Mush knows US stance on emergency: Bush

Crawford, Texas, Nov 11: US President George W Bush today said that Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf knows that the United States wants him to end emergency rule and hold elections, but also that the United States needs Pakistan's cooperation in fighting al Qaeda.

"He knows my position,'' Bush said at a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel after a meeting at his Texas ranch. Bush said he had not spoken with Musharraf since talking to him earlier this week.

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Police blocked opposition leader Benazir Bhutto from visiting Pakistan's deposed chief justice TOday.

Musharraf has resisted US calls to end emergency rule.

Bush said he and Pakistan's government ''share a common goal'' in combating al Qaeda.

Bush pointed out that Musharraf has said he would hold elections and give up his military post.

''I do remind you that he has declared that he'll take off his uniform and he has declared there will be elections, which are positive steps,'' Bush said.

''We also believe that suspension of the emergency decree will make it easier for the democracy to flourish.''

Reuters
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