ISLAMABAD - Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf announced Monday that he will resign, just days ahead of impeachment in parliament over attempts by the U.S.-backed leader to impose authoritarian rule on his turbulent nation.
An emotional Musharraf said he wanted to spare the nation from a perilous impeachment battle and that he was satisfied that all he had done “was for the people and for the country.”
“I hope the nation and the people will forgive my mistakes,” Musharraf said in a televised address, much of which was devoted to defending his record and refuting criticisms.
Musharraf dominated Pakistan for years after seizing power in a 1999 military coup, making the country a key strategic ally of the U.S. by supporting the war on terror. But his popularity at home sank over the years.
While political exit robs the West of a stalwart ally, Musharraf’s influence has faded since he stepped down as army chief last year.
Washington and European capitals will hope his removal will let the civilian government focus on terrorism and the country’s economic woes.
Many Pakistanis blame the rising militant violence in their country on Musharraf’s alliance with the U.S. His reputation suffered blows in 2007 when he ousted dozens of judges and imposed emergency rule.
His rivals won February parliamentary elections and have since sought his ouster, announcing impeachment plans earlier this month.
A U.S. Embassy spokesman declined to comment after Musharraf’s speech, referring calls to Washington. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Sunday the Pakistani president’s future was an internal issue.
While Musharraf was a “good ally” who “kept his word” on ending military rule when he stepped down as army chief last year, whether he should resign “is a matter for Pakistan to determine,” she said.
Television footage showed groups of people celebrating in the streets in several towns across Pakistan, some of them firing automatic weapons into the sky.
|
