Afghan campaign lacks good intelligence says Musharraf

Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf said today that the objectives of a military campaign in Afghanistan could be met…

Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf said today that the objectives of a military campaign in Afghanistan could be met quickly once intelligence improved.

President Musharraf also said his country would remain part of a broad coalition against terror as long as it took to seek out Osama bin Laden and dismantle his network.

"What is missing is accurate intelligence which is delaying the issue," President Musharraf told reporters after an hour of talks with British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair.

"The moment accurate intelligence is available I am sure the operation can be curtailed to a minimum."

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President Musharraf and Mr Blair skated over a disagreement about bombing Afghanistan during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Earlier today, in Paris, President Musharraf said he would try to persuade US President George W. Bush to suspend the bombing during Ramadan.

"It is being perceived in the whole world . . . as if this were a war against the poor, miserable and innocent people of Afghanistan", Mr Musharraf told a news conference after talks with French leaders in Paris.

However, following his meeting with the British Prime Minister, President Musharraf confirmed that Pakistan would be remaining in the coalition.

"We will remain part of the coalition until the attainment of the strategic objectives that we have set for ourselves," President Musharraf said with Mr Blair standing at his side in his Downing Street home.