Blair puts Taliban on notice

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, OCT. 5. The British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair, who has emerged as the leading campaigner for the United States in its fight against international terrorism, today along with the Pakistan President, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, put the Taliban on notice to either hand over the Saudi dissident, Osama bin Laden, or be prepared to face the consequences, which could include the demise of the militia.

Mr. Blair, who flew in here for a four-hour `working visit' from Moscow, declared in the presence of Gen. Musharraf, after a 90- minute meeting with him at the Aiwan-e-Sadar (Presidential palace), that there was ``overwhelming and compelling'' evidence of Osama's direct involvement in the September 11 attacks on the U.S.

In his comments to a select group of correspondents, Mr. Blair said ``the Taliban has a choice. Either it yields on the demand of Osama or becomes part of the people shielding Osama. In such a case, the Taliban would be our legitimate enemy.''

Leaving none in doubt that the U.S. and its allies would work for the replacement of the Taliban if it refused to hand over Osama, he said the international community recognised the valid involvement of Pakistan in the search for a regime to succeed the militia.

Gen. Musharraf echoed the sentiments of Mr. Blair on the evidence leading to the involvement of Osama in the September 11 strikes but maintained that Pakistan would not ``stand in judgment on the details.'' In response to a question, he admitted that in the course of their talks, they had discussed the ``future of Afghanistan and we did take into account all possibilities.''

Declining to go into the details of possible military action against the Taliban, the General said Pakistan had agreed to co- operate in information and intelligence-sharing and the use of its air space and logistic support.

Mr. Blair emphasised that a response to the September 11 incidents was not aimed against the people of Afghanistan. ``Let me say still less Islam. Islam is a peaceful religion and a vast majority of Muslims is outraged at the September 11 incidents. It is not a crime against the West but against humanity.''

If the Taliban collapsed, the new set-up should be broadbased and representative of all the ethnic groups, including the Pashtuns, he said. ``We believe Pakistan has a valid interest in the future set-up of Afghanistan.''

Britain and Pakistan have come together under extraordinary circumstances. Ever since the military coup of October 1999, the United Kingdom has been engaged in a slanging match with the Musharraf regime. But today, Mr. Blair declared the revival of the U.K.-Pakistan defence co-operation and pledged his full support for debt reduction and budgetary programmes of the Musharraf Government. He also promised all help for the Afghan refugees.

``September 11 has changed the world. Pakistan has made the right choice. Result would be good for the international community and Pakistan. Let me assure you we will not walk away. Neither would others. Now is the time for us to use our friendship.''

Islamabad rolled out the red carpet for Mr. Blair who was received at the Chaklala military airbase by the Pakistan Foreign Minister, Mr. Abdul Sattar. After the discussions, Gen. Musharraf hosted a dinner and Mr. Blair left for New Delhi.

Earlier, the Taliban said it was prepared to put Osama on trial in an Afghan court if the U.S. provided solid evidence against him. The Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan, Mullah Abdul Salam Zaeef, said here ``we are prepared to try him if America provides solid evidence of Osama bin Laden's involvement in the attacks in New York and Washington.'' On whether the Taliban would allow the trial in another country, he said: ``We are willing to talk about that, but first we must be given the evidence.''

``If America is not satisfied with our trial of Osama, we are also ready to find another Islamic way of trying him,'' the Afghan Islamic Press quoted Mullah Zaeef as saying.

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