In copy mode one can copy to a screen-exch file using space and then '>'
to end selection. The screen background part crashes after entering '>'.
Copying to internal buffer (ending selection with space) works corectly.

It seems to concern all 3.9.x version in RH 6.1, 6.2b and RawHide, e.g.
the most recent 3.9.5-3. 3.7.6-9 from RH 6.0 works correctly so may be
used instead (hoping it is not less secure then 3.9, don't know). Tested
on i386 and sparc.