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Musharraf Calls for End to Bombings by Ramadan, Powell Says Campaign Takes Precedence
WASHINGTON, Oct 22 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf called on Monday for an end to U.S.-led attacks on Afghanistan before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in less than a month, as U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell claims sensitivity regarding the holy month but says U.S. must pursue the campaign.
General Musharraf has repeatedly insisted he hoped the campaign against Afghanistan's Taliban rulers and Osama bin Laden, would be short.
The Pakistani leader told CNN International in an interview that the campaign could provoke "negative" reactions in the Muslim world if it extended into the month of Ramadan, due to start on November 17.
"So, one would hope and wish that this campaign comes to an end before the month of Ramadan," said Musharraf. "And, one would hope for restraint during the month of Ramadan, because this would certainly have some negative effects in the Muslim world," he added.
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said Washington would like to end the campaign before the onslaught of Afghanistan's severe winter.
"It would be in our interest and the interest of the coalition to see this matter resolved before winter strikes and it makes our operations that much more difficult," Powell told Fox television.
He acknowledged sensitivities among some of Washington's coalition partners if the prospect of continuing raids during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
"We have to be respectful of that very, very significant religious period but at the same time we also have to make sure we pursue our campaign," Powell said.
Following General Musharraf's decision to support the U.S. campaign of bombings and other attacks against neighboring Afghanistan, Pakistan was rocked by violent demonstrations organized by Muslim groups.
Earlier, Islamic community leaders and politicians around Asia warned that Muslims in the region could become more hostile if U.S. air strikes continue into the Ramadan fasting month, BBC's online service reported Sunday.
In Thailand, the secretary-general of the Council of Muslim organizations, Niti Hasan, said Muslims could be driven into protest action if the strikes carry on into Ramadan.
In Malaysia, the main opposition party, Parti Islam se-Malaysia (PAS), has vowed to organize further rallies if the attacks take place during the holiest month in the Muslim calendar.
Malaysian Prime minister Mahathir Mohamad has also warned of adverse reactions among Muslims.
On Sunday, Indonesian Foreign Minister Hasan Wirayuda said staging attacks during Ramadan would lead to an explosive situation.
In the Philippines, a Muslim anti-war group, Maradeka, warned the Ramadan period would see an outpouring of sentiment.
Secretary General of Maradeka, Nash Pangadapun, said, "We will see more protest action and could even see violent attacks throughout the Muslim world... I hope here in the Philippines it will not lead to that."
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