1996 ford escort LTD problem?

my car doesn't like pulling off and slowing down, it seems to stall and doesn't like to start straight away. if im doing 60mph the engine will keep juddering loosing power and picking back up again. the fuel line is clear so that's not the problem. if i lift the bonnet and rev the engine using the leaver connecting to the throttle cable the leaver doest seem to return properly. when i first start the car it will idle ok and then the revs will drop after 30 seconds unill it stalls. also the car doesn't like cold starting. could this be a fuel pump problem?