April 2003 Security News

CDC Director Says Global Collaboration Needed to Deal with SARS Washington File 30 Apr 2003 -- A U.S. health official says severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) provides striking evidence that a disease that emerges or reemerges anywhere in the world can spread far and wide. Protecting the health of the U.S. population requires global awareness and collaboration, says Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
SARS/MEXICO VOA 30 Apr 2003 -- Mexican authorities are taking special steps to prevent an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome -- coordinating health monitoring activities on its borders and carrying out special inspections at airports and seaports. Cooperation is seen as the key to managing any problem that might occur.
CHINA SARS VOA 30 Apr 2003 -- Beijing's new mayor says Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, is stretching the city's medical facilities and personnel to the limit. Drastic measures are being taken to deal with the disease.
Treasury Proposes New Anti-Money Laundering Rules Washington File 30 Apr 2003 -- The U.S. Treasury has proposed new regulations that would require advisers involved in the trading of securities and commodities to set up comprehensive programs to combat money laundering.
Report Gives Overview of Terrorism in the Western Hemisphere Washington File 30 Apr 2003 -- International terrorist groups have made Latin America a "battleground" to advance their causes elsewhere in the world, the State Department says.
New Customer Identification Rules Target Terror Financing Washington File 30 Apr 2003 -- The U.S. Treasury has issued final rules that require certain financial institutions to establish procedures to verify the identity of new account holders.
Powell: 2004 Foreign Affairs Budget Targets Terrorism Washington File 30 Apr 2003 -- The Bush administration's $28,500 million spending request for foreign operations in the fiscal year beginning October 1 includes $4,700 million to fight global terrorism, Secretary of State Colin Powell says.
Terrorism in 2002 at Lowest Level in 33 Years, State Says Washington File 30 Apr 2003 -- The 199 terrorist acts perpetrated worldwide in 2002 are the fewest in any year since 1969, says State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism Cofer Black.
State Department Names 36 Groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations Washington File 30 Apr 2003 -- Following is the list of Designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations, determined by the Secretary of State, plus a list of Other Terrorist Organizations from the "Patterns of Global Terrorism: 2002" report released April 30
International Terrorists Killed 30 U.S. Citizens in 2002 Washington File 30 Apr 2003 -- "International terrorists conducted 199 attacks in 2002, a significant drop (44 percent) from the 355 attacks recorded during 2001," the State Department's annual "Patterns of Global Terrorism" report says.
Seven Nations Cited as Sponsors of Terror in State Department Report Washington File 30 Apr 2003 -- The seven designated state sponsors of terrorism did not take the necessary steps in 2002 to disassociate themselves fully from their ties to terrorism, according to the Department of State's annual international terrorism report.
Powell Cites "Unprecedented Progress" in War on Terrorism Washington File 30 Apr 2003 -- Secretary of State Colin Powell says "unprecedented progress has been made" in the global war against terrorism.
International Terrorist Attacks Fell 44 Percent in 2002 Washington File 30 Apr 2003 -- A decline in international terrorist attacks -- down 44 percent in 2002 from the previous year -- can be attributed to an intensively waged war on terrorism across every region of the world, the U.S. State Department's annual report on terrorism says.
State Department: Terrorist Attacks Down 44 Percent in 2002 AFPS 30 Apr 2003 -- Terrorist attacks around the globe in 2002 were down 44 percent from the previous year, State Department experts announced here today.
U-S-TERROR REPORT VOA 30 Apr 2003 -- The State Department, in its annual report on global terrorism, says the number of terror attacks declined sharply last year due to increased international cooperation and resolve. Seven countries Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Syria, and Sudan were again listed as state sponsors of terrorism, though Iraq may soon come off the list.
INDONESIA TERROR VOA 30 Apr 2003 -- Indonesian prosecutors have formally charged the first man accused of involvement in last October's bomb attack on the island of Bali, in which more than 200 people died. The move comes as the trial of the alleged leader of Indonesia's main terrorist organization moves into its second day in Jakarta
ASIA / PEOPLE SMUGGLING VOA 30 Apr 2003 -- Ministers from the Asia Pacific region have wrapped up a three day conference in Bali, Indonesia praising recent successes in combating illegal migration and people smuggling.
BUSH-TERROR VOA 30 Apr 2003 -- President Bush is praising Pakistan for the arrest of six suspected members of the al-Qaida terrorist network. He spoke during a meeting at the White House with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe.
PAKISTAN/AL-Al QAIDA VOA 30 Apr 2003 -- Authorities in Pakistan say they have arrested six suspected members of what they call a "high-profile" al-Qaida terrorist cell. A Yemeni national believed to be involved in the October 2000 attack on a U-S warship in Yemen is said to be among the detainees. Ayaz Gul reports from Islamabad.
THAILAND/DRUG WAR VOA 30 Apr 2003 -- Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra says a controversial anti-drug campaign has eradicated 90 percent of Thailand's illegal drug trafficking.
Release of the 2002 "Patterns of Global Terrorism" Annual Report US Department of State 30 Apr 2003 -- " I am pleased to join Coordinator for Counterterrorism Ambassador Cofer Black in presenting Patterns of Global Terrorism 2002, our annual publication."
WHO Drops Toronto from SARS Travel Warning List Washington File 29 Apr 2003 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) announced April 29 that it is removing Toronto, Canada, from the list of places where travel is not advised because of the danger of contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
W-H-O / SARS VOA 29 Apr 2003 -- The World Health Organization says that Wednesday it will lift the SARS-related travel ban it imposed on Toronto, Canada. But while W-H-O says the SARS situation has improved in Toronto, a travel ban will remain in effect for Hong Kong, Beijing, Guangdong and Shanxi provinces in China.
CONGRESS SARS CHINA VOA 29 Apr 2003 -- A top U-S lawmaker is praising China for publicly acknowledging the magnitude of the SARS outbreak there after initially being slow to do so. But Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist says Beijing could do even more.
WHO to take Toronto off SARS precautionary travel advisory UN News Centre 29 Apr 2003 -- The United Nations health agency announced today that it was lifting its precautionary advisory against non-essential travel to Toronto, Canada, effective tomorrow, in view of positive changes there with regard to the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
SARS / ASEAN SUMMIT UPDATE VOA 29 Apr 2003 -- Leaders from Southeast Asia, China, and Hong Kong have concluded an emergency summit in Thailand pledging to work together to combat Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The leaders want to ease a crisis of confidence that has hurt the travel industry and is threatening economic growth in the region.
