DATE=11/12/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=US - PAKISTAN BLASTS (L)
NUMBER=2-256099
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United States has condemned the rocket
attacks on U-S and United Nations' offices in the
Pakistani capital, Islamabad, Friday, but say it is
not clear yet who is responsible. Correspondent
Deborah Tate reports from the White House.
Text: White House spokesman says the United States is
working with Pakistani authorities to determine who
launched a series of rockets that exploded near the
U-S Embassy, a United Nations office and an American
cultural center.
/// Lockhart Act ///
We are working on trying to understand the
motivation for this and who is responsible
/// End Act ///
The attacks came two days before U-S-backed U-N
sanctions were to go into effect against Afghanistan's
ruling Taleban movement for refusing to turn over
terrorism suspect Osama Bin Laden.
The Taleban and its supporters - including some Muslim
groups in Pakistan - have warned the United Nations
against imposing the sanctions, although Taleban
leader Mullah Mohammad Omar immediately condemned the
blasts in Islamabad.
Still, administration officials have not ruled out any
group - including the Taleban - in probing the
attacks.
Spokesman Lockhart:
/// Lockhart Act ///
It's a barbaric way to send a message if that is
what it is, and what is clear is our resolve in
fighting terror around the world and our resolve
to continue a policy of dealing directly through
sanctions with those who promote terrorism.
/// End Act ///
U-S officials say no Americans have been hurt and that
a Pakistani guard working for the United States was
hospitalized with injuries but was out of danger.
President Clinton had been considering a trip to
Pakistan next year as part of a possible South Asian
tour, but prospects for such a visit, even before the
rocket attacks, were complicated by the military
takeover in Pakistan last month. (Signed)
NEB/DAT/LTD/JP
12-Nov-1999 14:34 PM EDT (12-Nov-1999 1934 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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