The British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, told the House of Commons this morning he had firm evidence Osama bin Laden and his al-Quaeda network planned and carried out the attacks on the US.
He released a document that he said proves bin Laden's guilt. The document says the detailed planning for the September 11th attacks was carried out by one of bin Laden's close associates.
"The attack could not have occurred without the alliance between the Taliban and Osama Bin Laden, which allowed Bin Laden to operate freely in Afghanistan, promoting, planning and executing terrorist activity", the document concludes.
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"There is evidence of a very specific nature relating to the guilt of bin Laden and his associates that is too sensitive to release," it said. It is to be placed in the House of Commons library.
Mr Blair said of the 19 hijackers involved in the attacks, at least three had been positively identified as known associates of bin Laden. One had also played a key role in the east African embassy attacks and the attack on the USS Cole, he said.
Mr Blair told parliament the time was approaching for military and humanitarian action following last month's attacks. "We are now approaching the difficult time when action is taken," said Mr Blair.
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Britain's Royal Marines training in Cyprus this week before heading for further military exercises with British and German forces in Oman
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"If we take the right military action, if we combine it with the right humanitarian assistance and we build the right political and diplomatic coalition, then that is not just the best chance of succeeding, but the best chance of winning the greatest degree possible of support right across the world," Mr Blair said.
"We will do what we can to minimise the suffering of the Afghan people as a result of the conflict".
Mr Blair has said any military action would be launched not just against the network of Osama bin Laden but against the Taliban rulers of Afghanistan who are believed to be harbouring the Saudi-born militant.
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