Musharraf to confront image issues in US

Like many other leaders congregating there for the UN General Assembly days after the fourth anniversary of al-Qaeda's Septem-ber 11 attacks on the United States, Musharraf can also be expected to deliver a strong message on the war on terrorism.

The Pakistani leader, who has survived several al-Qaeda-inspired assassination attempts since becoming one of Washington's principle allies in the Islamic world, has still to win over US media, which often says his actions don't match his words.

When not questioning how known militant groups have survived repeated crackdowns, Western media raise doubts about Mush-arraf's commitment to developing democracy, or focus on rape cases to depict violence against women in Pakistan.

"I believe demonstrations have been planned by human rights groups who are far more annoyed at the human rights situation in Pakistan than General Musharraf," said Samina Ahmed of the Brussels-based International Crisis Group.

"We will see how far he addresses these concerns."

Before setting off, Musharraf itemized these issues, telling reporters; "I would like to achieve many things, basically covering whatever negatives there are on Pakistan, and to project Pakistan in a strong way."

His schedule in the United States shows his intentions.

On September 17 he is due to address the American Jewish Congress and an audience of Pakistani American women at Columbia University.