Apprehension in Moscow

By Vladimir Radyuhin

MOSCOW, JUNE 21. Russia welcomed India's decision to go ahead with the summit with Pakistan, despite Gen. Pervez Musharraf's taking over as President.

``The Russian Foreign Ministry takes the view that this meeting is necessary and could help reduce tension and promote an atmosphere of trust between the two major nations of South Asia,'' a Russian spokesman said.

At the same time Moscow is worried by the latest political changes in Pakistan.

``A number of countries have expressed concern over the way the head of state has been replaced,'' the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Mr. Alexander Yakovenko, said.

``As it came to be known, the legislative bodies were disbanded for good, and this move is being sharply criticised by political parties in Pakistan itself.''

Moscow reminded Gen. Musharraf of his earlier promise to restore democracy.

``The best scenario for domestic political development in Pakistan would be to hold general elections as scheduled,'' the Russian spokesman was quoted as saying by the RIA Novosti news agency.

He recalled that Moscow had welcomed Gen. Musharraf's pledge to move towards restoring constitutional and democratic freedom.

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Section  : International
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