Zardari, Gilani call world leaders

Islamabad-President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Sunday discussed with world leaders the regional situation in the backdrop of mounting Indo-Pak tensions following the Mumbai terrorist attacks. According to the official sources, President Asif Ali Zardari made telephonic calls to President of France Nicolas Sarkozy and President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan and discussed with them the regional situation and bilateral matters. During his conversation with President Nicolas Sarkozy, the two leaders agreed to meet early next year. The French President also expressed his support to democracy in Pakistan. British Foreign Secretary David Miliband also called President Asif Ali Zardari on telephone Sunday evening. "Situation in the region and bilateral matters came under discussion during the calls," spokesman of the President said. In a related development, the German chancellor Angela Markel, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister of Czech Republic Mirk Keplonic talked to te Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani on telephone and discussed current regional situation. While extending his full support to Pakistan in its efforts for peace and tranquillity in the region the Prime Minister of Czech Republic, Mr. Mirk Keplonic has assured Prime Minister Gilani that his government will avail all diplomatic channels to normalize relations between India and Pakistan. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayip Erdogan said that Pakistan being a frontline state against terrorism has suffered a lot and lost its leader. He said that Turkey would play its due role to bring peace and normalization in the region which has been disturbed due to Bombay incident. The Turksih Prime Minister appreciated Prime Minister Gilani's efforts and government of Pakistan's unconditional offer to India for helping in the investigation process to nab the real perpetrators.

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