Pakistan pledges full co-operation against terrorism

Pakistan’s President Gen Pervez Musharraf assured US President George Bush of Pakistan's "unstinted cooperation" in the fight…

Pakistan’s President Gen Pervez Musharraf assured US President George Bush of Pakistan's "unstinted cooperation" in the fight against terrorism.

"We regard terrorism as an evil that threatens the world community," Gen Musharraf said in a statement following urgent talks with his key aides following yesterday's kamikaze attacks in the US.

Gen Musharraf chaired the three-hour meeting at his official residence in Rawalpindi.

He reiterated that concerted international efforts were needed to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

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"All countries must join hands in this common cause," he said. "I wish to assure President Bush and the US government of our unstinted co-operation in the fight against terrorism."

Gen Musharraf's urgent consultations come ahead of a meeting tomorrow with the United States ambassador to Islamabad Ms Wendy Chamberlin.

American Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell told a briefing in Washington that the US was looking towards Pakistan for its support and cooperation in fighting terrorism.

Pakistan, one of the only three countries which recognise Taliban rule in Afghanistan, has been under pressure for a long time from the US and its allies to persuade the Afghan leadership to expel Mr bin Laden.

Meanwhile an official from the foreign ministry said a Pakistani diplomat held talks with Taliban officials in the Afghan capital Kabul and passed an "important" message on behalf of the government of Pakistan.

The official, who requested anonymity, did not disclose the purpose of the meeting but reliable sources said the talks were related to the "urgency of the matter."

AFP