RAWALPINDI, Jan 2: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Friday said that Parliament will complete its five-year term despite his constitutional powers to dissolve the assemblies.

"I want to assure all members of Parliament that despite the restoration of Article 58(2)b, this will be the first parliament to complete its tenure of five years," the president said in an address to the nation.

The president's address was telecast by Radio and TV to thank the parliamentarians for reposing confidence in his leadership. The president pledged to the nation that now this is his responsibility to carry forward the process of sustainable democracy and continue the reforms agenda, which is in the interest of the nation. "This is my commitment," he added.

President Musharraf said, the passage of the 17th Amendment Bill in Parliament and the vote of confidence reposed in him by the Senate, the National Assembly and the four provincial assemblies is a historic decision.

He said that he was pleased that the decisions were made while keeping national interests supreme and by rising above personal considerations. He congratulated the government, it's allied parties and the MMA on the passage of the 17th Amendment Bill.

"I am extremely thankful to all members of the parliament and members of the provincial assemblies for the vote of confidence. I want to assure all the parliamentarians that I shall live up to the confidence reposed in me," he said.

The president said, after assuming the office, political re-structuring was an important aspect of the seven-point agenda that included the introduction of local government system and checks and balances at the federal level. Both these have been accomplished, he added.

"With the 17th Amendment Bill and vote of confidence, I have fulfilled all the promises I made to the nation in the political field," he said. President Musharraf said the elections were held within the stipulated time of three years, power has been transferred to the elected representatives and local government system has been put in place.

He hoped that for the establishment of sustainable democracy in the country, the National Security Council Bill would be introduced and passed by Parliament as per the agreement.

The president urged the opposition "to listen and understand the voice of the two-third majority of the Parliament, give up its negative attitude and play a constructive role."

"Let all of us pledge to the country today that we shall strive together for the establishment of rule of law, elimination of terrorism, economic advancement and progress and prosperity of the people," he said.

Gen Musharraf said on the occasion of new year and at the start of a complete democracy "let us pledge that everything we have is for Pakistan and all of us will keep Pakistan's interest supreme and we will not hesitate to sacrifice for the country.-APP