DATE=10/13/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PAK COUP REACT (L-O)
NUMBER=2-254974
BYLINE=SCOTT ANGER
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Human-rights activists in Pakistan say they
are concerned the military take over Tuesday will do
little to serve the long-term interests of the
Pakistani people. From Islamabad, Correspondent Scott
Anger reports.
TEXT: Pakistan's independent Human Rights Commission
says the ousted government of Prime Minister Nawaz
Sharif is guilty of giving rise to fundamentalism, the
creation of new tensions throughout the country, and
blatant violations of human rights. The Sharif
government was ousted Tuesday in a military coup by
General Pervez Musharraf.
But despite its harsh criticism of the former
government, the commission has called for the military
leaders that now head Pakistan to draw up a timetable
for returning the country to democratic rule.
Pakistan Human Rights Commission member I-A Rehman
says the group is asking that the interruption of
democracy be as brief as possible.
/// REHMAN ACT ///
If we have a parliament, then parliament should
take over. And if we do not have parliament or
a national assembly, then we should have
elections immediately.
/// END ACT ///
Mr. Rehman says the commission's biggest fear is that
the army may make mistakes that will slow the revival
of the democratic process in Pakistan.
In a written statement, the commission has urged
accountability in any new government formed. It also
asks that genuine respect for people's rights be
observed, something many Pakistanis criticized the
former government for failing to do. (SIGNED)
NEB/SA/RAE
13-Oct-1999 12:11 PM EDT (13-Oct-1999 1611 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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