Rice Signals More Support For Pakistan's Leader

Rice signals more support for Pakistan's leader

http://www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=6675942

Associated Press - June 18, 2007 7:23 PM ET

WASHINGTON (AP) - With thousands taking to the streets calling for Pakistan's president to resign, there are words of support from Washington, and some gentle criticism.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says General Pervez Musharraf (pur-VEHZ' moo-SHAH'-ruhv) has been a good ally in the war on terror. But she adds that the US is concerned about rising violence and slowness in creating more political openness.

Rice met today with Pakistan's foreign minister, who told reporters that he and Rice focused on the fight against al-Qaida and Taliban militants in Afghanistan and on peace efforts between Pakistan and archrival India.

The US has been criticized for supporting Musharraf, who seized power in a 1999 coup and continues to control the military, at the expense of democracy. But Rice says the US is "second to none" in pressing for the rights of the opposition and for free and fair elections.

He's like that actor/actress who keeps starring in movies that bomb yet still gets leading roles.