ACCESSION NUMBER:00000
FILE ID:96080209.txt
DATE:08/02/96
TITLE:02-08-96  WHITE HOUSE REPORT, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 1996

TEXT:
(Terrorism, Aideed, Gore/Olympics, Gingrich)  (600)

NEWS BRIEFING -- Acting Press Secretary Mary Ellen Glynn and Deputy
Press Secretary David Johnson covered these topics:

TERRORISM REMARKS PLANNED

The president, answering questions after an unrelated event, refused
to directly respond to news reports that Iran has established 11 camps
to train terrorists, including some who participated in the attack on
the Dhahran quarters of U.S. servicemen in Saudi Arabia. The report,
quoting unnamed intelligence sources, was published in the newspaper
USA Today on August 2.

Clinton said the existence of terrorist training camps does not
respond to the questions he needs answered -- who was responsible for
the Dhahran attack, and which nation, if any, supported them. But he
promised that "when we find people who have done things that are
wrong, we will do our best to bring them to justice."

Glynn told questioners the White House does not "discuss intelligence
matters," but added the story "points to the need for the terrorism
legislation that is going through Capitol Hill right now." She
acknowledged, however, that the legislation is domestic in character
and does not address the issue of terrorist training camps or foreign
support of terrorism.

Reminded that the Reagan administration had taken military action
against known terrorists, Glynn said she would not discuss possible
retaliatory measures if terrorists are identified, nor would she rule
out the use of military force.

Johnson said Clinton will again address the issue of terrorism in an
address August 5 at George Washington University. "He will review the
events that have focused our attention on the subject," Johnson said,
"(and) discuss how our security is affected by the profound nature and
speed of change the world is experiencing today."

He said the president would describe the U.S. strategy to overcome
terrorists, including airport safety measures and cooperation with
U.S. allies.

AIDEED'S DEATH NOTED

Johnson said the radio station of Mohamed Farah Aideed, Somalia's main
faction leader, had reported his death from a gunshot wound sustained
in factional fighting near Mogadishu.

"We regret the on-going violence that has prolonged the suffering of
Somalia's people," Johnson said, "and we hope that his demise offers
the Somali people an opportunity to reach political reconciliation and
form a government that can restore peace and security, (and) stop the
violence that has prolonged the suffering of all the people that live
in Somalia."

Johnson added that while "we clearly regret the demise of any of God's
creatures," the U.S. hopes Aideed's "removal from the scene can help
set the foundations for a more peaceful future for Somalia."

Johnson told a questioner that the administration has not made any
"strong efforts to contact (Aideed's) successor at this point."

OLYMPIC PLANS

Although there had been suggestions President Clinton would return to
Atlanta before the end of the Summer Games, he will not be doing so.
Vice President Gore will attend the closing ceremonies August 4.

Clinton will preside at a South Lawn ceremony August 6 as the torch is
sent on its way to the Paralympic Games.

INTELLIGENCE RECORD DEFENDED

Johnson expressed regret that House Speaker Newt Gingrich had
criticized the quality of U.S. intelligence reports on terrorist
activity. Johnson called it "wrong to politicize intelligence. We
don't believe it can become a political football and remain effective.
And we believe he's wrong on the facts." Johnson noted that six
terrorists have been arrested during Clinton's administration and
"only one before that time." Johnson added that "none of those arrests
would have been possible without the efforts of the intelligence
community."
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