Bin Laden's offer of truce fails to turn Europe against US

European leaders flatly rejected yesterday the "truce" offered by Osama bin Laden, al-Qa'ida's leader, in exchange for the withdrawal of their countries' troops from Iraq.

The message came as many nations were under intense pressure over their support for the occupation of Iraq. The execution of an Italian private security contractor on Wednesday by Iraqi insurgents and the kidnapping of Japanese civilians has added to an already vociferous debate in those, and other, countries about the future of their forces in Iraq.

The statement by the al-Qa'ida leader was an apparent attempt to drive a wedge between America and those European countries, including Britain, that have supported the Bush administration's invasion and occupation of Iraq. It represents the first time bin Laden has offered such a truce.

The Italian administration remained resolute. "It's unthinkable that we may open a negotiation with bin Laden; everybody understands this." Franco Frattini, the Foreign Minister, said.

Jack Straw, the British Foreign Secretary, said the al-Qa'ida leader's offer should be treated with contempt. "This is a murderous organisation which seeks impossible objectives by the most violent of means and has said ... that whilst we love life they love death. I'm afraid that it is yet another bare-faced attempt to divide the international community. It cannot and will not succeed because everybody knows that there is only one side on which the international community can be in the fight against terrorism."

In Spain, the incoming Foreign Minister, Miguel Angel Moratinos, said: "We don't have to listen to or answer [the tape]." A German government spokesman said: "There can be no negotiations with terrorists and serious criminals like Osama bin Laden."

Poland also dismissed the offer while the French President, Jacques Chirac, said his country would not negotiate with al-Qa'ida. "There can be no possible bargaining with terrorists. Nothing can justify terrorism and, on that basis, nothing can allow any discussion with terrorists," he said.

In an audiotape recording broadcast by the Arabic news channel al-Jazeera, bin Laden said his offer would last three months and a truce would begin once troops had left. "I announce a truce with the European countries that do not attack Muslim countries," he said on the tape, authenticated yesterday by the CIA. "It is in both sides' interest to curb the plans of those who shed the blood of peoples for their narrow personal interest and subservience to the White House gang. Stop spilling our blood so we can stop spilling your blood."

The tape's existence reveals that he has sufficient resources to make the recording and have his couriers deliver it to al-Jazeera. Peter Bergen, a terrorism analyst, told CNN: "Firstly it proves that he is alive ... This is the first time he has offered a truce to anyone. It implies that he has political-strategic goals, especially after what happened in Madrid. Maybe he feels this is something he can do."

Experts said Bin Laden, believed to be somewhere on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border where he is being pursued in a US-led operation, was trying to tap into widespread European opposition to the war in Iraq.

Bin Laden also referred to last month's train bomb attacks in Madrid and the defeat of Spain's ruling party. He added: "The real problem is the occupation of Palestine. We vow to take revenge for the killing of Sheikh Yassin.'' Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, 67, was killed by Israeli forces last month.

'Stop shedding our blood to preserve your blood. It is in your hands'

Edited text from the tape from Osama bin Laden broadcast by al-Jazeera

"This is a message to our neighbours north of the Mediterranean.

Peace upon those who followed the right path. The greatest rule of safety is justice, and stopping injustice and aggression. The situation in occupied Palestine is an example. What happened on 11 September [2001] and 11 March [the Madrid train bombings] is your commodity that was returned to you.

The act that horrified the world; that is, the killing of the old, handicapped [Hamas spiritual leader] Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, may God have mercy on him, is sufficient evidence. We pledge to God that we will punish America for him.

Which religion considers your killed ones innocent and our killed ones worthless? Reciprocal treatment is fair and the one who starts injustice bears greater blame.

As for your politicians and those who have followed their path, who insist on ignoring the real problem of occupying Palestine and exaggerate lies and falsification regarding our right in defence and resistance, they do not respect themselves. The Zionist lobby is one of the most dangerous and most difficult figures.

I ask honest people, ulema [senior Islamic figures], preachers and merchants, to form a permanent committee to enlighten European peoples of the justice of our causes, above all, Palestine.

The door of reconciliation is open for three months of the date of announcing this. I also offer ... our commitment to stopping operations against every country that commits itself to not attacking Muslims or interfering in their affairs. The reconciliation will start with the departure of its last soldier from our country.

For those who reject reconciliation and want war, we are ready. Peace be upon those who follow guidance.