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Posted on 7-11-2004 Pakistani President Denounces `War On Terror' by Adam Jay, December 6, 2004, The Guardian
The Pakistani president, Pervez Musharraf, today denounced the war on
terror for making the world a more dangerous place, despite Tony Blair's
insistence that Britain and Pakistan enjoyed a "strong relationship".
The two leaders were speaking after talks at 10 Downing Street, during Mr
Musharraf's two-day visit to the UK.
Mr Musharraf claimed that the war on terror had failed to address the
causes of terrorism, saying that although terrorists were being tackled
head-on militarily, there was also a "strategic long-term dimension" to
the problem.
"That is getting at the core of what creates terrorists, what creates an
extremist, militant environment which then leads on to terrorism," he
said. "That is the resolution of political disputes."
Mr Blair said: "Most sensible people looking at the world today know that
since September 11 we have got to take every action that we can to fight
terrorism militarily.
"But," he conceded, "we would be foolish to ignore the causes upon which
terrorism preys. And that is why it is also important to address those
political disputes as well.
"We are in a difficult time for the world", he said, stressing that "the
relationship between Britain and Pakistan is strong, but we need that
strength to tackle the problems we face together".
"In respect of Iraq, we agreed that whatever the issues of the past, the
important thing now is to see the strategy through and ensure that Iraq is
capable of becoming a stable and democratic state," Mr Blair said.
He also praised Mr Musharraf for his efforts "to bring together moderate
voices in respect of Islam in order to show the true face of the true
faith of Islam".
Mr Musharraf flew into London yesterday from Washington, where he admitted
that his security forces had lost the trail of Osama bin Laden, but
insisted the US should share the blame for not putting enough forces on
the ground.
The Pakistani president briefed Mr Blair on his recent visit to
Afghanistan. Aside from the failure to find the al-Qaida leader - believed
to be hiding in the lawless border region with Pakistan - the pair agreed
there was cause for optimism over progress made in the country.
The forthcoming Palestinian elections and the resuscitation of the peace
process were also on the agenda. "In the view of both of us, this is
something of crucial importance not just to the Middle East, but the wider
world," Mr Blair said.
"Now is the moment to grasp the opportunity. There is the possibility of
change opening up. I think the next period of time is absolutely crucial.
If we don't seize this opportunity now it may not come for us again."
Mr Musharraf, whose visit is also designed to bolster trade ties with
Britain and Europe, secured a backing from the prime minister for
Pakistani efforts to win easier access to the lucrative markets of the
European Union.
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