story tower in the shuttle cargo bay. Endeavour's astronauts connected the first two building blocks of the international space station on Sunday, creating a seven-story tower in the shuttle cargo bay. Endeavour's astronauts connected the first two building blocks of the international space station on Sunday, creating a seven-story tower in the shuttle cargo bay. In his most candid remarks yet on the economy, European Central Bank President Wim Duisenberg said Friday that growth appears to be slowing in the 11 countries adopting the EU common currency _ or euro _ on Jan. 1. In a surprise move, nations adopting the new European currency, the euro, dropped key interest rates Thursday, effectively setting the rate that will be adopted throughout the euro zone on Jan. 1. Ten of the 11 countries adopting the euro dropped their interest rate to 3 percent. Chinese officials have said the government may convert a proportion of its dlrs 145 billion worth of foreign exchange reserves into the euro after the currency's Jan. 1 debut. The 11 countries launching the common currency are Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal. Chinese officials have said the government may convert a proportion of its dlrs 145 billion worth of foreign exchange reserves into the euro after the currency's Jan. 1 debut. The 11 countries launching the common currency are Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal. The annual inflation rate in the 11 nations that adopt the euro as their shared currency on Jan. 1 fell to 0.9 percent in November, the European Union's statistics agency reported Wednesday. In the 15 nation EU as a whole, inflation fell to 1 percent in November compared to 1.5 percent in the United States and 0.8 percent in Japan. Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Portugal, Finland, Ireland and Luxembourg are set to adopt the euro as a common currency at midnight on New Year's Eve. In the 15 nation EU as a whole, inflation fell to 1 percent in November compared to 1.5 percent in the United States and 0.8 percent in Japan. Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Portugal, Finland, Ireland and Luxembourg are set to adopt the euro as a common currency at midnight on New Year's Eve. In a surprise move , nations adopting the new European currency , the euro, dropped key interest rates Thursday , effectively setting the rate that will be adopted throughout the euro zone on Jan. 1. Making their first collective decision about monetary policy, the 11 European nations launching a common currency on Jan. 1 cut interest rates Thursday in a surprise move that won market confidence. Making their first collective decision about monetary policy, the 11 European nations launching a common currency on Jan. 1 cut interest rates Thursday in a surprise move that won market confidence. Ten of the 11 countries joining European economic union dropped their key interest rate to 3 percent , with Portugal making the most significant plunge, from 3.75 percent. Notes and coins _ the pocket money that shoppers and travelers will carry _ will be introduced only in 2002. Initially , the currency will group 11 European nations in a euro zone, leaving Britain, Denmark, Sweden and Greece on the outside. I like the lifestyle in France, but I don't make my living there.'' The year 1999 is the official start-up date of the euro, the common European currency that will unite 11 countries monetarily. Europe's dream of monetary union becomes reality Thursday when 11 nations irrevocably lock their currencies together to form the euro and create an economic giant whose boundaries stretch from beyond the Arctic Circle to the shores of the Mediterranean. Duisenberg, who spoke at an event in London, said the Dec. 1 and Dec. 22 meetings of the Central Bank's policy-making body will gauge the outlook for inflation and the EU economy. The bank, which will set monetary policy for the currency bloc , has been under pressure from politicians to keep interest rates low to help boost growth and create jobs. However, interest rate levels had become a contentious political issue with center-left governments in Germany and France pushing for rate cuts to help spur growth and combat unemployment, stuck at 10.9 percent in the nations adopting the euro. The head of the European Central Bank that will set monetary policy for the euro nations , Wim Duisenberg, again on Thursday suggested governments should reform rigid labor markets to create jobs, and not pressure him to cut rates. The answer is no,'' Duisenberg told the Le Monde daily, which had asked him if he would step down after four years on the job. Duisenberg was named this spring as head of the new European Central Bank, which will govern the policies of the euro , the new single currency which goes into effect Jan. 1. Duisenberg, who spoke at an event in London, said the Dec. 1 and Dec. 22 meetings of the Central Bank's policy-making body will gauge the outlook for inflation and the EU economy. The bank, which will set monetary policy for the currency bloc, has been under pressure from politicians to keep interest rates low to help boost growth and create jobs. The coordinated move was a key step in preparing for economic union. Setting a common interest rates had been a particularly contentious issue as center-left governments in Germany and France pressed for lower rates to help boost growth and cut unemployment , a stubborn 10.9 percent in the euro zone. Unifying the interest rate is a critical step in laying the groundwork for monetary union, and analysts generally expected rates to settle at around the level of Germany's, 3.3 percent before the cut, now 3 percent. However, interest rate levels had become a contentious political issue with center-left governments in Germany and France pushing for rate cuts to help spur growth and combat unemployment , stuck at 10.9 percent in the nations adopting the euro. Setting a common interest rates had been a particularly contentious issue as center-left governments in Germany and France pressed for lower rates to help boost growth and cut unemployment, a stubborn 10.9 percent in the euro zone. European Central Bank chief , Wim Duisenberg, gave no hint of the rate cuts during a speech in Brussels earlier Thursday, instead suggesting that governments should reform rigid labor markets to create jobs. Setting a common interest rates had been a particularly contentious issue as center-left governments in Germany and France pressed for lower rates to help boost growth and cut unemployment, a stubborn 10.9 percent in the euro zone. European Central Bank chief, Wim Duisenberg, gave no hint of the rate cuts during a speech in Brussels earlier Thursday, instead suggesting that governments should reform rigid labor markets to create jobs. However, interest rate levels had become a contentious political issue with center-left governments in Germany and France pushing for rate cuts to help spur growth and combat unemployment, stuck at 10.9 percent in the nations adopting the euro. The head of the European Central Bank that will set monetary policy for the euro nations, Wim Duisenberg , again on Thursday suggested governments should reform rigid labor markets to create jobs , and not pressure him to cut rates. Struggling to avoid being sidelined in the Continent-wide equities market promised by Europe's soon-to-be-introduced single currency, French authorities said Thursday that the Paris stock exchange would join an alliance between London and Frankfurt that is seen as the precursor of a pan-European market. The prospect has heightened pressure for consolidation among exchanges. Stock market officials in Milan, Madrid, Amsterdam and Brussels have indicated they would be interested in joining the London-Frankfurt alliance , which will initially create a single point of liquidity for trading in British and German blue-chip issues. Ten of the 11 countries adopting the euro dropped their interest rate to 3 percent. Italy dropped to 3.5 percent from 4 percent. Austria made the smallest cut, from 3.2 percent. The exception was Italy , which cut from 4 to 3.5 percent. Notes and coins _ the pocket money that shoppers and travelers will carry _ will be introduced only in 2002. Initially, the currency will group 11 European nations in a euro zone, leaving Britain, Denmark, Sweden and Greece on the outside. The poll, conducted Dec. 18-22, was broadcast by TV2 channel. Denmark is one of four EU countries staying out of the monetary union for the time being. The annual inflation rate in the 11 nations that adopt the euro as their shared currency on Jan. 1 fell to 0.9 percent in November , the European Union's statistics agency reported Wednesday. Izildo, 30, who was shot Sunday, was being treated at a military hospital in Dili. Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975 and annexed it the following year. The protesters wanted to remind Australia's current soldiers of that pledge. After Portugal abandoned its former colony in East Timor in 1975 , Indonesia invaded it and annexed it the following year. The protesters wanted to remind Australia's current soldiers of that pledge. After Portugal abandoned its former colony in East Timor in 1975 , Indonesia invaded it and annexed it the following year. The protesters wanted to remind Australia's current soldiers of that pledge. After Portugal abandoned its former colony in East Timor in 1975 , Indonesia invaded it and annexed it the following year. The protesters wanted to remind Australia's current soldiers of that pledge. After Portugal abandoned its former colony in East Timor in 1975 , Indonesia invaded it and annexed it the following year. There was no independent confirmation of the attack, and Indonesian officials were was not immediately available for comment. Indonesia invaded East Timor in Dec. 1975 , following Portugal 's colonial rule, and annexed it a month later. The leaders repeated a demand that Indonesia release jailed Timorese rebel leader Xanana Gusmao, and all political prisoners. Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975 as Portugal prepared to grant independence, and annexed it the following year. The leaders repeated a demand that Indonesia release jailed Timorese rebel leader Xanana Gusmao, and all political prisoners. Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975 as Portugal prepared to grant independence , and annexed it the following year. Also in January, the two countries are scheduled to embark on a new round of U.N.-sponsored peace talks in New York. Turmoil has plagued East Timor ever since Indonesian troops invaded in 1975 , unleashing a separatist rebel war and the resentment of a population pummeled by human rights abuses. Representatives of exiled East Timorese pro-independence groups said Friday that Indonesian troops attacked unarmed civilians in a village in the disputed Southeast Asian territory, killing one East Timorese and wounding 22 others. Representatives of exiled East Timorese pro-independence groups said Friday that Indonesian troops attacked unarmed civilians in a village in the disputed Southeast Asian territory, killing one East Timorese and wounding 22 others. Placido dos Santos, a 28-year-old farmer, was tortured and killed by the Indonesian military during the attack, the statement, which cited resistance sources in East Timor's capital, Dili. The statement, released in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon , also said that 22 people were injured and 26 were missing. Representatives of exiled East Timorese pro-independence groups said Friday that Indonesian troops attacked unarmed civilians in a village in the disputed Southeast Asian territory, killing one East Timorese and wounding 22 others. ``But we are demanding they be named along with their unit and battalion number because this will allow closer monitoring of human rights issues,'' he said. McLeod said 40,000 East Timorese were killed by Japanese soldiers for protecting Australian commandos during World War II. ``But we are demanding they be named along with their unit and battalion number because this will allow closer monitoring of human rights issues,'' he said. McLeod said 40,000 East Timorese were killed by Japanese soldiers for protecting Australian commandos during World War II. ``But we are demanding they be named along with their unit and battalion number because this will allow closer monitoring of human rights issues,'' he said. McLeod said 40,000 East Timorese were killed by Japanese soldiers for protecting Australian commandos during World War II. ``But we are demanding they be named along with their unit and battalion number because this will allow closer monitoring of human rights issues,'' he said. McLeod said 40,000 East Timorese were killed by Japanese soldiers for protecting Australian commandos during World War II. Representatives of exiled East Timorese pro-independence groups said Friday that Indonesian troops attacked unarmed civilians in a village in the disputed Southeast Asian territory , killing one East Timorese and wounding 22 others. Representatives of exiled East Timorese pro-independence groups said Friday that Indonesian troops attacked unarmed civilians in a village in the disputed Southeast Asian territory , killing one East Timorese and wounding 22 others. Representatives of exiled East Timorese pro-independence groups said Friday that Indonesian troops attacked unarmed civilians in a village in the disputed Southeast Asian territory , killing one East Timorese and wounding 22 others. Indonesia on Tuesday denied claims that its troops massacred more than 40 East Timorese recently , and criticized Portugal for suspending U.N.-sponsored talks over the future of the troubled territory. Foreign Minister Ali Alatas questioned whether Portugal truly wanted to settle the problem of East Timor, a former Portuguese colony, the official Antara news agency reported. Portugal suspended the talks with Indonesia in New York last week following reports of a massacre of dozens of East Timorese rebels in a series of clashes with Indonesian troops. Foreign Minister Ali Alatas questioned whether Portugal truly wanted to settle the problem of East Timor, a former Portuguese colony, the official Antara news agency reported. Portugal suspended the talks with Indonesia in New York last week following reports of a massacre of dozens of East Timorese rebels in a series of clashes with Indonesian troops. Representatives of exiled East Timorese pro-independence groups said Friday that Indonesian troops attacked unarmed civilians in a village in the disputed Southeast Asian territory, killing one East Timorese and wounding 22 others. The attack took place Tuesday near Cailaco in East Timor , a former Portuguese colony, according to a statement issued by the pro-independence Christian Democratic Union of East Timor. The report could not be independently confirmed, and Indonesian officials were not immediately available for comment. The attack took place Tuesday near Cailaco in East Timor , a former Portuguese colony, according to a statement issued by the pro-independence Christian Democratic Union of East Timor. The report could not be independently confirmed, and Indonesian officials were not immediately available for comment. The attack took place Tuesday near Cailaco in East Timor , a former Portuguese colony, according to a statement issued by the pro-independence Christian Democratic Union of East Timor. Protesters on Sunday urged Australian military leaders to identify Indonesian army officers trained here to allow closer monitoring of human rights abuses in East Timor. Protesters on Sunday urged Australian military leaders to identify Indonesian army officers trained here to allow closer monitoring of human rights abuses in East Timor. ``I hope Muslims ... are not deceived by such provocations,'' said Wahid, who has been pushing for religious unity. West Timor shares the same island as troubled East Timor, a former Portuguese territory dominated by Roman Catholicism and invaded by Indonesia in 1975. In a decision welcomed as a landmark by Portugal, European Union leaders Saturday backed calls for a referendum to decide the fate of East Timor, the former Portuguese colony occupied by Indonesia since 1975. Protesters on Sunday urged Australian military leaders to identify Indonesian army officers trained here to allow closer monitoring of human rights abuses in East Timor. The Australian military holds joint training exercises with Indonesian troops, including the elite commando units accused ot atrocities in East Timor. Protesters on Sunday urged Australian military leaders to identify Indonesian army officers trained here to allow closer monitoring of human rights abuses in East Timor. The Australian military holds joint training exercises with Indonesian troops, including the elite commando units accused ot atrocities in East Timor. Protesters on Sunday urged Australian military leaders to identify Indonesian army officers trained here to allow closer monitoring of human rights abuses in East Timor. The Australian military holds joint training exercises with Indonesian troops, including the elite commando units accused ot atrocities in East Timor. Protesters on Sunday urged Australian military leaders to identify Indonesian army officers trained here to allow closer monitoring of human rights abuses in East Timor. The Australian military holds joint training exercises with Indonesian troops, including the elite commando units accused ot atrocities in East Timor. Jose Saramago , a 75-year-old Portuguese writer who took up literature relatively late in life and whose richly imaginative novels soon won him a following of loyal readers across Europe and vocal admirers in the United States, was awarded this year's Nobel Prize in Literature Thursday by the Swedish Academy in Stockholm. Portuguese novelist Jose Saramago, whose capricious vision includes a section of Europe breaking off and floating out to sea, on Thursday was named the winner of the 1998 Nobel Literature Prize. Jose Saramago became the first writer in Portuguese to win the Nobel Prize for Literature on Thursday. Jose Saramago became the first writer in Portuguese to win the Nobel Prize for Literature on Thursday. Jose Saramago, a 75-year-old Portuguese writer who took up literature relatively late in life and whose richly imaginative novels soon won him a following of loyal readers across Europe and vocal admirers in the United States, was awarded this year's Nobel Prize in Literature Thursday by the Swedish Academy in Stockholm. A tall, balding man whose large, tinted glasses often give him a mien of severity, Saramago is the first Portuguese-language writer _ and one of the first card-carrying Communists _ to become a Nobel Literature laureate. ``Saramago's idiosyncratic development of his own resonant style of fiction gives him a high standing ... he invokes tradition in a way that in the current state of things can be described as radical,'' the Academy said in the citation for the 7.6-million kronor (dlrs 978,000 prize). Saramago (pronounced sah-rah-MAH-go) is the fourth consecutive European to win the prestigious prize, and the first laureate to write in Portuguese. A day after winning the Nobel Prize for literature, Portuguese novelist Jose Saramago insisted that while he was delighted to win the award, it could just as easily have gone to many other Portuguese writers. ``I'm not the only one who deserved it'', said the first Portuguese-language author to obtain the prestigious award. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter , who seems a perennial Nobel Peace Prize also-ran, could have won the coveted honor in 1978 had it not been for strict deadline rules for nominations. Lundestad made an exception because Ramel revealed the Carter dilemma in his 1994 memoirs. Carter has repeatedly been nominated for the Nobel prize for his consistent and wide-ranging peace efforts. Robert F. Furchgott, Louis J. Ignarro and Ferid Murad of the United States on Monday won the Nobel Medicine Prize. They were given the prize for their discoveries concerning nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system, according to the citiation from the Karolinska lnstitute. Three American researchers on Monday won the Nobel Medicine Prize for discovering how nitric oxide acts as a signal molecule in the cardiovascular system , a breakthrough with applications ranging from hardening of the arteries to impotence. Who is chosen and why stimulates animated conversation with readers as well as academics, critics and the authors themselves. This year 's winner _ or, possibly, winners _ will be announced Thursday , the Academy disclosed Tuesday. Questions about the prize have engaged and piqued the literary world ever since. A new chapter in the mystery will be written Thursday, when the Swedish Academy announces this year's winner of the world's most prestigious prize for writers. Furchgott is a pharmacologist at the State University of New York in Brooklyn, Ignarro is at University of California-Los Angeles and Murad is at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. The citation said ``it was a senation that the simple, common air pollutant (nitric oxide), which is formed when nitrogen burns ... could exert important functions in the organism. '' Nitric oxide starts the process by which blood vessels in the penis widen to produce an erection. Nitric oxide, a chemical relative of the anesthetic gas nitrous oxide, is better known as a common air pollutant formed when nitrogen burns, such as in automobile exhaust fumes. He never finished university but continued to study part-time while supporting himself as a metalworker. ``Nothing in my life would have led one to think I'd win the Nobel Prize'', said Saramago. The news left the 75-year-old writer no choice but to leave the airport and return to the city's book fair to meet the press and public. ``At that moment I was over the moon and returning to the book fair the only thing I was worried about was that the whole thing was an error,'' said Saramago. Generally, they are researchers who have made discoveries that sound small on paper but carry large consequences. Among other well-known names to receive the prize is David Baltimore, although he shared the prize in 1975, long before becoming one of the world's most visible AIDS researchers. Last year, the prize went to Stanley B. Prusiner of the University of California at San Francisco for his discovery of prions, the rogue proteins identified as causing Mad Cow Disease. Winners generally aren't known outside the medical community, although the list of laureates contains a few familiar names including Ivan Pavlov, tuberculosis pioneer Robert Koch, and DNA researchers Francis Crick and James Watson. Jose Saramago, a 75-year-old Portuguese writer who took up literature relatively late in life and whose richly imaginative novels soon won him a following of loyal readers across Europe and vocal admirers in the United States, was awarded this year's Nobel Prize in Literature Thursday by the Swedish Academy in Stockholm. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who seems a perennial Nobel Peace Prize also-ran, could have won the coveted honor in 1978 had it not been for strict deadline rules for nominations. That prize was shared by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin for signing the Camp David peace accords. Ariel Sharon's appointment as the Israeli foreign minister serves as ``the bullet of mercy'' for the Middle East peace process , an official Syrian newspaper said Saturday. An Israeli tribunal looking into the invasion found him indirectly responsible for the massacre of hundreds of Palestinian refugees by Christian Lebanese militiamen at two Beirut camps. ``Sharon's appointment as foreign minister is a bullet of mercy to the (peace) process , which has stopped on all tracks,'' said Tishrin, which often speaks for the Syrian government. Ariel Sharon's appointment as the Israeli foreign minister serves as ``the bullet of mercy'' for the Middle East peace process , an official Syrian newspaper said Saturday. An Israeli tribunal looking into the invasion found him indirectly responsible for the massacre of hundreds of Palestinian refugees by Christian Lebanese militiamen at two Beirut camps. ``Sharon's appointment as foreign minister is a bullet of mercy to the (peace) process , which has stopped on all tracks,'' said Tishrin, which often speaks for the Syrian government. Ariel Sharon's appointment as the Israeli foreign minister serves as ``the bullet of mercy'' for the Middle East peace process , an official Syrian newspaper said Saturday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named Sharon foreign minister on Friday, effectively putting the hard-liner in charge of negotiating Israel's final borders with the Palestinians. The appointment ``is a bullet of mercy to the (peace) process , which has stopped on all tracks,'' said Tishrin newspaper, which often speaks for the Syrian government. Ariel Sharon's appointment as the Israeli foreign minister serves as ``the bullet of mercy'' for the Middle East peace process , an official Syrian newspaper said Saturday. An Israeli tribunal looking into the invasion found him indirectly responsible for the massacre of hundreds of Palestinian refugees by Christian Lebanese militiamen at two Beirut camps. ``Sharon's appointment as foreign minister is a bullet of mercy to the (peace) process , which has stopped on all tracks,'' said Tishrin, which often speaks for the Syrian government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed Ariel Sharon, a hawkish former defense minister, to be Israeli foreign minister on Friday in an effort to placate the far right as he moves closer to turning over more West Bank land to the Palestinians. Brief biography of Ariel Sharon , named Israel's foreign minister : ___ 1928: Born in Kfar Mallal in British-ruled Palestine. Ariel Sharon's appointment as the Israeli foreign minister serves as ``the bullet of mercy'' for the Middle East peace process, an official Syrian newspaper said Saturday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named Sharon foreign minister on Friday , effectively putting the hard-liner in charge of negotiating Israel's final borders with the Palestinians. Ariel Sharon's appointment as the Israeli foreign minister serves as ``the bullet of mercy'' for the Middle East peace process, an official Syrian newspaper said Saturday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named Sharon foreign minister on Friday , effectively putting the hard-liner in charge of negotiating Israel's final borders with the Palestinians. An Israeli tribunal looking into the invasion found him indirectly responsible for the massacre of hundreds of Palestinian refugees by pro-Israeli Christian Lebanese militiamen at two Beirut camps. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named Sharon foreign minister on Friday , effectively putting the hard-liner in charge of negotiating Israel's final borders with the Palestinians. In Beirut, Lebanese newspapers denounced the appointment as a ``disaster'' for peace. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named Sharon foreign minister on Friday , effectively putting the hard-liner in charge of negotiating Israel's final borders with the Palestinians. 1981: Defense minister in Begin government. 1982-83 : Invades Lebanon in June 1982 to drive out PLO guerrillas, but is held indirectly responsible for Lebanese Christian militiamen's September 1982 massacre of hundreds of Palestinian civilians in the Sabra and Shatilla refugee camps south of Beirut. Many Arabs know Sharon for his role in Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon. An Israeli tribunal looking into the invasion found him indirectly responsible for the massacre of hundreds of Palestinian refugees by Christian Lebanese militiamen at two Beirut camps. Many Arabs know Sharon for his role in Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon. An Israeli tribunal looking into the invasion found him indirectly responsible for the massacre of hundreds of Palestinian refugees by Christian Lebanese militiamen at two Beirut camps. Many Arabs know Sharon for his role in Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon. An Israeli tribunal looking into the invasion found him indirectly responsible for the massacre of hundreds of Palestinian refugees by pro-Israeli Christian Lebanese militiamen at two Beirut camps. Many Arabs know Sharon for his role in Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon. An Israeli tribunal looking into the invasion found him indirectly responsible for the massacre of hundreds of Palestinian refugees by Christian Lebanese militiamen at two Beirut camps. Ariel Sharon's appointment as the Israeli foreign minister serves as ``the bullet of mercy'' for the Middle East peace process, an official Syrian newspaper said Saturday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named Sharon foreign minister on Friday, effectively putting the hard-liner in charge of negotiating Israel's final borders with the Palestinians. Ariel Sharon's appointment as the Israeli foreign minister serves as ``the bullet of mercy'' for the Middle East peace process, an official Syrian newspaper said Saturday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named Sharon foreign minister on Friday, effectively putting the hard-liner in charge of negotiating Israel's final borders with the Palestinians. An Israeli tribunal looking into the invasion found him indirectly responsible for the massacre of hundreds of Palestinian refugees by pro-Israeli Christian Lebanese militiamen at two Beirut camps. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named Sharon foreign minister on Friday, effectively putting the hard-liner in charge of negotiating Israel's final borders with the Palestinians. In Beirut, Lebanese newspapers denounced the appointment as a ``disaster'' for peace. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named Sharon foreign minister on Friday, effectively putting the hard-liner in charge of negotiating Israel's final borders with the Palestinians. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named Sharon foreign minister on Friday, effectively putting the hard-liner in charge of negotiating Israel's final borders with the Palestinians. Many Arabs know Sharon for his role in Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named Sharon foreign minister on Friday, effectively putting the hard-liner in charge of negotiating Israel's final borders with the Palestinians. Many Arabs know Sharon for his role in Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon. In Beirut, Lebanese newspapers denounced the appointment as a ``disaster'' for peace. Many Arabs know Sharon for his role in Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named Sharon foreign minister on Friday, effectively putting the hard-liner in charge of negotiating Israel's final borders with the Palestinians. Many Arabs know Sharon for his role in Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon. An Israeli tribunal looking into the invasion found him indirectly responsible for the massacre of hundreds of Palestinian refugees by Christian Lebanese militiamen at two Beirut camps. ``Sharon's appointment as foreign minister is a bullet of mercy to the (peace) process, which has stopped on all tracks ,'' said Tishrin, which often speaks for the Syrian government. An Israeli tribunal looking into the invasion found him indirectly responsible for the massacre of hundreds of Palestinian refugees by Christian Lebanese militiamen at two Beirut camps. ``Sharon's appointment as foreign minister is a bullet of mercy to the (peace) process, which has stopped on all tracks ,'' said Tishrin, which often speaks for the Syrian government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named Sharon foreign minister on Friday, effectively putting the hard-liner in charge of negotiating Israel's final borders with the Palestinians. The appointment ``is a bullet of mercy to the (peace) process, which has stopped on all tracks ,'' said Tishrin newspaper, which often speaks for the Syrian government. An Israeli tribunal looking into the invasion found him indirectly responsible for the massacre of hundreds of Palestinian refugees by Christian Lebanese militiamen at two Beirut camps. ``Sharon's appointment as foreign minister is a bullet of mercy to the (peace) process, which has stopped on all tracks ,'' said Tishrin, which often speaks for the Syrian government. Syrian-Israel peace talks broke off more than two years ago. Syria and the previous Israeli government had reached an informal agreement on a full withdrawal from the Golan Heights , which Israel captured from Syria in 1967. Peace talks between Syria and Israel broke off more than two years ago. Syria and the previous Israeli government had reached an informal agreement on a full withdrawal from the Golan Heights , which Israel captured from Syria in 1967. Syrian-Israeli peace talks broke off more than two years ago. Syria and the previous Israeli government had reached an informal agreement on a full withdrawal from the Golan Heights , which Israel captured from Syria in 1967. Peace talks between Syria and Israel broke off more than two years ago. Syria and the previous Israeli government had reached an informal agreement on a full withdrawal from the Golan Heights , which Israel captured from Syria in 1967. Syrian-Israel peace talks broke off more than two years ago. Syria and the previous Israeli government had reached an informal agreement on a full withdrawal from the Golan Heights , which Israel captured from Syria in 1967. Peace talks between Syria and Israel broke off more than two years ago. Syria and the previous Israeli government had reached an informal agreement on a full withdrawal from the Golan Heights , which Israel captured from Syria in 1967. Syrian-Israeli peace talks broke off more than two years ago. Syria and the previous Israeli government had reached an informal agreement on a full withdrawal from the Golan Heights , which Israel captured from Syria in 1967. Peace talks between Syria and Israel broke off more than two years ago. Syria and the previous Israeli government had reached an informal agreement on a full withdrawal from the Golan Heights , which Israel captured from Syria in 1967. But Netanyahu's government rejected that agreement, saying it was never completed. Netanyahu has sent ``a clear message to all those who are deluding themselves _ and betting on Israel (to) change its anti-peace stand _ to give up their illusions,'' the paper said. But Netanyahu's government rejected that agreement, saying it was never completed. Netanyahu has sent ``a clear message to all those who are deluding themselves _ and betting on Israel (to) change its anti-peace stand _ to give up their illusions,'' the paper said. But Netanyahu's government rejected that agreement, saying it was never formalized. Netanyahu has sent ``a clear message to all those who are deluding themselves _ and betting on Israel (to) change its anti-peace stand _ to give up their illusions,'' the paper said. But Netanyahu's government rejected that agreement, saying it was never formalized. Netanyahu has sent ``a clear message to all those who are deluding themselves _ and betting on Israel (to) change its anti-peace stand _ to give up their illusions,'' the paper said. Many Arabs know Sharon for his role in Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon. An Israeli tribunal looking into the invasion found him indirectly responsible for the massacre of hundreds of Palestinian refugees by Christian Lebanese militiamen at two Beirut camps. Many Arabs know Sharon for his role in Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon. An Israeli tribunal looking into the invasion found him indirectly responsible for the massacre of hundreds of Palestinian refugees by pro-Israeli Christian Lebanese militiamen at two Beirut camps. Many Arabs know Sharon for his role in Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon. An Israeli tribunal looking into the invasion found him indirectly responsible for the massacre of hundreds of Palestinian refugees by Christian Lebanese militiamen at two Beirut camps. A top IOC official on Saturday made explosive allegations of widespread Olympic corruption , saying agents demand up to dlrs 1 million to deliver votes in the selection of host cities. A top IOC official on Saturday made explosive allegations of widespread Olympic corruption , saying agents demand up to dlrs 1 million to deliver votes in the selection of host cities. Swiss IOC executive board member Marc Hodler said Sunday he might be thrown out of the International Olympic Committee for making allegations of corruption within the Olympic movement. Swiss IOC executive board member Marc Hodler said Sunday he might be thrown out of the International Olympic Committee for making allegations of corruption within the Olympic movement. The senior Olympic official who leveled stunning allegations of corruption within the IOC said Sunday he had been ``muzzled'' by president Juan Antonio Samaranch and might be throw out of the organization. Helmick eventually resigned both as an IOC member and as president of the U.S. Olympic Committee. This is the first time the IOC has ever investigated possible bribery by bidding cities, despite previous rumors and allegations of corruption in other Olympic votes. Helmick eventually resigned both as an IOC member and as president of the U.S. Olympic Committee. This is the first time the IOC has ever investigated possible bribery by bidding cities , despite previous rumors and allegations of corruption in other Olympic votes. Helmick eventually resigned both as an IOC member and as president of the U.S. Olympic Committee. This is the first time the IOC has ever investigated possible bribery by bidding cities , despite previous rumors and allegations of corruption in other Olympic votes. Moving quickly to tackle an escalating corruption scandal, IOC leaders questioned Salt Lake City officials Friday in the first ever investigation into alleged vote-buying by an Olympic city. What started as a local controversy in Salt Lake City has evolved into a full-blown international scandal. The International Olympic Committee has ordered a top-level investigation into the payment of nearly dlrs 400,000 in scholarships to relatives of IOC members by the Salt Lake group which won the bid for the 2002 Winter Games. Earlier, Joklik met with IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch and other top officials to provide information and documents on the case. The controversy centers on the payment of nearly dlrs 400,000 in scholarships to relatives of IOC members by the Salt Lake bid committee which won the right to stage the 2002 games. They are not official comments.'' Hodler's allegations, made to a group of reporters, came as the IOC continued investigations into alleged financial misconduct by the Salt Lake City group which won the bid for the 2002 games. Fiat denied the claims on Saturday, but Sunday Howard Peterson, a former senior American delegate to the ski federation, said he had been offered cars by two Fiat executives. The issue of vote-buying came to the fore in Lausanne because of the recent disclosure of scholarship payments made to six relatives of IOC members by Salt Lake City officials during their successful bid to play host to the 2002 Winter Games. Saying ``if we have to clean, we will clean,'' Juan Antonio Samaranch responded on Sunday to allegations of corruption in the Olympic bidding process by declaring that IOC members who were found to have accepted bribes from candidate cities could be expelled. Saying ``if we have to clean, we will clean,'' Juan Antonio Samaranch responded on Sunday to allegations of corruption in the Olympic bidding process by declaring that IOC members who were found to have accepted bribes from candidate cities could be expelled. LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) _ IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch on Sunday promised to expel any members if they are found guilty of accepting bribes. A top IOC official on Saturday made explosive allegations of widespread Olympic corruption, saying agents demand up to dlrs 1 million to deliver votes in the selection of host cities. Marc Hodler , a senior member of the International Olympic Committee executive board, alleged malpractices in the voting for the 1996 Atlanta Games, 2000 Sydney Olympics and 2002 Salt Lake Games. A top IOC official on Saturday made explosive allegations of widespread Olympic corruption, saying agents demand up to dlrs 1 million to deliver votes in the selection of host cities. Marc Hodler , a senior member of the International Olympic Committee executive board, alleged malpractices in the bid campaigns for the games of 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2002. Hodler, who made the allegations Saturday, said he has since been ``muzzled'' by IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch. His comments came as the leader of the Salt Lake organizing committee apologized Sunday for the alleged rules violations during the city's successful bid for the 2002 Winter Games. Marc Hodler, a senior member of the International Olympic Committee executive board, alleged malpractices in the bid campaigns for the games of 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2002. Hodler said a group of four agents, including one IOC member , have been involved in promising votes for payment. If he has names and evidence, he must go to the executive board.'' Hodler said he believed four agents _ including one IOC member _ had been involved in vote-buying over the past 10 years. If he has names and evidence, he must go to the executive board.'' Hodler said he believed four agents _ including one IOC member _ had been involved in vote-buying over the past 10 years. The International Olympic Committee has ordered a top-level investigation into the payment of nearly dlrs 400,000 in scholarships to relatives of IOC members by the Salt Lake group which won the bid for the 2002 Winter Games. IOC executive board member Marc Hodler said the scholarship fund _ described as ``humanitarian aid'' by Salt Lake officials _ amounted to a ``bribe.'' The controversy centers on the payment of nearly dlrs 400,000 in scholarships to relatives of IOC members by the Salt Lake bid committee which won the right to stage the 2002 games. Senior IOC executive board member Marc Hodler said the scholarship fund _ described as ``humanitarian aid'' by Salt Lake officials _ amounted to a bribe to sway votes in the 1995 election. Hodler's allegations, made to a group of reporters, came as the IOC continued investigations into alleged financial misconduct by the Salt Lake City group which won the bid for the 2002 games. Hodler has described as a ``bribe'' the dlrs 500,000 scholarship fund set up by Salt Lake which benefited the relatives of six IOC members. The International Olympic Committee has ordered a top-level investigation into the payment of nearly dlrs 400,000 in scholarships to relatives of IOC members by the Salt Lake group which won the bid for the 2002 Winter Games. IOC executive board member Marc Hodler said the scholarship fund _ described as ``humanitarian aid'' by Salt Lake officials _ amounted to a `` bribe.'' The controversy centers on the payment of nearly dlrs 400,000 in scholarships to relatives of IOC members by the Salt Lake bid committee which won the right to stage the 2002 games. Senior IOC executive board member Marc Hodler said the scholarship fund _ described as ``humanitarian aid'' by Salt Lake officials _ amounted to a bribe to sway votes in the 1995 election. Hodler's allegations, made to a group of reporters, came as the IOC continued investigations into alleged financial misconduct by the Salt Lake City group which won the bid for the 2002 games. Hodler has described as a ``bribe'' the dlrs 500,000 scholarship fund set up by Salt Lake which benefited the relatives of six IOC members. The mayor of the Japanese city of Nagano , site of the 1998 Winter Olympics, denied allegations that city officials bribed members of the International Olympic Committee to win the right to host the games. The mayor of the Japanese city of Nagano, site of the 1998 Winter Olympics, denied allegations that city officials bribed members of the International Olympic Committee to win the right to host the games. You never know.'' Hodler , who made the allegations Saturday, said he has since been ``muzzled'' by IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch. The senior Olympic official who leveled stunning allegations of corruption within the IOC said Sunday he had been ``muzzled'' by president Juan Antonio Samaranch and might be throw out of the organization. ``This is a preparation for the declaration of the Palestinian state,'' Arafat said, smiling broadly and flashing a V sign. However, Israel continues to control the airspace and has the authority to shut down the airfield at any time. ``This is a preparation for the declaration of the Palestinian state,'' Arafat said, smiling broadly and flashing a V sign. However, Israel continues to control the airspace and has the authority to shut down the airfield at any time. Zeidan was not immediately available for comment. Israel retains security control over flights arriving to Gaza International Airport. Zeidan was not immediately available for comment. Israel retains security control over flights arriving to Gaza International Airport. The airport's opening last month, stipulated by the accords brokered by U.S. President Bill Clinton at Wye River, Maryland in October, was hailed by Palestinians as a milestone toward independence and statehood. Israel retains security control over flights arriving at Gaza International Airport, and Palestinian security officials consult with their Israeli counterparts. Israeli security officials delayed two planes from taking off from the Palestinian airport on Wednesday , the latest tensions in a rare area of Israeli-Palestinian cooperation. Israeli security officials delayed two planes from taking off from the Palestinian airport on Wednesday, the latest tensions in a rare area of Israeli-Palestinian cooperation. A plane bound for Amman, Jordan was delayed for two hours over an Israeli demand that Palestinian officials inspect the luggage of a Palestinian passenger, Israel radio reported. The plane left with the passenger aboard, but without his luggage. Israeli officials also delayed a plane making a stopover from Saudi Arabia to Cairo , it said. Israeli security officials delayed two planes from taking off from the Palestinian airport on Wednesday , marking the latest tensions in a rare area of Israeli-Palestinian cooperation. Others hinted the first international flight may be reserved for U.S. President Bill Clinton who is scheduled to visit Gaza in December. Egypt's Middle East News Agency said the first plane to land would be carrying Egypt's health minister and several doctors bearing medical supplies as gifts. ``It's a glorious feeling of independence, a feeling that we are open to the world,'' said Fawzi Tabil, a Palestinian watching while workers painted white lines Monday on the tarmac in the southern Gaza Strip, close to the Egyptian border. Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat planned to be on hand Tuesday morning when a plane from Cairo carrying Egyptian officials becomes the first arrival. Taking a major step toward statehood, the Palestinians on Tuesday inaugurated Gaza International Airport, their first gateway to the world, with cheers, tears and an outpouring of patriotism. An Egypt Air plane was the first to land on the desert tarmac in the southern Gaza Strip at 8:30 a.m. (0630 gmt). Taking a major step toward statehood, the Palestinians on Tuesday inaugurated Gaza International Airport, their first gateway to the world, with cheers, tears and an outpouring of patriotism. An Egypt Air plane was the first to land on the desert tarmac in the southern Gaza Strip at 8:30 a.m. (0630 gmt). Israel has threatened to close down the Palestinian-run Gaza airport over a security violation, an Israeli official said Tuesday, a move that could further undermine the already fragile peace process. Palestinian airport workers refused to allow Israeli security officials to check the identity of passengers who arrived on an Egyptian plane Sunday afternoon, most of whom worked for the Palestinian Authority, according to Civilian Airport Authority Director Nir Yarkoni. Israel has threatened to close down the Palestinian-run Gaza airport over a security violation, an Israeli official said Tuesday, a move that could further undermine the already fragile peace process. Palestinian airport workers refused to allow Israeli security officials to check the identity of passengers who arrived on an Egyptian plane Sunday afternoon, most of whom worked for the Palestinian Authority, according to Civilian Airport Authority Director Nir Yarkoni. Israel retains security control over flights arriving at Gaza International Airport, and Palestinian security officials consult with their Israeli counterparts. Earlier this week , Israel threatened to close down the Gaza airport when Palestinian airport workers refused to allow Israeli security officials to check the identity of passengers who arrived on an Egyptian plane, most of whom worked for the Palestinian Authority. Israel retains security control over flights arriving at Gaza International Airport, and Palestinian security officials consult with their Israeli counterparts. Earlier this week, Israel threatened to close down the Gaza airport when Palestinian airport workers refused to allow Israeli security officials to check the identity of passengers who arrived on an Egyptian plane, most of whom worked for the Palestinian Authority. Zeidan was not immediately available for comment. Israel retains security control over flights arriving to Gaza International Airport. Zeidan was not immediately available for comment. Israel retains security control over flights arriving to Gaza International Airport. The airport's opening last month, stipulated by the accords brokered by U.S. President Bill Clinton at Wye River, Maryland in October, was hailed by Palestinians as a milestone toward independence and statehood. Israel retains security control over flights arriving at Gaza International Airport , and Palestinian security officials consult with their Israeli counterparts. Others hinted the first international flight may be reserved for U.S. President Bill Clinton who is scheduled to visit Gaza in December. Egypt's Middle East News Agency said the first plane to land would be carrying Egypt's health minister and several doctors bearing medical supplies as gifts. Others hinted the first international flight may be reserved for U.S. President Bill Clinton who is scheduled to visit Gaza in December. Egypt's Middle East News Agency said the first plane to land would be carrying Egypt's health minister and several doctors bearing medical supplies as gifts. Others hinted the first international flight may be reserved for U.S. President Bill Clinton who is scheduled to visit Gaza in December. Egypt's Middle East News Agency said the first plane to land would be carrying Egypt's health minister and several doctors bearing medical supplies as gifts. Israel retains security control over flights arriving to Gaza International Airport. The airport's opening last month, stipulated by the accords brokered by U.S. President Bill Clinton at Wye River , Maryland in October, was hailed by Palestinians as a milestone toward independence and statehood. Israel retains security control over flights arriving to Gaza International Airport. The airport's opening last month, stipulated by the accords brokered by U.S. President Bill Clinton at Wye River , Maryland in October, was hailed by Palestinians as a milestone toward independence and statehood. ``We are all doing all our best to continue the peace process.'' The airport's opening last month, stipulated by the accords brokered by U.S. President Bill Clinton at Wye River , Maryland in October, was hailed by Palestinians as a milestone toward independence and statehood. The airport's opening last month, stipulated by the accords brokered by U.S. President Bill Clinton at Wye River, Maryland in October, was hailed by Palestinians as a milestone toward independence and statehood. Since then , Israel has accused the Palestinians of failing to contain anti-Israel violence, and has frozen the accords. The airport's opening last month, stipulated by the accords brokered by U.S. President Bill Clinton at Wye River, Maryland in October, was hailed by Palestinians as a milestone toward independence and statehood. Since then , Israel has accused the Palestinians of failing to contain anti-Israel violence, and has frozen the accords. Palestinian officials said that Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and his entourage were aboard the plane in question, and that exempted the plane from Israeli security checks. Since Wye , Israel has accused the Palestinians of failing to contain anti-Israel violence, and has frozen the accords. Since then, Israel has accused the Palestinians of failing to contain anti-Israel violence, and has frozen the accords. The Palestinians , in turn, accuse Israel of reneging on an agreement to release Palestinians jailed for anti-Israel activities. Since then, Israel has accused the Palestinians of failing to contain anti-Israel violence, and has frozen the accords. The Palestinians , in turn, accuse Israel of reneging on an agreement to release Palestinians jailed for anti-Israel activities. Since Wye, Israel has accused the Palestinians of failing to contain anti-Israel violence, and has frozen the accords. The Palestinians , in turn, accuse Israel of reneging on an agreement to release Palestinians jailed for anti-Israel activities. Since then, Israel has accused the Palestinians of failing to contain anti-Israel violence, and has frozen the accords. The Palestinians, in turn, accuse Israel of reneging on an agreement to release Palestinians jailed for anti-Israel activities. Since then, Israel has accused the Palestinians of failing to contain anti-Israel violence, and has frozen the accords. The Palestinians, in turn, accuse Israel of reneging on an agreement to release Palestinians jailed for anti-Israel activities. Since Wye, Israel has accused the Palestinians of failing to contain anti-Israel violence, and has frozen the accords. The Palestinians, in turn, accuse Israel of reneging on an agreement to release Palestinians jailed for anti-Israel activities. Since 1992, Libya has struggled with U.N. Security Council sanctions that ban direct flights to and from the country. The move was aimed at forcing Gadhafi to surrender two Libyans wanted in the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am passenger plane over Lockerbie , Scotland, that killed 270 people. Most visitors arrive by ferry from Malta or travel overland from Egypt or Tunisia; U.N. sanctions imposed in 1992 ban air travel to and from the country. Farrakhan repeatedly has urged an end to the sanctions, which were imposed to try to force Gadhafi to surrender two Libyans wanted in the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am jetliner over Lockerbie , Scotland, that killed 270 people. The discrepancy in the timing could not be immediately clarified. The U.N. Security Council imposed sanctions in 1992, including a flight ban, to try to force Libya to hand over two suspects in the bombing that killed 270 people. After meeting Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi in a desert tent, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he thinks an arrangement for bringing two suspects to trial in the bombing of a Pan Am airliner could be secured in the ``not too distant future.'' Annan's comments came Saturday after he and Gadhafi failed to agree on handing over Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi and Lamen Khalifa Fhimah, who are suspected in the 1988 bombing that killed 270 people. After meeting Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi in a desert tent, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he thinks an arrangement for bringing two suspects to trial in the bombing of a Pan Am airliner could be secured in the ``not too distant future.'' Annan's comments came Saturday after he and Gadhafi failed to agree on handing over Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi and Lamen Khalifa Fhimah, who are suspected in the 1988 bombing that killed 270 people. The television, monitored in Cairo, did not say where the meeting took place, but it showed Gadhafi, dressed in a muddy brown gown and matching cap, receiving the Qatari minister in a tent. Al Thani handed Gadhafi a letter that reaffirmed Qatar's support for Libya ``in its just position toward the so-called Lockerbie case,'' the television said, referring to Libya's objections to the U.N. sanctions imposed in 1992 to press it to hand over two Libyans wanted for the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am airliner over the Scottish town of Lockerbie that left 270 people dead. After meeting Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi in a desert tent, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he thinks an arrangement for bringing two suspects to trial in the bombing of a Pan Am airliner could be secured in the ``not too distant future.'' Annan's comments came Saturday after he and Gadhafi failed to agree on handing over Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi and Lamen Khalifa Fhimah, who are suspected in the 1988 bombing that killed 270 people. After meeting Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi in a desert tent, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he thinks an arrangement for bringing two suspects to trial in the bombing of a Pan Am airliner could be secured in the ``not too distant future.'' Annan's comments came Saturday after he and Gadhafi failed to agree on handing over Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi and Lamen Khalifa Fhimah, who are suspected in the 1988 bombing that killed 270 people. Libya's justice minister on Wednesday said the two suspects in the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am jetliner should not become victims of Western politics when they go on trial. Libya's justice minister on Wednesday said the two suspects in the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am jetliner should not become victims of Western politics when they go on trial. ``We want to be sure that the only aim of the trial is to show the truth ... and that it is held without a political or security background,'' Justice Minister Mohammed Belgasim al-Zuwiy said. He was addressing the General People's Congress, or Parliament, which opened a debate that will decide the fate of the two men who are wanted in connection with the Dec. 21, 1988 bombing. Since 1992, Libya has struggled with U.N. Security Council sanctions that ban direct flights to and from the country. The move was aimed at forcing Gadhafi to surrender two Libyans wanted in the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am passenger plane over Lockerbie , Scotland, that killed 270 people. Since 1992, Libya has struggled with U.N. Security Council sanctions that ban direct flights to and from the country. The move was aimed at forcing Gadhafi to surrender two Libyans wanted in the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am passenger plane over Lockerbie, Scotland, that killed 270 people. Most visitors arrive by ferry from Malta or travel overland from Egypt or Tunisia; U.N. sanctions imposed in 1992 ban air travel to and from the country. Farrakhan repeatedly has urged an end to the sanctions , which were imposed to try to force Gadhafi to surrender two Libyans wanted in the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am jetliner over Lockerbie , Scotland, that killed 270 people. The discrepancy in the timing could not be immediately clarified. The U.N. Security Council imposed sanctions in 1992, including a flight ban, to try to force Libya to hand over two suspects in the bombing that killed 270 people. The television, monitored in Cairo, did not say where the meeting took place, but it showed Gadhafi, dressed in a muddy brown gown and matching cap, receiving the Qatari minister in a tent. Al Thani handed Gadhafi a letter that reaffirmed Qatar's support for Libya ``in its just position toward the so-called Lockerbie case,'' the television said, referring to Libya's objections to the U.N. sanctions imposed in 1992 to press it to hand over two Libyans wanted for the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am airliner over the Scottish town of Lockerbie that left 270 people dead. During his visit to Tunis, Annan is to meet with authorities here to discuss ``major regional and international issues and the various initiatives aimed at solving unresolved problems,'' according to the local press. A Western diplomat, speaking in Algiers on condition of anonymity, said Annan would travel to Libya on Saturday to meet with authorities there on the 1988 Pan Am bombing that has led to U.N. sanctions against Libya. TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) _ U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan left for Libya Saturday to hold talks aimed at putting two suspects on trial for the 1988 Pan Am bombing over Lockerbie. TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) _ U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan left for Libya Saturday to hold talks aimed at putting two suspects on trial for the 1988 Pan Am bombing over Lockerbie. TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) _ U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan arrived in Libya Saturday for talks aimed at bringing to trial two Libyan suspects in the 1988 Pan Am bombing over Lockerbie , Scotland. After meeting Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi in a desert tent , U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he thinks an arrangement for bringing two suspects to trial in the bombing of a Pan Am airliner could be secured in the ``not too distant future.'' After meeting Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi in a desert tent , U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he thinks an arrangement for bringing two suspects to trial in the bombing of a Pan Am airliner could be secured in the ``not too distant future.'' State-run Libyan Radio quoted an unnamed official in the Foreign Liaison Secretariat, which is the equivalent of a foreign ministry, as saying Sunday that ``a solution to this crisis is within reach.'' Annan's meeting with Gadhafi took place after Libya's official news agency, JANA, initially reported that Annan might not be able to meet with the Libyan leader because Gadhafi was ``in the desert. '' Al-Zuwiy, the justice minister, said the two suspects will have the right to an appeal in the same court if it finds them guilty. On Saturday , U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan met with Gadhafi to iron out the details. A week ago, before leaving for North Africa, Annan held out the possibility of a Libyan trip -- but only to help close a deal to try the two suspects. A Libyan legal team has been meeting regularly with Annan 's legal counsel to discuss a U.S.-British proposal to try the suspects in the Netherlands according to Scottish law and using Scottish judges. All 259 people aboard the Boeing 747 and 11 people on ground were killed. A Libyan legal team has been meeting regularly with Annan 's legal counsel to discuss a U.S.-British proposal to try the suspects in the Netherlands according to Scottish law and using Scottish judges. Annan spoke to reporters in Tripoli after the meeting with Gadhafi and later when he arrived back at this Tunisian island, where he had begun the day of diplomacy that lasted nearly 15 hours. The 60-year-old Annan is trying to get Libya to go along with a U.S.-British plan to try the two suspects before a panel of Scottish judges in the Netherlands for the 1988 bombing over Lockerbie , Scotland. Annan spoke to reporters in the Libyan capital of Tripoli after the meeting and again later when he arrived back at this Tunisian island, where he had begun his 15-hour stretch of diplomacy. The 60-year-old Annan is trying to get Libya to go along with a U.S.-British plan to try the two suspects before a panel of Scottish judges in the Netherlands for the Dec. 21, 1988 , bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland. Libya has been under U.N. sanctions since 1992 for its refusal to hand over the two alleged intelligence agents, Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi and Lamen Khalifa Fhimah. They are accused by the United States and Britain of blowing up a Pan Am airliner over the Scottish village of Lockerbie on Dec. 21, 1988. Libya has been under U.N. sanctions since 1992 for its refusal to hand over the two alleged intelligence agents, Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi and Lamen Khalifa Fhimah. They are accused by the United States and Britain of blowing up a Pan Am airliner over the Scottish village of Lockerbie on Dec. 21 , 1988. He was addressing the General People's Congress, or Parliament, which opened a debate that will decide the fate of the two men who are wanted in connection with the Dec. 21, 1988 bombing. A total of 270 people on board and on ground were killed when the jetliner blew up over the Scottish town of Lockerbie. He was addressing the General People's Congress, or Parliament, which opened a debate that will decide the fate of the two men who are wanted in connection with the Dec. 21, 1988 bombing. A total of 270 people on board and on ground were killed when the jetliner blew up over the Scottish town of Lockerbie. The Libyan leader last visited Tunisia in January 1996, when he met Ban Ali in the southern town of Medenine. Since 1992 , Libya has struggled with U.N. Security Council sanctions that ban direct flights to and from the country. The discrepancy in the timing could not be immediately clarified. The U.N. Security Council imposed sanctions in 1992 , including a flight ban, to try to force Libya to hand over two suspects in the bombing that killed 270 people. It was not known where Annan will meet with Gadhafi but diplomats said Friday the meeting will likely take place in the northern coastal town of Sirte, 400 kilometers (250 miles) east of the Libyan capital of Tripoli. Libya has been under U.N. sanctions since 1992 for its refusal to hand over the two alleged intelligence agents, Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi and Lamen Khalifa Fhimah. After meeting Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi in a desert tent, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he thinks an arrangement for bringing two suspects to trial in the bombing of a Pan Am airliner could be secured in the `` not too distant future.'' After meeting Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi in a desert tent, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he thinks an arrangement for bringing two suspects to trial in the bombing of a Pan Am airliner could be secured in the `` not too distant future.'' Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi began a surprise visit to neighboring Tunisia on Monday, his first known trip since injuring his hip in July. The broadcast was monitored in Cairo. Gadhafi underwent surgery last July after injuring his hip , reportedly while exercising. Italian authorities captured Abdullah Ocalan at Rome's international airport Thursday. Turkey has asked for his extradition and Ocalan has asked for political asylum. Turkey stepped up the pressure on Italy for the extradition of captured Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan, warning Sunday that granting him asylum would amount to ``opening doors to terrorism.'' Turkey stepped up pressure on Italy for the extradition of captured Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan, saying Sunday that granting him asylum would amount to ``opening doors to terrorism.'' Facing his first real foreign policy test, Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema must decide what to do with a prominent Kurdish rebel leader who was arrested at the Rome airport on Thursday. Turkey wants Italy to extradite the rebel , Abdullah Ocalan, leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, which is seeking Kurdish autonomy in southeastern Turkey. The border crackdown appeared designed to prevent large numbers of Kurds living in Western Europe from flocking to Rome for protests in connection with Ocalan's arrest. Turkey has asked for Ocalan's extradition. In Rome, 1,500 Kurds massed for a second day of demonstrations outside the military hospital where Ocalan is believed to be held. Kurds arrived from Germany and France to show solidarity with the rebel leader and a Kurdish group stopped at Rome's airport launched a hunger strike. The protest in Rome was peaceful Sunday. Elsewhere in Europe, dozens of Kurds protested in Bucharest until chased away by police; 1,000 Kurds rallied in Bonn, some waving pictures of the Kurd leader; and 100 Kurds in Vienna set up tents outside Parliament and declared a hunger strike. About 1,500 Kurds who spent the night outside a military hospital where Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan is believed held continued their hunger strike Monday to protest his detention. Kurdish students cut classes and workers didn't go to work. Some 41 Kurds declared a hunger strike Monday to protest Ocalan's detention. Kurdish students cut classes and workers didn't go to work. Some 41 Kurds declared a hunger strike Monday to protest Ocalan's detention. The conflict has killed nearly 37,000 people. Turkey considers Ocalan a terrorist and its most-wanted criminal. The conflict has killed nearly 37,000 people. Turkey considers Ocalan a terrorist and its most -wanted criminal. The conflict has killed nearly 37,000 people. To Turkey, Ocalan is the nation's most-wanted criminal. He is wanted for questioning in Switzerland in connection with a killing. Turkey's Anatolia news agency said Oz was determined not to free his hostage until Italy agreed to Turkey's demand to send back Ocalan who is Turkey's most wanted man. ``And very possibly he'll be killed.'' Ocalan was arrested at the Rome airport on Thursday as soon as he stepped off a plane from Moscow , where he had sought asylum after recently fleeing his hideout in Syria. Kurds from across Western Europe have been streaming into Rome to show their support for Ocalan (pronounced Oh-jah-lan), who was arrested Thursday when he stepped off a plane from Moscow. He had been seeking political asylum in Russia after fleeing his hideout in Syria. Kurds from across Western Europe have been streaming into Rome to show their support for Ocalan (pronounced Oh-jah-lan), who was arrested Thursday when he stepped off a plane from Moscow. He had been seeking political asylum in Russia after fleeing his hideout in Syria. A group of more than 100 Kurds began a three-day fast in a downtown Athens square Saturday in support of Ocalan. Within hours of the PKK leader's arrest, Turkey requested his extradition to face a number of terrorism-related charges, which could carry the death penalty. A group of more than 100 Kurds began a three-day fast in a downtown Athens square Saturday in support of Ocalan. Within hours of the PKK leader's arrest, Turkey requested his extradition to face a number of terrorism -related charges, which could carry the death penalty. Turkey has capital punishment, though it says it will soon abolish it. Ocalan is being tried in absentia there on charges that could bring the death penalty. Greek media and officials leveled strong opposition Sunday to the possible extradition of Abdullah Ocalan, the arrested Kurdish guerrilla leader , to Greece's traditional rival Turkey. Facing his first real foreign policy test, Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema must decide what to do with a prominent Kurdish rebel leader who was arrested at the Rome airport on Thursday. A Kurdish rebel group fighting for autonomy in Turkey's southeast faces an uncertain future following the detention in Rome of its founder and leader. Ocalan was arrested at the Rome airport on Thursday as soon as he stepped off a plane from Moscow, where he had sought asylum after recently fleeing his hideout in Syria. He leads the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party , PKK, which has been fighting for Kurdish autonomy in southeastern Turkey since 1984. Thousands of Kurds living in Romania closed down restaurants, shops and companies to protest the arrest of leader Abdullah Ocalan by Italian authorities , a newspaper reported Tuesday. ``We are not terrorists, as we are considered by the Turkish state and its friends,'' said Aihan Dogan, a Kurdish leader. The detention in Italy of Kurdish rebel leader Ocalan prompted widespread protests by Kurds throughout Europe. Greek media and officials leveled strong opposition Sunday to the possible extradition of Abdullah Ocalan, the arrested Kurdish guerrilla leader, to Greece's traditional rival Turkey. Ocalan , whose Kurdistan Workers Party has waged a 14-year war with Turkey for autonomy in southeastern Turkey, is in prison custody in Rome where his arrest was announced Friday. The Italian, Mario Calascibetta, was taken hostage Sunday by a group of inmates affiliated with mob leader Yasar Oz, to push for the return to Turkey of rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan, Turkey's most-wanted man. Ocalan is currently being held in Rome. Turkey stepped up pressure on Italy for the extradition of captured Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan, saying Sunday that granting him asylum would amount to ``opening doors to terrorism.'' Kurds in Italy, Germany, Austria and Romania launched protests and hunger strikes in fervent shows of solidarity with the rebel leader. ``This is an opportunity to find an exit from a bloody conflict.'' Earlier Monday, while members of D'Alema's government met with Turkish officials who were in Rome for a European ministerial meeting, thousands of Kurds flooded into Rome to hold a demonstration and hunger strike in support of Ocalan. Exxon Corp. and Mobil Corp. have held discussions about combining their business operations , a person involved in the talks said Wednesday. Exxon Corp. and Mobil Corp. have held discussions about combining their business operations , a person involved in the talks said Wednesday. News that Exxon and Mobil , two giants in the energy patch, were in merger talks last week is the biggest sign yet that corporate marriages are back in vogue. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said ``the prospects were good'' for completing an agreement. Exxon and Mobil confirmed Friday that they were discussing ways to combine. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said ``the prospects were good'' for completing an agreement. Exxon and Mobil confirmed Friday that they were discussing ways to combine. Exxon and Mobil , the nation's two largest oil companies, confirmed Friday that they were discussing a possible merger , and antitrust lawyers, industry analysts and government officials predicted that any deal would require the sale of important large pieces of such a new corporate behemoth. It was new highs again for the Standard & Poor's 500-stock and Nasdaq composite indexes Friday as anticipation of a new wave of mergers and a general rush by investors to join the equity rebound pushed stocks up. Oil stocks led the way as investors soaked up the news of continuing talks between Exxon and Mobil on a merger that would create the world's largest oil company. The boards of Exxon Corp. and Mobil Corp. are expected to meet Tuesday to consider a possible merger agreement that would form the world's largest oil company , a source close to the negotiations said Friday. But the numbers that matter even more are the ones like 89.9, 88.9, even 81.9, on nearby gas stations _ the lowest prices, after inflation, since the Depression. Which is why Mobil and Exxon are considering combining into the world's largest oil company. But the numbers that matter even more are the ones like 89.9, 88.9, even 81.9, on nearby gas stations _ the lowest prices, after inflation, since the Depression. Which is why Mobil and Exxon are considering combining into the world's largest oil company. Which industries are likely to witness the most mergers? Tom Burnett, director of Merger Insight, an institutional investment advisory firm in New York, says more deals are a certainty in energy, which is suffering from low crude-oil prices. Still, it boggles the mind to accept the notion that hardship is driving profitable Big Oil to either merge, as British Petroleum and Amoco have already agreed to do, or at least to consider the prospect, as Exxon and Mobil are doing. Still , Big Oil and small oil are getting squeezed by low petroleum prices and the high capital costs of exploration. Still, it boggles the mind to accept the notion that hardship is driving profitable Big Oil to either merge, as British Petroleum and Amoco have already agreed to do, or at least to consider the prospect, as Exxon and Mobil are doing. Oil companies of all stripes are getting squeezed by low petroleum prices and the high capital costs of exploration. Any union would reunite two parts of John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Trust, which was broken up by the Supreme Court in 1911. Exxon was then known as Standard Oil of New Jersey , and Mobil consisted of two companies: Standard Oil of New York and Vacuum Oil. Any union would reunite two parts of John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Trust, which was broken up by the Supreme Court in 1911. Exxon was then known as Standard Oil of New Jersey , and Mobil consisted of two companies: Standard Oil of New York and Vacuum Oil. Any union would reunite two parts of John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Trust, which was broken up by the Supreme Court in 1911. Exxon was then known as Standard Oil of New Jersey , and Mobil consisted of two companies: Standard Oil of New York and Vacuum Oil. Consequently, chief executives of most oil companies have had to swallow their pride and look for suitable partners. This summer, British Petroleum announced a $48.2 billion agreement to buy Amoco Corp., creating the world's third-largest oil company and prompting analysts to predict even more widespread consolidation. Consequently, chief executives of most oil companies have had to swallow their pride and look for suitable partners. This summer , British Petroleum announced an agreement to buy Amoco Corp. for $48.2 million, creating the world's third-largest oil company and prompting analysts to predict even more widespread consolidation. Consequently, chief executives of most oil companies have had to swallow their pride and look for suitable partners. This summer, British Petroleum announced an agreement to buy Amoco Corp. for $48.2 million, creating the world's third-largest oil company and prompting analysts to predict even more widespread consolidation. The boards of Exxon Corp. and Mobil Corp. are expected to meet Tuesday to consider a possible merger agreement that would form the world's largest oil company, a source close to the negotiations said Friday. But the mergers and other corporate combinations are also beginning to create a new regulatory climate among antitrust officials, one that may prove particularly challenging to Exxon and Mobil. Although the companies only confirmed that they were discussing the possibility of a merger, a person close to the discussions said the boards of both Exxon and Mobil were expected to meet Tuesday to consider an agreement. Times are tough in the oil patch. Still, it boggles the mind to accept the notion that hardship is driving profitable Big Oil to either merge, as British Petroleum and Amoco have already agreed to do, or at least to consider the prospect, as Exxon and Mobil are doing. Times are tough in the oil patch. Still, it boggles the mind to accept the notion that hardship is driving profitable Big Oil to either merge, as British Petroleum and Amoco have already agreed to do, or at least to consider the prospect, as Exxon and Mobil are doing. It was unclear Wednesday whether talks were continuing. If the companies were to merge, it would create the largest U.S. company in terms of revenue. It was unclear Wednesday whether talks were continuing. If the companies were to merge, it would create the largest U.S. company in terms of revenue. It was unclear Wednesday whether talks were continuing. If the companies were to merge , it would create the largest U.S. company in terms of revenue. It was unclear Wednesday whether talks were continuing. If the companies were to merge , it would create the largest U.S. company in terms of revenue. Exxon was then known as Standard Oil of New Jersey, and Mobil consisted of two companies: Standard Oil of New York and Vacuum Oil. As oil prices have plummeted to levels last seen in the mid-1980s, oil companies have been under pressure to cut costs. In energy as in businesses like financial services, telecommunications and automobiles, global competition and technology have made unthinkable combinations practical, even necessary. Oil companies like Exxon Corp. and Mobil Corp. have an additional pressure , one unthinkable less than two decades ago. House Speaker-elect Robert L. Livingston presented a fresh note of shock to the impeachment debate against President Clinton on Thursday night as the Republican leader was forced to admit to his Republican colleagues that he had carried on adulterous affairs in his past. House Speaker-elect Robert L. Livingston presented a fresh note of shock to the impeachment debate against President Clinton on Thursday night as the Republican leader was forced to admit to his Republican colleagues that he had carried on adulterous affairs in his past. Rep. Bob Livingston , who confessed to his colleagues Thursday night that he had had adulterous affairs , stunned the House chamber Saturday morning by saying in the impeachment debate on President Clinton that he would not serve as speaker and would quit Congress in six months. Rep. Bob Livingston, who confessed to his colleagues Thursday night that he had had adulterous affairs, stunned the House chamber Saturday morning by saying in the impeachment debate on President Clinton that he would not serve as speaker and would quit Congress in six months. In the toxic politics of century's end in Washington, the inconceivable has become the commonplace. The wholly unanticipated announcement Saturday morning by Rep. Robert Livingston, R-La., that he would not serve as speaker and would resign from Congress, following his equally unanticipated disclosure on Thursday night of several extramarital affairs, only deepened the capital's profound sense of insecurity. There were hardly enough shorthand terms or split screens to cover the activity. All the networks and cable channels carried the moment that unexpectedly set the tone, as Livingston, a Louisiana Republican, announced during the debate that he would not become House speaker. In lauding Livingston's move, DeLay said, ``He understood what this debate was all about _ it's about honor and decency and integrity and the truth, everything we honor in this country.'' But Democrats said they were aghast, and many _ including Clinton _ called on Livingston to reconsider his decision. He called on the country to distinguish between sins and crimes. White House press secretary Joe Lockhart said Clinton was ``disappointed'' at the news of Livingston's plans and wished that he would reconsider. His spokesman, Joe Lockhart, said, ``The president has no intention of resigning.'' By calling on Livingston to reconsider , the president argued more broadly against resignation under fire. Livingston was unavailable to reporters Friday. He spent some time Friday morning sprawled in a chair in the back of the House chamber, listening to the debate over whether to impeach Clinton for lying about his own sexual indiscretions. Bob Livingston, the incoming speaker of the House, took no public role Friday as the debate unfolded on whether to impeach President Clinton. Rep. Bob Livingston , who confessed to his colleagues Thursday night that he had had adulterous affairs, stunned the House chamber Saturday morning by saying in the impeachment debate on President Clinton that he would not serve as speaker and would quit Congress in six months. But even before the vote, Republicans pressed another line of attack, demanding Clinton's resignation. Rep. Robert Livingston , nominated for speaker last month by his party, startled the House when he announced he would not run for speaker and would resign from the House after 21 years of service. Rejecting a last-minute Democratic attempt to soften its action to censure, the House of Representatives moved to impeach President William Jefferson Clinton for perjury on Saturday and to call on the Senate to try him , convict him and remove him from office. Rejecting a last-minute Democratic attempt to soften its action to censure, the House of Representatives moved to impeach President William Jefferson Clinton for perjury on Saturday and to call on the Senate to try him, convict him and remove him from office. But he attempted to draw a contrast with the allegations against the president, asserting: ``I want to assure everyone that these indiscretions were not with employees on my staff and I have never been asked to testify under oath about them.'' The disclosure of the speaker-elect's marital infidelities, disclosed in ``Rollcall,'' a Capitol Hill newspaper, sent a new jolt of uncertainty among lawmakers as they prepared for the momentous debate over the president's admitted misbehavior in office and whether he should be impeached and tried by the Senate. But at the White House, where calls for Clinton's resignation are derided as a Republican strategy, the president sent a spokesman into the driveway to urge Livingston to reconsider his resignation. Livingston stood in the well of the House he has served for two decades and called on Clinton to resign his office rather than force a trial in the Senate , drawing boos from his colleagues and cat-calls that he should quit instead. But at the White House, where calls for Clinton's resignation are derided as a Republican strategy, the president sent a spokesman into the driveway to urge Livingston to reconsider his resignation. Livingston stood in the well of the House he has served for two decades and called on Clinton to resign his office rather than force a trial in the Senate , drawing boos from his colleagues and cat-calls that he should quit instead. On Saturday morning, we had the surreal, shocking, bizarre, split-screen image of Bob Livingston, the speaker-elect, stepping down after his marital infidelities were revealed. ``We are all pawns on the chessboard,'' Livingston said , before asking the president to resign and then resigning himself. Rejecting a last-minute Democratic attempt to soften its action to censure, the House of Representatives moved to impeach President William Jefferson Clinton for perjury on Saturday and to call on the Senate to try him, convict him and remove him from office. Rejecting a last-minute Democratic attempt to soften its action to censure, the House of Representatives moved to impeach President William Jefferson Clinton for perjury on Saturday and to call on the Senate to try him, convict him and remove him from office. Endeavour and its astronauts closed in Sunday to capture the first piece of the international space station, the Russian-made Zarya control module that had to be connected to the Unity chamber aboard the shuttle. Endeavour's astronauts connected the first two building blocks of the international space station on Sunday, creating a seven-story tower in the shuttle cargo bay. It was the first time that the Russian-built Zarya control module and the made-in-America Unity chamber had ever touched. Endeavour's astronauts connected the first two building blocks of the international space station on Sunday, creating a seven-story tower in the shuttle cargo bay. It was the first time that the Russian-built Zarya control module and the made-in-America Unity chamber had ever touched. Endeavour's astronauts connected the first two building blocks of the international space station on Sunday, creating a seven-story tower in the shuttle cargo bay. It was the first time that the Russian-built Zarya control module and the made-in-America Unity chamber had ever touched. Endeavour's astronauts connected the first two building blocks of the international space station on Sunday, creating a seven-story tower in the shuttle cargo bay. It was the first time that the Russian-built Zarya control module and the made-in-America Unity chamber had ever touched. 1 priority was to attach two 100-pound antennas to Unity, the American-made side of the space station. Their other job, time permitting, was trickier: trying to open a stuck antenna on Zarya, the Russian -built control module. A Russian Proton booster rocket carried the first part of the international space station into orbit Friday , heralding the start of a new era in international space colonization. A Russian Proton booster rocket carried the first part of the international space station into orbit Friday, heralding the start of a new era in international space colonization. ``We still have some contradictions, we still have combat missiles aimed at each other, but the predominant trend is the state of cooperation and doing things together,'' said Yuri Semyonov of Russia's Energia space company. The 12.4-meter (41.2-feet) Zarya, or Sunrise, was launched by a three-stage Proton booster rocket. The first piece of the international space station was orbiting Earth Friday, sprouting antennae and unfolding solar power panels as it awaited other segments, which will eventually grow into the largest orbital laboratory in history. The module, called Zarya from the Russian term meaning sunrise or dawn, took a flawless ride into space atop a three-stage Russian Proton booster rocket that lifted off at 1:40 a.m. Eastern time from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The first part of the international space station was smoothly orbiting Earth on Friday after a faultless launch that marked the start of a new age in space exploration and colonization. A Russian Proton booster rocket carried the module into its initial orbit 200 kilometers (125 miles) above the Earth and the unit was operating as planned, officials said. Zarya, built in Russia with $240 million from the United States, is to be joined in two weeks by the first American module, a docking hub called Unity. The space shuttle Endeavour is to take off on Dec. 3 to rendezvous with Zarya and attach the two units. Zarya, built in Russia with $240 million from the United States, is to be joined in two weeks by the first American module, a docking hub called Unity. The space shuttle Endeavour is to take off on Dec. 3 to rendezvous with Zarya and attach the two units. A Russian Proton booster rocket carried the module into its initial orbit 200 kilometers (125 miles) above the Earth and the unit was operating as planned, officials said. Russia's Zarya, or Sunrise, module is to fly alone for two weeks before a rendezvous with the American space shuttle Endeavour , which is to be launched Dec. 3 carrying the Unity connecting module. Zarya is to serve as a space tugboat in the early stages of the international project, providing propulsion, power and communications. It will fly alone for two weeks before a rendezvous with the American space shuttle Endeavour , which is to be launched Dec. 3 carrying the Unity connecting module. NASA will consider ideas for salvaging Mir's research equipment to use on the international space station, he said, but only if it does not interfere with assembling the new station. The United States and 15 other nations plan to begin building the new station in orbit next week when the Russians launch a module that will supply power and propulsion during the early stages of the five-year construction period. The 12.4-meter (41.2-feet) Zarya, or Sunrise, was launched by a three-stage Proton booster rocket. Zarya is designed to serve as a space tugboat in the early stages of the project, providing propulsion, power and communications. The 12.4-meter (41.2-feet) Zarya, or Sunrise, was launched by a three-stage Proton booster rocket. Zarya is designed to serve as a space tugboat in the early stages of the project, providing propulsion, power and communications. The bigger worry, by far, was over Endeavour's pursuit and capture of Zarya, and its coupling with Unity. The shuttle's 50-foot robot arm had never before been assigned to handle an object as massive as the 44,000-pound Zarya, a power and propulsion module that was launched from Kazakhstan on Nov. 20. Endeavour and its astronauts closed in Sunday to capture the first piece of the international space station , the Russian-made Zarya control module that had to be connected to the Unity chamber aboard the shuttle. Endeavour's astronauts connected the first two building blocks of the international space station on Sunday , creating a seven-story tower in the shuttle cargo bay. Endeavour's astronauts connected the first two building blocks of the international space station on Sunday , creating a seven-story tower in the shuttle cargo bay. The mood at the launch pad was tense before the launch, with space officials and workers anxiously making last-minute checks to ensure there were no problems. Solar power panels on the module were successfully deployed shortly after it reached its first orbit and all systems were working normally, officials said. The first piece of the international space station was orbiting Earth Friday, sprouting antennae and unfolding solar power panels as it awaited other segments, which will eventually grow into the largest orbital laboratory in history. The first part of the international space station was smoothly orbiting Earth on Friday after a faultless launch that marked the start of a new age in space exploration and colonization. It is due to be completed by 2004. The station will weigh 500 tons (more than a million pounds) and is expected to cost at least dlrs 40 billion , with the United States planning to pay dlrs 21 billion. The module, called Zarya from the Russian term meaning sunrise or dawn, took a flawless ride into space atop a three-stage Russian Proton booster rocket that lifted off at 1:40 a.m. Eastern time from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launching was witnessed by the heads of the space agencies of the 16 nations that are sponsoring the station, which will cost at least $40 billion to build over the next five years. The module, called Zarya from the Russian term meaning sunrise or dawn, took a flawless ride into space atop a three-stage Russian Proton booster rocket that lifted off at 1:40 a.m. Eastern time from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The launching was witnessed by the heads of the space agencies of the 16 nations that are sponsoring the station, which will cost at least $40 billion to build over the next five years. It will serve as an orbital home for visiting astronauts and cosmonauts for up to 20 years. Zarya is to fly alone for two weeks before a rendezvous with the American space shuttle Endeavor, which is to be launched Dec. 3 carrying the Unity connecting module. A Russian Proton booster rocket carried the module into its initial orbit 200 kilometers (125 miles) above the Earth and the unit was operating as planned, officials said. Russia's Zarya, or Sunrise, module is to fly alone for two weeks before a rendezvous with the American space shuttle Endeavour, which is to be launched Dec. 3 carrying the Unity connecting module. Zarya is to serve as a space tugboat in the early stages of the international project, providing propulsion, power and communications. It will fly alone for two weeks before a rendezvous with the American space shuttle Endeavour, which is to be launched Dec. 3 carrying the Unity connecting module. I would like to knock on wood, which is rather common in the Russian tradition,'' said Alexander Krasnov, a deputy chief of Russian Space Agency's manned flight department. The station , involving 16 nations with the United States and Russia playing the biggest roles, will consist of more than 100 elements that will take 45 assembly flights to complete. ``Success,'' shouted one exultant official some 10 minutes after the giant rocket blasted off and entered orbit. The heads of the space agencies of 16 nations participating in the project watched the lift-off from a distance of about 5 kilometers (3 miles). NASA estimates 43 more launches and 159 more spacewalks will be needed after this mission to assemble the entire orbiting complex. Once completed, the 16-nation space station will have a mass of 1 million pounds, be longer than a football field , and house up to seven astronauts and cosmonauts. Russian space experts were making final preparations Thursday at the Baikonur rocket base to launch the first component of a multibillion dollar international space station after a year of delay. Solar power panels on the module were successfully deployed shortly after it reached its first orbit and all systems were working normally, officials said. The launch of the Russian cargo module, which had been delayed for more than a year , ushers in a new era of cooperation among former space-race rivals. ``Countries that have progressive policies should not be penalized, they should be given incentives,'' Gama added in reference to Latin American nations' efforts to modernize their economies. Brazil , the continent's largest economy and a potential bulwark against creeping recession, is waiting for news of a dlrs 30 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund. To halt Brazil's slide toward recession, Cardoso is preparing austerity measures including spending cuts, tax hikes and lower interest rates. The reforms would help Brazil qualify for an International Monetary Fund rescue package estimated at dlrs 30 billion. Brazil and the International Monetary Fund moved closer Tuesday to agreement on an expected dlrs 30 billion rescue package for the world's ninth-largest economy. It is believed to include a spate of new taxes on fuel, income, personal fortunes and bank transactions. The plan is part of a deal with the International Monetary Fund for a rescue package estimated at dlrs 30 billion. It is believed to include a spate of new taxes on fuel, income, personal fortunes and bank transactions. The plan is part of a deal with the International Monetary Fund for a rescue package estimated at dlrs 30 billion. Brazil is Latin America's biggest economy and the eighth-largest in the world, and its economic collapse could take the rest of the continent with it. To halt Brazil's slide toward recession, Cardoso is preparing austerity measures including spending cuts, tax hikes and lower interest rates. Curi predicted even harsher times for Brazil with the belt-tightening austerity package newly re-elected President Fernando Henrique Cardoso is expected to announce Tuesday. The measures, aimed at curbing the country's ballooning budget deficit _ equal to about 7 percent of gross domestic product _ are expected to include spending cuts and, possibly, more taxes. Despite the re-election of Fernando Henrique Cardoso for a second term as president and the announcement Oct. 8 that Brazil and the IMF had agreed on the broad outlines of a financial assistance package, investors continued to withdraw large sums of money from Brazil. Cardoso is preparing an emergency program of budget cuts to restore investor confidence and prevent a devaluation of the country's currency. Sure, it's not much when compared with a deficit of some dlrs 65 billion, or 7 percent of economic output. But as Cardoso readies a package of spending cuts and tax increases , he clearly wants to show Brazilians that economy starts at home. President Fernando Henrique Cardoso's efforts to repair the largest economy in Latin America may depend on the outcome of this weekend's gubernatorial elections. Cardoso wants to impose tough measures that would slash government spending and impose new taxes to try to halt the slide in Brazil's economy and restore investor confidence. The plan is part of a deal with the International Monetary Fund for a rescue package estimated at dlrs 30 billion. The money would strengthen and, hopefully, restore investor confidence in the world's ninth-largest economy, now at the center of the financial crisis buffeting developing nations for more than a year. The plan is part of a deal with the International Monetary Fund for a rescue package estimated at dlrs 30 billion. The money would strengthen and, hopefully, restore investor confidence in the world's ninth-largest economy, now at the center of the financial crisis buffeting developing nations for more than a year. The plan is part of a deal with the International Monetary Fund for a rescue package estimated at dlrs 30 billion. The money would strengthen and, hopefully, restore investor confidence in the world's ninth-largest economy, now at the center of the financial crisis buffeting developing nations for more than a year. The plan is part of a deal with the International Monetary Fund for a rescue package estimated at dlrs 30 billion. The money would strengthen and, hopefully, restore investor confidence in the world's ninth-largest economy, now at the center of the financial crisis buffeting developing nations for more than a year. Protecting their economies from the spreading economic turmoil, which is affecting more countries than at any time since the early 1980s, is key to world economic stability, he said. Brazil is Latin America's biggest economy and