EGYPT/SARS VOA 29 Apr 2003 -- Egypt and Saudi Arabia are increasing their efforts to prevent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome from spreading to their countries. Medical teams are being stationed at ports of entry throughout Egypt, and Saudi Arabia is banning anyone from traveling to the kingdom who has visited one of the SARS-infected countries in the past 10 days.
CHINA SARS VOA 29 Apr 2003-- Riots broke out in a Chinese town because residents feared a local school would be turned into a quarantine center for people exposed to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
SARS / W-H-O ECONOMICS VOA 29 Apr 2003-- A World Health Organization official says SARS is having an unnecessary negative economic impact on Asia - as the public perceives the virus to be a greater risk than it actually is.
SARS / ASEAN SUMMIT VOA 29 Apr 2003-- Leaders from Southeast Asia, China and Hong Kong are holding an emergency one-day summit in Thailand on containing the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, and easing the economic impact on the region. The disease has killed more than 300 people and infected more than five-thousand, mostly in Asia
Commerce Official Calls Free Economy Incompatible with Terrorism Washington File 29 Apr 2003 -- The international community must combat the threat of terrorism if it is to maintain the free trade and open markets necessary for the health of the global economy, according to Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Kenneth Juster.
Ridge Announces New U.S. Entry-Exit System Washington File 29 Apr 2003 -- U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge announced plans April 29 for a new U.S. entry-exit system called U.S. VISIT, designed to make entering the United States easier for legitimate tourists, students and business travelers, while making it more difficult to enter the country illegally. The system is to use biometric identifiers such as photographs, fingerprints and iris scans.
EDITORIAL: ASIA COMBATS TERRORISM VOA 29 Apr 2003 -- Many countries of Asia are important allies in the war against global terrorism. Asian nations are involved in rebuilding both Afghanistan and Iraq. As U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said, several Asian countries "have been key players in Operation Iraqi Freedom"
INDONESIA / PEOPLE SMUGGLING VOA 29 Apr 2003 -- Over the past year, Indonesia and its neighbors have slowed the stream of illegal migrants attempting the perilous journey to Australia. But officials at a regional conference on people-smuggling this week are finding that more work needs to be done.
EDITORIAL: JEMAAH ISLAMIAH ARRESTS VOA 29 Apr 2003 -- U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell says Indonesia is striking hard at an al-Qaida-affiliated terrorist group Jemaah Islamiah [jah-mah is-lah-mee-ah]
SARS Overview VOA 28 Apr 2003 -- The Virus known as SARS continues to spread around the world. At last check, a dozen countries had reported cases. So far, the official death toll from SARS around the world is over 230 people. The United States has remained relatively unscathed, with no fatalities so far. But just north of the U-S border in Toronto, Ontario the number of SARS infections has grown to 140 (check before airing) and 16 deaths (also confirm this stat) making Canada the most infected country outside Asia. The World Health Organization even issued a warning against travel to Toronto, slowing tourism and forcing the cancellation of several business conferences.
Viet Nam becomes first country to be removed from WHO's SARS list UN News Centre 28 Apr 2003 -- Viet Nam, where Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) was first identified, today became the first nation to be removed from the list of countries with local transmission of the deadly new disease, the United Nations health agency announced.
WHO/ SARS / VIETNAM VOA 28 Apr 2003 -- The World Health Organization says the government of Vietnam's aggressive response to the SARS epidemic has successfully contained the mysterious flu-like illness. The W-H-O has declared Vietnam the first SARS-infected country to be free of the deadly virus.
SARS VIETNAM CONTAINED VOA 28 Apr 2003 -- Vietnam may be the first country to halt the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. International health experts say the country has not seen any new SARS infections in 20 days. A decision by doctors and nurses to seal the hospital where the outbreak began helped contain the disease.
ASIA SARS WRAP VOA 28 Apr 2003 -- A World Health Organization official says SARS outbreaks in Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, and Canada have peaked, but the worst is yet to come in China.
CHINA SARS VOA 28 Apr 2003 -- World Health Organization experts in China say there is still much they do not know in the fight against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. They say China needs to take many basic steps before the situation starts to improve.
SARS ASEAN VOA 28 Apr 2003 -- Asian leaders will soon gather in Bangkok to find a united way to combat the spread of SARS. As Ron Corben reports, they aim to restore confidence in a region hard hit economically by the respiratory virus.
Black Says Global War on Terrorism Showing Results Washington File 28 Apr 2003 -- International terrorism is showing signs of weakening somewhat because of the aggressive global war being waged against it in an environment of international cooperation, says the State Department's top counterterrorism official.
Ashcroft Outlines Efforts to Promote Rule of Law in the Americas Washington File 28 Apr 2003 -- The rule of law is an essential foundation for democracy, human rights and open markets, and the U.S. Department of Justice is actively engaged in promoting the rule of law in Latin America, says U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft.
NY / MEMORIAL / 9-11 VOA 28 Apr 2003 -- The agency in charge of redeveloping the World Trade Center site is conducting an international design competition for a memorial dedicated to the approximately three-thousand victims of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.
SARS UPDATE VOA 27 Apr 2003 -- There is no known cure or effective treatment for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, a pneumonia-like illness that the World Health Organization says has infected nearly five-thousand people in 26 countries, mostly in Asia. Public health officials are hoping to keep SARS from becoming a full-blown epidemic.
SARS/TREATMENTS VOA 27 Apr 2003 -- While public health officials work to prevent further spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, researchers are looking for a treatment for the potentially deadly disease. But health experts say it could take time to find drugs that successfully combat SARS, and possibly longer to develop a vaccine.
W-H-O/SARS VOA 27 Apr 2003 -- With countries around the world struggling to contain Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, the head of the World Health Organization says efforts aimed at stopping the spread of the disease right now are the most crucial. The infection is blamed for more than 300 deaths and 46-hundred probable cases in 26 countries.
CHINA / SARS VOA 27 Apr 2003 -- Taiwan is reporting its first death from the SARS virus and officials say they plan to quarantine people arriving from China. Meanwhile, Chinese officials are closing down hundreds of businesses in Beijing as they struggle to curb the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Officials have also sealed off at least one university.
INDONESIA EXPLOSION VOA 27 Apr 2003 -- A small bomb has exploded at the airport in Indonesia's capital, injuring at least 11 people. So far authorities have not said who they think is responsible for the attack.
IRAQ/AL QAIDA VOA 27 Apr 2003 -- A British newspaper alleges that it has uncovered documentation in Baghdad showing that Iraq made low-level contact with Osama bin Laden's al Qaida terrorist network in 1998.
