New Delhi, September 24
British Prime Minister Tony Blair tonight had a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and sought New Delhi’s assistance in formulating a global strategy for countering terrorism.

The two premiers, during their 10-minute talk, are also learnt to have discussed the formation of an alternative regime in trouble-torn Afghanistan in place of the ruling Taliban militia.

“We strongly support India’s initiative for comprehensive convention against international terrorism”, Mr Blair told Mr Vajpayee.

“When the convention is concluded, we would like to sit with you and work out a strategy for its effective enforcement”, Mr Blair told Mr Vajpayee. A draft convention has already been moved by India in the United Nations General Assembly.

The British Prime Minister also welcomed India’s support in countering global terrorism in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in the USA. The European Union, Mr Blair said, had also passed a resolution appreciating India’s draft convention.

Mr Vajpayee is learnt to have emphasised the need to have a “truly representative government” in Kabul in the post-Taliban scenario.