Military

DATE=12/11/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-284175

TITLE=POWELL / BLAIR (L ONLY)

BYLINE=TOM RIVERS

DATELINE=LONDON

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Three months, to the minute, after the first plane commandeered by terrorists struck New York's World Trade Center, British Prime Minister Tony Blair today (Tuesday) stood shoulder-to-shoulder with U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell, both vowing to fight terrorism to the end, no matter how long it will take. Tom Rivers reports from London.

TEXT: With the military campaign entering its final stage in Afghanistan and with less than two weeks to go until the interim administration takes control in Kabul, the question of a stabilization force for the war-torn country is being discussed urgently among coalition members. In his remarks (Tuesday), British Prime Minister Blair made clear his country is willing to take a lead role in such a force but he also made clear much needs to be worked out.

/// BLAIR ACT ///

No formal decisions have been taken yet. There are still an immense amount of details to be decided and discussions to be had.

/// END ACT ///

Looking beyond Afghanistan, Secretary of State Colin Powell told reporters that the fight against al-Qaida and other terrorist organizations will continue long after stability comes to Afghanistan.

/// POWELL ACT ///

Al-Qaida is a worldwide organization that is located in dozens of countries, and we won't be finished with our work until every one of those cells is ripped up.

/// END ACT ///

The British leader told reporters that in the months since the terrorist attacks in the United States, the coalition of nations against terrorism has grown stronger.

/// 2nd BLAIR ACT ///

A message has gone out from the civilized world to terrorists everywhere -- we are prepared to act and when we act, we will act effectively.

/// END ACT ///

Both the prime minister and the secretary of state agreed that, while the war against terrorism may be lengthy, they had no doubt it would be won. (Signed)

NEB/TR/KL