European nations reject purported bin Laden truce offer
Key European nations, including Iraq war opponents Germany and France, vigorously rejected a truce offer purportedly from Osama bin Laden, saying there could be no negotiating with his al- Qaida terrorist network.
Many saw the audiotaped offer, broadcast yesterday, as a blatant attempt to drive a wedge between the US and its European allies, exploiting their differences over Iraq. The offer suggested a subtle shift in strategy by the al-Qaida chief, who in the past has directed his bloody campaign against the West in general.
