Quotes From Musharraf

Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007 | 9:48 a.m.

Quotes from an Associated Press interview Wednesday with Pakistan President Gen. Pervez Musharraf about his plans after imposing emergency rule:

- Will the army ever oust him?

"People don't know our army. They follow me not because of the rank but because of the respect that they hold for me. I have no doubt of the loyalty of this army. Never will that happen against me."

- Are fair elections possible under emergency rule?

"Emergency is not meant to rig elections. Emergency is in fact meant to make sure that elections are held in a peaceful manner."

- Will he relent to Western pressure to end the emergency?

"I take decisions in Pakistan's interest, and I don't take ultimatums from anyone."

- Can he work with opposition leader Benazir Bhutto?

"If she does become the prime minister, we will see. I do function with everyone. I'm quite good at functioning with people. It depends on her if she wants to be on a confrontational course or a conciliatory one."

- What would happen to Pakistan if he steps down?

"All those who are blunt enough to tell me to my face what the reality is, all of them think, yes, it will lead the country to chaos if I do not handle the political environment now with me remaining as the president."

- Asked about al-Qaida's ability to launch major attacks from Pakistani territory, Musharraf said he believes Osama bin Laden and his top aide are hiding in the Afghan-Pakistan border region.

"I think there are loose groups, maybe getting financial assistance from some linkages with abroad. But if we think there's a command structure of al-Qaida flowing from the top downwards, with logistics, financial support coming through an organized methodology, I don't think that is correct."

- Could Pakistan become a failed state?

"The military is very strong and extremely disciplined. As long as the armed forces of Pakistan remain united, which they will and are, no harm can come to Pakistan."