Bush offers unconditional support for Musharraf

New Zealand News.Net
Wednesday 21st November, 2007

U.S President George Bush has offered his strongest support to President Musharraf of Pakistan.

President Bush has called him a defiant but 'indispensable' key ally.

In an interview with ABC News, Mr Bush said General Musharraf was 'truly somebody who believes in democracy'.

The interview was a contrast to Washington's previous stance, when Mr Bush, only two weeks ago, said his aides had bluntly warned Musharraf that his emergency measures 'would undermine democracy'.

Asked if there was a line Musharraf should not cross, Bush said, 'He hasn't crossed the line. As a matter of fact, I don't think that he will cross any lines.'

'We didn't necessarily agree with his decision to impose emergency rule, and ... hopefully he'll get ... rid of the rule. Today, I thought, was a pretty good signal, that he released thousands of people from jail,' he said.

Disputing the suggestion that he has put too much faith in Musharraf, who seized power in a 1999 coup, Bush said, 'He's been a loyal ally in fighting terrorists. He's also advanced democracy in Pakistan.'

'He has said he's going to take off his uniform. He's said there will be elections. Today he released prisoners, and so far I've found him to be a man of his word,' the president added.

Have your say on this story