DATE= 10/31/00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= U-S/SUEZ (S ONLY)

NUMBER=2-268685

BYLINE= ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE= PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The U-S Defense Department is denying news reports alleging U-S Navy ships have been ordered to avoid the Suez Canal out of fear of possible terrorist attack. More from V-O-A Pentagon Correspondent Alex Belida.

TEXT: No U-S Navy ships have transited the Suez Canal since the deadly October 12th terrorist attack on the destroyer Cole in the Yemeni harbor of Aden.

But Pentagon spokesman Ken Bacon says that is not unusual, and does not mean U-S Navy ships have been ordered to avoid the canal for security reasons.

/// BACON ACTUALITY ///

The mere fact that ships aren't going through the canal doesn't mean that any instructions were issued. We are evaluating with the Egyptians, obviously, the security situation in the canal. We do that all the time.

/// END ACTUALITY ///

Seventeen U-S sailors were killed in the attack on the Cole. Since then, U-S forces around the Middle East have been placed on heightened alert status. (Signed)

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