US attack on Afghanistan: what Europe’s leaders said

Date: 11/10/01

EU LEADERS were unanimous in supporting the attacks launched by America and Britain on 7 October, aimed at destroying Osama bin Laden's Al-Qa'eda terrorist network and destabilising the hard-line Taliban regime that protects him.

Many promised to give military support if asked, though some sounded a note of caution, stressing that military action must be focused and backed-up with aid for ordinary Afghans.

Commission President Romano Prodi said: "At this difficult, solemn and dramatic moment all Europe stands steadfast with the United States and its coalition allies to pursue the fight against terrorism."

Belgian Prime Minister and holder of the rotating EU presidency Guy Verhofstadt: "The presidency of the European Union wishes to... reaffirm its entire solidarity with the United States, the United Kingdom and the other countries engaged in these operations."

Belgian Foreign Minister Louis Michel: "I can only express the hope that American sobriety and prudence will continue." EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana: "Military action led by the US against supporters of terrorism in Afghanistan is legitimate and has our full and undivided support. The EU has no quarrel with the Afghan people."

British Prime Minister Tony Blair: "[The Taliban] were given their choice of siding with justice or siding with terror and they chose to side with terror. We waited so that those responsible could be yielded-up by those shielding them. That offer was refused."

German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder: "There is no alternative to this struggle, which we must win and will win." French President Jacques Chirac: "We will assume our role in the spirit of solidarity and responsibility. The fight against terrorism is complex and without mercy."

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi: "Italy is by the side of the United States and all who are committed to the battle against terrorism." Spanish Prime Minister José Maria Aznar: "We have provided logistical support and the use of military installations. Spain is prepared to keep on contributing, in both material and personnel terms."

Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis: "The response should be concentrated on specific targets. I hope that there will be no or few victims among the civilian population."

Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern: "This is a legitimate action by the US in self-defence under the UN charter. And I support their efforts." Swedish Prime Minister Göran Persson: "We will now be keeping a close watch on whatever those who are bombing Kabul are doing."

Danish Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen: "The Danish government fully supports the action, which is necessary. There are always major risks involved with actions of this type. But to do nothing would be even more dangerous."

Portuguese Prime Minister António Guterres: "The government's main concern is, in complete solidarity with its allies and the USA, to create the security conditions which will enable us to ensure the effects are as small as possible both economically, and in terms of society and of people's well-being." Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok: "We deeply regret that this situation has occurred but fully support the action."

And Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski said: "Together with our allies we have to face this human plague which is terrorism."

EU leaders were unanimous in supporting the attacks launched by America and Britain on 7 October 2001, aimed at destroying Osama bin Laden's Al-Qa'eda terrorist network and destabilising the hard-line Taliban regime that protects him.