>>US criticises constitutional changes
WASHINGTON: The United States on Thursday criticized constitutional changes that
strengthen the position of President Pervez Musharraf, saying they could be a setback
for democratization in the country, an ally in Washington's war on Islamic militants.
"We are concerned that his recent decisions could make it more difficult to build strong
democratic institutions in Pakistan," said State Department spokesman Philip Reeker.
"It is of vital importance that full democratic civilian rule be restored to Pakistan. We
believe that President Musharraf wants to develop strong democratic institutions in his
country," he told a briefing. Earlier, the White House urged President Musharraf to
follow "the path to democracy" and expressed worry over his moves to award himself
and his military sweeping new political powers.
"It is important for Pakistan to follow the path to democracy. The president believes
that the path to democracy is the best path for all nations," White House spokesman
Ari Fleischer told reporters aboard Air Force One, as Bush travelled to Oregon to push
his domestic agenda.
"We'll continue to monitor events in Pakistan, be in touch with the government of
Pakistan," Fleischer said. "Pakistan has taken strides on the path toward democracy. It
is important they continue. "President Musharraf has committed to having free
elections, fair elections, and the president expects that will continue," he said.
US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage was to raise Washington's concerns with
Pakistani officials during a stopover in Islamabad on Saturday as part of a tour in
South Asia, a State Department deputy spokesman said. "We're continuing to monitor
events in Pakistan and be in touch with the government in Pakistan," Fleischer said, as
Bush stopped here to lay out a plan to contain the damage from future wildfires.
Fleischer said President Bush expects President Musharraf to hold free and fair
elections. "President Musharraf has committed to having free elections, fair elections,
and the president expects that will continue," he said.<<
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