Musharraf defend his crackdown on opposition groups

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-14-2007 09:14

Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf addresses a press conference in Islamabad. (AFP/Farooq Naeem)

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has defended his crackdown on opposition groups in the country during an interview.

This came under mounting domestic and international pressure after declaring martial law more than a week ago. Musharraf pointed out to critics in Washington that saving Pakistan is more important than running a democratic system.

Pakistani riot policemen block and cordon off a street leading towards the residence of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto in Lahore. (AFP/Aamir Qureshi)

Pervez Musharraf, Pakistani President, said, "I would like to ask is democracy more important than the country? If the country is going down and becoming a failed state? Is arresting that more important? Or running a democratic system, so-called democratic system more important? Which one is more important? Obviously, save the government save the nation."

Editor:Zhang Pengfei