MAIL-IT REQUESTED: FEBRUARY 2, 2000 10580X CLIENT: PAUL LIBRARY: NEWS FILE: ALLNWS YOUR SEARCH REQUEST AT THE TIME THIS MAIL-IT WAS REQUESTED: KENYA EAST TIMOR NUMBER OF STORIES FOUND WITH YOUR REQUEST THROUGH: LEVEL 1... 9 LEVEL 1 PRINTED DISPLAY FORMAT: FULL SEND TO: WEBSTER LIBRARY, # 1 CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES 7141 SHERBROOKE STREET WEST MONTREAL, QUEBEC CANADA H4B 1R6 **********************************00383********************************** PAGE 1 LEVEL 1 - 1 OF 9 STORIES Copyright 1999 Coventry Newspapers Limited Coventry Evening Telegraph December 31, 1999, Friday SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 17 LENGTH: 603 words HEADLINE: CHEERS FROM ALL OUR LADS STATIONED ACROSS THE GLOBE; SERVING SOLDIERS SEND THEIR MILLENNIUM GREETINGS TO THE LOVED ONES BACK HOME BODY: THEY may be finely tuned fighting machines but soldiers from Coventry and Warwickshire on operations abroad over the New Year have not forgotten about mum, dad and their pals back home. Six of our lads serving overseas have written personal millennium messages to family and friends for publication in the Evening Telegraph. WHILE many people will be celebrating the millennium with their loved ones, thousands of British soldiers will see in the New Year away from friends and families. Despite the end of the Cold War, they are serving operationally in support of Nato and United Nations peacekeeping missions around the world. There are also British bases, training teams and garrisons around the globe, not only providing support to British units training overseas, but helping to train and advise allied armies as well.British soldiers are currently serving in places as diverse as South Georgia, Kenya, East Timor, Georgia, the Falkland Islands, Sierra Leone and Kuwait, as well as a continuing but lessening commitment in Northern Ireland. One of the army's biggest commitments has been in Kosovo and Bosnia. More than 7,000 soldiers are part of the Nato-led Kosovo Peace Implementation Force, helping to restore the country's institutions and keep the peace between the Kosovo Albanians and Serbs. Some 2,300 British soldiers will also spend the millennium keeping the fragile balance of peace in Bosnia. A British Army spokesman said: "At a time of peace and goodwill, thousands of soldiers will be serving abroad, away from friends and family, to help safeguard peace around the world." Lance Cpl Pete Quayle (right), aged 26, who is serving with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Kosovo, writes to his mum and dad: "Hope you are all well and have a good New Year. Have a drink for me!" Major John Nulty (left), aged 35, based at Britfor headquarters in Kosovo with wife Bridgette, writes to his mate Kieran Kennedy: PAGE 2 Coventry Evening Telegraph, December 31, 1999 "Hi mate - long time no hear! "Greetings from sunny Kosovo to all the lads. Raise a glass or two for me." Staff Sgt Kevin Quinn (right), aged 39, in Gibraltar with the Royal Signals with wife Caroline, writes to mum Joyce Hall: "I will join you in the cold next year but for this one I will put another dog on the barbecue for you." Staff Sgt Carl Fewsdale (left), a 31-year-old member of the Royal Engineers based in Brunei, writes to his mates at the Gay Dog pub in Lower Quinton, Stratford: "All the best. Have a good time - as good as new year 1998/99. Keep the football up." Private Bryan William Lane (right), aged 36, based in Gibraltar with his wife Michelle and their three children, writes to his mum June Walton: "Well, mum, let's hope the year 2000 will be a good one. We all miss you. Daniel, Aarron and Jenna love you lots. xx." Lance Cpl Robert Beveridge (left), aged 29, currently posted in Canada with 105 Sqn Batus, has a message for the whole family. He writes: "Happy New Year. See you all in 2000. All our love, Rob, Andrea, Robyn and Shelby." WORLD MISSION: A Scottish piper greets the new day as a British soldier keeps watch over one of the world's trouble spots and (below, from left) Spartan armoured personnel carriers and a Challenger tank maintain a high profile as part of the Nato-led forces in Bosnia; soldiers patrol the roads of Kosovo as the country rebuilds following the horrors of ethnic cleansing; and Royal Engineers check perimeter fencing in the Falklands where, 17 years after the war there, the islands remain littered with Argentine anti-personnel mines LANGUAGE: ENGLISH LOAD-DATE: January 4, 2000 PAGE 3 LEVEL 1 - 2 OF 9 STORIES Copyright 1999 Midland Independent Newspapers plc Birmingham Evening Mail December 30, 1999, Thursday SECTION: Pg. 10 LENGTH: 1864 words HEADLINE: MISSING YOU... BE BACK SOON; THE MAIL GIVES OUR SOLDIERS THE CHANCE TO SEND THEIR MESSAGES OF LOVE TO YOU BODY: WHILE many of us are currently enjoying a relaxing Christmas and New Year at home many Midland soldiers, sailors and airforcemen are serving their country in far flung corners of the globe, separated from their families. Today, the Evening Mail teams up with the British Army to give Midland soldiers the chance to deliver their special festive and millennium messages to their loved ones. Mailman MARTIN BANKS reports. BRITISH soldiers, sailors and airforcemen are serving in hotspots around the world. Despite the ending of the Cold War, there are still British bases, training teams and garrisons around the globe, not only providing support to British units training overseas, but also helping to train and advise allied armies overseas. British soldiers are serving in such diverse places as Kenya, East Timor, Georgia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone and Kuwait earning praise and thanks from the people that they are protecting. Here are some of their messages. Places where British soldiers are currently based include: KOSOVO: More than 7,000 soldiers are in the NATO-led Kosovo Peace Implementation Force (KFOR) helping to restore's the country's institutions and keep the peace between the Kosovan Albanians and Serbs. British soldiers spearheaded the liberation of Kosovo in June and are one of the principle contributors to the peacekeeping force. Armour, artillery, infantry and engineers, supported by logistic units are deployed around the country and have earned high praise for the even -handedness, tact and unfailing good humour. As temperatures drop to minus 30c, the job takes on a new challenge as the main enemy becomes the bitter weather. BOSNIA: Britain has had forces in Bosnia since 1991, first under the UN flag and now with the NATO-led Stabilisation Force (SFOR). The 30,000-strong SFOR was authorised by the United Nations Security Council and the North Atlantic Council to conduct an 18-month operation to prevent resumption of hostilities and stabilise the peace in Bosnia Herzegovina. PAGE 4 Birmingham Evening Mail, December 30, 1999 Some 2,300 British soldiers will spend the Millennium keeping the fragile