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Musharraf says will not quit as army chief, opposition vows to protest

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Dec 18, IRNA -- Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has 
been quoted as saying that he will remain the army chief despite his 
earlier commitment to relinquish the post by the end of the year. 
"I will remain in uniform to strengthen democracy and ensure 
stability," General Musharraf told a private television channel on 
Friday. 
Musharraf in a televised address announced last year to shed 
uniform by December 31. But now he says that his quitting as army 
chief will affect campaign against al-Qaeda and the on-going dialogue 
process with India. 
General Musharraf told Sindhi language Kawish Television Network 
that he would soon address the nation to tell them as to why he is not
relinquishing the army post. 
"I will tell the nation where we were in the past, where we stand 
today and where we are headed in the future," he said. 
Musharraf accused those who are opposing his uniform of harming 
democratic process in the country adding that his decision is in the 
interests of political stability and national solidarity. 
Political observers believe the remarks is the first clear 
statement by General Musharraf amid protest campaign by religious 
groups, urging him to quit the military post. 
He had made the commitment to quit as army chief after the 
opposition alliance of Islamic groups struck a deal with the ruling 
Muslim League in supporting several constitutional amendments which 
delegated more powers to President Musharraf including the power to 
dissolve the parliament. 
The alliance of Islamic groups is holding public rallies and a 
rally is planned for Sunday in Rawalpindi near Islamabad. 
Last month the parliament authorized Musharraf to keep two offices
but the opposition described it violation of the constitution. 
Opposition Islamic groups in Pakistan has angrily reacted to 
President Musharraf`s remarks that he will not quit as army chief. 
"We will launch campaign against President Musharraf if he did not
relinquish the military post by December 31," said Qazi Hussain Ahmed,
who heads alliance of six Islamic groups, Mutahida Majlis-e Amal 
(MMA). 
He told reporters in Islamabad on Saturday that MMA`s Supreme 
Council is scheduled to meet in Islamabad on December 24, to review 
options how to exert pressure on General Musharraf to take off 
uniform. 
"We will not recognize General Musharraf as president after 
December 31," the MMA leader said. 
TK/TSH/2322/1432