
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, January 7, 1994                   TAG: 9401070082
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: MILWAUKEE                                LENGTH: Short

U.S. MUST HELP EUROPE, GORE SAYS

The United States would "be foolish to ignore" the showing of ultranationalists in the recent Russian elections, Vice President Al Gore said Thursday. But such troubles are no reason to steer clear, he declared.

"Democracy does not turn us into angels," Gore said, acknowledging the certain bumps ahead for Russia and its reform efforts.

Subbing for President Clinton, Gore delivered a speech outlining the administration's view of the importance of U.S. involvement in Europe and the democratic reform movement in Russia.

Clinton, who travels to Europe this weekend, had been scheduled to deliver the speech but flew to Arkansas instead after the death of his mother.

Gore conceded that after the Cold War "some Americans would prefer that we stay out of the world's squabbles and focus only on our challenges here at home."

But he said that "when Europe fights, we suffer; when Europe is safe and free, we thrive."

Gore toasted the rebirth of freedom in Europe and the peaceful liberation of the countries once dominated by Moscow.

"But there is also a dark cloud on Europe's horizon," he said. "It is the threat of fiery nationalism, ignited by old resentments, fueled by economic frustration, fanned by self-serving demagogues."

He cited the fighting in the former Yugoslavia and said that it could flare elsewhere as well, unless the United States helps build new forms of protection.

He cited Clinton's proposal for a Partnership for Peace within the framework of NATO as an example of the forms of protection offered Eastern Europeans.

by CNB