US praises positive steps, stresses lifting emergency

WASHINGTON—President George Bush on Sunday welcomed President Pervez Musharraf’s “positive steps” toward restoration of constitutional rule and full democracy as he acknowledged the vital importance of Pakistan’s cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
Bush, speaking to reporters after meeting German Chancellor Angela Merkel, reaffirmed his confidence in the Pakistani leadership’s commitment to combat terrorism. He said the two countries have a mutual interest in fighting off terrorists in the region. “We share a common goal,” the US president stated at his ranch in Crawford, Texas.
Bush aid “I vowed to the American people to keep the pressure on them (al-Qaeda). I fully understand we need cooperation to do so.” “One country we need cooperation from is Pakistan.” President Bush underlined the fact that several al-Qaida leaders have been brought to justice with the help of key South Asian ally. “That wouldn’t have happened without President Musharraf honoring his word.”
Pakistan has deployed more than 100,000 troops along its Afghan border to combat terrorists in the region and captured and eliminated hundreds of terrorists since 2001 US war in Afghanistan. Bush said the Pakistani leadership is aware of Washington’s position on the state of emergency and also recognized the fact that the vast majority of Pakistani people understand the risks posed by terrorists. “By far the vast majority of people in Pakistan want to live in a free and peaceful society, and they understand the dangers of al-Qaeda.—-I believe we will continue to have good collaboration with the leadership in Pakistan.”
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice urged Pakistan’s military ruler on Sunday to lift the state of emergency as soon as possible, expressing concern that Gen. Pervez Musharraf has not set a time limit for restoring citizens’ rights. At the same time, Rice said it was a positive sign that Musharraf now has pledged to hold parliamentary elections by mid-January. There had been concerns voting could be delayed by as much as a year in the wake of his declaration last weekend that he was suspending the constitution.
“It’s not a perfect situation,” Rice said. She said the role of the United States should be to persuade Pakistan that “it has to get back on the democratic road.” Asked about what it was time for Musharraf to step down, Rice said the focus should be on holding free and fair elections.
The army chief imposed the state of emergency on Nov. 3, citing the growing threat posed by Taliban and al-Qaida-linked militants. Critics say the move was aimed at extending his grip on power, noting that the main targets of his crackdown so far have been human rights workers, political activists and lawyers.—Agencies