balance between the three ethnic communities and overseeing the regeneration of the country. CYPRUS: The UN has a force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) since March 1964 and Britain has always been a contributing nation. Currently, the UK contributes 330 soldiers to the 1,160-strong force. The aim of UNFICYP is to prevent a recurrence of fighting between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities and to try to restore normal conditions on the island. After the hostilities of 1974, the UN has supervised the ceasefire and maintained a buffer zone (known as the Green Line) between the lines of the Cyprus National Guard and of the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot forces. EAST TIMOR: British Gurkhas from Brunei were among the first troops to enter East Timor as part of the Australian-led INTERFET force. They have now withdrawn and returned to Brunei, but several British soldiers remain as UN observers and advisors. SIERRA LEONE: An eight-strong British movements team is responsible for the deployment of the UN force into the country and there are several British UN observers and advisors. OTHERS: There are British soldiers serving as UN Observers in Northern Iraq, Georgia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. NORTHERN IRELAND: Since the Good Friday Agreement, force levels in Northern Ireland have been scaled down, but there are still some 10,000 soldiers, in addition to the six Royal Irish Regiment home service battalions, currently stationed in the province. They are there to act in support of the RUC and assist the Government's aim of restoring normality to the province. FALKLAND ISLANDS: Since the end of the 1982 war with Argentina, Great Britain has maintained a Tri-service Garrison on the islands to ensure their security. There are 500 soldiers in the 2,000-strong garrison that looks after the interests of the 4,000 population of the islands. Soldiers normally serve for six months in the Falklands where the main hazards are the 117 minefields and the extremes of temperature, sunburn in the summer and freezing winters. KUWAIT: There is still a British presence in Kuwait, mainly RAF aircraft to deter the Iraqi forces from any thought of further aggression against Kuwait. About 40 soldiers are serving there in support of the RAF detachment. Elswhere there are overseas garrisons and training teams in countries such as Germany, Belize, Brunei, Canada and the US. PAGE 5 Birmingham Evening Mail, December 30, 1999 ANNETTE ALDRED, 33, from Walsall, serving in Kosovo. Message to mum Ann Foster: "Hello mom. Thinking of you. Wish I could be there. Enjoy yourself. Love Annette." WARREN GINN, 34, from Lichfield, serving in Canada. Message to parents-in-law John and Betty Dixon: "May the Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent from each other." SIMON HONOR, 31, of Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, serving in Gibraltar. Message to parents Clive and Margaret Honor: "Sorry we can't be with you but our thoughts are with you. We shall raise a glass." JOHN DWYER, 23, of Redditch, serving in the Falklands. Message to family: "Have fun over Christmas and New Year, especially to my wife Kerry and child Kyle." MARTIN JEANES, 32, of Stourport-on-Seven, serving in Germany. Message to mum Sylvia Price: "Will call on the 2nd as busy on the 1st." CLAYTON MUNN, 23, of Erdington, serving in Kosovo. Message for family and friends: "Have a great time and a happy New Year. See you in January." PAUL BLOOM, 26, of Alum Rock, serving with 2RGJ in Kosovo. Message for parents: "I hope you have a lovely time. All my love." DAN BERRY, 17, of Sutton Coldfield, serving in Kosovo. Message to parents and family: "Missing you all. Have a good one. I'll be home soon. Take care." STEVEN PHILLIPS, 22, of Redditch, serving in Canada. Message to fiancee Olivia Harris: "Thinking of you and the four lovely kids. See you all soon. Love, Dad." CARL MORGAN, 18, of Brierley Hill, serving in Bosnia. Message for family: "Hello. Have a good laugh over the Millennium. See you all soon." DEWI EVANS , 18, of Cannock, serving in Northern Ireland. Message for girlfriend Kristy: "Happy New Year. Love you. See you soon." PAUL MITCHELL, 31, of Evesham, serving in Brunei. PAGE 6 Birmingham Evening Mail, December 30, 1999 Message for parents: "Happy New Year. Hope to see you soon in Brunei." DAVE BYRNE, 26, of Tamworth, serving in Kosovo. Message to George, Ann and Donna: "Hello to everyone who knows me. Happy New Year. See you all in February." MALCOLM TITMUS, 22, of Birmingham, serving in Northern Ireland. Message to girlfriend Jennie: "See you soon. Make mine a pint. I love you all. My thoughts are with you." FLOYD MOORE, 37, of Birmingham, serving in the Falklands. Message for mum: "Missing you all. Enjoy the New Year. I will give my love to my neice. Love." NICOLAS SWABY, 22, of Perry Barr, serving in Kosovo. Message to Jennifer, Junior and Ella: "Have a happy Millennium. Love always, Nicky." DAVID WOODS, 23, of Harborne, serving in Kosovo. Message for mum: "Sorry I cannot be there. Say Hi to Aaron, Adam, Sian and Joe. See you in January. Love, your son, David XXX." MICHAEL WHITE, 20, of Kings Heath, serving in Kosovo. Message to brother Phillip: "Happy birthday and New Year bro. Have a great day. See you soon, love Michael." DEAN ECCLESTON, 18, of Birmingham, serving in Kosovo. Message to mum Yvonne: "Hi mom. Hope you are doing OK. Everything is fine out here. All the best. See you soon, Dean." ANITA BAKER, 24, of Birmingham, serving in Bosnia. Message for husband Andy: "I love and miss you. Have a lovely time. Love you more than all the Mars bars in the world." CLINTON BOTTRELL, 21, of Birmingham, serving in Bosnia. Message for parents Gary and Dawn Bottrell: "Love you both. Cannot wait to see you on leave. Lots of love." MICHAEL LERRY, 18, of Birmingham, serving in Bosnia. Message for family: "Have a great New Year. Hope you're not working yourselves too hard." STEVE CLEARY, 29, of Redditch, serving in Kosovo. PAGE 7 Birmingham Evening Mail, December 30, 1999 Message to mum Sheila: "Hi Mom. Take care. All the best for the New Year. Give my love to all. Love Steve." STEVEN COGAN, 25, of Birmingham, serving in Bosnia. Message for parents: "Have a lovely time. See you when the baby's due. Love from daddy's little soldier." MATTHEW THOMAS, 19, of Solihull, serving in Bosnia. Message for parents, Hanna and Alex: "Get the Stellas in dad. See you all soon. Alex - take care. All my love." DAVID LODGE, 31, of Sutton Coldfield, serving in Kenya. Message to wife Tessa: "Love and miss you loads darling. Will be home soon. Have a happy New Year. Keep safe. Love always." DARL LAPHAM, 33, of Birmingham, serving in Bosnia. Message for mother-in-law Marie Ronan: "Hi Marie. Have a lovely New Year. Hope to see you in February. Love Darl." KRISTIAN JONES, 18, of Walsall, serving