| South Africa rules out military involvement in US war on terrorism |
The South African government has ruled out involvement if the US launch military strikes.
But South Africa's intelligence services are prepared to assist their US counterparts in tracking down those responsible.
Chief government spokesman Joel Netshitenzhe says the government's approach to fighting terrorism does not include using military force.
He said: "South Africa has not considered any military involvement in the operations envisaged by the US administration."
Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma indicated South Africa will decline any requests for military assistance.
The government condemned the attacks, and said it would cooperate with efforts to bring those responsible to justice, but urged Washington not to act hastily.
"Any action taken should be informed by thorough investigations and incontrovertible evidence," a Cabinet statement said.
It urged the world to unite against terrorism and eradicate it. "Terrorists should be isolated through international cooperation to build an equitable world order," the statement said.
Dlamini-Zuma said US President George W Bush had phoned President Thabo Mbeki and expressed appreciation for South Africa's swift condemnation of the attacks.
Story filed: 16:32 Wednesday 19th September 2001
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