Musharraf pledges support for US

Musharraf (right) condemned anti-Islam prejudice

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has reiterated his support for the US-led war on terror, but warned that a growing anti-Muslim bias in the West threatened to split the allies.

I am extremely democratic. You have to believe me when I say that

Pervez Musharraf

"There is concern among the Islamic nations over the emergence of widespread prejudice, in some cases xenophobia," he said in a speech at Harvard University in the US.

"We must ensure that the Islamic world and the West are allies in combating terrorism, and do not at any stage turn into antagonists confronting each other."

In a wide-ranging speech, General Musharraf also ruled out Pakistan's involvement in any possible US attack on Iraq, attacked India over Kashmir and defended recent measures consolidating his grip on power at home.

Tolerant religion

General Musharraf said the world needed a better understanding of Islam and that hate "must be stamped out with the same zeal with which the fights against terrorism is pursued".

Artillery duels highlight continuing tensions over Kashmir

"We must diagnose the malaise and treat the root causes of terrorism. What motivates a suicide bomber that his instinct for survival is overcome by a death wish?"

General Musharraf's support for the US-led coalition in Afghanistan has won him praise in the West, but enraged hardliners at home and led to a series of demonstrations.

But he pledged to continue fighting extremists, stressing that Islam as a whole should be understood as a peaceful and tolerant religion.

"I remain determined not to allow a fringe element to hold the entire nation hostage and hijack our agenda of reforms," he said.

The Pakistani leader said his country would not be involved in any US campaign against Iraq.

"Pakistan has its hands full... we don't want to get involved in any other problems or issues around the world".

Kashmir swipe

Addressing the issue of Pakistan's tense stand-off with India over disputed Kashmir, General Musharraf said that the relations between the two nuclear neighbours were "at their lowest ebb".

Musharraf said the country needed recent constitutional changes

He blamed Indian intransigency over Kashmir, calling the US to intervene to solve the problem, which has already led to several wars between Pakistan and India.

"There is grave risk and nothing to be gained from military brinkmanship," he said referring to the situation on the Indo-Pakistani border, where both side have amassed over a million troops.

India accuses Pakistan of backing incursions by Islamic militants across the border.

The government in Islamabad denies the claims, saying it can not control every extremist group.

'Necessary changes'

General Musharraf - who seized power in a 1999 coup - defended recent constitutional changes extending his term as president and army chief and allowing him to dismiss the parliament.

He said the changes were necessary to "rectify the weaknesses" in Pakistan's political system.

"I am at the helm of affairs and I am extremely democratic. You have to believe me when I say that."

General Musharraf arrived to the US to take part in the annual debates at the United Nations' General Assembly.