Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi renewed his country's resolve to help defeat the "scourge of international terrorism" British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Tuesday.
"I have just spoken now to the Japanese Prime Minister who in common with all G8 leaders is determined that his country should play its part in defeating this scourge of international terrorism," Blair told a press conference.
The Group of Eight major countries groups Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Russia and the United States as well as Japan and Britain.
Blair warned that military conflict was inevitable unless Afghanistan's ruling Taliban handed over terrorist Osama bin Laden.
He also said he had spoken by phone with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and President Vladimir Putin of Russia.
A Japanese spokesman said earlier Tuesday that although Japan may give logistical support to the United States in its campaign against terrorists they will not venture near any fighting.
The Japanese constitution does not allow the use of force to resolve international conflicts.
The United States, strongly supported by Britain, has demanded bin Laden should be handed over following the September 11 terror attacks in America in which thousands were killed -- LONDON (AFP)
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