The president, referring to the decision to impose emergency and to suspend the Constitution, said he was very saddened as the smooth transition, underway in three stages from 1999, was obstructed, through a conspiracy. He said Pakistan recently has passed through a critical phase, in the past few months. He said the conspiracy was not merely for personal and political gain, but to destabilize this country. We foiled this conspiracy, and now the election will be held on January 8. This nation, the people and I personally have suffered because of these conspiracies. He said he was pleased to point out that the third phase of democracy that had derailed will now be back on track. He said the government will invite any number of foreign observers to come and watch the fairness of the polls. This crisis is not of my making, this crisis was because of political conspiracy, and unfortunately some members of our superior judiciary were part of it. Musharraf said it was vital to address this crisis for ensuring Pakistan s stability and added that all the measures he took, were for the stability of Pakistan. He said had he not taken these measures, it would have not been possible to control the crisis. And God forbid, Pakistan could have suffered serious consequences. He said for him it was always Pakistan first and he put his reputation at stake and himself in risk as he did not want to see Pakistan in any difficulty. He said he took a painful and difficult decision after much discussions and consideration, with various factions of the society. In hindsight, I feel the decisions I took were correct to bring Pakistan out of this situation. The promises I made with the nation; to take this country forward, rejuvenate the economy, to improve the life of the people of Pakistan and to bring real democracy to the nation and to eliminate terrorism and extremism from this society, all promises have been fulfilled. The president said he was also fulfilling the decisions made about democracy. He said the election will be the happiest day of his life, and whatever party comes into power as a result of the election, will steer the Parliament for next five years towards a path of progress and prosperity. He hoped that the nation will seriously take into account whatever he said, for the sake of a bright future of Pakistan. He mentioned that the media during the past eight years enjoyed unprecedented freedom. However, he urged it to act responsibly by pursuing the code of conduct. I stand for the independence of media and will always remain with you in this regard. Musharraf said it was also for the first time in country s history that emergency was being lifted only after 42 days, whereas in the past it continued from 1969 to 1985; for a period of 16 years. He said it is just because we are sincere we imposed emergency due to a specific reason; to stop destabilisation of Pakistan, and there was no personal motive, and we lifted emergency after achieving our objectives. The president said there has been considerable improvement in the past 42 days and said terrorism that had spread into the settled districts of north and south of NWFP, has now been stopped. I can proudly say that the back of terrorists in Swat has now been broken . He lauded the role of Pakistan Army, the civil armed forces and the people of Swat that extended full cooperation to their Armed Forces in weeding out terrorists and extremists from their area. Noting the loss of property and their livestock, he said soon a good relief package would be announced for them. He said general election will now be held in Swat after the improvement in situation there.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/509756