U.S. tightens security

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON, OCT. 16. There is further heightened security in the United States after the Senate Majority Leader, Mr. Tom Daschle, received a letter in his office which tested positive for anthrax.

And investigative authorities are taking to media rooms all over the country after a seven-month-old son of a media producer has been diagnosed with anthrax. The child had apparently spent some time in the news room last month.

In a chilling experience, the anthrax scare has come to Washington and on Capitol Hill itself. All tours have been suspended indefinitely and security has been tightened. The Bush administration is seriously exploring the link between anthrax and Osama bin Laden.

There is no word yet on whether anyone in Mr. Daschle's office has tested positive. But precautions are being taken with aides possibly involved with the Senator's mail being tested and treated with antibiotics.

``They are innocent people caught up in a matter for which they have nothing to do. I am very, very disappointed and angered'', Mr. Daschle said.

At the White House, the President, Mr. George W. Bush, maintained that ``there may be some possible link'' between the anthrax incidents and Osama. ``I wouldn't put it past him, but we don't have any hard evidence'', he said.

What is becoming a worrisome phenomenon here among the general public and the administration is that from a few scattered cases in Florida, the scare is taking on a national dimension.

One of the areas of investigation is on any pattern to the mailings. For instance, at least two letters including the one to Mr. Daschle have been mailed from a particular post office in New Jersey.

Extra precautions are being taken in the White House with respect to mail and other deliveries.

The National Security Advisor, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, in saying that she was not aware of any tainted letters being delivered, said extra care was being taken. ``Like everybody else, we are being cautious about what we open'', Dr. Rice said.

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Section  : International
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