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DATE=1/27/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S / PAKISTAN L ONLY
NUMBER=2-258502
BYLINE=KYLE KING
DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 
INTRO:  The United States has accused Pakistan's 
military government of undermining the integrity of 
the Judiciary.  U-S officials are also warning 
Pakistan it could be labeled a supporter of 
international terrorism if it gives direct aid to 
groups believed to have links to the government.  From 
the State Department, VOA's Kyle King has this report.
TEXT:  The U-S expressions of concern about terrorism 
and the military government's commitment to democracy 
come one day after Judges in Pakistan were ordered to 
take an oath of allegiance to the military.
Six Supreme Court justices have refused to take the 
oath, which would shield General Pervez Musharraf's 
military government from future legal action.
State Department spokesman James Rubin said the United 
States deplores the military government's order.
            /// Rubin act ///
      This move by General Musharraf undermines the 
      integrity and independence of the Judiciary in 
      Pakistan by forcing judges to uphold the order 
      that would place Pakistan's constitution in 
      abeyance. 
            /// End act ///
Mr. Rubin said the action is contrary to return of 
civilian rule that General Musharraf promised when he 
took power in October.
The action also came one week after a high level U-S 
delegation visited Pakistan to discuss concerns about 
the return to democracy, terrorism and regional 
stability.
U-S officials say they are extremely concerned about 
allegations that some elements of the Pakistani 
government are providing general support for terror 
groups.  
The State Department spokesman said the United States 
has not received the assurances from Pakistan it would 
like, and believes it is possible to clamp down on 
terrorist groups.
            /// Rubin act two ///
      If the Secretary of State determines that a 
      government has repeatedly provided support for 
      international terrorism directly, then she would 
      be prepared to designate that country as a state 
      sponsor of terrorism.
            /// End act ///
Such a move would force a cut in nearly all U-S aid to 
Pakistan.   One of the groups U-S officials have 
expressed concern about is a Kashmiri militant 
organization with possible links to the hijackers of 
an Indian airliner in December.
The group, known as the Harkat ul-Mujahedeen, was 
placed on the State Department's Terrorist list in 
1997.  (Signed)
NEB/KBK/ENE/pt
27-Jan-2000 16:03 PM EDT (27-Jan-2000 2103 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.