DATE=12/28/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SEATTLE CELEBRATION CANCELED (S-L)
NUMBER=2-257573
BYLINE=MIKE O'SULLIVAN
DATELINE=LOS ANGELES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The mayor of Seattle has canceled a planned
New Year's Eve celebration, citing safety concerns.
Seattle was the scene of protests this month over an
international trade meeting, and a suspected terrorist
was recently arrested near the city. V-O-A's Mike
O'Sullivan has more from our West Coast bureau.
TEXT: Up to 50-thousand people were expected to
attend the open-air celebration at Seattle's famed
Space Needle. In cancelling the event, Mayor Paul
Schell said -- while there are no specific threats
against the city -- security officials cannot rule out
Seattle as a terrorist target.
City Councilwoman Sue Donaldson supports the mayor's
decision.
/// DONALDSON ACT ///
We decided that it was unwise to encourage
people to come to Seattle center to have a crowd
that could be a potential target.
/// END ACT ///
Early this month, Seattle police arrested more than
500 protesters in violent street demonstrations
surrounding the World Trade Organization meeting.
Last week, an Algerian man was charged in Seattle with
bringing explosive materials from neighboring Canada.
/// REST OPT for long ///
In remarks to reporters Tuesday, Mayor Paul Schell
said Seattle will still celebrate the New Year, but
without a massive downtown celebration.
/// OPT SCHELL ACT ///
We are, in this city, trying to focus on the
core values of our community of volunteerism,
celebrating diversity, being good stewards of
the natural environment.
/// END OPT -- END ACT ///
Afternoon concerts and a circus performance will go
ahead as planned Friday, and New Year's Eve fireworks
display at Seattle's Space Needle will be seen through
much of the city. (Signed)
NEB/PT
28-Dec-1999 15:23 PM EDT (28-Dec-1999 2023 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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