White House Wages Damage Control on Book Charges

WASHINGTON, Feb 3 (Reuter) - The White House waged a damage control campaign Friday to play down an account of President Clinton's efforts to suppress information about his marital infidelities and efforts to avoid the Vietnam draft.

U.S. Agrees to New Bosnia Peace Offer

WASHINGTON, Feb 14 (Reuter) - The United States, worried about war spreading in the Balkans, has agreed with its "contact group" allies to offer Serbia substantial relief from U.N. economic sanctions as part of a new Bosnia peace initiative, a senior U.S. official said on Tuesday.

Australia Budget Cuts of A$2-3 Billion in 1995-96

CANBERRA, Feb 3 (Reuter) - The Australia government will have to make collective spending cuts and tax hikes in the 1995/96 year of A$2 billion to A$3 billion if it wants to be able to reach a surplus the following year, economists said.

Ex-Congressmen urges Wide Probe of Gingrich Ethics

WASHINGTON, Jan 26 (Reuter) - A former Georgia congressman asked the House Ethics Committee Thursday to make a sweeping probe of possible ethical violations by House Speaker Newt Gingrich that include his controversial deal to write books.

Haiti Safe and Secure for U.N. --Perry

WASHINGTON, Jan 17 (Reuter) - Despite the chance of random violence in Haiti, that nation is now "safe and secure" for U.N. troops to replace a U.S.-led multinational force there, Defence Secretary William Perry said Tuesday.

Mexico Markets React With Euphoria to Clinton Aid

MEXICO CITY (Reuter) - Mexican stock prices soared more than 10 percent Tuesday, their biggest single-day gain in seven years, as investors cheered a revamped economic aid package announced by President Bill Clinton for the nation's teetering economy.

Computer Dealer's Group to Challenge Microsoft

SEATTLE (Reuter) - Microsoft Corp.'s plans to launch an on-line service, whichhave raised fears among its rivals, were challenged Monday by a group of computer dealers concerned that their sales will be hurt by the network.

NATO to sound out Croatia on Pull-Out Plan

BRUSSELS, Feb 8 (Reuter) - NATO, eager to put military hardware in place tooversee a possible pullout of peacekeepers from Bosnia, agreed on Wednesday tosound out Croatia on how it could assist any operation.

Russia says West's Chechnya Criticism is Hasty

MOSCOW, Jan 12 (Reuter) - Russia's foreign ministry said the West was being"inadequate and hasty" in criticising Moscow's military campaign in breakawayChechnya and suggested criticism marked a return to Cold War rhetoric.

Winter Storm Hits Part of U.S., Disrupts Travel

WASHINGTON, Feb 4 (Reuter) - A fierce winter storm roared into the northeastern United States on Saturday, dumping up to 16 inches (40 cm) of snow and wreaking havoc on travel as airports closed and roads were glazed with sheets of ice.