ACCESSION 
NUMBER:355486

FILE ID:TXT301

DATE:08/03/94

TITLE:CONCERTED ACTION NEEDED ON TERRORISM (08/03/94)

TEXT:*94080301.TXT

CONCERTED ACTION NEEDED ON TERRORISM

(VOA Editorial)  (360)

(Following is an editorial, broadcast by the Voice of America August 3,

reflecting the views of the U.S. government.)



The nations of the world must fight the scourge of international terrorism.

1he need for concerted action was made even clearer by recent terrorist

bombings in Latin America and Europe.  Nearly 100 people are known to have

died in a car-bombing in Buenos Aires, which destroyed a Jewish community

center.  Twenty-one people, mostly Jews, were killed when a bomb exploded

on a Panamanian airliner.  About 20 people were wounded in two bombings in

London -- one outside the Israeli embassy and another outside a building

which houses several Jewish groups.



These terrorist bombings are a reminder that the enemies of peace between

Israel and its Arab neighbors remain active.  As Secretary of State Warren

Christopher said, "Groups like Hizballah that wreak havoc and bloodshed

must be defeated, and Hizballah's patron, Iran, must be contained."

Christopher said, "Iran is an international outlaw.... Yet some nations

still conduct preferential commercial relations with Iran or take other

steps to appease that outlaw nation.  They must understand that, by doing

so, they make it easier for Iran to use its resources to sponsor terrorism

throughout the world."



The United States is working with its allies to improve coordination and

intelligence-sharing.  This will aid in the apprehension of those

responsible for last month's terrorist crimes and help prevent further

atrocities.  The United States has sent top forensic experts to help

investigate the Buenos Aires and Panama bombings.  In addition, Secretary

of State Christopher has directed the State Department's coordinator for

counter-terrorism to consult with Latin American officials to develop a

plan to combat terrorism in the Western hemisphere.  As host of this year's

Summit of the Americas, the United States will move to make terrorism a

priority issue.



As President Bill Clinton said, "I think everyone in the United States would

want us to do more against terrorism.  And we are going to have to have

some more help from our allies.  We cannot allow the enemies of peace to

prevail."



NNNN



.