Musharraf applauded for showing leadership in war on terror

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Founding Co-chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus on Tuesday commended President Pervez Musharraf for handing over senior al-Qaeda terror suspect Abu Farraj al-Libbi to the United States. Pakistan has captured more than 700 al-Qaeda suspects in the war on terror and has handed most of them over to American authorities.
In a statement issued in Houston, Texas, the Congresswoman said: "I want to commend President Musharraf for showing leadership once again in the war on terror. Pakistan has been a steadfast ally of the United States in the war to dismantle the al-Qaeda terror network."
By handing over al-Libbi to US authorities, she said: "we may be able to gather vital information on other al-Qaeda leaders, including Osama bin Laden."
Al-Libbi is considered the No. 3 man in the Al-Qaeda terror network and was captured by Pakistani officials during a shootout on May 2nd. In addition to being in the al-Qaeda hierarchy, he had long been sought for two bombings that narrowly missed President Musharraf in December 2003 and a suicide attack aimed on Shaukat Aziz in July 2004. Both leaders survived the attacks but 26 people died.
Congresswoman Lee said: "President Musharraf deserves great praise for his role in securing both regional and international peace."
She said in addition to his strong partnership in the war on terror, Musharraf had made historic progress in trying to secure a comprehensive peace agreement with India. Congresswoman Jackson Lee is the lead sponsor of the India-Pakistan peace resolution, which congratulates India and Pakistan on taking monumental steps toward achieving a comprehensive peace agreement.
The International Relations Committee of the US House of Representatives recently passed the resolution by unanimous consents during a committee mark up. The India-Pakistan Peace Resolution has received broad bipartisan support in Congress and is a truly balanced resolution that acknowledges the admirable efforts both India and Pakistan have made recently.