January 18, 1993

Buffeted by persistent charges of racial friction, inadequate training and misconduct by some of its top officials, the Transit Authority police announced a major management reorganization yesterday, simplifying its command structure and reshuffling critical personnel under Transit Police Chief Michael F. O'Connor. Under the reorganization, an official recently accused of sexual harassment was relieved as the commander of the department's inspectional services and internal affairs investigations. But the department's top black official, who had been reprimanded recently for showing x-rated movies to visiting Russian officials in 1991, was given command of all patrol and detective services.

Haiti Accepts U.N. Monitors The Haitian military agreed to let the United Nations deploy hundreds of civilian observers in the Caribbean nation. Diplomats described the pact as the first step toward restoring Haiti's ousted President. Page A3. Transit Police Shakeup Stung by persistent charges of racial friction, inadequate training and misconduct by some officials, the New York City transit police announced a major reorganization to simplify its command structure. Page B1. Collision Course on Growth Presidents have often pushed for lower interest rates, and Bill Clinton has started lobbying the Federal Reserve even before taking office. Page D1. Town Meeting, Somali Style A Somali town has taken the first step toward self-government, and relief workers are not pleased. Page A3. Fatal Beating at Church An 80-year-old woman was beaten to death as she tried to enter a Bronx church, the police said. Page B1.

The Economy A new criterion is emerging for drug approval. Under increasing pressure from insurers and H.M.O.'s, drug makers are being asked to show regulators that their new products are cost effective. Perhaps the most conspicuous targets are the wonder drugs of biotechnology companies like Synergen, many of which can cost patients as much as $30,000 a year. [ Page A1. ] Bill Clinton's advisers are recommending an $850 million investment in community development banks that would help distressed neighborhoods. [ D1. ]

Aelaf Worku may have come to the African-American Museum here to learn about history, but as he leaned against the straps of his bulging book bag and stared at the photographs of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he wasn't dreaming about the past. "We've finally overcome -- quote unquote -- but it seems as if we really haven't," said Aelaf, who is 16 years old. "Every generation is always going to have its problems, and it's up to whoever is going to be the leaders of our generation to take care of them."

NEW YORK CITY WEEPING ICON, FEUDING CHURCHES It has been more than a year since the theft and recovery of the Weeping Icon stunned the worshipers at the St. Irene Chrysovantou Green Orthodox Cathedral in Astoria, Queens, but the frustration and grief have not subsided. Now St. Irene's and its leaders have accused the traditional Greek Orthodox Church, with which it has long argued, and two newspapers of libel, for saying that the theft was a publicity ploy. A $30 million lawsuit has been filed. B3.