EU calls on Musharraf to step down as chief of army

The European Union on Tuesday urged Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf to restore the country's constitution and honour his commitment to step down as Chief of Army Staff by November 15. In a strongly-worded statement issued by the Portuguese presidency, the EU also called on Musharraf to guarantee free and fair elections in January, release all political prisoners and relax restrictions imposed on the media. The 27-member bloc also expressed "deep concern" at Musharraf's imposition of a state of emergency and at reports "of numerous arrests of leaders of political parties, lawyers, journalists, human rights defenders and representatives of civil society." "While recognizing that Pakistan faces threats to its peace and security, the EU believes that stability and development can only be achieved through democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law," the EU said in a statement. Musharraf, who took over in a bloodless military coup in 1999, partially suspended the country's constitution Saturday, curtailing civil rights and replacing top members of the judiciary who he saw as a threat to his rule. The move sparked sharp criticism from the international community. On top of cracking down on his political opponents, Musharraf has also refrained from honouring his pledge to step down as the chief of the Pakistani army.