Taken Questions Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC July 19, 2002 Question Taken From Daily Briefing of July 19, 2002 Pakistan: Constitutional Amendments (Taken Question)Question: Has the U.S. worked to discourage Pakistan’s President Musharraf from amending the country’s constitution? Answer: We have made clear that full restoration of democratic civilian rule in Pakistan is very important to us. We have not commented on the specific constitutional changes proposed by President Musharraf. These are still out for public comment and President Musharraf has said that he intends to take these comments into account. If these amendments come into force, it should be in a way consistent with the existing Pakistani constitution. It is for Pakistanis to determine their government, and it is critically important that this determination be made in a manner that is transparent, fair and acceptable to the Pakistani people. |