Zardari Requests More Help for Pakistan's Security, Economy

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari is urging world leaders to do more to support Pakistan's fight against terrorism.

President Zardari told the U.N. General Assembly Friday that the return of peace and stability in Afghanistan is critical. He said Pakistan will continue to work with Afghanistan and the international community to improve the situation in Afghanistan.

He also called on the international community to help Pakistan build its economy. He said economic development is "Pakistan's priority" and called for market access and frameworks for cooperation with other nations.

President Zardari said the challenge for Pakistan is to make democracy sustainable and enable it to meet Pakistanis' aspirations for progress and prosperity.

He also spoke about India, saying Pakistan wants friendly relations with its neighbor and a peaceful resolution to all outstanding issues, including the dispute over Kashmir. He said dialogue is the only way forward.

President Zardari appeared before the U.N. General Assembly with a photo of his slain wife, former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, at his side. He said Ms. Bhutto sacrificed her life for democracy in Pakistan and expressed his gratitude to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for establishing a commission to investigate her assassination.