Leaders hail Zaradi's election as Pakistan's president

07/09/2008 08:18:10

World leaders are congratulating Asif Ali Zardari on his election as Pakistan's new president.

Our reporter Michael Coggan reports from Islamabad 53 year-old Asif Ali Zardari has overcome more than a decade in jail, corruption charges, exile and the assassination of his wife, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, to rise to one of the toughest jobs in international politics.

The leader of the Pakistan People's Party won more than two-thirds of the 700 votes cast by politicians in yesterday's Presidential election.

Mr Zardari says his win is a victory for democracy and congratulated the people of Pakistan.

White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe says President George Bush is looking forward to working with the President-elect on the key issues of counter terrorism and stabilising Pakistan's economy.

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