DATE=5/12/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PAK / COUP RULING (L)
NUMBER=2-262280
BYLINE=SCOTT ANGER
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Pakistan's Supreme Court has ruled that the
military coup that toppled the elected civilian
government last October is legal, but ordered the
military to return the country to democracy after
three years. As correspondent Scott Anger reports
from Islamabad, the military seized power after Prime
Minister Nawaz Sharif tried to fire army chief General
Pervez Musharraf.
TEXT: Pakistan's Supreme Court says the bloodless
military coup October 12th, was justified because the
previous government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was
involved in massive corruption and bad governance.
The country's highest court ruled against several
petitions seeking the return of Mr. Sharif's civilian
government to power.
Nawaz Sharif, who has been in jail since the coup,
faces a number of corruption charges that have been
filed against him by the military government. Last
month, he was convicted of hijacking and terrorism for
his actions on the night of the coup. His sentence of
two concurrent terms of life in prison are now on
appeal.
Pakistan's army says it ousted Mr. Sharif because he
created political and economic instability. The
military government, led by General Pervez Musharraf,
has pledged to restore civilian rule once it cleans up
corruption and revives the economy.
Friday's ruling by the court gives the military three
years to accomplish its planned reforms before it must
call for elections. The court says prolonged
interference of the military in politics is not good.
Since taking power, General Musharraf has ignored
international calls to set a time frame for national
elections.
Pakistan has been ruled by the military for about half
of its 53-year history. A joint civilian - military
government has been formed to run the country, since
General Musharraf suspended the constitution after the
coup.
Earlier this year, the general asked all court judges
in Pakistan, including those on the Supreme Court
bench, to take an oath of loyalty. Those who refused,
have stepped down, including the then chief justice of
the country. (SIGNED)
NEB/SA/JP
12-May-2000 09:59 AM EDT (12-May-2000 1359 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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