Pakistan's Musharraf to address nation

The Associated Press ,  Pakistan   |  Mon, 08/18/2008 11:47 AM  |  World

Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf, who is under pressure to
resign in the face of possible impeachment, will address the
nation Monday afternoon, his spokesman said.

The spokesman, Rashid Qureshi, would not say if Musharraf would
announce that he is stepping down or offer any details of the
planned speech, which was expected around 1 p.m. local time.

Despite mounting calls for his exit, and plans by the ruling
coalition to bring an impeachment motion to Parliament this week,
the longtime U.S.-backed president has so far resisted quitting.

On Sunday, a committee of the ruling coalition finalized a list
of impeachment charges against Musharraf after five days of
talks, Information Minister Sherry Rehman said.

Allies and rivals of the president have confirmed that
backchannel talks have been underway aimed at avoiding an
impeachment process.

Some current and former supporters have suggested that Musharraf
might resign in return for guarantees he will not be prosecuted
or forced into exile, and officials say Western and Arab
emissaries have been in talks with the main parties.(*)

Copyright © 2008 The Jakarta Post - PT Bina Media Tenggara. All Rights Reserved.