WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said Thursday he will continue to rule his country both as the head of state and army chief.
Under an agreement he reached with the opposition, Musharraf had agreed to leave the army by Dec. 31 but continue as president till 2007 when he completes his current tenure.
But in a televised speech to the nation Thursday, Musharraf said since the opposition failed to keep its promise of cooperating with the government in running the country, he was not bound to keep his pledge.
Musharraf, who toppled an elected government in 1999, became a close U.S. ally after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks by joining the U.S.-led coalition against terror.
His decision to retain both the posts has been criticized by human rights and pro-democracy groups across the world. But earlier this month, U.S. President George Bush indicated after a weekend meeting with Musharraf at the White House his administration would continue to support Musharraf.
Opposition parties have pledged to launch a countrywide campaign to force Musharraf to leave the army.
