Canberra, Nov 5 (Xinhua) Australian Prime Minister John Howard said Monday he had conveyed to Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, following the latter’s proclamation of emergency rule Saturday, that his government “could not support the extra-constitutional behaviour in any way”.
Howard said he made the telephonic call Saturday night to urge Musharraf to exercise restraint and added that he respected the president’s strong stance against terrorists, but could not support his latest actions, according to Australian Associated Press.
Musharraf Saturday declared a state of emergency in the country and issued a provisional constitutional order (PCO), citing the rise of extremist activities and incidents of terrorist attacks, and problems with the judiciary in the country.
“I do respect the tough stand that he’s taken but that respect can’t justify and excuse extra-constitutional behaviour,” Howard said in Somersby in the state of New South Wales.
“As it happens I had a telephone conversation with President Musharraf Saturday night and I took the opportunity to convey my feelings as I have just described them,” he was quoted as saying.
“I indicated to him that whilst I retain considerable respect and admiration for the strong stance he has taken against terrorism, that Australia could not support in any way any extra-constitutional behaviour, that the rule of law had to prevail. And that I hoped there would be an early return to a more democratic past,” he said.
“I hope there would be restraint exercised in this difficult situation,” he added.
Under Musharraf’s PCO, the constitution of Pakistan is suspended. But national assembly, senate and the provincial assemblies of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan will remain functional.
The prime minister and his cabinet, chief ministers and provincial cabinets and the governors will also continue in their posts.