Citysource: London Press Association (Internet Version-WWW)
Language: English
Title: UK: Blair Urges Caution in Second Phase of War on International Terrorism
Subslug:
Report by James Lyons, Political Correspondent, PA News
[FBIS Transcribed Text]
PSD To HTML conversion is important to webmasters because they cannot use the PSD file as it is for their web pages. if you need PSD To HTML conversion service save yourself some time, effort and money and send it in to the professionals. Tony
Blair tonight urged caution over the next phase of the war on
international terrorism. Hawks in President George Bush's administration
have suggested the campaign could be extended to Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, and
even Iraq.
Britain would remain a "very
staunch ally" of the US, the Prime Minister said.
However, Mr Blair added: "As I say whenever it comes to these other countries,
phase two of this operation will involve other actions against international
terrorism but in respect of each there is a process of deliberation and
consideration."
Allies of the US agreed with American defence secretary Donald Rumsfeld
that the job was not complete, he told the BBC World Service.
"Actually what Donald Rumsfeld is saying is exactly what everyone else
is saying which is that because we have shut down the al Qaida network in
Afghanistan it doesn't mean it is shut down around the world," Mr
Blair said.
The Prime Minister also insisted America was committed to the
international stabilisation force, expected to begin deploying in Kabul
within days.
Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon today announced Britain is prepared to lead the
force and commit up to 1,500 troops.
No American soldiers will be taking part but that did not signal differences
between London and Washington over the deployment, Mr Blair said.
"There are two things that people should remember. Firstly
that the Americans committed far greater numbers to the war fighting
capacity," he said.
"Secondly, it is not true to say that the Americans are not supporting,
and by more than mere words, the international force.
"They will be providing a great
deal of the logistical support, the airlift and so on." The
premier also insisted the stabilisation force's separate command structure
would not lead to confusion with the offensive action being spearheaded by
the US in southern Afghanistan.
"There are of course two
distinct missions but there is no doubt at all that CentCom central command
has the authority for the purpose of the interdiction," he said.
[Description
of Source: London Press Association (Internet Version-WWW)
in English -- independent press agency]
Article Id: EUP20011219000501
Document Id: 0gon9xe03yxntl
Insert Date: 12/20/2001
Purge Date: 01/03/2004
Publish Date: 12/19/2001
Publish Region: West Europe
Lines: 84
Document Number: FBIS-WEU-2001-1219
Document Type: Daily Report
Document Title: FBIS Transcribed Text
Document Region: West Europe, The Americas
Document Date: 19 Dec 2001
Division: West Europe, North America
Subdivision: United Kingdom, United States
Sourceline: EUP20011219000501 London Press Association (Internet Version-WWW)
in English 2113 GMT 19 Dec 01
AFS Number: EUP20011219000501
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