DATE=10/13/00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-267898

TITLE=U-S EMBASSY CLOSURES (S)

BYLINE=NICK SIMEONE

DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: All American embassies in the Middle East and other U-S missions in Asia and Africa have been ordered closed, at least until Monday. Correspondent Nick Simeone reports on precautions Washington is taking in light of events in the Middle East.

TEXT: The State Department is extremely concerned about the possibility of violent actions against Americans overseas, especially after Thursday's apparent terrorist attack on a U-S Navy destroyer in Yemen.

Several American embassies, including those in Syria and Belgium, have seen violent anti-American demonstrations in recent days. As a precaution, all U-S missions in the Middle East and Pakistan have closed. Embassies and consulates in eight African countries are shutting for business as well. These include the U-S missions in Kenya and Tanzania -- both of which were heavily damaged by terrorist bombings two years ago.

The State Department has also issued a worldwide caution to Americans around the world, urging them to maintain a low profile and take other steps to increase security. (Signed)

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