Blair in Bangladesh

The British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has warned that the rising tensions between India and Pakistan could create enormous problems for global security.

Speaking in Bangladesh at the start of a six-day tour of the region, Mr Blair said given the military capability of both powers it was important to do everything possible to calm the situation.

British officials had played down any suggestion that Mr Blair might play a peace-making role in the current confrontation.

They said his long-planned visit to South Asia was mainly concerned with economic and cultural ties.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service