Musharraf seeks aid from Congress

WASHINGTON - Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf reached out to Democratic leaders on Tuesday amid growing concerns in Congress that U.S. aid should be restricted or cut off until he restores democracy.

Musharraf called Rep. Tom Lantos, D-Calif., and Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., chairmen of the House and Senate committees that deal with foreign relations issues.

Biden, D-Del., said he told the Pakistani president it was critical he allow the elections in January as planned, and that he "take off his uniform" and "restore the rule of law."

"It is clear to me from our conversation that President Musharraf understands the consequences for his country and for relations with the United States if he does not return Pakistan to the path of democracy," Biden said in a statement.

Lantos declined to comment.

Musharraf's phone calls come as the Bush administration is reviewing its aid package to Pakistan and several lawmakers have said they want to see new restrictions on the funding.

Also this week, Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, was drafting a resolution that would condemn the military crackdown.

"President Musharraf must be told to revoke martial law, release the thousands of Pakistanis imprisoned in recent days, restore freedom of the press, relinquish his military position and proceed with democratic reforms," said Rep. Jane Harman, D-Calif., upon returning from a trip to the Middle East.

"American military and economic aid should be suspended until he does so," she said......