November 24, 2002	Sunday	Ramazan 18, 1423

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WASHINGTON, Nov 23: The United States said on Friday that the new Pakistan government has not asked the Americans to leave the country as some Indian newspapers have reported.

A government spokesman Philip Reeker made this comment when a journalist sought his opinion on the report that at least one party, which is expected to be included in the new government, has asked all Americans to leave Pakistan within 60 days.

He added that Pakistan’s National Assembly had elected Zafarullah Jamali as prime minister, who belongs to the PML-Q which led all other parties in the recent elections.

He expressed the hope that in the coming days the new prime minister would secure full approval for his government from the assembly.

Reeker also dismissed speculations that President Pervez Musharraf might fail to transfer power to the new government because of the internal situation in Pakistan where religious parties had emerged as a major political force after the Oct 10 general elections.

Describing Pakistan as a key ally in the war against terrorism and an important regional player, Reeker said the United States supported full restoration of democracy in that country.

“Pakistan’s political leaders have a responsibility to the people of Pakistan to ensure this continuing transition and their efforts will have the support of the United States.”