RUSSIA / TAJIKISTAN VOA 27 Apr 2003 -- President Vladimir Putin says Russia will increase its troop presence in Tajikistan to counter what he claims are re-emerging threats from Taliban and Al-Qaida terrorist networks in neighboring Afghanistan. Mr. Putin announced the plans while addressing military commanders in Tajikistan, Moscow's key ally in the region.
W-H-O/SARS VOA 26 Apr 2003 -- The World Health Organization says it is critical that Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, known as SARS, be prevented from spreading to developing countries, where it could rage out of control. The W-H-O says the number of SARS cases worldwide has risen to more than 46-hundred, including more than 270 deaths.
ASIA SARS VOA 26 Apr 2003 -- An official of the World Health Organization official has called on East Asian governments to take urgent action to curb the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The U
AIR INDIA-TRIAL PREVIEW VOA 26 Apr 2003 -- The trial for two men accused of bombing the Air India Flight 182 begins in Vancouver on Monday, after more than 17 years of investigation. The long and complicated trial is expected to last for at least a year.
State Department Issues SARS-Related Advisory on International Travel Washington File 25 Apr 2003 -- The U.S. State Department issued an announcement April 24 advising the public of international restrictions travelers may encounter because of concerns about the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The announcement warns that some countries may bar travelers arriving from SARS-affected areas and may require mandatory health screening of passengers.
SARS-TORONTO VOA 25 Apr 2003 -- Canadian officials are blasting the bulletin by the World Health Organization warning against travel to Toronto. In a surprise move, the W-H-O has cautioned against travel to Toronto because of the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, which has killed at least 18 people in Canada so far. Toronto municipal officials are worried about the economic impact on the city's convention and tourism industry.
CHINA/SARS VOA 25 Apr 2003 -- Chinese officials trying to stem the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome say they are not isolating the capital, Beijing. But city officials have extended a quarantine on people exposed to SARS, including cordoning off a second hospital.
ASIA/SARS VOA 25 Apr 2003 -- China is setting up roadblocks around major cities to check people for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. In Taiwan, angry health workers protested their confinement in a hospital treating SARS patients. And Singapore is proposing to jail people who break the SARS quarantine.
HONG KONG / LIVING WITH SARS VOA 25 Apr 2003 -- Six weeks into the outbreak, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS has changed life in Hong Kong. The city has been hit hard by the disease, which is responsible for the deaths of more than of 100 people.
U.S. Making Progress on Foreign Student Data System Washington File 25 Apr 2003 -- Problems associated with the implementation of a new data system for monitoring foreign students in the United States are being addressed immediately, aggressively and accurately, say U.S. immigration officials.
Immigration Services Soon to be Available Online Washington File 25 Apr 2003 -- The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) soon will allow immigrants to file certain popular application forms over the Internet for the first time. Beginning May 29, the applications for green cards and employment authorization can be filed electronically, according to an April 25 press release from BCIS.
U.S. Immigration Service Launches Online Applications Washington File 25 Apr 2003 -- The U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) will offer electronic filing of certain application forms starting May 29. BCIS, formerly the Immigration and Naturalization Service, issued a fact sheet explaining the program April 25.
Parties to anti-nuclear weapons treaty to meet under shadow of terrorist concern UN News Centre 25 Apr 2003 -- A preparatory committee to review the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) - the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime - begins a two-week meeting in Geneva on Monday under the shadow of concern over nuclear materials falling into the hands of criminals or terrorists.
RIDGE / BORDER SECURITY VOA 25 Apr 2003 -- U-S homeland security director Tom Ridge has met with his Mexican counterpart to discuss ways of speeding the flow of people and goods between the two countries. The Mexican official also urged new talks on the issue of Mexican migrants who are in the United States illegally.
WHO/SARS VOA 24 Apr 2003 -- The World Health Organization says Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is under control in Vietnam. W-H-O also says its warning on travel to Toronto is justified.
ASIA / SARS VOA 24 Apr 2003 -- Governments in Asia are trying desperately to contain outbreaks of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, by invoking quarantines and sealing off hospitals where the disease appears to be spreading.
ASIA/SARS VOA 24 Apr 2003 -- Beijing is sealing off one of its largest hospitals and, the Hong Kong government quarantined more residents exposed to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
THAILAND SARS BACKPACKERS VOA 24 Apr 2003 -- Tourism in Southeast Asia is reeling from the effects of the virus that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. But relatively untouched Thailand is still attracting intrepid backpackers.
Ridge, Mexican Governance Secretary Assess Border Issues Progress Washington File 24 Apr 2003 -- Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge and his Mexican counterpart, Secretary of Governance Santiago Creel, issued a joint statement April 23 on progress achieved under the U.S.-Mexico Border Partnership accord.
"U.S. Goes After 'Blood Money'," by David Aufhauser Washington File24 Apr 2003 -- This column by David Aufhauser, who is general counsel of the Treasury Department, first appeared in USA Today April 23, 2003 and is in the public domain.
N-Y / 9-11 / REBUILDING VOA 24 Apr 2003 -- The Governor of New York, George Pataki, laid out an aggressive timeline today (Thursday) detailing his plan for rebuilding lower Manhattan, devastated in the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks. The governor's plan calls for the construction of a massive tower at the World Trade Center site by the fifth anniversary of the attacks.
JAPAN / CULT VOA 24 Apr 2003 -- In one of the most high profile criminal trials in Japanese history, prosecutors have requested the death sentence for the leader the Aum Shinrikyo cult. Final arguments were heard in Tokyo Thursday where doomsday guru Shoko Asahara has been on trial for seven years for masterminding the 1995 sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway system.
CDC Provides Support to Canada Against SARS Washington File 23 Apr 2003 -- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sent a team of medical experts to Toronto, Canada, on April 22, responding to a request from the Canadian health agency to provide assistance in the face of an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
CANADA-SARS REACT VOA 23 Apr 2003 -- A warning by the World Health Organization that travelers should avoid Toronto because the outbreak of SARS, sent Canadians into a flurry of damage control. Canadian officials dismissed the travel advisory and challenged the health alert.
U-S TOURISM INDUSTRY / ON HOLD VOA 23 Apr 2003 -- As Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, continues to raise concerns and rebuilding begins in Iraq, American travelers and the industry that serves them are watching, and waiting. Airline and hotel bookings overseas are down as much as 40 percent.
WHO/SARS VOA 23 Apr 2003 -- The World Health Organization has issued a travel warning for parts of China and Toronto, Canada in an effort to halt the spread of the deadly Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome virus.
ASIA SARS VOA 23 Apr 2003 -- In Beijing, schools and universities are shutting down in an effort to curtail the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Hong Kong is welcoming international experts to check government reports that some residents were infected by sewage tainted with the SARS virus.
