Irish Examiner : Blair, Musharraf re-commit to fight against terrorism

Blair, Musharraf re-commit to fight against terrorism

November 19, 2006

The UK and Pakistan have renewed their commitment to fight terrorism during talks between country's two leaders in Lahore

Tony Blair and President Pervez Musharraf have reached a deal on strengthening ties to tackle what Mr Blair called “the global struggle against Islamic extremism”.

The two leaders say restoring order in Afghanistan is a priority.

President Musharraf also answered accusations that his country hasn't done enough in the past and said his country was committed to fighting the threat of terrorism.

Mr Blair backed this sentiment, describing the weekend's talks as "immensely constructive", and saluted President Musharraf’s "courage and his leadership in taking Pakistan on this journey of change and modernisation".

Among the new proposals is the promise by the UK to double the aid to Pakistan to deal with the reform of the country’s religious schools, which some believe promote extremism.