Homeland Security

DATE=11/18/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH BIN LADEN (S)

NUMBER=2-296575

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S officials say they believe the voice on an audio tape broadcast last week is that of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports it is the first indication in about a year that the terrorist leader is still alive.

TEXT: White House deputy press secretary Scott McClellan says analysts say the voice on the audio tape is Osama bin Laden.

/// McCLELLAN ACT ///

Intelligence experts do believe that the tape is genuine. It can not be stated with 100-percent certainty. It is clear that the tape was made in the last several weeks as well.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. McClellan says the tape is a reminder that the United States is in a long fight against terrorism.

The tape praised recent terrorist attacks in Bali, Kuwait, Yemen, and Russia. It said they were carried out in defense of Islam and warned of reprisals if the United States attacks Iraq.

Following last year's terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, President Bush said the al-Qaida leader was the "prime suspect" and was "wanted dead or alive."

Since then, the president has downplayed the importance of a bin Laden capture, saying the anti-terrorism campaign is not focused on any individual. (SIGNED)

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