DATE=12/22/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S-TERROR ALERT (L)
NUMBER=2-257409
BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO:  The Clinton Administration is sharpening 
warnings to Americans at home and abroad concerning 
the threat of terrorism during the Christmas and 
millennial celebrations.  The action follows recent 
arrests of terror suspects along the U-S-Canadian 
border and in Jordan. VOA's David Gollust has more 
from the White House.


TEXT:  Officials from President Clinton on down are 
cautioning  Americans to be extra-alert to suspicious 
activity and objects during year-end observances. But 
they say there is no information that specific events 
or sites in the United States have been targeted by 
terrorists, and say people should not abandon their 
holiday plans.

At a news conference, Deputy U-S Attorney-General Eric 
Holder said recent events - including last week's 
arrest of an Algerian national trying to bring bomb 
components across the border from Canada - point to a 
"higher risk" of terror attacks. 

He said Americans should be alert during the next two 
weeks -- especially in cities where large millennium 
or religious activities are planned - but also said 
there was no cause for undue alarm or panic:

            ///Holder actuality///

      We certainly don't want to unnecessarily alarm 
      people. On the other hand, we want people to be 
      cautious, to be vigilant, and to make sure that 
      they are - especially when they are at large 
      activities - more observant about their 
      surroundings.



            ///end act///

President Clinton struck a similar note on a pre-
Christmas visit to a Washington charitable group.  He 
said law enforcement agencies are making an 
"extraordinary effort" to deal with any threat and 
that Americans - while being careful and aware - 
should go ahead and enjoy the holiday season.

The U-S State Department meanwhile has upgraded -- and 
extended until mid-January  -- its advisory to 
Americans traveling or working overseas to be alert to 
possible attacks. A general alert has been in effect 
since December 10th but spokesman James Foley says 
Americans abroad are now being specifically advised to 
avoid holiday crowds and to keep a low profile:

            ///Foley actuality///

      We have information about the possibility of 
      terrorist attacks in different parts of the 
      world. We are urging them to be cautious. We are 
      urging them to be vigilant and to be mindful of 
      their surroundings. And we are urging them to 
      avoid large crowds or gatherings.


            ///end act///

State Department officials say Jordan's arrest last 
week of 13 people believed  linked to the Osama Bin 
Laden terrorist organization produced information that 
hotels and tourist sites and buses in Jordan and 
perhaps elsewhere may have been targeted for attacks.

Mr. Bin Laden, a Saudi exile living in Afghanistan, 
faces U-S criminal charges in the bombings of the U-S 
embassies in Kenya and Tanzania last year. 

The Administration has served notice on Afghanistan's 
dominant Taleban movement earlier this month that it 
would be accountable for further terror attacks 
against Americans traced to Mr. Bin Laden and his 
associates.

As part of government-wide security steps, the State 
Department says U-S diplomatic premises around the 
world have been put on a heightened state of alert and 
a scattered few have been temporarily closed.

More customs agents and police are manning the more 
than 300 border crossings and other points of entry to 
the United States, while the Federal Aviation 
Administration has ordered stricter enforcement of 
existing security measures at the nation's airports 
including increased use of bomb-sniffing dogs and 
equipment  (Signed)


NEB/DAG/PT



22-Dec-1999 16:50 PM EDT (22-Dec-1999 2150 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.