in Kosovo. Message for parents Steve and Elaine: "Hi. Sorry can't be home for New Year. See you soon." MICHELE DOHERTY, 34, from Lichfield, serving in Bosnia. Message for partner Pete Hand: "Have a great New Year. Miss you loads. Looking forward to seeing you soon." MATT MCGUIRE, 20, of Birmingham, serving in Kosovo. Message to parents John and Lil McGuire: "Hope you have a happy time. I'm missing home loads and I'll see you in 2000." RICHARD HODGETTS, 22, of West Bromwich, serving in Kosovo. Message to parents: "Have a good Millennium. I'll see you in February. Love Richard." PAUL CARTWALL, 32, of Birmingham, serving in Belize. Message for parents and fiancee Kirsty: "Wish you were all here with some proper beer. Luv loads, Paul." PHILLIP AND BARBARA ARRANDALE, of Birmingham, serving in Belize. Message for family and friends: "Have a tremendous New Year. Hope to see you all in the Millennium." CRAIG HASSON, 22, of Stechford, serving in Kosovo. PAGE 8 Birmingham Evening Mail, December 30, 1999 Message for mum Susan Hasson and family: "Happy New Year to all the family. Wish I was there for a drink. All the best." LEE HINGLEY, 31, of Netherton, serving in Kosovo. Message for cousin Robert Hingley: "To Robert, Paul and anyone else who knows me in the Black Country. Have a happy New Year." DALE THOMPSON, 32, of Great Barr, serving in Canada. Message to in-laws Terry and Marion: "All the best for 2000 mum and dad. Look forward to seeing you in June. We'll have a ball." SHANE MURPHY, 20, of Midsomer Norton, serving in Falklands. Message to dad and sister: "Miss and love you. It won't be long now. Have a great time and I'll see you all soon." ALAN RADBOURNE, 38, of Tamworth, serving in Macedonia. Message for parents: "Wishing all family members the best for the New Year. See you when I get back. Cheers." DANNY REILLY, 24, of Alcester, serving in Kosovo. Message for parents Tom and Liz: "Happy New Year. Love you loads. See you soon, Danny xxx Nan get well soon!" ROBIN HAWKES, 20, of Redditch, serving in Kosovo. Message to girlfriend Jaine: "To my darling Jaine - it's not long until I am in your arms. So take care of my boys! Love you." LANGUAGE: ENGLISH LOAD-DATE: January 4, 2000 PAGE 9 LEVEL 1 - 3 OF 9 STORIES Copyright 1999 Midland Independent Newspapers plc Birmingham Evening Mail December 29, 1999, Wednesday SECTION: Pg. 8 LENGTH: 1874 words HEADLINE: MISSING YOU... BE BACK SOON; THE MAIL GIVES OUR SOLDIERS THE CHANCE TO SEND THEIR MESSAGES OF LOVE TO YOU BODY: WHILE many of us are currently enjoying a relaxing Christmas and New Year at home many Midland soldiers, sailors and airforcemen are serving their country in far flung corners of the globe, separated from their families. Today, the Evening Mail teams up with the British Army to give Midland soldiers the chance to deliver their special festive and millennium messages to their loved ones. Mailman MARTIN BANKS reports. BRITISH soldiers, sailors and airforcemen are serving in hotspots around the world. Despite the ending of the Cold War, there are still British bases, training teams and garrisons around the globe, not only providing support to British units training overseas, but also helping to train and advise allied armies overseas. British soldiers are serving in such diverse places as Kenya, East Timor, Georgia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone and Kuwait earning praise and thanks from the people that they are protecting. Here are some of their messages. Places where British soldiers are currently based include: KOSOVO: More than 7,000 soldiers are in the NATO-led Kosovo Peace Implementation Force (KFOR) helping to restore's the country's institutions and keep the peace between the Kosovan Albanians and Serbs. British soldiers spearheaded the liberation of Kosovo in June and are one of the principle contributors to the peacekeeping force. Armour, artillery, infantry and engineers, supported by logistic units are deployed around the country and have earned high praise for the even -handedness, tact and unfailing good humour. As temperatures drop to minus 30c, the job takes on a new challenge as the main enemy becomes the bitter weather. BOSNIA: Britain has had forces in Bosnia since 1991, first under the UN flag and now with the NATO-led Stabilisation Force (SFOR). The 30,000-strong SFOR was authorised by the United Nations Security Council and the North Atlantic Council to conduct an 18-month operation to prevent resumption of hostilities and stabilise the peace in Bosnia Herzegovina. PAGE 10 Birmingham Evening Mail, December 29, 1999 Some 2,300 British soldiers will spend the Millennium keeping the fragile balance between the three ethnic communities and overseeing the regeneration of the country. CYPRUS: The UN has a force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) since March 1964 and Britain has always been a contributing nation. Currently, the UK contributes 330 soldiers to the 1,160-strong force. The aim of UNFICYP is to prevent a recurrence of fighting between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities and to try to restore normal conditions on the island. After the hostilities of 1974, the UN has supervised the ceasefire and maintained a buffer zone (known as the Green Line) between the lines of the Cyprus National Guard and of the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot forces. EAST TIMOR: British Gurkhas from Brunei were among the first troops to enter East Timor as part of the Australian-led INTERFET force. They have now withdrawn and returned to Brunei, but several British soldiers remain as UN observers and advisors. SIERRA LEONE: An eight-strong British movements team is responsible for the deployment of the UN force into the country and there are several British UN observers and advisors. OTHERS: There are British soldiers serving as UN Observers in Northern Iraq, Georgia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. NORTHERN IRELAND: Since the Good Friday Agreement, force levels in Northern Ireland have been scaled down, but there are still some 10,000 soldiers, in addition to the six Royal Irish Regiment home service battalions, currently stationed in the province. They are there to act in support of the RUC and assist the Government's aim of restoring normality to the province. FALKLAND ISLANDS: Since the end of the 1982 war with Argentina, Great Britain has maintained a Tri-service Garrison on the islands to ensure their security. There are 500 soldiers in the 2,000-strong garrison that looks after the interests of the 4,000 population of the islands. Soldiers normally serve for six months in the Falklands where the main hazards are the 117 minefields and the extremes of temperature, sunburn in the summer and freezing winters. KUWAIT: There is still a British presence in Kuwait, mainly RAF aircraft to deter the Iraqi forces from any thought of further aggression