Bhutto’s widower sworn in as Pakistan’s new president

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of assassinated former Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto, began his term as Pakistan’s new president Tuesday by declaring the war on terrorism a chance for the country to overcome its economic problems.

Three days after winning election by legislators, Zardari took the oath of office at a brief ceremony in the presidential palace vacated by Pervez Musharraf, who resigned last month under pressure.

With his three children and Bhutto’s sobbing sister among the well-wishers and dignitaries packing a cavernous hall, Zardari beamed as the ceremony ended amid shouts of “Bhutto is alive!”

But in the front row sat a reminder of his task ahead: Afghan President Hamid Karzai, whose government has accused Pakistan of failing to take action against Taliban militants based around the countries’ common border.

Karzai, the only foreign head of state to attend, said afterward that Pakistan’s new government augured well for both countries and said Zardari’s “intentions” echoed his own.

“For each step that you take in the war against terrorism for bringing peace to two countries, for bringing stability to two countries, Afghanistan will take many, many steps with you,” he said.

Asked about allegations that Pakistan’s intelligence agency had collaborated with militants waging war on Afghanistan’s U.S.-backed government, Zardari said the two neighbors would work together on any “weaknesses.”

President Bush said he called Zardari on Tuesday to pledge his administration’s full support to Pakistan as it fights terrorists and extremists in its border regions with Afghanistan.