Informed Sources

U.N. Peacekeepers Keep the Press Out

ZAGREB -- The U.N. protection force (UNPROFOR) in the former Yugoslavia would rather obstruct the media than risk exacerbating tension between the warring factions. Last week it denied journalists access to an area of eastern Croatia that was devastated by Serbs two years ago and is now ostensibly under U.N. control. Said a top unprofor officer: "We have a gentlemen's agreement with the Serbs. We promised not to show things that might embarrass them to journalists." Because they thought it might inflame local passions, unprofor also withheld from reporters a videotape made by U.N. troops showing Bosnian Croat tanks destroying the 16th century Stari Most bridge at Mostar.

White House Welfare Waffling

WASHINGTON -- PRESIDENT CLINTON'S vow to "end welfare as we know it" was one of his most popular campaign promises. His welfare-reform team has had a legislative plan ready for Clinton to approve for weeks, but they can't get him to focus on it. They have urged that he announce his welfare proposals on June 8 or 9. "But we can't get the White House to tell us when they want to launch it, much less how," says a frustrated official. "Part of the problem is the inability to make a decision."

Wanted: Beach House for Three (Plus the Secret Service)

WASHINGTON -- BILL and HILLARY CLINTON, normally slow to plan their summer vacations, are getting an early start this year. The Clintons are interested ; in returning to Martha's Vineyard, but this time they want a spread that is a bit more lavish than the modest digs provided last August by former Defense Secretary Robert McNamara. The Secret Service has begun to do some advance checking on the island but hasn't yet found a suitable house. Apparently nobody who has a place large enough to suit the First Family wants to give it up and miss the chance to hobnob with the Clintons.