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December 2, 2008 8:30:52 PM CST

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Pakistan's Zardari Sworn In

Posted Sep 9, 08 9:33 AM CDT in World 

(AP) – Asif Ali Zardari took office as Pakistan's new president today, facing immediate pressure to crack down on Islamic militants and address daunting economic problems. Afghanistan’s Hamid Karzai was present at a brief ceremony to swear in the widower of assassinated ex-PM Benazir Bhutto, his presence an imposing reminder of Zardari’s task ahead. "We are in the eye of the storm," Zardari said later.

Karzai said Pakistan's new democratic dawn augured well for both countries. "For bringing stability to two countries, Afghanistan will take many, many steps with you," he told the new president. Zardari has made tough statements against Islamic extremism, and the Pakistani army says it has killed hundreds of rebels. The inauguration of Zardari, 53, completes Pakistan's return to civilian rule after nearly 9 years under Pervez Musharraf.

Source Associated Press

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Asif Ali Zardari shakes hand with his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai today.   (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
Asif Ali Zardari takes oath of the president of Pakistan today.   ((AP Photo/Press Information Department, HO))
Children of Pakistan's slain leader Benazir Bhutto, from left, Bakhtawar, Bilawal and Asifa, watch their father Asif Ali Zardari, unseen, be sworn in as president of Pakistan Tuesday, Sept 9, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari, widower of assassinated former Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto, smiles in front of her portrait in Islamabad, Pakistan, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008.   (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari, widower of assassinated former PM Benazir Bhutto, smiles during a press conference in Islamabad, Pakistan, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008.   (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari speaks as his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai looks on during a press conference in Islamabad, Pakistan, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008.   (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
Asif Ali Zardari, widower of assassinated former Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto, smiles during a press conference today.   (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
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We are in the eye of the storm. I consider that an opportunity. We intend to take the world with us in developing the future of Pakistan and changing the future of our neighbors also. - Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari

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Pakistan • Afghanistan • terrorism • Benazir Bhutto • Asif Ali Zardari • Hamid Karzai


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