A DAY of mourning has been declared across Europe on Friday, EU foreign ministers agreed this afternoon.

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw emerged from talks with his EU counterparts urging everyone in the 15 member states to abide by a three-minute silence from 11am UK time.

The decision came at a sombre meeting which expressed solidarity with America in the wake of the terrorist atrocities in New York and Washington and pledged full support in seeking out and punishing the perpetrators.

Asked if the EU would support any military response by the US authorities, Mr Straw insisted: "Issues of military action are matters for Nato, not for the European Union."

Earlier Nato Secretary-General Lord Robertson joined the foreign ministers to assess the implications of the terrorist attacks, and to ensure a strong, joint response from EU and Nato headquarters this afternoon.

This afternoon's statement voiced sympathy for the American people and vowed to strengthen the EU's foreign and security policy and step up counter-terrorism strategies.

Asked what specific action the EU was considering Mr Straw replied: "There are discussions taking place within a Nato context but not open to be discussed here."