Diplomatic Activity
Amsterdam, 4 October 2001
Developments in world politics in the aftermath of the 11th of September disaster are speeding up rapidly at the moment.
Evidence
The Americans and British are producing convincing evidence today that Osama bin Laden is the mastermind behind the attack.
Pakistan
The Pakistani Government have seen the evidence and stated publicly that they think it will hold up in court. It is the first Islamic country that acknowledges these facts and is therefore an important step in the coalition building of the United States.
Nato
Yesterday the Nato Sec. Gen. Lord Robertson declared that the evidence is convincing, that all signs pin point to Osama bin Laden. It means that by agreement of the Nato Charter art. 5 is in full motion. "An attack on one is an attack on all members of Nato."
Palestinian State
Also yesterday, President Bush declared that a Palestinian state has always been a long term vision of the US. The existence of Israel must be respected though.
With his statement President Bush indicated that a peace settlement in the region is possible.
Russia
President Putin of Russia in the mean while takes the opportunity to strengthen its ties with the western alliance. He visited the German Bundestag, the Nato Headquarters and the European Union.
In the Bundestag he pledged in German his full support in the fight against terrorism. He declared that the Cold War is really over and that people have to reset their minds to this new reality. He wants Russia to be a full partner in world politics and he wants to play a constructive role in it.
At Nato headquarters he declared that he has seen enough evidence of his own services to know that Al Qaeda is behind the attack.
European Union
The European Union for its part planned more regulations to fight terrorism within the Union.
Also on the 3de of October the
EU Commission agreed with Russia to step up the Russian entry procedure into the WTO
(World Trade Organisation).