HONG KONG SARS ECON PLAN VOA 23 Apr 2003 -- Hong Kong's leader Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa has issued a relief package to help the city's businesses and residents pull though economic difficulties brought on by the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
PAKISTAN / KARZAI VOA 23 Apr 2003 -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai has ended a visit to Islamabad, after talking with Pakistan leaders on ways to root out terrorism in Afghanistan, and improve bilateral economic ties.
INDONESIA/ARRESTS VOA 23 Apr 2003 -- Indonesian police say they have struck another blow against the Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist network with the arrest of 18 suspects. The arrests include two men suspected of being leaders of the group.
INDONESIA / BASHIR TRIAL VOA 23 Apr 2003 -- The treason trial of a radical Muslim cleric has opened in the Indonesian capital Jakarta. Abu Bakar Bashir - the alleged leader of a Southeast Asian terrorist group - stands accused of bombings to try to topple the Indonesian government.
USNORTHCOM Emblem Illustrates New Commands Mission NORTHCOM 22 Apr 2003 -- March 31 marked the end of the first six months of operation for United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), the new unified military command born out of the September 11 attacks, with the mandate of providing homeland defense for North America.
U.S. Disease Center Issues Alert on Travel to Toronto Washington File 22 Apr 2003 -- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) April 22 issued an alert for anyone traveling to Toronto, Canada, because of the occurrence there of numerous cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
ASIA SARS VOA 22 Apr 2003 -- The number of SARS cases in Asia continues to climb as new cases arise in both China and Hong Kong.
SARS / U-S VOA 22 Apr 2003 -- U-S public health officials are warning Americans not to be complacent about SARS, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, despite the small number of cases in the country. U-S government laboratories are going through the arduous process of testing anti-viral compounds for effectiveness against the new respiratory disease.
"Why America Needs Project BioShield," by Senator Judd Gregg Washington File 22 Apr 2003 -- This column by Senator Judd Gregg, Republican from New Hampshire, who is chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, first appeared in The Washington Times April 22, 2003 and is in the public domain.
SARS has minor impact on upcoming exercises AFPN 21 Apr 2003 -- With major combat operations for Operation Iraqi Freedom wrapping up, airmen are watching the news closely for a potential new enemy -- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
NY / DISEASE SURVEILLANCE VOA 21 Apr 2003 -- Health workers all over the world are on the lookout for the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome virus, which spread after originating in China late last year. One of the most sophisticated early warning systems for tracking diseases is in New York City.
ASIA / SARS VOA 21 Apr 2003 -- In China, new information from the health ministry indicates Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, is infecting more people than previously thought.
U.S. Links Illegal Drug Production, Environmental Damage Washington File 21 Apr 2003 -- Marijuana cultivation strips the land. Cocaine producers cause deforestation. Methamphetamine labs are toxic waste sites. The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) is emphasizing the damage that drug traffickers do to the environment in a campaign launched for Earth Day.
Ridge to Meet With Secretary Santiago Creel of Mexico Washington File 21 Apr 2003 -- Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge will travel to San Diego, California, on April 23 to meet with his Mexican counterpart, Secretary Santiago Creel, to discuss progress stemming from the "Smart Border" accord signed by Mexico and the United States in 2002.
Educators Demand Transparency, Timeliness, Predictability in Visa Process Washington File 21 Apr 2003 -- Changes in U.S. visa policy and new information requirements for international students and scholars in the United States must not hamper legitimate education exchange, says a group of international educators.
MONGOLIA/SARS SCARE VOA 20 Apr 2003 -- The potentially deadly, flu-like illness SARS has sent yet another country into a panic. China's neighbor, Mongolia, has introduced tough measures to cut the risk of infection, after five people were suspected, but not confirmed, to have the virus.
CHINA/SARS VOA 20 Apr 2003 -- China's health minister and the mayor of Beijing have been removed from key Communist Party posts, following criticism about the way China has handled the SARS public health crisis. Officials also are trying to stop a flood of travelers during a national holiday to stem the spread of the infection.
ASIA / SARS VOA 19 Apr 2003 -- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, the mysterious new disease that has sickened over 34-hundred people around the world, has now claimed 12 lives in Hong Kong in a single day. Doctors are searching for new treatments in an effort to save hundreds of critical patients.
CHINA LEADERS / SARS VOA 18 Apr 2003 -- Chinese leaders are ordering health officials to improve reporting of severe acute respiratory syndrome cases, while at the same time agreeing to change the way it defines the disease. China has come under criticism for its handling of the mystery illness, which is believed to have started in southern China in November.
ASIA / SARS VOA 18 Apr 2003 -- Hong Kong's leader says his administration could have acted differently to stem the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, the deadly, flu-like disease known as SARS. His comments came as the city undergoes a territory-wide scrubbing it hopes will eliminate the virus.
Counter-Drug Policies Produce Results, U.N. Official Says Washington File 18 Apr 2003 -- Five years after nations of the world joined in a new coordinated counter-narcotics strategy, the head of the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime says "sound drug policies produce substantially positive results." Antonio Maria Costa spoke April 16 at the Vienna meeting of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs.
Mueller Reports "Great Strides" in Preventing Terrorist Attacks Washington File 18 Apr 2003 -- The FBI has made great strides during the past several months in preventing future acts of terrorism against the United States and its interests abroad, and did so particularly during the war with Iraq, its director said April 17 at a Washington press conference.
Justice Department Helps Coalition Intel Effort AFPS 18 Apr 2003 -- The U.S. Justice Department worked aggressively to both develop intelligence that the coalition against Saddam Hussein could use and to protect the United States from terrorist attack, said Attorney General John Ashcroft April 17.
EDITORIAL: BASHIR TRIAL SLATED IN INDONESIA VOA 18 Apr 2003 -- The Indonesian government has indicted extremist Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Bashir [AH-boo BAH-kahr BAH-SHEER] on charges of treason and terrorism. His trial is scheduled to begin on April 23rd. Bashir is the leader of Jemaah Islamiyah [jem-ah-ah is-lah-mee-ah], a terrorist group linked to al-Qaida. As Indonesian Defense Minister Matori Abdul Djalil [mah-TOE-ree ahb-DOOL jah-LEEL] said, "We know how dangerous he and other radical groups are. These radical movements are foes of democracy."
Ashcroft Reports Successes of Justice's Iraqi Task Force Washington File 17 Apr 2003 -- The cooperation of thousands of Iraqis in the United States has been crucial to U.S. Department of Justice efforts to secure and safeguard the country, according to Attorney General John Ashcroft.
