1. WS hallway leading to the White House's East Room
2. WS President Ronald Reagan exits door, MS walks to East Room
3. LS Reagan walking on red carpet towards podium
4. Slow push MS Reagan at podium, begins opening statement
5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Ronald Reagan, US President:
"...On December 27th terrorists, as we know, attacked Rome and Vietnam [Vienna] international airports. It was the latest in a series of atrocities which have shocked the conscience of the world. It's clear that the responsibility for these latest attacks lies squarely with the terrorist known as Abu Nidal and his organization. The number of his victims increased by 19, among them 5 Americans, including Natasha Simpson, an 11-year-old girl. Many others from around the world were wounded. And we shall make every effort to bring Abu Nidal and other terrorists to justice.
But these murderers could not carry out their crimes without the sanctuary and support provided by regimes such as Colonel Qaddafi's in Libya. Qaddafi's longstanding involvement in terrorism is well documented, and there's irrefutable evidence of his role in these attacks..."
6. Slow push CU Reagan at podium, continues remarks
7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Ronald Reagan, US President:
"...The Rome and Vienna murders are only the latest in a series of brutal terrorist acts committed with Qaddafi's backing. Qaddafi and other Libyan officials have publicly admitted that the Libyan Government has abetted and supported the notorious Abu Nidal terrorist group, which was directly responsible for the Rome and Vienna attacks. Qaddafi called them heroic actions, and I call them criminal outrages by an outlaw regime.
By providing material support to terrorist groups which attack U.S. citizens, Libya has engaged in armed aggression against the United States under established principles of international law, just as if he had used its own armed forces. We've urged repeatedly that the world community act decisively and in concert to exact from Qaddafi a high price for his support and encouragement of terrorism..."
8. MS side shot Reagan at podium, reading remarks, cut WS head on Reagan at podium
9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Ronald Reagan, US President:
"... The United States has already taken a series of steps to curtail most direct trade between our two countries, while encouraging our friends to do likewise. Terrorists and those who harbor them must be denied sympathy, safe haven, and support..."
10. CU Reagan continues remarks
11. SOUNDBITE: (English) Ronald Reagan, US President:
"...In light of this latest evidence of Libya's growing role in international terrorism, it is clear that steps taken so far have not been sufficient. Tougher, more comprehensive measures are required by the international community. Accordingly, I signed today an Executive order stating that the policies and actions of the Government of Libya constitute a threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. Congress has been notified of my decision. Under the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, I've taken measures to end virtually all direct economic activities between the United States or U.S. nationals and Libya. These measures, some of which take effect immediately and others no later than February 1st, impose a total ban on direct import and export trade with Libya, except for humanitarian purposes. They prohibit commercial contracts and other transactions with Libya, including travel-related activities other than those needed for journalism or to carry out this order. I call on all Americans in Libya to leave immediately. Those who violate these orders should know that they will be subject to appropriate penalties upon their return to the United States. Let the Government of Libya understand that it is fully responsible for the welfare of those Americans still in Libya and that Libya will be held accountable for any attempt to harm them or restrict their freedom to depart.
Our differences are not with the people of Libya, but with Colonel Qaddafi and his regime. We've taken these steps after much reflection and in full awareness of the economic consequences which the United States stands to incur as a result. Civilized nations cannot continue to tolerate in the name of material gain and self-interest the murder of innocents. Qaddafi deserves to be treated as a pariah in the world community. We call on our friends in Western Europe and elsewhere to join with us in isolating him. Americans will not understand other nations moving into Libya to take commercial advantage of our departure. We will consult with all our key allies to pursue the goal of broader cooperation.
Italy's Prime Minister Craxi, in whose country one of the recent attacks occurred, properly emphasized the necessity not only of coping with terrorists but identifying ``those states that guarantee terrorist protection and the possibility to arm and organize themselves to carry out their bloody raids.'' Qaddafi's Libya is such a nation, and we call upon other nations to join us in denying it the normal economic and diplomatic privileges of the civilized world. If these steps do not end Qaddafi's terrorism, I promise you that further steps will be taken.
And thank you, and that concludes my statement..."
12. WS Reagan finishes opening statement
See also DC00420, DC00421, DC00422, DC00423
Rushes available on Tape TVD0172, 0173, 0174
KMF
