Karzai Urges Musharraf To Cooperate On Fighting Militants

Hamid Karzai, speaking in Kabul today (epa)

March 8, 2006 -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai today called on his Pakistani counterpart General Pervez Musharraf to be more cooperative in fighting terrorism.

"I wish our brother in neighboring Pakistan, his Excellency the President of Pakistan [Pervez Musharraf], would have more serious, more active, cooperation [with Afghanistan] in the fight against terrorism," Karzai said. "Cooperation will be for the good of both countries and the rest of the world."

It is the latest remark between the two leaders this week. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been strained since Karzai in February gave Musharraf a purported list of Taliban and Al-Qaeda fugitives allegedly hiding on the Pakistani side of the border. Musharraf dismissed the intelligence as outdated, but Karzai says the information was accurate.

Karzai's remarks come as Pakistani forces clash with suspected militants near the Afghan border.

Meanwhile, U.S. general and Central Command chief John Abizaid, met with Musharraf in Pakistan to discuss tensions between Islamabad and Kabul and coordination in fighting Al-Qaeda and Taliban militants.

Musharraf reportedly told Abizaid that Pakistan is doing all it can to flush out militants near the border and elsewhere.

(compiled from RFE/RL and agency reports)