Musharraf to play key role against terror: Boucher
Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—The American vice secretary of state for South Asia, Richard Boucher has lauded the role of President Pervez Musharraf in war against terror while expressing its further continuance. During his 90-minute talks with the secretary of NSC (National Security Council) Tariq Aziz the visiting American dignitary also lauded the free, fair and transparent general elections, and said that President Musharraf role in the newly elected government was of sheer importance.
He also announced a U$ one and a half billion developmental package for FATA region, to be spent on such important fields as education, health, transport, employment schemes and other developmental schemes. He also expressed his deep hopes regarding his recent talks and meetings with PML-N head, Mian Nawaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari, Asfandyar Wali, and leaders of MQM, hoping all would work in unison and harmony for democracy. The talks also focused on Pak-American cooperation in war against terror, and other mutual concerns.
US Assistant Secretary of States for South Asia, Richard Boucher said United States would continue its support for democracy in Pakistan and looks forward to cooperate with the new government. Addressing a joint press conference after meeting with PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari at the latter’s house, he said US would respect Pakistan parliament’sstance over war against terror if the issue is discussed in the National Assembly.
Speaking on the occasion, Senator Asif Ali Zardari said it is a wrong perception that we are fighting war for any other country, but PPP understands that it is war to protect our own nation and country from the terrorists. US Assistant Secretary of States for South Asia, Richard Boucher said United States would continue its support for democracy in Pakistan and looks forward to cooperate with the new government.