Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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August 18, 2008

US Vows Continued Support for Pakistan
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1DC0382:A6F02AD83191E1608F09D1F83E458FF23CF5CDEF8FC051DA&
 
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says US will continue to work
with Pakistan's government in its fight against terrorism 
      U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (File)

 U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says the United States will
continue to work with Pakistan's government in its fight against
terrorism, hours after President Pervez Musharraf announced his
resignation. Rice called Mr. Musharraf a friend of the United States and
praised him for his commitment in the war against the Taliban, al-Qaida
and other militants. She said the United States will continue to urge
Pakistan's political leaders to focus on stemming the growth of
extremism that threatens the country and its neighbors. Pakistan's
historic rival, India called the resignation an internal matter for
Pakistan. But some Indian officials expressed concern that Mr.
Musharraf's resignation could leave a power vacuum. In Afghanistan, a
foreign ministry spokesman, Sultan Ahmad Baheen, said his country is
hopeful the resignation will help strengthen democracy in the
neighboring country. He said Kabul is in favor of a stable Pakistani
government based on the rule of law. The United States and Afghanistan
have been critical of Pakistan's efforts to use diplomacy with militants
in the northwest of the country. They say recent peace deals between the
government and militants have led to more cross-border attacks on troops
in Afghanistan. Shortly after Mr. Musharraf's speech, celebrations broke
out in parts of the country. 

 Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.

 

 


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