RAWALPINDI, Feb 15: President General Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday urged the international community to address lingering conflicts as lasting peace and sustainable development were dependent on their just resolution.

Talking to research scholars and representatives of think tanks belonging to France and Germany, the president said the world could no longer afford to sweep conflicts under the carpet.

"The international community, particularly the western countries, have to play an important role in addressing these conflicts as lasting peace and harmony in the world, depends on their resolution," the president said

He dilated upon the strategy of enlightened moderation as a way forward to address the root-causes of extremism and terrorism and spoke at length on issues and challenges confronting the South Asian region and the world.

Gen Musharraf said Pakistan was an important member of the international community which could play a key role for the well-being of the Muslim world. He highlighted the need for greater cooperation between Pakistan and the European Union, particularly in trade and commerce, to the mutual benefit of both. -APP