Military

DATE=03/04/2002

TYPE=EDITORIAL

NUMBER=0-09741

TITLE=EDITORIAL: NO CONCESSIONS TO TERRORISTS

INTERNET=Yes

CONTENT=THIS EDITORIAL IS BEING RELEASED FOR USE BY ALL SERVICES.

Anncr: Next, an editorial expressing the policies of the United States Government:

Voice: The kidnapping and murder of journalist Daniel Pearl are another reminder that terrorists continue to target Americans abroad. Those who commit such savage acts should know that the United States will use every appropriate means to gain the safe return of American hostages. The U.S. will not pay ransom, release prisoners, make policy changes, or make any other concessions to terrorists.

But the U.S. will pay rewards to those who provide information leading to the arrest of those wanted for terrorist acts against the U.S. In connection with the murder of Daniel Pearl, the U.S. is offering a reward of up to five-million dollars for information leading to the arrest of those who committed this cowardly crime.

The U.S. will also make the maximum effort to bring to justice those who attack American citizens and interests. Just look at Afghanistan.

A few months ago, Afghanistan was home to the world's deadliest terrorist organization, Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida. Terrorists from Algeria to the Philippines were being trained in Afghanistan and receiving support from a well-funded terrorist network. In response to the September 11th attacks by al-Qaida on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the U.S. gave the now-defunct Taleban regime a choice: hand over the terrorists or share their fate.

Mullah Mohammad Omar and other Taleban leaders refused to turn over the terrorists. "If they were to kill all of the nation of Afghanistan, we will not hand over Osama bin Laden," said a Taleban spokesman.

The Taleban regime is now history, thanks to Afghan resistance forces and the U.S.-led coalition. The remnants of al-Qaida's base in Afghanistan are being destroyed. Many al-Qaida terrorists are dead or in U.S. custody. Survivors are being hunted down. Hundreds of al-Qaida operatives and supporters have been arrested in many countries. Al-Qaida's financial network has been dealt a major blow. Many of its assets have been seized and its ability to do business has been seriously impaired.

The U.S. will not be blackmailed or intimidated. It will bring to account terrorists who attack Americans and the regimes that sponsor those terrorists.

Anncr: That was an editorial expressing the policies of the United States Government. If you have a comment, please write to Editorials, V-O-A, Washington, D-C, 20237, U-S-A. You may also comment at www-dot-ibb-dot-gov-slash-editorials, or fax us at (202) 619-1043.