Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf called for unity Wednesday against radical elements which would try to create anarchy during the crisis between the United States and neighboring Afghanistan.
"I'm the chief of the Pakistan army and my first priority is the defense of Pakistan. The rest follows after," he said in a televised address to the nation to explain his backing for possible US strikes against the Afghan Taliban regime and their "guest", alleged terrorist Osama bin Laden.
"Some elements want to take advantage of this to pursue personal or party agendas. They want to create anarchy and damage the country," he added, referring to radical Islamist groups.
"I appeal to the people of Pakistan to show unity and solidarity against these elements and not let them succeed.
"Pakistan is a fort of Islam, and God forbid this fort is damaged” -- ISLAMABAD (AFP)
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
