Action to continue until extremists are wiped out: Zardari

ISLAMABAD: Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, British Foreign Secretary’s special representatives on Tuesday called on President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed matters relating to bilateral relations and Pakistan’s fight against extremism and militancy.They also exchanged views on the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP), rehabilitation of displaced persons as a result of Waziristan operation, access to Pakistani products in EU markets and regional situation after post-Mumbai attacks. Those who attended the meeting included Rehman Malik, Interior Minister; Salman Faruqui, Secretary General to the President;Senator Sughra Imam and senior officials. British High Commissioner in Pakistan Robert Brinkley was also present.The President while referring to the difficulties being faced by Pakistani nationals in getting UK visas appreciated the steps being taken by the British government to strengthen the Visa sections in Islamabad and Abu Dhabi to clear the backlog of visa applications. The President called for reducing the processing time for visa issuance and also the facility of returning of passports while the visa is under the process.The President said that Pakistan look forward for the continued support of the British Government in the EU for access of Pakistani goods into the EU markets and initiation of the process towards Free Trade Agreement. This would help boost Pakistan’s economy by generating employment opportunities in the country and also send positive signals to Pakistani entrepreneurs and foreign investors, the President added.The President urged for developing a roadmap to move forward the process of Pakistan- UK ‘Strategic Dialogue’ towards building a comprehensive partnership and added that it should address Pakistan’s core priorities of security and economic development. The President said his visits to the UK in August and September this year and the recent visits of the British Home and Defence secretaries have contributed to the strengthening of the strategic dialogue between the two countries.Referring to the ongoing drive against militancy in the tribal areas of South Waziristan, the President said the operation would continue till the area is cleared of terrorists and the objectives of the operation are achieved. The government is equally focused on the relief and rehabilitation of the dislocated people from Waziristan, the President said and added that international community should step forward to share the burden.The President appreciated Britain development assistance of 665 million pounds over the next four years but also stressed the need for more trade and investment which he said would give the relationship a strong foundation.Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles appreciated the government’s determinations to fight against the militants and lauded the success made so far. He said that Britain will continue to support Pakistan build its ravaged economy and in the rehabilitation of the displaced people