Cro President Congratulates Pakistan's President

Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of the assassinated politician Benazir Bhutto, became the new president of Pakistan.

ZAGREB, CROATIA – Croatian President Stjepan Mesic on Thursday sent a note of congratulations to Asif Ali Zardari for his election as the new president of Pakistan, the president’s office said in a statement.

- I deeply hope that your assuming this difficult and responsible duty will mean the beginning of better times for Pakistan and that under your leadership your country will achieve the peace and stability it has craved for so long – says Mesic’s note of congratulations.

Mesic added that Croatia was carefully monitoring events in that part of the world and highly appreciated the important role of Pakistan in overcoming conflicts there and threats to global security.

- I believe only a decisive fight against the root causes of global terrorism – poverty, underdevelopment and prejudice – can contribute to world peace – Mesic said in his note, expressing conviction that the two countries would continue to deepen their relations.