Obama: Pakistan critical to Afghan success

WEST POINT, N.Y., Dec. 1 (UPI) -- A strategy in Afghanistan also must work in Pakistan to address a "cancer" that has taken root in the border region, U.S. President Barack Obama said Tuesday.

"We are in Afghanistan to prevent a cancer (of extremism) from once again spreading through that country," Obama said during a speech about the strategy for the region delivered at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. "But this same cancer has also taken root in the border region of Pakistan. That is why we need a strategy that works on both sides of the border."

Obama said a key element in stabilizing Pakistan was providing support to the country's security efforts because of the threat Pakistan faces from internal extremists.

The days of a narrowly focused relationship with Pakistan are gone, Obama said.

"Moving forward, we are committed to a partnership with Pakistan that is built on a foundation of mutual interests, mutual respect, and mutual trust," the president said. "We will strengthen Pakistan's capacity to target those groups that threaten our countries, and have made it clear that we cannot tolerate a safe-haven for terrorists whose location is known, and whose intentions are clear."

Besides a partnership with the Pakistani military, Obama re-affirmed developing a long-term strategic partnership with the Pakistani civilian government to meet their political and economic needs.

Speaking to the Pakistani people, Obama said, "America will remain a strong supporter of Pakistan's security and prosperity long after the guns have fallen silent so that the great potential of its people can be unleashed. "

Earlier Tuesday, Obama spoke with Pakistani President Asif Zardari about the U.S. strategy on Pakistan and Afghanistan by telephone, the White House said.