Musharraf calls for reconciliation

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- President Pervez Musharraf, under impeachment threat, said in a televised address Pakistan needs political stability to fight terrorism and for economic growth.

"I appeal to all elements to adopt an approach of reconciliation so that there is political stability and we can firmly confront the real problems facing the country," Musharraf told the nation, which Thursday celebrated its 61 years of independence.

Musharraf is under growing pressure from the ruling coalition to resign or face impeachment proceedings and charges of corruption.

Saying Pakistan is going through "a "difficult phase in its history," Musharraf said, "Our adversaries are trying to destabilize Pakistan from several fronts, internal as well as external," the BBC reported.

Three out of the nation's four provincial assemblies have passed resolutions asking him to step down, CNN reported.

The report said the opposition party members did not attend an independence party hosted by Musharraf, who took power after a military coup in 1999.

Even the country's army is moving away from Musharraf in his current predicament, which may force the former military chief to consider quitting instead of facing impeachment, Financial Times reported, quoting high-ranking officials and Western diplomats.

"This military is telling President Pervez Musharraf 'Please step down and avoid further humiliation for yourself and also for the army,'" retired Lt. Gen. Talat Masood, a noted commentator, told the newspaper.