Military

DATE=10/11/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-281669

TITLE=EGYPT/ BLAIR / MUBARAK (L-O) CQ

BYLINE=GREG LAMOTTE

DATELINE=CAIRO

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

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INTRO: British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak have discussed the war on terrorism and the conflict in the Middle East during talks in Cairo. The two leaders spoke with reporters after their meeting and V-O-A's Greg LaMotte was there.

TEXT: Prime Minister Blair said it was important for the world to fully recognize what he called the "real" purpose of the September 11th attacks in New York and Washington.

/// BLAIR ACT ///

The purpose was to set in train a series of events that would divide people, Arab and Western; divide people Muslim and other faiths; divide people the whole of the world. Our response has got to be to say to these people you will not divide us at this time. We will stand united in out fight to see international terrorism defeated.

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Discussing the military attacks against Taleban military installations and the al-Qaida terrorist network in Afghanistan, Mr. Blair said they must never be viewed as a campaign by Western countries again Islam. He said now is the time for decent people around the world to stand united against terrorism.

In his comments to reporters, President Mubarak said the two leaders agreed that nations should use all means necessary to refrain from providing a safe haven for terrorist organizations.

/// OPT /// The Egyptian president has been critical of Western countries for granting political asylum to Islamic militants who have escaped prison terms in their own countries. Mr. Blair, in response, said Britain is tightening its asylum laws, which he acknowledged "have some gaps." /// END OPT ///

President Mubarak also called for a U-N-sponsored conference on terrorism, which the British prime minister said he supports.

The Egyptian leader also emphasized that without a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian problem the world will never be safe.

/// MUBARAK ACT ///

We are dealing with terrorists in Afghanistan, but without reaching a comprehensive settlement to the problem, I am afraid, this will lead to a very bad future for the whole world and there will be no safety on our planet in the future.

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Mr. Blair expressed his support for a Palestinian state that evolves in a process of negotiation and guarantees the security of Israel. He said no one should doubt the enormous importance of Israelis and Palestinians living side by side as equal partners. (SIGNED)

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