By IRNA
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf told U.S lawmakers on Friday that the parliamentary elections have strengthened the moderate forces in the country.
Highlighting the importance of the 18 February elections in meetings with U.S legislatures, the President emphasized the need for harmonious coalition in the interest of peaceful governance, development and progress of Pakistan, a Foreign Ministry statement said.
US Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Congressman Michael Burgess and U.S Congressman Elton Gallegly called on President Pervez Musharraf in Rawalpindi, the statement said.
“The President underlined Pakistan’s commitment to a closer and broad-based relationship with the U.S. based on commonality of interests and enhancement of areas of agreement”.
The President stated that the Pakistani nation had faced many challenges and has always come out well.
“The future looked better with successes in the fight against terrorism”.
Welcoming the US legislators, the President said that he saw the elections as victory for the democratic process and for moderation in Pakistan.
Expressing the view that the elections could prove to be a major stabilizing factor in Pakistan, the President emphasized the need to continue with the goals of political stability, economic growth and fighting terrorism.
“At Senator Hutchison’s request, the President informed the visiting US legislators about Pakistan’s comprehensive strategy to counter terrorism which combined military action with political and socio-economic measures”.
He affirmed that Pakistan was fighting terrorism in its own interest and was pursuing the right course that needed to have a political dimension and socio-economic programme, the statement said.
“The President appreciated the US assistance to Pakistan and in this respect appreciated and underscored the importance of the role of the Appropriations Committee”.
Senator Hutchison and Congressman Burgess congratulated the President on the holding of free and fair elections which, they thought, would lead to stable political environment in the country, it said.
They also appreciated the President’s leadership and Pakistan’s role in the fight against terrorism.
Congressman Elton Gallegly and President Pervez Musharraf’s discussions covered Pakistan-U.S. relations and recent political developments in Pakistan including the 18 February elections.
Congressman Gallegly underscored U.S. desire for a strong and broader relationship with Pakistan.
He expressed appreciation for the President’s leadership role in promotion of democratic process, empowering women and minorities, and encouraging unprecedented media freedom in Pakistan.
Congressman Gallegly said the U.S. recognized Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and the President’s personal contribution to world peace.