LONDON (dpa) – Countries all over the world have vowed to help the United States in the battle against terrorism, but some have cautioned against a hasty response. Most of Europe stood silent for three minutes Friday to mourn the victims of Tuesday’s terrorist attacks.
London traffic ground to a standstill as the Big Ben bell struck the appointed hour. In France, the bells of Notre Dame cathedral rang out across Paris, then fill silent at noon. Similar gestures took place in capitals across the continent.
In London, Prime Minister Tony Blair said Britain fully supports United States efforts to bring everyone responsible to justice. However, Mr. Blair said any response will have to be based on hard evidence.
French President Jacques Chirac said France stands in total solidarity with the American people, but Prime Minister Lionel Jospin cautioned against getting involved in a conflict between the western world and the Islamic world.
Both Mr. Jospin and Belgian Foreign Minister Louis Michel took issue with statements by President Bush that the United States is at war as a result of the attacks. Mr. Michel said the European Union is on watch and mobilized but said, “we are not at war.”
