IsraeliForeign Minister Mr Shimon Peres called the US attack on Afghanistan today a brave decision by US President Mr George W. Bush.
"It is a brave decision by the president, along with [his] very convincing and touching speech," Mr Peres said, referring to Mr Bush's televised address from the White House announcing the commencement of the attacks.
Mr Peres said all were praying for the welfare of the US army and its allies.
GermanChancellor Mr Gerhard Schroeder, who said the German government supported "without reservation" the US attacks on "terrorist targets in Afghanistan".
Mr Schroeder said in a statement President Bush had informed him beforehand by telephone an attack was imminent.
The US President also contacted his Frenchcounterpart Mr Jacques Chirac to inform him the US was about to launch the attacks, Mr Chirac's spokeswoman said.
Mr Sergei Prikhodko, a senior Russianforeign adviser, said Mr Bush phoned the President Mr Vladimir Putin to inform him about the strikes shortly before the offensive took place.
ItalianPrime Minister Mr Silvio Berlusconi put Italy on a state of alert today shortly after US-led military strikes commenced, his office said.
Officials said the US Vice President Mr Dick Cheney had telephoned Mr Berlusconi to warn him of the attacks earlier today.
Mr Cheney is also believed to have contacted TurkishPresident Mr Ahmet Necdet Sezer to warn him about the attacks.
AFP and