The
United States has praised former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf as a
committed partner in the fight against terrorism, hours after the Pakistani
leader announced his resignation.
A White House spokesman (Gordon Johndroe) says President Bush remains
committed to a strong Pakistan that strengthens democracy and fights terror. He
said Washington will continue to work with Pakistan's government on the
economic, political and security challenges it faces.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also praised Mr. Musharraf for what
she called his "critical choice" to join the fight against al-Qaida
and Taliban militants.
Pakistan's historic rival, India called the resignation an internal matter for
Pakistan. But some Indian officials expressed concern that Mr. Musharraf's
resignation could leave a power vacuum.
In Afghanistan, a foreign ministry spokesman (Sultan Ahmad Baheen) said
his country is hopeful the resignation will help strengthen democracy in the
neighboring country.