Gates hails Pakistan’s role in war on terror

WASHINGTON—Hailing Pakistan’s vital cooperation in the fight against terrorism, Defense Secretary Robert Gates has said the South Asian ally has been steadfast in fighting terrorists and acknowledged sacrifices rendered by its security forces.
“Pakistan has been a steadfast ally in the war on terror and we deeply appreciate and express our sympathy to the families of soldiers who have died in this war on terror, many hundreds have died,” he stated. Gates attended a reception at the Pakistani embassy held to mark Pakistan’s Defense Day. Defense attaches and diplomats from Washington-based foreign missions attended the reception.
The senior US official praised President Musharraf’s role in the fight against terrorism and said Washington appreciates its partnership with the Pakistani leader. Citing Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts in the border region with Afghanistan, he noted that the country has deployed nearly 100,000 soldiers in the area. “We appreciate this cooperation and we deeply appreciate our partnership with President Musharraf and his contribution, working with us in this war on terror,” he told Voice of America channel.
Pakistan has been a key US ally in the war on terror, having captured and eliminated hundreds of Taliban and al-Qaeda terrorists over the last several years. Online Adds: President General Pervez Musharraf has rejected US offer for release of abducted soldiers in trouble tribal areas of the country underlining that all option of negotiations are being utilized for their safe release. The Pakistan security forces have ability and equipped to deal with the situation, the President said this while talking to US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher on Friday.—APP