Musharraf: State of emergency to be lifted on December 16th

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-30-2007 08:28

Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf, dressed in civilian clothes, speaks during his swearing-in ceremony in Islamabad in this frame grab Nov. 29, 2007. He announced on Thursday that he intended to lift the state of emergency on Dec. 16. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Pakistan's Pervez Musharraf will lift the state of emergency on December 16th. On Thursday, he also said he'll restore the country's constitution before elections in January.

The announcement came hours after Musharraf was sworn in as a civilian president.

Musharraf said he is determined to lift the emergency. He also said the Provisional Constitutional order would be withdrawn and the constitution fully restored.

He said these are the results of the improvement of the situation in the country.

Pervez Musharraf, Pakistani President, said, "I think the overall situation has improved. The democratic process is going according to plan, and we have controlled terrorism. I want to announce that I am determined to lift the emergency by December 16th and remove the Provisional Constitutional Order. The elections, will be free and transparent and held according to the constitution."

Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf(L) salutes as he listens national anthem after swearing in as civilian president at President House in Islamabad. (AFP/B.K. Bangash)

Musharraf said the general elections will be held on January 8th.

Earlier, Musharraf took oath as a civilian president, starting another 5-year term.

In his inaugural address, Musharraf welcomed the return from exile of his old foes, Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif.

He said he hoped the former prime ministers will move forward toward a conciliatory, civilized and democratic environment in the future.

Musharraf called his transition to civilian president a democratic milestone, and said he believes in the unity of Pakistan.

He said Pakistan will grow stronger with him as a civilian leader and his successor, General Ashfaq Kayani, in charge of the military.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei