Statement by Foreign Minister Yohei Kono on the Political Change in Pakistan

October 13, 1999

I understand that in Pakistan on October 12, upon the dismissal of army chief Gen. Pervez Musharraf, Pakistani troops occupied the Prime Minister's Official Residence, airports, the headquarters of Pakistan Television, and other places, and that they announced the dismissal of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Japan is very much concerned about the development of such a situation in Pakistan.
Strongly hoping that the present situation will be settled as soon as possible in accordance with democratic and constitutional procedures, Japan will keep a close watch on the situation with great concern.

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