Military

DATE=10/18/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ASHCROFT-TERRORISM (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-281986

BYLINE=JIM MALONE

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S Attorney General John Ashcroft says the life prison terms given to four men convicted of carrying out the 1998 U-S embassy bombings in Africa send a strong message to other would-be terrorists. More from National correspondent Jim Malone.

TEXT: The nation's top law enforcement official says he welcomes the life sentences handed down by a federal judge in New York and says terrorists around the world should take note:

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Today's sentence sends a message the United States will hunt terrorists down and will make them pay the price for their evil acts of terrorism.

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The attorney general says 13 people are still being sought in connection with the embassy bombings. Their names are included on a special most wanted terrorist list that includes a reward of up to five million dollars for information leading to their capture.

Mr. Ashcroft also says he is pleased congressional negotiators have agreed on a final version of legislation designed to help law enforcement officials crack down on suspected terrorist cells in the United States:

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This legislation, once passed and signed into law, will immediately increase our capacity to detect, to disrupt and to prevent acts of terrorism.

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Congress is expected to approve the legislation next week. It includes measures that make it easier for the F-B-I and other law enforcement agencies to monitor the telephone calls of suspected terrorists and encourages the sharing of information about suspects with various U-S intelligence agencies. (Signed)

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