24 June 2002

State Department Comments on July 4 Terrorist Threats in Italy, June 24, 2002

(Taken Question: June 24 State Department statement)

Following is the official answer to a question taken at the June 24 regular State Department briefing; the answer was posted later in the day:
(begin text)

U.S. Department of State
Office of the Spokesman
June 24, 2002

Taken Question from June 24, 2002 Briefing

JULY 4TH THREATS TO AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS AND BASES IN ITALY

Question: What can you say about July 4th terrorist threats to U.S. and NATO institutions and bases in Italy as reported in La Repubblica? The report cites intelligence reports that "around 50" al-Qaeda linked "citizens of the West" associated with "far-Right and far-Left circles" are believed to be in Italy.

Answer: We do not comment on intelligence matters. The U.S. and Italy have cooperated on a wide range of counter-terrorism issues for many years. We continue to work closely together in the current global campaign against terrorism.

The United States takes threats against American institutions and citizens very seriously. The State Department's March 17 Worldwide Caution, which remains in effect, alerts Americans to the potential for further terrorist acts against them and advises American citizens traveling abroad to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution.

(end text)