WASHINGTON: The United States has said that it has not 'given up' on Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, even as its officials in Islamabad were in touch with opposition leader Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party on the emerging situation there.
"No. Absolutely not", White House Press Secretary Gordon Johndroe said when asked if the Bush administration had given up on Musharraf.
"I think his remarks yesterday were notable for calling for elections early next year, as well as removing the uniform. So we expect him to uphold those commitments that he's made," he said.
Johndroe, also the White House Deputy Spokesman, said that the Bush administration officials were in touch with Bhutto's party on the emerging situation in Pakistan.
"US officials on the ground in Islamabad have been in touch with members of a variety of the political parties, including Bhutto's. So we are urging all sides to engage in a dialogue, to work through this peacefully and to get to free and fair elections, which is obviously in the best interests of the people of Pakistan," he said.
Emphasising upon a need for dialogue between political parties to resolve the situation, he said, "I would also say there are a lot more people involved on the ground than just one person, and the point is that all of these people need to work together."
The deputy spokesman, at a briefing at Crawford, Texas, also suggested the US' financial aid to Islamabad may not be cut as it was directed to benefit the people of Pakistan.
