07 June 1999
(US committed to apprehending terrorists and achieving justice) (440) The addition of Usama Bin Laden to the FBI's 10 Most Wanted List demonstrates the U.S. commitment to apprehending terrorists and achieving justice, David Carpenter, assistant secretary of state for diplomatic security, said at a press conference here June 7. Bin Laden is wanted in connection with the bombing of American embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. The U.S. State Department's Counter-Terrorism Rewards Program is offering up to $5 million for information leading to his apprehension. Following is the text of Carpenter's remarks: (begin text) Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security Assistant Secretary David G. Carpenter's Remarks at FBI -- UBL Top Ten Announcement June 7, 1999 Thank you Attorney General Reno and Director Freeh, for inviting me here today. Today's announcement of the addition of Usama bin Laden to the FBI's "10 Most Wanted List" clearly underscores the unwavering commitment of the United States to fight international terrorism and bring to justice those individuals responsible for terrorist acts against Americans worldwide. In the ten months since the bombings of our embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, U.S. law enforcement has made significant progress in the investigation of these two cowardly terrorist acts. Usama bin Laden has been identified as the alleged mastermind, who planned and financed these bombings that resulted in the murder of over 220 people, including 12 innocent American citizens. Over 5000 other innocent civilians were injured in the attacks. On November 4, 1998, I announced that the Department of State, through the Counter-Terrorism Rewards Program, was offering up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and or conviction of Usama bin Laden. Since that announcement, Diplomatic Security Agents have publicized this reward offer through posters, flyers, newspapers, and the internet around the globe, generating numerous investigative leads. The Counter-Terrorism Rewards Program has proven to be an effective tool in combating international terrorism. In the past few years, the U.S. Government has paid out over $6 million in approximately 20 cases worldwide for credible information received under the Rewards Program. The United States will ensure complete confidentiality to people who provide information on past and future acts of terrorism. Our determination to battle terrorism against U.S. interests worldwide is greater than ever. It is our intention to continue to work closely with the U.S. law enforcement community to bring all those individuals responsible for the bombings of our embassies, as well as other terrorist crimes against the United States, to justice. (end text)