Timely assistance needed in war affected areas, says President

Online - ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that timely assistance in the needed areas by the international community US especially would help to alleviate difficulties of the people who have suffered grievously in the war against militancy.

He expressed these views while talking to Richard L. Armitage, President of Armitage International and former US Deputy Secretary of State here at Aiwan-e-Sadr Thursday. According to Presidential Spokesman, matters relating to war on terror, Pak-US relations, mutual cooperation and regional situation were discussed during the meeting.

The President during the meeting underscored the importance of Pakistan as an important regional player in South Asia that could play an effective role for the stability, peace and prosperity of the region. Pakistan welcomes all efforts and is eager to assist international community in this regard, he said.

President Zardari said that Pakistan has played a leading role in securing the world from the menace of terrorism and its people have made great sacrifices in this cause and added that United States and Pakistan need to work further to remove all irritants that vitiate cordial equation and create mistrust between the two countries.

He said that Pakistan has a major role to play as an important regional player and can facilitate the objective of peace, stability and prosperity of the region. He said that a peaceful, economically stable and vibrant Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan and we would gladly play our due role in this regard.

While talking about Pak-India relations, the President said that for the prosperity of the region, it is imperative that Pakistan and India-- the two leading and important players of the region-- bridge the gap and return to negotiating tables for resolution of their mutual issues meaningfully.

Richard L. Armitage, during the meeting, thanked the President for meeting and appreciated the efforts of Pakistan against militants.