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Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf asked his people to "forgive my mistakes" as he stepped down from office Monday amid calls for his impeachment.
He left office after nearly nine years in power as opponents blamed him for standing in the way of emerging democracy in Pakistan.
He said he was satisfied that all he had done "was for the people and for the country."
"I hope the nation and the people will forgive my mistakes," Musharraf, struggling with his emotions, said in an hour-long televised address.
White House officials praised Musharraf as an ally in the war on terror.
"President Bush looks forward to working with the Government of Pakistan on the economic, political and security challenges they face," said National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe.
Musharraf, former head of the army, took power in a military coup in 1999 but his popularity has sunk since then.
During his address, he said he would turn in his resignation to the National Assembly speaker Monday.
It remained unclear as to whom parliament would elect to succeed Musharraf. It also wasn't clear if he would remain in Pakistan or live abroad.
(c) 2008 Newsroom.
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