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Pakistan's Musharraf steps downResigns |
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, facing impeachment on charges drawn up by the governing coalition, has announced that he is resigning. He went on national TV to say that while he was confident the charges would not stand, this was not the time for more confrontation.
He is accused of violation of the constitution and gross misconduct.
The Speaker of the Pakistani Senate, Muhammad Mian Sumroo,
automatically took over as caretaker president.
Mr Musharraf has been a key ally of the US in its "war on terror" since
he took power in a bloodless coup in 1999. Reaction in Pakistan is
overwhelmingly one of relief that a bruising and lengthy impeachment
battle has been avoided. But the main concern is whether Pakistan;'s
ruling coalition would remain united. Only time will tell.
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