WASHINGTON, Nov 29 (APP): US President George Bush has reaffirmed his faith in President Pervez Musharraf as an “absolutely reliable” ally in the fight against terrorism as he praised the Pakistani leader for living up to his word in relinquishing the position of army chief. He told CNN that by leaving the army office President Musharraf has taken a “strong first step” toward strengthening democracy in the country.
Bush was speaking Wednesday evening after President Musharraf handed over the charge of army chief to General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, a day ahead of beginning his civilian presidential term for next five years.
“It is something that a lot of people doubted would ever happen. And he told me he would take off his uniform, and I appreciate that he kept his word,” Bush stated.
However, the US president also encouraged the Pakistani leader to end the state of emergency ahead of parliamentary elections slated for January 8, 2008 for the South Asian ally’s return to democratic path.
He also noted that President Musharraf has done a lot for democracy in Pakistan over last several years and voiced the hope that he would strengthen democracy in the country.
“And taking off his uniform is a strong first step,” he said adding that having elections after emergency is lifted would be a “clear signal that he’s put Pakistan back on the road.”
In the context of fight against terror, Bush reaffirmed his confidence in President Musharraf’s commitment and also acknowledged difficult situation in combating terrorists along rugged mountainous areas, bordering Afghanistan. Bush said he is thankful to Pakistan for its key cooperation in the fight against terror.
“He has been an absolute reliable partner in dealing with extremists and radicals, and it’s a tough situation in the remote parts of Pakistan. But there’s many examples of where the Pakistanis have, in cooperation with the US, brought to justice members of al Qaeda’s hierarchy. And I’m thankful for that.”