    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [October 8, 1997]
    [Page 1322]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1322]]

    Statement on Action Against Terrorist Organizations
    October 8, 1997

        Last year I signed into law the Antiterrorism and Effective Death
    Penalty Act. It authorizes the Secretary of State, in consultation with
    the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General, to designate an
    organization that engages in terrorist activity a foreign terrorist
    organization if it threatens the national security of the United States.
    The law prevents any fundraising or other financial transactions by
    these groups in the U.S. Heavy criminal penalties will also be levied
    against individuals in the United States who provide material support or
    resources to these terrorist organizations. Together, these provisions
    will help deprive terrorist groups of the resources they need to finance
    their acts of destruction.
        Today Secretary Albright has designated 30 foreign organizations as
    terrorist groups. Now we will work to uncover those who raise money for
    them in America and encourage our friends and allies to do the same
    within their own borders.
        The Secretary's designations are part of our ongoing fight against
    those who would undermine freedom and prosperity by violent acts. Just
    as we must reward and encourage the builders of peace and democracy, we
    must give no quarter to the enemies of these aspirations. Today's action
    sends a clear message: The path to change is through dialog and open
    deliberation, not violence and hatred. The United States is committed to
    fight against those who speak the language of terror.

    Note: The designation of foreign terrorist organizations was published
    in the Federal Register on October 8 (62 FR 52650).