DATE=12/22/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S-TERROR ALERT (L)
NUMBER=2-257409
BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The Clinton Administration is sharpening
warnings to Americans at home and abroad concerning
the threat of terrorism during the Christmas and
millennial celebrations. The action follows recent
arrests of terror suspects along the U-S-Canadian
border and in Jordan. VOA's David Gollust has more
from the White House.
TEXT: Officials from President Clinton on down are
cautioning Americans to be extra-alert to suspicious
activity and objects during year-end observances. But
they say there is no information that specific events
or sites in the United States have been targeted by
terrorists, and say people should not abandon their
holiday plans.
At a news conference, Deputy U-S Attorney-General Eric
Holder said recent events - including last week's
arrest of an Algerian national trying to bring bomb
components across the border from Canada - point to a
"higher risk" of terror attacks.
He said Americans should be alert during the next two
weeks -- especially in cities where large millennium
or religious activities are planned - but also said
there was no cause for undue alarm or panic:
///Holder actuality///
We certainly don't want to unnecessarily alarm
people. On the other hand, we want people to be
cautious, to be vigilant, and to make sure that
they are - especially when they are at large
activities - more observant about their
surroundings.
///end act///
President Clinton struck a similar note on a pre-
Christmas visit to a Washington charitable group. He
said law enforcement agencies are making an
"extraordinary effort" to deal with any threat and
that Americans - while being careful and aware -
should go ahead and enjoy the holiday season.
The U-S State Department meanwhile has upgraded -- and
extended until mid-January -- its advisory to
Americans traveling or working overseas to be alert to
possible attacks. A general alert has been in effect
since December 10th but spokesman James Foley says
Americans abroad are now being specifically advised to
avoid holiday crowds and to keep a low profile:
///Foley actuality///
We have information about the possibility of
terrorist attacks in different parts of the
world. We are urging them to be cautious. We are
urging them to be vigilant and to be mindful of
their surroundings. And we are urging them to
avoid large crowds or gatherings.
///end act///
State Department officials say Jordan's arrest last
week of 13 people believed linked to the Osama Bin
Laden terrorist organization produced information that
hotels and tourist sites and buses in Jordan and
perhaps elsewhere may have been targeted for attacks.
Mr. Bin Laden, a Saudi exile living in Afghanistan,
faces U-S criminal charges in the bombings of the U-S
embassies in Kenya and Tanzania last year.
The Administration has served notice on Afghanistan's
dominant Taleban movement earlier this month that it
would be accountable for further terror attacks
against Americans traced to Mr. Bin Laden and his
associates.
As part of government-wide security steps, the State
Department says U-S diplomatic premises around the
world have been put on a heightened state of alert and
a scattered few have been temporarily closed.
More customs agents and police are manning the more
than 300 border crossings and other points of entry to
the United States, while the Federal Aviation
Administration has ordered stricter enforcement of
existing security measures at the nation's airports
including increased use of bomb-sniffing dogs and
equipment (Signed)
NEB/DAG/PT
22-Dec-1999 16:50 PM EDT (22-Dec-1999 2150 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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