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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