Hoon stresses depth of Egyptian-British ties
Egypt-UK, Politics, 11/8/2001

British Secretary of State for Defence Geoffrey Hoon Wednesday asserted the depth of Egyptian-British relations which are constantly growing.

In an interview with "Good Morning Egypt" TV program, Hoon said that his present visit to Egypt comes within the context of sustained consultations between the two sides and also aims at getting acquainted with the Egyptian viewpoint regarding international events.

"He will further study with Egyptian officials means of cooperating in combatting terrorism," he added.

On concern over Israel's exploitation of the situation in Afghanistan to link between the Palestinian resistance and terrorism, and what the coalition could do in support of the Palestinians apart from mere words of encouragement, Hoon said they are doing more than just speak of the Palestinian cause.

"The British Prime Minister has recently visited several countries in the region, has met with President Hosni Mubarak and has stressed that the September 11 events opened a new door of opportunities to give a fresh drive to the peacemaking," he added.

Hoon asserted that the need to halt violence between Israelis and Palestinians and for them to return to the negotiating table.

On the establishment of a Palestinian state, Hoon said when Prime Minister Tony Blair speaks of the importance of setting up a Palestinian State he does not say this for the sake of talking, but he is determined to reach a settlement to the current struggle in the Middle East and encourage parties to resume negotiations provided they succeed in breaking the circle of violence.

As for the length of war against Afghanistan, especially that the Islamic nation wishes it would end before the fasting month of Ramadan, Hoon said it is necessary to move swiftly to realize our military targets in Afghanistan, namely destroying Al-Qaeda group and blocking the support provided to it by Taliban.

"The military operation in Afghanistan was drawn up to combat terrorism and it is illogical to set a certain timing for ending the war," he added.

The targets have been realized in three fields, he said, pointing out to the destruction of terrorism training camps, preventing Taliban from confronting US-led war jets and establishing a position of the ground for the military operations.

Asked whether Osama bin Laden will remain in Afghanistan until he is arrested, Hoon said that Afghanistan is a vast country and they have learnt that he was planning to dig tunnels a few months before the September 11 attacks.

"However, part of the military plan was to tighten the noose around Bin Laden in order to prevent him from seeking other havens," he said.

"At the same time, the opposition Northern Alliance is being encouraged to attack," he added.

He voiced belief that when Bin Laden's shelter has beef defined, the campaign would have succeeded.

Previous Stories:
  Mubarak receives British secretary of State for defense   (11/7/2001)
  Hoon lauds Egypt's role in combating terrorism   (11/7/2001)
  Al Azhar Grand Imam receives British Ambassador   (11/5/2001)

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