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American Morning
In Yemen, Four American Hospital Workers Attacked
Aired December 30, 2002 - 08:54 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.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Now back to Yemen, where four American hospital workers were attacked today, three of them killed.
Joining us by phone from the capital now is U.S. ambassador Edmond J. Hull.
Mr. Ambassador, thanks so much for joining us.
What can you tell us about the man who is currently being held in connection with these shootings?
EDMOND J. HULL, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO YEMEN: We understand that a lone gunman has been apprehended. He is being questioned by Yemeni authorities, and we have sent American investigators to Jibla to assist the Yemenese in that questioning, and we have to wait until we have the results of that before we can reach any conclusions.
HARRIS: There has been some talk, though, I guess quite casually today, about what his motivation might have been. Is that any clearer at this hour of the investigation?
HULL: I've seen reports on his motivation. Yemeni sources are saying that he was unhappy with the activities of the American medical personnel there, but, again, I think we need to withhold judgment until we get more facts through the investigation.
HARRIS: If you would, Mr. Ambassador, describe to us the kind of work these American humanitarian workers were doing in this missionary hospital.
HULL: Well, it is a very impressive humanitarian effort. They have been there since the middle '60s. I visited in July. They treat hundreds of Yemenis every day. Yemenis lineup beginning the night before to get tickets to receive that kind of treatment. And in addition to that, doctors from the hospital have directed immunization programs throughout the district of Jibla, which have been estimated to have saved thousands of lives.
HARRIS: Are you able to give us any details about who these workers were who were killed?
HULL: Well, because of privacy considerations, we were unable to provide names, but they are four Americans, medical personnel who were attacked, and three of them, unfortunately, have died.
HARRIS: Mr. Ambassador, we know that some 30,000 Americans live in Yemen, most of them Yemeni-Americans, how concerned are you about their vulnerability at this time?
HULL: Well, we're concerned, in general, about the security situation here, and we have been in touch with the Yemeni security authorities. They have assured us that they will be increasing security, especially at locations like the hospitals or other institutions which are associated with the United States.
HARRIS: Mr. Ambassador, we're sorry you have to join us on a day of such great loss. Ambassador Edmond J. Hull, the best of luck to you as you take part in this investigation, and we hope the other Americans over there can stay safe.
HARRIS: Thank you very much.
HULL: Thank you for your time, sir.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired December 30, 2002 - 08:54 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Now back to Yemen, where four American hospital workers were attacked today, three of them killed.
Joining us by phone from the capital now is U.S. ambassador Edmond J. Hull.
Mr. Ambassador, thanks so much for joining us.
What can you tell us about the man who is currently being held in connection with these shootings?
EDMOND J. HULL, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO YEMEN: We understand that a lone gunman has been apprehended. He is being questioned by Yemeni authorities, and we have sent American investigators to Jibla to assist the Yemenese in that questioning, and we have to wait until we have the results of that before we can reach any conclusions.
HARRIS: There has been some talk, though, I guess quite casually today, about what his motivation might have been. Is that any clearer at this hour of the investigation?
HULL: I've seen reports on his motivation. Yemeni sources are saying that he was unhappy with the activities of the American medical personnel there, but, again, I think we need to withhold judgment until we get more facts through the investigation.
HARRIS: If you would, Mr. Ambassador, describe to us the kind of work these American humanitarian workers were doing in this missionary hospital.
HULL: Well, it is a very impressive humanitarian effort. They have been there since the middle '60s. I visited in July. They treat hundreds of Yemenis every day. Yemenis lineup beginning the night before to get tickets to receive that kind of treatment. And in addition to that, doctors from the hospital have directed immunization programs throughout the district of Jibla, which have been estimated to have saved thousands of lives.
HARRIS: Are you able to give us any details about who these workers were who were killed?
HULL: Well, because of privacy considerations, we were unable to provide names, but they are four Americans, medical personnel who were attacked, and three of them, unfortunately, have died.
HARRIS: Mr. Ambassador, we know that some 30,000 Americans live in Yemen, most of them Yemeni-Americans, how concerned are you about their vulnerability at this time?
HULL: Well, we're concerned, in general, about the security situation here, and we have been in touch with the Yemeni security authorities. They have assured us that they will be increasing security, especially at locations like the hospitals or other institutions which are associated with the United States.
HARRIS: Mr. Ambassador, we're sorry you have to join us on a day of such great loss. Ambassador Edmond J. Hull, the best of luck to you as you take part in this investigation, and we hope the other Americans over there can stay safe.
HARRIS: Thank you very much.
HULL: Thank you for your time, sir.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
