Homeland Security

DATE=5/17/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH / SAUDI BLAST (L)

NUMBER=2-303327

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S officials are warning of more terrorist attacks following Friday night's bombing in Morocco, which came just days after a series of attacks in Saudi Arabia. V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports President Bush says the fight against al-Qaida terrorists will continue until their network is broken and all are brought to justice.

TEXT: In his weekly radio address, which was recorded before the overnight bombings in Morocco, President Bush said Monday's attacks in Saudi Arabia are a "stark reminder" that the fight against terrorism continues.

/// BUSH ACT ///

The enemies of freedom are not idle, and neither are we. Our government is taking unprecedented measures to defend the homeland. And from Pakistan to the Philippines, to the Horn of Africa, we are hunting down al-Qaida killers. So far, nearly one-half of al-Qaida's senior operatives have been captured or killed. And we will remain on the hunt until they are all brought to justice.

/// END ACT ///

In a radio address marking U-S Armed Forces day, President Bush thanked the military for its part in the fight against terrorism and said the successful invasion of Iraq has made the world safer.

/// SECOND BUSH ACT ///

With the liberation of Iraq and Afghanistan, we have removed allies of al-Qaida, cut off sources of terrorist funding, and made certain that no terrorist network will gain weapons of mass destruction from Saddam Hussein's regime.

/// END ACT ///

Preventing Iraq from giving terrorists chemical or biological weapons was the biggest reason President Bush gave for invading the country. While the search for weapons of mass destruction continues, none of them have yet been found.

Mr. Bush said the United States will continue to confront terrorist threats around the world.

/// THIRD BUSH ACT ///

This nation accepts the responsibilities of keeping the peace, and the best way to keep the peace is to make sure that our military remains second to none.

/// END ACT ///

During the war in Iraq, Mr. Bush says the world saw what he calls "the tremendous capabilities" of the U-S military with satellite technology, unmanned aircraft, and precision-guided bombs. (SIGNED)

NEB/SS/RH