Zardari urges US for a 'new beginning' in bilateral relations

Karachi, Jan.28 (ANI): Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has urged Washington for a 'new beginning' in bilateral relations between both the countries.

According to the Dawn, in an open letter published in the Washington Post, Zardari has called upon the United States to take part in a broader engagement with Pakistan.

"The US should undertake multi-layered steps for social and economic development within Pakistan," the letter added.

Welcoming the move of the Obama administration to appoint Richard Holbrooke as special envoy to Southwest Asia, Zardari said: "Ambassador Holbrooke will soon discover that Pakistan is far more than a rhetorical partner in the fight against extremism."

Zardari in his letter also rubbished claims that Pakistan is not sincere in its fight against terrorism.

He said that Pakistan is taking all necessary steps needed to curb the worldwide menace of terrorism.

"We need no lectures on our commitment. This is our war. It is our children and wives who are dying," it said.

Turning to Pakistan's oft-repeated topic of 'Kashmir', the letter stated Zardari, as saying: "There should be a sustainable resolution to the issue of Kashmir to bring stability to this region." (ANI)