98314. Leaders Link U.S., Argentina to Terrorism Battle

By Douglas J. Gillert

American Forces Press Service



	BUENOS AIRES, Argentina -- Defense Secretary William

Cohen said the United States will work with Argentina to

help battle international terrorism.

	The topic arose when Cohen met May 23 with Argentine

President Carlos Menem at the presidential residence here.

Among the topics the two leaders discussed was increased

cooperation between their countries in dealing with

terrorism.

	"As much as agreements exist [between nations]," Menem

said, "the fight against this evil will be more effective."

As the United States is the most powerful country on Earth,

he said, it should be no surprise that terrorist groups

target U.S. interests worldwide.

	"That is the reason why the United States has more

sophisticated tools to act in defense," Menem said.

	The Argentine leader said he wants access to U.S. anti-

terrorism information and technology to deal with terrorism

in Argentina. Less than a week before Cohen's visit, the

Argentine government revealed new evidence linking Iran-

sponsored terrorists to two deadly attacks in Buenos Aires

earlier this decade.

	Cohen said the United States will cooperate with

Argentina in sharing intelligence about international

terrorist activities, what Menem referred to as a "scourge

for all countries."

	Cohen lauded the country's participation in U. N.

peacekeeping efforts in Haiti, Bosnia and the Middle East,

actions which led the United States last year to recognize

Argentina as a major non-NATO U.S. ally. He said the meeting

also offered him the chance to congratulate Menem on the

growth of democracy in Argentina and his country's emergence

as a peacekeeping power.

	Cohen's visit with Menem coincided with his first trip

to Latin America. He also met Argentine Defense Minister

Jorge Dominguez and U.S. service members and their families

before continuing his five-day South American visit with

stops in Santiago, Chile, and Brasilia, Brazil.



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