President General Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday expressed disappointment over the recent US legislation, putting conditions on financial assistance to Pakistan, and termed it an "irritant" in the relationship between the two countries.
Talking to US Senator Richard J Durbin, who called on him here, the President said, "Such legislation constituted irritant in the bilateral relationship, which must be based on trust and confidence in moving forward on issues of common interest."
He emphasised that a comprehensive strategy, which should embrace military as well as political, administrative and socio-economic elements, would help in addressing the challenge of extremism and terrorism.
A Foreign Office statement, giving details of the meeting, said that the talks covered Pakistan-US relations and issues relating to counter-terrorism. President Musharraf underscored the importance of a broad-based and long-term relationship between Pakistan and the United States. The President reaffirmed Pakistan's firm resolve to fight extremism and terrorism and stressed that this struggle was in Pakistan's own national interest.
He underlined that Pakistan would never allow any entity to use its territory for terrorist activity. He emphasised that only Pakistan's security forces, which are fully capable of dealing with any situation, would take counter-terrorism action inside Pakistani territory.
He said that certain recent US statements were counter-productive to the close cooperation and coordination between the two countries in combating the threat of terrorism.
The President appreciated US support for the FATA Sustainable Development Plan, noting that it would contribute to weaning people away from extremism. Senator Durbin stressed the importance the United States "attaches" to its relationship with Pakistan. He appreciated the contribution and sacrifices made by Pakistan in the measures against extremism. He conveyed that the US Congress would continue to support Pakistan in counter-terrorism efforts and in meeting its national development goals. US Ambassador Anne W Patterson was also present at the meeting.
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