Military

DATE=07/03/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= PENTAGON/THREAT (L-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-277877

BYLINE= ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE= PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

/// EDS: SUITABLE FOR USE ON 4TH OF JULY ///

INTRO: A top Pentagon official says U-S forces in the Persian Gulf region remain on alert in the wake of a terrorist threat. But V-O-A Correspondent Alex Belida reports the official says there are no special concerns related to American celebrations of the Fourth of July, American Independence Day.

TEXT: Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz says the heightened concerns stemming from recent anti-American terrorist threats in the Gulf have not diminished.

But Mr. Wolfowitz tells a small group of radio reporters such threats will not curtail U-S military operations.

/// WOLFOWITZ ACTUALITY ///

I think it's widely known, there is a heightened level of concern at the moment. It hasn't gone away. But, I would really emphasize, it does not interfere in any way with our operational capability. ... If these terrorists think they're driving the United States away, they should think again.

/// END ACTUALITY ///

Mr. Wolfowitz acknowledges the Fourth of July Independence Day holiday will produce large gatherings of Americans worldwide even among armed forces personnel stationed abroad.

But he denies there are any special security concerns on the holiday.

/// WOLFOWITZ ACTUALITY ///

It [holiday] always produces large gatherings of Americans at embassies and other places. But I think it's a mistake to single out any single day as a day of particular concern because you lower your guard on the other days.

/// END ACTUALITY ///

The recent security alert in the Gulf region was linked to threats from suspected associates of alleged Saudi terrorist leader Osama bin-Laden. It prompted U-S military authorities to order Navy ships docked in Bahrain to sea and led to cancellation of a Marine Corps exercise in Jordan. (Signed)

NEB/BEL/TDW