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DATE=12/28/1999 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE=SEATTLE CELEBRATION CANCELED (S-L) NUMBER=2-257573 BYLINE=MIKE O'SULLIVAN DATELINE=LOS ANGELES CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: The mayor of Seattle has canceled a planned New Year's Eve celebration, citing safety concerns. Seattle was the scene of protests this month over an international trade meeting, and a suspected terrorist was recently arrested near the city. V-O-A's Mike O'Sullivan has more from our West Coast bureau. TEXT: Up to 50-thousand people were expected to attend the open-air celebration at Seattle's famed Space Needle. In cancelling the event, Mayor Paul Schell said -- while there are no specific threats against the city -- security officials cannot rule out Seattle as a terrorist target. City Councilwoman Sue Donaldson supports the mayor's decision. /// DONALDSON ACT /// We decided that it was unwise to encourage people to come to Seattle center to have a crowd that could be a potential target. /// END ACT /// Early this month, Seattle police arrested more than 500 protesters in violent street demonstrations surrounding the World Trade Organization meeting. Last week, an Algerian man was charged in Seattle with bringing explosive materials from neighboring Canada. /// REST OPT for long /// In remarks to reporters Tuesday, Mayor Paul Schell said Seattle will still celebrate the New Year, but without a massive downtown celebration. /// OPT SCHELL ACT /// We are, in this city, trying to focus on the core values of our community of volunteerism, celebrating diversity, being good stewards of the natural environment. /// END OPT -- END ACT /// Afternoon concerts and a circus performance will go ahead as planned Friday, and New Year's Eve fireworks display at Seattle's Space Needle will be seen through much of the city. (Signed) NEB/PT 28-Dec-1999 15:23 PM EDT (28-Dec-1999 2023 UTC) NNNN Source: Voice of America .