View Header

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release February 8, 1995

STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT CLINTON ON THE APPREHENSION OF SUSPECTED

TERRORIST

This evening, in New York, Ramzi Ahmed Yusuf, one of the world's most sought after suspected terrorists, was placed in Federal detention. Yusuf is under indictment as a key figure in the 1993 bombing of the New York World Trade Center. He was on the FBI's Most Wanted List.

Yusuf was recently arrested by Pakistan and turned over to U.S. authorities in accordance with the requirements of international law.

I especially want to thank all involved in this important process. This arrest is a major step forward in the fight against terrorism.

Terrorism will not pay. Terrorists will pay.

We will continue to work with other nations to thwart those who would kill innocent citizens to further their own political aims.

The Executive Order I signed last month to stop fund raising for Middle East terrorist groups and my proposed Omnibus Anti-terrorism Act will greatly strengthen our abilities to act quickly and decisively against this threat to peace. The budget I submitted earlier this week maintains the vigorous law enforcement, intelligence, and diplomatic capabilities the United States requires to act effectively against terrorism on all fronts.

We and other members of the international community will continue to dedicate ourselves to the cause of peace and to unite against those who threaten innocent lives.