DATE=5/1/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=TERRORISM REPORT (L)
NUMBER=2-261872
BYLINE=NICK SIMEONE
DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT
CONTENT=

VOICED AT: 

INTRO:   A new U-S government report says the sources 
of terrorism are shifting from the Middle East to 
countries in South Asia, and from politically 
motivated acts to those inspired by religion and 
ideology.  Correspondent Nick Simeone reports on the 
State Department's annual survey of terrorism around 
the world.

TEXT:    The State Department report identifies South 
Asia as a new hub of international terrorism, in 
particular Afghanistan, where the ruling Taleban 
continues to provide safe haven for Osama Bin Laden, 
the accused mastermind of two U-S embassy bombings in 
Africa in 1998. 

The report also singles out Pakistan for sending what 
are called mixed messages on terrorism.  But, like 
Afghanistan, Pakistan was not included on the U-S list 
of terrorist sponsoring nations.  Ambassador Michael 
Sheehan is the Clinton administration's top counter-
terrorism coordinator.

// SHEEHAN ACT //

On the one hand, they'll cooperate with extradition, 
they provide good security for our embassies, we have 
a good relationship on a broad range of security 
issues.  But on the other hand, they have 
relationships both with Kashmiri groups and with the 
Taleban in Afghanistan that are troubling. 

// END ACT //

Afghanistan wasn't added to the list because 
Washington does not recognize the Taleban as the 
country's government. 

// SECOND SHEEHAN ACT //

Although the Taleban, I do not believe, is hostile to 
the United States, in fact they repeatedly tell me 
they want good relations with the United States and I 
believe that to be a sincere desire.  However, within 
the territory that they control, there are numerous 
terrorist organizations that directly threaten the 
United States, that directly undermine the security of 
the region and other parts of the world. 

// END ACT // 

In all, the same seven countries that have been on the 
list of terrorist sponsoring nations since 1993 are 
still on it - Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, 
Sudan and Syria.   All remain subject to U-S 
sanctions.   

Only one country - Iraq - has ever managed to get off 
the terrorist list, but was added again after Iraqi 
troops invaded Kuwait.   This year's report, however 
makes clear a primary goal of U-S anti-terrorist 
policy is letting governments know exactly what they 
need to do to be removed from the list.

Officials say North Korea has been moving in the right 
direction by making some positive statements 
condemning terrorism in all its forms.  The report 
notes Syria as well has taken steps to restrain 
terrorist leaders based in Damascus. 

The report says casualties from terrorism fell sharply 
last year, including among Americans.   (SIGNED)

NEB/NJS/KBK





01-May-2000 14:32 PM EDT (01-May-2000 1832 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.