2007年VOA标准英语-Musharraf Addresses Nation in Wake of Pakistan
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By Benjamin SandIslamabad
12 July 2007
In a televised address to the nation, Pakistan's President General Pervez Musharraf vowed1 to eliminate extremism and terrorism from "every corner of the country." The president spoke2 a day after government forces ended their bloody3 siege of Islamabad's Red Mosque4, where more than 100 people died in the eight-day operation. From Islamabad, VOA Correspondent Benjamin Sand reports.
In a nearly hour-long speech, the Pakistani President defended the government's action amid mounting concerns of a possible militant5 backlash.
He said the assault would not eliminate extremism and terrorism, but the government's resolve is unwavering in defeating the menace in every province and every corner of the country.
Pakistani commandos stormed the mosque Tuesday after a weeklong stand-off with scores of heavily armed militants6 who were barricaded7 inside.
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| Smoke rises from Lal Masjid during heavy gunbattle between Pakistan troops and militants in Islamabad, 10 July 2007 |
Mr. Musharraf said the government showed both "patience and tolerance9" while doing everything it could to resolve the standoff peacefully. He said negotiations10 failed, because the mosque's leaders were demanding a complete amnesty and safe passage out of Islamabad.
Officials say at least 75 militants and 10 soldiers were killed during the assault, although independent confirmation11 of the final death toll12 remains13 unavailable.
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| Jamia Hasfa Abdul Rashid Ghazi seen in this 10 Feb. 2007 file photo taken in Islamabad |
Military forces are also bracing15 for new anti-government violence in Pakistan's remote tribal16 areas, where Ghazi had significant support.
In an Internet video posted Wednesday, the deputy leader of the al-Qaida terrorist network called for Muslims to take revenge against President Musharraf.
The Egyptian-born Ayman al-Zawahiri said the government's raid on the mosque can only be washed away by "repentance17 or blood."
At least 20 people have been killed in a series of suicide bomb attacks in the area since the standoff outside the Red Mosque began.
