8 - 14 November 2001
Issue No.559
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 8 - 14 November 2001 Issue No.559 |
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Britain's position
During his visit to Cairo, British Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon denied that the war against Afghanistan was a war against Islam and pledged that Britain will not let terrorists operate on its soil. Amira Ibrahim reports
On Tuesday, Egypt and Britain discussed ways of promoting their military cooperation and exchanged views on the anti- terror campaign led by America.
For and against: (above) A Muslim Kashmiri separatist protests the US-led bombing in Afghanistan in Srinagar, India; (below) Northern Alliance fighters on the frontline have welcomed the heavy US bombardment and claim that they are close to advancing on Kabul (photos: AP, AFP)
British Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon said after a meeting with President Hosni Mubarak on Tuesday that his visit was aimed at explaining UK policy to Egypt, particularly British support for the US strikes against Afghanistan.
Hoon also met Egypt's Defence Minister Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi and Chief-of-Staff Lieutentant- General Hamdi Wheiba in order to discuss military cooperation.
At a news conference at the British ambassador's residence, Hoon called for further precise strikes on Taliban military targets in Afghanistan. "I spoke to President Mubarak about the need to continue to pressurise the Taliban regime by targeting very precisely their military forces and military installations," he said.
Hoon specified three main aims for the strikes. "To destroy the Al-Qa'ida network, carry out operations of less risk to our troops and stop Taliban support of Al-Qa'ida. So far, the strikes [have] proved a success," he said.
Hoon also dismissed reports of increased civilian casualties in the cities of Afghanistan. "We basically concentrate on the military," Hoon said, before adding "Afghan civilians, in large numbers, deserted the country before the September attacks due to the unjust practices of the Taliban."
Hoon intimated that the war against the Taliban would end quickly if Osama Bin Laden were handed over. "It is up to the Taliban to hand over Osama Bin Laden and the war will soon end," he said.
Hoon rejected accusations that the war against Afghanistan is a war against Islam, not terror. "The great majority of our recent coalition operations have been in defence of Islam, and certainly in defence of Muslim minorities in recent times," Hoon said.
He recalled British participation in the coalition, also led by the US, put together to expel Iraq from Kuwait after its invasion in 1991.
"Our soldiers also fought to defend Muslim minorities in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s," he added.
Asked if he was satisfied with Egyptian support for the anti- terror campaign, Hoon replied: "Egypt is a strong supporter of the campaign. We do not need military support. But in other ways, it has cooperated with us." Hoon praised the role Egypt plays in sharing intelligence on terrorist groups and helping to cut their financing.
"The 11 September attacks are part of the long history of international terrorism," he said. "Both Egypt and Britain have suffered from it and we are determined to confront it," he added.
Hoon also pledged that Britain would not allow terrorists to operate from within its borders. "We do not provide shelter to terrorists. And we will not allow any one to abuse our laws," Hoon said. In the past, Egypt has accused Britain of granting sanctuary to Egyptians convicted of militant acts on Egyptian soil.
Asked about Prime Minister Tony Blair's recent visit to the Middle East, Hoon said Blair discussed ways of getting Palestinians and Israelis back to the negotiating table with Mubarak, a step seen as vital to defusing Arab charges of double- standards in Western policy.
"We are determined to play our part in putting pressure on both sides to get back to the table. We recognise that a prerequisite is breaking the present cycle of violence," he added.
Hoon also recalled that Blair has expressed support for a Palestinian state several times.
Hoon revealed that he would communicate a message from Mubarak to Blair on the Middle East peace process, before the British prime minister's meeting with US President George Bush in Washington, which took place yesterday.
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