Blair and Musharraf pledge joint vision on terrorism
Tony Blair and the Pakistan president General Musharraf have stressed they have a joint vision on tackling both the causes and manifestations of terrorism.
Speaking at a joint press conference, the Prime Minister said that while military action had to be taken: “We would be foolish to ignore the causes upon which terrorism grows”.
Mr Blair’s comments come after the Pakistani leader had suggested in a media interview that the West was not paying enough attention to the conditions that bred terrorism – poverty, illiteracy and political dispute.
Speaking this afternoon though, General Musharraf said that he had a “commonality” of views with the Prime Minister, that there was the short term action of “fighting terror head on to deter it” and the strategic long term dimension of “getting at the core of what creates terrorists”. He praised Mr Blair for “trying his best to get at the core of the problem” – particularly in terms of resolving political disputes.
He also firmly rejected suggestions that Al-Qaeda is not being tackled effectively in Pakistan, saying that the terrorists are now “on the run” and the authorities have “broken the back of Al-Qaeda in Pakistan”.
Mr Blair also told the assembled press that “now is the moment to grasp the opportunity” in pursuing peace between Israel and Palestine. While making no details, comment or prediction on upcoming meetings, Mr Blair said that there is the possibility of peace and “if we don’t achieve this now it might not come again”.
He also gave his strong backing to the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, who has been under pressure from some quarters – notably from American critics- over allegations of corruption in the oil for food programme.
The Prime Minister though said: “Kofi Annan is doing a fine job. often in very difficult circumstances.” He added that he “very much hopes that he is allowed to get on with his job.without criticism that is unfair”.
Other key topics on today’s agenda were economic links between the UK and Pakistan. In a joint communiqu the two leaders agreed to work together for greater market access for developing countries in the world trading economy and developing further trading links between the two countries. The UK is currently the second largest foreign investor in Pakistan.
Along with trading links, there was also a commitment to a defence relationship – perhaps joint training and peacekeeping exercises – and an agreement to hold an annual summit level meeting on new areas of cooperation.
