President George W. Bush has come out and stated that he has told the Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf that he should resign his post as the army chief and hold parliamentary elections.
These comments come one day after the former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto called for support as she pushes for supporters to join her in a rally against the government. The rally is to go against the decision of the government to suspend the constitution and impose emergency rule.
Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte stated “President Musharraf has been an indispensable ally in the global war on terrorism, a leader who extremists and radicals have tried to assassinate multiple times. Since 9/11 Pakistan’s government and security forces have captured or killed al-Qaida operatives and Taleban militants more than any other country.”
Bush stated in a personal phone call to Musharraf that he should hold elections shortly, and resign his post, turning in his uniform before he gets sworn in the second time as president.
Benazir Bhutto had a response as well stating “Our country is in danger from the extremism that has spread and a dictatorship. We believe that we can save our country by saving democracy.” This comes as police countinue to clash with supporters in protests.
Bhutto did leave open the opportunity to resume talks with President Musharraf if he resigns from his post.