In the statement, read by an Al-Jazeera announcer, bin Laden said he was used to the U.S. accusing him every time “its many enemies strike at it.”

In Pakistan, which shares a 1,560-mile border with Afghanistan and is one of only three countries to recognize Taliban rule, Musharraf met with politicians and Islamic clerics to get their backing for Islamabad’s promise to give “full support” to the United States to retaliate for the attacks. This could include the deployment of international troops in Pakistan. It could also mean the use of Pakistani airspace.

“Every decision of the government is directed toward the objective of unity, integrity and welfare of the nation,” Musharraf said. “Hence, it is imperative that all should join hands to consolidate the integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan.” His remarks were reported by the state-run news agency, Associated Press of Pakistan.

Some Pakistani religious leaders said the country’s army-led rulers already have asked them to try pressuring the Taliban to hand over bin Laden. They have refused.

Stocks in Pakistan have been plunging since last week’s terrorism amid fears that the United States may launch retaliatory attacks on Afghanistan. Yesterday, Pakistan decided to shut down all three of its stock exchanges—in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad—for three days, starting today.

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