DATE=8/10/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S/AFGHAN SANCTIONS (L)
NUMBER=2-252662
BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO:  The Clinton Administration has frozen U-S 
assets belonging to the Afghan national airline 
"Ariana" -- under sanctions aimed at punishing 
Afghanistan's dominant Taleban movement for harboring 
alleged international terrorist Osama Bin Laden. VOA's 
David Gollust reports from the White House.

Text: The Afghan airline does not fly in and out of 
the United States and only about a half-million 
dollars in its assets have been affected by the freeze 
thus far.  But the sanctions also bar U-S citizens and 
companies including aviation firms from dealing with 
"Ariana."  And David Leavy, spokesman for the White 
House National Security Council, says the move 
underlines the Administration message to the Taleban 
that its support for the Bin Laden network will not be 
tolerated:

///Leavy Actuality///

It's really an important signal to send that we 
will not allow the infrastructure of these 
terrorist networks to operate unabated. We will 
take action when we have identified businesses or 
persons who are affiliated with Bin Laden or 
supporting his network. We will act.

///End act///

The action against "Ariana" is an extension of 
economic sanctions President Clinton imposed against 
the Taleban in July for giving refuge to Mr. Bin 
Laden, whom the Administration holds responsible for 
last year's bombings of the U-S embassies in Kenya and 
Tanzania -- which killed more than 200 people.

As the only international carrier serving Afghanistan, 
"Ariana" is believed here to be involved in ferrying 
material, personnel and finances to the Taleban, which 
controls Kabul and much of the country. "Ariana" 
conducts flights to India and the United Arab Emirates 
and Mr. Leavy says U-S officials will try to persuade 
those countries to impose similar sanctions against 
it.

The spokesman also said the U-S Treasury Department is 
reviewing reports that a number of banks, companies, 
and individuals in the Middle East and elsewhere are 
acting on behalf of Mr. Bin Laden in providing 
material and financial support for his organization. 
Without naming those allegedly involved, Mr. Leavy 
says if they do not cease such activity, they will 
face the same sanctions the Administration has imposed 
against the Afghan airline. (Signed)

NEB/DAG/JO 



10-Aug-1999 16:57 PM EDT (10-Aug-1999 2057 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.