DATE=12/28/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SEATTLE CELEBRATION CANCELED (S-L)
NUMBER=2-257573
BYLINE=MIKE O'SULLIVAN
DATELINE=LOS ANGELES
CONTENT=



VOICED AT:

INTRO:  The mayor of Seattle has canceled a planned 
New Year's Eve celebration, citing safety concerns.  
Seattle was the scene of protests this month over an 
international trade meeting, and a suspected terrorist 
was recently arrested near the city.  V-O-A's Mike 
O'Sullivan has more from our West Coast bureau.


TEXT:  Up to 50-thousand people were expected to 
attend the open-air celebration at Seattle's famed 
Space Needle.  In cancelling the event, Mayor Paul 
Schell said -- while there are no specific threats 
against the city -- security officials cannot rule out 
Seattle as a terrorist target. 

City Councilwoman Sue Donaldson supports the mayor's 
decision.

            /// DONALDSON ACT ///

      We decided that it was unwise to encourage 
      people to come to Seattle center to have a crowd 
      that could be a potential target.


            /// END ACT ///

Early this month, Seattle police arrested more than 
500 protesters in violent street demonstrations 
surrounding the World Trade Organization meeting.  
Last week, an Algerian man was charged in Seattle with 
bringing explosive materials from neighboring Canada.

      /// REST OPT for long ///

In remarks to reporters Tuesday, Mayor Paul Schell 
said Seattle will still celebrate the New Year, but 
without a massive downtown celebration.

            /// OPT SCHELL ACT ///

      We are, in this city, trying to focus on the 
      core values of our community of volunteerism, 
      celebrating diversity, being good stewards of 
      the natural environment.


            /// END OPT -- END ACT ///

Afternoon concerts and a circus performance will go 
ahead as planned Friday, and New Year's Eve fireworks 
display at Seattle's Space Needle will be seen through 
much of the city.  (Signed)


NEB/PT



28-Dec-1999 15:23 PM EDT (28-Dec-1999 2023 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.