Annan welcomes Pakistani leader’s anti-terrorist pledges

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has welcomed anti-terrorist steps announced by the President of Pakistan, while emphasizing that the country’s differences with India require a peaceful resolution.

In a statement released on Saturday by his spokesman, Mr. Annan welcomed a speech by President Pervez Musharraf in which the Pakistani leader emphasized tolerance, the rule of law and the need to fight terrorism and extremism.

“He [the Secretary-General] regards the anti-terrorist measures announced by the President, including the banning of several armed extremist organizations, as a significant further step towards easing the dangerous situation in the region,” the statement said.

Reiterating that the differences between India and Pakistan could only be resolved peacefully, the statement said the Secretary-General “was glad to note in this connection the reference in President Musharraf's speech to the need for a solution in Kashmir through dialogue and by peaceful means.”

The Secretary-General called on both sides to “do whatever is necessary to reduce tension and enable a resumption of their bilateral dialogue without further delay, with a view to resolving their differences,” according to the statement.