Islamabad: In a strong message to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, the US has asked him to lift emergency and release all political prisoners, asserting that this alone would ensure a free and fair general election due in January.

Washington's message was conveyed to the military ruler by Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, who also asked Musharraf to quit as Army Chief "as soon as possible" and stop the suppression of the media and arrests of political and human rights leaders.

"Emergency rule is not compatible with free, fair and credible elections, which require the active participation of political parties, civil society, and the media," Negroponte told an early morning press conference here winding up his visit to Pakistan.

The second highest ranking American diplomat -- who held talks yesterday with the military ruler and Gen Asfaq Pervez Kiyani, who is tipped to succeed Musharraf as Army Chief -- said "recent police actions against protesters, suppression of the media, and arrests of political and human rights leaders" could undermine Pakistan's transition to a moderate and democratic nation.

"I urged the government of Pakistan to stop such actions, lift the state of emergency, and release all political detainees," he said. "If these steps aren't taken, it will undermine the government's ability to conduct satisfactory elections."

Source : PTI