Military

DATE=10/08/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-281547

TITLE=E-U REACT / STRIKES (L ONLY)

BYLINE=DOUG BAKSHIAN

DATELINE=LUXEMBOURG

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: European Union foreign ministers (Monday) are strongly backing the U-S military action against terrorist targets in Afghanistan, while also committing aid to help with the humanitarian crisis there. Douglas Bakshian reports from Brussels.

TEXT: An E-U statement declared full solidarity with the United States for, what it called, action taken in self-defense under a key U-N Security Council resolution. The statement says the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11th are an assault on tolerant and democratic multicultural societies.

The E-U says the military actions launched October seventh were carefully targeted and are not an attack against Islam or the people of Afghanistan. The 15 E-U member states affirmed they are ready to act (according to their means) in support of the United States and the E-U remains in close consultation with Washington.

Belgian foreign minister Louis Michel, whose country holds the rotating E-U presidency, says there is no question about the commitment against terrorism.

/// MICHEL ACT ///

Let there be no doubt, no doubt whatsoever, about our resolve to fully and unreservedly play our full part -- and take our responsibility -- in the fight against terrorism.

/// END ACT ///

According to the E-U statement, all information points clearly to the responsibility of Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaida network for the attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center.

The E-U says that Afghanistan's Taleban rulers have refused to take responsibility for handing over those suspected in the attacks so they can be brought to justice. The statement goes on to say the Taleban regime is now facing the consequences of its action.

The E-U says the Afghan people deserve a government that is truly representative of its people and the United Nations should play a role in this process.

The E-U statement also stresses the importance of humanitarian action to combat food shortages and to help the large number of Afghan refugees. The E-U says it has decided to make available more than 280-million dollars to address the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. (Signed)

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