UPDATE: Europe Tells Osama "No Deal"
This is CNN:European politicians have ruled out negotiations with Osama bin Laden after a tape that the CIA says is likely to be the al Qaeda leader offered a truce to European nations if they pulled troops out of Muslim countries.
"It is completely unthinkable that we could start negotiations with bin Laden. Everyone understands that," Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini told reporters.
European Commission President Romano Prodi said there could be no negotiating under a "terrorist threat."
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In Britain, the Foreign Office said there was no proof the voice on the tape was bin Laden. However, the message was being taken seriously.
"We can't negotiate with al Qaeda," a spokesman said. "Their attacks are against the very idea of co-existence and conflict is their raison d'etre.
"To hide in the face of the threat is not an answer. The right response is to continue to confront terrorism not give in to its demands."
French President Jacques Chirac, during a visit to Algeria, said: "There can be no possible bargaining with terrorists."
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A German government spokesman said the country would not negotiate with "criminals" like bin Laden.
"There will be no negotiations with terrorists and serious criminals like Osama bin Laden. The international community must continue the fight against international terrorism together. Germany will continue to contribute to that," the spokesman said.
Matt's Chat
How about that...I was wrong...nobody caved. There may yet be hope for Europe.Mark's Remarks
I still do not trust the Germans or French. Remember for the last 12 years, they have said they were on our side against Hussein, and what do we find? Many in their governments were taking illegal deals and working with Saddam.....I still do not trust them and I think Chirac and Schroeder are putting in calls to the UBL cave.
