US signals support for Musharraf
Ap, Islamabad
Two senior US diplomats and a top military official offered signs of support for President Gen Pervez Musharraf yesterday, highlighting his government's fight against terrorism and remaining silent about Pakistan's growing domestic political crisis. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte and Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher met with Musharraf near the capital, an official at the president's office said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to media. Adm. William Fallon, commander of the US Central Command, met separately with Musharraf and praised "the excellent cooperation of the Pakistan armed forces with regard to operations against international terrorism," according to a Pakistan army statement. Negroponte offered similar praise earlier, the official said, adding Musharraf had outlined steps his government had taken to secure its border with Afghanistan, where remnants of Taliban and al-Qaeda are believed to be hiding. Musharraf, who seized power in a 1999 coup and became a key US ally against terrorism after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, plans to seek a new five-year term as president this fall. But his plans are threatened by a growing protest movement at home triggered by his March 9 suspension of the chief justice and efforts to clamp down on the media. Critics are calling for him to give up his military post and seek another presidential term only after year-end parliamentary elections, in which opposition parties hope to make gains. Pakistan's president is chosen by lawmakers, rather than in a direct vote. The meetings came after Boucher on Friday urged Musharraf to ensure upcoming elections are fair and told Pakistani television that the United States believes "it's time for Pakistan to move back to democratic elections and civilian rule." However, Boucher said "the issue of a free and fair election is much more fundamental" than how Musharraf deals with the contentious issue of his occupying both the presidency and the powerful army leadership. Remarks by some US officials have suggested that Washington is pressing Musharraf harder for democratic change. However, others including President Bush have made clear that securing Pakistan's cooperation against al-Qaeda and the Taliban is a more pressing concern.
| 
