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Musharraf has to promote democracy: Bush

T V Parasuram in Washington

US President George W Bush on Thursday said it was Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's role as an ally in the fight against terrorism that mattered most than the general's attempts to expand power through constitutional amendments.

"My reaction about President Musharraf, he's still tight with us on the war against terror, and that's what is our priority and which I appreciate. However, we will work with our allies to promote democracy," Bush said when asked to comment on the general's rewriting of constitution to usurp more powers.

Bush said, "He understands that we've got to keep Al Qaeda on the run, and that by keeping him on the run it's more likely we'll bring him to justice. And I appreciate Musharraf's strong support."

"However, we'll continue to urge Musharraf to promote democracy, give people a chance to express their opinions the proper way," Bush said, adding, "we'll stay in touch with President Musharraf in more ways than one."

Bush's comments on the constitutional amendments in Pakistan appeared to strike a less challenging tone than the reaction from White House spokesmen Ari Fleischer and Philip Reeker.

Criticising Musharraf, Fleishcer told reporters that the US "expects" the general to fulfil his promise to hold free and fair elections in October.

Holding Musharraf responsible for "whittling down of democracy" in Pakistan, Fleischer said, "It is important for Pakistan to follow the path of democracy. President Bush believes that the path of democracy... is the path for all nations, and that includes Pakistan."

Reeker said the US was "concerned" that Musharraf's recent decisions could make it more difficult to build a strong democratic institution in Pakistan.

PTI

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