DATE=12/22/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=TERROR REACT(L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-257412
BYLINE=JIM RANDLE
DATELINE=REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT
CONTENT=

VOICED AT:


INTRO:  While U-S officials are telling Americans 
to be alert for a possible terrorist attack 
during the next few weeks, many travelers are 
taking the risks and warnings in stride.  V-O-A's 
Jim Randle reports from Reagan National Airport, 
near Washington.


TEXT:  The warnings from the State Department say 
that Americans traveling abroad may be targeted 
by terrorists, and the arrest of an Algerian man 
for allegedly smuggling more than 40 kilos of 
explosive into the United States has heightened 
concern at home.

One reaction has been to add extra officials at 
border crossings and to boost already tight 
security at airports.

Vic Demko, picking up family members arriving on 
a flight from Kansas City, says he is pleased 
that officials seem to be taking the warnings 
seriously.

            /// Demko act  ///
 
      I'm concerned, but I'm not overly worried 
      or paranoid. I see the extra, stepped up 
      security, the bomb-sniffing dogs, it makes 
      me feel really good that security is alert. 

 
            /// end act ///

Kelly Jeffries flew to Washington from 
Indianapolis.  She says security checks meant 
delays.

            /// Kelly Jeffries /// 

      I think the lines were longer, but I guess 
      most people would rather have the lines be 
      longer and be safe. 


            /// end act /// 

Passengers and carry-on luggage at U-S airports 
has been screened by metal detectors and x-ray 
machines for years.  

Recently, officials have developed and deployed 
new machines that can detect the chemicals in 
explosives and added more teams of dogs trained 
to sniff out bombs.

At many U-S airports, announcements warn 
passengers not to leave baggage unattended 
because the police bomb squad may seize and 
search it. The repetitious announcements also 
warn against doing anything that could help a 
bomb get on a plane or near a passenger terminal.

            ///  announcement act  ///

      Do not accept items or packages from 
      unknown individuals.  Unattended vehicles 
      may be ticketed and towed.

            /// end act /// 

Defense Secretary William Cohen says these 
physical measures are being backed up by stepped 
up intelligence efforts.

            ///  Cohen act (newsnow cart)  ///

      All of our intelligence agencies are 
      cooperating world wide with their 
      counterparts, so there is a sharing of the 
      latest possible information, to make sure 
      we deter and detect and discourage any 
      attempts on American lives anywhere in the 
      world.


            /// end act ///

Mr. Cohen spoke in a U-S television interview (on 
ABC) from Bosnia, where he was visiting American 
troops. He says Americans should be aware, but 
not overly concerned, about the threat from 
terrorists. (Signed)


NEB/PT  


22-Dec-1999 18:22 PM EDT (22-Dec-1999 2322 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.