US not yet ready to give up on Musharraf
Washington, Nov 13: The US has made it clear that it has not “given up” on Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf. “No. Absolutely not, ” White House Press Secretary Gordon Johndroe said when asked if the Bush Administration had given up on Musharraf.
“I think his remarks were notable for calling for elections early next year, as well as removing the uniform. So we expect him to uphold those commitments that he’s made, ” he said.
Johndroe said Bush Administration officials were also in touch with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) on the emerging situation in Pakistan, the Dawn reported.
“US officials on the ground in Islamabad have been in touch with members of a variety of the political parties, including Benazir’s. So we are urging all sides to engage in a dialogue, to work through this peacefully and to get to free and fair elections, which is obviously in the best interests of the people of Pakistan, ” Johndroe said.
Stressing upon the need for dialogue among modern political forces in Pakistan to end the current crisis, he said, “I would also say there are a lot more people involved on the ground than just one person, and the point is that all of these people need to work together. ” (ANI)