EC to discuss anti-terrorism proposals

The European Commission has agreed a package of anti-terrorism proposals that would end extradition proceedings between European Union member states. The proposed legislation would also provide for minimum sentences for those convicted of terrorist offences. An emergency meeting of EU justice ministers is due to discuss the proposals tomorrow.

This comes as US President George W Bush began a round of meetings with world leaders to win backing for what he calls the "war against terrorism". He held talks in Washington with French President, Jacques Chirac, who pledged his support to the US but stopped short of calling it a war.

Although Mr Chirac preferred to use the term "conflict" in his media briefing afterwards, Mr Bush told reporters the world was facing a new kind of war - one without boundaries.

The Bush administration is not disclosing its plans for responding to last week's attacks except to repeat that it will not be solely a military response, but will have diplomatic and financial elements. Opinion polls now show most Americans are now happy to wait until the administration has worked out a detailed response.

Following a meeting at Downing Street, the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister pledged their unequivocal support for the defeat of terrorism. Bertie Ahern and Tony Blair said they were at one mind in their determination to bring those responsible for last week's attacks to justice. The Taoiseach said all terrorism must be brought to an end.

The British Prime Minister has said that international support for action against terrorism is growing. Tony Blair was speaking before he starts his diplomatic mission to try to build a broad coalition against those responsible for the attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon.

Over the next few days, Mr Blair will visit Germany, France and Brussels. He is also to meet President Bush at the White House. Mr Blair said in recent days he had spoken to European, Asian and Arab leaders and they were all united.