ASIA/SARS ECONOMY VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- Economists are warning that the continued spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, will have devastating consequences on the region's economy.
CHINA SARS VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- China insists that it has reported all the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome cases in Beijing, even though international disease control experts doubt the official figures. Regardless of the numbers, officials worry that during a coming holiday, travelers will spread the SARS virus further across the country.
ASIA/SARS VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- Researchers have concluded that plumbing in a Hong Kong high-rise helped spread Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome to hundreds of people. Some of those residents also appear to be having a tougher time battling the disease than other victims.
Transcript: U.S. Sees Progress in Achieving Drug Reduction Goals Washington File 17 Apr 2003 -- Effective global action to control drug trafficking requires a wide-ranging effort recognizing the complex links between drug use, health problems, economic conditions, and criminal activity, said Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky April 17. She spoke as head of the U.S. delegation to a U.N.-sponsored meeting assessing the world's progress in combating drug problems.
Treasury Recommends Anti-Money Laundering Action Against Nauru Washington File 17 Apr 2003 -- The Department of the Treasury and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network have proposed an anti-money laundering countermeasure against the Pacific island nation of Nauru.
U.S. Committed to Achieving Both "Secure Borders" and "Open Doors" Washington File 17 Apr 2003 -- "Secure borders" and "open doors" -- two goals of U.S. visa policy -- are not mutually exclusive, according to Maura Harty, Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.
Abbas Arrest Raises Legal, Diplomatic Questions RFE/L 17 Apr 2003 -- U.S. forces in Iraq have captured a leading terrorist. The man, Abu Abbas, already has been convicted in Italy of a notorious hijacking, but the United States may be interested in prosecuting him for the death of an American during that act of terror. The case, however, has many legal and diplomatic angles, and it may be a while before it is resolved
EDITORIAL: CAPTURE OF ABU ABBAS VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- U.S.-led coalition forces are breaking Iraq's links to terrorism, as General Vince Brooks makes clear
INTERNATIONAL CRIME ALERT: EL SHUKRIJUMAH VOA 17 Apr 2003 -- Adnan El Shukrijumah [ahd-nahn el shook-ree-joo-mah] is wanted for questioning by United States authorities. He is believed to have been involved in terrorist activities aimed at a number of countries, including the U.S.
WHO announces discovery of virus that causes SARS UN News Centre 16 Apr 2003 -- In a crucial discovery towards finding diagnostic tools and treatment for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) announced today that a new pathogen, a member of the coronavirus family never before seen in humans, is the cause of the newly emergent infectious disease.
ASIA SARS VOA 16 Apr 2003 -- As the death toll from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome mounts in Hong Kong, doctors are trying more aggressive treatments on patients in hope of preventing their condition from deteriorating. Researchers say the SARS virus may have become more dangerous in Hong Kong.
W-H-O/SARS VOA 16 Apr 2003 -- Scientists say they have identified the virus which causes the mysterious, flu-like illness Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The confirmation came at a meeting of top researchers from 13 laboratories around the world at World Health Organization headquarters in Geneva.
CHINA SARS VOA 16 Apr 2003 -- World Health Organization experts say China is reporting only a fraction of the cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in Beijing. The finding follows Chinese pledges to be more open about SARS in the country.
Terrorist Threat Level in U.S. Lowered from "High" to "Elevated" Washington File 16 Apr 2003 -- The Department of Homeland Security has lowered the threat advisory level on terrorist attacks in the United States from "high," or orange, to "elevated," or yellow, Deputy Press Secretary Scott McClellan told reporters.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Gets $6.71 Billion Washington File 16 Apr 2003 -- The FY'03 supplemental spending bill signed April 16 by President Bush will provide an additional $6.71 billion for the Department of Homeland Security to support domestic counterterrorism operations activated at the start of the war in Iraq.
U.S. Says Ukraine No Longer Primary Money Laundering Concern Washington File 16 Apr 2003 -- As a result of "the important steps" Ukraine has taken "to address deficiencies in their anti-money laundering regime," the Treasury Department announced April 15 that it has rescinded the designation of Ukraine as a primary money laundering concern under Section 311 of the USA Patriot Act.
Abu Abbas Capture Provides Evidence of Iraqi Support of Terrorism Washington File 16 Apr 2003 -- The capture in Baghdad of the notorious terrorist Abu Abbas "provides further evidence of the Saddam Hussein regime's connection to international terrorism," says Philip Reeker, deputy State Department spokesman.
U.S. Forces Capture Terrorist Abu Abbas in Baghdad Washington File 16 Apr 2003 -- U.S. Army Special Forces troops, supported by elements of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division, captured Palestinian terrorist Muhammad Abbas, who is also known as Abu Abbas, the secretary general of the terrorist group Palestine Liberation Front (PLF), a U.S. Central Command spokesman says.
Ridge Lowers Terrorist Threat Level to Yellow AFPS16 Apr 2003 -- Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge has lowered the nationwide threat level to "yellow" from "orange."
BUSH / ABU ABBAS VOA 16 Apr 2003 -- The White House says the arrest of Palestinian terrorist Abu Abbas in Baghdad shows that U-S forces will track down terrorists wherever they are trying to hide.
ITALY/ABBAS VOA 16 Apr 2003 -- Justice authorities in Italy said Wednesday that the Rome government will request the extradition of Palestinian guerrilla leader Abu Abbas now that he has been captured.
ISRAEL/HOLIDAY ALERT VOA 16 Apr 2003 -- Fearing terror attacks during the week-long Jewish Passover holiday, Israel has imposed a complete closure on the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The announcement came shortly before the start of Passover, which begins (began) at sunset Wednesday.
PENTAGON/TERRORIST VOA 16 Apr 2003 -- The Defense Department says it is looking into the legal issues involved in the capture of Palestinian terrorist leader Abu Abbas in Baghdad.
ABBAS / KLINGHOFFER DAUGHTER VOA 16 Apr 2003 -- Relatives of an American man killed in a 1985 ship hijacking are hailing the capture in Iraq of the convicted mastermind of the crime.
ABU ABBAS REACT VOA 16 Apr 2003 -- The Palestinian Authority has called for the United States to free fugitive P-L-O guerrilla leader Abu Abbas, who was captured by U-S Special Forces in Baghdad late Monday. But the Israeli government says Abu Abbas is a terrorist wanted by Italy and should be put on trial.
U-S / Iraq / Abbas VOA 16 Apr 2003 -- Here in Washington, officials are citing the capture by U-S forces in Iraq of wanted Palestinian terrorist Abu Abbas as further evidence of ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's links to terrorism. The State Department is rejecting Palestinian claims Abu Abbas had immunity from prosecution under a 1995 accord with Israel.
