| INDIA | |
| 13-14 | Suspect Arrested in Threats Against US Diplomatic Missions / Pakistani Involvement / Accomplices / Suspect's Ties to Usama bin Laden / |
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QUESTION: I have a question on South Asia. Do you think that the timing of the allegation by India that Pakistan was involved in an attempt to bomb the US missions in India is in any way related to - like is India throwing a tantrum in regards to the economic assistance by US and the IMF to Pakistan? Also, the US is currently trying to determine the credibility of the threat. How is that being done?MR. RUBIN: Which threat?
QUESTION: The bombing -- the planning and everything.
MR. RUBIN: Syed Abu Nasir, named in the Indian press, is being involved in a plot to bomb US consulates in Calcutta and Chennai was detained by Indian authorities in December and formally arrested on January 19th. Embassy officials have been working closely with Indian authorities to try to determine the credibility of the threat. US security officials are in India to assess the situation. There has been a heightened level of protection around all of our diplomatic facilities in India since the bombings in East Africa. We are maintaining that enhanced protection and will continue to do so. We obviously regard with grave concern and take very seriously any threats to our personnel, both American and Indian.
With respect to the question of involvement of other intelligence services, Indian authorities are continuing their investigation. We have no knowledge of the alleged involvement of Pakistan. I don't care to speculate on the various motives of an event that is being investigated.
QUESTION: Has there been an arrest?
MR. RUBIN: We have seen press reports of arrests of accomplices. I indicated that Syed Abu Nasir was detained by Indian authorities in December and formally arrested yesterday.
QUESTION: Was the US embassy in New Delhi involved? You spoke of consulates, I believe.
MR. RUBIN: Embassy officials have been working closely with Indian authorities to try to determine the credibility of the threat.
QUESTION: No. I meant is there at least - was there a threat
or --
MR. RUBIN: To bomb U.S. consulates in Calcutta and Chennai.
QUESTION: Not the embassy.
MR. RUBIN: That's the information I was provided. Calcutta and Chennai, C-h-e-n-n-a-i. How did I do? Chennai?
QUESTION: Chennai.
QUESTION: Do you know if this individual that was arrested had any ties to Usama bin Laden?
MR. RUBIN: We're trying to determine the credibility of the threat and investigating the matter. I have no additional information for you.
QUESTION: Is this individual, Mr. Nasir, someone known to the United States?
MR. RUBIN: I will have to get a formal request made as to what we can say about what we know about him.
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END TIME 1:50 P.M.
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