Britain wants a new, democratic regime established in Afghanistan, a Downing Street spokesman said Monday, adding that impending military strikes could lead to the removal of the Taliban.
"It has always been our intention and our wish to see a democratic regime in Afghanistan," Prime Minister Tony Blair's official spokesman said.
Quoting Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, the spokesman said the US-led riposte being planned by Washington "could lead to the removal of the Taliban regime."
"It is clear that the people in Afghanistan are hugely oppressed by this regime."
Osama bin Laden, the chief suspect for the devastating September 11 suicide plane attacks against New York and Washington, is based in Afghanistan.
The hard-line Islamic Taliban militia, which rules the vast majority of the country, refuses to hand him over, suggesting only that he should voluntarily leave.
"There can scarcely be anyone in the world, including Iran, who doesn't actually understand the complicity of the Taliban... in the most terrible death and destruction that is being caused in Afghanistan, and their association with Osama bin Laden," Straw said earlier.
This was a view shared by Peter Hain, minister of state at the Foreign Office.
"None of us should be under any illusions about Osama bin Laden and the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. His supporters have a proven record of terror and mayhem," said the minister.
"The Taliban regime must be about the most odious regime in the world," he said.
"Their regime is funded largely by the cultivation, production and trafficking of illegal drugs. It prostitutes Islam's ideals and is a self-proclaimed base for terrorists like bin Laden," said Hain.
The Downing Street spokesman said it was clear the Taliban were harboring bin Laden and his al-Qaeda network, and had to "face up to their responsibilities."
"It is very clear from UN resolution 1368 that there is a requirement on the Taliban to deliver bin Laden and those who harbor terrorists will be held accountable."
Asked about possible strikes against Iraq, he said the focus for now was "very much on Afghanistan” -- LONDON (AFP)
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
