Musharraf Says He'd Consider Stepping Down

'On the day people don't want me, I will leave,' he tells Der Spiegel

By Caroline Zimmerman, Newser User

Posted Jan 13, 2008 2:52 PM CST

(Newser) – Pervez Musharraf will consider resigning if his public approval continues to erode, Der Spiegel reports in a wide-ranging interview to be published tomorrow. "On the day I think the people, the majority, don't want me anymore and the day I have no contribution to make to this country, I will leave," he said, as he preps for elections next month.

The Pakistani leader called Bush a "friend," but said he would not allow US military actions there. And he still partially blames Benazir Bhutto for her death, saying "She was warned, but she decided differently." Musharraf says Bhutto was courting death when she "stretched herself out of the car," and still opposes a UN investigation into her assassination.

In this handout photo released by Pakistan Press Information Department, President Pervez Musharraf speaks during a news conference in Islamabad, Pakistan, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008. Musharraf denied accusations... (Associated Press)

Pakistani people shout during a vigil for former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto who was assassinated one week ago Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008 in Lahore, Pakistan. Bhutto supporters have insisted that a U.N.... (Associated Press)

Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf talks to reporters in Rawalpindi, Pakistan in this Nov. 14, 2007, file photo. The assassination of Benazir Bhutto has pitched Pakistan into a freefall and raised... (Associated Press)

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Musharraf Says He'd Consider Stepping Down

'On the day people don't want me, I will leave,' he tells Der Spiegel

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'On the day people don't want me, I will leave,' he tells Der Spiegel

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Pakistan • Pervez Musharraf • resignation • Benazir Bhutto • Bhutto assassination • election

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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Pakistan Court: Find Musharraf

Courts issue second arrest warrant in Bhutto slaying

Pakistan Issues Warrant for Musharraf in Bhutto Slaying

'Accused' of not providing adequate security

Democracy to Avenge Bhutto's Death: Zardari

Prez nominee says no deal was cut with departing Musharraf

New Pakistan Leaders to Seek Talks With Militants

Election victors continue to work for coalition government

Pakistan Car Bomb Kills 37 Two Days Before Vote

Blast hits election office as fears mount over security, rigged results

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