DATE=10/12/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S / PAK / REACT (L-ONITER)
NUMBER=2-254949
BYLINE=KYLE KING
DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United States is calling on the Pakistani
military to restore democracy quickly, but the overall
American reaction has been cautious following the coup
that overturned Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's
government. V-O-A's State Department Correspondent
Kyle King reports:
TEXT: U-S officials were cautious in their initial
response to the ouster of Mr. Sharif, refusing to even
characterize his removal from office as a military
coup.
But U-S officials say they expect authorities in
Pakistan to respect the country's constitution and
restore democracy as quickly as possible.
State Department spokesman James Rubin says relations
with Pakistan will be harmed if democracy is not
restored.
/// RUBIN ACT ///
If there has been a coup we would seek the
earliest possible restoration of democracy in
Pakistan and clearly we would not be in a
position to carry on business as usual with
Pakistani authorities.
/// END ACT ///
Just three weeks ago, U-S officials had warned of a
possible military takeover in Pakistan. But the State
Department says it had no advance knowledge that Mr.
Sharif was about to be ousted by the chief of the
country's armed forces.
Rumors of a possible coup have surrounded Mr. Sharif
for months, with opposition leaders calling for his
ouster.
Critics of the Prime Minister were outraged when Mr.
Sharif met at the White House with President Clinton
in July, and agreed to withdraw Pakistani-backed
militants from the Indian side of the disputed border
in Kashmir. Critics described the action as a
humiliation.
As the latest crisis in Pakistan unfolds, the State
Department is advising U-S citizens to exercise
caution and avoid unnecessary trips there. The U-S
ambassador, who has been in the United States, has
been ordered back to Islamabad immediately. (Signed)
NEB/KBK/WTW
12-Oct-1999 20:31 PM EDT (13-Oct-1999 0031 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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