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FACTBOX - Reactions to Pakistan's emergency rule

03 Nov 2007 17:58:06 GMT
Source: Reuters

Nov 3 (Reuters) - Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency rule on Saturday, deploying troops and sacking a top judge in a bid to reassert his flagging authority against political rivals and Islamist militants.

Below is some of the national and international reaction.

U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE CONDOLEZZA RICE:

She criticised the measures as "highly regrettable".

"The U.S. has made very clear that it does not support extra-constitutional measures as they would take Pakistan away from the path of democracy and civilian rule."

"We will be urging the commitment to hold free and fair elections be kept and we will be urging calm on all parties."

U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT STATEMENT:

"The United States is deeply disturbed by reports that Pakistani President Musharraf has taken extra-constitutional actions and has imposed a state of emergency."

"A state of emergency would be a sharp setback for Pakistani democracy and takes Pakistan off the path toward civilian rule."

"The United States stand with the people of Pakistan in supporting a democratic process and in countering violent extremism."

"We urge all parties to work together to complete the transition to democracy and civilian rule without violence or delay."

INDIA'S MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS:

"We regret the difficult times that Pakistan is passing through. We trust that conditions of normalcy will soon return permitting Pakistan's transition to stability and democracy to continue."

BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY DAVID MILIBAND:

"We recognise the threat to peace and security faced by the country but its future rests on harnessing the power of democracy and the rule of law to achieve the goals of stability, development and countering terrorism."

"I am gravely concerned by the measures adopted today which will take Pakistan further from these goals. It is vital that the governance acts in accordance with the constitution and abides by the commitment to hold free and fair elections on schedule."

Miliband said Britain would raise its concerns with Pakistan at "the highest level".

"Among other contacts, our High Commissioner (ambassador) in Islamabad will be calling on the Pakistani Foreign Ministry and I will be speaking to Pakistani Foreign Minister (Khursheed Mehmood) Kasuri," he said.

"We hope that the strong communities in the UK of Pakistani origin will also use their contacts through family and business to make the case for democracy and the rule of law."

SPOKESPERSON FOR EU FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF JAVIER SOLANA:

"We regret the decision to declare the state of emergency. We recognise Pakistan's current difficult political and security situation. We express support for Pakistan's struggle against extremism."

We urge a solution to be found within the constitution. We condemn any provisions of the state of emergency that are unconstitutional. In general, the rule of law must be respected. The scheduled election must take place on the date that has been arranged. The democratic process should not be interrupted any further."

PAKISTAN'S PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT BAR ASSOCIATION:

"One man has taken the entire nation hostage ... Time has come for General Musharraf to go," said Aitzaz Ahsan, who has been arrested. Fellow lawyers shouted "Go Musharraf Go" as Ahsan was taken away by police.

HUSBAND OF PAKISTAN OPPOSITION LEADER BENAZIR BHUTTO:

The emergency declaration was "definitely not pleasant news," said Asif Ali Zardari. "We're hoping to build institutions, not destroy them."

EXILED FORMER PAKISTAN PREMIER NAWAZ SHARIF:

"We are heading towards a chaotic situation, heading towards anarchy."

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Last updated:Sat Nov 3 17:59:00 2007