President rejects foreign calls on elections

ISLAMABAD—President General Pervez Musharraf reiterating that emergency would not be lifted till all aims and objectives are achieved said he would not announce general elections schedules on the dictates of the US. He was addressing the Parliamentary Party session of the PML and its allied parties at the Prime Minister House on Wednesday.
On the condition of anonymity a state minister told Online that President Musharraf terming the imposition of emergency as one of the most difficult decisions he had to under take during his 8 year old rule of government said he took this decision under most difficult circumstances as the institutions were facing destruction. The judiciary was in direct confrontation with the government and was interfering in state affairs and law and order were being affected. Under such circumstances how could we sit quietly? The president said.
He said that until all aims and objectives of imposing emergency are achieved a time frame for lifting the emergency cannot be given. He said that he has been advised to announce lection schedule soon and should not be delayed while some associates are saying that elections should be delayed in view of the volatile situation in tribal belt. President said that he is trying that elections should be held at the earliest but it could be delayed. He said that he would not be dictated by the US on when to hold elections he said that whenever he finds the situation is conducive for elections only them the elections would be held. He said that he listens to everyone but only does what he sees is in the best interest of the nation.
He said that the future of National Assemblies would be taken on November 14 as the tenure of assemblies is ending on November 15. He said that there are no curbs on media and negotiations are taking place with the broadcasters and the matter would be handled soon. He said that the press freedom would be ensured Expressing his regret over the rumors of change in high command of the army he said that the army is fully united under his leadership and all such rumors are spread by elements with vested interested. He said that opposition is carrying out protests against the imposition of emergency but they have failed to gather public support. With regards to his meeting with Benazir he said that he desires National reconciliation and other parties should also join and we would welcome them, as politics of confrontation are detrimental for the country Member Parliaments on the occasion reposed their confidence in the leadership of President Musharraf and consented to all his decisions. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, PML president Ch Shujaat Hussain, PML General secretary Syed Mushahid Hussain and other MPs were also present on the occasion.
President General Pervez Musharraf Wednesday said the support given to him by the parliamentarians is an endorsement of the political process which had brought about a turnaround in all sectors of national life particularly in the economic and political fields.The period during the first and second phases of transition, he said, registered a visible change for the better. The third phase would lead towards free, fair and transparent elections, he added.—Agencies