Bush tells Gilani US respects Pak's sovereignty

Washington, July 29 : Barely a few hours after US-led coalition forces' air strike killed six persons in FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas), US President George Bush last evening said that his country respected Pakistan's sovereignty, and described its democracy as "vibrant".

In a brief statement to the presspersons after holding talks with visiting Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in the Oval Office, Bush said that both admitted that terrorism and extremism were dangerous for everyone, including Pakistan.

He also said that there were "areas of concern" that had come up in their talks, reported the Daily Times

The US President said that they had also discussed the issue of border security, and added that Gilani had made a strong commitment to supporting Afghanistan's democracy.

On the occasion, Gilani thanked Bush and told media persons that he appreciated the US President's support. He assured Bush of Pakistan's co-operation in the war on terrorism and said only a handful of people in his country were involved in extremism.

He further said that his government was determined to eliminate both terrorism and militancy from the body politic.

Pakistan Information Minister Sherry Rehman, who is accompanying Gilani on US visit, she said that Pakistan had informed the US that unilateral strikes from Afghanistan to Pakistan are not helpful to forging a long-term strategic partnership.

ANI