Pakistan's military ruler Preisdent Pervez Musharraf says he will allow the use of Pakistani air space and provide intelligence and logistical support if there is any military action against accused terrorist Osama bin Laden, who is hiding in Afghanistan.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair in Islamabad, General Musharraf also said he is convinced by evidence linking Mr. bin Laden to the September 11th attacks in the United States.
Mr. Blair said any military response to the terrorist attacks would be proportionate and targeted -- not directed against the people of Afghanistan. He added that Britain and other countries will provide millions of dollars to Pakistan to help cope with the potential influx of Afghan refugees.
The British leader is now in New Delhi, last stop of his travels to Russia and South Asia to gain support for any U-S-led military action against accused terrorists in Afghanistan. Mr. Blair will take up this topic in meetings with Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.
Before going to Pakistan, Mr. Blair was in Moscow, where he praised Russian President Vladmir Putin for what he called the immense importance of Moscow's support.