U.S., Pakistani Officials Discuss Counterrorism, Law Enforcement Washington File 15 Apr 2003 -- The United States and Pakistan discussed law enforcement, counterterrorism and counternarcotics as part of a working group that met in Washington April 11.
Security Council commends Al Qaida sanctions committee's 'proactive' approach UN News Centre 15 Apr 2003 -- Commending the "proactive" approach taken by its committee monitoring sanctions imposed against Usama bin Laden, the Taliban and Al Qaida, the Security Council today strongly encouraged Member States to submit, whenever they are able, implementation reports on entities and persons subject to the measures because of their links to the group or other terrorist operatives.
CDC says SARS Breakthrough Could Lead to Medicines, Vaccine Washington File 15 Apr 2003 -- The cracking of the genetic code of the virus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), now achieved by both Canadian and U.S. research teams, is "critically important" in the development of diagnostic tests, antiviral medicines and a vaccine, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Julie Gerberding.
Boeing Team Wins Aviation Week Award for Secure-Door Effort Boeing 15 Apr 2003 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and suppliers C&D Aerospace and Aim Aviation have received Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine's 2003 Charles Ryan Award for delivering more than 4,300 enhanced security commercial airplane flight-deck doors ahead of a U.S. government deadline.
PRESS BRIEFING ON ?SARS’ BY WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION OFFICIAL United Nations 15 Apr 2003
CDC Breaks Genetic Code on SARS Washington File 15 Apr 2003 -- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced April 14 that its researchers had analyzed the genetic code for the coronavirus believed to be the cause of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS.
ASIA SARS VOA 15 Apr 2003 -- The number of victims of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome continues to climb in Hong Kong. One prominent doctor says the city's hospitals are beginning to feel the strain of treating hundreds of SARS patients - many of whom are in critical condition. .
CHINA SARS MEDIA VOA 15 Apr 2003 -- After months of hiding evidence that a serious new disease was spreading in the country, China's government has unleashed a media campaign to warn the public about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Even top leaders are taking part in the effort.
CHINA SARS WHO UPDATE VOA 15 Apr 2003 -- World Health Organization officials say they have managed to inspect a Chinese hospital alleged to be treating unreported SARS patients. But the disease experts are saying little about what they found there. The visit follows charges that Beijing is covering up the true extent of the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
USS Crommelin Keeps Nearly Two Tons of Cocaine Off the Market Navy NewStand 15 Apr 2003 -- One day in the early months of USS Crommelin's (FFG 37) deployment, Seaman John Holme was standing watch as forward lookout when he spotted the outline of a small craft on the horizon.
ASIA PNEUMONIA VOA 14 Apr 2003 -- Hong Kong has reported a big jump in the number of deaths from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, despite efforts to contain the disease. The increase in deaths is raising speculation that something may be making the disease deadlier.
CHINA SARS VOA 14 Apr 2003 -- China's prime minister says the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is grave, and he is urging stronger measures to combat the disease. It is a big change from Beijing's earlier assurances that the disease was under control.
West Virginia Selects BAE SYSTEMS To Provide Digital Mapping Services BAE Systems 14 Apr 2003 -- The State of West Virginia has selected BAE Systems to develop and implement a statewide digital mapping system that will assist public safety officials and emergency response personnel. The system will include aerial photography for the development of digital maps and a computerized geographic information system (GIS) that will be integrated with Enhanced 911 services, state and local government agencies, telephone companies, the U.S. Postal Service and public utility systems.
America's Muslim Immigrants Flee to Canada VOA 14 Apr 2003 -- Tens of thousands of Muslim men who live in the United States are required to register with the Federal government by April 25th. Officials with the Department of Homeland Security say the program is helping to weed out potential terrorists. But this "special registration" is sending shockwaves through America's Muslim immigrant community. The deadline for Pakistanis expired last month. Rather than sign up, hundreds of families fled to Canada. More Muslims are expected to leave as the next deadline approaches.
PAKISTAN / US- BOMBING VOA 14 Apr 2003 -- Pakistani court has convicted four men on charges of murder and terrorism in last year's deadly car bombing outside the U-S Consulate in Karachi. Two of the defendants have been sentenced to death.
U-N/RIGHTS DEFENDERS VOA 14 Apr 2003 -- A U-N special investigator says threats against people who work to defend the human rights of others have increased and become worse since the September 11th terrorist attacks in the United States. The investigator says human-rights defenders in all regions of the world are subjected to violations ranging from executions and torture to restrictions on their freedom of expression and association.
ASIA / SARS / CATHAY VOA 13 Apr 2003 -- Hong Kong's aviation industry is suffering as travelers are frightened away from the city because of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The city's dominant airline is considering tough measures to cut its losses, but does not plan to ground its fleet of passenger jets.
ASIA / PNEUMONIA VOA 12 Apr 2003 -- The spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS continues into new areas and new countries in Asia, even as the region's governments take stronger measures to contain the disease.
CDC Heightens Efforts to Contain SARS Spread Washington File 11 Apr 2003 -- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is heightening its efforts to contain the possible spread of the respiratory disease called severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
SARS / PUBLIC HEALTH VOA 11 Apr 2003 -- Health officials around the world are working to halt the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome known as SARS. But the sometimes deadly disease that emerged in Asia continues to spread -- and the World Health Organization reports there are now more than 27-hundred suspected cases of SARS worldwide.
W-H-O / SARS VOA 11 Apr 2003 -- The World Health Organization says it believes scientists are very close to finding the virus causing the mysterious flu-like illness, known as SARS, or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The latest W-H-O figures put the number of SARS cases in 17 countries at nearly 28-hundred. It says 111 people have died.
U-S / SARS VOA 11 Apr 2003 -- U-S health officials are reporting what appears to be the first domestic case of the respiratory disease known as SARS being spread at the workplace.
NORAD/USNORTHCOM Chief of Staff Confirmed as Next Chief of National Guard NORTHCOM 11 Apr 2003 -- Congress today confirmed the nomination of Maj. Gen. H. Steven Blum, as the 25th Chief of the National Guard Bureau (NGB). Congress also promoted him to the rank of lieutenant general.
SARS / CDC VOA 10 Apr 2003 -- Two more studies provide additional evidence that a new virus causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS. But the director of the U-S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cautions that, while scientists are closing in on the causes of the disease, they are far from a cure.
ASIA/PNEUMONIA VOA 10 Apr 2003 -- Hong Kong is in the midst of a health emergency brought on by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, and now will quarantine people exposed to the disease. The disease appears to be spreading from one building to another in densely populated areas.
