1.
SCU Mr Bassam, PFLP spokesman sitting in his office
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2.
SCU Books and papers on desk
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3.
SV Mr Bassam speaks "So tell us..." OUT:"...go back safely".
1.34


Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine spokesman Mr. Bassam talking to reporter.



REPORTER: "So tell us about this Tel Aviv attack."



BASSAM: "The Patrick Arguillo Group who have executed the various scene operation at the Lod Airport was carrying an operation which was a continuation of the PFLP's operations. Probably it was big, sensational, that's why it attracted all the attention. But it is a continuation for the Popular Front's line of attacking the enemy wherever it hurts most to our enemy. This is what we've done. All lights were focused on the three Japanese who were part of the operation and not the whole operation. There Japanese comrades were shooting in the arrival lounge while we had five Palestinian comrades shooting outside. The actually attacked the 'plane....the EL AL 'plane that was in the airport at that time. They attacked the parking lot in the Lod Airport and they attacked the Customs Department while going into the airport. The five Palestinian comrades managed to go back safely."




Initials SGM/2140 SGM/2147


This film shows an English interview with Mr Bassam

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: A spokesmen for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine claimed in Beirut on Friday (June 2) that Palestine commandos had taken part in the fatal shooting raid at Tel Aviv airport on Tuesday (May 30), when 26 people died and 72 were wounded, one fatally.

The spokesman, identified by Visnews cameraman Paul Nazarian as a Mr. Bassam, said that while the three Japanese gunmen were shooting at crowds inside the customs hall, five Arab commandos were making an armed attack on an El Al aircraft parked on the tarmac outside. They also attacked the parking let and the customs department, he said in an interview in Beirut.

The claim, however, has not been substantiated by any other source.

SYNOPSIS: The Tel Aviv airport massacre....a spokesmen for the popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine claimed on Friday that Palestine commandos took part in the raid. While the Japanese raiders shot at crowds in inside the Customs hall, Arab commandos staged an armed attack OUTSIDE, he said.