Europe stands firm with the United States in the fight against terrorism, European Commission President Mr Romano Prodi said this evening.
"At this difficult, solemn and dramatic moment, all Europe stands steadfast with the United States and its coalition allies to pursue the fight against terrorism," the head of the European Union's executive body said in a statement issued in response to US and British air strikes on Afghanistan.
"We are united, and will remain united, in this struggle against those who attack the very foundations of civilisation," Mr Prodi said. "Our fight is not against religions or peoples. "
He said he had asked European External Relations Commissioner Mr Chris Patten immediately to co-ordinate the European Commission's humanitarian response in the region.
"Our assistance is already being mobilised to provide help to those who may be the innocent victims of this situation and to refugees escaping from the military action," he said.
"This is a moment for unity. The international community stands in solidarity in this struggle, resolved to build a future of peace and development for all peoples on Earth," Mr Prodi added.
Earlier Belgium's domestic Belga news agency reported that US President Mr Bush gave advance word to the European Union that US-led forces would carry out the attacks.
It said Bush had contacted EU foreign policy high representative Mr Javier Solana the attacks would go ahead, and that Mr Solana relayed the message this afternoon to the Belgian government.
Brussels is home to NATO and to the main institutions of the European Union.
NATO is also reported to expressed full solidarity with the United States in its fight against global terrorism along with the EU.
AFP and