NDTV : Boucher urges democracy in Pak

Boucher urges democracy in Pak

Sarah Jacob | New York | September 29, 2007

The Pakistan Supreme Court's decision on Friday has paved the way for General Musharraf, America's pre-eminent ally in the 'war on terror', to seek re-election while still in uniform.

In New York, the US state government insists the matter is internal to Pakistan's politics and their only concern is the smooth return to democracy.

''Our desire is to see Pakistan succeed as a modern society and part of that success is making a smooth transition to a democratic and civilian government. That transition is underway. There have been a lot of questions raised in different forums politically and in the courts about how it is going to proceed,''said Richard Boucher, Assistant Secretary of State.

''We have been watching it but this is an internal matter for Pakistan's people, courts and politicians. We are observers of this phenomenon. Our only hope is that the process goes through smoothly and successfully,'' added Boucher.

The United States enlisted General Pervez Musharraf as a crucial ally after the World Trade Centre attacks and has backed the General's regime with over $10 billion to fight extremists.

Despite mounting criticism in Congress that Pakistan is not doing enough to curb the Taliban in Afghanistan the US government is not yet giving up on the General.

''It is very important to pay tribute to every thing the Pakistani Security forces have done in the fight on terror. They have made an enormous effort and have lost a lot of people doing that. They have had a fair amount of success.

''Unfortunately, there are still a lot of dangerous people out there and they are a threat to Pakistan, the United States and the whole world. They still have a way to go before they can get control of some of the groups that are threatening all of us. But I think we all need to recognise how much Pakistan has accomplished and the sacrifices the Pakistani forces have made in order to do that,'' said Boucher.

While it calls for democracy in Myanmar and Iran, the US is caught in a bind in Pakistan. Just as much as it wants democracy, it also needs the Generals of the Army on its side to fight extremists in the war on terror.