DATE=12/22/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=TERROR REACT(L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-257412
BYLINE=JIM RANDLE
DATELINE=REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: While U-S officials are telling Americans
to be alert for a possible terrorist attack
during the next few weeks, many travelers are
taking the risks and warnings in stride. V-O-A's
Jim Randle reports from Reagan National Airport,
near Washington.
TEXT: The warnings from the State Department say
that Americans traveling abroad may be targeted
by terrorists, and the arrest of an Algerian man
for allegedly smuggling more than 40 kilos of
explosive into the United States has heightened
concern at home.
One reaction has been to add extra officials at
border crossings and to boost already tight
security at airports.
Vic Demko, picking up family members arriving on
a flight from Kansas City, says he is pleased
that officials seem to be taking the warnings
seriously.
/// Demko act ///
I'm concerned, but I'm not overly worried
or paranoid. I see the extra, stepped up
security, the bomb-sniffing dogs, it makes
me feel really good that security is alert.
/// end act ///
Kelly Jeffries flew to Washington from
Indianapolis. She says security checks meant
delays.
/// Kelly Jeffries ///
I think the lines were longer, but I guess
most people would rather have the lines be
longer and be safe.
/// end act ///
Passengers and carry-on luggage at U-S airports
has been screened by metal detectors and x-ray
machines for years.
Recently, officials have developed and deployed
new machines that can detect the chemicals in
explosives and added more teams of dogs trained
to sniff out bombs.
At many U-S airports, announcements warn
passengers not to leave baggage unattended
because the police bomb squad may seize and
search it. The repetitious announcements also
warn against doing anything that could help a
bomb get on a plane or near a passenger terminal.
/// announcement act ///
Do not accept items or packages from
unknown individuals. Unattended vehicles
may be ticketed and towed.
/// end act ///
Defense Secretary William Cohen says these
physical measures are being backed up by stepped
up intelligence efforts.
/// Cohen act (newsnow cart) ///
All of our intelligence agencies are
cooperating world wide with their
counterparts, so there is a sharing of the
latest possible information, to make sure
we deter and detect and discourage any
attempts on American lives anywhere in the
world.
/// end act ///
Mr. Cohen spoke in a U-S television interview (on
ABC) from Bosnia, where he was visiting American
troops. He says Americans should be aware, but
not overly concerned, about the threat from
terrorists. (Signed)
NEB/PT
22-Dec-1999 18:22 PM EDT (22-Dec-1999 2322 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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