U.S. looks forward to Zardari cooperation

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- The United States looks forward to working with Pakistan's newly elected president in fighting terror in the region, a Bush administration official said Monday.

Sean McCormack, assistant U.S. secretary of state for public affairs, offered the administration's congratulations to President-elect Asif Ali Zardari.

"We look forward to working with him, as well as Prime Minister (Yousaf Raza) Gilani, on areas of mutual interest. And certainly one of those -- one of the main areas is our common fight against terrorism," McCormack told reporters in Washington

When asked if the administration feels it has a partner in Zardari, the spokesman replied, "I think ... we've had good discussions with him, as well as his government, and look forward to working with Mr. Zardari on issues of counter-terrorism."

He went on to say he thinks the Pakistani government has a "healthy appreciation for the fact that this is a common fight," especially in light of gunshots being fired at Gilani's motorcade last week.

"So they have a healthy appreciation for what's at stake here. And we have good cooperation with this government in fighting terrorism," he said.