CHINA / SARS VIRUS VOA 10 Apr 2003 -- Chinese health officials say they will investigate allegations the government is covering up the true extent of the SARS outbreak in Beijing. Health officials also admitted that some cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome may have been contracted in Beijing -- something previously denied.
SARS VIRUS VOA 09 Apr 2003 -- New reseach provides evidence that severe acute respiratory syndrome, known as SARS is caused by a new virus related to two common cold viruses.
Emergence of SARS Shows Danger of Becoming Complacent Washington File 09 Apr 2003 -- More needs to done to defend against a deadly virus, said Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), April 7. "The emergence of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) has reminded us yet again that we must not become complacent."
U.S. Infectious Disease Experts Work to Find SARS Vaccine Washington File 09 Apr 2003 -- The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has been working to develop a vaccine to prevent infection from the virus causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), according to NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci. Testifying before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pension April 7, Fauci also said a diagnostics test to confirm SARS cases is being researched.
ASIA / PNEUMONIA CHINA VOA 09 Apr 2003 -- World Health Organization experts say they want to expand their investigation of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome into Beijing and other parts of China. The comments follow allegations the Chinese government has covered up the extent of infections in Beijing.
ASIA PNEUMONIA VOA 09 Apr 2003 -- In Hong Kong, fears are growing that Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is spreading from one housing complex to another. Around Asia, fear of the disease has pushed many governments to consider bans on visitors from infected areas.
Boeing Helps Customers Meet Enhanced-Security Flight Deck Door Deadline Boeing 09 Apr 2003 -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and its approved suppliers, C&D Aerospace and Aim Aviation, delivered more than 4,300 enhanced security flight deck door kits to 76 airlines, enabling the airlines to meet today's FAA-mandated installation deadline for all aircraft serving U.S. airports.
Cheney Says U.S. Will Break Alliance of Terrorists, Rogue States Washington File 09 Apr 2003 -- The alliance between terrorist networks seeking weapons of mass destruction and rogue states that have such weapons constitutes "the gravest current threat" to U.S. security, and therefore "a vital element" in America's antiterrorism strategy must be to break the alliance between these groups, Vice President Dick Cheney said April 9.
Ridge Outlines New Security Measures for Commerce, Transportation Washington File 09 Apr 2003 -- The United States faces a "two-pronged challenge" in protecting its transportation and commerce systems, says Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Tom Ridge: safeguarding them and the nation's security while, at the same time, ensuring that the free flow of people, goods and commerce is not disrupted.
UN official sees 'signs of progress' in global efforts against illicit drugs UN News Centre 08 Apr 2003 -- World governments and local communities have achieved promising results in the fight against illicit drugs by introducing innovative crop development strategies that give farmers an alternative to cultivating poppy and coca plants, the United Nations top anti-drug official said today.
Rebuilding Ground Zero: Infrastructure Challenges VOA 08 Apr 2003 -- After intense competition and debate, a design by the architect Daniel Libeskind [lee buh skinned] was finally chosen for the Ground Zero site, where the World Trade Center complex once stood.
ASIA PNEUMONIA VOA 08 Apr 2003 -- Hong Kong continues to be the center of a global health emergency as the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome shows no sign of subsiding. As new suspected SARS cases also are being discovered in Vietnam and Singapore, governments around Asia are preparing for outbreaks and updating quarantine laws.
IAI's Tamam Division Delivers a Lightweight Observation System to Escambia County Sheriff's Office in Pensacola, Florida Israel Aerospace Industries 08 Apr 2003 -- Proven System is installed on Helicopters to Assist in Airborne Law Enforcement and Homeland Security Missions
"Our Vulnerable Seaport Security," by Senator Dianne Feinstein Washington File 07 Apr 2003 -- This column by Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, who sits on the Senate Select Intelligence Committee and is the ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Technology, Terrorism and Homeland Security, first appeared in The San Francisco Chronicle April 7 and is in the public domain.
PHILIPPINES/TERROR VOA 07 Apr 2003 -- Police in the Philippines are hunting for five Indonesians suspected of being involved in a deadly bombing in the southern Philippines last week. Police say these suspects are linked to the Southeast Asian terror network, Jemaah Islamiyah.
WHO CHINA VOA 07 Apr 2003 -- The World Health Organization has criticized China for being slow in sharing information on the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome with the rest of the world. But the head of the W-H-O, who is visiting India, says cooperation with China has improved.
ASIA/PNEUMONIA VOA 07 Apr 2003 -- New outbreaks of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in Hong Kong and Vietnam in recent days are dashing hopes the spread of the disease is slowing in Asia.
FINAL FOUR SECURITY VOA 07 Apr 2003 -- With the war in Iraq and in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, security has been tightened at major events like this week's men's college basketball championship in New Orleans, Louisiana. The challenge is to prevent any incidents at the high-profile event and still allow fans to enjoy the game.
CHINA SARS VOA 06 Apr 2003 -- China's Health Ministry says the number of SARS deaths and infections has risen in the country, killing a foreigner for the first time. Officials say the dead Finnish man brought the illness with him from Thailand.
F-16s arrive at Andersen to support homeland security mission PACAFNS 05 Apr 2003 -- F-16 Fighting Falcons from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, arrived here March 24 to participate in homeland security measures that have been ongoing since Sept. 11, 2001.
ASIA / PNEUMONIA VOA 05 Apr 2003 -- A medical official in China has apologized for China's slow response to the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome known as SARS. The World Health Organization says there are now two-thousand-353 SARS cases and 84 deaths in 16 countries -- and China will now begin updating its figures on a daily basis.
PAK / U-S LOAN VOA 05 Apr 2003 -- The United States has formally forgiven one- billion dollars worth of loans to Pakistan, a reward for Pakistan's cooperation in the global war against terrorism.
ASIA PNEUMONIA VOA 04 Apr 2003 -- China is stepping up its cooperation with the World Health Organization, as a team of experts meets in the south to study Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Hong Kong and the adjacent Chinese province, Guangdong, together account for roughly 75 percent of the nearly 23-hundred SARS cases worldwide.
NEW YORK / SARS VOA 04 Apr 2003 -- At least 24-people in New York State are suspected of contracting mild cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, the mysterious new deadly disease which first surfaced in China. According to the World Health Organization's most recent statistics, more than two-thousand people from 16 countries are suspected of having the disease.
White House Sets Up Legal Framework for SARS Quarantine Washington File 04 Apr 2003 -- U.S. government concern over the newly emerging respiratory illness severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was indicated April 4 when President Bush added the disease to a list of conditions that could warrant government declaration of a quarantine.
