DATE=10/5/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S - SAUDI BOMBING (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-254684
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United States is deporting to Saudi Arabia
a suspect in the 1996 bombing of a U-S military base
there that killed 19 American servicemen. At the same
time, U-S officials say they will continue their
investigation into the incident until those
responsible are brought to justice. Correspondent
Deborah Tate reports from the White House.
TEXT: In its decision to deport Hani Abdel Rahim al-
Sayegh, the U.S. Justice Department says it lacks
sufficient evidence to prosecute him.
Mr. Al-Sayegh, a Saudi dissident, was turned over to
U-S officials two years ago by authorities in Canada,
where he had fled seeking asylum.
Saudi intelligence officials have said Mr. Al-Sayegh
played a role in directing a bomb-laden truck to the
Khobar Towers military housing complex in Dhahran
shortly before the blast.
The suspect himself initially suggested he was
involved in the bombing, but later changed his
testimony, saying he had no information about the
case. U-S officials argue he failed to abide by a
plea agreement with the Justice Department -- a point
underscored by White House spokesman Joe Lockhart:
/// FIRST LOCKHART ACT ///
He was given every opportunity to fulfill the
first agreement he made with the United States,
and to cooperate in this case, and that is an
opportunity he lost.
/// END ACT ///
The New York Times (newspaper) quotes unnamed U-S
officials as saying the Saudi government believes it
has enough evidence to move forward with the
prosecution of Mr. Al-Sayegh.
But the suspect, according to the report, has been
fighting the deportation on grounds his life would be
seriously threatened if he returns to his homeland.
An Administration official is quoted as saying
Washington has received assurances from the Saudi
government that Mr. Al-Sayegh would not be tortured
on his return, but he says there are no assurances
about what would happen if he is convicted.
Meanwhile, White House spokesman Lockhart says the
Justice Department decision in no way signals that
Washington is abandoning its probe of the bombing.
/// SECOND LOCKHART ACT ///
These things take time, but we will not relent
until we believe that the people who are
responsible are brought to justice.
/// END ACT ///
As part of that effort, the United States is seeking
the assistance of Iran.
Last week, the administration confirmed President
Clinton sent a letter to Iranian President Mohammad
Khatami requesting help in finding those responsible.
The request -- which officials say could lead to a
warming of U-S -Iranian ties -- was based in part on
intelligence reports linking the bombing to several
Saudi men who have taken refuge in Iran.
Iranian officials have confirmed the U-S request, but
deny their government was behind the bombing.
(Signed)
NEB/DAT/WTW
05-Oct-1999 15:56 PM EDT (05-Oct-1999 1956 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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