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Ashcroft: Attacks rooted in Afghanistan
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Attorney General John Ashcroft said Tuesday a worldwide conspiracy that originated in Afghanistan was responsible for the September 11 attacks on the United States. Ashcroft declined, however, to specify evidence that has been shared with NATO allies. "We believe -- and believe there is evidence that makes it clear -- that the roots of this activity were in Afghanistan," Ashcroft said. "And we believe that the branches of the activity not only found their way to the United States, but were present in substantial ways in Europe, and that the activities of the conspirators carried them around the globe."
NATO Secretary-General George Robertson has described the evidence the United States has presented to its NATO allies as "compelling and conclusive." Ashcroft was asked to offer details but declined. "Obviously, our investigation is ongoing, and it's not my position at this time to detail the evidence that's available," Ashcroft said. "Let me just indicate to you that from the very early stages in the investigation, we saw Osama bin Laden, the al Qaeda network … as being a focal point of those responsible for this act of terror." Ashcroft made his comments at a news conference with Canadian Solicitor General Lawrence MacAulay, who agreed with Ashcroft's that bin Laden was behind the attacks. "Certainly, it is my strong belief that that is what the situation is," MacAulay said. MacAulay and Ashcroft said Canada and the United States would work together to ensure the security of the 4,000-mile border between the two countries. "Any time there are borders that are that open and that substantial, there are risks that people crossing the border could be individuals who are involved in very serious activities that could be troublesome," Ashcroft said. They did not discuss specific measures being taken to heighten border security. Ashcroft continued to push for congressional passage of the Bush administration's package of measures to combat terrorism. The package, which includes increased powers for the government to detain and deport suspected terrorists and other aliens, expanded wiretapping laws and other measures, have been criticized by civil libertarians. Congressional leaders were in negotiations on Tuesday, seeking compromises on some of its more controversial aspects. "I've asked Congress very clearly for additional tools to reduce the risk of further incidents," Ashcroft said. "I believe it's time for us to understand that tools can reduce the risk of terrorism, talk won't." |
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