Military

DATE=11/18/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=POWELL BIN LADEN (L)

NUMBER=2-283291

BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Secretary of State Colin Powell says Osama bin Laden is probably still in Afghanistan, even though he is running out of places to hide. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports.

TEXT: The exact whereabouts of Osama bin Laden remain unknown.

Taleban officials gave conflicting information over the weekend, finally saying the leader of the al-Qaida terrorist organization is no longer their "guest."

Secretary of State Colin Powell says Osama bin Laden is running out of options as opposition forces in Afghanistan take over more territory from the Taleban. But Mr. Powell says he is probably on Afghan soil.

/// POWELL ACT ///

I have seen no intelligence or information to suggest he has left Afghanistan, and I do not know of any country in the region that would be very anxious to see him arrive.

/// END ACT ///

During an appearance on the "Fox News Sunday" television program, Secretary Powell said the world has recognized the true nature of Osama bin Laden.

/// POWELL ACT ///

I do not think this fellow is going to be welcomed anywhere. He is an outcast. He is a murderer. He is a terrorist. The whole world recognizes that.

/// END ACT ///

/// OPT /// The Secretary of State was then asked if he believes Osama Bin Laden has weapons of mass destruction. Mr. Powell said certain materials have been found that indicate that is his intent.

/// POWELL ACT THREE ///

I do not think he has a nuclear weapon. I think that is quite unlikely. The material that we have seen in these safe houses certainly suggests that he was interested in one and moving in that direction.

/// END ACT // END OPT ///

In a subsequent interview a short time later on A-B-C television's "This Week," Secretary Powell said even though the Taleban is losing territory in Afghanistan, no one should think the war on terrorism is nearing total victory. He said the anti-terror coalition must still crush al-Qaida and break the international terrorist network.

/// POWELL ACT FOUR ///

We want to go after al-Qaida wherever it exists in the world. And it is in some 50-countries and any one of those cells in those 50-countries could be planning a terrorist operation right now during this Ramadan season.

/// END ACT ///

Some Muslim leaders asked the United States to suspend its military operation during Ramadan. U-S officials said no, saying there is no reason to believe the Taleban and the terrorists would stop fighting during the Muslim holy month. (SIGNED)

NEB/PW/RAE