fight terrorism Manila, Philippines, April 19, SPA -- Pakistani President PervezMusharraf called on Muslim and Western nations on Tuesdayto do more to rid the world of terrorism. Musharraf backed President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo'sefforts to forge a peace deal with a large Muslim separatist group. Addressing the Philippine Congress, the Pakistani generalcalled on Islamic nations "to do more to reject extremismand intolerance and promote socio-economic development thatis lacking in many Islamic societies." He also urged Western nations to help settle long-standingpolitical disputes "that have caused so much pain in theIslamic world," adding that the West should help extricate poor countries from misery. Musharraf has advocated a peaceful solution between Israeland the Palestinians. Musharraf, who arrived late Monday in Manila for athree-day visit, was given a red carpet welcome and fullmilitary honors by President Gloria Macapagal ArroyoTuesday. Both leaders later witnessed the signing of ananti-terrorism agreement allowing their countries'security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies toshare information and work hand-in-hand to disruptterrorist and crime networks, officials said. Arroyo also briefed Musharraf on Malaysian-brokered peacetalks between her government and the Moro IslamicLiberation Front, which has been fighting for a separateMuslim homeland in the southern Philippines, officialssaid. "I urge the Muslims of the Philippines, my brothers andsisters in faith, to shun the path of confrontation,suppress extremism," Musharraf said in his congressionalspeech, which drew loud applause from lawmakers. But hecalled on the government to respect Muslims' rights,tradition and culture to allow them to live in harmony insociety. During their closed-door talks, Arroyo sought Pakistan'ssupport for a Philippine bid to gain observer status in theOIC. Musharraf said the Philippine bid could be taken up inan ongoing restructuring of the OIC.--SPA1512 Local Time 1212 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/255886