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| [00:05.51]The Clinton administration has declared the disease AIDS a threat to the national security of the United States. [00:14.92]White House officials say they hope the action will help build support for programs to fight the disease around the world. [00:24.76]Administration officials say the worldwide spread of AIDS is an especially serious security threat in developing countries. [00:35.24]They say the AIDS crisis could affect democratic and economic development and lead to tensions that could result in wars. [00:46.37]They say these problems could increase the chances of American intervention. [00:51.98]A disease has never before been listed as a national security threat. [00:59.27]But administration officials say AIDS is just one of several serious threats to American interests in the new century. [01:09.15]The others include the illegal drug trade, organized crime and terrorism. [01:16.38]The United Nations AIDS program says about 34,000,000 people are believed to be infected with H-I-V, the virus that causes AIDS. [01:30.78]Most of them are in poor countries. [01:33.13]In twentyone countries, more than 10% of adults are infected with the AIDS virus. [01:40.86]A recent American intelligence report says up to 25% of the population in southern African nations is at risk of dying from AIDS. [01:53.27]More than 20,000,000 people are believed to be infected with H-I-V in southern Africa. [02:00.97]H-I-V infection levels also are increasing in India and other South Asian nations, [02:09.04]as well as countries of the former Soviet Union and eastern Europe. [02:13.98]More than 13, 000, 000 people have died from the disease during the past twenty years. [02:21.32]The report says the large number of people dying from AIDS [02:27.62]could weaken poor countries because there would be fewer people able to work. [02:33.81]Many children are growing up without parents. [02:38.22]And armies could be affected by the high infection rates among soldiers. [02:44.34]The report says these conditions could cause tensions among ethnic groups and lead to the failure of some governments. [02:54.39]The Clinton administration says AIDS is no longer just a worldwide medical problem. [03:03.12]It is a problem that also involves economics and security'. [03:11.06]The administration is requesting more than 250,000,000 dollars from Congress this year [03:18.16]to try to slow the spread of the disease around the world. [03:22.53]The administration wants more money for research to develop a vaccine to prevent AIDS. [03:30.13]And Mister Clinton has ordered an easing of restrictions to make AIDS drugs less costly and easier to get in African nations. [03:40.89]Federal health officials praised Mister Clinton's decision to declare AIDS a threat to national security. [03:49.49]Some health officials suggest more countries should do the same. [03:54.68]However, they say much more money is needed in the" fight against AIDS. [04:00.72]White House officials say President Clinton will appeal for joint action against AIDS |
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