the eighth-largest in the world, and its economic collapse could take the rest of the continent with it. Because of Brazil's enormous deficits, the collapse of emerging markets has hit the nation particularly hard, draining foreign currency reserves and pushing the economy toward recession. Finance officials in Washington and around the world fear that a collapse of Brazil, because of its size and links to other economies, would worsen financial instability throughout the hemisphere. Because of Brazil's enormous deficits, the collapse of emerging markets has hit the nation particularly hard, draining foreign currency reserves and pushing the economy toward recession. Finance officials in Washington and around the world fear that a collapse of Brazil , because of its size and links to other economies , would worsen financial instability throughout the hemisphere. Finance officials in Washington and around the world fear that a collapse of Brazil, because of its size and links to other economies, would worsen financial instability throughout the hemisphere. With 160 million people, Brazil represents the world's ninth-largest economy and is the financial engine of Latin America. The plan is part of a deal with the International Monetary Fund for a rescue package estimated at dlrs 30 billion. The money would strengthen and, hopefully, restore investor confidence in the world's ninth-largest economy , now at the center of the financial crisis buffeting developing nations for more than a year. The plan is part of a deal with the International Monetary Fund for a rescue package estimated at dlrs 30 billion. The money would strengthen and, hopefully, restore investor confidence in the world's ninth-largest economy , now at the center of the financial crisis buffeting developing nations for more than a year. Factories that produce clothes, shoes, food, toys and household appliances were ``the most enthusiastic about the idea,'' Curi said. Curi predicted even harsher times for Brazil with the belt-tightening austerity package newly re -elected President Fernando Henrique Cardoso is expected to announce Tuesday. Factories that produce clothes, shoes, food, toys and household appliances were ``the most enthusiastic about the idea,'' Curi said. Curi predicted even harsher times for Brazil with the belt -tightening austerity package newly re-elected President Fernando Henrique Cardoso is expected to announce Tuesday. Factories that produce clothes, shoes, food, toys and household appliances were ``the most enthusiastic about the idea,'' Curi said. Curi predicted even harsher times for Brazil with the belt-tightening austerity package newly re -elected President Fernando Henrique Cardoso is expected to announce Tuesday. To halt Brazil's slide toward recession, Cardoso is preparing austerity measures including spending cuts, tax hikes and lower interest rates. The reforms would help Brazil qualify for an International Monetary Fund rescue package estimated at dlrs 30 billion. It is believed to include a spate of new taxes on fuel, income, personal fortunes and bank transactions. The plan is part of a deal with the International Monetary Fund for a rescue package estimated at dlrs 30 billion. It is believed to include a spate of new taxes on fuel, income, personal fortunes and bank transactions. The plan is part of a deal with the International Monetary Fund for a rescue package estimated at dlrs 30 billion. There's no such thing as a free lunch any longer in Brazil, President Fernando Henrique Cardoso is telling government workers. There's no such thing as a free lunch any longer in Brazil, President Fernando Henrique Cardoso is telling government workers. The United States is preparing to commit U.S. taxpayer funds as part of a lending program of at least $30 billion to try to insulate Brazil, and with it the rest of Latin America, from the worst effects of the financial turmoil circling the globe, according to U.S. and foreign officials assembling the program. The United States is preparing to commit U.S. taxpayer funds as part of a lending program of at least $30 billion to try to insulate Brazil , and with it the rest of Latin America, from the worst effects of the financial turmoil circling the globe, according to U.S. and foreign officials assembling the program. The savings at the palace could come to nearly dlrs 145,000 a month, said Nilson Rebello, chief administrator of the president's office. Cardoso , under pressure to repair an economy battered by the world financial turmoil , is expected to unveil the full scope of his deficit-cutting plan next week. President Fernando Henrique Cardoso 's efforts to repair the largest economy in Latin America may depend on the outcome of this weekend's gubernatorial elections. North Korea has agreed to receive a U.S. delegation next month to discuss American concerns about the construction of a vast underground complex that is widely feared to house a nuclear weapons program , the State Department said on Wednesday. North Korea has demanded that the United States pay hundreds of millions of dollars for the right to inspect a huge underground center that U.S. intelligence analysts fear houses a nuclear-weapons program , Clinton administration officials said Wednesday. Before leaving Washington for this five-day trip to Japan, Korea and Guam, he drew a parallel between the governments of Iraq and North Korea, saying, ``We must be no less concerned by North Korea's weapons activities.'' The Clinton administration is urgently seeking to inspect a vast construction site in North Korea that it believes may be the beginnings of a nuclear weapons plant. North Korea typically sends out belligerent rhetoric, especially when it enters high-stake talks with Washington. The United States and North Korea are set to resume talks Friday about inspections of an underground North Korean site suspected of being used to produce nuclear weapons. North Korea typically sends out belligerent rhetoric, especially when it enters high-stake talks with Washington. The United States and North Korea are set to resume talks Friday about inspections of an underground North Korean site suspected of being used to produce nuclear weapons. North Korea typically sends out belligerent rhetoric, especially when it enters high-stake talks with Washington. The United States and North Korea are set to resume talks Friday about inspections of an underground North Korean site suspected of being used to produce nuclear weapons. Economics and security are Clinton's twin themes on a five-day Asia trip that began in Japan. Clinton acknowledged that U.S. intelligence officials are not yet certain that the underground construction project in North Korea is nuclear related. Economics and security are Clinton's twin themes on a five-day Asia trip that began in Japan. Clinton acknowledged that U.S. intelligence officials are not yet certain that the underground construction project in North Korea is nuclear related. Economics and security are Clinton's twin themes on a five-day Asia trip that began in Japan. Clinton acknowledged that U.S. intelligence officials are not yet certain that the suspicious underground construction project in North Korea is nuclear related. Economics and security are Clinton's twin themes on a five-day Asia trip that began in Japan. Clinton acknowledged that U.S. intelligence officials are not yet certain that the suspicious underground construction project in North Korea is nuclear related. Economics and security are Clinton's twin themes on a five-day Asia trip that began in Japan. Clinton acknowledged that U.S. intelligence officials are not yet certain that the suspicious underground construction project in North Korea is nuclear related. The United States has said it suspects the construction is nuclear-related, though it has no evidence. North Korea has denied it. American officials have said spy satellites have recently photographed thousands of North Koreans around the huge site 25 miles northeast of Yongbyon, the nuclear center where North Korea was believed to have stockpiled enough plutonium before the 1994 accords to build six or more bombs. Although they have not explained exactly why the government is building the complex, North Korean officials have denied that it would be used to develop nuclear weapons. Other administration officials said the fee would have been hundreds of millions of dollars; one put it at $300 million. The North Koreans have denied that the complex, which is being built on a mountainside about 25 miles northeast of Yongbyon, the former North Korean nuclear research center, is intended to be used for a nuclear weapons program. The Clinton administration fears that the construction site may be evidence that North Korea has abandoned a 1994 pledge to the United States to give up its nuclear weapons program in exchange for billions of dollars in aid. The North Koreans have denied that the complex is intended to help build nuclear weapons. The talks in Pyongyang, the capital, he added, ``are aimed at completely satisfying U.S. concerns about the suspect construction.'' American intelligence agencies fear that building the complex could be an effort to break out of a four-year-old pact in which North Korea pledged to give up its nuclear-weapons program in exchange for billions of dollars in aid from the United States, South Korea and Japan. Kim, who has moved South Korea to a ``sunshine'' policy of engaging North Korea on cultural and economic fronts, was firm in saying his government supports Clinton on the nuclear issue. In meetings this week in Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, U.S. officials were rebuffed in their request to see the suspicious site, which American intelligence officials fear could be a secret effort to revive the North's nuclear weapons program. Kim, who has moved South Korea to a ``sunshine'' policy of engaging North Korea on cultural and economic fronts, was firm in saying his government supports Clinton on the nuclear issue. In meetings this week in Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, U.S. officials were rebuffed in their request to see the suspicious site , which American intelligence officials fear could be a secret effort to revive the North's nuclear weapons program. Clinton acknowledged that U.S. intelligence officials are not yet certain that the suspicious underground construction project in North Korea is nuclear related. But he said the North risks closing the door on cooperation if it refuses a U.S. inspection of the site. Clinton acknowledged that U.S. intelligence officials are not yet certain that the underground construction project in North Korea is nuclear related. But he said the North risks closing the door on cooperation if it refuses a U.S. inspection of the site. Clinton acknowledged that U.S. intelligence officials are not yet certain that the suspicious underground construction project in North Korea is nuclear related. But he said the North risks closing the door on cooperation if it refuses a U.S. inspection of the site. A South Korean lawmaker said Friday communist North Korea could be producing plutonium and could have more secret underground nuclear facilities than already feared. A South Korean lawmaker said Friday communist North Korea could be producing plutonium and could have more secret underground nuclear facilities than already feared. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) _ U.S. President Bill Clinton won South Korea's support Saturday for confronting North Korea over a suspected nuclear site , and he warned the North's communist leaders not to squander a chance to achieve lasting peace on the peninsula. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) _ U.S. President Bill Clinton won South Korea's support Saturday for confronting North Korea over a suspected nuclear site , and he warned the North's communist leaders not to squander an historic chance to make a lasting peace on the peninsula. North Korea has demanded that the United States pay hundreds of millions of dollars for the right to inspect a huge underground center that U.S. intelligence analysts fear houses a nuclear-weapons program, Clinton administration officials said Wednesday. The North Koreans have denied that the complex is intended to help build nuclear weapons. But they have demanded that the United States pay $300 million to inspect it, a request rejected this week by a U.S. delegation to Pyongyang , the North Korean capital. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) _ U.S. President Bill Clinton won South Korea's support Saturday for confronting North Korea over a suspected nuclear site, and he warned the North's communist leaders not to squander a chance to achieve lasting peace on the peninsula. President Kim Dae-jung , appearing with Clinton at a news conference, pledged to ``spare no effort in supporting the U.S. endeavor'' to resolve the nuclear question. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) _ U.S. President Bill Clinton won South Korea's support Saturday for confronting North Korea over a suspected nuclear site, and he warned the North's communist leaders not to squander an historic chance to make a lasting peace on the peninsula. President Kim Dae-jung , appearing with Clinton at a news conference, pledged that his government would ``spare no effort in supporting the U.S. endeavor'' to resolve the nuclear question. President Kim Dae-jung, appearing with Clinton at a news conference, pledged to ``spare no effort in supporting the U.S. endeavor'' to resolve the nuclear question. He called for full access for U.S. inspectors at a North Korean underground facility and said the North must not develop missiles. President Kim Dae-jung, appearing with Clinton at a news conference, pledged that his government would ``spare no effort in supporting the U.S. endeavor'' to resolve the nuclear question. He called for full access for U.S. inspectors at a North Korean underground facility and said the North must constrain its development and exports of missiles. If the group endorses D'Amato, said officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the endorsement would be based on three major factors: The group tends to favor incumbents, has been searching for allies among the Senate Republican majority and considers D'Amato's recent record on gay issues to be quite strong. An endorsement by the group , which is held in high regard by many gay and lesbian voters, could prove important in swinging voters to D'Amato in a tight race. If the group endorses D'Amato, said officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the endorsement would be based on three major factors: The group tends to favor incumbents, has been searching for allies among the Senate Republican majority and considers D'Amato's recent record on gay issues to be quite strong. An endorsement by the group , which is held in high regard by many gay and lesbian voters, could prove important in swinging voters to D'Amato in a tight race. If the group endorses D'Amato, said officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the endorsement would be based on three major factors: The group tends to favor incumbents, has been searching for allies among the Senate Republican majority and considers D'Amato's recent record on gay issues to be quite strong. An endorsement by the group , which is held in high regard by many gay and lesbian voters, could prove important in swinging voters to D'Amato in a tight race. If the group endorses D'Amato, said officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the endorsement would be based on three major factors: The group tends to favor incumbents, has been searching for allies among the Senate Republican majority and considers D'Amato's recent record on gay issues to be quite strong. An endorsement by the group , which is held in high regard by many gay and lesbian voters, could prove important in swinging voters to D'Amato in a tight race. They also raised the possibility that the group would endorse both candidates, or remain neutral. If the group endorses D'Amato , said officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the endorsement would be based on three major factors: The group tends to favor incumbents, has been searching for allies among the Senate Republican majority and considers D'Amato's recent record on gay issues to be quite strong. ``There is sentiment in the community that if the Republicans get 60 votes, that Trent Lott will basically be in charge politically for the next two years,'' said David Mixner, a close friend of President Clinton's who is gay. He was referring to the Senate majority leader , who has called homosexuality a sin and likened it to kleptomania. ``There is sentiment in the community that if the Republicans get 60 votes, that Trent Lott will basically be in charge politically for the next two years,'' said David Mixner, a close friend of President Clinton's who is gay. He was referring to the Senate majority leader, who has called homosexuality a sin and likened it to kleptomania. ``There is sentiment in the community that if the Republicans get 60 votes, that Trent Lott will basically be in charge politically for the next two years,'' said David Mixner, a close friend of President Clinton's who is gay. He was referring to the Senate majority leader , who has called homosexuality a sin and likened it to kleptomania. ``There is sentiment in the community that if the Republicans get 60 votes, that Trent Lott will basically be in charge politically for the next two years,'' said David Mixner, a close friend of President Clinton's who is gay. He was referring to the Senate majority leader, who has called homosexuality a sin and likened it to kleptomania. Sen. Alfonse D'Amato, the New York Republican who is running for re-election , went to Manhattan's Grand Central Terminal the other morning to accept an award from mass-transit advocates. They said they would probably make an endorsement by Friday. But privately, organization officials and gay activists from both parties who have been monitoring the debate say the group is most likely to endorse D'Amato, a Republican seeking his fourth term. They said they would probably make an endorsement by Friday. But privately, organization officials and gay activists from both parties who have been monitoring the debate say the group is most likely to endorse D'Amato, a Republican seeking his fourth term. White House officials and gay Democrats , concerned that the nation's largest gay and lesbian political organization is about to endorse Sen. Alfonse D'Amato for re-election, are intensely lobbying the group to try to shift its support to the Democratic challenger , Rep. Charles Schumer. Although the Human Rights Campaign is bipartisan, it has been very close to the Clinton administration, has many Democrats on its board and receives much of its money from Democratic contributors. Largely because of the group's strong Democratic ties, gay Democrats, New York liberals and White House officials are infuriated that it is even considering endorsing D'Amato , who also runs on the Right to Life and Conservative Party lines and often receives high ratings from the Christian Coalition, which typically opposes legislation on civil rights for gay people. White House officials and gay Democrats , concerned that the nation's largest gay and lesbian political organization is about to endorse Sen. Alfonse D'Amato for re-election, are intensely lobbying the group to try to shift its support to the Democratic challenger , Rep. Charles Schumer. Publicly, officials in the organization, the Human Rights Campaign, said they were still deliberating their position in the closely watched race, considered among the tightest in the nation. They said they would probably make an endorsement by Friday. Publicly, officials in the organization, the Human Rights Campaign, said they were still deliberating their position in the closely watched race, considered among the tightest in the nation. They said they would probably make an endorsement by Friday. Publicly, officials in the organization, the Human Rights Campaign, said they were still deliberating their position in the closely watched race, considered among the tightest in the nation. They said they would probably make an endorsement by Friday. The last time George Voinovich ran for office, he won re-election as Ohio's governor with 72 percent of the vote, stunning even his most optimistic supporters and setting a 20th-century record for victory margins in Ohio politics. This year, Voinovich, a Republican who is barred from seeking a third term , is running again, this time for the Senate seat held by John Glenn, a Democrat who is retiring. The last time George Voinovich ran for office, he won re-election as Ohio's governor with 72 percent of the vote, stunning even his most optimistic supporters and setting a 20th-century record for victory margins in Ohio politics. This year, Voinovich, a Republican who is barred from seeking a third term , is running again, this time for the Senate seat held by John Glenn, a Democrat who is retiring. The last time George Voinovich ran for office, he won re-election as Ohio's governor with 72 percent of the vote, stunning even his most optimistic supporters and setting a 20th-century record for victory margins in Ohio politics. This year, Voinovich, a Republican who is barred from seeking a third term, is running again, this time for the Senate seat held by John Glenn, a Democrat who is retiring. The last time George Voinovich ran for office, he won re-election as Ohio's governor with 72 percent of the vote, stunning even his most optimistic supporters and setting a 20th-century record for victory margins in Ohio politics. This year, Voinovich, a Republican who is barred from seeking a third term, is running again, this time for the Senate seat held by John Glenn, a Democrat who is retiring. And while there are few who expect Voinovich to repeat his electoral benchmark of four years ago, politicians of both parties generally acknowledge that he is well positioned to increase the Republican majority in the Senate. That has not prevented Voinovich's Democratic opponent, Mary Boyle , from undertaking a vigorous campaign. Glenn, the former astronaut who is preparing to return to space this month at the age of 77, has not made an endorsement in the Senate race. Like many candidates this year, Ms. Boyle , 55, is campaigning hard on the issue of education, seeking to portray Voinovich, 61, as a lackluster steward who allowed the state's schools to decline. They also raised the possibility that the group would endorse both candidates, or remain neutral. If the group endorses D'Amato, said officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the endorsement would be based on three major factors: The group tends to favor incumbents , has been searching for allies among the Senate Republican majority and considers D'Amato's recent record on gay issues to be quite strong. They also raised the possibility that the group would endorse both candidates, or remain neutral. If the group endorses D'Amato, said officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the endorsement would be based on three major factors: The group tends to favor incumbents , has been searching for allies among the Senate Republican majority and considers D'Amato's recent record on gay issues to be quite strong. They also raised the possibility that the group would endorse both candidates, or remain neutral. If the group endorses D'Amato, said officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the endorsement would be based on three major factors: The group tends to favor incumbents, has been searching for allies among the Senate Republican majority and considers D'Amato's recent record on gay issues to be quite strong. They also raised the possibility that the group would endorse both candidates, or remain neutral. If the group endorses D'Amato, said officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the endorsement would be based on three major factors: The group tends to favor incumbents, has been searching for allies among the Senate Republican majority and considers D'Amato's recent record on gay issues to be quite strong. The Yugoslav war crimes tribunal Monday acquitted a Muslim military commander of war crimes against Bosnian Serb prisoners in 1992 , but convicted three underlings in the first U.N. case dealing with anti-Serb atrocities. The Yugoslav war crimes tribunal Monday acquitted a Muslim military commander of war crimes against Bosnian Serb prisoners in 1992, but convicted three underlings in the first U.N. case dealing with anti-Serb atrocities. The Yugoslav war crimes tribunal cleared Zejnil Delalic , a Muslim, of responsibility for war crimes committed against Serb captives at a Bosnian government-run prison camp under his command. The Yugoslav war crimes tribunal Monday acquitted a Muslim commander of war crimes against Bosnian Serb prisoners in 1992 , but convicted three underlings in the first U.N. case dealing with anti-Serb atrocities. The Yugoslav war crimes tribunal Monday acquitted a Muslim commander of war crimes against Bosnian Serb prisoners in 1992, but convicted three underlings in the first U.N. case dealing with anti-Serb atrocities. The Yugoslav war crimes tribunal cleared Zejnil Delalic , a Muslim, of responsibility for war crimes committed against Serb captives at a Bosnian government-run prison camp under his command. In its first case to deal with atrocities against Serbs during Bosnia's civil war, a U.N. war crimes tribunal on Monday convicted three prison officials and guards, but acquitted a top military commander who oversaw the facility. The Yugoslav war crimes tribunal cleared Cmndr. The Yugoslav war crimes tribunal Monday acquitted a Muslim military commander of war crimes against Bosnian Serb prisoners in 1992, but convicted three underlings in the first U.N. case dealing with anti-Serb atrocities. The Yugoslav war crimes tribunal cleared Zejnil Delalic, a Muslim, of responsibility for war crimes committed against Serb captives at a Bosnian government-run prison camp under his command. The Yugoslav war crimes tribunal Monday acquitted a Muslim commander of war crimes against Bosnian Serb prisoners in 1992, but convicted three underlings in the first U.N. case dealing with anti-Serb atrocities. The Yugoslav war crimes tribunal cleared Zejnil Delalic, a Muslim, of responsibility for war crimes committed against Serb captives at a Bosnian government-run prison camp under his command. The Yugoslav war crimes tribunal cleared Cmndr. Zejnil Delalic, of the Bosnian Muslim Army, of responsibility for war crimes committed at a government-run prison camp under his overall command. Hundreds of people gathered at Sarajevo airport on Saturday to welcome Zejnil Delalic, who was cleared of war crimes charges earlier this week after spending 980 days in jail of the international war crimes tribunal in The Hague. Delalic, a Muslim, was cleared of charges of war crimes committed in 1992 against Serb prisoners in the Muslim-led Bosnian Army prison camp Celebici near his hometown of Konjic. Prosecutor Grant Niemann said he would appeal Delalic's acquittal, and asked judges to keep him in custody pending the outcome of the appeal. The U.N. court convicted camp commander Zdravko Mucic, a Croat, of 11 war crimes and grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions because he oversaw guards who murdered nine Serbs and tortured six. Prosecutor Grant Niemann said he would appeal Delalic's acquittal, and asked judges to keep him in custody pending the outcome of the appeal. The U.N. court convicted camp commander Zdravko Mucic, a Croat, of 11 war crimes and grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions because he oversaw guards who murdered nine Serbs and tortured six. During the trial _ the tribunal's longest to date involving 122 witnesses _ survivors described the campaign of terror unleashed against Serbs in the area. Inmates at the Celebici prison camp were beaten to death by guards wielding baseball bats, wooden planks and rifle butts, according to testimony. ``The judgment has even increased my trust in this institution.'' The tribunal convicted camp warden Zdravko Mucic, a Croat, of 11 war crimes and grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions because he oversaw guards who murdered nine Serbs and tortured six. Prosecutor Grant Niemann said he would appeal Delalic's acquittal, and asked judges to keep him in custody pending the outcome of the appeal. The U.N. court convicted camp commander Zdravko Mucic , a Croat, of 11 war crimes and grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions because he oversaw guards who murdered nine Serbs and tortured six. Prosecutor Grant Niemann said he would appeal Delalic's acquittal, and asked judges to keep him in custody pending the outcome of the appeal. The U.N. court convicted camp commander Zdravko Mucic , a Croat, of 11 war crimes and grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions because he oversaw guards who murdered nine Serbs and tortured six. ``The judgment has even increased my trust in this institution.'' The tribunal convicted camp warden Zdravko Mucic , a Croat, of 11 war crimes and grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions because he oversaw guards who murdered nine Serbs and tortured six. Hazim Delic, a Muslim who served as Mucic's deputy, was found guilty of two murders and of raping two women as well as torturing other inmates. He was sentenced to 20 years. Yet a few witnesses also praised Delalic and Mucic for humanitarian gestures, such as getting food and clothing to some prisoners and releasing others. The tribunal, set up by the Security Council in 1993, has convicted only one other person following a trial _ Bosnian Serb Dusan Tadic, who was sentenced in May 1997 to 20 years for killing and torturing Muslims in 1992. Hazim Delic, a Muslim who served as Mucic's deputy, was found guilty of two murders and of raping two women as well as torturing other inmates. He was sentenced to 20 years. Others were set on fire, raped and forced to commit sexual acts with members of their own family. The 49-page indictment detailing atrocities at Celebici asserts that at least 14 prisoners were killed in 1992. Others were set on fire, raped and forced to commit sexual acts with members of their own family. The 49-page indictment detailing atrocities at Celebici asserts that at least 14 prisoners were killed in 1992. Others were set on fire, raped and forced to commit sexual acts with members of their own family. The 49-page indictment detailing atrocities at Celebici asserts that at least 14 prisoners were killed in 1992. The Yugoslav war crimes tribunal Monday acquitted a Muslim military commander of war crimes against Bosnian Serb prisoners in 1992, but convicted three underlings in the first U.N. case dealing with anti-Serb atrocities. The Yugoslav war crimes tribunal Monday acquitted a Muslim commander of war crimes against Bosnian Serb prisoners in 1992, but convicted three underlings in the first U.N. case dealing with anti-Serb atrocities. American and allied forces in Bosnia on Wednesday arrested a Bosnian Serb general who was charged with genocide by the international war crimes tribunal in a recent secret indictment. American and allied forces in Bosnia on Wednesday arrested a Bosnian Serb general who was charged with genocide by the international war crimes tribunal in a recent secret indictment. ``Once Goran Jelisic even declined assistance from a guard, noting that he was still in `good form' even though he had killed over 60 people,'' Bowers told judges, citing statements made by witnesses due to testify later in the trial. ``To victims in Brcko, the face of genocide was the face of Goran Jelisic ,'' he said. To his Muslim targets, Bosnian Serb Goran Jelisic was ``the face of genocide '' who once bragged that ``he had to kill 20 or 30 Muslims before his morning coffee.'' To his Muslim targets, Bosnian Serb Goran Jelisic was ``the face of genocide'' who once bragged that ``he had to kill 20 or 30 Muslims before his morning coffee.'' Opening a genocide trial Monday at the Yugoslav war crimes tribunal , U.N. prosecutor Terree Bowers said the 30-year-old mechanic used the nickname Adolf ``with a perverse pride in the genocidal symbolism it represented.'' Jelisic pleaded guilty in October to murdering 12 Muslims and Croats in and around the Serb-run Luka camp set up in Brcko, northern Bosnia, in May 1992. By trying him for genocide , prosecutors will be able to call evidence about the background of Jelisic's murders, including the involvement of more senior Serbs. President Clinton will travel to Gaza next month to address Palestinian leaders , the White House said Friday. However, Hamas has carried out more than a dozen suicide bombings in Israel in an attempt to bring peace talks with Israel to a halt. On Monday , Clinton and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat are to address members of the Palestine National Council and delegates from other groups , at the Shawa Cultural Center in Gaza City. Again, the Israeli leader accused the Palestinians of ignoring commitments in peace accords. Clinton is to meet with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat on Monday in the Gaza Strip. Again, the Israeli leader accused the Palestinians of ignoring commitments in peace accords. Clinton is to meet with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat on Monday in the Gaza Strip. Less than a week before U.S. President Bill Clinton is to arrive for a visit meant to bolster a new Israeli-Palestinian peace accord, the two sides exchanged angry accusations Sunday over Jewish settlements and street clashes. The West Bank has been swept by stone-throwing protests in recent days, and thousands of Palestinians marched Thursday in the funeral procession of a 17-year-old stone mason, Jihad Iyad, who was killed by Israeli army gunfire a day earlier. The violence raised concern that U.S. President Bill Clinton's visit to the region , which is to start late Saturday, is fomenting more unrest rather than calming the already tense situation. The West Bank has been swept by stone-throwing protests in recent days, and thousands of Palestinians marched Thursday in the funeral procession of a 17-year-old stone mason, Jihad Iyad, who was killed by Israeli army gunfire a day earlier. The violence raised concern that U.S. President Bill Clinton's visit to the region , which is to start late Saturday, is fomenting more unrest rather than calming the already tense situation. The meeting in Gaza on Dec. 14 is bound to be contentious, given that many prominent Palestinians have charged that the Wye agreement allows the Israeli government to backtrack on promises made to the Palestinians in their 1994 peace settlement. The Palestinians have insisted that they have already revoked clauses in the 1964 charter that called for Israel's destruction. Also Sunday, another quarrel was brewing over the scheduled meeting of the Palestinian National Council, the Palestinian parliament-in-exile, in the Gaza Strip during Clinton's visit. At the gathering, the PNC and other Palestinians in attendance are to reaffirm the nullification of clauses in their national charter that call for Israel's destruction. The most problematic moment of the Clinton visit will be his address Monday to the Palestine National Council, the Palestinians' parliament-in-exile, and other Palestinian groups, in Gaza City. Under the Wye agreement, the PNC is to reaffirm during this session an Arafat letter to Clinton which declares clauses of the PLO founding charter calling for Israel's destruction revoked. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday accused Yasser Arafat of ``making a farce'' of the Wye River accords and said he would not agree to further troop withdrawals until a halt to anti-Israel violence. Netanyahu, in an interview with The Associated Press, said the Palestinians were emboldened to foment street riots and threaten to declare statehood because they believed they had the Clinton administration ``in their back pocket.'' ``The Palestinians are making a farce out of the Wye River accord. President Clinton will travel to Gaza next month to address Palestinian leaders, the White House said Friday. He is to speak at what the Palestinians are describing as a historic meeting to formally revoke anti-Israel clauses in the 1964 Palestinian charter. Keeping a promise to Israel and the United States, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat on Thursday convened senior officials and legislators to revoke clauses of the PLO founding charter calling for Israel's destruction. ``They haven't the right to give us instructions,'' Arafat said Sunday as he returned to Gaza following a trip to Europe. Clinton's visit to Israel and the Palestinian lands , which is to begin Saturday, is meant to provide impetus to the U.S.-brokered peace accords and encourage both sides to stick to a timetable for compliance. Less than a week before U.S. President Bill Clinton is to arrive for a visit meant to bolster a new Israeli-Palestinian peace accord , the two sides exchanged angry accusations Sunday over Jewish settlements and street clashes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, said he has ordered the Israeli army to deal with Palestinian riots with a ``firm hand.'' He added that he would not go ahead with a West Bank troop pullback , as promised under the Wye River peace agreement , unless Arafat met a list of demands. Benjamin Netanyahu's refusal to move the peace process forward, which has frustrated President Bill Clinton and angered the Palestinians, may not be enough to save his government from collapse next week. Netanyahu on Wednesday briefed his Cabinet on Clinton's three-day visit and affirmed what he told the president a day earlier _ that he would not withdraw troops in the West Bank on Friday , as stipulated by the Wye River peace accord. As part of that settlement, reached at Wye, Md., Clinton agreed to travel to territory controlled by the Palestinian Authority to speak at the meeting of the Palestinian National Council, the de facto parliament. According to a schedule released Friday by the White House, Clinton will visit Gaza, the West Bank and Israel during a four-day trip that will begin on Dec. 12. As part of that settlement, reached at Wye, Md., Clinton agreed to travel to territory controlled by the Palestinian Authority to speak at the meeting of the Palestinian National Council, the de facto parliament. According to a schedule released Friday by the White House, Clinton will visit Gaza, the West Bank and Israel during a four-day trip that will begin on Dec. 12. Immediately after the PNC session, Israel is to transfer five percent of the West Bank from its sole control to joint jurisdiction. Netanyahu said last week he was freezing the pullback over what he claimed were systematic Palestinian violations of the peace accord. At a late-night arrival ceremony for Clinton Saturday, Netanyahu said he hoped the president's visit would ``contribute to true peace.'' Again , the Israeli leader accused the Palestinians of ignoring commitments in peace accords. Netanyahu made clear that he would be annoyed if Air Force One landed at the newly opened Palestinian airport in Gaza, which aides said would be viewed as a strong symbol of support for Palestinian demands for sovereignty. ``We will be very disappointed if that is the case. They think they have the United States in their back pocket,'' said the Israeli leader. ``As long as that is the case , they will not change their behavior.'' By only one vote, the center-left prime minister of Italy , Romano Prodi, lost a confidence vote in Parliament Friday and was toppled from power. By only one vote, the center-left prime minister of Italy , Romano Prodi, lost a confidence vote in Parliament Friday and was toppled from power. By one vote , Premier Romano Prodi's center-left coalition lost a confidence vote in the Chamber of Deputies Friday , and he went to the presidential palace to resign. By one vote , Premier Romano Prodi's center-left coalition lost a confidence vote in the Chamber of Deputies Friday , and he went to the presidential palace to resign. By one vote, a defector from its own ranks, Premier Romano Prodi's center-left coalition , Italy's second-longest serving government since World War II, lost a confidence vote Friday in the Chamber of Deputies. Prodi's far-left ally, Communist Refoundation, provoked the crisis when it withdrew support for the government over the 1999 deficit-cutting budget, which it said did not do enough to stimulate job creation. Despite help from a breakaway faction of the Communists, who on Sunday formed a new party, Prodi lost Friday's vote of confidence by a single vote. It is autumn in Italy, the birds are going south, and so it seems could the Italian government, as the bonds of compromise and political opportunism that bind a small leftist party to the government came undone Sunday. The latest threat to the government of Prime Minister Romano Prodi came after delegates to a two-day conference of the Communist Refounding Party voted to reject the government's proposed 1999 budget , imperiling the future of the center-left coalition. And that time-honored tradition may have won the embattled government of Prime Minister Romano Prodi a momentary reprieve. A leader of Italy's hard-line Marxist faction, known as the Communist Refounding Party, resigned Monday in protest over his party 's decision to reject the government's 1999 budget and imperil Prodi's slender majority in Parliament. The address to Parliament was expected Wednesday, followed perhaps by Friday by the vote of confidence that will determine whether Prodi's 2 1/2-year-old, center-left alliance stands or falls. Prodi's far-left ally, the Communist Refoundation Party, provoked the crisis by withdrawing its support over the weekend and saying it would not vote for his deficit-cutting 1999 budget , which is key to Italy's participation in the European common currency. The premier will address Parliament Wednesday, followed perhaps by Friday by the vote of confidence that will determine whether the 2 1/2-year-old, center-left alliance stands or falls. The Communist Refoundation Party provoked the crisis by withdrawing its support over the weekend and saying it would not vote for his deficit-cutting 1999 budget. Scalfaro has named Prodi as caretaker premier for the interim. Prodi's far-left ally , Communist Refoundation, provoked the crisis when it withdrew support for the government over the 1999 deficit-cutting budget , which it said did not do enough to stimulate job creation. By one vote, Premier Romano Prodi's center-left coalition lost a confidence vote in the Chamber of Deputies Friday, and he went to the presidential palace to resign. President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro must now decide whether to call early elections or to ask Prodi or someone else to try to forge a new majority. By one vote, Premier Romano Prodi's center-left coalition lost a confidence vote in the Chamber of Deputies Friday, and he went to the presidential palace to resign. President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro must now decide whether to call early elections or to ask Prodi or someone else to try to forge a new majority. By one vote, a defector from its own ranks, Premier Romano Prodi's center-left coalition, Italy's second-longest serving government since World War II, lost a confidence vote Friday in the Chamber of Deputies. Prodi immediately offered his resignation to President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro, who asked him to stay on as caretaker premier while the head of state decides whether to call early elections or ask someone else to be premier. Three days after the collapse of Premier Romano Prodi's center-left government, Italy's president began calling in political leaders Monday to try to reach a consensus on a new government. Following the talks , which are expected to last several days, President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro could ask Prodi to try again with a new majority. Premier Romano Prodi said Monday he would appeal directly to Parliament to save Italy's second-longest government since World War II, threatened with collapse by the defection of its Communist ally. Premier Romano Prodi said Monday he would appeal directly to Parliament to save Italy's second-longest government since World War II , threatened with collapse by the defection of its Communist ally. By one vote, a defector from its own ranks, Premier Romano Prodi's center-left coalition, Italy's second-longest serving government since World War II , lost a confidence vote Friday in the Chamber of Deputies. The collapse of his government after two and a half years, the second-longest tenure since World War II, suggested that the chronic political instability that marked Italy for decades had sprung back to life. Though obliged to tender his resignation, Prodi will remain in charge as a caretaker prime minister until a new government is formed. By one vote, a defector from its own ranks, Premier Romano Prodi's center-left coalition, Italy's second-longest serving government since World War II, lost a confidence vote Friday in the Chamber of Deputies. Prodi immediately offered his resignation to President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro , who asked him to stay on as caretaker premier while the head of state decides whether to call early elections or ask someone else to be premier. Because the president cannot dissolve Parliament during the last six weeks of his term, elections would have to be scheduled by December. Scalfaro has named Prodi as caretaker premier for the interim. And that time-honored tradition may have won the embattled government of Prime Minister Romano Prodi a momentary reprieve. A leader of Italy's hard-line Marxist faction , known as the Communist Refounding Party, resigned Monday in protest over his party's decision to reject the government's 1999 budget and imperil Prodi's slender majority in Parliament. The break with Prodi's government divided Refoundation. Armando Cossutta , leader of the moderate wing, resigned as party president Monday. But the break with Prodi's government divided Refoundation. Armando Cossutta , leader of the moderate wing, resigned as party president Monday , saying the party's hardline stance was ``wrong and dangerous.'' Premier Romano Prodi said Monday he would appeal directly to Parliament to save Italy's second-longest government since World War II, threatened with collapse by the defection of its Communist ally. If we win the confidence vote, we will go ahead, otherwise we will pass the baton,'' Prodi told a news conference closing a two-day French-Italian summit in Florence. Prodi's center-left government , Italy's second-longest since World War II , was threatened with collapse by the defection of its Communist ally. By one vote, Premier Romano Prodi's center-left coalition lost a confidence vote in the Chamber of Deputies Friday, and he went to the presidential palace to resign. By one vote, Premier Romano Prodi's center-left coalition lost a confidence vote in the Chamber of Deputies Friday, and he went to the presidential palace to resign. ``And with the divisions in the left, this would mean a victory for the right.'' If the crisis comes to a confidence vote and Prodi loses, he would offer his resignation. By one vote, a defector from its own ranks, Premier Romano Prodi's center-left coalition, Italy's second-longest serving government since World War II, lost a confidence vote Friday in the Chamber of Deputies. Prodi immediately offered his resignation to President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro , who asked him to stay on as caretaker premier while the head of state decides whether to call early elections or ask someone else to be premier. Communist Refounding and its mercurial leader, Fausto Bertinotti, have pushed Prodi to the brink twice before. The party forced him to offer his resignation last year over proposed budget cuts , but then backpeddled after the party's rank and file protested. The collapse of his government after two and a half years, the second-longest tenure since World War II, suggested that the chronic political instability that marked Italy for decades had sprung back to life. Though obliged to tender his resignation , Prodi will remain in charge as a caretaker prime minister until a new government is formed. Chechen authorities found the decapitated heads of four kidnapped foreigners Tuesday along a highway near a remote village after a two-month search in the breakaway region in southern Russia. The heads were lined up on a piece of cloth along a main highway across southern Russia, NTV television reported. The heads were identified as those of the four abducted foreigners by Umar Makhauri , who had been a bodyguard assigned to the four when they were abducted Oct. 3 by unidentified gunmen in Grozny. Chechen police were searching Wednesday for the bodies of four kidnapped foreigners who were beheaded during a botched attempt to free them. Chechen police were searching Wednesday for the bodies of four kidnapped foreigners who were beheaded during a botched attempt to free them. Chechen police were searching Wednesday for the bodies of four kidnapped foreigners who were beheaded during a botched attempt to free them. Chechen police were searching Wednesday for the bodies of four kidnapped foreigners who were beheaded during a botched attempt to free them. One of four foreigners beheaded by kidnappers in Chechnya claimed in a videotape shown today that he and his fellow hostages were British spies. French President Jacques Chirac spoke to President Boris Yeltsin by telephone and thanked him for Russia's part in freeing Cochetel, the Kremlin press service said. His release came four days after the severed heads of four foreign hostages were found in Chechnya when a government rescue attempt apparently went wrong. French President Jacques Chirac spoke to President Boris Yeltsin by telephone and thanked him for Russia's part in freeing Cochetel, the Kremlin press service said. His release came four days after the severed heads of four foreign hostages were found in Chechnya when a government rescue attempt apparently went wrong. The heads were lined up on a piece of cloth along a main highway across southern Russia, NTV television reported. The heads were identified as those of the four abducted foreigners by Umar Makhauri, who had been a bodyguard assigned to the four when they were abducted Oct. 3 by unidentified gunmen in Grozny. The victims _ Britons Peter Kennedy, Darren Hickey, and Rudolf Petschi, and New Zealand's Stanley Shaw _ were identified by their former bodyguard. They had been abducted by unidentified gunmen Oct. 3 in Grozny. The victims _ Britons Peter Kennedy, Darren Hickey, and Rudolf Petschi, and New Zealand's Stanley Shaw _ were identified by their former bodyguard. They had been abducted by unidentified gunmen Oct. 3 in Grozny. Kennedy and his three colleagues _ Darren Hickey and Rudolf Petschi of Britain and Stanley Shaw of New Zealand _ were employees of Britain's Granger Telecom. They were reportedly setting up a mobile phone network in Chechnya when they were abducted by unidentified gunmen Oct. 3 in Grozny. Kennedy and his three colleagues _ Darren Hickey and Rudolf Petschi of Britain and Stanley Shaw of New Zealand _ were employees of Britain's Granger Telecom. They were reportedly setting up a mobile phone network in Chechnya when they were abducted by unidentified gunmen Oct. 3 in Grozny. Tagirov was investigating the deaths of four foreigners whose severed heads were found Tuesday lined up by a roadside in the breakaway Russian republic. The victims _ Peter Kennedy, Darren Hickey and Rudolf Petschi of Britain and Stanley Shaw of New Zealand _ were abducted Oct. 3 by unidentified gunmen in Grozny. Tagirov was investigating the deaths Britons Peter Kennedy, Darren Hickey, and Rudolf Petschi, and Stanley Shaw of New Zealand. They had been abducted by unidentified gunmen Oct. 3 in Grozny. Tagirov was investigating the deaths Britons Peter Kennedy, Darren Hickey, and Rudolf Petschi, and Stanley Shaw of New Zealand. They had been abducted by unidentified gunmen Oct. 3 in Grozny. Chechen authorities found the decapitated heads of four kidnapped foreigners Tuesday along a highway near a remote village after a two-month search in the breakaway region in southern Russia. But Chechen government officials at the scene said four bodies had been found without giving further details. Chechen President Aslan Maskhadov said in Grozny that the bodies of four men had been recovered. He planned to discuss the killings with Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, who is in Brussels for talks at NATO. The severed heads of the hostages _ three Britons and a New Zealander _ were found Tuesday. ``A concrete criminal group was identified, an organizer of the abductions was arrested and an approximate location of the hostages was determined,'' Maskhadov said in a statement. The severed heads of the four men were found lined up along a highway Tuesday outside Chechnya's capital Grozny , and hundreds of Chechen law enforcement officers were searching for the bodies Wednesday. ``A concrete criminal group was identified, an organizer of the abductions was arrested and an approximate location of the hostages was determined,'' Maskhadov said in a statement. The severed heads of the four men were found lined up along a highway Tuesday outside Chechnya's capital Grozny , and hundreds of Chechen law enforcement officers were searching for the bodies Wednesday. It was not known whether he was speaking under duress. The severed heads of the four hostages were found lined up Tuesday along a highway outside Chechnya's capital , Grozny. They had been abducted by unidentified gunmen Oct. 3 in Grozny. Their heads were found Tuesday on a highway about 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Grozny. Chechen police were searching Wednesday for the bodies of four kidnapped foreigners who were beheaded during a botched attempt to free them. ``A concrete criminal group was identified, an organizer of the abductions was arrested and an approximate location of the hostages was determined,'' Maskhadov said in a statement. The severed heads of the four men were found lined up along a highway Tuesday outside Chechnya's capital Grozny, and hundreds of Chechen law enforcement officers were searching for the bodies Wednesday. Chechen police were searching Wednesday for the bodies of four kidnapped foreigners who were beheaded during a botched attempt to free them. ``A concrete criminal group was identified, an organizer of the abductions was arrested and an approximate location of the hostages was determined,'' Maskhadov said in a statement. The severed heads of the four men were found lined up along a highway Tuesday outside Chechnya's capital Grozny, and hundreds of Chechen law enforcement officers were searching for the bodies Wednesday. His release came four days after the severed heads of four foreign hostages were found in Chechnya when a government rescue attempt apparently went wrong. Chechen security forces are still searching for the men's bodies. A French United Nations official kidnapped in southern Russia more than 10 months ago has been freed and was flown to Moscow Saturday, news reports reported. Vincent Cochetel , 37, who headed the regional office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in North Ossetia, was seized by three masked gunmen in the region's capital of Vladikavkaz on Jan. 29. A French United Nations official kidnapped in southern Russia more than 10 months ago has been freed and was flown to Moscow Saturday, news reports reported. Vincent Cochetel , 37, who headed the regional office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in North Ossetia, was seized by three masked gunmen in the region's capital of Vladikavkaz on Jan. 29. A French United Nations official who was kidnapped in southern Russia more than 10 months ago was set free Saturday and flown to U.N. headquarters in Geneva. Vincent Cochetel , 37, who headed the office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in the North Ossetia region, was seized by three masked gunmen in the regional capital Vladikavkaz on Jan. 29. A French United Nations official kidnapped in southern Russia more than 10 months ago has been freed and was flown to Moscow Saturday, news reports reported. Vincent Cochetel , 37, who headed the regional office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in North Ossetia , was seized by three masked gunmen in the region's capital of Vladikavkaz on Jan. 29. A French United Nations official kidnapped in southern Russia more than 10 months ago has been freed and was flown to Moscow Saturday, news reports reported. Vincent Cochetel , 37, who headed the regional office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in North Ossetia , was seized by three masked gunmen in the region's capital of Vladikavkaz on Jan. 29. A French United Nations official who was kidnapped in southern Russia more than 10 months ago was set free Saturday and flown to U.N. headquarters in Geneva. Vincent Cochetel , 37, who headed the office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in the North Ossetia region , was seized by three masked gunmen in the regional capital Vladikavkaz on Jan. 29. Officials at the prosecutor's office said unidentified attackers seized Tagirov, and authorities speculated it was the work of an armed band seeking the release of one of its members from prison. Tagirov was investigating the deaths of four foreigners whose severed heads were found Tuesday lined up by a roadside in the breakaway Russian republic. Mansur Tagirov vanished Thursday evening while returning to Chechnya's capital city Grozny from a small village nearby, news reports said. Tagirov was investigating the deaths Britons Peter Kennedy, Darren Hickey, and Rudolf Petschi, and Stanley Shaw of New Zealand. Mansur Tagirov vanished Thursday evening while returning to Chechnya's capital city Grozny from a small village nearby, news reports said. Tagirov was investigating the deaths Britons Peter Kennedy, Darren Hickey, and Rudolf Petschi, and Stanley Shaw of New Zealand. Hundreds of people have been kidnapped, mostly for ransom. Meanwhile, a Russian soldier taken hostage during the war was released after a year of efforts to free him , ITAR-Tass said Friday. Dozens of people are currently held captive. A Russian soldier taken hostage during the war was released Friday after a year of efforts to free him , the ITAR-Tass news agency reported. Dozens of people are currently held captive. A Russian soldier taken hostage during the war was released Friday after a year of efforts to free him , the ITAR-Tass news agency reported. Chechen police were searching Wednesday for the bodies of four kidnapped foreigners who were beheaded during a botched attempt to free them. Chechen police were searching Wednesday for the bodies of four kidnapped foreigners who were beheaded during a botched attempt to free them. A French United Nations official kidnapped in southern Russia more than 10 months ago has been freed and was flown to Moscow Saturday, news reports reported. A French United Nations official kidnapped in southern Russia more than 10 months ago has been freed and was flown to Moscow Saturday, news reports reported. Starovoitova tried to run for president in the 1996 elections but her registration was turned down for technical reasons. She had said she would run again in 2000. Starovoitova tried to run for president in the 1996 elections but her registration was turned down for technical reasons. She had said she would run again in 2000. Starovoitova, 52, tried to run for president in the 1996 elections but her registration was turned down for technical reasons. She had said she would run again in 2000. Starovoitova, 52, tried to run for president in the 1996 elections but her registration was turned down for technical reasons. She had said she would run again in 2000. Starovoitova, 52, tried to run for president in the 1996 elections but her registration was turned down for technical reasons. She had said she would run again in 2000. Starovoitova, 52, tried to run for president in the 1996 elections but her registration was turned down for technical reasons. She had said she would run again in 2000. Starovoitova, 52, tried to run for president in the 1996 elections but her registration was turned down for technical reasons. She had said she would run again in 2000. Starovoitova, 52, tried to run for president in the 1996 elections but her registration was turned down for technical reasons. She had said she would run again in 2000. Starovoitova, 52, was an outspoken deputy in the lower house of parliament who inspired strong feelings from both her friends and enemies. A leader of the liberal Russia's Democratic Choice party, she was planning to run for president in 2000. Starovoitova, of the reformist party Democratic Russia, tried to run for president in 1996 but her registration was turned down for technical reasons. She had said she would run again in 2000. Starovoitova, of the reformist party Democratic Russia, tried to run for president in 1996 but her registration was turned down for technical reasons. She had said she would run again in 2000. A liberal lawmaker who planned to run for president in Russia's next elections was killed Friday in St. Petersburg , a news report said. A liberal lawmaker who planned to run for president in Russia's next elections was killed Friday in St. Petersburg , a news report said. A liberal lawmaker who planned to run for president in Russia's next elections was shot to death Friday in St. Petersburg , police said. A liberal lawmaker who planned to run for president in Russia's next elections was shot to death Friday in St. Petersburg , police said. The New York Times said in an editorial on Monday, Nov. 23: The Russian reform movement has produced few leaders with an uncompromising dedication to democracy. Galina Starovoitova was one, and her murder in St. Petersburg on Friday was a terrible loss for Russia. A badly wounded aide to a murdered lawmaker regained consciousness Monday and was talking to police, who later arrested several suspects in raids around the city, officials said. Galina Starovoitova , 52, a leader of the liberal Russia's Democratic Choice party, was shot dead by unidentified assailants on the stairs of her apartment building in St. Petersburg on Friday night. It gave no other details. Starovoitova tried to run for president in the 1996 elections but her registration was turned down for technical reasons. A police spokesman in St. Petersburg would not comment on the report. Starovoitova, 52, tried to run for president in the 1996 elections but her registration was turned down for technical reasons. The Interfax news agency said her aide, Ruslan Linkov, was also seriously injured. Starovoitova, 52, tried to run for president in the 1996 elections but her registration was turned down for technical reasons. The Interfax news agency said her aide, Ruslan Linkov, was also seriously injured. Starovoitova, 52, tried to run for president in the 1996 elections but her registration was turned down for technical reasons. ``That's a result of the (government's) catastrophic policy aimed at the destruction of the state and the nation,'' he said. Starovoitova, of the reformist party Democratic Russia, tried to run for president in 1996 but her registration was turned down for technical reasons. It gave no other details. Starovoitova tried to run for president in the 1996 elections but her registration was turned down for technical reasons. A police spokesman in St. Petersburg would not comment on the report. Starovoitova , 52, tried to run for president in the 1996 elections but her registration was turned down for technical reasons. The Interfax news agency said her aide, Ruslan Linkov, was also seriously injured. Starovoitova , 52, tried to run for president in the 1996 elections but her registration was turned down for technical reasons. The Interfax news agency said her aide, Ruslan Linkov, was also seriously injured. Starovoitova , 52, tried to run for president in the 1996 elections but her registration was turned down for technical reasons. ``That's a result of the (government's) catastrophic policy aimed at the destruction of the state and the nation,'' he said. Starovoitova, of the reformist party Democratic Russia , tried to run for president in 1996 but her registration was turned down for technical reasons. A liberal lawmaker who planned to run for president in Russia's next elections was killed Friday in St. Petersburg, a news report said. Galina Starovoitova , a member of the lower house of Russia's parliament from the reformist party Democratic Russia, was attacked in an apartment building along with her aide , the Interfax news agency reported. A liberal lawmaker who planned to run for president in Russia's next elections was killed Friday in St. Petersburg, a news report said. Galina Starovoitova , a member of the lower house of Russia's parliament from the reformist party Democratic Russia, was attacked in an apartment building along with her aide , Ruslan Linkov, the Interfax news agency reported. A liberal lawmaker who planned to run for president in Russia's next elections was shot to death Friday in St. Petersburg, police said. Galina Starovoitova , a member of the lower house of Russia's parliament from the reformist party Democratic Russia , was attacked the entry way of an apartment building , police said. A liberal lawmaker who planned to run for president in Russia's next elections was shot to death Friday in St. Petersburg, police said. Galina Starovoitova , a member of the lower house of Russia's parliament from the reformist party Democratic Russia , was attacked the entry way of an apartment building , police said. There have been several attacks on prominent figures in St. Petersburg recently. A finance official was attacked earlier this week, a top banker was killed last week, and an aide to Russia's parliament speaker was shot in the head last month. There have been several attacks on prominent figures in St. Petersburg recently. A finance official was attacked earlier this week, a top banker was killed last week, and an aide to Russia's parliament speaker was shot in the head last month. There have been several attacks on prominent figures in St. Petersburg recently. A finance official was attacked earlier this week, a top banker was killed last week, and an aide to Russia's parliament speaker was shot in the head last month. A team of assailants _ police believe it was a man and a woman _ appeared behind them and opened fire. Starovoitova , shot three times in the head , collapsed and died instantly, authorities said. She served as President Boris Yeltsin's aide on ethnic issues and was on the human rights committee of the USSR's Supreme Soviet. Born in the Ural Mountains city of Chelyabinsk, Starovoitova was trained as a psychologist and later received a doctorate in history. She served as President Boris Yeltsin's aide on ethnic issues and was on the human rights committee of the USSR's Supreme Soviet. Born in the Ural Mountains city of Chelyabinsk, Starovoitova was trained as a psychologist and later received a doctorate in history. She served as President Boris Yeltsin's aide on ethnic issues and was on the human rights committee of the USSR's Supreme Soviet. Born in the Ural Mountains city of Chelyabinsk, Starovoitova was trained as a psychologist and later received a doctorate in history. Born in the Ural Mountains city of Chelyabinsk, Starovoitova was trained as a psychologist and later received a doctorate in history. She was divorced and had one son, according to Who's Who in Russia. Born in the Ural Mountains city of Chelyabinsk, Starovoitova was trained as a psychologist and later received a doctorate in history. She was divorced and had one son, according to Who's Who in Russia. Born in the Ural Mountains city of Chelyabinsk, Starovoitova was trained as a psychologist and later received a doctorate in history. She was divorced and had one son, according to Who's Who in Russia. A badly wounded aide to a murdered lawmaker regained consciousness Monday and was talking to police , who later arrested several suspects in raids around the city, officials said. A badly wounded aide to a murdered lawmaker regained consciousness Monday and was talking to police, who later arrested several suspects in raids around the city, officials said. Galina Starovoitova, a member of the lower house of Russia's parliament from the reformist party Democratic Russia, was attacked in an apartment building along with her aide, Ruslan Linkov, the Interfax news agency reported. Linkov was seriously injured , it said. There were no further details. Linkov was critically wounded in the head during the attack and later rushed to a hospital where he underwent surgery during the weekend. The ANC, which led the struggle against white rule and now is in power, previously has acknowledged it was told to expect implication in right violations. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission will release its final report on 2 1-2 years of investigation on Thursday. de Klerk, in human rights abuses after he threatened a court challenge. De Klerk said he would sue to block the long-awaited final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission , which was due for release Thursday. Following are excerpts from the final report issued by South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Thursday : PRIMARY FINDING On the basis of the evidence available to it, the primary finding of the Commission is that: The predominant portion of gross violations of human rights was committed by the former state through its security and law-enforcement agencies. The New York Times said in an editorial on Sunday, Nov. 1: The 3,500-page report of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission , released on Thursday , is the most comprehensive and unsparing examination of a nation's ugly past that any such commission has yet produced. A panel probing apartheid-era abuses has accused the African National Congress of human rights violations, including torture and bomb attacks , the state broadcaster said Monday. President Nelson Mandela acknowledged Saturday the African National Congress violated human rights during apartheid , setting him at odds with his deputy president over a report that has divided much of South Africa. As expected, the report called apartheid a ``crime against humanity.'' But it also blamed the ANC for gross human rights violations during its anti-apartheid struggle , saying the group tortured suspected spies and dissidents and killed innocent civilians with land mines and bombs. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission will release its final report on 2 1-2 years of investigation on Thursday. The report was expected to place overwhelming blame for the era's abuses on white governments and their brutal security services. With the ANC now in power and facing an election in mid-1999, a condemnation by the commission could prove damaging both to its electoral chances and moral standing. There has been no doubt that the report's overwhelming blame would be laid on white governments and their security forces during the years under scrutiny, 1960-1994. The New York Times said in an editorial on Sunday, Nov. 1: The 3,500-page report of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, released on Thursday, is the most comprehensive and unsparing examination of a nation's ugly past that any such commission has yet produced. Drawing from the commission's own investigations and the testimony of hundreds of applicants for amnesty and 20,000 victims, the report is a detailed look at the crimes of the apartheid era, and blames successive white governments for the vast majority. A panel investigating apartheid-era atrocities said Wednesday it will not implicate the last apartheid president , F.W. A panel investigating apartheid-era atrocities said Wednesday it will not implicate the last apartheid president , F.W. Criminal prosecutions for atrocities committed during the war against white rule could drag on for at least six years, a top prosecutor said Monday. Key figures implicated in human rights abuses by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission already are under investigation , the official, Jan d'Oliveira, told reporters. They include two unnamed generals in the apartheid state's security apparatus, President Nelson Mandela's ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and officials of the African National Congress, he said. The remarks by d'Oliveira, who recently was appointed a deputy national director of prosecutions, were the clearest signal yet that criminal cases would be brought against figures accused by the commission of gross human rights violations. De Klerk said he would sue to block the long-awaited final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which was due for release Thursday. The man who helped negotiate the end of apartheid objected to a finding by the commission that he was ``an accessory after the fact'' to bombings in the 1980s of the headquarters of a church group and of a labor federation. de Klerk, in illegal acts. De Klerk , 62, who helped negotiate the end of South Africa's white supremacist government and shared the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize with President Nelson Mandela for that work, had objected to a finding by the commission that he was ``an accessory after the fact'' in the bombings of the headquarters of a church group and of a labor federation in the 1980s. de Klerk, in human rights abuses after he threatened a court challenge. De Klerk said he would sue to block the long-awaited final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission , which was due for release Thursday. de Klerk, the last apartheid president, of knowing about several bombings after the fact and keeping silent. It was excised because de Klerk is suing the commission. De Klerk said he would sue to block the long-awaited final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which was due for release Thursday. The man who helped negotiate the end of apartheid objected to a finding by the commission that he was ``an accessory after the fact '' to bombings in the 1980s of the headquarters of a church group and of a labor federation. de Klerk, in illegal acts. De Klerk, 62, who helped negotiate the end of South Africa's white supremacist government and shared the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize with President Nelson Mandela for that work, had objected to a finding by the commission that he was ``an accessory after the fact'' in the bombings of the headquarters of a church group and of a labor federation in the 1980s. It said the party must accept responsibility for the activities of ANC Women's League president Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Nelson Mandela's former wife, and her Mandela United Football Club, accused of killings, torture and kidnappings. The commission also said the PAC was guilty of the deaths of civilians in its strategy in 1993 to drive white farmers off their land so it could be reclaimed by blacks. It has fulfilled its mandate of telling the fullest truth possible, which is one reason that every political party in South Africa has denounced it. Besides accusing the government of assassinations and bombings, the report criticizes the Inkatha Freedom Party for its massacres and collaboration with security forces, and blames the African National Congress for the murder of civilians and other crimes. The man who helped negotiate the end of apartheid objected to a finding by the commission that he was ``an accessory after the fact'' to bombings in the 1980s of the headquarters of a church group and of a labor federation. Former Archbishop Desmond Tutu , the truth panel's chairman, said the commission needed time to prepare to fight the legal challenge , and would ``excise'' de Klerk's name from the report to avoid delaying its release. De Klerk, 62, who helped negotiate the end of South Africa's white supremacist government and shared the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize with President Nelson Mandela for that work, had objected to a finding by the commission that he was ``an accessory after the fact'' in the bombings of the headquarters of a church group and of a labor federation in the 1980s. The chairman of the 17-member panel, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, said that although he took such action with ``great reluctance,'' the commission needed time to prepare to fight the legal challenge. At first, the passing bicyclist thought the crumpled form lashed to a ranch fence was a scarecrow. But when he stopped, he found the burned, battered and nearly lifeless body of Matthew Shepard, an openly gay college student who had been tied to the fence 18 hours earlier. At first, the passing bicyclist thought the crumpled form lashed to a ranch fence was a scarecrow. But when he stopped, he found the burned, battered and nearly lifeless body of Matthew Shepard, an openly gay college student who had been tied to the fence 18 hours earlier. Shepard, a slightly built 21-year-old, died on Monday morning from the injuries suffered in the beating. He never regained consciousness after being discovered on the evening of Oct. 7, 18 hours after he was lashed to the fence. Matthew Wayne Shepard , the gay student who was beaten in the dead of night, tied to a fence and left to die alone, was mourned at his funeral Friday by 1,000 people, including many who had never met him. Matthew Wayne Shepard , the gay student who was beaten in the dead of night, tied to a fence and left to die alone, was mourned at his funeral Friday by 1,000 people, including many who had never met him. Matthew Wayne Shepard , the gay student who was beaten in the dead of night, tied to a fence and left to die alone, was mourned at his funeral Friday by 1,000 people, including many who had never met him. Referring to Wyoming's pioneer heritage as the first state to grant women the right to vote, Ms. Rexroat, the campus newspaper's editor added: ``That means nothing to me anymore. We live in a state where a young man was brutally beaten because he is gay. '' Matthew Wayne Shepard, the gay student who was beaten in the dead of night , tied to a fence and left to die alone, was mourned at his funeral Friday by 1,000 people, including many who had never met him. Matthew Wayne Shepard, the gay student who was beaten in the dead of night , tied to a fence and left to die alone, was mourned at his funeral Friday by 1,000 people, including many who had never met him. Matthew Wayne Shepard, the gay student who was beaten in the dead of night , tied to a fence and left to die alone, was mourned at his funeral Friday by 1,000 people, including many who had never met him. Matthew Wayne Shepard , the gay student who was beaten in the dead of night, tied to a fence and left to die alone, was mourned at his funeral Friday by 1,000 people , including many who had never met him. Matthew Wayne Shepard , the gay student who was beaten in the dead of night, tied to a fence and left to die alone, was mourned at his funeral Friday by 1,000 people , including many who had never met him. Matthew Wayne Shepard , the gay student who was beaten in the dead of night, tied to a fence and left to die alone, was mourned at his funeral Friday by 1,000 people , including many who had never met him. ``He indicated he was gay, and they said they were gay, too.'' ``Now, he is in a coma ,'' continued Boulden, who visited his friend at a hospital in Fort Collins, Colo., on Thursday. But when he stopped, he found the burned, battered and nearly lifeless body of Matthew Shepard, an openly gay college student who had been tied to the fence 18 hours earlier. On Friday , the 22-year-old University of Wyoming student was in a coma in critical condition. ``He indicated he was gay, and they said they were gay, too.'' ``Now, he is in a coma ,'' continued Boulden, who visited his friend at a hospital in Fort Collins, Colo., on Thursday. Anne Kitch, said in a homily that was carried beyond the packed pews of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, through a filled parish hall, across the street to a packed Presbyterian church and across Casper on an AM radio station. ``Judging from the world's response,'' she said, ``Matt will have made a difference in the lives of thousands. '' Anne Kitch, said in a homily that was carried beyond the packed pews of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, through a filled parish hall, across the street to a packed Presbyterian church and across Casper on an AM radio station. ``Judging from the world's response,'' she said, ``Matt will have made a difference in the lives of thousands. '' Anne Kitch, said in a homily that was carried beyond the packed pews of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, through a filled parish hall, across the street to a packed Presbyterian church and across Casper on an AM radio station. ``Judging from the world's response,'' she said, ``Matt will have made a difference in the lives of thousands. '' Shepard's friends said that he did not know his alleged tormentors. Laramie police say the primary motive was robbery, although court papers filed Friday indicate Shepard's homosexuality may also have been a factor. Shepard's friends said that he did not know his alleged tormentors. Laramie police say the primary motive was robbery, although court papers filed Friday indicate Shepard's homosexuality may also have been a factor. Police in Laramie, Wyo., where the beating took place, have said they believed robbery was the primary motive for the attack against Shepard, which occurred outside a bar in the town of 27,000. But investigators also said Shepard's sexuality may have been a factor. Matthew Shepard, the gay college student who was kidnapped and severely beaten, died here Monday, five days after he was found unconscious on a Wyoming ranch where he had been left tied to a fence for 18 hours in near-freezing temperatures. Matthew Shepard, the gay college student who was kidnapped and severely beaten, died here Monday, five days after he was found unconscious on a Wyoming ranch where he had been left tied to a fence for 18 hours in near-freezing temperatures. Matthew Shepard , the gay college student who was kidnapped and severely beaten , died here Monday, five days after he was found unconscious on a Wyoming ranch where he had been left tied to a fence for 18 hours in near-freezing temperatures. Matthew Shepard , the gay college student who was kidnapped and severely beaten , died here Monday, five days after he was found unconscious on a Wyoming ranch where he had been left tied to a fence for 18 hours in near-freezing temperatures. Matthew Shepard, the gay college student who was kidnapped and severely beaten, died here Monday, five days after he was found unconscious on a Wyoming ranch where he had been left tied to a fence for 18 hours in near-freezing temperatures. Matthew Shepard, the gay college student who was kidnapped and severely beaten, died here Monday, five days after he was found unconscious on a Wyoming ranch where he had been left tied to a fence for 18 hours in near-freezing temperatures. Two men and two women have been charged in the case. The men were charged with attempted murder and are expected to face first-degree murder charges that could bring the death penalty. Two men and two women have been charged in the case. The men were charged with attempted murder and are expected to face first-degree murder charges that could bring the death penalty. ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz on Wednesday faced intense pressure to step down after allegations that he interfered in a privatization contract and helped a businessman linked to a mobster secure loans. Opposition parties lodged no-confidence motions Wednesday against Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz after allegations he interfered in the privatization of a bank and helped a businessman linked to a mobster. If approved, the legislature will debate the motions on Monday and hold the no-confidence vote Wednesday. The opposition accuses Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz of having ties to organized crime and tampering with the privatization of a state bank. If approved, the legislature will debate the motions on Monday and hold the no-confidence vote Wednesday. The opposition accuses Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz of having ties to organized crime and tampering with the privatization of a state bank. If approved, the legislature will debate the motions on Monday and hold the no-confidence vote Wednesday. The opposition accuses Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz of having ties to organized crime and tampering with the privatization of a state bank. If approved, the legislature will debate the motions on Monday and hold the no-confidence vote Wednesday. The opposition accuses Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz of having ties to organized crime and tampering with the privatization of a state bank. Turkey's parliament is split by longstanding animosity between its center-left and center-right parties. Yilmaz led the last government, which collapsed in November amid allegations he had ties to organized crime and interfered with the sale of a state bank. A week after the Turkish government fell in a corruption scandal, President Suleyman Demirel on Wednesday asked a veteran left-wing politician known for his personal honesty, Bulent Ecevit, to form a new government. Bulent Ecevit, who was asked to form a new government Wednesday , is a former prime minister best remembered for ordering an invasion of Cyprus in 1974 that made him an overnight hero at home. Premier-designate Bulent Ecevit said Thursday he would persist in the difficult task of convincing a key party leader to join forces in a secular coalition. Ecevit, who was asked to form a new government Wednesday , desperately needs the support of the 99 deputies of ex-premier Tansu Ciller's center-right party. Modern Turkey has had only one Islamic-led government, formed after 1995 elections, and the military pressured it from power for failing to stick to the country's secular traditions. Ecevit refused even to consult with the leader of the Virtue Party during his efforts to form a government. In corruption-tainted Turkish politics, he remains known as the leader with the cleanest slate. Not even his alliance with Yilmaz who was ousted for alleged ties to the mob and rigging the privatization of a bank , tarnished his image. Ecevit, who was prime minister three times since 1974, has over the years shed some of the socialist idealism he was known for in the 70s. During his tenure as deputy prime minister in a 17-month government that was toppled last week over a corruption scandal , he gave his backing to the liberal policies of the center-right-led coalition. Turkey's parliament is split by longstanding animosity between its center-left and center-right parties. Yilmaz led the last government, which collapsed in November amid allegations he had ties to organized crime and interfered with the sale of a state bank. ``I am more and more optimistic after every meeting,'' Erez told reporters after meeting with the party leaders. Turkey has been trying to form a new government since a coalition government led by Yilmaz collapsed last month over allegations that he rigged the sale of a bank. Ecevit, who was asked to form a new government Wednesday, desperately needs the support of the 99 deputies of ex-premier Tansu Ciller's center-right party. Ecevit, a veteran leftist, already has the support of another center-right party led by Mesut Yilmaz , whose government collapsed last week under the weight of a mafia scandal. Ecevit already has the support of her arch-rival, outgoing Premier Mesut Yilmaz, head of the other center-right party. But Mrs. Ciller said Wednesday she would not join forces with Yilmaz , whose government collapsed Nov. 25 over a mafia scandal. Turkey's parliament is split by longstanding animosity between its center-left and center-right parties. Yilmaz led the last government , which collapsed in November amid allegations he had ties to organized crime and interfered with the sale of a state bank. Turkey's secular parties are under pressure to join forces to keep the Islamic Virtue Party out of power. Virtue is the largest party in Parliament, but the all-powerful military is fiercely opposed to an Islamic-led government. But Demirel broke with custom to keep the Islamic-oriented Virtue Party from power. Turkey's staunchly secular military opposes the return of an Islamic-led government. ``As long as our sensitivity toward the secular, democratic regime is taken into account, we will do our best to help form the new government and ensure it gets a vote of confidence,'' Ecevit said after his own talks with Erez. Turkey's strongly secular military is opposed to any deal that would bring Virtue to power. ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz on Wednesday faced intense pressure to step down after allegations that he interfered in a privatization contract and helped a businessman linked to a mobster secure loans. Yilmaz' minority government could go down if the the small, center-left Republican Party, which usually gives him the majority he needs in parliament, votes against him. The leader of the Republicans , Deniz Baykal, urged Yilmaz to resign. ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz on Wednesday faced intense pressure to step down after allegations that he interfered in a privatization contract and helped a businessman linked to a mobster secure loans. Opposition parties lodged no-confidence motions Wednesday against Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz after allegations he interfered in the privatization of a bank and helped a businessman linked to a mobster. Premier-designate Bulent Ecevit said Thursday he would persist in the difficult task of convincing a key party leader to join forces in a secular coalition. Premier-designate Bulent Ecevit said Thursday he would persist in the difficult task of convincing a key party leader to join forces in a secular coalition. Bulent Ecevit , who was asked to form a new government Wednesday, is a former prime minister best remembered for ordering an invasion of Cyprus in 1974 that made him an overnight hero at home. Bulent Ecevit, who was asked to form a new government Wednesday, is a former prime minister best remembered for ordering an invasion of Cyprus in 1974 that made him an overnight hero at home. Ecevit was expected to meet with Yilmaz on Thursday, and other party leaders Friday. Turkey's secular parties are under pressure to join forces to keep the Islamic Virtue Party out of power. Turkey's latest premier-designate got the backing of two key secular parties Monday in his efforts to form a broad-based, coalition government, on condition that his government stick to Turkey's secular principles. James Kopp, the man the FBI is seeking as a material witness in the sniper slaying of Dr. Barnett Slepian , is known to abortion rights leaders as an aggressive anti-abortion protester, and law enforcement officials say he has been arrested several times in demonstrations at abortion clinics. Federal authorities investigating the murder of a Buffalo-area obstetrician who performed abortions have identified a Vermont man as a material witness to the sniper attack last month and issued a warrant for his arrest Wednesday to bring him in for questioning. After his release, Kopp returned to Operation Rescue's Binghamton headquarters, and was there working alongside Terry as the group's power and influence in the anti-abortion movement surged in late 1988 and 1989, according to the former leaders of Operation Rescue. Now, Kopp is being sought by federal and local law enforcement authorities for questioning as a material witness in the murder of an obstetrician who performed abortions in the Buffalo region. An itinerant antiabortion activist whose last known address is in Vermont, he is the subject of warrants on both sides of the border. In Canada, he is suspected of administrative violations of immigration law; in the United States, he is wanted as a material witness in the Slepian case. On the eve of a holiday that has been linked to antiabortion violence, the authorities on Tuesday were investigating whether a picture of an aborted fetus sent to a Canadian newspaper was connected to last month's fatal shooting of a Buffalo, N.Y. doctor who provided abortions or four similar attacks in western New York and Canada since 1994. The newspaper, the Hamilton (Ontario) Spectator, has received five similar packages in the last year, some containing veiled threats and several delivered by a man who employees said resembled James Charles Kopp, who is wanted for questioning as a witness about the Oct. 23 slaying of Dr. Barnett Slepian. While veterans and civic leaders devote Wednesday's national holiday to honoring fallen soldiers, Remembrance Day has become a chilling vigil for Canadians in the front lines of the abortion-rights movement. There is immediate fear, because an anti-abortion gunman is believed to be at large. While veterans and civic leaders devote Wednesday's national holiday to honoring fallen soldiers, Remembrance Day has become a chilling vigil for Canadians in the front lines of the abortion-rights movement. There is immediate fear, because an anti-abortion gunman is believed to be at large. She was there before Lambs of Christ demonstrators came to town in 1993. She was on the sidewalk outside Buffalo GYN Womenservices the morning of Oct. 23, about 12 hours before Barnett Slepian, the clinic doctor, was fatally shot in his home. She was there before Lambs of Christ demonstrators came to town in 1993. She was on the sidewalk outside Buffalo GYN Womenservices the morning of Oct. 23, about 12 hours before Barnett Slepian, the clinic doctor, was fatally shot in his home. The portrait that emerges of Kopp, 44, from police records, studies by researchers on right-wing movements, newspaper accounts of protests, and abortion rights advocates, is that of an itinerant protester, moving about the country in a series of increasingly abrasive protests at abortion clinics. Federal law enforcement officials say he is not currently a suspect in the Slepian shooting , and there was no indication Wednesday that he had been arrested for any violent acts. All the letters appear to be hoaxes, and it remains unclear whether they were connected to any of the five shootings. Kopp is not a suspect in the shootings. After his release, Kopp returned to Operation Rescue's Binghamton headquarters, and was there working alongside Terry as the group's power and influence in the anti-abortion movement surged in late 1988 and 1989, according to the former leaders of Operation Rescue. Now, Kopp is being sought by federal and local law enforcement authorities for questioning as a material witness in the murder of an obstetrician who performed abortions in the Buffalo region. But some federal law enforcement officials say they hope that Kopp may help provide such a link. In fact, the announcement that law enforcement officials are looking for him has been made as Attorney General Janet Reno has prepared to revive an interagency task force to look once again for possible conspiracies behind anti-abortion crimes. In fact, the announcement that law enforcement officials are looking for him has been made as Attorney General Janet Reno has prepared to revive an interagency task force to look once again for possible conspiracies behind anti-abortion crimes. Federal law enforcement officials and the authorities say Kopp is not now a suspect in the sniper attack on Oct. 23 that killed Dr. Barnett A. Slepian near Buffalo. The attacks were spread across Canada _ Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia. U.S. and Canadian investigators now believe those attacks were linked to two shootings of abortion-providing doctors in upstate New York, including the Oct. 23 slaying of Dr. Barnett Slepian at his home near Buffalo. Slepian is the third doctor to be killed in the last five years in bombings and shootings that have killed 7 people and wounded 17 at abortion clinics around the nation. To his tormentors, he was simply an abortion doctor. But Slepian was far from either. In interviews with friends and family members, he emerges as more than a one-dimensional abstract _ a conservative who advocated old-fashioned values like self-reliance, a shy man who had rare flashes of anger, a doctor who performed abortions but had no more patience for women who had multiple abortions than for women who had multiple children they did not want or could not support. On the eve of a holiday that has been linked to antiabortion violence , the authorities on Tuesday were investigating whether a picture of an aborted fetus sent to a Canadian newspaper was connected to last month's fatal shooting of a Buffalo, N.Y. doctor who provided abortions or four similar attacks in western New York and Canada since 1994. James Kopp , the man the FBI is seeking as a material witness in the sniper slaying of Dr. Barnett Slepian, is known to abortion rights leaders as an aggressive anti-abortion protester , and law enforcement officials say he has been arrested several times in demonstrations at abortion clinics. In July 1988, when Randall Terry drove through the night from his home in Binghamton, N.Y. , to Atlanta to start the series of anti-abortion protests that would finally put his new hard-line group, Operation Rescue, onto America's front pages, James Charles Kopp was in the van riding alongside him, according to former leaders of Operation Rescue who spoke on the condition of anonymity. A fire turned a Swedish dance hall jammed with teen-age Halloween revelers into a deathtrap , killing at least 60 people and injuring about 180. A fire turned a dance hall jammed with teen-age Halloween revelers into a deathtrap , killing at least 60 people and injuring about 180 in Sweden's second-largest city. A fire turned a Swedish dance hall jammed with teen-age Halloween revelers into a deathtrap , killing at least 60 people and injuring about 180. A fire turned a dance hall jammed with teen-age Halloween revelers into a deathtrap , killing 65 people and injuring 157 others in Sweden's second-largest city. A fire turned a dance hall jammed with teen-age Halloween revelers into a deathtrap , killing 60 people and injuring 162 others in Sweden's second-largest city. A fire turned a dance hall jammed with teen-age Halloween revelers into a deathtrap , killing 60 people and injuring 162 others in Sweden's second-largest city. A fire turned a Swedish dance hall jammed with teen-age Halloween revelers into a deathtrap , killing 60 people and injuring 155. Hundreds of teen-agers jammed into an upstairs hall planning to dance the night away, but by the time the sun rose Friday they were dead, clinging to life in hospitals or weeping in disbelief at a fire that killed 67 of them. Forensic experts examining heavily burned bodies were able Saturday to identify more of the 60 young people who died in a dance hall fire , but the catastrophe's most tormenting question was still unanswered. A fire turned a Swedish dance hall jammed with teen-age Halloween revelers into a deathtrap, killing at least 60 people and injuring about 180. A fire turned a dance hall jammed with teen-age Halloween revelers into a deathtrap, killing at least 60 people and injuring about 180 in Sweden's second-largest city. A fire turned a Swedish dance hall jammed with teen-age Halloween revelers into a deathtrap, killing at least 60 people and injuring about 180. A fire turned a dance hall jammed with teen-age Halloween revelers into a deathtrap, killing 60 people and injuring 162 others in Sweden's second-largest city. A fire turned a dance hall jammed with teen-age Halloween revelers into a deathtrap, killing 60 people and injuring 162 others in Sweden's second-largest city. A fire turned a Swedish dance hall jammed with teen-age Halloween revelers into a deathtrap, killing 60 people and injuring 155. Hundreds of teen-agers jammed into an upstairs hall planning to dance the night away, but by the time the sun rose Friday they were dead, clinging to life in hospitals or weeping in disbelief at a fire that killed 67 of them. Police said another 173 people were injured, 20 of them severely , in the explosive fire that engulfed the plain brick two-story building just before midnight Thursday and turned a boisterous disco dance into a screaming terror in a matter of moments. A panicky telephone call in poor Swedish was the first word that authorities got of a fire racing through a dance hall crowded with immigrant teen-agers, delaying fire squads' response to the blaze that killed 60 and injured 162 , officials said Saturday. The dance was on the second floor. About 300 or 400 people were inside , police said. The fast-spreading fire completely gutted the building and left rescuers facing a hideous scene that local rescue service leader Lennart Olin likened to a ``gas chamber.'' Although an estimated 400 people, most aged 13 to 18 , were at the dance on the building's second floor , the facility had approval for a maximum capacity of 150, said Hans Carlsson, the detective leading the disaster investigation. The blaze was already consuming the brick building. About 300 or 400 people were inside , police said. The fast-spreading fire completely gutted the two-story building and left rescuers facing a hideous scene that local rescue service leader Lennart Olin likened to a ``gas chamber.'' Although an estimated 400 people, most aged 13 to 18 , were at the