against Kuwait. About 40 soldiers are serving there in support of the RAF detachment. Elswhere there are overseas garrisons and training teams in countries such as Germany, Belize, Brunei, Canada and the US. PAGE 11 Birmingham Evening Mail, December 29, 1999 ANNETTE ALDRED, 33, from Walsall, serving in Kosovo. Message to mum Ann Foster: "Hello mom. Thinking of you. Wish I could be there. Enjoy yourself. Love Annette." WARREN GINN, 34, from Lichfield, serving in Canada. Message to parents-in-law John and Betty Dixon: "May the Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent from each other." SIMON HONOR, 31, of Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, serving in Gibraltar. Message to parents Clive and Margaret Honor: "Sorry we can't be with you but our thoughts are with you. We shall raise a glass." JOHN DWYER, 23, of Redditch, serving in the Falklands. Message to family: "Have fun over Christmas and New Year, especially to my wife Kerry and child Kyle." MARTIN JEANES, 32, of Stourport-on-Seven, serving in Germany. Message to mum Sylvia Price: "Will call on the 2nd as busy on the 1st." CLAYTON MUNN, 23, of Erdington, serving in Kosovo. Message for family and friends: "Have a great Christmas and New Year. See you in January." PAUL BLOOM, 26, of Alum Rock, serving with 2RGJ in Kosovo. Message for parents: "I hope you have a lovely time. All my love." DAN BERRY, 17, of Sutton Coldfield, serving in Kosovo. Message to parents and family: "Missing you all. Have a good one. I'll be home soon. Take care." STEVEN PHILLIPS, 22, of Redditch, serving in Canada. Message to fiancee Olivia Harris: "Thinking of you and the four lovely kids. See you all soon. Love, Dad." CARL MORGAN, 18, of Brierley Hill, serving in Bosnia. Message for family: "Hello. Have a good laugh over the Millennium. See you all soon." DEWI EVANS , 18, of Cannock, serving in Northern Ireland. Message for girlfriend Kristy: "Happy New Year. Love you. See you soon." PAUL MITCHELL, 31, of Evesham, serving in Brunei. PAGE 12 Birmingham Evening Mail, December 29, 1999 Message for parents: "Happy New Year. Hope to see you soon in Brunei." DAVE BYRNE, 26, of Tamworth, serving in Kosovo. Message to George, Ann and Donna: "Hello to everyone who knows me. Happy New Year. See you all in February." MALCOLM TITMUS, 22, of Birmingham, serving in Northern Ireland. Message to girlfriend Jennie: "See you soon. Make mine a pint. I love you all. My thoughts are with you." FLOYD MOORE, 37, of Birmingham, serving in the Falklands. Message for mum: "Missing you all. Enjoy the New Year. I will give my love to my neice. Love." NICOLAS SWABY, 22, of Perry Barr, serving in Kosovo. Message to Jennifer, Junior and Ella: "Have a happy Millennium. Love always, Nicky." DAVID WOODS, 23, of Harborne, serving in Kosovo. Message for mum: "Sorry I cannot be there. Say Hi to Aaron, Adam, Sian and Joe. See you in January. Love, your son, David XXX." MICHAEL WHITE, 20, of Kings Heath, serving in Kosovo. Message to brother Phillip: "Happy birthday and New Year bro. Have a great day. See you soon, love Michael." DEAN ECCLESTON, 18, of Birmingham, serving in Kosovo. Message to mum Yvonne: "Hi mom. Hope you are doing OK. Everything is fine out here. All the best. See you soon, Dean." ANITA BAKER, 24, of Birmingham, serving in Bosnia. Message for husband Andy: "I love and miss you. Have a lovely Christmas. Love you more than all the Mars bars in the world." CLINTON BOTTRELL, 21, of Birmingham, serving in Bosnia. Message for parents Gary and Dawn Bottrell: "Love you both. Cannot wait to see you on leave. Lots of love." MICHAEL LERRY, 18, of Birmingham, serving in Bosnia. Message for family: "Have a Merry Christmas and New Year. Hope you're not working yourselves too hard." STEVE CLEARY, 29, of Redditch, serving in Kosovo. PAGE 13 Birmingham Evening Mail, December 29, 1999 Message to mum Sheila: "Hi Mom. Take care. All the best for the New Year. Give my love to all. Love Steve." STEVEN COGAN, 25, of Birmingham, serving in Bosnia. Message for parents: "Have a lovely time. See you when the baby's due. Love from daddy's little soldier." MATTHEW THOMAS, 19, of Solihull, serving in Bosnia. Message for parents, Hanna and Alex: "Get the Stellas in dad. See you all soon. Alex - take care. All my love." DAVID LODGE, 31, of Sutton Coldfield, serving in Kenya. Message to wife Tessa: "Love and miss you loads darling. Will be home soon. Have a happy New Year. Keep safe. Love always." DARL LAPHAM, 33, of Birmingham, serving in Bosnia. Message for mother-in-law Marie Ronan: "Hi Marie. Have a lovely Christmas and New Year. Hope to see you in February. Love Darl." KRISTIAN JONES, 18, of Walsall, serving in Kosovo. Message for parents Steve and Elaine: "Hi. Sorry can't be home for Christmas. See you soon." MICHELE DOHERTY, 34, from Lichfield, serving in Bosnia. Message for partner Pete Hand: "Have a great New Year. Miss you loads. Looking forward to seeing you soon." MATT MCGUIRE, 20, of Birmingham, serving in Kosovo. Message to parents John and Lil McGuire: "Hope you have a happy Christmas. I'm missing home loads and I'll see you in 2000." RICHARD HODGETTS, 22, of West Bromwich, serving in Kosovo. Message to parents: "Have a Merry Christmas and a good Millennium. I'll see you in February. Love Richard." PAUL CARTWALL, 32, of Birmingham, serving in Belize. Message for parents and fiancee Kirsty: "Wish you were all here with some proper beer. Luv loads, Paul." PHILLIP AND BARBARA ARRANDALE, of Birmingham, serving in Belize. Message for family and friends: "Have a tremendous New Year. Hope to see you all in the Millennium." CRAIG HASSON, 22, of Stechford, serving in Kosovo. PAGE 14 Birmingham Evening Mail, December 29, 1999 Message for mum Susan Hasson and family: "Happy New Year to all the family. Wish I was there for a drink. All the best." LEE HINGLEY, 31, of Netherton, serving in Kosovo. Message for cousin Robert Hingley: "To Robert, Paul and anyone else who knows me in the Black Country. Have a happy New Year." DALE THOMPSON, 32, of Great Barr, serving in Canada. Message to in-laws Terry and Marion: "All the best for 2000 mum and dad. Look forward to seeing you in June. We'll have a ball." SHANE MURPHY, 20, of Midsomer Norton, serving in Falklands. Message to dad and sister: "Miss and love you. It won't be long now. Have a great time and I'll see you all soon." ALAN RADBOURNE, 38, of Tamworth, serving in Macedonia. Message for parents: "Wishing all family members the best for the New Year. See you when I get back. Cheers." DANNY REILLY, 24, of Alcester, serving in Kosovo. Message for parents Tom and Liz: "Happy New Year. Love you loads. See you soon, Danny xxx Nan get well soon!" ROBIN HAWKES, 20, of Redditch, serving in Kosovo. Message to girlfriend Jaine: "To my darling Jaine - it's not long until I am in your arms. So take care of my boys! Love you." LANGUAGE: ENGLISH LOAD-DATE: December 30, 1999 PAGE 15 LEVEL 1 - 4 OF 9 STORIES Copyright 1999 South Wales Evening Post South Wales Evening Post December 28, 1999 SECTION: Evening Post: LIFESTYLE, Pg.20 LENGTH: 1631 words HEADLINE: Messages of love from our forces A special salute to the servicemen and women who are missing their loved ones over this festive period BODY: Thousands of British soldiers and their families will be serving overseas and unable to join their friends and families in Britain for this years festivities. Despite the ending of the Cold War, British soldiers are serving operationally in support of Nato and United Nations peacekeeping missions around the globe, plus the continuing, but lessening, commitment to Northern Ireland. There are still British bases, training teams and garrisons around the world, not only providing support to British units training overseas, but also helping to train and advise allied armies overseas. British soldiers are serving in such diverse places as South Georgia, Kenya, East Timor, Georgia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone and Kuwait earning praise and thanks from the people that they are protecting. To help celebrate our forces' continuing efforts over the Christmas and new year festivities, the South Wales Evening South is printing a selection of greetings from members of the services to their loved ones in south west Wales. Kosovo, Trooper Dan Brown, aged 20, RAC QDG: "To Mum, Dad, family and friends, Kidwelly - As I'm in Kosovo have a drink for me, love you all, hope to see you soon." Northern Ireland, FUS, Aled Wyn Richards, aged 20, 1 RWF. To family and friends, Pontarddulais: "Have a happy Millennium, see you all soon." Northern Ireland, FUS, Nicholas Grinnell, aged 28, 1 RWF: "To Hannah and Clive, Mam and Dad, Pontardawe - Happy new Millennium. Love Nick, take it easy." Bosnia, Pte Stephen George, aged 20, 1 RRW. To Sian Parfitt, fiancee, Briton Ferry: "Hi babes, miss you big time, love you long time. See you in April, xxxx." PAGE 16 South Wales Evening Post December 28, 1999 Brunei, Captain RN Peter Haydn Jones, aged 49, married to Ros. To Mrs S L Jones (mother) Swansea: "Happy Millennium from us all in Brunei. Hope you have recovered from your trip out here!" Brunei, WOI, Mark Brown, 38, AGIC (SPS) Loan Service, (with wife Elaine). To Albert and Rona Brown, mother and father, Port Talbot: "Hope you're having a great time. See you this year. Love to all." Bosnia, Pte Christopher Sheppard, 23, 1RRW. To Moreane Edwards, Nan, Maesteg: "Nan and my family in Maesteg, Heather, Angela, Karan, Jessie, Jack, Geraint, Arrianne. Merry Christmas, happy new year." Kosovo, TPR, Jason Wayne Davies, aged 19, QDG. To Emily James, girlfriend, Carmarthen: "I miss you millions, can't wait to see you in six weeks. Bye for now." Kosovo, Pte, Dean Davies, aged 19, RRW att. 2RGJ. To Lee Davies, brother, Port Talbot: "Hope you have a good new year and a merry Christmas." Kosovo, L/Cpl, John McLachlan, aged 27, 1RRW att 2RGJ. To friends and family, Port Talbot: "Hope you all have a nice new year, because I'm not going to see you in January for a drink." Kosovo, L/Cpl, David Richard Hyett, aged 35, QDG. To Sonia and Peter , wife and son, Morriston, Swansea: "Merry Christmas and a happy new year. Can't wait to come home and see you. Love David." Bosnia, Pte, Anne-Louise Engels, 20, RLC. To Aimee, John, friends, Llanelli: "To Aimee, thanks for being there for me over the last couple of months, see you at Christmas. Lots of love, Louise." Bosnia, L/Cpl, Danielle Arnold, aged 21, RLC, pictured right. To Mum and Dad, mother and father, Llanelli: "Merry Christmas to all the family. See you on February 2. All my love Danni." Kosovo, Cpl, Anthony D'Auria, aged 29, QDG RAC, right. To Sarah and Jacob D'Auria, wife/son, Swansea: "My darling wife and son have a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year. Love Me." Kosovo, L/Cpl, Paul Rees, aged 25, QDG. To family and friends, Llanelli: "Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all my family and friends. Don't get too drunk." Kosovo, Cpl, David O'Connor, aged 28, ODG RAC. To Roger and Jennifer, mum and dad, Swansea: "Happy new year, congratulations on your 30th anniversary, see you soon, lots of love. Bosnia, GNR, Ben Horton, aged 22, 40 REG RA. To Maurice, Peter, Lisa, Cathryn, brothers and sisters, Aberaeron: "Have a great Christmas and new year. Don't drive mum and dad too mad." PAGE 17 South Wales Evening Post December 28, 1999 Bosnia, Pte, Paul Chilcott, aged 19, 1RRW. To family, Llanelli: "Sorry I'm home but it's only a couple of weeks and I'll be on R&R. See you soon, merry Christmas." Bosnia, Pte, Gareth Blair, aged 18, 1RRW. To Penygraig Boys and mates, Llanelli: "See you for the New Year booze -up, boys." Bosnia, Cpl, Steven George, aged 26, REME. To Angela and Ryan George, wife and son, Llanelli: "To my wife and son, see you both for Christmas. All my love, Steve." Bosnia, GNR, Robert Rees, aged 21, 13BTY 40 regt RA. To Robert, Julie, Jemma, Nicky, grampa and family, uncle, auntie, cousins, grampa, Swansea: "Sorry I can't be with you. Hope you had a lovely Christmas and new year, love and kisses." Bosnia, Pte, Colin Raymond Bendall, aged 22, RRW, to Elaine Bendall, mother, Swansea: "Missing you lots and the baby, love you all see you when I get home in January." Bosnia, Sgt, Gary Stanton, 33, 1RRW. To Gaynor Stanton, wife, Neath: "Love you more today than yesterday but not as much as tomorrow. Love to Dean and Chelly from Dad." Bosnia, SPR, 23, Meirion Williams, RE. To Amy Jane Hughes, girlfriend, Ammanford: "Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and new year, I'll see you soon. All my love." Bosnia, SSgt, Jeffrey Reynolds, aged 42, R Mon RE (M). To Jan, wife, Swansea: "Missing you loads, see you soon. Love to you and Rebecca and happy Christmas." Bosnia, Pte Guy Curtis, aged 26, RRW. To Trefach Country Club, friends, Crymych: "Have a great Christmas and a happy new year from Bosnia." Cyprus, Cpl Suzanne Goosey, aged 22, AGC RMP. To Mum and Dad, Carol and Malcolm Goosey, Glanamman: "Have a wonderful new year. See you soon, lots of love, Suzanne." Falklands, Cpl Gordon Molyneux, aged 30, RE. To Dorothy Molyneux, mother, Carmarthen: "Dear Ma, missing you over Christmas and new year. Hope to see you soon. With love." Kosovo, RFW Ryan David Cheeseman, B Coy 2RGJ. To family and friends, Skewen: "Take care wish you all the best for the Millennium. See you all soon, lots of love." Kosovo, Pte Matthew Jones, 16 regt RLC. To Linda Broome, mother, Neath: "Have a great new year, get the kettle on for when I get back, lots of love." Kosovo, L/Cpl, Mark Jones, 29, 1RRW att 2RGJ. To Thomas Watkins, son, Crynant: "Merry Christmas, happy new year. Lots of love missing you loads, PAGE 18 South Wales Evening Post December 28, 1999 also to my mother and sister." Kosovo, L/Cpl Elizabeth Roberts, aged 21, 