DATE=11/1/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PAKISTAN / MILITARY (L)
NUMBER=2-255700
BYLINE=SCOTT ANGER
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: In his first news conference since ousting the
government of Nawaz Sharif last month, Pakistan's military
ruler has promised to revive the country's ailing economy
and to provide thorough accountability in its government.
From Islamabad, VOA's Scott Anger reports.
TEXT: General Pervez Musharraf accused Mr. Sharif's
government of relentless corruption, destroying government
institutions and undermining Pakistan's constitution - and
vowed that his government would be very different.
/// MUSHARRAF ACT ///
Never have so few, plundered so much from so many.
Accountability (will be) across the board
horizontally and vertically - it is going to start
from the top and not from the bottom.
/// END ACT ///
General Musharraf led a coup against Nawaz Sharif on
October 12th. He has not given a timeframe for Pakistan's
return to democratic rule. But the country's military
leader did say he is thinking about asking the governing
National Security Council to consider holding a referendum
on military rule.
The general has pledged to stay in power as long as it
takes to revive Pakistan's political and economic
situation.
General Musharraf says that while he is in power, there
will be no change in the country's foreign policy. He
says he seeks peaceful coexistence with all of Pakistan's
neighbors.
The general says he wants to resolve all outstanding
differences with Pakistan's arch-rival India, which means
dealing with the dispute over Kashmir first.
/// MUSHARRAF ACT TWO ///
When I say resolve all our differences, I mean the
core issue of Kashmir first of all. And with that,
all other issues can be addressed.
/// END ACT TWO ///
Pakistan and India have fought two wars over Kashmir since
each gained independence more than 50-years ago. Last
summer, the two sides came close to another war over the
region, until Islamabad ordered forces it was supporting to
withdraw from the Line of Control, the cease-fire line that
separates the two sides in Kashmir.
During Monday's news conference, General Musharraf also
warned New Delhi that Pakistan will maintain a minimum
nuclear deterrence to counter any moves by India.
/// MUSHARRAF ACT THREE ///
With the developments across the border - as you know
- with what India is doing. They
have brought about a nuclear strategy which is
extremely offensive.
/// END ACT THREE ///
There have been no public protests or demonstrations
against the military takeover. Polls show a majority of
people in Pakistan have welcomed the removal of the
increasingly unpopular prime minister, who remains under
arrest.
Many Pakistanis say they are willing to give the military a
chance to improve the political and economic situation of
their debt-ridden country. (Signed)
NEB/SA/KL
01-Nov-1999 12:19 PM EDT (01-Nov-1999 1719 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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