Musharraf: Protect National Security at All Cost

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday confirmed the United States had requested the use of Pakistani airspace in the event of hit against neighboring Afghanistan.

Musharraf said Afghanistan's ruling Taliban militia was Washington's second target following Osama bin Laden, the chief suspect in the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington last week.

During a televised address to the nation to explain his offer of "full cooperation" with the US war against terrorism, he made this announcement. He said Washington had asked for "logistics support" and intelligence on Taliban and bin Laden.

"Bin Laden was a suspect from day one. His terrorist network is America's main target," he said.

"Their second target is the Taliban, who they believe are harboring the terrorist and his network."

However, he made it clear that "among these three targets, there is neither Islam nor Afghanistan."

Wearing uniform, Musharraf called for national unity against " radical elements" during the serious moments when the United States is preparing attacks against terrorists in neighboring Afghanistan.






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