M A I N   N E W S

Bush’s term for halting strikes

Washington, October 12
US President George W. Bush has said the USA was under threat of more terror attacks but that the government was taking every possible step to protect the Americans.

“Americans tonight can know that while the threat is ongoing, we are taking every possible step to protect our country from danger,” Mr Bush said yesterday in opening his first prime time White House news conference since September 11.

In a stark statement, the FBI said: “Certain information, while not specific as to target, gives the government reason to believe that there may be additional terrorist attacks within the USA and against US. Interests overseas over the next several days.”

Mr Bush said the FBI warning “may not be the last,” but urged the public not to cower in the face of threats from “the evildoers” who perpetrated the September 11 attacks.

Mr Bush said if Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers turn over suspected terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden immediately, he would “reconsider” military strikes against the regime.

“If you cough him up and his people today... we will reconsider what we’re doing to your country. You still have a second chance,” he said.

The President reiterated his support for a Palestinian state as long as Israel’s right to exist was respected.

“I believe there ought to be a Palestinian state,” Mr Bush said, adding, “so long as the Palestinian state recognises the right of Israel to exist.”

In the middle east, the move was welcomed by Arab countries but given a cool reception in Israel. Agencies

Kashmir dangerous place: Powell

Washington, October 12
Terming Kashmir as the “most dangerous place in the world,” the USA has said that rising tension between India and Pakistan will top Secretary of State Colin Powell’s agenda during his upcoming visit to the sub-continent, officials here said.

Mr Powell, during his visits to New Delhi and Islamabad, would try to reduce Indo-Pak tensions rising out of the recent terrorist attack on the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly by Pakistan-based terrorists and continued Pakistani support to militants, they said.

Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage told reporters that Kashmir “is the most dangerous place in the world” and that “the main purpose of Mr Powell’s trip would be to ensure that tensions between the two countries do not escalate.” PTI