Government denies pledge of support for US anti-terror campaign

The government on Thursday denied reports that it had offered logistical support to the US for operations against those held responsible for last week's terror attacks on New York and Washington, news agencies reported.

Foreign Minister Chris Obure was quoted by the 'Daily Nation' as saying that the US government had not sought Kenya's help since the 11 September attacks. "I am not aware of any position reached between the two countries," he said. Obure added, however, that Kenya was willing to assist any country in a fight against terrorism, and that Kenya would join the rest of the world in taking action against the perpetrators of last week's attack. "If a formal request is made, we shall consider its merits and demerits," he said.

Kenya has hosted US military forces in the past, most notably during the US interventions in Somalia in 1992 and 1993, the 'Daily Nation' said. The port of Mombasa could be used as a base for possible US air strikes against Afghanistan, where prime suspect Osama bin Laden is widely thought to be based.

Reuters quoted US officials as saying on Wednesday that Kenya and Djibouti "had offered logistical support for future operations" against the attackers. Djibouti has also denied officially offering logistical support to a US anti-terror campaign.