Rice lauds Musharraf

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice expressed "deep gratitude" Monday to Pervez Musharraf, who was pressured into quitting as Pakistan's president.

Rice cited Musharraf's efforts to root out terrorists and other extremists in his country.

"President Musharraf made the critical choice to join the fight against al-Qaida, the Taliban and other extremist groups that threaten the peace and security of Pakistan, its neighbors and partners throughout the world," Rice said in a statement carried by American Forces Press Service. "For this, he has our deep gratitude."

The secretary of state said the United States will maintain its relationship with Pakistan. She also called upon Pakistani political leaders to do even more to combat extremist factions within its borders.

"The United States will help with these efforts to see Pakistan reach its goal of becoming a stable, prosperous, democratic, modern, Muslim nation," she said.

Meanwhile, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman noted the United States has a sound relationship with Pakistan's defense hierarchy.

"We work very closely with the military, particularly along the border region, and we would hope and expect that that would continue," he said.

Musharaff, who gain power in a 1999 military coup, was facing possible impeachment and misconduct charges.