US urges restraint to authorities, protesters after Islamabad clash

Washington, Mar 17 (UNI) The Bush administration has urged Pakistani authorities and demonstrators to exercise the utmost degree of restraint in the wake of the violent clashes provoked by President Pervez Musharraf's firing of Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry.

Commenting on the developing situation in Islamabad, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack yesterday said, ''the dispute between General Musharraf's government and the Pakistani judiciary needs to be worked out within the confines of Pakistani law, tradition and their constitution.'' He said it would be helpful if the issue was resolved in a completely transparent and aboveboard manner. Besides, Islamabad should explain its action against the country's Chief Justice.

McCormack, however, described Musharraf as 'a good friend and ally in the War on Terror', who has a vision for Pakistan in terms of political and economic and social reform.

''Musharraf is acting in the best interests of Pakistan and the Pakistani people,'' he said.

McCormack said the US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian affairs, during his visit to Islamabad met Pakistani officials on Thursday to discuss the situation. US Ambassador to Pakistan Ryan Crocker also has spoken to officials to better understand the situation.

Meanwhile, President Pervez Musharraf apologised to country's independent Geo Television for yesterday's police raid on its premises. He said police involved in the raid had acted on their own and would be punished.

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists released a statement condemning what it called the heavy-handed tactics of the Pakstani government.

The spokesman said he hoped that in the days ahead, further clashes could be avoided.

UNI