US slams Pakistan emergency
John Negroponte met with Pervez Musharraf and others on his two-day visit
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Published by Gibson Square, out November 15th, 204 pages, £12. |  |
Sunday, 18, Nov 2007 12:46
Pervez Musharraf must end the state of emergency currently in place in Pakistan, a senior US diplomat has said.
Deputy secretary of state John Negroponte issued the call before flying back to Washington after his two-day trip to the south Asian country.
As well as the Pakistani president, Mr Negroponte held meetings with the country's national security advisor, vice chief of army staff and the director-general of Pakistan's ISS security service.
He said the state of emergency, imposed on November 3rd by General Musharraf, hindered prospects of free elections for the country's January-scheduled poll.
"I urged the government to stop such actions, lift the state of emergency, and release all political detainees," he told reporters before departing Islamabad.
"Emergency rule is not compatible with free, fair, and credible elections, which require the active participation of political parties, civil society, and the media.
"The people of Pakistan deserve an opportunity to choose their leaders free from the restrictions that exist under a state of emergency."
The US has been a strong supporter of Gen Musharraf since the latter's close cooperation in the fight against terror.
Although applauding the "great progress" made under him towards a "moderate, prosperous and democratic Pakistan" Mr Negroponte said recent developments had undermined positive steps forward.
Gen Musharraf's consistent quashing of political demonstrations against the state of emergency by supporters of Benazir Bhutto and other prominent opposition leaders also came under attack, as Mr Negroponte pressed "reconciliation" as the best course of action.
"A democratic Pakistan that continues the fight against terror is vital to the interests of both the US and Pakistan," he added.
"In the current circumstances, engagement and dialogue – not brinksmanship and confrontation – should be the order of the day for all parties."