Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan's firm resolve to fight extremism and terrorism, stressing that Pakistan's commitment should never be in doubt as it was in its own national interest.
Musharraf made the remarks while meeting visiting U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John D. Negroponte to discuss bilateral relations, counter-terrorism, and regional issues, an official statement issued here said.
The president underscored the importance Pakistan attached to a broad-based, long-term and sustainable relationship with the United States.
"The President pointed out that any elements that constraint the relationship, such as the negative provisions of 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act, must be avoided," the statement said.
Earlier media reports suggested that the implementing of the act will prohibit the sale of military equipment to Pakistan if it is not "committed to eliminating the Taliban" within its borders.
During Thursday's meeting, Musharraf stressed the need for forward movement on initiatives such as the Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) and U.S. support for FATA (Federally- Administrated Tribal Areas) Development Plan as well as FC ( Frontier Corps) capacity-building.
The president also underscored the need for better understanding of Pakistan counter-terrorism efforts in the U.S., particularly the media.
On regional issues, Musharraf underlined the importance Pakistan attached to peace and stability in Afghanistan.
He noted the positive outcome of the recent joint Afghanistan- Pakistan peace Jirga (council of tribal elders) and stressed the importance of follow-up steps including the establishment of the smaller jirga and commencement of its work.
With regard to the Pakistan-India Composite dialogue process, Musharraf underscored the need for moving forward on resolving outstanding issues, particularly the Kashmir dispute.
U.S. Deputy State Secretary Negroponte underlined U.S. commitment to a long-term relationship with Pakistan, the statement said.
Negroponte said the U.S. fully recognized Pakistan's strong resolve to fight extremism and terrorism and appreciated its counter-terrorism efforts.
He expressed appreciation for the multifaceted strategy being followed in FATA and noted that the U.S. had committed 750 million dollars for the FATA Development Plan over the next five years.
The U.S. deputy state secretary conveyed that the U.S. Administration was moving forward on the draft ROZs legislation and mobilizing assistance for the Frontier Corps.
Negroponte began a two-day visit to Pakistan starting on Sept. 12, when he co-chaired the second round of Pakistan-U.S. Strategic Dialogue with the Pakistani Foreign Secretary Riaz Muhammad Khan.
Source: Xinhua
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