DATE=10/5/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S - SAUDI BOMBING (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-254684
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:

INTRO:  The United States is deporting to Saudi Arabia 
a suspect in the 1996 bombing of a U-S military base 
there that killed 19 American servicemen.  At the same 
time, U-S officials say they will continue their 
investigation into the incident until those 
responsible are brought to justice.  Correspondent 
Deborah Tate reports from the White House.

TEXT:  In its decision to deport Hani Abdel Rahim al-
Sayegh, the U.S. Justice Department says it lacks 
sufficient evidence to prosecute him.

Mr. Al-Sayegh, a Saudi dissident, was turned over to 
U-S officials two years ago by authorities in Canada, 
where he had fled seeking asylum.

Saudi intelligence officials have said Mr. Al-Sayegh 
played a role in directing a bomb-laden truck to the 
Khobar Towers military housing complex in Dhahran 
shortly before the blast.

The suspect himself initially suggested he was 
involved in the bombing, but later changed his 
testimony, saying he had  no  information about the 
case.  U-S officials argue he failed to abide by a 
plea agreement with the Justice Department -- a point 
underscored by White House spokesman Joe Lockhart:

            /// FIRST LOCKHART ACT ///

      He was given every opportunity to fulfill the 
      first agreement he made with the United States, 
      and to cooperate in this case, and that is an 
      opportunity he lost.

            /// END ACT ///

The New York Times (newspaper) quotes unnamed U-S 
officials as saying the Saudi government believes it 
has enough evidence to move forward with the 
prosecution of Mr. Al-Sayegh.

But the suspect, according to the report, has been 
fighting the deportation on grounds his life would be 
seriously threatened if he returns to his homeland.  
An Administration official is quoted as saying 
Washington has received assurances from the Saudi 
government that Mr. Al-Sayegh would  not  be tortured 
on his return, but he says there are  no  assurances 
about what would happen if he is convicted. 

Meanwhile, White House spokesman Lockhart says the 
Justice Department decision in  no  way signals that 
Washington is abandoning its probe of the bombing.

            /// SECOND LOCKHART ACT ///

      These things take time, but we will  not  relent 
      until we believe that the people who are 
      responsible are brought to justice.
      
            /// END ACT ///

As part of that effort, the United States is seeking 
the assistance of Iran.

Last week, the administration confirmed President 
Clinton sent a letter to Iranian President Mohammad 
Khatami requesting help in finding those responsible.

The request -- which officials say could lead to a 
warming of U-S -Iranian ties -- was based in part on 
intelligence reports linking the bombing to several 
Saudi men who have taken refuge in Iran.

Iranian officials have confirmed the U-S request, but 
deny their government was behind the bombing.   
(Signed)

NEB/DAT/WTW



05-Oct-1999 15:56 PM EDT (05-Oct-1999 1956 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.