Terror threat continues says Blair

Tony Blair: Terrorism fight is not over

International terrorism is still a threat as disparate groups are willing to exploit crises across the globe, according to Prime Minister Tony Blair.

He stressed terrorists would take advantage of problems wherever they cropped up across the world, from poverty to issues such as the Middle East.

Mr Blair told an EU-Latin America summit in Madrid that it was remarkable how nations had banded together to concentrate on the issue.

Tony Blair: Terrorists will exploit the world's problems

He was speaking as British and US forces joined Australian troops who came under attack on Thursday from suspected Taleban and al-Qaeda fighters in south-eastern Afghanistan.

British soldiers backed by American gunships and attack helicopters were sent to the eastern Paktia province, in an operation codenamed "condor".

Mr Blair said the fact leaders were discussing the continuing fight against terrorism was a recognition that the job was not yet done.

UK meeting

He made the claims in the main session of the talks, shortly before he was due to return to the UK.

The prime minister's official spokesman said it was possible the premier would have a brief and informal brief meeting with Spanish prime minister Jose Maria Aznar.

But he said it was unlikely Gibraltar would be discussed.

The Gibraltarian government has taken to advertising in its campaign overr the Rock, where concerns are growing about negotiations between the UK and Spain over its sovereignty.

The British colony will be firmly on the agenda during talks between Mr Blair and Mr Aznar in London on Monday.