Military

DATE=10/09/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-N-U-S LETTER (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-281588

BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY

DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says one sentence in a United States letter to the U-N Security Council did cause some anxiety among members but indicates the U-S explanation is reasonable. V-O-A Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from the United Nations.

TEXT: One sentence seemed to stand out in a letter sent Monday from the United States to the U-N Security Council. The letter, justifying U-S action against the Taleban and terrorist bases in Afghanistan, contained the following: "We may find that our self-defense requires further actions with respect to other organizations and other states."

Mr. Annan said that sentence did cause "some anxiety" but indicated it has now been clarified.

///ANNAN ACT///

But the U-S has indicated that this is not a predictor of any intentions that it intends to take but basically a statement that they are at early stages and keeping their options open. And I think the White House spokesman addressed this question yesterday. But that is one line that disturbed some of us.

///END ACT///

U-S Ambassador to the United Nations, John Negroponte, earlier told reporters the sentence simply means that the United States reserves the right to exercise self-defense in the future if circumstances warrant it.

///REST OPT///

Diplomatic sources say that Mr. Negroponte visited Iraq's U-N ambassador Mohammed al-Douri to warn Iraq not to take advantage of the current situation to threaten its neighbors. Neither side will confirm the exchange,but the sources say Mr. al-Douri informed Mr. Negroponte his nation is not threatening anyone and hopes the United States will not use the current situation as an excuse to attack Iraq.(Signed)

NEB/UN/BA/FC