Pakistan: Zardari and Karzai Address Press Conference

Asif ZardariAsif Zardari took oath as Pakistan 12th President today. Afghan President Karzai also attended the oath taking ceremony.

President Karzai had a close door meeting with President Zardari and PM Gillani immediately thereafter. They discussed matters f mutual interest.

The close door meeting was followed by a press conference which was addressed by both the Presidents. In his opening remarks, President Karzai expressed his satisfaction with his talks with the Pakistani Authorities and wished President Zardari his best wishes in their mutual relations in the days ahead.

President Zardari thanked his counterpart for his participation in the oath taking ceremony and, at the outset, announced his Governments endeavours for most cordial and friendly relations with all regional countries including Afghanistan

In response to the longstanding issue of Kashmir, Mr. Zardari informed the Press that he has already discussed this matter with the ex-PM Nawaz SharifNawaz Sharif and intends to continue these discussions with p[political forces within and outside the Parliament and after reaching a consensus take it up with India in a short period.

On the issue of civilian casualties in the Border Area of Afghanistan and Pakistan, both leaders agreed that they do not subscribe to the attacks on civilians and have already taken up this matters with the US and Allied Forces. President Karzai stated that it is the PAKHTUNS on both side of the border who are dying as a result of Allied Forces attacks. In this context, he referred to the recent civilian casualties in Herat and his protest to the Allied forces in Afghanistan. Mr. Karzai also stated that attacks on civilians are not a solution and would not win the war.

In response to a question to the Washington Post correspondent, Karzai reiterated the above position

President Zardari, on the issue of terrorism stated that ha is himself a victim of terrorism as he lost his wife Ex-PM Benazir in a terrorist attack. He, therefore, would continue to fight terrorism.

Both Karzai and Zardari announced the continuation of most friendly relations between their two countries and collaboration on political and economic matters.