DATE=9/21/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CONGRESS-PUERTO RICO CLEMENCY (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-254147
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 


INTRO: U-S law enforcement officials say the clemency 
granted to imprisoned Puerto Rican nationalists could 
bring new acts of terrorism.  As V-O-A's David Swan 
reports, Congress is holding more hearings on 
President Clinton's controversial action.

TEXT:  The decision has touched off a heated political 
battle between the White House and Republicans, 
complete with another tug-of-war over evidence.  
Citing executive privilege, the White House refuses to 
hand over documents related to the case and has 
limited what officials can discuss.

At a Senate hearing (Tuesday), Assistant F-B-I 
Director Neil Gallagher declined to say if clemency 
should have been offered.  But he did say the move 
could reinvigorate the Armed Forces of National 
Liberation, or F-A-L-N, one of the main Puerto Rican 
nationalist groups.  Mr. Gallagher warns that the 
group is still a threat to the United States, along 
with another militant organization called the 
Macheteros.

            // Gallagher act //

      So the real prospect of additional terrorism 
      either directed or supported by the Macheteros 
      or the F-A-L-N exists today.

            // End act //

Most of the 16 people offered clemency belonged to the 
F-A-L-N when the group was waging a bombing campaign 
for Puerto Rican independence.  The White House argues 
that none of them were convicted of specific acts of 
violence, and all served long prison terms.

But congressional investigators say they have obtained 
old videotape that shows two of the 16 making bombs.  
And Republican Senator Judd Gregg says the president's 
clemency decision undermines the war on terrorism, 
domestically and abroad. 

            // Gregg act //

      The granting of clemency in this area has really 
      shredded our efforts to have a coherent, 
      cohesive and tough policy against terrorists.  
      And we've been set back significantly, I would 
      suspect, in our capacity to, (number) one, 
      pursue terrorists, but two, once we get them in 
      prison, to keep them there.

            // End act //

A number of world leaders, including former President 
Jimmy Carter and South African Archbishop Desmond 
Tutu, petitioned for the release.  The administration 
denies the move was meant to help First Lady Hillary 
Clinton's likely Senate campaign by currying favor 
with Hispanic voters in New York. (Signed)

Neb/ds/JP




21-Sep-1999 13:09 PM EDT (21-Sep-1999 1709 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.