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France hails Musharraf's 'courage'

Elysee Palace date: Musharraf, left, and Chirac

PARIS, France -- Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has been praised in Europe for his "courageous" stand on Afghanistan while facing unrest at home.

The general was due to have breakfast with French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin in Paris on Thursday, where the U.S.-led attack on Afghanistan was set to top the agenda.

It follows a dinner hosted by President Jacques Chirac on Wednesday during which the issue of Pakistan's $36 billion debt and aid to Afghan refugees was discussed.

France wants an international conference to look at ways of speeding up the delivery of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan's refugees.

Chirac's spokeswoman said the Pakistan leader was told: "Pakistan has made a courageous choice and we realise the effort this represents.

"Your country has chosen the future over the past. France is determined to help it."

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Chirac added that France would support "a generous treatment for Pakistan's huge debt in the Club of Paris," the group of Western creditors next due to meet in December to review the country's foreign debt situation.

Also discussed at the dinner, attended by French Defence Minister Alain Richard and Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine, was the effects that the U.S. bombing in Afghanistan was having in Pakistan, officials said.

Musharraf faces tension at home, where a general strike and day of protest has been called for Friday by Islamic groups unhappy with the country's support of the military strikes on Afghanistan.

The Pakistan president has attempted to placate some of those who support the Taliban and Osama bin Laden -- suspected mastermind of the suicide hijacks attacks on the U.S. -- by calling for a halt the bombing during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

He also urged a "short and more targeted" war during his trip to Turkey on Wednesday.

Musharraf is set to fly to the U.S. for talks with President George W. Bush and a meeting of the United Nation's General Assembly later in the week.

It was while Musharraf was on a foreign trip that he was stripped of his status as military chief by the democratically elected government of Pakistan.

He grabbed power in a military coup on his return prompting international anger.

But Musharraf was determined to make this trip and analysts say his position is strong enough for him to leave his military government to deal with any domestic threats.

He has arrested key opposition clerics and thousands of Muslims are reported to be waiting at the border with Afghanistan, ready to fight for the Taliban.

While Musharraf is out of the country Irshad Hassan Khan, chief justice of the Supreme Court, is serving as acting president, with General Mohammed Yusuf -- a trusted Musharraf ally -- in charge of the military. Musharraf will also have talks with UK Prime Minister Tony Blair in London and address the country's parliament before heading to the United States.