April 06, 2008	Sunday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 28, 1429

KARACHI, April 5: US Ambassador Anne W. Patterson called on MQM chief Altaf Hussain in London and discussed issues relating to the political situation in the country.

The US ambassador’s meeting with Mr Hussain is seen as a follow-up visit and the beginning of a new-found relationship between the US and the MQM.

According to a party statement, the meeting held at MQM’s international secretariat the other day continued for two hours in which matters relating to Pakistan’s relations with the US, war against terrorism, political scenario after the Feb 18 general election and the overall political development came under discussion.

Mr Hussain assured Ms Patterson that his party would cooperate with the newly-elected government for strengthening democracy and steering the country out of the crises it faced.

The MQM leader also informed her that his party was against religious extremism, sectarianism and all kinds of violence and terrorism.

He also informed the US ambassador that after 9/11 the MQM was the only party in Pakistan which held a rally against terrorism by expressing solidarity with the international community and the victims of the terrorist attacks.

The US ambassador, the statement said, praised the MQM’s role for strengthening democracy in Pakistan, elimination of religious extremism and its struggle for the rights of women and minorities.

She also appreciated the role of parliamentarians belonging to the MQM and introduction of young leadership during the general election.