Elections victory for moderate forces, says President
By Our Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD—President Pervez Musharraf Thursday said the Feb 18 election was a victory of the forces of moderation and stressed importance of political stability to ensure economic growth, social development, fight against extremism and terrorism.Talking to a six-member US Congressional delegation led by Congressman John F. Tierney here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President extended his full cooperation to the new government.
President Musharraf said Pakistan was fighting extremism and terrorism in its national interest. He stressed the importance of a comprehensive strategy that combines security, political and socio-economic development tracks. The President also welcomed US pledge to support the FATA Development Plan, designed to promote socio-economic development in the tribal areas.
During the meeting, recent political developments, Pakistan-US relations and regional situation were discussed. The Congressional delegation congratulated the President on the successful conduct of the general election and expressed support of the United States of America for the democratic transition.
The delegation lauded President’s efforts over the past several years for political stability and economic revival in the country. The Congressional delegation recognized Pakistan’s role in counter-terrorism efforts and promotion of regional stability.
The President highlighted multifaceted cooperation between Pakistan and the US and underlined the need for deepening and broadening bilateral trade and investment ties and enhanced market access for Pakistan.
Congressman John Tierney (D-Massachusetts) chairs the National Security and Foreign Affairs Subcommittee of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and is also a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
Other members of the delegation include: Congressman Keith Ellison (D-Minnesota), Congressman Jim Moran (D-Virginia), Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-Minnesota), Congressman Maurice Hinchy (D-New York), and Congresswoman Barbara Cubin (R-Wyoming).
President Pervez Musharraf on Thursday underlined that new Government is determined to fight terrorism in all its forms. President expressed these views while talking to the visiting US Congress Delegation headed by John Tierney on Thursday in Aiwan-e-Saddar. Well-placed Sources told Online that the meeting lasted for quite a while in which host of issues including Pak-US relations, war on terror, present political scenario and other matters of common interest was discussed in length.
President briefed the visiting delegation that after holding of February 18 polls in the country in a peaceful manner, the final stage of transfer of Power has been started adding that now it is the turn of Provinces.
He assured that smooth transfer of Power would be made in Provinces too. He said that he has fulfilled his pledge made to the nation regarding free, fair and transparent polls in the country.The Congressional delegation congratulated the President on the successful conduct of the general election and expressed support of the United States of America for the democratic transition.
He said that new Government is determined to fight terrorism in all its forms that is democratically, economically and strategically.
Pakistan shares strategic ties with US and desires to strengthen it, he maintained. On the other hand, US delegation headed by John Tierney lauded the gigantic efforts of President Musharraf in war on terror besides smooth transfer of Power in Federal adding that it will keep on supporting his policies thick and thin.