attacks remain possible in America despite last month’s arrest of alleged terrorist Abdullah Al Muhajir.
Speaking in Budapest, Ashcroft said that Muhajir’s imprisonment had "significantly disrupted a potential plot to deploy a radio active dirty bomb in the United States." But in response to questions by an BosNewsLife reporter, Mr. Ashroft stressed that American citizens and law enforcement officials must remain on high alert.
"We believe that there is a continuing terrorist threat that requires the vigilance of citizens and freedom loving people around the world. We in the United States are encouraging our citizens to continue to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activities," he added.
Ashcroft explained that "the law enforcement community in the United States, including those who are in charge of securing our borders, will be continually attentive to the kinds of situations which resulted in yesterday’s announcement about the dirty bomb plot)."
WRONG ADDRESS
He defended the increased power of law enforcement agencies and suggested that those criticizing him and the Bush administration for limiting civil liberties, were looking at the wrong address.
"It is the terrorists who threaten the liberty, freedom, equality, human dignity and even the existence of humanity," Ashcroft said. "The fight against terrorism is a fight to secure civil liberties." But Mr. Ashcroft has angered human rights watch-dogs who believe that these measures are part of a wider campaign to limit civil freedoms in America and around the world.
They are also concerned about the way suspects are treated, the increased possibilities of US law enforcement officials to monitor citizens–and a controversial new agency for the defence of the homeland.
AGGRESSIVE FIGHT
"Nothing that we have done in any way inferences the civil liberties which we think are extremely important. Frankly we are seeking to defend liberty that is why we have such an aggressive fight against terrorism," Ashcroft countered, adding that the constitution is the best way to guarantee responsible and democratic governance.
The Attorney General made his comments at the Budapest based International Law Enforcement Academy, which was set up by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 1995 to train police forces from Central and Eastern Europe to combat organized crime. FBI agents are also closely working with police in Hungary, which recently set up a special anti terror unit.
US officials expressed concern that the collapse of Communism may result in growing cross border crime, including the smuggle of nuclear materials from the former Soviet Union through bridge countries such as Hungary.
MONEY LAUNDERING
While Mr. Ashcroft praised Hungary for working with the US to tackle these developments, he also made clear that more must be done to stop money laundering in this nation, which has been internationally criticized for its lax banking laws.
"Money laundering and the funding available to terrorist organizations continue to be one of the most serious challenges we face. It is with that in mind that I had the privilege of meeting here with officials not only of the Academy, but of the Government here…," he said.
During his one day visit to Hungary, Ashcroft also urged his audience to think in new ways, but within the rule of law. "I have told my staff to think outside the box, but never outside the Constitution…"
