Military

DATE=10/01/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH-AFGHANISTAN (L only)

NUMBER=2-281222

BYLINE= PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE= WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The White House says it will assist those who seek a democratic Afghanistan that does not harbor terrorists. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports officials say that assistance could take many forms.

TEXT: White House Spokesman Ari Fleischer leaves no doubt the Bush administration is willing to help those who oppose Afghan's ruling Taleban regime.

////FLEISCHER ACT///

The United States is not going to get into the business of choosing who rules Afghanistan. But the United States will assist those who are seeking a peaceful, economically developed Afghanistan that does not engage in terrorism.

////END ACT///

Mr. Fleischer will not provide specifics. He says aid to the Afghan opposition could take many forms.

///FLEISCHER ACT TWO///

Political. Diplomatic. Military. Financial. All of the above.

////END ACT///

The White House spokesman says the United States is also likely to increase humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people, though he notes the Taleban has been intercepting some food aid shipments.

////FLEISCHER ACT THREE///

Given the fact that the United States is the world's largest donor of food aid to the people of Afghanistan, the United States and President Bush are very concerned about the actions the Taleban regime has taken to seize food from the people who need the food the most.

///END ACT///

Mr. Fleischer will not provide a dollar figure for the amount of food aid that might be needed to help the Afghan people get through the coming winter. But the New York Times reports that the Bush administration is planning to provide one hundred million dollars in extra relief for Afghan refugees. (Signed)

NEB/PW/MAR