203(w) Fd Hosp Co Rank. To Sarah and Richard Roberts, Swansea: "Mum, Dad, Victoria, Thomas and Andrew. I love and miss you. Merry Christmas from Pristina and happy new year." Kosovo, Pte Greg Brittain, aged 21, 1RRW att (2RGJ). To Andrea Sampson, mother, Swansea: "Have a good Millennium party don't get too drunk because I won't." Kosovo, Pte Dylan Williams, aged 24, 1 RRW. To friends and family, Carmarthen: "All right boys, have a good Christmas and a happy new year. See you soon." Kosovo, Pte, Gary John Thomas, 18, 1RRW att 2RGJ. To family, Neath: "Hope you all hope a great Christmas and new year, love Gary." Macedonia, Pte Ellen Hall, 20, RLC. To Janet and Dean, mum/dad, Swansea: "Dear mum and dad hope you have a lovely Christmas and New Year. Lots of love Ellen and Russ." Northern Ireland, FUS, Adam Tunney, aged 19. To Mr Frank Tunney, father, Gorseinon: "Have a good one, make sure you get drunk." Bosnia, Pte Matthew Reynolds, aged 20, 1RRW. To Janet Reynolds and family, Swansea: "Hi mam, everybody, weather's horrible but I'm fine, take care. See you soon." Bosnia, Pte Tudor Murphy, 1RRW. To Amanda Murphy, mother, Port Talbot: "To mum and family, have a great Christmas and new year be home soon. All my love Tudor Murphy." Bosnia, Anthony Dixey, aged 18, 1RRW. To Mam, Dad, Wesley, Gemma, family, Swansea: "Enjoy Christmas and new year and I'll see you when I come home." Bosnia, CFN Chris Selby, 24, Reme. To Alun, Raye and Richard, parents and brother, Skewen: "Miss you loads. Merry Christmas, happy new year. I'll see you when I'm home on R&R." Bosnia, Pte, Paul Chilcott age 19, 1RRW. To Miss J Davies, Llanelli: "Sorry I'm not with you but it's only a couple of weeks. Keep the bed warm, see you soon, love you." Bosnia, GNR, Ben Horton, aged 22, 40 REG RA. To Ann and Bill Horton, mother and father, Aberaeron: "Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year, see you all soon." Brunei, AGIC (SPS) Loan Service Team, Mark Brown, aged 38, spouse Elaine. To Dafydd and Gavin Brown, sons, Cwmafan, Port Talbot: "Have a great time now but we'll top it at Easter when you come over. Love and miss you." Brunei, REME, Martin Brady, aged 33, To Martin and Sylvia, Mum and Dad, Swansea: "All the best, see you in 18 months." PAGE 19 South Wales Evening Post December 28, 1999 Bosnia, Pte, Anne-Louise Engels, RLC, to Yvonne Engels, mother, Llanelli: "Missing you, see you soon. Love, Louise." Anne Louise Engels, aged 20 to Darren Snell, friend, Swansea: "To Darren, Happy Christmas, with lots of love from Louise." Bosnia, CFN, Christopher Selby, aged 24, Reme. To Jodie Murray, girlfriend, Skewen: "Love and miss you loads, and that I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I shall see you when I come home on R&R." THESE greetings have been received from the 1st Battalion, Royal Regiment of Wales in Bosnia: Cpl Ben Bailey wishes family and friends a happy Christmas and new year; Pte Kneath wishes happy Christmas to his wife Helen-Marie, his family and friends at Dunvant Workingmen's Club; David Cummings wishes mum, dad and his family a merry Christmas and happy new year; Pte Arron Humphries from Gower wishes mum and dad a happy Christmas and new year; Pte Craig O'Shea wishes Ann Thomas and family a happy Christmas and new year. He adds: "The two devils arrive in February, so look out." LANGUAGE: English LOAD-DATE: December 29, 1999 PAGE 20 LEVEL 1 - 5 OF 9 STORIES Copyright 1999 Express & Echo Express & Echo (Exeter) December 24, 1999 SECTION: Pg.6 LENGTH: 254 words HEADLINE: MESSAGES FROM BODY: WHILE the majority of people are celebrating Christmas and the turn of the millennium, thousands of British soldiers serving overseas are unable to be with their loved ones. Local soldiers are among those posted abroad and apart from their families over the festive holidays, but with the help of the Echo they have been able to send a few words to their loved ones. British soldiers are serving operationally in support of NATO and United Nations peacekeeping missions around the globe. Soldiers are based in places as diverse as South Georgia, Kenya, East Timor, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, the Falkland Islands and Kuwait as well as Northern Ireland. Among the local soldiers who will be away is Lance Corporal Ben Cordy, 21, of Exeter. L/Cprl Cordy will be one of 2,300 British soldiers keeping the fragile balance between rival ethnic communities in Bosnia. Serving with the Royal Logistic Corps, he will help the NATO-led Stabilisation Force maintain the zone of separation and ensure the freedom of movement throughout the country for SFOR troops and civilians. Corporal Elizabeth Phillips, 25, of Exeter, is one of 7,000 soldiers serving in Kosovo to restore peace between the Kosovo Albanians and Serbs. Cprl Phillips, who is part of the RAF Police in Kosovo, will face temperatures dropping to -30C at this time of year. There are still British bases, training teams and garrisons around the world, not only providing support to British units training overseas, but also helping to train allied armies. LANGUAGE: English LOAD-DATE: January 19, 2000 PAGE 21 LEVEL 1 - 6 OF 9 STORIES Copyright 1999 Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph December 24, 1999 SECTION: News:People:Others, Pg.14 LENGTH: 161 words HEADLINE: Messages from the Army boys BYLINE: By Unknown BODY: AS NORTH Lincolnshire gears itself up for the festive celebrations there are local soldiers serving all around the world. Scores of uniformed men and women are unable to join their friends and families throughout North Lincolnshire. Despite the ending of the Cold war, British soldiers are serving operationally in support of NATO and United Nations peacekeeping missions around the globe, plus the continuing, but lessening, commitment to Northern Ireland. There are still British bases, training teams and garrisons around the world, not only providing support to British units training overseas, but also helping to train and advise allied armies overseas. British soldiers are serving in such diverse places as South Georgia, Kenya, East Timor, Georgia, Sierra Leone and Kuwait earning praise and thanks from the people they are protecting. In a bid to bring those serving abroad closer to their loved ones, here are some of their special messages. LANGUAGE: English LOAD-DATE: December 31, 1999 PAGE 22 LEVEL 1 - 7 OF 9 STORIES Copyright 1999 Evening Herald Evening Herald (Plymouth) December 22, 1999 SECTION: Pg.5 LENGTH: 984 words HEADLINE: With love from me to you ... Sub Head: CHRISTMAS MESSAGES BODY: As we celebrate the Millennium, thousands of British servicemen and women overseas cannot join their friends and families in the United Kingdom. This week the Herald has printed messages between families and those serving at sea with the Royal Navy. Today we carry more messages from some of the many Army, Royal Air Force and Navy personnel