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Zardari calls for Pak-US terror war terms of engagement

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Aug 14, IRNA -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari reiterated call for specifying clear and unambiguous terms of engagements in the war against the militants in order to avoid adverse impacts on bilateral relations owing to differences of opinions and stances.

'We need to build framework for an enduring strategic partnership,' President Zardari said in meeting with Senator John McCain, former presidential candidate and Republican senator from Arizona, Presidential spokesperson said.

Matters concerning Pak-US relations, war against terror and the regional situation were discussed during the meeting, he said.

Briefing the media Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar said that the President during the meeting reiterated his call for both the countries to work more closely in institutionalizing the mutual cooperation and cement bilateral relations based on mutual interest and mutual respect.

The President said that Pakistan wanted to build a long-term, sustainable and multidimensional relationship with the US that was marked by mutual understanding of each others’ interests, mutual trust and respect.

President Zardari said that a stable, long-term and multifaceted relationship of the two countries was not only in the mutual interests of the two countries but would also serve the purpose of stability for region.

He added that the war against terror was a long drawn war. He said that it was important that root causes of militancy and reasons for drift towards extremism were also addressed.

President Zardari said that a multi-pronged strategy encompassing socio-economic, political and educational measures besides judicious use of power could address the challenge of militancy and militant mindset.

He said that Pakistan has been the worst sufferer of this scourge and has suffered losses that exceed in quantum to any other nation.

The Pakistani president said that direct and indirect economic losses equalls $68 billion and 35000 people have been killed.

'We are determined to pursue this war till its logical conclusion. Our commitment remains above-board and without even slightest shadow of doubt,” President Zardari emphasized.

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Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 30520085