U.K. condemns Pak. action

By Hasan Suroor

LONDON, JUNE 20. Britain and the Commonwealth reacted with concern to the developments in Pakistan saying that Gen. Pervez Musharraf's decision to dissolve the suspended Assemblies was a setback to the country's transition to democracy. The move could have implications for Pakistan's continued membership of the Commonweatlh, its Secretary-General, Mr. Don McKinnon, indicated.

The British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Jack Straw, expressed his ``deep concern'' and said there is ``bound to be widespread anxiety that this represents a setback in the transition to elected democracy.'' He recalled that during his recent talks with the Pakisan Foreign Minister, Mr. Abdul Sattar, he had impressed upon him the importance of early elections.

Mr. McKinnon said he had been ``disappointed'' by Gen. Musharraf's decision and it would ``undoubtedly influence Commonwealth leaders when they consider the situation in Pakistan at Brisbane next October.'' This was a reference to the upcoming conference of Commonwealth Heads of Governments where the question of Pakistan's continued membership is likely to come up.

Pakistan was suspended from the councils of the Commonwealth following the military coup in October 1999, and the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group at its meeting in London in March this year recommended that ``stronger measures be taken by the Commonwealth against the military regime'' if there was no definite progress regarding a timetable for restoration of democracy in Pakisan by October.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : International
Previous : A moment of hope: Sattar
Next     : Parties criticise Musharraf move