Bhutto Asks U.S. For Help Fighting Crime

Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto made a strong plea Tuesday for U.S. help to combat drug trafficking and terrorism, saying her Muslim nation is a voice of moderation in an increasingly turbulent region.

Bhutto met American journalists at her residence to outline the appeal she will make next month when she visits the United States, seeking the lifting of sanctions imposed to protest her country’s nuclear program.

“One of the messages I will be taking to the (Clinton) administration and Congress is that you are a fair nation and we’ve been allies,” said Bhutto. “Help me strengthen the forces of moderation by taking away the factors that fuel fanaticism.”

Her administration is beset with a host of serious problems, including a stagnant economy, a powerful drug mafia, and escalating violence and terrorism in the southern city of Karachi, the business capital.