FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          AG
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1997                           (202) 514-2008
                                               TDD (202) 514-1888

         STATEMENT BY ATTORNEY GENERAL JANET RENO ON THE 
                    CREATION OF OPERATION 2006


     WASHINGTON, DC -- Attorney General Janet Reno issued the
following statement regarding the creation of "Operation 2006," a
church-based anti-crime program announced yesterday by the National
Ten Point Leadership Foundation:

     "This new coalition of religious organizations to combat crime
is very good news.  "Operation 2006" is a national effort to
mobilize black churches as partners in the effort to end crime in
some of our most dangerous neighborhoods.  Modeled on Boston's Ten
Point Coalition, it provides just the sort of active involvement
that can make a real difference in reducing crime and giving young
people a future free of violence.  I know how effective the Ten
Point Coalition has been.  I have seen it work.  Reverend Rivers
and his partners in other churches around the country are taking a
very positive step to create safer neighborhoods and a brighter
future for all Americans.  We want to work closely with Operation
2000 and all grassroots efforts to fight crime."  
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