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U.S. praises Musharraf for fighting terror
WASHINGTON: U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice offered “deep gratitude” on Monday to Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf’s decision to join the U.S.-led fight against extremists, but she was careful to signal strong U.S. support for the civilian government that pushed Musharraf aside.
Hours after he announced his resignation to avoid impeachment by political rivals, Ms. Rice said, “The United States supported the transition to democratic government in Pakistan and respects the results of the election.” The reference was to parliamentary elections that his rivals won.
Ms. Rice noted that “Gen. Musharraf made the critical choice to join the fight against Al-Qaeda, the Taliban and other extremist groups that threaten the peace and security of Pakistan, its neighbours and partners throughout the world. For this, he has our deep gratitude.”
‘Committed partners’She described Gen. Musharraf as “one of the world’s most committed partners in the war against terrorism and extremism.”
Pakistan has faced criticism from the U.S. that it was not doing enough to fight extremists operating along its border with Afghanistan.
Many Pakistanis blame rising militant violence on the retired General Musharraf’s use of the Army against fighters based in the northwestern part of the country. – AP
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