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Brightstar82
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 Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:43 pm Bush Arrives in Pakistan to protests |
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| Quote: | ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- President Bush arrived in Pakistan amid nationwide protests Friday, prior to his anti-terrorism talks with President Pervez Musharraf.
"On my trip to Islamabad, I will meet with President Musharraf to discuss Pakistan's vital cooperation in the war on terror, and our efforts to foster economic and political development so we can reduce the appeal of radical Islam," Bush said in a speech in New Delhi, India, before his departure.
"I believe that a prosperous, democratic Pakistan will be a steadfast partner for America, a peaceful neighbor for India and a force for freedom and moderation in the [Muslim] world." (Watch ultra-high security measures for Bush in Pakistan -- 2:1
Sandwiched between U.S.-occupied Afghanistan on its left and regional rival India to its right, Pakistan poses a complicated brew of cultural and political challenges for U.S. policy in the region.
During his anti-terrorism policy speech on October 6, Pakistan was one of the six global regions where Bush said "paramilitary insurgencies and separatist movements" exist which are made up of militants associated with al Qaeda.
Javed Rahman, who took part in a protest Friday in Islamabad, told The Associated Press: "We are protesting against the coming of Bush because we hate him. He is the killer of so many innocent people, so many innocent Muslims," apparently referring to U.S.-led wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Other protests sprung up Friday in Chaman, a western town on the Afghan border and in the northwestern city of Peshawar, AP reported.
Police in the southern city of Karachi used tear gas and clubs to stop about 1,000 people from marching on the U.S. Consulate on Friday, witnesses told AP.
The stone-throwing crowd came within 200 yards of the building, AP reported, which was the target of a suicide bomb attack Thursday that killed an American diplomat and three others. (Full story)
The protesters burned U.S. flags and chanted, "Pakistani nation wants head of Bush!"
A Pakistani security official assured AP that safety precautions were being followed.
"We have made foolproof arrangements for the safe stay of President Bush and we do not think there will be any problem," said Brig. Javed Iqbal Cheema, a senior Interior Ministry official who also coordinates with U.S. authorities on counterterrorism issues.
Global trade
Bush traveled to Pakistan after a three-day tour of India, where he delivered a speech Friday promoting regional solidarity against terrorism and global trade. (See the Bush itinerary)
The president warned that fears about job outsourcing to other nations should not prompt the United States to limit global trade.
"It's ... important to remember that when someone loses a job it's an incredibly difficult period for the worker and their families," Bush said.
"It's true that some Americans have lost jobs when their companies move their operations overseas," he said.
"Some people believe the answer to this problem is to wall off our economy from the world through protectionist policies. I strongly disagree." (Watch Bush explain why the U.S. and India are natural partners -- 2:36)
"The United States will not give into the protectionists and lose these opportunities," Bush said.
"For the sake of workers in both our countries, America will trade with confidence."
But he added that "India has responsibilities as well."
"India needs to continue to lift its caps on foreign investment ... and to continue to lower its tariffs and open its markets to American agricultural products, industrial goods and services."
High-tech tour
Earlier Friday the president toured India's high-technology hub Hyderabad, underscoring a landmark U.S.-Indian nuclear power pact.
Under the nuclear deal announced Thursday, India pledges to open up its 14 civilian nuclear reactors to international inspectors and keep power generation separate from its military program. (Full story)
The two nations also announced an arms agreement that Washington said would allow India to buy more sophisticated fighter aircraft and other high-tech arms from the United States, including F-16s and F/A-18s.
The arms decision will be viewed with interest in Pakistan.
India was disappointed by a U.S. decision nearly 12 months ago to sell F-16s to Pakistan.
Hyderabad's large Muslim population shut down markets and businesses in the old quarters in protest over Bush's visit.
Copyright 2006 CNN. |
Source: www.cnn.com
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