Blair, Musharraf to hold talks over terrorism

Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, who flew into London on Sunday, is due to discuss with British Prime Minister Tony Blair over terrorism, trade and the situation in Afghanistan and Kashmir on Monday.

The two leaders, who will be joined by British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, were also likely to discuss the importance of peace in the Middle East after the death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Musharraf was given a red carpet welcome after landing at about 12:20 pm Sunday on a private flight from Washington where he held talks with US President George W. Bush who praised the Pakistani leader's drive against suspected al-Qaeda elements at the time.

On Tuesday, the Pakistani leader will deliver a keynote speech in London, before travelling to northwestern English city of Manchester to meet the Pakistani community there.

Musharraf said he had succeeded in securing a strong commitment from Bush that the United States would take a more active role in the Middle East peace process.

"I told him this would be a priority of my administration" Bush was quoted by a Sky News report as confirming after the talks.

Musharraf has already visited Mexico, Brazil and Argentina before paying his first official visit to Britain.