LONDON MAYOR DEFENDS SOME ACTS OF TERROR

United Press International, The Washington Times, September 25, 2005

Some acts of terror are justified, Mayor of London Ken Livingston said last week. He added that there are frequently no other means of fighting oppressors but "assassin's bullet or bomb".

The mayor also known as Red Ken for his often debatable political views and opinions gave a press conference last Thursday. Livingston said he knew terrorists he could appraise as "courageous and integral".

Asked by United Press International if he supported the plans of the British government concerning a new counter-terrorist legislation, Livingston said, "It is easy for politicians in the West to condemn acts of terror, but I knew some terrorists I could call courageous men with principles."

Livingston referred to a friend of his, a German Jew, who had killed Nazis for the Communist Party of Germany. "He knew how to make bombs. He made them and placed them. He blew up headquarters of the Nazi party once. When they [communists] took over, Central Committee of the Communist Party ordered him out of East Germany... The man moved to Britain, joined the Labor Party, and became an active socialist. Consider it. The man decided that killing was the only way, and I'd say it was a correct decision. I'd like to believe I myself would have had the courage to join him in it," Livingston said.

Referring to the demonstration in Uzbekistan earlier this year when law enforcement agencies opened up on unarmed protesters, Livingston said, "What other way out is there for the men who long for freedom, justice, and democracy in Uzbekistan aside from removing from the corridors of power the people who enforce dictatorship on the country? I do not know any other means [of fighting the regime] save for an assassin's bullet or bomb."