Musharraf calls for strategy to root out terrorism
By Our Reporter
ISLAMABAD, June 16: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has called for a comprehensive strategy to root out extremism and terrorism. Talking to US Deputy Secretary of State John D. Negroponte on Saturday, he said that a strategy covering political, military, administrative and socio-economic components needed to be worked out to combat the menace.
President Musharraf expressed satisfaction over the expansion of multifaceted cooperation between the two countries and underlined the need for tangible results in agreed upon areas of cooperation.
He praised the US support for the Fata Sustainable Development Plan and emphasised the importance of moving faster on the establishment of the Reconstruction Opportunity Zones.
Underscoring the need for a Free Trade Agreement with the US, President Musharraf highlighted measures taken by Pakistan to strengthen security controls along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and Pakistan’s commitment to move forward on the jirga process.
Deputy Secretary Negroponte acknowledged the president’s role and Pakistan’s contribution in combating terrorism and said counter-terrorism cooperation between Pakistan and the US was effective.
Deputy Secretary Negroponte praised Pakistan’s contribution towards promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
During the meeting, matters relating to Pakistan-US relations, counter-terrorism and Afghanistan were also discussed.
Deputy Secretary Negroponte also said Pakistan was a strategic partner and reaffirmed the US commitment to a strong, broad-based and long-term relationship.
The meeting was also attended by Assistant Secretary Richard Boucher and US embassy’s charge d' Affairs Peter Bodde.
