DATE=10/18/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PAK COUP / U-S (L)
NUMBER=2-255172
BYLINE=SCOTT ANGER
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United States is welcoming a pledge by
Pakistan's military leader to return to democratic
rule, but is concerned no schedule for the move has
been announced. From Islamabad, Correspondent Scott
Anger reports.
TEXT: U-S Ambassador to Pakistan, William Milam, says
Washington is concerned that Pakistan's military
ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, has not given a time-
frame for the restoration of democracy in the country.
/// MILAM ACT ///
We did hope for a specific time frame, and
remain disappointed that there is not one. On
the other hand, we were heartened by his
(General Musharraf's) pledge that the military
would stay in power only as long as absolutely
necessary.
/// END ACT ///
In an address Sunday, General Musharraf outlined his
plan to run Pakistan following the ouster of Prime
Minister Nawaz Sharif in a bloodless coup last week.
Ambassador Milam says Washington is willing to give
General Musharraf time to fulfill his plan, which
includes the establishment of a National Security
Council, made up of military officers and civilian
experts. The general has promised an economic revival
of the country, and says he will take strong action
against high-level government corruption.
The U-S Ambassador says General Musharraf's
implementation of his revival plan is a big task.
/// MILAM ACT ///
We know these tasks he set out for the new
government are really immense and formidable.
And one hopes that, after they are firmly
grounded, one hopes the stage can be set for a
return to representative government.
/// END ACT ///
Mr. Milam says General Musharraf is a moderate man who
is acting out of patriotism.
General Musharraf charges that extensive corruption in
Pakistan has led to the destruction of the economy.
He has promised a full process of accountability and
to punish those -- who he says -- are guilty of
plundering and looting the nation's wealth.
General Musharraf also addressed the military tension
along Pakistan's border with India. He says the two
countries must exercise restraint because South Asia
is a new nuclear environment.
/// MUSHARRAF ACT ///
I wish to assure the world community that while
preserving its vital security interests,
Pakistan will continue to pursue a policy of
nuclear and missile restraint and sensitivity to
global non-proliferation and disarmament
objectives.
/// END ACT ///
Pakistan's military ruler also says he welcomes
unconditional dialogue with arch-rival India, and
announced a military de-escalation along the country's
international borders as a confidence building
measure. The army announced Monday that the de-
escalation has begun.
Six-days after the coup, most people say they support
the ousting of the unpopular Prime Minister Sharif,
who many blame for their economic hardship.
Pakistanis say they remain optimistic General
Musharraf can bring change to the beleaguered nation.
(SIGNED)
NEB/SA/RAE
18-Oct-1999 07:38 AM EDT (18-Oct-1999 1138 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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