DATE=10/15/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=BHUTTO/PAKISTAN (L)
NUMBER=2-255092
BYLINE=NICK SIMEONE
DATELINE=WASHINGTON
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto
is urging the West to give General Pervez Musharraf
perhaps as long as six months to develop a plan for
returning the country to democratic rule. She tells
correspondent Nick Simeone it would be a mistake if
the United States and other countries move to isolate
his government for ousting Prime Minister Nawaz
Sharif.
TEXT: Former Prime Minister Bhutto believes Tuesday's
military coup has again brought Pakistan to a
crossroads.
/// BHUTTO ACT ///
The military has to decide whether they want the
support of the political leaders in the country
as a move toward democracy or not. I know
there is a group of people who are urging the
general to dump on all politicians and on the
political process and on political parties. I
hope the general will have the wisdom to ignore
such advice.
/// END ACT ///
In New York for what associates say are mostly private
meetings, she - like many other Pakistanis - denounces
ousted Prime Minister Sharif as a leader who was
strangling democracy and leading the country toward
economic ruin. Ironically, at a time when much of the
world usually supports elected rule over dictatorship,
Ms. Bhutto believes the Pakistani people may have more
to benefit from an unelected general.
/// SECOND BHUTTO ACT ///
They're hoping that the military may be able to
restore some kind of political and economic
stability and move on in due time towards fresh
elections that will allow them to have
representative government.
/// END ACT ///
The two-time former prime minister was forced from
office three years ago amid charges of corruption and
has been living in exile in London. She was convicted
on corruption charges by a Pakistani court earlier
this year - barring her from holding public office.
Still, she makes no secret about her continued
interest in politics.
/// THIRD BHUTTO ACT ///
If an election was announced within three
months, I would be back on the first plane to
organize my party, take part in those elections
and continue the path of social and economic
development for the people of Pakistan.
/// END ACT ///
Her message to the Clinton Administration - keep the
lines of communication with Pakistan's new rulers
open. This, she says, will be the best way to ensure
the military does not take the nation further away
from democratic rule.(SIGNED)
NEB/NJS/JP
15-Oct-1999 15:10 PM EDT (15-Oct-1999 1910 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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