Göran Persson, Antonio Guterres and Tony Blair Photo Courtesy Progressive Summit

Eleven center-left government leaders meeting in Sweden have pledged to fight terrorism, and devote equal energy to combating its root causes.

Winding up the two-day Stockholm Progressive Summit, the leaders said there is no confrontation between the United States and its western allies, and stressed that international cooperation is vital.

In recent weeks, some European leaders have publicly voiced concern the United States might take unilateral military action in the war against terrorism.

French Prime Minister Jospin told a news conference the military campaign in Afghanistan had been "completely legitimate," but said international security should not be restricted to a military approach.

Other participants at Stockholm included British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Jean Chretien of Canada, New Zealand's Helen Clark and leaders from seven other countries in Europe, Africa, South America, North America, and the Pacific.

A statement signed by the 11 leaders said terrorists who seek confrontation and put their distorted perceptions above human life and dignity must not prevail. But they also said they are committed to finding new ways to reduce poverty, improve education, and spread democracy.

Summit leaders also decided that former U.S. President Bill Clinton will chair an international commission to identify the steps needed to promote development, education and health in Africa.

The group, an informal alliance called the "Network for Progressive Governance," was founded by British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former U.S. President Bill Clinton in 1997.

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