US President George W. Bush on Tuesday telephoned President Pervez Musharraf and Afghan President Hamid Karzai following their recently completed talks, the White House said.
Bush congratulated both leaders "on the successful conclusion" of a landmark "peace jirga" focused on the common threat of al Qaeda terrorists and the resurgent Taliban militia, said spokeswoman Dana Perino. "President Musharraf and President Karzai wanted to share their thoughts about the jirga with the president, that's why the calls were made," Perino said as Bush enjoyed his annual vacation from Washington on his Texas ranch.
"There was an outcome that was constructive from both sides, especially in three areas: Denying terrorists sanctuary and training, promoting peace in the border area and establishing regular follow-up consultations," she stressed.
Participants pledged they would "not allow sanctuaries/training centers for terrorists in their respective countries," according to the declaration text. They acknowledged the "nexus between narcotics and terrorism" and called upon the two governments to wage an "all-out war against this menace."