US reminds Musharraf of democracy pledge

Pakistani opposition parliamentarians stage a sit-in demonstration in front of Parliament House in Islamabad yesterday to protest against the decision of parliament that President Pervez Musharraf will remain as the country's army chief. Pakistani opposition parties are planning a protest campaign after Musharraf consolidated his firm grip on power with a new law prolonging his dual role as president and army chief. PHOTO: AFP

Pakistani opposition deputies burst into an uproar in parliament Thursday when the speaker cut short debate on a bill allowing Musharraf to remain army chief, which was eventually passed by a thumping majority.

Musharraf, who seized power in a bloodless coup in October 1999, pledged 10 months ago to shed his uniform by December 31.

Asked whether he should step down as military chief, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said: "Our view is that Pakistan needs to continue to make progress towards democracy.

"Whether he takes the specific step is something that's going to have to be decided in Pakistan," he told reporters.

Boucher said while it would be "good" for Musharraf to give up his military role, "progress toward democracy in Pakistan doesn't rest solely on this step."

Musharraf's staying on as army chief of staff could prove awkward for the United States, which has embraced him as a key ally in the war on terrorism while calling for greater democracy in the Muslim world.

Democracy activists in Pakistan have been fighting to end rule by generals, who have held political power for 29 years of the country's 57 year existence.

Boucher believed Musharraf was keen to lead Pakistan to full democracy, adding "that's a vision that we share and we'll continue to encourage him to move in that direction."

Musharraf pledged in a deal with powerful Islamist parties last year to quit the army in return for their support of powers he granted himself to sack the parliament, and their agreement not to oppose a confidence vote.

A deadline of December 31 this year was set and enshrined in the constitution.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's opposition parties vowed yesterday to work to force out Pakistan Pervez Musharraf in a "do-or-die" battle for democracy after he backtracked on a pledge to give up his role as army chief.

"The time has come for a do-or-die struggle for restoration of real democracy in Pakistan," prominent opposition leader Siddiqul Farooq said.

"Musharraf has closed all doors for democratic change and is prolonging his military dictatorship," he told AFP.