CRI听力：Musharraf Says to Remain in Power

Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf says he hopes to begin a new presidential term by end-November.

Musharraf rejected Western pressure to quickly lift emergency rule, which he indicated was likely to continue through January elections.

"(Government imposed state of) emergency is not meant to rig elections. Emergency is in fact meant to make sure that the elections are held in a peaceful manner."

Musharraf added that transparency of the upcoming elections is a priority for his government.

"We are inviting any amount of foreign observers to Pakistan to see, let them come and see the transparency of the election."

The general also said that the opposition is trying to "disturb law and order and they want to undermine governance."