NewsMine — war-on-terror — pakistan — oct-1999-coup — Viewing Item

Saudi requests exile { December 20 2000 } Original Source Link: (May no longer be active)    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/1080226.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/1080226.stm Wednesday, 20 December, 2000, 18:18 GMT Musharraf defends Sharif exile Pakistan's military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, has defended his decision to allow former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to go into exile in Saudi Arabia. "I have made the decision to exile Nawaz Sharif, rising above my own personal interest. I am not for sale," he said in a televised address to the nation. He said the decision to pardon Mr Sharif, who had been serving a life sentence on corruption charges, came at the suggestion of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. He said he believed that it marked a "new era" in Pakistan's national politics, ending the domination of the domestic scene by Mr Sharif and Benazir Bhutto - another former prime minister who is currently in self-imposed exile. "It will usher in an era of politics of reconciliation and money-free politics. It will bring in overall political harmony and contribute towards economic development," he said. 'Bold decision' He called on the people of Pakistan to consider the situation objectively and not to panic. The announcement of Mr Sharif's exile earlier this month provoked surprise and criticism. Some people thought it was a sign the military government was reneging on its commitments to stamp out corruption. But General Musharraf said that world leaders had voiced approval for his "bold" decision which was based on "tolerance and moderation".

Army cheif assumes power { October 14 1999 } Army seizes power { October 12 1999 } Commonwealth dropped pakistan after 1999 coup { October 22 2004 } Court rejects coup appeal { February 7 2001 } Denies coup plot { September 28 1998 } General pervez musharraf { September 24 2001 } Neighbors concern { October 13 1999 } Saudi requests exile { December 20 2000 } Sharif accusations { November 19 1999 } Sharif interview { November 22 1999 } Trumpted up charges Who is in charge { October 25 1999 } Files Listed: 12

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