VOA标准英语2008年-Pakistan's Musharraf Denies Resignation Rumors
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By Barry Newhouse
Islamabad
07 June 2008
Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf is denying rumors1 that he is planning to resign following weeks of criticism from his opponents, some of whom have vowed2 to impeach3 him. VOA's Barry Newhouse reports from Islamabad that the president pledged to abide4 by whatever decisions the country's new parliament may make on his political future.
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| President Pervez Musharraf gestures as he speaks to reporters in Islamabad, Pakistan, 7 June 2008 |
Nearly four months after President Musharraf's unpopularity propelled his political opponents to election victories across the country, the former general continues to be a lightning rod for criticism. But despite holding a majority of seats in parliament, his opponents have made no headway in reversing his most controversial policies.
In recent weeks, with critics threatening to impeach him and press reports speculating that he has lost the support of the military, there have been rumors that he is planning to flee the country.
In a televised interview with Pakistani political reporters broadcast Saturday, Mr. Musharraf said he has no plans to step down but suggested he could in the future.
He says that he is not going to resign. But he says in the future, he will monitor the situation - and he will not become what he called a "useless vegetable" or be a witness to what he called "the downfall of the country."
It is unclear if his opponents in parliament have the two-thirds majority needed for impeachment5. As president, Mr. Musharraf can dissolve parliament - which some observers have suggested he may do if parliament moves against him. But the president today said he will abide by any decision parliament reaches.
"Parliament is supreme6," he said. "Let them decide. The judgment7 and decision is not with me. I don't have that decision. The parliament is supreme. This is the correct path, it's a constitutional, legal, sober path."
Pakistani lawmakers are considering a large constitutional reform package that includes measures that could weaken Mr. Musharraf's powers. The president insisted he is not interfering8 in that process.
In Saturday's occasionally casual discussion with Pakistani reporters who have been critical of Mr. Musharraf in the past, the president insisted that he has changed little over the years, despite his rising and falling political fortunes in Pakistan and abroad.
"I am the same man, I am the same person, I do not change," he added. "I don't believe in changing. My attitudes toward everyone and everything remain the same."
He says he is a true Pakistani and his faith in Pakistan comes first.
Mr. Musharraf appealed for political unity9 to address Pakistan's pressing economic problems. Many Pakistanis say the new government has been too focused on reinstating senior judges instead of addressing rising food prices, inflation and electricity shortages.
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