stationed around the globe. THE Cold War has ended, but British soldiers are still serving in support of Nato operations and UN peacekeeping missions around the world. British bases, teams and garrisons not only support British units training overseas, but also help to train and advise allied armies. British soldiers are serving in such diverse places as South Georgia, Kenya, East Timor, Georgia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone and Kuwait earning praise and thanks from the people that they are protecting. Current Operations for Nato include: - KOSOVO: More than 7,000 soldiers are in the Nato-led Kosovo Peace Implementation Force (KFOR) helping to restore the region's institutions and keep the peace between the Kosovo Albanians and Serbs. British soldiers spearheaded the liberation of Kosovo in June and are one of the principal contributors to the peacekeeping forces. Armour, artillery, infantry and engineers, supported by logistic units, are deployed around the region and have earned much praise for their even -handedness, tact and good humour. - BOSNIA: Britain has had forces in Bosnia since 1991, first under the UN flag and now with the Nato-led Stabilisation Force (SFOR). The 30,000-strong force was authorised by the UN Security Council and the North Atlantic Council to conduct an 18-month operation to prevent a resumption of hostilities and stabilise the peace in Bosnia Herzegovina. Other operations include: - FALKLAND ISLANDS: Since the end of the 1982 war with Argentina, Great Britain has maintained a tri-service garrison of 2,000, including 500 soldiers, in the Falklands to looks after the interests of the 4,000 population. PAGE 23 Evening Herald (Plymouth) December 22, 1999 Soldiers usually serve for six months in the Falklands where the main hazards are the 117 minefields and the extremes of temperature, sunburn in the summer and freezing conditions in winter. Overseas Garrison and Training Teams include: - BRUNEI: The British Army's most easterly outpost, Brunei is home to a battalion of Gurkha soldiers who are supported by a flight of Army Air Corps helicopters and specialists from the logistic services. This is an accompanied post for two years with families. Brunei is also home to a Jungle Training School that trains many of Britain's Special Forces in jungle survival and fighting techniques. - GIBRALTAR: A small military presence is still maintained in the historic military outpost of fortress Gibraltar. SHIP MESSAGES HMS EXETER Message from Lieutenant Rob Steadman: Happy Christmas to Chris and Betty Steadman and to Jenny, Stephen, Marion and Anna. Jenny - don't smash my car! See you all in March, from 007. HMS SOMERSET Message to OM Hunter: Tab Merry Xmas and Happy New Year. They say "absence makes the heart grow fonder" - your absence makes my heart ache to be with you again! Will be thinking of you. Miss you millions, LOVE always, Joanne, xoxoxo. Pte Philip Newland, 1st Royal Regiment of Wales, in Bosnia - Margaret Storer, Plymouth: Hope you all have a great Xmas and New Year. Don't drink to much. Think of me out hear in the cold. Start sending my presents. Pte James Freeman, Royal Logistic Corps, in Bosnia - Kelly Sadler, Plymouth: Missing you, hope you have a good Christmas. Miss you loads but will see you in the New Year. Not long to go. LCpl Steven Lawson, Royal Logistic Corps, in Bosnia - Louise: Hope you have a fun Christmas and New Year. See you in a couple of days. Love always, Steve. Steve and Jan: Have a good Xmas and New Year. All my love Steve. Pte Michelle Hart, Royal Logistic Corps, in Bosnia - Mr and Mrs J Bailey, Gunnislake: Happy New Year, see you in January. Miss you loads. Love Me and Hubby! The Webbs and Hookers Family, Tavistock: Happy New Year, see you all soon. Miss you loads from Michelle and Darren. LCpl Keith Eedle, 2nd Light Infantry, in Bosnia - Louise Henry, Plymouth: Dear Louise, I am missing you like crazy and I can't wait to hold you once again. Roll on May 15 when we get wed. Love you, Keith xxx. Gnr Scot Chase, 40 regiment Royal Artillery, in Bosnia - Andy and Angie Stubley, Plymouth: Hope you have a Happy Christmas and New Year. See you in PAGE 24 Evening Herald (Plymouth) December 22, 1999 February, Scot. Sgt Peter Bird, REME, 7 Flight, Army Air Corps, in Brunei - Mr and Mrs Bird, Ivybridge: Happy New Year, don't get too drunk, Pete. AB(TS)SM Mark John Wade, Royal Navy, in Gibraltar - Nikki Wade, Plymouth: Happy New Year, hope you're all doing great. See you in April 2001, Mark Wade. Captain Philip Smith, 2nd Royal Green Jackets, Kosovo - Lucy Hubbard, Thurlestone: Would have loved to have been with you now, thinking of you all the time. Love you so much, Phil. Flt Lt Peter Quick, RAF, in Brunei - Margaret Jagger, Tavistock: It's so hard to say it all in less than 20 words. Merry Christmas and all our love from Brunei, Susan, Peter and Alastair. Sig Matt Rees, Royal Signals, in the Falklands - Dave and Yvonne Rees, Plymouth: Greetings from the Falklands, weather's great, say Hi to everyone. Keep the Caffrey's flowing till I get home! Matt. SSgt Paul Mark Norman, 2nd Royal Green Jackets, in Kosovo - Lucy Norman, Plymouth: Love and miss you, see you soon, Daddy. LCpl Adrian Miller - Muriel, Plymouth: Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. Australia here I come, Fred. LCpl Richard Arundel - Hilary, Jack and Jade, Plymouth: Have a great night, see you soon. Love and missing you all, Dad. Sgt Suzanne Greenslade, Devon and Dorset Regiment - Jasmine Greenslade, Plymouth: Mummy misses and loves you always. Be good for Aunty Dawn and see you in March 2000. Hugs and Kisses, Mummy. GRAPHIC: WAR ON WANT: A Scottish piper greets the day in one of the world's troublespots and an Army medic checks a small boy in an ongoing health care programme LANGUAGE: English LOAD-DATE: December 22, 1999 PAGE 25 LEVEL 1 - 8 OF 9 STORIES Copyright 1999 Hull Daily Mail Hull Daily Mail December 20, 1999 SECTION: News;People;Events, Pg.9 LENGTH: 265 words HEADLINE: AS MOST people tuck into their Christmas turkey and toast the Millennium, dozens of East Yorkshire soldiers will be missing out on family celebrations. BYLINE: By James Shield BODY: But thanks to the Mail, servicemen and women stranded abroad have been able to send a message back home to their loved ones. Soldiers from the region will be posted across the globe over the festive period. They include Trooper Darren Hall, 25, from Hull, who is sweating it out in the Central American country of Belize, Lance-corporal Mark Pitman, 31, from Driffield, who is stationed in Macedonia, and 21-year-old Lance-corporal Cerianne Duce, from Goole, who is serving in Bosnia. Others are stationed in the freezing Falklands, Georgia, Kenya and East Timor. Their words mean those left behind in Britain know they are in their thoughts. More than a thousand infantry soldiers travel to Belize each year to undergo