Bush Phones Musharraf: Praises Pakistan's Role in Fighting Terrorism
By Maria A Khan 'Pakistan Times' Diplomatic Correspondent

ISLAMABAD: US President George W. Bush on Wednesday telephoned President General Pervez Musharraf and appreciated Pakistan's role in fighting terrorism.

In the context of London terror plot, President Bush expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan's role in fighting terrorism and the support Pakistan has been extending internationally in this regard, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a statement here.

President Bush said that he was looking forward to his meeting with President Musharraf in the US next month and to the opportunity of exchanging views on international developments and on measures to further strengthen the strategic relationship between Pakistan and the United States, the statement added.

And, an other report says that the U.S. President thanked President of Pakistan—for Pakistan's help in fighting terrorism and foiling a plot to blow up airliners over the Atlantic.

"In the context of the London terror plot, U.S. President George W. Bush expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan's role in fighting terrorism and the support Pakistan has been extending internationally," the Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said.

Bush said he was looking forward to talks with President Musharraf in the United States next month which would cover international developments and ways to strengthen relations, the ministry said.

FO Spokeswoman

“George Bush telephoned President Musharraf today—Wednesday and expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s role in fighting terrorism and the support it has been extending at international level,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Ms Tasneem Aslam said..

Ms Aslam said the conversation was held in the context of the recent alleged London terrorist plot.

The ministry here said these arrests led to the uncovering of a plot in London to blow up planes flying from the British capital to the United States.

Recap

Pakistani said recently that “uncovering and foiling” of the alleged terrorist plot in London has been the result of active cooperation among the agencies of Pakistan, Britain and the United States.

On August 11, officials also announced the arrest of Rashid Rauf, whom they called a key person in the alleged plot. They also said that Rauf, a British national had links with al-Qaeda.

Musharraf is scheduled to travel to New York next month to attend the United Nations General Assembly session.

Meanwhile, President Bush has said that he would exchange views with President Pervez Musharraf on international developments and measures to further strengthen the strategic relationship between Islamabad and Washington.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair called Musharraf and Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz earlier this month to express gratitude for Pakistan's role in thwarting the alleged terrorist plot.●