U.S. President George W Bush strongly condemned the deadly bombing on a hotel in Islamabad Saturday, pledging the United States's cooperation with Pakistan in confronting the violent extremism. “I strongly condemn the terrorist bombing in Islamabad that targeted and killed many innocents, including at least one American. I extend condolences to the families of all those killed in this brutal attack,” Bush said in a statement released by the White House. This bombing, the latest in a series of terrorist attacks, is part of a continuing assault on the people of Pakistan; he was quoted as saying by the Associated Press of Pakistan. “This attack is a reminder of the ongoing threat faced by Pakistan, the United States, and all those who stand against violent extremism”. “We will assist Pakistan in confronting this threat and bringing the perpetrators to justice. We will fully support the democratically-elected government of Pakistan and the Pakistani people as they face enormous challenges economically as well as from terrorism,” said Bush. Bush will meet Pakistan's newly elected President Asif Ali Zardari next week in New York, where they will attend the UN General Assembly session, with their talks likely to focus on support for Pakistan's economic development and the fight against terrorism.
