Charles de Gaulle is Musharraf?s new inspiration

Pakistan President Pervez Musharaf sought to compare himself with General Charles de Gaulle in a bid to justify his plan of not stepping down as army chief by the target date of December 31.

Pakistan President Pervez Musharaf sought to compare himself with General Charles de Gaulle in a bid to justify his plan of not stepping down as army chief by the target date of December 31.

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As US media guns pounded him on his move, which has also put the Bush administration in a spot, Musharraf spoke in terms of a "need for continuity". He, however, maintained that he was still to take a final view of the subject.

One of the parameters taken into account by the US while lifting democracy-related sanctions against Pakistan was Musharraf's promise to give up the top army post by the year-end.

When the New York Times brought up the issue during an interview, Musharraf turned to the legendary French leader for cover. "How did Gen de Gaulle continue in uniform all through his period as president of France, and France is a democratic country," he countered.

"Yes, I gave my word but the issue is now far greater," he said, holding forth on Pakistan's offensive against the Al Qaeda, netting terrorists and ending the network's fundraising. This effort, he said, required "continuity".