War on terror will continue, Musharraf tells US officials

Islamabad, Mar 26 : Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf said that his country would continue to pursue a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy, emphasising the importance of a stable, broad based and multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and the United States.

According to a Foreign Office (FO) statement released after a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, Musharraf termed the new government as "moderate" and vowed full support for it.

Musharraf also said that a historical transition was underway to full democracy.

Negroponte assured Musharraf of Washington's continued commitment towards Pakistan's endeavour for socio-economic development.

He also underscored the importance of Pakistan in fighting terrorism and extremism.

According to the Daily Times, diplomatic sources privy to the discussions, said the two sides had talked about the ongoing cooperation in the war on terror and the new government's priorities.

The sources said the US has realised that instead of one man, Musharraf, they would now have to deal with several players simultaneously, including Musharraf.

ANI