ELECTION 99
US EDITION
COLUMNISTS
DIARY
SPECIALS
INTERVIEWS
CAPITAL BUZZ
REDIFF POLL
DEAR REDIFF
THE STATES
YEH HAI INDIA!
ELECTIONS
ARCHIVES

Search Rediff

Restore civilian rule, US urges Pak

US ambassador to Pakistan, William Milam has been sent back to his post in Islamabad, carrying a message from Washington that the military could serve its country best by returning to civilian rule.

Milam, who had been on leave in the United States when the coup occurred on Tuesday, was asked by the department to return immediately to his post.

State department spokesman Phillip Reeker said the US government ''is reviewing requirements under US law'' about what will happen to US aid and sales programmes for Pakistan.

Reeker conceded the review would mainly be symbolic and legal in nature since almost all of the various bilateral programmes have already been cut off under US law and presidential orders because of Pakistan's development and testing of nuclear weapons.

Reeker noted that General Pervez Musharraf, who ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharief, had not declared a martial law government and referred to his control as the 'authorities'.

Reeker said the US is urging the military authorities to assure the safety of Sharief and his top aides who have been put under house arrest.

Reeker said the Indian forces along the Pakistani border have gone on high alert, but that appeared to be precautionary and routine. The situation in Pakistan was reported by the US embassy to be calm.

The US ordered its consulate in Peshawar, near the border with Afghanistan, to close and move its operations to Islamabad because of the possibility of disruptions to the American installation.

UNI

ALSO SEE

Cabinet Committee on Security discusses Pak developments
India watching the situation closely
Musharraf makes no promises on restoring democracy
Musharraf keeps a nation guessing
US Congressman warns against resuming arms sales to Pakistan
Musharraf reaches Islamabad
Pak PM ousted by army, in custody
Coup triggers global consternation
India-born general ends Sharief's reign
Musharraf played golf before coup
'Army has moved in as a last resort'
Lahore bus passengers welcome Sharief's sacking

Tell us what you think of this report