Bush talks to Gilani and Musharraf on twin blasts

Washington, Aug 22: President George Bush called Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to express solidarity with the people of Pakistan which faced a series bombings at the nation's main weapons complex, near Islamabad killing dozens of people.

White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said that President Bush told Gilani on Thursday, Aug 21 that the extremists behind these attacks posed a threat not just to Pakistan and the United States, but to the world and expressed the United States 'strong commitment' to working with the prime minister and his government to address the ongoing battle against extremists and to assist Pakistan through its current economic situation.

Bush also briefed the Pakistani leader on his call earlier in the day to former President Pervez Musharraf who resigned on Monday under threat of impeachment.

Johndroe said, President Bush informed Prime Minister Gilani that he had just spoken to former President Musharraf.

Bush had wished President Musharraf well and thanked him for his efforts in the democratic transition of Pakistan as well as the fight against al-Qaeda and extremist groups.

UNI