FOREIGN Secretary Jack Straw was today in Washington meeting top US officials and politicians over the progress of the war against terrorism.
It is the Blackburn MP's first visit to the States since the September 11th atrocities and during his stay he is expected to visit the devastated Pentagon building.
Mr Straw will spend much of the day with his American counterpart Colin Powell, Secretary of State, discussing the diplomatic offensive which goes with the bombing and ground operations against the Taliban, Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaida terrorist network in Afghanistan.
He will also meet US Vice President Dick Cheney, Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and his deputy Paul Wolfowitz.
He will also meet congressmen from all parties.
Mr Straw, MP for Blackburn, said this was a crucial part of the government's diplomatic effort to back up military action.
Mr Straw said: "We need to discuss the diplomatic side in terms of the alliance against the war on terrorism and the Middle East peace process. The military action is going well in terms of destroying Taliban air power and degrading their terrorist ability."
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