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DATE=10/5/1999 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE=U-S - SAUDI BOMBING (L-ONLY) NUMBER=2-254684 BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: The United States is deporting to Saudi Arabia a suspect in the 1996 bombing of a U-S military base there that killed 19 American servicemen. At the same time, U-S officials say they will continue their investigation into the incident until those responsible are brought to justice. Correspondent Deborah Tate reports from the White House. TEXT: In its decision to deport Hani Abdel Rahim al- Sayegh, the U.S. Justice Department says it lacks sufficient evidence to prosecute him. Mr. Al-Sayegh, a Saudi dissident, was turned over to U-S officials two years ago by authorities in Canada, where he had fled seeking asylum. Saudi intelligence officials have said Mr. Al-Sayegh played a role in directing a bomb-laden truck to the Khobar Towers military housing complex in Dhahran shortly before the blast. The suspect himself initially suggested he was involved in the bombing, but later changed his testimony, saying he had no information about the case. U-S officials argue he failed to abide by a plea agreement with the Justice Department -- a point underscored by White House spokesman Joe Lockhart: /// FIRST LOCKHART ACT /// He was given every opportunity to fulfill the first agreement he made with the United States, and to cooperate in this case, and that is an opportunity he lost. /// END ACT /// The New York Times (newspaper) quotes unnamed U-S officials as saying the Saudi government believes it has enough evidence to move forward with the prosecution of Mr. Al-Sayegh. But the suspect, according to the report, has been fighting the deportation on grounds his life would be seriously threatened if he returns to his homeland. An Administration official is quoted as saying Washington has received assurances from the Saudi government that Mr. Al-Sayegh would not be tortured on his return, but he says there are no assurances about what would happen if he is convicted. Meanwhile, White House spokesman Lockhart says the Justice Department decision in no way signals that Washington is abandoning its probe of the bombing. /// SECOND LOCKHART ACT /// These things take time, but we will not relent until we believe that the people who are responsible are brought to justice. /// END ACT /// As part of that effort, the United States is seeking the assistance of Iran. Last week, the administration confirmed President Clinton sent a letter to Iranian President Mohammad Khatami requesting help in finding those responsible. The request -- which officials say could lead to a warming of U-S -Iranian ties -- was based in part on intelligence reports linking the bombing to several Saudi men who have taken refuge in Iran. Iranian officials have confirmed the U-S request, but deny their government was behind the bombing. (Signed) NEB/DAT/WTW 05-Oct-1999 15:56 PM EDT (05-Oct-1999 1956 UTC) NNNN Source: Voice of America .