Blair: Stand firm with U.S. on terror
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Blair: "Not the time to waver"
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BIRMINGHAM, England -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair says the deadly weekend bombings at two synagogues in Turkey have hardened his determination to defeat international terrorism.
"This is the right moment for us to stand firm with the United States in defeating terrorism wherever it is and delivering us safely from what I believe to be the security threat of the 21st century," Blair told business leaders in Birmingham Monday.
"Now is not the time to waver, now is the time to see it through."
Saturday's bombings in Istanbul killed at least 24 people and injured 300 others.
Blair addressed the Confederation of British Industry one day before U.S. President George W. Bush arrives in Britain for a state visit.
Blair said he stands by the decision to invite Bush despite the threat of anti-war protests. Tens of thousands of protesters are expected to take to the streets this week. (Full story)
On Friday, Bush said he was ready for the demonstrations and praised Blair as a "smart, capable, trustworthy friend."
Blair promised business leaders Monday he would raise complaints about U.S. steel tariffs when he meets Bush, but he stressed the importance of the trade relationship between the two countries.
