Spokesman Ari Fleischer denied that the primary goal of US policy was to oust the Taliban but said: "If removing anybody protects the American people and protects people around the world from terrorism, then the goals will have been accomplished."
He also dismissed the Taliban's requests for evidence linking bin Laden to attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon that left thousands dead, saying there would be "no discussions and no negotiations."
His comments came hours after US President George W. Bush, vowing that "justice will be done," issued an ultimatum to the Taliban that it must turn over bin Laden or face the United States' wrath in a coming global war on terrorism.
"If they harbor terrorists, the president's message is clear: We will defeat you," echoed Fleischer.
Asked whether that meant no further contacts with the Taliban, he said: "There will be diplomatic efforts brought to bear to create pressure around the world for those who harbor terrorism in a number of ways, but don't mistake the two."
Bush, in a rare speech to a joint session of the US Congress late Thursday, identified bin Laden as the prime suspect for the attacks and demanded that the Taliban "immediately" turn him over.
"The Taliban must act and act immediately. They will hand over the terrorists, or they will share in their fate," he said.
The militia promptly retorted that it was not prepared to turn bin Laden over to the United States, which was deploying air, sea and ground troops to within striking distance of Afghanistan, unless Washington furnishes proof.
"Without evidence, no," Taliban Ambassador to Pakistan Abdul Salam Zaeef told reporters in Islamabad. "Our position is that if America has evidence and proof, they should produce it."
Fleischer reiterated that bin Laden, who occupies a top spot on the FBI's 10 most wanted list, is already sought by US authorities for 1998 bombings that killed hundreds at US embassies in Tanzania and Kenya.
He also renewed Washington's charge that bin Laden, a Saudi-born militant who has been the Taliban's "guest" since 1996, was behind the 2000 suicide bombing that killed 17 sailors aboard the USS Cole off the coast of Yemen -- WASHINGTON (AFP)
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
