Military

DATE=10/11/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH / WRAP (L only)

NUMBER=2-281689

BYLINE= PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE= WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush says there is progress in the war on terrorism, but a final victory could take years. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports the President talked about the situation in Afghanistan as well as the Middle east and arms control at a White House news conference.

TEXT: The President says U-S led strikes have terrorists on the run in Afghanistan. But he says total victory will take time.

///BUSH ACT///

This particular battlefront will last as long as it takes to bring al-Qaida to justice. It may happen tomorrow. It may happen a month from now. It may take a year or two.

///END ACT///

He says that while the focus is now on suspected terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden, his al-Qaida organization and his backers in Afghanistan's Taleban regime, the battle against terrorism is far broader.

///BUSH ACT TWO///

Success or failure depends not on bin Laden. Success or failure depends upon routing out terrorism where it may exist all around the world.

///END ACT///

Mr. Bush went before reporters shortly after the F-B-I issued a general warning of possible imminent terrorist action. He said there was no specific threat made, and urged the American people to go about their normal lives.

///BUSH ACT THREE///

Americans can know tonight that while the threat is ongoing we are taking every possible step to protect our country from danger.

///END ACT///

Mr. Bush was also asked about the Middle East and whether his administration's preoccupation with fighting terrorism might set back the peace process. He said he remains engaged, though he refused to answer when directly asked about the possibility of a meeting with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

///BUSH ACT FOUR///

If I am convinced that a meeting with a particular party at this point in time will further the process -- I will do so.

///END ACT///

Near the end of the 45-minute session with reporters, Mr. Bush shifted gears a bit and talked about discussions with Russia on missile defense. He said the United States has been trying to convince Moscow that the greatest threat comes from rogue nations and terrorist groups. He said recent events provide evidence that a missile shield is now needed more than ever. (signed)

NEB/KBK