Pakistan Rebuffs US Demands

Alarmed at the deteriorating crisis in Pakistan, the US has made it clear it will not  recognize the results of elections held under emergency rule. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, on a special mission to Pakistan, failed to convince President Musharraf to free political prisoners, resign as army commander or hold free elections, reports the Guardian.

Negroponte holds out hope that Musharraf may change course. "In diplomacy we don't get instant replies when we have these dialogues. I'm sure the president is seriously considering our exchange." But a Pakistan spokesman dismissed the talks, saying the US offered no new proposals and received no assurances. A key US concern is the fate of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal if the country collapses into chaos. (More Pakistan stories.)