New Pakistani premier vows to fight terrorism

3/29/2008 - 9:15:08 AM

Pakistan's new prime minister says fighting terrorism will be his government's top priority.

It is also ready to talk to militants prepared to lay down their arms.

Yousaf Raza Gilani made the remarks today in his first policy speech since politicians elected him days ago.

He also said his government will seek to restore senior judges purged when President Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency rule last year.

Mr Musharraf purged the Supreme Court in November to halt legal challenges to him continuing as president.

Earlier today, parliamentarians passed unopposed a motion expressing confidence in Mr Gilani, a loyalist of assassinated former premier Benazir Bhutto.

Mr Gilani said extremism was a serious problem for Pakistan. He called restoring peace and eliminating terrorism "our top priority".

He also said the new government was "ready to hold talks with those who will lay down their arms".

Mr Gilani fronts a coalition that has pledged to cut President Pervez Musharraf's powers and review his counterterrorism policies.