Bush praises Musharraf's role in war on terror

US President George W Bush on Friday acknowleged the role of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf in the ongoing war against terrorism saying Musharraf's decision to fight terror was made at "great personal risk".

Musharraf's decision to "fight terrorists was made at great personal risk. They have tried to kill him as a result of his decision, because they know he has chosen to side with the forces of peace and moderation, and that he stands in the way of their hateful vision for his country," he told the Reserve Officers Association in Washington.

Bush said the Pakistan president has made a major impact in the war against terrorism and "as we work with Musharraf to bring security to his country, we're also supporting him as he takes steps to build a modern and moderate nation, that will hold free and fair elections next year."

"Musharraf has a clear vision for his country as a nation growing in freedom and prosperity and peace. And as he stands against the terrorists and for the free future of his country, the United States of America will stand with him," he said.

With the ambassadors of Pakistan and Afghanistan in the audience, Bush said America has strong allies with these two countries "committed" to rooting out terrorists.

"And with their help, we've killed or captured hundreds of Al Qaeda leaders and operatives -- and we put the others on the run. Osama Bin Laden and other terrorists are still in hiding. Our message to them is clear: No matter how long it takes, we will find you, and we're going to bring you to justice" Bush said.

Observing that the world is witness to a larger struggle between forces of extremism and moderation in the Middle East, Bush said US was a determined to prevail in the war on terror.