Military

DATE=10/310/1

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-282519

TITLE=SAUDI ARABIA /TERROR ASSETS (L/S)

BYLINE=NICK SIMEONE

DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The Bush administration says Saudi Arabia has agreed to freeze assets of people with suspected links to terrorism. It is believed some of those involved in the September 11th attacks on the United States are Saudi citizens. Correspondent Nick Simeone reports.

TEXT: There have been complaints from the F-B-I about a lack of Saudi cooperation in previous terror investigations, but the Treasury Department says the Saudi government is fulfilling a longstanding request to block the assets of people or groups with links to terrorists.

In the wake of the September 11th attacks, the United States has called on governments around the world to freeze assets of anyone with suspected terrorist links. Secretary of State Colin Powell is pleased the Saudis have now done so.

/// POWELL ACT ///

They have now come forward and taken additional action that we had hoped they would take.

/// END ACT ///

There has been no such announcement from Saudi Arabia itself. U-S officials have denied persistent reports that the kingdom has failed to provide all the support the Bush Administration wants in the battle against terrorism and the investigation into those behind the September attacks.

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/// SECOND POWELL ACT ///

To this point, the Saudis have been responsive on all the things we have asked them to do.

/// END ACT ///

And Secretary of State Powell says there may be more requests for the Saudis and other governments as well. (SIGNED)

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