*EPF503 02/14/2003
Text: President Bush Pledges "To Rout Terrorism Wherever It Exists"
(U.S. will continue helping allies improve anti-terror capabilities) (480)

Coinciding with the February 14 release of his new National Strategy for Combating Terrorism, President Bush vowed to rout terrorism wherever it exists and build "a safer, better world of greater opportunity and freedom for all peoples."

In a statement released by the White House, Bush said the United States "works closely with every nation committed to this fight and we will continue to help our allies and friends improve their ability to fight terror." The strategy focuses on taking the fight against terrorists directly to them, isolating the terrorists from each other and potential allies, and disrupting plots before attacks occur.

The anti-terrorism strategy is designed to complement key elements of the National Security Strategy released last year as well as other national strategies to promote homeland security, combat weapons of mass destruction, secure cyberspace, protect critical national infrastructure and control illicit drug trafficking.

Taken together "these efforts establish critical goals for strengthening America's security against the threats of the 21st century," the president said.

Following is the text of the President's statement:

(begin text)

February 14, 2003
Statement by the President
National Strategy for Combating Terrorism

Today I am pleased to issue the National Strategy for Combating Terrorism. This strategy outlines the effort our nation is making to win the war against global terror. The strategy complements important elements of the National Security Strategy, as well as our National Strategies for: Homeland Security, to Combat Weapons of Mass Destruction, to Secure Cyberspace, for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Key Assets, and the National Drug Control Strategy. Together these efforts establish critical goals for strengthening America's security against the threats of the 21st century.

The United States' strategy for combating terrorism focuses on taking the fight to the terrorists themselves. We are using all elements of our national power and international influence to attack terror networks; reduce their ability to communicate and coordinate their plans; isolate them from potential allies and from each other; and identify and disrupt their plots before they attack. Our country works closely with every nation committed to this fight, and we will continue to help our allies and friends improve their ability to fight terror.

The war against global terror will be hard and long. Today, terror cells exist on nearly every continent and in dozens of countries, including our own. Victory will depend on the courage, strength, and fortitude of America's people and our partners around the world. It will be measured through the steady, patient work of dismantling terror networks and bringing terrorists to justice, oftentimes one by one. Our nation is unalterably committed to protecting our citizens, routing terror wherever it exists, and building a safer, better world of greater opportunity and freedom for all peoples. We will not rest until we succeed.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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