Powell Praises President's Musharraf's Speech Against Terrorism

Secretary of State Powell offered strong support for President Pervez Musharraf's "bold and principled" speech against terrorism inside and outside Pakistan.

In a statement issued January 12, Secretary Powell particularly welcomed President Musharraf's explicit statements condemning terrorism "under any pretext, including Kashmir."

In light of the strong actions that President Musharraf has taken, Secretary Powell concluded, "the United States believes the basis exists for the resolution of tensions between India and Pakistan through diplomatic and peaceful means."

Following is the text of Secretary Powell's January 12 statement:

I welcome President Musharraf's speech. He has taken a bold and principled stand to set Pakistan squarely against terrorism and extremism both in and outside of Pakistan.

The United States applauds the banning of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and welcomes President Musharraf's explicit statements against terrorism and particularly notes his pledge that Pakistan will not tolerate terrorism under any pretext, including Kashmir.

President Musharraf's offer to Prime Minister Vajpayee to solve their differences through dialogue is encouraging. This speech reconfirms Pakistan's role as a front-line state in the war against global terrorism.

In light of the speech and the strong actions that President Musharraf has taken so far and the new actions to which he has committed his country, the United States believes the basis exists for the resolution of tensions between India and Pakistan through diplomatic and peaceful means.