Pakistani coup leader cancels national speech

October 17, 1999
Web posted at: 2:41 a.m. HKT (1841 GMT)

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Pakistani army officers combed bank records and questioned travelers Saturday after the new military regime said economic revival and looted government wealth would be its top priorities.

But as the leader of Tuesday's bloodless coup, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, canceled an address to the nation Saturday, the European Union condemned the military takeover and threatened to cut off aid if democracy is not restored.

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The search for illicit assets was the first act of the regime since it ousted the elected government, announced emergency rule and proclaimed Musharraf as the supreme commander.

Bank accounts of Prime Minister Newaz Sharif, said to be under arrest at an undisclosed location, and his family were among those frozen by the military. Sharif is considered by many to have headed a corrupt administration.

EU leaders meeting in Finland said they will give the new regime a month to present a timetable for restoring civilian rule. Otherwise, the EU said, all but humanitarian aid channeled through nongovernmental agencies will be suspended.

"The EU calls on the military to respect the safety and legal rights of those under arrest and to release them without delay. The immediate restoration of democracy and the rule of law is essential," the European leaders said in a statement.

On Friday, U.S. Ambassador William Milam delivered to Musharraf a message from President Clinton, saying the United States wants a return to civilian rule as soon as possible. Milam received no commitment, the White House said.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Musharraf said the general was still drafting the much-awaited speech -- presumably to explain the takeover and his political goals.

AP and Reuters contributed to this report.

Correspondents Kasra Naji and Nic Robertson contributed to this report.

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