The US on Saturday said it wanted a "smooth and successful transition" to democratic civilian government in Pakistan even as it termed the Supreme Court ruling allowing President Pervez Musharraf to contest in uniform as an "internal matter" of the country.
"This is the internal matter of the country for politicians and courts to decide," US Assistant Secretary of South Asian and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher said when asked about Musharraf being allowed to seek re-election to the post of president while remaining as army chief.
"But the United States is interested that the process of transition to democratic civilian government should proceed smoothly and successfully," he told reporters on Friday.
Boucher also rejected suggestions that the formation of a civilian government in Pakistan could adversely impact the country's fight against terrorism.
Stating that he has no plans to visit Pakistan before the presidential election on October 6, Boucher noted that a lot of questions have been raised in different fora, either politically or in court, about how to proceed to establishing a democratic rule and added, "we are watching it."
Washington's desire is to see Pakistan succeed as a modern society. "Part of that success is making a successful and smooth transition to democratic and civilian government."
Asked whether the US believes a president without uniform would be more capable to continue war on terrorism and cooperation with it, Boucher said he appreciates what the Pakistani leaders have done over the last seven years since the 9/11 attacks, but a lot of people in the country think that it is time for transition.
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