'U.S. reserves right to strike at terrorist bases'

WASHINGTON, JAN. 7. The U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton, has asserted that the United States ``makes no concessions to terrorists'' and reserves the right to strike at terrorist bases, as it did unilaterally in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan for hosting the Saudi dissident, Osama Bin Laden.

``As long as terrorists continue to target American citizens, we reserve the right to act in self-defence by striking at their bases and those who sponsor, assist or actively support them,'' Mr. Clinton warned.

In his national security strategy report to the U.S. Congress, the President said, ``we make no concessions to terrorists. We fully exploit all available legal mechanisms to punish international terrorists, eliminate foreign terrorists and their support networks in our country, and extend the reach of financial sanctions to international terrorist support networks.''

Pointing out that ``the U.S. has made concerted efforts to deter and punish terrorists'', Mr. Clinton said his country would, ``remain determined to apprehend and bring to justice those who terrorise American citizens.'' ``Because terrorist organisations may not be deterred by traditional means, we must ensure a robust capability to accurately attribute the source of attacks against the U.S. or its citizens and to respond effectively and decisively to protect our national interests.''

Speaking about the U.S. dialogue with India and Pakistan, he said Washington sought to encourage both countries to take steps to prevent proliferation, reduce the risk of conflict and exercise restraint in their nuclear and missile programmes.

- PTI

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Section  : International
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