DATE=11/12/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PAK/SHARIF (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-256096
BYLINE=AYAZ GUL
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Pakistan's prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, who
was ousted from power last month by the military, says
he hopes for an early return of democracy to his
country. As Ayaz Gul reports from Islamabad, Mr.
Sharif made the remarks in a meeting (Thursday) with
two ambassadors from the Commonwealth groups of
nations.
TEXT: The ambassadors -- from Canada and Malaysia --
are the first visitors to meet with the deposed prime
minister since he was ousted on October 12. Mr.
Sharif was arrested the night of the coup and had not
been seen since.
Canadian ambassador Ferry de Kerckhove says he and the
Malaysian ambassador, Dadu Abdullah, met with Mr.
Sharif for about twenty minutes.
/// Kerckhove Act ///
We obtained the meeting yesterday (Thursday) and
we saw Mr. Sharif and we established that indeed
he was in good health and good shape. He (Mr.
Sharif) indicated to us that he was being well-
treated and treated with respect and dignity.
/// End Act //
The ambassador says they did not discuss the recent
charges leveled against Mr. Sharif. Earlier this
week, the military rulers said they investigating
allegations of attempted murder and hijacking against
Mr. Sharif. Under Pakistan law, the charges could
carry the death penalty.
The 54-nations Commonwealth has suspended Pakistan
from its meetings until democracy is restored in the
country.
The country's military ruler, General Pervez
Musharraf, has refused to give a time-frame for the
return of democracy in Pakistan. However, he has vowed
to stay in power only as long as it takes to revive
the economy and end political corruption. (Signed)
NEB/AG/KL
12-Nov-1999 14:05 PM EDT (12-Nov-1999 1905 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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