U.S., Canada Reach Agreement on Rail Shipments Security Washington File 04 Apr 2003 -- On April 3, U.S. and Canadian customs agencies and Canada's two major railways signed a declaration of principles to further enhance security at the Canada-U.S. border and to ensure Canada's secure rail access to the United States, according to a U.S. Customs Service press release.
Security Council calls on UN Member States to submit counter-terrorism reports UN News Centre 04 Apr 2003 -- After hearing a report from its Counter-terrorism Committee (CTC) that the fight against the scourge had now gone global with the United Nations at its centre, the Security Council today called on UN Member States to urgently submit outstanding reports on their part in the battle.
PHILIPPINES/BLAST VOA 03 Apr 2003 -- In the Philippines, gunmen opened fire and threw grenades at three mosques in the city of Davao - several hours after a bomb outside the city's port killed at least 16 people.
ASIA PNEUMONIA CHINA VOA 03 Apr 2003 -- Beijing officials say the serious illness called SARS is under control in China, making it safe to visit the country. The comments follow travel warnings issued by U-N experts about the new flu-like disease, which has sickened more than two-thousand people and killed nearly 80-people worldwide.
ASIA PNEUMONIA VOA 03 Apr 2003 -- Hong Kong schools will remain closed for a few more weeks in hope of stemming the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The city, which is at the center of a global battle against SARS, is struggling to determine why the disease continues to spread, despite efforts to contain it.
SECURITY EXPERTS VOA 03 Apr 2003 -- Americans are adjusting to new security restrictions in public buildings, air terminals and in the workplace. A panel of experts recently looked at the challenges facing the country on the domestic front.
U.S. Foreign Assistance to Eurasia Has Increased Anti-terror Focus Washington File 02 Apr 2003 -- The U.S. has important interests in Europe and Eurasia "that go beyond supporting the transition of the formerly Communist countries" -- such as combating terrorism, weapons proliferation, and drug and other illicit trafficking -- and these global interests became more pressing after the terrorist attacks of September 11, says a State Department official.
US / SARS VOA 02 Apr 2003 -- U-S health officials say evidence is growing that a previously unknown coronavirus is causing the new form of pneumonia, called SARS, spreading globally from China. The officials would like tissue samples from Chinese SARS patients to help confirm the virus.
ASIA PNEUMONIA FEARS VOA 02 Apr 2003 -- Hong Kong is gripped by fear as the number of people affected by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, continues to rise. People move around the territory wearing surgical face masks, and the slightest rumor sends residents into panic.
W-H-O-SARS WARNING VOA 02 Apr 2003 -- The World Health Organization, in a rare move, has issued a warning against traveling to Hong Kong and the southern Chinese province of Guangdong because of a deadly outbreak of a mysterious flu-like illness called SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome.
CDC Provides Answers on Newly Emerging Respiratory Illness Washington File 02 Apr 2003 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) April 2 recommended that persons traveling to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Guangdong Province, China consider postponing all but essential travel. A WHO press release says the newly revised caution on travel is intended to help in the prevention of further spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome, SARS, beyond these two areas of China where it has proven the most virulent.
ASIA PNEUMONIA CHINA VOA 02 Apr 2003 -- China's government has revealed a dozen more deaths from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, mostly in the southern Chinese province thought to have spawned the flu-like illness. The deaths boost the global toll for the fast-spreading disease to more than 60.
ASIA PNEUMONIA/REGION VOA 02 Apr 2003 -- Preventative measures against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, were stepped up throughout Asia Wednesday, on the fringes of the disease's epicenter in Hong Kong and Southern China.
ASIA PNEUMONIA VOA 02 Apr 2003 -- The World Health Organization has issued its sternest travel advisory since the start of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome outbreak. It cautioned travelers to avoid Hong Kong and southern China, which together account for more than two-thirds of the world's 18-hundred SARS cases.
COAST GUARD MARITIME SECURITY SPECIALISTS DEPLOY TO MEMPHIS, TENN; FIRST EVER FOR WESTERN RIVERS US Coast Guard 02 Apr 2003 -- In support of Operation Liberty Shield, a Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST), one of the Coast Guard's units that specialize in waterborne security, is helping to safeguard the waterways around Memphis, Tenn., beginning today.
ASHCROFT / TERRORISM VOA 02 Apr 2003 -- U-S Attorney General John Ashcroft has outlined the results so far of what he says is the successful global war on terrorism. In a speech at a pro-Israel gathering in Washington, the attorney general also said the war in Iraq is part of the campaign against terror.
ASIA PNEUMONIA/REGION VOA 01 Apr 2003 -- Asian governments are increasing their safeguards against the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS - a deadly new type of pneumonia that has claimed more than 60 lives and infected 17-hundred people on three continents
ASIA / PNEUMONIA VOA 01 Apr 2003 -- Scientists around the world are investigating the possibility that the virus causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is spread not only through close contact but also through body waste.
SAN JOSE / QUARANTINE VOA 01 Apr 2003 -- Health officials briefly quarantined an airliner at the San Jose, California, airport today (Tuesday) after five people on board complained of symptoms similar to those of the deadly new illness arriving from Asia.
SARS Cases, Countries Affected Still Rising Washington File 01 Apr 2003 -- The number of individuals and nations affected by a newly emerging respiratory disease increased again on April 1, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
U.S., Britain Join Efforts to Fight Drugs Washington File 01 Apr 2003 -- U.S. Director of National Drug Control Policy John Walters and British Home Secretary David Blunkett signed an agreement March 31 to combine their efforts in counterdrug research and technology in order to save money and avoid duplication of effort.
U.S., U.K. to Strengthen Anti-terror Partnership Washington File 01 Apr 2003 -- The United States and the United Kingdom are strengthening their partnership in the war on terror, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge and British Home Secretary David Blunkett told journalists after their meeting in Washington April 1.
U.S., Britain Announce Joint Anti-Terrorism Working Group AFPS 01 Apr 2003 -- The U.S. and Britain will partner to establish a joint anti-terrorism working group, the two government's top civil security officials announced at a press briefing here today.
JORDAN / TERRORISM VOA 01 Apr 2003 -- Jordan authorities have arrested an undisclosed number of Iraqis they suspect of plotting terrorist actions against U-S troops stationed in the country.
U-S-BRITAIN - TERRORISM VOA 01 Apr 2003 -- The United States and Britain, jointly conducting the war in Iraq, are also working together more closely on trying to prevent simultaneous terrorist attacks at home. The two countries announced new cooperative efforts in combating terrorism at a news conference in Washington.

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April 2003 Security News