Pakistan's new Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said fighting terrorism will be his government's top priority, but offered to negotiate with those who renounce violence and give up weapons.
In his first policy statement since securing unanimous backing the lower house of parliament, Mr Gilani termed terrorism the biggest threat to his nuclear-armed nation.
The assurance appeared aimed at calming US concerns about any weakening of Pakistan's key role in the ‘war on terror’ after the shift of power from President Pervez Musharraf to the newly elected powers led by slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto's party.
‘The fight against terrorism is our own fight because it has claimed innocent lives of children and young men of Pakistan,’ said Mr Gilani
Pakistan is reeling under an unprecedented spate of violence which has killed more than 600 people this year.
‘Our first priority will be restoration of law and order and elimination of terrorism from the country,’ Mr Gilani added.
Mr Gilani is a top official from assassinated former prime minister Benazir Bhutto's party, which won the most seats in the 18 February parliamentary elections and he is set to lead a coalition government.
