US renews call for lifting emergency
By Our Diplomatic Correspondent

ISLAMABAD—Urging President General Pervez Musharraf to lift the emergency, end curbs on media and release the political activist, the visiting US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte said that the emergency rule is not compatible with free, fair and credible elections due in January.
Addressing the news conference at the US embassy here on early Sunday, Negroponte urged the government to stop such actions, lift the state of emergency and release all political detainees, adding that, emergency rule is main hurdle in free, fair and transparent 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 without any pressure that exists under a state of emergency,” he said. He welcomed President Pervez Musharraf’s announcement that elections would take place in January and his commitment to quit the army post before commencing his second term.
“Unfortunately, the recent police actions against protesters, suppression of the media, and the arrests of political and human rights leaders run directly counter to the reforms that have been undertaken in recent years. Their continuation undermines the progress Pakistan has made,” Negroponte said.
“A democratic Pakistan that continues the fight against terror is vital to the interests of both the United States and Pakistan. In the current circumstances, engagement and dialogue not brinkmanship and confrontation should be the order of the day for all parties,” he said. “Under leadership of President General Pervez Musharraf, the US Deputy Secretary of Sate added, Pakistan has made great progress toward that vision.
Over the past few years, the Pakistani people have witnessed expanded and freer media, unprecedented economic growth and development, and the moderation of gender-based laws and school curricula,” Negroponte said. In reply to questions about terrorism and extremism, Negroponte said both the countries were working to fight the menace. The issues for combating extremism in the border areas and also in Afghanistan came under discussion in his discussion with Musharraf on Saturday. He said it was the matter of high priority and concern for both the U.S. and Pakistan. He lauded operations of security forces being underway in Swat against terrorist and extremist. To a question about economic and military aid, Negroponte said both countries enjoyed good friendly relations and shared common interest and were facing some common challenges including efforts against extremism. He said the U.S. government wanted to ensure democratic evolution and to get the political process back on track. He said that Musharraf told him he had taken some of the steps including holding of early elections and taking off uniform. He said the U.S. urged Musharraf and his government to consider as rapidly as possible taking other remaining steps so that the elections could go forward on a satisfactory basis.
He said he held talks with Senior Pakistani government officials including National Security Advisor Tariq Aziz, Vice Chief of Army Staff General Kayani, Former Foreign Minister Kasuri and Inter-Services Intelligence Director General and discussed matters relating to war against terrorism and Pak-US relations.