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Monday, Nov 19, 2007
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U.S.: revoke emergency

Nirupama Subramanian

Favours Musharraf-Benazir deal

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte

ISLAMABAD: United States Deputy Secretary of State John D. Negroponte said on Sunday he had asked Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to lift the emergency rule as it was not “compatible” with free, fair and credible elections. However, he indicated that Washington was still pushing for a Musharraf-Benazir power-sharing deal.

Addressing journalists before his departure from Pakistan, the special envoy praised Gen. Musharraf as a “strong voice against extremism” and welcomed his announcement of elections.

Mr. Negroponte said the U.S. valued its “partnership” with Pakistan “under the leadership of President Musharraf.” He urged Gen. Musharraf and Pakistan People’s Party leader Benazir Bhutto to mend fences after their apparent fall-out last week, saying reconciliation between “moderate” forces was the best way to combat extremism and militancy.

Gen. Musharraf is reported to have told Mr. Negroponte in Saturday’s meeting that the emergency would stay until the security situation improved, and that it was necessary to ensure a free and fair vote.

Pakistan had announced that the Army was preparing for a major assault on Islamic militants in the northern valley.

Mr. Negroponte said the President’s rebuff on rolling back the emergency rule did not imply that his visit was a failure.

“In diplomacy, as you know, we don’t get instant replies. I’m sure the President is seriously considering the exchange we [have] had,” the US official said.

He said that if Pakistan did not remove “emergency measures” “it will undermine the government’s ability to conduct satisfactory elections.”

The U.S. official said Gen. Musharraf had reiterated his commitment to stand down as the Army Chief before taking the oath of office for a second term as President, “and we urge him to do so as soon as possible.”

In an apparent reference to the Musharraf-Benazir deal, Mr. Negroponte said he had urged moderates to pull back from “brinksmanship and confrontation” as it was important to build a moderate centre to combat extremism.

Top-secret programme

AFP reports from Washington:

Under a six-year-old top-secret programme, the U.S. has been giving equipment and training personnel to help Pakistan keep its nuclear weapons secure, the New York Times website reported.

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