dance on the upper floor , the facility had approval for a maximum capacity of 150, Hans Carlsson, the detective leading the disaster investigation. The cause of the fire had not been determined as of Friday evening. Although an estimated 400 people, most aged 13 to 18 , were at the dance on the building's second floor , the facility had approval for a maximum capacity of 150, said Hans Carlsson, the detective leading the disaster investigation. The cause of the fire had not been determined as of Friday evening. Although an estimated 400 people, most aged 13 to 18 , were at the dance on the building's second floor , the facility had approval for a maximum capacity of 150, said Carlsson. The cause of the fire had not been determined as of Friday evening. Although an estimated 400 people, most aged 13 to 18 , were at the dance on the upper floor , the facility had approval for a maximum capacity of 150, Hans Carlsson, the detective leading the disaster investigation. Hundreds of teen-agers jammed into an upstairs hall planning to dance the night away, but by the time the sun rose Friday they were dead, clinging to life in hospitals or weeping in disbelief at a fire that killed 67 of them. A fire turned a dance hall jammed with teen-age Halloween revelers into a deathtrap, killing at least 60 people and injuring about 180 in Sweden's second-largest city. The fast-spreading fire completely gutted the building and left rescuers facing a hideous scene that local rescue service leader Lennart Olin likened to a ``gas chamber.'' A fire turned a Swedish dance hall jammed with teen-age Halloween revelers into a deathtrap, killing at least 60 people and injuring about 180. The fast-spreading fire completely gutted the two-story building and left rescuers facing a hideous scene that local rescue service leader Lennart Olin likened to a ``gas chamber.'' A fire turned a Swedish dance hall jammed with teen-age Halloween revelers into a deathtrap, killing at least 60 people and injuring about 180. The fast-spreading fire completely gutted the two-story building and left rescuers facing a hideous scene that local rescue service leader Lennart Olin likened to a ``gas chamber.'' A fire turned a dance hall jammed with teen-age Halloween revelers into a deathtrap, killing 65 people and injuring 157 others in Sweden's second-largest city. The fast-spreading fire that broke out just a few minutes before midnight Thursday gutted the building and left rescuers facing a hideous scene that local rescue service leader Lennart Olin likened to a ``gas chamber.'' ''The earlier information that police gave out was wrong,'' Hand Carlsson, the lead detective in the case, told a news conference. The fast-spreading fire that broke out just a few minutes before midnight Thursday gutted the building and left rescuers facing a hideous scene that local rescue service leader Lennart Olin likened to a ``gas chamber.'' ''The earlier information that police gave out was wrong,'' Hand Carlsson, the lead detective in the case, told a news conference. The fast-spreading fire that broke out just a few minutes before midnight Thursday gutted the building and left rescuers facing a hideous scene that local rescue service leader Lennart Olin likened to a ``gas chamber.'' ``It reminded me of the gas chambers at Auschwitz,'' local rescue service leader Lennart Olin said on national radio, describing the sight when rescuers first entered the building in Goteborg, a city of half a million people on the country's west coast. The fire was the deadliest in modern Swedish history since 1978 , when 20 people died in the town of Boraas. Although an estimated 400 people, most aged 13 to 18, were at the dance on the building's second floor, the facility had approval for a maximum capacity of 150, said Hans Carlsson, the detective leading the disaster investigation. The fire , at the facilities of the Macedonian Association local immigrant group, was the deadliest in modern Swedish history. Although an estimated 400 people, most aged 13 to 18, were at the dance on the upper floor, the facility had approval for a maximum capacity of 150, Hans Carlsson, the detective leading the disaster investigation. The fire , at the facilities of the Macedonian Association local immigrant group, was the deadliest in modern Swedish history since 1978 , when 20 people died in the town of Boraas. Although an estimated 400 people, most aged 13 to 18, were at the dance on the building's second floor, the facility had approval for a maximum capacity of 150, said Hans Carlsson, the detective leading the disaster investigation. The fire , at the facilities of the Macedonian Association local immigrant group, was the deadliest in modern Swedish history. Although an estimated 400 people, most aged 13 to 18, were at the dance on the building's second floor, the facility had approval for a maximum capacity of 150, said Carlsson. The fire , at the facilities of the Macedonian Association local immigrant group, was the deadliest in modern Swedish history. Although an estimated 400 people, most aged 13 to 18, were at the dance on the upper floor, the facility had approval for a maximum capacity of 150, Hans Carlsson, the detective leading the disaster investigation. The fire , at the facilities of the Macedonian Association local immigrant group, was the deadliest in modern Swedish history. In 1978, 20 people died in a fire at a hotel in the town of Boraas. At a news conference Friday morning, police said most victims choked to death on smoke and poisonous gases ; 59 bodies were found at the scene and the 60th victim died at a hospital, officials said. The fire, at the facilities of the Macedonian Association local immigrant group, was the deadliest in modern Swedish history since 1978, when 20 people died in the town of Boraas. On Friday, police said most victims choked to death on smoke and poisonous gases ; 59 bodies were found at the scene, and the 60th victim died at a hospital, officials said. In 1978, 20 people died in a fire at a hotel in the town of Boraas. Police said most victims choked to death on smoke and poisonous gases ; 59 bodies were found at the scene and six others died later. In 1978, 20 people died in a fire at a hotel in the town of Boraas. Police said most victims choked to death on smoke and poisonous gases ; 59 bodies were found at the scene and one other died later. In 1978, 20 people died in a fire at a hotel in the town of Boraas. Police said most victims choked to death on smoke and poisonous gases ; 59 bodies were found at the scene and one other died later. At a news conference Friday morning, police said most victims choked to death on smoke and poisonous gases; 59 bodies were found at the scene and the 60th victim died at a hospital, officials said. The dance apparently was attended mostly by immigrants or children of immigrant. The injured included about 20 in serious condition. The dance apparently was attended mostly by immigrants or children of immigrants. The building did not have sprinklers and was not required to have them, officials said. The dance was attended mostly by immigrants or children of immigrants. The building did not have sprinklers and was not required to have them, officials said. The dance was attended mostly by immigrants or children of immigrants. Of the 162 people who suffered non-fatal injuries in the Thursday night fire, 76 remain hospitalized. Most of the victims were immigrants or of immigrant parentage , from countries including Iraq, Iran, Somalia, Ethiopia and current and former Yugoslavia. Police said most victims choked to death on smoke and poisonous gases; 59 bodies were found at the scene and six others died later. Of the injured, 57 were in intensive care , said Sven Martinell, spokesman for the local medical authorities. Police said most victims choked to death on smoke and poisonous gases; 59 bodies were found at the scene and one other died later. Of the injured , at least 57 were in intensive care, according to Sven Martinell, spokesman for the local medical authorities. Police said most victims choked to death on smoke and poisonous gases; 59 bodies were found at the scene and one other died later. Of the injured, at least 57 were in intensive care , according to Sven Martinell, spokesman for the local medical authorities. Police said most victims choked to death on smoke and poisonous gases; 59 bodies were found at the scene and one other died later. Of the injured , at least 57 were in intensive care, according to Sven Martinell, spokesman for the local medical authorities. Police said most victims choked to death on smoke and poisonous gases; 59 bodies were found at the scene and one other died later. Of the injured, at least 57 were in intensive care , according to Sven Martinell, spokesman for the local medical authorities. The fast-spreading fire that broke out just a few minutes before midnight Thursday gutted the building and left rescuers facing a hideous scene that local rescue service leader Lennart Olin likened to a ``gas chamber.'' The cause of the fire had not been determined as of Friday evening. The fast-spreading fire that broke out just a few minutes before midnight Thursday gutted the building and left rescuers facing a hideous scene that local rescue service leader Lennart Olin likened to a ``gas chamber.'' The cause of the fire had not been determined as of Friday evening. But the fire spread so fast that even an instant response would likely have been too slow. The cause of the fire had not been determined as of Friday evening. How could it happen; what caused the flames that raced through a hall packed far beyond capacity, blocking one of the exits and forcing panicked teen-agers to flee down the one remaining staircase and leap out of second-story windows? ''As long as the technicians haven't established the cause of the fire , we don't know if it's arson or not,'' Goteborg chief prosecutor Ulf Noren said Saturday evening. The fast-spreading fire completely gutted the building and left rescuers facing a hideous scene that local rescue service leader Lennart Olin likened to a ``gas chamber.'' Although an estimated 400 people, most aged 13 to 18, were at the dance on the building's second floor, the facility had approval for a maximum capacity of 150 , said Hans Carlsson, the detective leading the disaster investigation. The cause of the fire had not been determined as of Friday evening. Although an estimated 400 people, most aged 13 to 18, were at the dance on the building's second floor, the facility had approval for a maximum capacity of 150 , said Hans Carlsson, the detective leading the disaster investigation. The cause of the fire had not been determined as of Friday evening. Although an estimated 400 people, most aged 13 to 18, were at the dance on the building's second floor, the facility had approval for a maximum capacity of 150 , said Carlsson. The cause of the fire had not been determined as of Friday evening. Although an estimated 400 people, most aged 13 to 18, were at the dance on the upper floor, the facility had approval for a maximum capacity of 150 , Hans Carlsson, the detective leading the disaster investigation. Victories, more than time, had healed the malice toward Knoblauch and he could play second base without earplugs. When the Yankees defeated the Indians, 9-5 , in Game 6 on Tuesday night to advance to their second World Series in three years , Knoblauch was easily the most relieved player on the field. YANKEES Pitching The starting pitching enabled the Yankees to advance past Cleveland in the American League Championship Series. The last time they were seen on the field at Yankee Stadium, they were inadvertently influencing the outcome of the game that sent the Cleveland Indians home and the Yankees to the World Series. YANKEES Pitching The starting pitching enabled the Yankees to advance past Cleveland in the American League Championship Series. YANKEES Pitching The starting pitching enabled the Yankees to advance past Cleveland in the American League Championship Series. Orlando Hernandez will pitch against Andy Ashby in Game 2 Sunday night at the Stadium. Beyond seizing the advantage in the series, the Yankees were able to neutralize the Padres' ace, Kevin Brown, driving him from the mound in the seventh. Orlando Hernandez will pitch against Andy Ashby in Game 2 Sunday night at the Stadium. Beyond seizing the advantage in the series, the Yankees were able to neutralize the Padres' ace, Kevin Brown , driving him from the mound in the seventh. We're all praying for him.'' Since cancerous cells were found in one of the 36 lymph nodes removed from his abdomen during the operation, Strawberry said doctors told him he will need six months of chemotherapy treatment once he returns to California. We're all praying for him.'' Since cancerous cells were found in one of the 36 lymph nodes removed from his abdomen during the operation, Strawberry said doctors told him he will need six months of chemotherapy treatment once he returns to California. YANKEES Pitching The starting pitching enabled the Yankees to advance past Cleveland in the American League Championship Series. David Wells is 7-1 in his career in the postseason and he should have an additional edge against a Padres' lineup that is generally less effective against left-handed pitching. Two big hits in the midst of a big inning changed all that Saturday night in Game 1 of the World Series. The Yankees trailed San Diego , 5-2, in the seventh inning, but Knoblauch hit a three-run home run to tie the score, and five batters later, Martinez smashed a grand slam. David Wells is 7-1 in his career in the postseason and he should have an additional edge against a Padres' lineup that is generally less effective against left-handed pitching. Orlando Hernandez has four terrific pitches, pitched seven shutout innings in the pivotal Game 4 of the ALCS and earned the start in Game 2 of this series. Bedecked in bunting and banners, the revered ballpark always elevates the game with its aura of history and accomplishment. That makes it the perfect venue for part of a championship series that will determine whether the 1998 Yankees are one of the greatest teams of the modern era, or just a talented squad that owned the regular season but folded in the World Series. Two big hits in the midst of a big inning changed all that Saturday night in Game 1 of the World Series. The Yankees trailed San Diego, 5-2, in the seventh inning, but Knoblauch hit a three-run home run to tie the score , and five batters later, Martinez smashed a grand slam. All right, so Ted Hendry won't be in the World Series; the umpires' collective bargaining agreement with the leagues does not allow an umpire to work both a league championship series and the World Series. Joe Brinkman won't be here either, even though the agreement does allow for an umpire to work both a division series and the World Series. Struggling to meet their fourth deadline over the federal budget, congressional Republicans and White House officials wrestled Tuesday with their differences over education , staging events to demonstrate support for what has become the most public and politically high-stakes element of the budget battle. Struggling to meet their fourth deadline over the federal budget, congressional Republicans and White House officials wrestled Tuesday with their differences over education , the most politically high-stakes element of the budget battle. Struggling to meet their fourth deadline over the federal budget, congressional Republicans and White House officials wrestled Tuesday with their differences over education , the most politically high-stakes element of the budget battle. Struggling to meet their fourth deadline over the federal budget , congressional Republicans and White House officials wrestled Tuesday with their differences over education, staging events to demonstrate support for what has become the most public and politically high-stakes element of the budget battle. Struggling to meet their fourth deadline over the federal budget , congressional Republicans and White House officials wrestled Tuesday with their differences over education, the most politically high-stakes element of the budget battle. Struggling to meet their fourth deadline over the federal budget , congressional Republicans and White House officials wrestled Tuesday with their differences over education, the most politically high-stakes element of the budget battle. These were among the biggest issues that still separated the two sides as each tried to formulate a message to take home to voters for the Nov. 3 elections. On education, the issue that President Clinton has propelled to the forefront of the talks and on which Republicans do not want to appear recalcitrant, both sides have agreed to spend more than $1 billion but disagree over how to spend it. These were among the biggest issues that still separated the two sides as each tried to formulate a message to take home to voters for the Nov. 3 elections. On education, the issue that President Clinton has propelled to the forefront and on which Republicans do not want to appear recalcitrant, both sides have agreed to spend more than $1 billion but not on how to spend it. These were among the biggest issues that still separated the two sides as each tried to formulate a message to take home to voters for the Nov. 3 elections. On education, the issue that President Clinton has propelled to the forefront and on which Republicans do not want to appear recalcitrant, both sides have agreed to spend more than $1 billion but not on how to spend it. On education, the issue that President Clinton has propelled to the forefront and on which Republicans do not want to appear recalcitrant, both sides have agreed to spend more than $1 billion but not on how to spend it. The president insists that the money be spent to hire 100,000 teachers across the country so that the average class can be reduced to 18 students. On education, the issue that President Clinton has propelled to the forefront and on which Republicans do not want to appear recalcitrant, both sides have agreed to spend more than $1 billion but not on how to spend it. The president insists that the money be spent to hire 100,000 teachers across the country so that the average class can be reduced to 18 students. On education, the issue that President Clinton has propelled to the forefront and on which Republicans do not want to appear recalcitrant, both sides have agreed to spend more than $1 billion but not on how to spend it. The president insists that the money be spent to hire 100,000 teachers across the country so that the average class can be reduced to 18 students. They have given themselves another deadline of midnight Wednesday to wrap up about $500 billion worth of spending items, but they could easily extend that deadline another day or two. They missed having spending bills in place for the Oct. 1 start of the fiscal year, providing temporary financing for the federal government through Oct. 9 , then Oct. 12, then Wednesday. House Speaker Newt Gingrich and other members from Georgia, a major peanut-producing state, are fighting the proposal, which would force airlines to ban peanuts within three rows of someone with an allergy. Congress gave itself until midnight Tuesday to vote on the final bill, agreeing with President Clinton to a fifth extension of temporary financing to keep the government open. House Speaker Newt Gingrich and other members from Georgia, a major peanut-producing state, are fighting the proposal, which would force airlines to ban peanuts within three rows of someone with an allergy. Congress gave itself until midnight Tuesday to vote on the final bill, agreeing with President Clinton to a fifth extension of temporary financing to keep the government open. ``We're down to splitting infinitives,'' Rep. Dick Armey of Texas, the Republican majority leader, said of approving funds for the international fund. As they worked through several issues, Republican leaders appeared to be calculating the differences in their own party that might sour a final deal when it arrives on the House floor _ more of a concern than on the Senate floor because the Senate has fewer differences among its Republicans and with the White House. ``We're down to splitting infinitives,'' House Majority Leader Dick Armey said of approving money for the IMF. As they worked through several issues, Republican leaders appeared to be calculating the differences in their own party that might sour a final deal when it arrives on the House floor _ more of a concern than the Senate floor because the Senate has fewer differences among its Republicans and with the White House. ``We're down to splitting infinitives,'' House Majority Leader Dick Armey said of approving money for the IMF. As they worked through several issues, Republican leaders appeared to be calculating the differences in their own party that might sour a final deal when it arrives on the House floor _ more of a concern than the Senate floor because the Senate has fewer differences among its Republicans and with the White House. Some conservatives sounded notes of discord Friday over the federal spending agreement, but they also said they would probably vote for the $500 billion package because it boosted defense spending and provided aid to farmers. Some conservatives sounded notes of discord Friday over the federal spending agreement, but they also said they would probably vote for the $500 billion package because it boosted defense spending and provided aid to farmers. However, no one can vote on the package just yet, because it is not finished. The deal that President Clinton and Republican leaders hailed Thursday was a broad outline of areas of agreement on the final portion of the $1.7 trillion budget, not a written document. However, no one can vote on the package just yet, because it is not finished. The deal that President Clinton and Republican leaders hailed Thursday was a broad outline of areas of agreement on the final portion of the $1.7 trillion budget, not a written document. These were among the biggest issues that still separated the two sides as each tried to formulate a message to take home to voters for the Nov. 3 elections. On education, the issue that President Clinton has propelled to the forefront and on which Republicans do not want to appear recalcitrant , both sides have agreed to spend more than $1 billion but not on how to spend it. These were among the biggest issues that still separated the two sides as each tried to formulate a message to take home to voters for the Nov. 3 elections. On education, the issue that President Clinton has propelled to the forefront and on which Republicans do not want to appear recalcitrant , both sides have agreed to spend more than $1 billion but not on how to spend it. That is now being crafted by the chairmen of the spending committees and their aides, who said Friday that there were still disputes that needed to be resolved and that the final document could run to more than 3,000 pages. For example, still unresolved is a dispute over whether airlines can create a ``peanut-free'' zone to protect passengers who are allergic to peanuts. That is now being crafted by the chairmen of the spending committees and their aides, who said Friday that there were still disputes that needed to be resolved and that the final document could run to more than 3,000 pages. For example, still unresolved is a dispute over whether airlines can create a ``peanut-free'' zone to protect passengers who are allergic to peanuts. Doctors ordered Russian President Boris Yeltsin to cut short his Central Asian trip because of a respiratory infection and he agreed to return home Monday, a day earlier than planned, officials said. Russian President Boris Yeltsin cut short a trip to Central Asia on Monday due to a respiratory infection that revived questions about his overall health and ability to lead Russia through a sustained economic crisis. President Boris Yeltsin stayed home Tuesday, nursing a respiratory infection that forced him to cut short a foreign trip and revived concerns about his ability to govern. However, Yeltsin's condition was stable, Yakushkin said. Doctors insisted Monday that Yeltsin fly home from Central Asia a day ahead of schedule because he was suffering from an upper respiratory infection and had a mild fever of 37.4 Celsius (99.3 F). Hours after he returned to work, the generally pro-Yeltsin upper house of parliament fell just 11 votes short of passing a motion urging him to step down over his social welfare policies. Yeltsin , 67, has a respiratory infection that forced him to cut short his first foreign visit in months on Monday. Yeltsin's growing health problems would also seem to rule out another election campaign. A respiratory infection forced him to cut short a trip to Central Asia earlier this week. Yeltsin's growing health problems would also seem to rule out another election campaign. A respiratory infection forced him to cut short a trip to Central Asia earlier this week. Yeltsin's growing health problems would also seem to rule out another election campaign. A respiratory infection forced him to cut short a trip to Central Asia earlier this week. Yeltsin's growing health problems would also seem to rule out another election campaign. A respiratory infection forced him to cut short a trip to Central Asia earlier this week. Russian President Boris Yeltsin , who is still recuperating from his latest illness, has canceled a trip to an Asian summit next month , his office said Friday. But sources in Primakov's office said the cancellation was due to concerns about how the long flight might effect the president's health. The president has been suffering from bronchitis and a cold this week , which forced him to cut short a visit to Central Asia on Monday. Russian President Boris Yeltsin cut short a trip to Central Asia on Monday due to a respiratory infection that revived questions about his overall health and ability to lead Russia through a sustained economic crisis. Yeltsin's premature return to Moscow also prompted doubts about his capacity to respond decisively in the Kosovo crisis, in which Russia has been leading a campaign to forestall airstrikes. Russian President Boris Yeltsin cut short a trip to Central Asia on Monday due to a respiratory infection that revived questions about his overall health and ability to lead Russia through a sustained economic crisis. They said Yeltsin was being treated with antibiotics and there were no plans to hospitalize him. Yeltsin, 67, has a history of health problems, including quintuple heart bypass surgery two years ago, so whenever he gets sick there is a flurry of speculation about his ability to function. Yeltsin, 67, has a respiratory infection that forced him to cut short his first foreign visit in months on Monday. Whenever Yeltsin falls ill, speculation arises about his ability to govern. Yeltsin has a long history of health problems, including a heart bypass surgery two years ago. Each new ailment rekindles speculation about his fitness to govern. But after a series of health problems in recent years, including heart bypass surgery in 1996, every new ailment unleashes a flurry of speculation about the president's ability to function. The president insists he has no major health problems and will serve out the remaining two years of his term. But after a series of health problems in recent years, including heart bypass surgery in 1996, every new ailment unleashes a flurry of speculation about the president's ability to function. The president insists he has no major health problems and will serve out the remaining two years of his term. Yeltsin, 67, has a history of health problems, including quintuple heart bypass surgery two years ago, so whenever he gets sick there is a flurry of speculation about his ability to function. Yeltsin insists he has no major illness and plans to serve out the remaining two years of his term. Each new ailment rekindles speculation about his fitness to govern. The president and his doctors say Yeltsin has no serious health problems and will serve out the final two years of his term. Each new ailment rekindles speculation about his fitness to govern. The president and his doctors say Yeltsin has no serious health problems and will serve out the final two years of his term. Russia's Constitutional Court opened hearings Thursday on whether Boris Yeltsin can seek a third term. Russia's Constitutional Court opened hearings Thursday on whether Boris Yeltsin can seek a third term. Russia's Constitutional Court opened hearings Thursday on whether Boris Yeltsin can seek a third term. Russia's Constitutional Court opened hearings Thursday on whether Boris Yeltsin can seek a third term. The issue was controversial earlier this year when Yeltsin refused to spell out his intentions and his aides insisted he had the legal right to seek re-election. It has lost some of its urgency, as Yeltsin has grown physically and politically weaker and has said he will not run again. While the case has been waiting to be heard, events have overtaken it. Yeltsin has flatly said he will not seek another term , and the opposition has concentrated its efforts on demanding an early resignation, riding a wave of popular discontent over the economic crisis. The issue was controversial earlier this year when Yeltsin refused to spell out his intentions and his aides insisted he had the legal right to seek re-election. It has lost some of its urgency, as Yeltsin has grown physically and politically weaker and has said he will not run again. While the case has been waiting to be heard, events have overtaken it. Yeltsin has flatly said he will not seek another term , and the opposition has concentrated its efforts on demanding an early resignation, riding a wave of popular discontent over the economic crisis. President Boris Yeltsin's doctors have pronounced his health ``more or less normal ,'' his wife Naina said in an interview published Wednesday. ``Don't panic, Dad is OK,'' Yeltsin's daughter Tatiana Dyachenko, who is his official image adviser, told the Kommersant business newspaper. Yakushkin said Yeltsin's personal doctor, Sergei Mironov, confirmed that the president was suffering from a respiratory infection known as tracheal bronchitis and that ``his condition is stable. '' Yeltsin was spending the day at his Gorky-9 country residence just outside Moscow, and will probably not go into the office all week, his spokesman, Dmitry Yakushkin, told reporters. However, Yeltsin's condition was stable , Yakushkin said. Doctors ordered Russian President Boris Yeltsin to cut short his Central Asian trip because of a respiratory infection and he agreed to return home Monday, a day earlier than planned, officials said. Yeltsin was suffering from tracheobronchitis, had a fever of 37.4 Celsius (99.3 Fahrenheit) and was being treated with antibiotics , the president's doctors told the Interfax news agency. Doctors insisted Monday that Yeltsin fly home from Central Asia a day ahead of schedule because he was suffering from an upper respiratory infection and had a mild fever of 37.4 Celsius (99.3 F). They said Yeltsin was being treated with antibiotics and there were no plans to hospitalize him. Doctors insisted Monday that Yeltsin fly home from Central Asia a day ahead of schedule because he was suffering from an upper respiratory infection and had a mild fever of 37.4 Celsius (99.3 F). They said Yeltsin was being treated with antibiotics and there were no plans to hospitalize him. Doctors ordered Russian President Boris Yeltsin to cut short his Central Asian trip because of a respiratory infection and he agreed to return home Monday, a day earlier than planned, officials said. Yeltsin was suffering from tracheobronchitis, had a fever of 37.4 Celsius (99.3 Fahrenheit) and was being treated with antibiotics, the president's doctors told the Interfax news agency. The president insists he has no major health problems and will serve out the remaining two years of his term. Yeltsin's aides said the president was taking antibiotics to ward off a bout of bronchitis and a mild fever of 37.4 Celsius (99.3 Fahrenheit). However, Yeltsin's condition was stable, Yakushkin said. Doctors insisted Monday that Yeltsin fly home from Central Asia a day ahead of schedule because he was suffering from an upper respiratory infection and had a mild fever of 37.4 Celsius (99.3 F). But after a series of health problems in recent years, including heart bypass surgery in 1996, every new ailment unleashes a flurry of speculation about the president's ability to function. The president insists he has no major health problems and will serve out the remaining two years of his term. Yeltsin, 67, has a history of health problems, including quintuple heart bypass surgery two years ago, so whenever he gets sick there is a flurry of speculation about his ability to function. Yeltsin insists he has no major illness and plans to serve out the remaining two years of his term. Each new ailment rekindles speculation about his fitness to govern. The president and his doctors say Yeltsin has no serious health problems and will serve out the final two years of his term. The two sides are expected to sign economic agreements Monday. Later Monday , Yeltsin is to go to Kazakstan , where he and Kazak President Nursultan Nazarbayev are expected to sign agreements on economic, science and technical cooperation and on combating drug trafficking. Doctors ordered Russian President Boris Yeltsin to cut short his Central Asian trip because of a respiratory infection and he agreed to return home Monday , a day earlier than planned, officials said. A close look at Microsoft's no-holds-barred push into the Internet software business offers a window into the ways the company uses its market muscle to influence the behavior of virtually every player in the industry. Some of the cases recounted here figure prominently in the suit brought by the Justice Department and 20 states , scheduled to go to trial this month, charging that Microsoft at times went too far _ and violated