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DATE=5/1/2000 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE=TERRORISM REPORT (L) NUMBER=2-261872 BYLINE=NICK SIMEONE DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: A new U-S government report says the sources of terrorism are shifting from the Middle East to countries in South Asia, and from politically motivated acts to those inspired by religion and ideology. Correspondent Nick Simeone reports on the State Department's annual survey of terrorism around the world. TEXT: The State Department report identifies South Asia as a new hub of international terrorism, in particular Afghanistan, where the ruling Taleban continues to provide safe haven for Osama Bin Laden, the accused mastermind of two U-S embassy bombings in Africa in 1998. The report also singles out Pakistan for sending what are called mixed messages on terrorism. But, like Afghanistan, Pakistan was not included on the U-S list of terrorist sponsoring nations. Ambassador Michael Sheehan is the Clinton administration's top counter- terrorism coordinator. // SHEEHAN ACT // On the one hand, they'll cooperate with extradition, they provide good security for our embassies, we have a good relationship on a broad range of security issues. But on the other hand, they have relationships both with Kashmiri groups and with the Taleban in Afghanistan that are troubling. // END ACT // Afghanistan wasn't added to the list because Washington does not recognize the Taleban as the country's government. // SECOND SHEEHAN ACT // Although the Taleban, I do not believe, is hostile to the United States, in fact they repeatedly tell me they want good relations with the United States and I believe that to be a sincere desire. However, within the territory that they control, there are numerous terrorist organizations that directly threaten the United States, that directly undermine the security of the region and other parts of the world. // END ACT // In all, the same seven countries that have been on the list of terrorist sponsoring nations since 1993 are still on it - Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria. All remain subject to U-S sanctions. Only one country - Iraq - has ever managed to get off the terrorist list, but was added again after Iraqi troops invaded Kuwait. This year's report, however makes clear a primary goal of U-S anti-terrorist policy is letting governments know exactly what they need to do to be removed from the list. Officials say North Korea has been moving in the right direction by making some positive statements condemning terrorism in all its forms. The report notes Syria as well has taken steps to restrain terrorist leaders based in Damascus. The report says casualties from terrorism fell sharply last year, including among Americans. (SIGNED) NEB/NJS/KBK 01-May-2000 14:32 PM EDT (01-May-2000 1832 UTC) NNNN Source: Voice of America .