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Bush touts Pakistan election as victory in war on terror |
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By Klaus Marre
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Posted: 02/20/08 11:12 AM [ET] |
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President Bush Wednesday said this week’s successful election in Pakistan is “part of the victory in the war on terror,” even though it is believed to have weakened key U.S. ally President Pervez Musharraf. Speaking to reporters in Ghana, Bush said that the elections were “judged as being fair” and the results represent a blow to extremists. “Ideologues can’t stand – like these guys we’re dealing with – can’t stand free societies,” Bush said. “That’s why they try to kill innocent people. That’s why they tried to intimidate people during the election process.” The president praised Musharraf, noting that the Pakistani leader has stood by his word to hold elections, which led to a victory of the opposition party. “It’s now time for the newly elected folks to show up and form their government, and the question then is, will they be friends of the United States, and I certainly hope so,” said Bush, stressing that Pakistan is a key U.S. ally. “We’ve got interests in helping to make sure there’s no safe haven from which people can plot and plan attacks against the United States of America and Pakistan,” Bush added. |
