Musharraf cancels China visit amid talks on ouster
Thursday, 7 August 2008
ISLAMABAD, August 6 (Reuters): Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has cancelled a scheduled visit to China, a member of his entourage said on Wednesday, as opponents in the coalition government consulted over his possible impeachment.
"We have been told that the president's visit to China has been cancelled," said the official, who had been due to fly with Musharraf on Wednesday to attend opening ceremonies for the Beijing Olympics and meet with the Chinese leadership.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Sadiq confirmed the visit had been called off. The president's spokesman was not immediately available for comment.
Pakistan treasures its close relationship with China as it provides a regional counterweight to old rival India, and for a Pakistani leader to call off a visit at such short notice is highly unusual
"We have been told that the president's visit to China has been cancelled," said the official, who had been due to fly with Musharraf on Wednesday to attend opening ceremonies for the Beijing Olympics and meet with the Chinese leadership.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Sadiq confirmed the visit had been called off. The president's spokesman was not immediately available for comment.
Pakistan treasures its close relationship with China as it provides a regional counterweight to old rival India, and for a Pakistani leader to call off a visit at such short notice is highly unusual