NewsTuesday, March 11, 2008
Turkish military chief says Musharraf necessary for Pakistan’s stability
ANKARA: Turkey’s military chief on Monday stressed that if President Musharraf lost his grip on Pakistan, the country could fall into the hands of a resurgent Taliban. Speaking at an international conference organised by the military in Ankara, General Yasar Buyukanit said that political turmoil and violence caused by extremists could pave the way for the Taliban to seize control of the country and its nuclear weapons. He said Pakistan’s leaders should be given strong support to guard against such an outcome. “I hope Pakistan reaches stability in a short time,” he added. President Musharraf is facing pressure from militants who have increased attacks since the general election. Taliban fighters have also expanded their reach beyond the border with Afghanistan, raising international concerns about the security of the country’s nuclear arsenal. On Sunday, Musharraf’s political opponents, who dominated the February 18 elections, agreed to form a government, heightening expectations that he could be on the way out. They also promised to restore judges whom Musharraf had dismissed after they questioned the legality of his position. Buyukanit said an institution such as the Taliban “could control Pakistan if the current administration becomes ineffective” and this could result in a terrorist organisation gaining control of nuclear arms for the first time. Pakistani officials have offered assurances to the international community that the weapons are secure. In January, the operational chief in charge of the arsenal, Khalid Kidwai, told reporters that Pakistan has 10,000 soldiers to keep the weapons safe and has received up to $10 million in US assistance to enhance security. Musharraf, who spent part of his childhood in Turkey, has close ties with the predominantly Muslim but secular country. ap
Courtesy Daily Times