17 January 2001
Source:
http://usinfo.state.gov/cgi-bin/washfile/display.pl?p=/products/washfile/latest&f=01011605.nlt&t=/products/washfile/newsitem.shtml
US Department of State
International Information Programs
Washington File
_________________________________
16 January 2001
(Boucher says terrorists will be brought to justice)(670)
The U.S. Department of State is offering a reward of up to $5 million
for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of
those persons responsible for the terrorist attack on the USS Cole
last October, according to a statement issued by Richard Boucher,
spokesman for the department, on January 16.
Seventeen U.S. sailors were killed and over 30 others were wounded in
what President Clinton described as a "despicable and cowardly act."
"Our commitment to the fight against international terrorism is strong
and unwavering," said Boucher. "We will not rest until all of the
terrorist criminals responsible for the attack against the U.S.S. Cole
are located and brought to justice."
Following is the text of the statement:
(begin text)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
For Immediate Release
January 16, 2001
2001/034
STATEMENT BY RICHARD BOUCHER, SPOKESMAN
Reward Offer: U.S.S. Cole Attack
On October 12th, terrorists in a boat laden with explosives carried
out a suicide bombing of the U.S.S. Cole in the harbor at Aden, Yemen.
In what President Clinton described as a "despicable and cowardly
act," 17 U.S. sailors were killed, and over 30 others were wounded.
Today, the U.S. Department of State is offering a reward of up to $5
million for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any
country of those persons responsible for this terrorist attack.
Anyone with information on this attack is encouraged to contact local
law enforcement, the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, the nearest
FBI office, or the Diplomatic Security Service immediately. The United
States will ensure that responses to this reward notice will be kept
in strict confidence. Individuals providing information leading to the
arrest or conviction of those responsible for the attack on the U.S.S.
Cole may be eligible for protection of their identities and relocation
with their families to the United States.
Our commitment to the fight against international terrorism is strong
and unwavering. We will not rest until all of the terrorist criminals
responsible for the attack against the U.S.S. Cole are located and
brought to justice.
(End of Boucher's statement)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
For Immediate Release
January 16, 2001
2001/035
FACT SHEET
The Rewards for Justice Program
The State Department's Diplomatic Security Service administers The
Rewards for Justice Program. Under this program, the Secretary of
State may offer rewards of up to $5 million for information that
prevents, frustrates, or favorably resolves acts of international
terrorism against U.S. interests worldwide, or leads to the arrest or
conviction of an individual for the commission of such an act. Rewards
may also be paid for information leading to the arrest or conviction
of any individual conspiring or attempting to commit such a terrorist
act, or aiding or abetting in the commission of such an act.
The Rewards for Justice Program has been an effective tool in the
fight against international terrorism. In the past few years, the
United States has paid over $6 million in approximately 20 cases to
individuals who have come forward with credible information that puts
terrorists behind bars or prevents acts of international terrorism
worldwide.
The Program played a significant role in the arrest of international
terrorists Ramzi Yousef in February 1995 and Mir Aimal Kasi in 1997.
People with information on the U.S.S. Cole attack or any past or
planned act of international terrorism against the United States are
urged to contact the nearest FBI office or the Bureau of Diplomatic
Security via any one of the following avenues:
Internet: www.dssrewards.net
E-mail: mail@dssrewards.net
Telephone: 1-800-437-6371 (U.S. only)
Mail: Rewards for Justice
P.O. Box 96781
Washington, DC 20090-6781
USA
In addition, people who are located overseas may contact the Regional
Security Officer at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)