DATE=10/17/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PAK SPEECH (L)
NUMBER=2-255160
BYLINE=SCOTT ANGER
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Pakistan's new military ruler told the nation
(Sunday) it would return to democracy. As
Correspondent Scott Anger reports from Islamabad,
General Pervez Musharraf has announced a joint
military-civilian rule, but did not mention how long
the military will stay in power.
TEXT: General Musharraf has announced the
establishment of a National Security Council made up
of military and civilians to run the country. The
general did not specify how long military rule would
last.
///Musharraf Act///
This is not martial law, only another path to
democracy. The armed forces have no intention
to stay in charge any longer than is absolutely
necessary.
///End Act///
General Musharraf is under pressure from western
countries to lay out a timetable for a return to
democracy. He assured the international community
that there would be no change in Pakistan's foreign
policy.
/// MUSHARRAF ACT TWO ///
We will continue to honor international
obligations and commitments as in the past. It
will remain our constant endeavor to promote
peace and stability in our region.
/// END ACT TWO ///
The general says he welcomes dialogue with Pakistan's
neighbor, India. He says a military de-escalation
will take place along the international border with
its arch-rival as -- what he calls -- a confidence
building measure.
Meanwhile, he says the military will take a number of
steps aimed at rebuilding the country. During his
televised address, he outlined a seven-point plan to
revive Pakistan's economy and rebuild its political
system. The new government will include President
Rafiq Tarar -- the only member of ousted Prime
Minister Nawaz Sharif's government to stay in office
during the military take-over.
General Musharraf overthrew Mr. Sharif in a bloodless
military coup Tuesday. He declared a state of
emergency early Friday and made himself chief
executive of the country.
Professor Pervez Hoodbhoy from Islamabad's Quaid-e-
Azam University says General Musharraf's positive
speech has made Pakistanis feel good, but says many
will remain cynical.
/// HOODBHOY ACT ///
This government is just five-days old. It is
going to be supported by the people for some
weeks to come but unless it delivers, that
support is going to evaporate.
/// END ACT ///
Pakistan has been ruled by the military for nearly
half of its 52-year existence. The last military
dictator, General Zia ul-Haq, suspended the
constitution and declared martial law in July 1977.
General Zia ruled Pakistan for 11-years, until he died
in a plane crash in August 1988 -- which paved the way
for democratic elections in the country.
Every democratically-elected Pakistani government
since the end of the last military regime has been
dismissed on charges of corruption and mis-rule --
including the first elected-term of Nawaz Sharif.
(SIGNED)
NEB/SA/RAE
17-Oct-1999 15:04 PM EDT (17-Oct-1999 1904 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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