Albright Says Americans Must Be Vigilant Abroad

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Albright Says Americans Must Be Vigilant Abroad

Updated 12:26 PM ET December 12, 1999

By Will Dunham

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Secretary of State Madeleine Albright Sunday warned Americans abroad to be vigilant for potential terrorist attacks over the New Year's period, saying threats have been posed by a variety of groups.

Albright's comments came one day after the State Department issued an advisory for Americans overseas from the start of the New Year and the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, citing "credible information that terrorists are planning attacks" against them. Ramadan began last week.

The department said it had information indicating attacks on Americans travelling aboard "could be planned for locations throughout the world where large gatherings and celebrations will be taking place."

"There are a number of groups that we are watching," Albright said on the CBS News program "Face the Nation."

"Obviously for some time we have been concerned about Osama bin Laden," she added. "But ... there are a variety of groups that we have been concerned about and are watching. And we are concerned, there's no question about it, and we have to be vigilant, which is why we put out the warning."

U.S. officials have labeled bin Laden, a wealthy Saudi exile who they say operates out of Afghanistan, as a danger to U.S. interests worldwide and accused him of masterminding attacks including the bombings of U.S. embassies in East Africa in July 1998. More than 200 people were killed in those bombings.

Asked whether the United States had evidence of a terrorist threat posed by more than one group, Albright said, "Probably, yes."

"I think we are concerned, obviously because there are a lot of activities going on and I think there are more specific indications (of possible threats)," Albright said.

White House national security adviser Sandy Berger said the United States had gathered "credible information" of planned terrorist actions.

"Americans are among the targets. It's not specific with respect to location," Berger said on the ABC News program "This Week With Sam Donaldson and Cokie Roberts." "This is not just in the Middle East, but any location."

"I think there's a caution sign up, but not a stop sign," Berger added.

Albright said the warning related to suspected threats posed to Americans overseas, not domestically.

"I think we always have to be vigilant, but the warning that we put out was for Americans aboard and it is not something that ... as we see it, is targeted against Americans here," Albright added.

Albright said, "We believe we have an obligation to let the American people know when there are potential terrorist threats. And we are concerned about Americans travelling aboard and being in large groups. And we are suggesting that if they do travel aboard, that they be in touch with the American embassy and the consulate and take care."

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Ray

-- Ray (ray@totacc.com), December 12, 1999

Answers

As vigilant as, say, the State Department is in protecting its security?

-- Squid (ItsDark@down.here), December 12, 1999.

I agree, we need to be vigilant, but mostly here at home, not abroad. There have been many acts of subterfuge against the American people, by both corporations and government. Their deceptions should be closely watched and chronicled.

-- snooze button (alarmclock_2000@yahoo.com), December 12, 1999.

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