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US expects Pakistan to abandon terrorism: Bush to Advani

T V Parasuram in Washington

United States President George W Bush on Thursday told Home Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani that he expected Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to abandon terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

Bush, who dropped in during a meeting Advani had with National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice at the White House, told the home minister about his expectations from Musharraf.

Shortly later, Advani told reporters that he felt satisfied with the US president's assurance.

However, Advani told Bush that Pakistan would be judged by actions, which should accompany its statements.

Advani said his engagement with the national security adviser gave him an opportunity of having "the most important discussions of my tour -- with President Bush".

"I must say that I feel satisfied that the US is determined to see the end of terrorism everywhere, and the president conveyed to me that he expects Pakistan and President Musharraf to take all necessary steps in fighting terror," the home minister said.

Musharraf has done it in the case of the Taliban and President Bush expects him to do it in the case of India also, he said.

Advani said, "I mentioned to him that this had been conveyed to me by the Secretary of State (Colin Powell) on Wednesday that they (the US) are trying to do their best to stamp out terrorism."

"By and large, I would say this most important meeting of my trip brought me immense satisfaction. President Bush is determined to see that what he has been saying since September 11 is actually implemented."

Asked if President Bush told him that India should take note of what Pakistan has been doing to fight terrorism, Advani said nothing was said in this manner.

But, by and large, India has to take note of everything that has been happening, he added.

The home minister rounded off his brief interaction with the media on the White House lawns saying, "I did find the president very forthcoming and very firm."

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