Bush pledges security aid to Pakistan

NEW YORK - President George W Bush Tuesday reaffirmed United States’ respect for Pakistan’s sovereignty at his talks with President Asif Ali Zardari aimed at defusing tension over US military strikes in the Pakistani territory.

But the US leader did not give any categorical assurance that such violations would not take place in future.

“President Bush said we are alive to Pakistan’s concerns about its sovereignty and we respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Information Minister Sherry Rahman told reporters at a briefing following half-an-hour meeting between the two leaders on the margins of the UN General Assembly. She did not elaborate whether this meant that there would be no more cross-border raids.

At the start of the meeting, Bush said, “Pakistan is an ally, and I look forward to deepening our relationship. Your words have been very strong about Pakistan’s sovereign right and sovereign duty to protect your country, and the United States wants to help.” Bush pledged continued support for Pakistan in economic and security fields.

The two leaders met with their full delegations for 10 minutes followed by one-on-one talks for another 20 minutes.