antitrust laws. Microsoft Corp. has said that material in an unpublished book by two business school professors will be a crucial part of its defense in the antitrust trial scheduled to begin next week. But judging from an advance copy of the manuscript, the Justice Department and 20 states that are suing the software giant will find support for their arguments in the book as well. Netscape, the government insists, is still a prime example of the pattern _ but only one of several examples. The 12-person witness list for the Justice Department and 20 states suing Microsoft reflects the new evidence added to the case since May. Monday, however, in a Washington courtroom, the Justice Department began painting a different, darker portrait of Gates. In an antitrust suit brought by the department and 20 states , the man whose company commands a 97 percent share of the market for personal computer operating systems is being depicted as a Nixonian schemer who will go to almost any length to crush his competition. The case of United States vs. Microsoft Corp. , the government's most aggressive move against a monopolist in almost 25 years, is playing out against a century of antitrust laws so broadly worded and court rulings so ambiguous that both sides are citing the same rulings to support their opposing arguments. The case of United States vs. Microsoft Corp. , the government's most aggressive move against a monopolist in almost 25 years, is playing out against a century of antitrust laws so broadly worded and court rulings so ambiguous that both sides are citing the same rulings to support their opposing arguments. The case of United States vs. Microsoft Corp., the government's most aggressive move against a monopolist in almost 25 years, is playing out against a century of antitrust laws so broadly worded and court rulings so ambiguous that both sides are citing the same rulings to support their opposing arguments. The case of United States vs. Microsoft Corp., the government's most aggressive move against a monopolist in almost 25 years, is playing out against a century of antitrust laws so broadly worded and court rulings so ambiguous that both sides are citing the same rulings to support their opposing arguments. The case of United States vs. Microsoft Corp., the government's most aggressive move against a monopolist in almost 25 years, is playing out against a century of antitrust laws so broadly worded and court rulings so ambiguous that both sides are citing the same rulings to support their opposing arguments. Whatever the outcome of the trial, scheduled to begin Monday in U.S. District Court in Washington, an almost certain appeal will leave to the Supreme Court the task of bringing legal order to 100 years of clashing antitrust doctrines. The case of United States vs. Microsoft Corp., the government's most aggressive move against a monopolist in almost 25 years, is playing out against a century of antitrust laws so broadly worded and court rulings so ambiguous that both sides are citing the same rulings to support their opposing arguments. Whatever the outcome of the trial, scheduled to begin Monday in U.S. District Court in Washington, an almost certain appeal will leave to the Supreme Court the task of bringing legal order to 100 years of clashing antitrust doctrines. Whatever the outcome of the trial, scheduled to begin Monday in U.S. District Court in Washington, an almost certain appeal will leave to the Supreme Court the task of bringing legal order to 100 years of clashing antitrust doctrines. The case focuses on Microsoft's Windows , the operating system that controls about 90 percent of all personal computers sold today. Whatever the outcome of the trial, scheduled to begin Monday in U.S. District Court in Washington, an almost certain appeal will leave to the Supreme Court the task of bringing legal order to 100 years of clashing antitrust doctrines. The case focuses on Microsoft's Windows , the operating system that controls about 90 percent of all personal computers sold today. As the foundation on which federal antitrust law has been built, the act has been amended several times _ elevating the crime to a felony, increasing the fines and prison terms for individuals and setting fines for corporations convicted of violating it. In the case of Microsoft , the government has invoked the Sherman Act to file a civil suit that seeks to change the company's business practices, not a criminal suit that seeks financial penalties. As the foundation on which federal antitrust law has been built, the act has been amended several times _ elevating the crime to a felony, increasing the fines and prison terms for individuals and setting fines for corporations convicted of violating it. In the case of Microsoft, the government has invoked the Sherman Act to file a civil suit that seeks to change the company's business practices, not a criminal suit that seeks financial penalties. The case focuses on Microsoft's Windows, the operating system that controls about 90 percent of all personal computers sold today. The government says its objective is to curb illegal monopolistic business practices that threaten to render large parts of the economy vulnerable to the vicissitudes of a single company. The case focuses on Microsoft's Windows, the operating system that controls about 90 percent of all personal computers sold today. The government says its objective is to curb illegal monopolistic business practices that threaten to render large parts of the economy vulnerable to the vicissitudes of a single company. The government says its objective is to curb illegal monopolistic business practices that threaten to render large parts of the economy vulnerable to the vicissitudes of a single company. Microsoft asserts that the case is intended to give the government control over which features can be added to Windows. The government says its objective is to curb illegal monopolistic business practices that threaten to render large parts of the economy vulnerable to the vicissitudes of a single company. Microsoft asserts that the case is intended to give the government control over which features can be added to Windows. The government says that Microsoft's contracts with computer manufacturers and with companies that provide access to the Internet illegally stifle competition. The contracts prohibit manufacturers from substituting Netscape Communications Corp.'s Navigator browser for Microsoft's Internet Explorer. The government says that Microsoft's contracts with computer manufacturers and with companies that provide access to the Internet illegally stifle competition. The contracts prohibit manufacturers from substituting Netscape Communications Corp.'s Navigator browser for Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Following is the text of the first two sections of the Sherman Act , as passed by Congress in 1890. Government officials immediately announced that they were offering two rewards of $5 million each for information leading to the arrest or conviction of bin Laden and another man charged Wednesday, Muhammad Atef, who was described as bin Laden's chief military commander. Bin Laden is believed to be living in Afghanistan under the protection of the Taliban , the Islamic fundamentalist movement that rules that country. Government officials immediately announced that they were offering two rewards of $5 million each for information leading to the arrest or conviction of bin Laden and another man charged Wednesday, Muhammad Atef, who was described as bin Laden's chief military commander. Bin Laden is believed to be living in Afghanistan under the protection of the Taliban , the Islamic fundamentalist movement that rules that country. 1 enemy as a ``hero'' to Muslims worldwide. Bin Laden , believed to be in Afghanistan , and a top aide were indicted Wednesday by a U.S. District Court in the U.S. embassy bombings in Africa and are accused of conspiring to kill Americans outside the United States. The judge made his comments in the first hearing in the bombing case since last week's indictment by a federal grand jury of Osama bin Laden, who the authorities believe was the mastermind of the embassy attacks. Bin Laden remains at large and is believed to be living in Afghanistan under the protection of the Taliban , the Islamic fundamentalist movement that rules that country. Saudi exile Osama bin Laden, the alleged mastermind of a conspiracy to attack U.S. targets around the world, and Muhammad Atef, the alleged military commander of bin Laden's terrorist organization, Al-Qaeda, were charged in a separate 238-page indictment with murder and conspiracy in the bombings. Bin Laden is believed to be living in Afghanistan. Saudi exile Osama bin Laden, the alleged mastermind of a conspiracy to attack U.S. targets around the world, and Muhammad Atef, the alleged military commander of bin Laden's terrorist organization, Al-Qaeda, were charged in a separate 238-page indictment with murder and conspiracy in the bombings. Bin Laden is believed to be living in Afghanistan. A federal grand jury in Manhattan returned a 238-count indictment Wednesday charging the Saudi exile Osama bin Laden with conspiring to bomb two U.S. embassies in Africa in August and with committing acts of terrorism against Americans abroad. 1 enemy as a ``hero'' to Muslims worldwide. Bin Laden, believed to be in Afghanistan, and a top aide were indicted Wednesday by a U.S. District Court in the U.S. embassy bombings in Africa and are accused of conspiring to kill Americans outside the United States. Fazul Abdullah Mohammed is a fugitive. Saudi exile Osama bin Laden, the alleged mastermind of a conspiracy to attack U.S. targets around the world , and Muhammad Atef, the alleged military commander of bin Laden's terrorist organization, Al-Qaeda, were charged in a separate 238-page indictment with murder and conspiracy in the bombings. There has been speculation that two men in the Suzuiki used a remote control device to detonate the bomb. A nearly simultaneous attack in neighboring Kenya killed 213 people, including 12 Americans , at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi. However, they have set up a judicial inquiry to accept evidence of bin Laden's involvement in terrorist activity and have promised to prosecute him if the evidence warrants it. Washington blames bin Laden's group, al Qaeda, for the Aug. 7 bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania that killed 224 people, including 12 Americans , and injured an estimated 5,000 people. El Hage has been charged with conspiring to kill Americans abroad and has been described by the government as a former personal secretary to bin Laden. The two other defendants in court Tuesday _ Mohammed Saddiq Odeh and Mohamed Rashed Daoud al-'Owhali _ have each been charged with separate counts of murder in the deaths of more than 200 people in the embassy attacks in Kenya and Tanzania on August 7. Police and soldiers on Friday blocked off the street in front of a house where members of a terrorist gang are believed to have assembled the bomb that blew up the U.S. Embassy, killing 11 people. The blast at the embassy building in downtown Nairobi killed 213 people, 12 of them Americans, and injured 5,400. In an nearly simultaneous bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam in neighboring Tanzania , 11 people were killed and 85 were injured, none of them Americans. The Taliban's chief justice accused the United States on Wednesday of looking for an ``excuse'' to launch another missile attack on his war-shattered homeland. And that excuse is Osama bin Laden , the man Washington calls Enemy No. According to U.S. intelligence sources, the camps were being used to train members of bin Laden's al Qaeda terrorist group. ``America is looking for an excuse to fire more rockets on our dear Afghanistan and that excuse is bin Laden ,'' Saqib said. The United States retaliated Aug. 20, firing Tomahawk cruise missiles at suspected bin Laden training camps in eastern Afghanistan. At least 26 people were killed , but damage to the area was not considered extensive. 1 and blames for the Aug. 7 bombings of U.S. embassies in East Africa, Justice Noor Mohammed Saqib said an interview with The Associated Press. On Aug. 20 the United States retaliated by firing Tomahawk missiles at suspected terrorist camps in eastern Afghanistan, killing 26 people. The two other defendants in court Tuesday _ Mohammed Saddiq Odeh and Mohamed Rashed Daoud al-'Owhali _ have each been charged with separate counts of murder in the deaths of more than 200 people in the embassy attacks in Kenya and Tanzania on August 7. All three men have pleaded not guilty. Wadih El Hage, Mohamed Sadeek Odeh and Mohamed Rashed Daoud Al-'Owhali are being held by the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York. All three have pleaded innocent. A federal district judge agreed Tuesday to review complaints by lawyers for three men arrested after the bombings of two U.S. embassies in Africa that their jail conditions in Manhattan are unconstitutional and inhumane. Federal prison officials have cut off virtually all communications for two men being held in Manhattan in the bombings of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. The man accused of orchestrating the U.S. embassy bombings in Tanzania and Kenya was declared a free man Friday in Afghanistan , where he has lived for years with the permission of the hard-line Islamic Taliban militia. Hariri, Lebanon's top businessman, has almost single-handedly created a multibillion dollar program to rebuild a country destroyed by the civil war. He is also credited with stabilizing the currency and restoring confidence in the postwar economy. Hariri, Lebanon's top businessman, has almost single-handedly created a multibillion dollar program to rebuild a country destroyed by the civil war. He is also credited with stabilizing the currency and restoring confidence in the postwar economy. Hariri, 53, the architect of Lebanon's multibillion dollar postwar reconstruction program, has been in power since 1992. A billionaire businessman who made his fortune in Saudi Arabia, Hariri is credited with restoring economic confidence and stabilizing the national currency. Hariri, 53, the architect of Lebanon's multibillion dollar postwar reconstruction program, has been in power since 1992. A billionaire businessman who made his fortune in Saudi Arabia, Hariri is credited with restoring economic confidence and stabilizing the national currency. The offer came after the 128 legislators polled by the president gave Hariri a majority but fell short of the near unanimous backing he had received in his previous three mandates since 1992. Hariri is credited with restoring economic confidence and stabilizing the national currency. The offer came after the 128 legislators polled by the president gave Hariri a majority but fell short of the near unanimous backing he had received in his previous three mandates since 1992. Hariri is credited with restoring economic confidence and stabilizing the national currency. The offer came after the 128 legislators polled by the president gave Hariri a majority but fell short of the near unanimous backing he had received in his previous three mandates since 1992. Hariri is credited with restoring economic confidence and stabilizing the national currency. The offer came after the 128 legislators polled by the president gave Hariri a majority but fell short of the near unanimous backing he had received in his previous three mandates since 1992. Hariri is credited with restoring economic confidence and stabilizing the national currency. Lahoud had been expected to issue a presidential decree last week asking Hariri to form the next government. The decree was to be issued after the president polled members of the 128-seat Parliament on their choice for prime minister. Lahoud had been expected to issue a presidential decree last week asking Hariri to form the next government. The decree was to be issued after the president polled members of the 128-seat Parliament on their choice for prime minister. The sources close to Hariri, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the prime minister's decision to bow out came because he did not feel Lahoud was following constitutional procedures in selecting the premier. The Hariri camp argues that the president can poll Parliament members on their choice for prime minister but cannot accept a mandate to name a person of his choice. Damascus supports both Lahoud and Hariri. Lahoud had been expected to issue a presidential decree last week asking Hariri to form the next government after the president polled members of the 128-seat Parliament on their choice for prime minister. In a statement, Lahoud said Hariri was asked but declined to form the next government after a previous round of consultations. The offer came after the 128 legislators polled by the president gave Hariri a majority but fell short of the near unanimous backing he had received in his previous three mandates since 1992. In a statement, Lahoud said Hariri was asked but declined to form the next government after a previous round of consultations. The offer came after the 128 legislators polled by the president gave Hariri a majority but fell short of the near unanimous backing he had received in his previous three mandates since 1992. But in the end, it is Hariri that is most likely to be renamed on the strength of his record in office. Hariri , Lebanon's top businessman, has almost single-handedly created a multibillion dollar program to rebuild a country destroyed by the civil war. But in the end, it is Hariri that is most likely to be renamed on the strength of his record in office. Hariri, Lebanon's top businessman, has almost single-handedly created a multibillion dollar program to rebuild a country destroyed by the civil war. But in the end, it is Hariri that is most likely to be renamed on the strength of his record in office. Hariri, Lebanon's top businessman, has almost single-handedly created a multibillion dollar program to rebuild a country destroyed by the civil war. Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, the business tycoon who launched Lebanon's multibillion dollar reconstruction from the devastation of civil war , said Monday he was bowing out as premier following a dispute with the new president. Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, the business tycoon who launched Lebanon's multibillion dollar reconstruction from the devastation of civil war , said Monday he was bowing out as premier following a dispute with the new president. In another formality before the election, the Parliament will amend the constitution, which forbids senior public servants from running for president. The new president must be sworn in on Nov. 24 , the day Hrawi leaves office at the end of his six-year term. ``Things were supposed to run in a more democratic way,'' said Jumblatt, whose Druse militia fought Christian forces during the 1975-90 civil war. The new president must be sworn in on Nov. 24 , the day Hrawi leaves office after a six-year term. The amendment to Article 49 of the constitution revokes a ban on senior civil servants from running for the presidency. The new president will be sworn in Nov. 24 , the day Hrawi leaves office. All the 118 legislators present at the session cast votes in his favor. Lahoud is to be sworn for a six-year term on Nov. 24 , the day President Elias Hrawi leaves office. All the 118 legislators present at the session cast votes in his favor. Lahoud is to be sworn in for a six-year term on Nov. 24 , the day President Elias Hrawi leaves office. The commander of Lebanon's army will become the country's next president after winning the crucial backing of Syria , the powerbroker in Lebanon. A Cabinet minister and a close Syria ally on Wednesday criticized the Syrian-backed choice of the army commander as president , and said he will boycott a vote to elect the military man for the executive post. Parliament on Thursday formally elected Gen. Emile Lahoud, the popular army commander who has the backing of powerful neighbor Syria , as Lebanon's next president. Parliament on Thursday formally elected Gen. Emile Lahoud, the popular army commander who has the backing of powerful neighbor Syria , as Lebanon's next president. He pledged in a tough inauguration speech to clean up the graft-riddled administration. The British-trained general made his name rebuilding the army after it disintegrated in the civil war. He pledged in a tough inauguration speech to clean up the graft-riddled administration. The British-trained general made his name rebuilding the army after it disintegrated in the civil war. Lahoud pledged in a tough inauguration speech to clean up the graft-riddled administration. The general enjoys widespread popular backing after succeeding in rebuilding an army fractured by civil war. Lahoud pledged in a tough inauguration speech to clean up the graft-riddled administration. The general enjoys widespread popular backing after succeeding in rebuilding an army fractured by civil war. Among those who were absent was Walid Jumblatt, a Cabinet minister who had said he would boycott the session to protest the choice of a military man even though Lahoud has wide public and political support. The 128-member legislature is expected to meet Thursday to elect Lahoud after outgoing President Elias Hrawi signs the constitutional amendment. Parliament on Thursday formally elected Gen. Emile Lahoud , the popular army commander who has the backing of powerful neighbor Syria, as Lebanon's next president. Parliament on Thursday formally elected Gen. Emile Lahoud , the popular army commander who has the backing of powerful neighbor Syria, as Lebanon's next president. Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's efforts to win a fourth term in office have hit a snag after he failed to receive the expected speedy appointment from new President Emile Lahoud. Hariri is still the front-runner to form the next government but Saturday's Daily Star newspaper quoted sources as saying that Hariri was ``outraged'' that only 62 of the 128 members in Parliament declared their support for him during a meeting with Lahoud Friday. There has been no formal announcement from Lahoud reappointing Hariri as prime minister. Although Hariri's move could be a bargaining tactic, since he remains the front-runner for the premiership , the apparent tension between the two powerful men could affect Lebanon's economic stability as it recovers from the 1975-90 civil war. There has been no formal announcement from Lahoud reappointing Hariri as prime minister. Although Hariri's move could be a bargaining tactic, since he remains the front-runner for the premiership , the apparent tension between the two powerful men could affect Lebanon's economic stability as it recovers from the 1975-90 civil war. ``I'm not a candidate,'' Hariri said in a live interview with CNN. He demanded that Lahoud admit that he acted unconstitutionally by allowing 31 Parliament deputies to authorize him to name a prime minister instead of naming one themselves. ``I'm not a candidate,'' Hariri said in a live interview with CNN. He demanded that Lahoud admit that he acted unconstitutionally by allowing 31 Parliament deputies to authorize him to name a prime minister instead of naming one themselves. ``I'm not a candidate,'' Hariri said in a live interview with CNN. He demanded that Lahoud admit that he acted unconstitutionally by allowing 31 Parliament deputies to authorize him to name a prime minister instead of naming one themselves. Such an action ``might put the country in danger,'' Hariri warned. Asked if there was a risk of renewed conflict in Lebanon over the alleged tampering with the constitution , Hariri said: ``If the president continues with this, I don't know what will happen.'' Such an action ``might put the country in danger,'' Hariri warned. Asked if there was a risk of renewed conflict in Lebanon over the alleged tampering with the constitution, Hariri said: ``If the president continues with this, I don't know what will happen.'' Such an action ``might put the country in danger,'' Hariri warned. Asked if there was a risk of renewed conflict in Lebanon over the alleged tampering with the constitution , Hariri said: ``If the president continues with this, I don't know what will happen.'' The 13-year prison term given Xu Wenli after a 3 1/2-hour trial in Beijing was the longest for a Chinese dissident in three years. His colleague in the China Democracy Party , Wang Youcai, was sentenced to 11 years , in a verdict announced by a court in Hangzhou four days after his trial. He was defended by a lawyer who was appointed by the court just four days ago and met his client only once. Also sentenced Monday , to 11 years in prison , was Wang Youcai, 32, founder of the China Democracy Party, which has now been suppressed. ``The accused simply tried through peaceful means to exercise their right to free speech and assembly, which are guaranteed by China's constitution,'' and by the United Nations' International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which China recently signed, Fischer said in a statement. Chinese courts sentenced dissidents Xu Wenli and Wang Youcai to 13 and 11 years for trying to organize an opposition political party. ``The accused simply tried through peaceful means to exercise their right to free speech and assembly, which are guaranteed by China's constitution,'' and by the United Nations' International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which China recently signed, Fischer said in a statement. Chinese courts sentenced dissidents Xu Wenli and Wang Youcai to 13 and 11 years for trying to organize an opposition political party. Critics of China on Capitol Hill and human rights groups said the tough prison terms were evidence of the failure of the administration's policy of encouraging trade and diplomatic ties with China in hopes of democratic reform. The dissidents _ Xu Wenli, who was sentenced Monday to 13 years in prison, Wang Youcai , who received an 11-year sentence , and Qin Yongming, who was reported to have received 12 years were charged with subversion. In stern judgments capping a decisive crackdown on dissidents, Chinese courts sentenced two prominent democracy campaigners to 13 and 11 years in prison Monday for trying to organize an opposition political party. The 13-year prison term given Xu Wenli after a 3 1/2-hour trial in Beijing was the longest for a Chinese dissident in three years. In stern judgments capping a decisive crackdown on dissidents, Chinese courts sentenced two prominent democracy campaigners to 13 and 11 years in prison Monday for trying to organize an opposition political party. The 13-year prison term given Xu Wenli after a 3 1/2-hour trial in Beijing was the longest for a Chinese dissident in three years. By sentencing two of the country's most prominent democracy campaigners to long prison terms, China on Monday took its harshest steps yet in its current crackdown on organized political opposition. After a trial that lasted just three and a half hours, Xu Wenli _ at 55 the dean of the dissident movement, and a man who has already spent 12 years in prison for advocating democracy _ was sentenced to 13 years for ``subversion of state power. '' A bag packed with toothbrush, toothpaste and medicine lies ready at his Beijing home for the day Chinese police take him away. He has told police interrogators he expects to be jailed, likely for a few years less than the 13 given China Democracy Party leader Xu Wenli on Monday. ``The accused simply tried through peaceful means to exercise their right to free speech and assembly, which are guaranteed by China's constitution,'' and by the United Nations' International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which China recently signed, Fischer said in a statement. Chinese courts sentenced dissidents Xu Wenli and Wang Youcai to 13 and 11 years for trying to organize an opposition political party. ``The accused simply tried through peaceful means to exercise their right to free speech and assembly, which are guaranteed by China's constitution,'' and by the United Nations' International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which China recently signed, Fischer said in a statement. Chinese courts sentenced dissidents Xu Wenli and Wang Youcai to 13 and 11 years for trying to organize an opposition political party. The speech, to senior law enforcement officials, used uncompromising language heard less frequently over the past 18 months as Chinese leaders sought to improve relations abroad. Jiang's harsh tone punctuated the summary trials and convictions for subversion this week of three political critics who tried to form an opposition party. He is the third and most influential leader in the China Democracy Party tried in a three-week campaign that has seen at least 32 members detained or questioned. For organizing the party and thereby challenging the ruling Communist Party, Xu , 55, is accused of subverting state power , a crime punishable by 10 years to life in prison. Xu's conviction deprives the would-be opposition group of a potent organizer and the fractured dissident community at large of a strong and moderating voice. Xu remained defiant during his tightly controlled trial on subversion charges. Also sentenced Monday, to 11 years in prison, was Wang Youcai, 32, founder of the China Democracy Party, which has now been suppressed. Wang was tried on subversion charges on Thursday in a brief court session , with no defense lawyer, in the eastern city of Hangzhou. His more than 3 1/2 years in prisons and labor camps was a sad illustration of the way China's Communist Party rulers punish people they deem a threat. Liu was imprisoned three times in the past 17 years. Six months after President Clinton traveled to Beijing and challenged China's leaders to move rapidly toward political reform, the administration's policy of engaging Beijing was called into question Monday when Chinese courts sentenced three of the nation's most prominent dissidents to long jail sentences. German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, who drew China's anger recently by meeting with exiled dissident Wei Jingsheng, said China's sentencing of two dissidents Monday was unacceptable and flouted an international treaty the country recently signed. German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, who drew China's anger recently by meeting with exiled dissident Wei Jingsheng, said China's sentencing of two dissidents Monday was unacceptable and flouted an international treaty the country recently signed. By sentencing two of the country's most prominent democracy campaigners to long prison terms, China on Monday took its harshest steps yet in its current crackdown on organized political opposition. After a trial that lasted just three and a half hours, Xu Wenli _ at 55 the dean of the dissident movement, and a man who has already spent 12 years in prison for advocating democracy _ was sentenced to 13 years for ``subversion of state power.'' By sentencing two of the country's most prominent democracy campaigners to long prison terms, China on Monday took its harshest steps yet in its current crackdown on organized political opposition. After a trial that lasted just three and a half hours, Xu Wenli _ at 55 the dean of the dissident movement, and a man who has already spent 12 years in prison for advocating democracy _ was sentenced to 13 years for ``subversion of state power.'' ``The reaction of Chinese authorities is totally unacceptable,'' Fischer said, calling for the dissidents' immediate release. ``The accused simply tried through peaceful means to exercise their right to free speech and assembly , which are guaranteed by China's constitution,'' and by the United Nations' International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which China recently signed, Fischer said in a statement. ``The reaction of Chinese courts is totally unacceptable,'' Fischer said, calling for the dissidents' immediate release. ``The accused simply tried through peaceful means to exercise their right to free speech and assembly , which are guaranteed by China's constitution,'' and by the United Nations' International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which China recently signed, Fischer said in a statement. ``The reaction of Chinese authorities is totally unacceptable,'' Fischer said, calling for the dissidents' immediate release. ``The accused simply tried through peaceful means to exercise their right to free speech and assembly , which are guaranteed by China's constitution ,'' and by the United Nations' International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which China recently signed, Fischer said in a statement. ``The reaction of Chinese courts is totally unacceptable,'' Fischer said, calling for the dissidents' immediate release. ``The accused simply tried through peaceful means to exercise their right to free speech and assembly , which are guaranteed by China's constitution ,'' and by the United Nations' International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which China recently signed, Fischer said in a statement. ``The reaction of Chinese authorities is totally unacceptable,'' Fischer said, calling for the dissidents' immediate release. ``The accused simply tried through peaceful means to exercise their right to free speech and assembly, which are guaranteed by China's constitution,'' and by the United Nations' International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which China recently signed, Fischer said in a statement. ``The reaction of Chinese courts is totally unacceptable,'' Fischer said, calling for the dissidents' immediate release. ``The accused simply tried through peaceful means to exercise their right to free speech and assembly, which are guaranteed by China's constitution,'' and by the United Nations' International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which China recently signed, Fischer said in a statement.