Military

DATE=09/20/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-N / GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-280821

BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY

DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Germany's Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer says last week's terror attacks on the United States must be answered, but he says he has been assured the United States will act in a "rational way." V-O-A Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from the United Nations.

TEXT: Speaking to reporters after meeting with U-N Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Mr. Fischer, said the United States must react to the terrorism.

/// FISCHER ACT 1 ///

I think we have to understand that the United States will react. My talks in Washington gave me the impression they will react in a very rational way, strongly but very rationally.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Fischer said the United Nations can play an important role in the long-term fight against terrorism by helping to coordinate the campaign on various fronts. He said the fight must include political, financial, intelligence, and police strategies.

/// REST OPT ///

The German foreign minister was asked what went wrong in terms of intelligence that allowed the September 11th attacks to occur.

/// FISCHER ACT 2 ///

If you would have asked me two weeks ago if this could happen in the way we experienced it, I am honest, I would have said I do not believe it.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Fischer said he expects Germany to play an active role in the fight against terrorism in cooperation with the United Nations, the United States, and other countries. (Signed)

NEB/UN/BA/JWH