98314. Leaders Link U.S., Argentina to Terrorism Battle
By Douglas J. Gillert
American Forces Press Service
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina -- Defense Secretary William
Cohen said the United States will work with Argentina to
help battle international terrorism.
The topic arose when Cohen met May 23 with Argentine
President Carlos Menem at the presidential residence here.
Among the topics the two leaders discussed was increased
cooperation between their countries in dealing with
terrorism.
"As much as agreements exist [between nations]," Menem
said, "the fight against this evil will be more effective."
As the United States is the most powerful country on Earth,
he said, it should be no surprise that terrorist groups
target U.S. interests worldwide.
"That is the reason why the United States has more
sophisticated tools to act in defense," Menem said.
The Argentine leader said he wants access to U.S. anti-
terrorism information and technology to deal with terrorism
in Argentina. Less than a week before Cohen's visit, the
Argentine government revealed new evidence linking Iran-
sponsored terrorists to two deadly attacks in Buenos Aires
earlier this decade.
Cohen said the United States will cooperate with
Argentina in sharing intelligence about international
terrorist activities, what Menem referred to as a "scourge
for all countries."
Cohen lauded the country's participation in U. N.
peacekeeping efforts in Haiti, Bosnia and the Middle East,
actions which led the United States last year to recognize
Argentina as a major non-NATO U.S. ally. He said the meeting
also offered him the chance to congratulate Menem on the
growth of democracy in Argentina and his country's emergence
as a peacekeeping power.
Cohen's visit with Menem coincided with his first trip
to Latin America. He also met Argentine Defense Minister
Jorge Dominguez and U.S. service members and their families
before continuing his five-day South American visit with
stops in Santiago, Chile, and Brasilia, Brazil.
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