Bush offers President help to investigate Dargai bombing
Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—President George W Bush on Monday in a telephone call to President General Pervez Musharraf reiterated US commitment to a long- term, broad-based strategic relationship with Pakistan.
The US President said Pakistan was a key ally of the United States and their ties will further strengthen in the days ahead. President Bush also reiterated his commitment to take these relations forward.
He offered condolences on behalf of the American people over the attack that killed 42 army recruits in Dargai. President Bush said the United States stands alongside Pakistan. He appreciated Pakistan’s unflinching commitment against the war on terrorism and President Musharraf’s “vital and crucial support” despite the grave and personal dangers that he faced.
He said the coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan would continue to remain there in order to support the respective governments and to maintain and establish their writ.
President General Pervez Musharraf thanked President Bush for his support and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to continue its fight against the scourge of terrorism and extremism.
President Musharraf said such acts further strengthen his government’s resolve to deal with the extremists and terrorists adding this was not only in Pakistan’s supreme national interests, but also vital for the world peace.US ready to help Pakistan in investigation into Dargai incident: Bush
President George W Bush has talked to President General Pervez Musharraf by telephone on Monday evening and exchanged views on multidimensional relations between Pakistan and US, war on terror and other key regional and international issues.
Foreign office sources told Online that President Bush strongly condemned suicide attack in Dargai in which 42 Pakistani soldiers were martyred. He reiterated his resolve that US and Pakistan would continue to work together to eliminate menace of terrorism. The terrorists would eventually be forced to kneel down. US is ready to extend help in the investigations of Dargai incident, Bush assured. Both Pakistan and US have also agreed on making the intelligence sharing process more effective and vibrant.
President Bush expressed sympathy with the bereaved families of martyrs of Dargai incident. Sources told President Musharraf also discussed Dargai incident with President Bush during telephonic conversation saying the terrorist elements would soon be brought to justice.
General Musharraf said Pakistan and US would continue to maintain their old friendly relations.
The results of mid term elections in US would not affect bilateral ties of two countries. President also discussed Afghanistan situation and peace in Middle East saying Pakistan would continue to play its role for peace and stability in Afghanistan. The holding of joint jirga may help improve the situation, he hoped.