Bush sees positive signs in Pakistan with Musharraf's promises
US President George W Bush has said that Pakistan's president has taken "positive steps" by promising to lift the state of emergency, step down as army chief and hold elections.
By Agencies |
CRAWFORD (TEXAS): US President George W Bush has said that Pakistan's president has taken "positive steps" by promising to lift the state of emergency, step down as army chief and hold elections.
Bush continued his administration's approach to the crisis by refusing to pointedly criticise General Pervez Musharraf. Bush dodged a question about whether Musharraf's moves, seen by many as an attempt to cling to power, are distracting from the battle against al-Qaeda in Pakistan.
"I vowed to the American people to keep the pressure on them (al-Qaeda). I fully understand we need cooperation to do so," Bush said after two days of meetings at his ranch with the German chancellor, Angela Merkel. "One country we need cooperation from is Pakistan."
But, he added, he has confidence in the commitment of Pakistan's leadership to stick with the US in that fight. "We share a common goal," Bush said.
He said he still trusts Musharraf, saying the Pakistani leader aligned himself with Washington after the September 11 2001, attacks and has not given Bush reason for doubt since. In fact, Bush said, several al-Qaeda leaders have been brought to justice "and that wouldn't have happened without President Musharraf honouring his word."
"I take a person for his word until otherwise," Bush said. "He made a clear decision to be with us and he's acted on that advice."
Bush continued his administration's approach to the crisis by refusing to pointedly criticise General Pervez Musharraf. Bush dodged a question about whether Musharraf's moves, seen by many as an attempt to cling to power, are distracting from the battle against al-Qaeda in Pakistan.
"I vowed to the American people to keep the pressure on them (al-Qaeda). I fully understand we need cooperation to do so," Bush said after two days of meetings at his ranch with the German chancellor, Angela Merkel. "One country we need cooperation from is Pakistan."
But, he added, he has confidence in the commitment of Pakistan's leadership to stick with the US in that fight. "We share a common goal," Bush said.
He said he still trusts Musharraf, saying the Pakistani leader aligned himself with Washington after the September 11 2001, attacks and has not given Bush reason for doubt since. In fact, Bush said, several al-Qaeda leaders have been brought to justice "and that wouldn't have happened without President Musharraf honouring his word."
"I take a person for his word until otherwise," Bush said. "He made a clear decision to be with us and he's acted on that advice."
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