Musharraf ‘most committed partner’ in war on terror: US

The US on Monday hailed Pervez Musharraf as one of the world's ‘most committed partners’ in the war on terror.

The United States on Monday hailed Pervez Musharraf as one of the world’s ‘most committed partners’ in the war on terror after the beleaguered Pakistani leader announced his decision to step down as President.

“President Musharraf has been a friend to the United States and one of the world’s most committed partners in the war against terrorism and extremism,” Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said in a statement.

Musharraf, she said, made the ‘critical choice’ to join the fight against al-Qaeda, Taliban and other extremist groups threatening the peace and security of Pakistan, its neighbours and partners throughout the world.

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“For this, he has our deep gratitude.” Rice said the US would continue to work with the Pakistani government and political leaders. It would “urge them to redouble their focus on Pakistan’s future and its most urgent needs, including stemming the growth of extremism, addressing food and energy shortages and improving economic stability,” she said.

Rice said the United States would help with these efforts to see Pakistan reach its goal of becoming “a stable, prosperous, democratic, modern, Muslim nation.”

“We strongly support the democratically elected civilian government in its desire to modernise Pakistan and build democratic institutions. The United States supported the transition to democratic government in Pakistan and respects the results of the election.”

“We believe that respect for the democratic and constitutional processes in that country is fundamental to Pakistan’s future and its fight against terrorism,” the Secretary of State said.