Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf called on Monday for an end to US-led attacks on Afghanistan before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in less than a month.
General Musharraf has repeatedly insisted he hoped the campaign against Afghanistan's radical Islamic Taliban rulers and their ally, Saudi-born millionaire Osama bin Laden, seen by Washington as the prime suspect in the September terrorist attacks on the United States, would be short.
He told CNN in an interview that the campaign could provoke "negative" reactions in the Muslim world if it extended into the month of Ramadan, due to start on November 17.
"It should not have any effect on the campaign as such, but it may have some effects in the Muslim world," the Pakistani leader said.
"So, one would hope and wish that this campaign comes to an end before the month of Ramadan. And, one would hope for restraint during the month of Ramadan, because this would certainly have some negative effects in the Muslim world," he added.
President Musharraf's remarks were made in an excerpt of the interview shown by CNN on Monday. The full interview was to be aired later, CNN said.
Following General Musharraf's decision to support the US campaign of bombings and other attacks against neighbouring Afghanistan, Pakistan was rocked by violent demonstrations organised by Islamic extremist groups.
Some of the more influential radical groups have close links to the Taliban and command the devoted support of their followers -- Washington, (AFP)
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