Musharraf hails democracy in Pakistan

---

ISLAMABAD, Mar 23 (AP): President Pervez Musharraf Sunday hailed the start of a "new era of real democracy" in Pakistan and pledged his support to the country's incoming government, sure to be packed by foes determined to diminish the power of the embattled US-backed leader.
Musharraf spoke early Sunday at a military parade celebrating Pakistan's national day. The day before, the party of slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto named former parliament speaker Yousaf Raza Gilani as its candidate for Pakistan's next prime minister.
"The journey toward democracy and development we started eight years ago is now reaching its destination," said Musharraf, a former army strongman who seized power in a 1999 coup. "A new era of real democracy has begun."
Flatbed trucks rolled past his viewing stand displaying pieces of Pakistan's nuclear-armed arsenal: camouflage-painted Shaheen missiles about 12 yards long. Military helicopters swooped past him flying huge Pakistani flags and spewing decorative, multicolored smoke. Fighter jets flew overhead in formation of a heart.
"I hope the new government can maintain peace and the fast pace of socio-economic development in Pakistan," Musharraf said. "And I hope it will also continue our struggle against the curse of terrorism and extremism with the same force."
Musharraf has said he supports democracy and that his time in power introduced its essence to Pakistan, though his critics point to past actions - such as his purging of foes in the judiciary - as proof he is unwilling to give up power.