US gives Nato evidence of bin Laden's involvement in attacks,

October 02, 2001, SABCnews.com, US gives Nato evidence of bin Laden's involvement in attacks,
16:30,

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The world's most wanted man: Osama bin Laden

The United States has given Nato enough proof that Osama bin Laden was behind the September 11 attacks, setting the stage for the 19-nation alliance to retaliate.

Lord George Robertson, Nato secretary-general has confirmed this at a Nato briefing in Brussels.

"The facts are clear and compelling, " Robertson says.

He says that the evidence has allowed Nato to activate, for the first time in its 52-year history, the mutual defence article of its charter. According to the article all 18 Nato allies will fully support Washington's campaign against international terrorism.

Meanwhile, Britain has warned Afghanistan's ruling Taliban to give up bin Laden or give up their power. Prime Minister Tony Blair has bluntly told Taliban rulers that they can expect military attack for shielding the exiled Saudi millionaire.

Blair says a further aim will be to eliminate bin Laden's military hardware, cut off finances, disrupt supplies and target their troops.

He has addressed his Labour Party's annual congress on the situation in Afghanistan.