Blair to visit troops in Oman

British Prime Minister Tony Blair is today visiting British troops in the Middle East - after warning other rogue states they could face the same pounding as Afghanistan’s Taliban regime.

‘‘No country is going to be targeted unless there’s evidence they are doing something wrong,’’ Mr Blair told Abu Dhabi TV as he began another hectic diplomatic shuttle mission.

‘‘We have evidence in respect of Afghanistan. The second phase of this is to look at where else terrorists operate.’’

The British Prime Minister’s stark warning was delivered as he embarked on a three-day mission designed to bolster British forces’ morale and strengthen coalition support in the Arab world in the wake of the first waves of military strikes in Afghanistan.

He met United Arab Emirates leader Sheikh Zayed last night in Geneva, Switzerland, before flying on to Oman to visit some of the thousands of UK forces involved in the biggest British military exercise since the Gulf War.

None of them has so far been involved in any action over Afghanistan but Mr Blair’s spokesman said they could be called on if needed.

‘‘The Prime Minister feels it is important that at a time when British forces are in action overseas he signals his support for them and this is a very visible way of doing that,’’ said Mr Blair’s official spokesman.

Mr Blair will meet two further Middle East leaders during his trip but details have not been disclosed by Downing Street for security reasons.

‘‘The purpose of these meetings is to explain why we are taking the action we are, why we feel so strongly about these terrorist acts,’’ Mr Blair said in his TV interview conducted in Geneva.

‘‘It’s important that people understand that when thousands die, including innocent Muslims, then we have to act.’’

The British Prime Minister insisted he had no respect for Osama bin Laden, and stressed bin Laden did not speak for the Palestinian people - a consistent claim from the terrorist leader.

‘‘I do not believe that he had any right to speak for the Palestinian people.

‘‘Palestinians disown this, they do not want his fanaticism any more than they want Taliban fanaticism.’’

‘‘You asked me about respect. I do not respect that (terrorism) but I say to him and those who follow him that the determination to defeat him is total and we shall prevail.’’

After arriving in the Oman capital Mr Blair was travelling to the British forces’ desert HQ at Al Sha’afa where he will have lunch with officers and then address the troops.

They are taking part in exercises Saif Sareea II which has so far involved about 20,000 servicemen and women.

Later tonight Mr Blair will have talks with Oman’s ruler Sultan Qaboos.