DATE=12/28/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=NEW YORK - SECURITY (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-257571
BYLINE=LARRY FREUND
DATELINE=NEW YORK
CONTENT=

VOICED AT:


INTRO:  New York City officials say they are taking 
steps to prevent attacks by terrorists.  Correspondent 
Larry Freund reports from New York that plans are 
moving ahead for a huge New Year's Eve celebration.

TEXT:  New York City's famous crossroads, Times 
Square, has been the focus of New Year's Eve 
celebrations for more than 90-years.  But organizers 
of the street party planned for the arrival of the 
year 2000 promise it will be bigger and better than 
all the others.  Scaffolding and stages have appeared 
in the central area of Times Square where up to two-
million people are expected to welcome the new year.

"No parking" signs are also in place in the Times 
Square area.  The city says a 72-block zone 
surrounding Times Square will be off limits to cars, 
starting midnight Thursday, local time - 24-hours 
before a lighted ball descends in Times Square marking 
the arrival of the year 2000.  The no-car zone is 
intended to make it easier for pedestrians to access 
the area and to prevent terrorists from using car 
bombs.

Security has been a top concern for city officials.  
But New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani has criticized the 
news media for making more of the possibility of 
terrorism than it deserves.  He describes himself as 
optimistic the city's plan will protect the New Year's 
Eve celebrants.

            /// GIULIANI ACTUALITY ///

      Reasonably optimistic that we have a plan that 
      is going to work.  And I say that because there 
      is no one who can guarantee perfect safety, 
      ever.

            /// END ACTUALITY ///

Along with the ban on cars in the Times Square area, 
the city is also removing wastebaskets from the 
streets and banning food vendors.  The city plans to 
having 37-thousand of its 40-thousand police officers 
on duty New Year's eve.  Police Commissioner Howard 
Safir (safe-er) plans to have eight-thousand officers 
in the Times Square area.

            /// SAFIR ACTUALITY ///

      We will have controlled access, ways for people 
      to get in on foot.  Cars will not be allowed, 
      certainly.  Take public transportation.  Do not 
      bring alcohol.  It will be a very good 
      celebration.

            /// END ACTUALITY ///

The lowering of a ball in Times Square to mark the 
arrival of the New Year is a tradition started in 
1907.  The descent of this year's illuminated ball, 
two-meters in diameter, will be signaled by a 
representative of the international relief 
organization, Doctors Without Borders.   (SIGNED)


NEB/NY/LSF/RAE




28-Dec-1999 14:40 PM EDT (28-Dec-1999 1940 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.