DATE=9/21/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CONGRESS-PUERTO RICO CLEMENCY (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-254147
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: U-S law enforcement officials say the clemency
granted to imprisoned Puerto Rican nationalists could
bring new acts of terrorism. As V-O-A's David Swan
reports, Congress is holding more hearings on
President Clinton's controversial action.
TEXT: The decision has touched off a heated political
battle between the White House and Republicans,
complete with another tug-of-war over evidence.
Citing executive privilege, the White House refuses to
hand over documents related to the case and has
limited what officials can discuss.
At a Senate hearing (Tuesday), Assistant F-B-I
Director Neil Gallagher declined to say if clemency
should have been offered. But he did say the move
could reinvigorate the Armed Forces of National
Liberation, or F-A-L-N, one of the main Puerto Rican
nationalist groups. Mr. Gallagher warns that the
group is still a threat to the United States, along
with another militant organization called the
Macheteros.
// Gallagher act //
So the real prospect of additional terrorism
either directed or supported by the Macheteros
or the F-A-L-N exists today.
// End act //
Most of the 16 people offered clemency belonged to the
F-A-L-N when the group was waging a bombing campaign
for Puerto Rican independence. The White House argues
that none of them were convicted of specific acts of
violence, and all served long prison terms.
But congressional investigators say they have obtained
old videotape that shows two of the 16 making bombs.
And Republican Senator Judd Gregg says the president's
clemency decision undermines the war on terrorism,
domestically and abroad.
// Gregg act //
The granting of clemency in this area has really
shredded our efforts to have a coherent,
cohesive and tough policy against terrorists.
And we've been set back significantly, I would
suspect, in our capacity to, (number) one,
pursue terrorists, but two, once we get them in
prison, to keep them there.
// End act //
A number of world leaders, including former President
Jimmy Carter and South African Archbishop Desmond
Tutu, petitioned for the release. The administration
denies the move was meant to help First Lady Hillary
Clinton's likely Senate campaign by currying favor
with Hispanic voters in New York. (Signed)
Neb/ds/JP
21-Sep-1999 13:09 PM EDT (21-Sep-1999 1709 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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