MUSHARRAF PROMISES EARLY END TO EMERGENCY RULE AND ELECTIONS

BLOOMBERG:

Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf said he would lift his emergency decree on Dec. 15, a day earlier than originally planned, and that the political situation in his country shouldn't be judged by U.S. standards.

Musharraf, appearing on CNN's ``Late Edition'' program, also promised that ``free and fair'' parliamentary elections will go forward on Jan. 8.

``Now that I have said that the emergency will be finished in the 15th, I mean every word of it,'' Musharraf, 64, said in the recorded interview. ``I give commitments which I always follow and honor.''

Musharraf suspended Pakistan's constitution Nov. 3 and fired Supreme Court judges, saying the judiciary was interfering in affairs of state and undermining the fight against terrorism. U.S. President George W. Bush, who calls Musharraf a crucial ally in fighting terrorism, has been pressuring the Pakistani leader to lift the emergency rule.

Earlier today, Information Minister Nisar Memon said in Islamabad that ``preparations are under way'' for the government to end the emergency.

Musharraf asked for understanding from Western leaders, saying ``we are fighting the terrorists here. Do not destabilize Pakistan. You will regret it.''

• MUSHARRAF HAS BEEN A BETTER ALLY THAN FRANCE WAS AND TURKEY IS.

• BHUTTO AND SHARIF ARE CORRUPT TALIBAN SUPPORTING SCUM.

YO, DUBYA ... CONDI: IT WOULD BE WISER TO PRESSURE MALIKI AND ABBAS THAN ISRAEL AND PAKISTAN.