Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Saturday

Bush Responds to Terrorism Fears

Aired June 22, 2002 - 18:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
Well, President Bush is responding to the latest concerns over possible terrorist attacks on America including concerns about a possible attack on July 4. You may have heard about this. Now, more from CNN White House Correspondent Kelly Wallace.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KELLY WALLACE, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Canadian police search 34-year-old Adel Tobbichi's (ph) Montreal apartment Friday after arresting him. The Algerian is believed to be linked to a foiled plot to bomb the U.S. Embassy in Paris. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police accuse Tobbichi of helping forge documents for terrorists.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The main task of the suspect was to prepare passports for other people wanting to come into Canada and eventually the United States.

WALLACE: This, the latest arrest in what has become a world-wide manhunt with U.S. officials this week highlighting other recent captures, including that of Mohammed Hadar Zimar (ph), held in a Syrian jail, believed to have recruited Mohammed Atta, the suspected ringleader of the September 11 attacks.

President Bush, during a trip to Florida, highlighted what he views as another victory: the death of Abu Zubaydah, killed in a shootout with Philippine forces. His group Abu Sayyaf is believed to have links to Al Qaeda, and to be responsible for the kidnapping and the deaths of two Americans, including Martin Burnham.

Mr. Bush spoke with Philippine president Arroyo on Saturday.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: One of our coalition members, President Gloria Arroyo, of the Philippines, did the world a great service.

WALLACE: Americans, though, worried about another terrorist attack.

In a new CNN/"USA Today" Gallup poll, most Americans said they believed an act of terrorism on the 4th of July was very likely or somewhat likely, while 38 percent said an attack was not likely to take place. BUSH: There is concern in our society about possible terrorist attacks. I think most people in American know we're doing everything we can to do.

WALLACE: And, that includes extra security on the 4th of July. In Washington, that means a fence around the Mall and the U.S. Capitol, with only four entrances. All spectators will have to pass through metal detectors.

U.S. officials say they have no specific information to suggest any 4th of July terror plot is in the works. The administration's message remains the same: that people should go about their normal business, while at the same time remain vigilant.

Kelly Wallace, CNN, the White House.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com