Musharraf, Barham Salih And Karzai At Forum

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Davos, Switzerland, 23 January 2008 – President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan said today he will try to ensure the parliamentary elections on 18 February will be safe as well as fair. But he also said international audiences should not judge Pakistan’s political system by inapplicable standards.

He was taking part in a panel at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2008 along with Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq Barham Salih and President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan.

The session began with an expression of partnership and cooperation in resolving instability as Presidents Musharraf and Karzai shook hands on stage.

Musharraf told participants: "The election must be fair, free and transparent. And I have added a new word – we will make sure they will be peaceful." Asked later about last year’s firing of the chief justice of Pakistan’s Supreme Judicial Court – the entity that would also resolve any questions about election fraud – Musharraf urged his audience not to impose on Pakistan "misperceived ideas of human rights or western views of human rights". He appealed: "Please look at Pakistan from Pakistan’s eyes and not from anybody else’s eyes. We also believe in [these ideals] but give us some time," he added, pointing to a number of regulations his government instituted to ensure election fairness.

Musharraf and the other leaders stressed the importance of economic development in reducing extremism and fostering democracy.

Regarding security in Iraq, Barham Salih noted positive developments in Anbar province. "I can say for maybe the first time, Iraq is on the road to winning," he told participants.

Notes to Editors

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