Military

DATE=11/08/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BRITAIN / AFGHAN DIPLOMACY (L-UPD)

NUMBER=2-282875

BYLINE=MICHAEL DRUDGE

DATELINE=LONDON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

////// UPDATES CN-2-282862 //////

INTRO: Pakistani leader Pervez Musharraf says the anti-terrorism coalition needs better intelligence to speed up its military campaign in Afghanistan. General Musharraf raised the issue after meeting British Prime Minister Tony Blair in London. We get more from V-O-A's Michael Drudge.

TEXT: General Musharraf held an hour-long meeting with Prime Minister Blair and told reporters afterward that Pakistan is firmly committed to the anti-terrorism campaign in Afghanistan.

/// MUSHARRAF ACT ///

Pakistan has taken a very deliberate, considered decision to be a part of the coalition, and let me say with total conviction that we will remain a part of the coalition till the attainment of the strategic objectives that we have set for ourselves.

/// END ACT ///

The Pakistani leader repeated his wish that the fighting end as soon as possible, and he said better intelligence would hasten that objective.

Earlier, Jordan's King Abdullah met Prime Minister Blair and said he fully agrees with the objectives of the U-S-led anti-terrorism coalition.

The king told Mr. Blair he is grateful for the British leader's diplomatic travels on behalf of the coalition.

/// ABDULLAH ACT ///

We see eye-to-eye on all issues. Particularly we have been very proud of your efforts and your travels throughout the Middle East and the Islamic world to clarify the West's position that this is not a struggle between the West and Islam.

/// END ACT ///

King Abdullah said Islamic terrorists have, as he put, "hijacked Islam for their own destructive ends."

In a speech to the British Parliament before meeting Mr. Blair, King Abdullah said the coalition against terrorism also has a "unique opportunity" to help settle the Middle East conflict. (SIGNED)

NEB/MWD/KL/RAE