Hours after the largest bombing in Pakistan's history, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari sat down with NBC News' Ann Curry in Pakistan. The exclusive interview marks the newly elected president's first-ever interview with an American news organization. The interview will air Monday, September 22 on "Today" and "Nightly News."
Regarding the bombing Zardari told Curry:
My hearts go out to the people. I want the world to understand that this is a signal from the terrorists. They are challenging this democracy of Pakistan. They are challenging the people of Pakistan. They are challenging the world. And we are there to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world, looking the terrorists in the eye. And we will fight them.
Zardari also answered Curry's questions about recent statements from Pakistan's army that it will fire on U.S. troops found in Pakistani territory, about rising tensions between the U.S. and Pakistan, about Al Qaeda and the Taliban, and about what he will say to President Bush when they meet Tuesday in New York.
Additionally, Curry took photos in Pakistan just after the bombing. Those photos, as well as photos from the interview, will be available on TODAYshow.com, MSNBC.com and nbcumv.com.
Jim Bell is the executive producer of "Today" (Mon.-Fri., 7-11 a.m.). Alex Wallace is the executive producer of "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams" (Mon.-Fri., 6:30 p.m. ET).
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