Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said that he will remain in power, British Sky News reported on Wednesday.

 

In an exclusive interview with the television channel, Musharraf said he had considered resigning over the current crisis, and "the day when there is no turmoil in Pakistan, I will step down."

 

"I am not a dictator, I want a democracy." he said, adding that he felt let down by the West and by the media.

 

"We may lose the battle on terror because of misreporting by some parts of the media in Pakistan and around the world." Musharraf said. "Leave the past behind. The country must work together for the best of Pakistan."

 

Musharraf said general elections would be held under emergency rule, which he declared more than a week ago.

 

The president also admitted that things were not going well in Pakistan, adding he is disturbed that his achievements had not been recognized at home or abroad.

 

Musharraf said he had been forced to call the state of emergency because of the threat of Islamic extremism.

 

Musharraf has come under international pressure for his decision to impose emergency rule on Nov. 3. On Nov. 11 he said general elections for the national assembly and the provincial assemblies would be held simultaneously before Jan. 9.

 

However, Musharraf refused to say when he would lift the state of emergency.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 15, 2007)