Karzai And Musharraf: Let's Work Together

Afghanistan and Pakistan must work together to fight a rise in hate and extremism that has held the two countries back while the rest of the world races forward with economic development, Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf told more than 600 Afghan and Pakistani tribal leaders Sunday.

Musharraf spoke at the closing session of a four-day "peace council" aimed at finding ways to stem the rising bloodshed in Afghanistan and Pakistan's border region.

He said Pakistan and Afghanistan are confronted with a "particularly dark form" of terrorism and that he had "no doubt" that Taliban militants find support in Pakistan and cross over into Afghanistan.

"Both Musharraf and Karzai face multiple challenges," a senior Western diplomat told CBS News' Farhan Bokhari on the condition he would not be named. "On top of that, they are not really seen by their own people as effective leaders. The problems are multiplied further because both sides (Pakistani and Afghan regimes) do not really trust each other."

But Musharraf said the two countries, as "true Muslims," must isolate die-hard militants and "win the hearts and minds" of the people.

"Our societies face a great danger in the shape of fringe groups, a small minority that preaches hate, violence and backwardness.

"These forces are disrupting peace and harmony in our societies, impeding our progress and development and maligning Islam, our noble faith of peace, tolerance and compassion," he said. "We must rescue our societies from this new danger and work together to effectively defeat the forces of extremism and terrorism."

In the past month, more than 200 people have been killed in suicide and armed attacks carried out mostly in Pakistan's tribal areas, by members of al Qaeda and the Taliban, adds Bokhari. The attacks have taken place in retaliation for General Musharraf's decision to order the storming of a Taliban style mosque known as "lal" (red) mosque in the center of Islamabad.

Musharraf was greeted by an extended standing ovation as he and Afghan President Hamid Karzai walked into the grand, white tent hosting the meeting, or jirga. The Pakistani president had pulled out of speaking at the opening session on Thursday because of domestic issues, instead sending Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

Karzai, who spoke only briefly Sunday following a longer address on Thursday, predicted that the jirga would have a "positive result."

"Afghanistan has confidence in its neighboring country," Karzai said. "I'm praying that both countries have peace and prosperity."

The idea for the jirga was hatched almost a year ago during a White House meeting between U.S. President George W. Bush, Musharraf and Karzai.

The Taliban, ousted by U.S.-led forces in late 2001, have stepped up attacks in the past two years. The violence has killed thousands, raising fears for Afghanistan's fledgling democracy.

U.S. and Afghan officials say Taliban militants enjoy a safe haven in Pakistani border regions, particularly Waziristan, where Washington also fears al Qaeda is regrouping. Pakistan says it has some 90,000 troops battling militants in the region, and that it is not a terrorist haven.

Refuting allegations from some Afghan officials that Pakistan tries to undermine progress in Afghanistan, Musharraf said Pakistan wants to see a strong, peaceful and stable Afghanistan.

"It is therefore painful for us to hear allegations that we are deliberately causing disturbance or violence in your country. We do not have such a policy and we will never have such a short-sighted and disastrous policy," he said.

"Taliban are part of the Afghan society. Most of them may be ignorant and misguided, but all of them are not diehard militants and fanatics who defy even the most fundamental values of our culture and our faith," he said.

He also said the countries must be "watchful against the machinations of outsiders who may try to create mistrust and a gulf between the two brotherly countries." He did not say who the outsiders are but referred to them as extremists and fanatics.

A joint declaration backed by all the participants said that terrorism is a common threat to both countries and that the fight against terrorism should continue to be an integral part of their national policies.

A smaller group of jirga participants will work to continue dialogue between the countries and to hold regular meetings. The group also condemned the cultivation and trafficking of opium poppies and other drugs and called for the international community to provide alternative professions for poppy farmers.

Interior Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, asked at a news conference afterward what he thought the jirga had accomplished, said it created an environment where "brothers" from two countries could sit together.

"This is going to send very good vibes throughout the country, throughout the region," he said. "This gives us strength, this gives us impetus, this gives us hope that the steps we have taken will lead us to the final destination, peace in this region."