Politics
Pakistan: US reaffirms support after Musharraf resigns
Islamabad, 18 August (AKI) - US President George W. Bush will continue to work with Pakistan in the fight against terrorism following the resignation of President Pervez Musharraf, the White House said on Monday.
In a statement, Bush acknowledged Musharraf for his efforts to strengthen democracy and fight terrorism and pledged to continue its commitment in the future.
"President Bush is committed to a strong Pakistan that continues its efforts to strengthen democracy and fight terror," US National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said.
Musharraf resigned in a televised address to the nation on Monday to avoid facing impeachment moves by the ruling coalition.
Muhammad Mian Soomro, current chairman of the Senate, will be the country's interim president until the Parliament elects a new president within 30 days.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice expressed respect for the country's democratic and constitutional processes and the importance of Musharraf as a key ally.
"President Musharraf has been a friend to the United States and one of the world's most committed partners in the war against terrorism and extremism," Rice said in a statement.
"President Musharraf made the critical choice to join the fight against al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and other extremist groups that threaten the peace and security of Pakistan, its neighbors, and partners throughout the world. For this, he has our deep gratitude."
On Sunday Rice made it clear that the US would not offer Musharraf political asylum if he resigned.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people gathered on the streets of Islamabad to celebrate Musharraf's resignation.
Many congregated outside the Pakistan People's Party headquarters
According to the state-owned Associated Press of Pakistan, many workers congregated outside the Pakistan People's Party headquarters chanting slogans of support.
PPP leader and former prime minister, Benazir Bhutto, was assassinated at an election rally in December last year and her husband, Asif Ali Zardari, is now co-chairman of the PPP.
“Its all result of Benazir Bhutto’s sacrifice for democracy that the dictator has stepped down,” a senior worker said.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Sherry Rehman called Musharraf's resignation a triumph for democracy.
“He had become a liability for the nation because of his anti-democratic credentials,” she said.
“The eight years of his rule have been fraught with gross constitutional violations and acts of political divisiveness, which had not only put democracy at stake but also created serious economic and security challenges for the country."
The minister said the people of Pakistan had paid a heavy price while suffering under Musharraf's rule and blamed his presidency for triggering political disorder in the country.
In a statement, Bush acknowledged Musharraf for his efforts to strengthen democracy and fight terrorism and pledged to continue its commitment in the future.
"President Bush is committed to a strong Pakistan that continues its efforts to strengthen democracy and fight terror," US National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said.
Musharraf resigned in a televised address to the nation on Monday to avoid facing impeachment moves by the ruling coalition.
Muhammad Mian Soomro, current chairman of the Senate, will be the country's interim president until the Parliament elects a new president within 30 days.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice expressed respect for the country's democratic and constitutional processes and the importance of Musharraf as a key ally.
"President Musharraf has been a friend to the United States and one of the world's most committed partners in the war against terrorism and extremism," Rice said in a statement.
"President Musharraf made the critical choice to join the fight against al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and other extremist groups that threaten the peace and security of Pakistan, its neighbors, and partners throughout the world. For this, he has our deep gratitude."
On Sunday Rice made it clear that the US would not offer Musharraf political asylum if he resigned.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people gathered on the streets of Islamabad to celebrate Musharraf's resignation.
Many congregated outside the Pakistan People's Party headquarters
According to the state-owned Associated Press of Pakistan, many workers congregated outside the Pakistan People's Party headquarters chanting slogans of support.
PPP leader and former prime minister, Benazir Bhutto, was assassinated at an election rally in December last year and her husband, Asif Ali Zardari, is now co-chairman of the PPP.
“Its all result of Benazir Bhutto’s sacrifice for democracy that the dictator has stepped down,” a senior worker said.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Sherry Rehman called Musharraf's resignation a triumph for democracy.
“He had become a liability for the nation because of his anti-democratic credentials,” she said.
“The eight years of his rule have been fraught with gross constitutional violations and acts of political divisiveness, which had not only put democracy at stake but also created serious economic and security challenges for the country."
The minister said the people of Pakistan had paid a heavy price while suffering under Musharraf's rule and blamed his presidency for triggering political disorder in the country.
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