intense jungle training in some of the toughest conditions on the planet. Based at Price Barracks in the small town of Ladyville, nine miles from the capital Belize City, some of the 84 soldiers on duty will be given the opportunity to 'stand downi between sunset and sunrise to see in the New Year. But others will have to remain on constant duty, providing a 24-hour casualty evacuation service for people in the isolated country. Lance-corporals Duce and Pitman are part of the 7000 strong force deployed in the Balkans. They are spending the holiday period keeping warring factions apart throughout the battle-ravaged area. Throughout the winter, their main enemy, though, will be the weather, with temperatures dropping to minus 30C. - Every day this week, the Mail will be carrying festive messages from East Yorkshire soldiers stationed abroad. PAGE 26 Hull Daily Mail December 20, 1999 LANGUAGE: English LOAD-DATE: December 22, 1999 PAGE 27 LEVEL 1 - 9 OF 9 STORIES Copyright 1992 Europe Information Service European Report July 20, 1992 SECTION: V. EXTERNAL RELATIONS; No. 1786 LENGTH: 1266 words HEADLINE: DEVELOPMENT POLICY: MINISTER SPELLS OUT UK PRIORITIES TO EURO-MPS BODY: The European Commission's development policy functions, currently split between Directorates-General VIII and I, should be merged into one division with one Commissioner responsible for them, according to Baroness Linda Chalker, the United Kingdom Development Minister and President-in-Office of the EC's Council of Development Ministers. Speaking to members of the European Parliament's Committee on Development and Cooperation on July 15 about her priorities for the UK Presidency, she said she hoped her six months in office would see "flesh put on the bones" of the Maastricht Treaty's articles concerning development policy. Baroness Chalker said that the coming six months would see the Community's development policy defined for the next decade, with the adoption of the Commission's Horizon 2000 policy guidelines and a fuller analysis of the implications of Title 17 of the Maastricht Treaty, which has given Community development policy a legal base for the first time in 30 years. However, she began her address with a thinly-veiled attack on the way the Commission was currently organised. She said: "There are real difficulties having two different Commissioners responsible for different parts of the world and nobody responsible for common issues". She promised to examine the question, although emphasised she would not interfere too much in "primarily a Commission management problem". The British Minister said the other great effect of Maastricht and Horizon 2000 would be on the relationship between Member States and the Community. At issue she said were principles of subsidiarity and value for money. Community and national programmes should not overlap or duplicate each other, she said, and promised to look at ways in which coordination between the two could be improved. The other priorities she outlined were: Family planning: Baroness Chalker said she did not really like the phrase family planning, preferring her own slogan of "children by choice, not chance". She said the issue was central to the battle against poverty and that the Community had to find a way to enhance support for population programmes, a proposal she expected the Commission to present in September. She hoped the Council would be able to agree on an operational programme in this respect when it met on November 18, although she realised the reservations some Member States (i.e. Ireland) had on the issue. PAGE 28 European Report, July 20, 1992 Good Government: Baroness Chalker referred to the "landmark resolution" on human rights made by Member States at the Development Council on November 28, 1991. However, she said that the Community had not yet drawn together the many actions it had taken in this domain, citing the cases of Malawi, Kenya and East Timor. She hoped a report, being drawn up by DG VIII, would indicate both the successes and failures of the policy to date. UNCED: Mrs Chalker said Development Ministers would be reflecting on the ramifications of last month's United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) and the results of the UN General Assembly in September. A first priority, she said, was to implement the eight-point follow-up plan agreed at the Lisbon Summit of EC Heads of State and Government. She hoped they could address the issue of the 3 billion Ecus of funding the Community committed through Agenda 21, which she promised would not only be old money, although this would be a long process. Mrs Chalker said she wanted to see more immediate progress on the question of providing clean energy technologies to developing countries and said the Commission was producing a paper on the subject, which was due to be presented to the Committee of Member States' Permanent Representatives to the EC (COREPER) in November. Aid un-tying: The British Minister went on to state that she was very much in favour of following up the idea, first floated by the Dutch Presidency, of separating Member States' bilateral and Community aid budgets. However, she said some states were still resisting the idea. Non-Governmental Organisations: Mrs Chalker said the Commission was in the process of producing a paper on NGOs, following a mandate given by the Luxembourg Presidency. MEPs asked her if she would consider giving aid workers a Community-wide recognised status and social security rights. She said she was interested in the issue of recognition. ACP/EC Joint Assembly: Linda Chalker said the next meeting would take place in Luxembourg in September at which officials would discuss two papers arising from the ministerial meeting held in Jamaica in May: one on private sector investment, the other on implementation of the Lome IV Convention, which she said still had bottlenecks to be ironed out. On a separate issue, commodities, including sugar and bananas, she said the Community was listening carefully to ACP concerns. In answer to questions from MEPs, the UK Minister addressed a number of other issues. She agreed that the Horn of Africa appeal was still some $500 million short of its target and promised to send a letter to her EC and non-EC colleagues reminding them of this fact. She said she would be visiting South Africa in September to assess for herself the drought situation and prospects for peace. She also spoke of the prospects for large-scale debt relief for Zambia and Zimbabwe at the Paris meeting of debtor nations, due to be held on July 23, where she expected Zambia to receive a substantial reduction in its debt according to the Trinidad agreement on debt. Lastly she sought to reassure MEPs about aid conditionality. She said: "Democracy will never be used, as long as I'm around, as an excuse for not doing anything". LANGUAGE: ENGLISH LOAD-DATE: July 19, 1992