Musharraf's first presser since imposing emergency; reax

Описание: (11 Nov 2007) SHOTLIST
1. Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf entering news conference inside President's House
2. Musharraf sits down at table
3. Wide pan of news conference
4. SOUNDBITE: (English) General Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan President:
"I would request the election commission to hold the elections as soon as possible, as fast as possible which means if you calculate 45-60 days from 20th November we should have the elections before the ninth of January which happens to be the start of Muharram."
5. Mid of Musharraf speaking at news conference
6. SOUNDBITE: (English) General Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan President :
" There is no doubt about it. There is no doubt that this was the most difficult decision I have ever taken in my life. Why did I take this decision? I could have preserved myself but then it would have damaged the nation."
7. Mid of Musharraf
8. SOUNDBITE: (English) General Pervez Musharraf, Pakistani President :
"In view of the disturbed environment, the terrorist environment, the bomb blasts, the suicide bombs, the situation in the frontier which has to be tackled, in Swat in the southern districts I can assure you it is the emergency which reinforces the hands to control all this and keep it in check. And I think it is quite the opposite that you are saying, it will ensure absolutely fair and transparent elections"
9. Wide of news conference
10. Wide of shopping district
11. Man cooking savoury snacks
12. Diners at street cafes
13. SOUNDBITE: (Urdu) Mohammed Kasif, local:
"If Musharraf holds free and fair elections then it will be good for our people. If the elections are fake then its no good for us. If Musharraf wants the favour of the people then we need free and fair elections."
14. Man walking past food stalls
15. SOUNDBITE: (Urdu) Nisar Ahmed, shopkeeper:
"We must have elections. Then we'll get different faces in the leadership and our businesses will improve. After elections the situation in our country will get better, business will be better. Without them the situation will be very difficult."
16. Wide of street
STORYLINE:
Pakistan's military ruler said on Sunday elections would be held by January but set no time limit on emergency rule that has suspended citizens' rights, claiming it was essential for fighting terrorism and ensuring the vote would be free and fair.
In his first major news conference since suspending the constitution a week ago, President General Pervez Musharraf bristled at criticism of his commitment to democracy and was unapologetic about his decision to purge the top ranks of the judiciary, which had challenged his dominance.
He said he expected to face no foreign sanctions for resorting to authoritarian measures, and declared the current parliament would be dissolved in the coming week, paving the way for elections to be held on schedule, despite earlier concerns they could be delayed by up to a year.
"We should have elections before the 9th of January," Musharraf told reporters at his presidential residence in Islamabad.
The army chief imposed the state of emergency on November 3, citing the growing threat posed by Taliban and al-Qaida-linked militants. But the main targets of his crackdown have been his most outspoken critics, who claim the move was an attempt to maintain his grip on power.
Thousands of people have been arrested, independent-minded judges have been removed, and all but state-run TV news have been taken off the air.
Sounding indignant and sometimes angry, Musharraf said the declaration of the emergency was in the interests of Pakistan, not to save his own political skin.

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