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Democracy to Avenge Bhutto's Death: Zardari

Prez nominee says no deal was cut with departing Musharraf

By Kate Rockwood,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 24, 2008 4:00 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Democracy will avenge Benazir Bhutto's death and diminish rising extremism in Pakistan, Bhutto's widower tells Newsweek. Asif Ali Zardari, now a presidential nominee, says he cut no deal with departing president Pervez Musharraf and hopes he will stay to witness rule by the people. “Personally I would like him to be around and see us flourish,” he said. “I think that would be the revenge of Benazir Bhutto.”

Zardari vows that a democratic Pakistan will control its powerful military and intelligence services, and insists the nation's spies did not recently bomb India's embassy in Afghanistan. He also supports giving up executive powers seized by Musharraf and aims to make the office more ceremonial than dictatorial. "Parliament is sovereign," he said, and democracy is "more important than individuals."

Supporters of Pakistan People's Party share sweets in front of a portrait of Asif Ali Zardari at a rally to celebrate his decision to run for Pakistani presidency, Aug. 24, 2008 in Karachi, Pakistan.
Supporters of Pakistan People's Party share sweets in front of a portrait of Asif Ali Zardari at a rally to celebrate his decision to run for Pakistani presidency, Aug. 24, 2008 in Karachi, Pakistan.   (AP Photo/Fareed Khan)
Asif Ali Zardari, widower of slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto and co-chairman of Pakistan People's Party shares a light moment with journalists prior to a press conference in Bhurban, Pakistan.
Asif Ali Zardari, widower of slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto and co-chairman of Pakistan People's Party shares a light moment with journalists prior to a press conference in Bhurban, Pakistan.   (AP Photo)
Asif Ali Zardari speaks during the party's central executive meeting in Islamabad on Friday.
Asif Ali Zardari speaks during the party's central executive meeting in Islamabad on Friday.   (AP Photo)
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Pakistan • Pervez Musharraf • Benazir Bhutto • extremism • Pakistan People's Party • Asif Ali Zardari • election

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