ACCESSION NUMBER:384418
FILE ID:PO1402
DATE:03/23/95
TITLE:STATE DEPARTMENT REPORT, THURSDAY, MARCH 23 (03/23/95)
TEXT:*95032302.PO1
STATE DEPARTMENT REPORT, THURSDAY, MARCH 23
(Korea/reactors, Turkey/Iraq, Lockerbie/rewards) (720)
There was no State Department news briefing. However, acting spokesman
David Johnson discussed the following topics with reporters:
NORTH KOREA CAUTIONED NOT TO END NUCLEAR FREEZE
1he acting spokesman acknowledged that North Korea has made clear its
objection to South Korean light water reactors and has threatened to end
the freeze on its nuclear facilities if a light water reactor contract
agreement is not concluded by April 21.
"We've reminded the DPRK that the agreed framework calls only for the two
sides to make 'best efforts' to reach agreement by that date," Johnson
said. "April 21, from our point of view and from the point of view of the
agreed framework, is not a deadline."
He noted that the next round of light water reactor negotiations with North
Korea will begin on March 25 in Berlin. "As long as North Korea maintains
the freeze on its nuclear program, we will continue our best efforts to
secure conclusion of that agreement as soon as possible," Johnson said.
If North Korea breaks the freeze, the United States will begin consulting
with its allies about future U.N. Security Council consideration of the
nuclear issue and possible sanctions, the acting spokesman said.
OPERATION PROVIDE COMFORT RELIEF FLIGHTS RESUME
The acting spokesman said the coalition partners in the Gulf war March 23
resumed the Operation Provide Comfort relief flights which provide
humanitarian assistance to Kurds and other refugees in northern Iraq.
The flights were suspended March 20 when Turkish armed forces launched a
major offensive into northern Iraq directed against terrorists of the
Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).
Johnson said Turkish forces have penetrated about 40 kilometers into
northern Iraq and, for the most part, they continue to encounter only light
resistance. Turkish officials say 13 Turkish soldiers have been killed and
15 wounded. As many as 200 PKK rebels have been killed.
Asked about West European expressions of concern about the Turkish military
operation, Johnson replied: "The United States recognizes the very serious
threat which terrorism poses to Turkey and the Turkish people. And while
we share many of the same concerns of our allies, we believe it is
essential to support all legitimate Turkish efforts to counter this
threat."
Reminding reporters of the Turkish government's assurances to the United
States about "the limited nature" of the action, Johnson said, "We continue
to stress to the Turkish government the importance of observing recognized
standards of international human rights during this operation and the need
to make a maximum effort to protect civilians."
U.S. SPOTLIGHTS REWARD OFFER FOR LOCKERBIE BOMBING SUSPECTS
Johnson pointed out that earlier in the day the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI) had placed the two suspects in the Pan Am 103 bombing
case on the agency's "Ten Most Wanted" list.
They are Abdel Basset Ali Al-Megrahi and Lamen Khalifa Fhimah, both Libyan
intelligence agents. They are being sought by both the U.S. and British
governments for the December 21, 1988, bombing of Pan Am 103 over
Lockerbie, Scotland, which killed 270 people, including 189 Americans.
"The department wants to take this opportunity to remind the public of the
United States government's reward offer of up to $4 million for information
leading to the location and apprehension of the two suspects," Johnson said
in reference to the reward campaign that was announced some time ago.
"We're renewing some of our publicity efforts in conjunction with the FBI's
decision to place the two on their 'Ten Most Wanted' list," the acting
spokesman explained. The campaign by the State Department's Bureau of
Diplomatic Security will include posters, match books, and advertisements
in several international newspapers and magazines.
1
Overseas, people with information on the two Libyan fugitives should contact
the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate or write to: Heroes, P.O. Box 96781,
Washington, DC 20090-6781, USA. The reward program also is being
advertised on the INTERNET. Reward information may be found at the
following INTERNET address: heroes@clark.net
The Counterterrorism Rewards Program has been an effective tool in combating
terrorism. The U.S. government has paid out over $3 million for credible
information received worldwide in more than 20 cases in the past few years.
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