The United Kingdom on Monday strongly urged the military regime in Pakistan to restore democratic and constitutional processes and confirm its intentions to go ahead with parliamentary elections in January as scheduled.
"The whole world is watching to see how the transition to democracy that is so important for our own security, never mind for the security and stability of Pakistan itself, is re-established," Foreign Secretary David Miliband said after Prime Minister Gordon Brown spoke to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf earlier.
He urged Musharraf to make it absolutely clear that elections would be held on January 15 on a free and fair basis and that he would indeed "resign as the head of the army by November 15, arrests of political prisoners will be reversed and they will be released, and the restrictions on the media will be removed."
"Over the last two days, we've seen decisions that have set back the process of democratic transition that I think is essential for the stability and security as well as for the development in Pakistan. Now is the time for leadership from President Musharraf," he said.
The British foreign Secretary said he had spoken to Pakistan's opposition leaders Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif separately today and praised them for calling for restraint.
Miliband said, "There is an unanimous view from the international community - including the United States, France, Germany and Portugal, and Javier Solana, the European Union's high representative on foreign policy... that Musharraf has very important responsibilities to fulfill his democratic commitments at this vital time for Pakistan."
Restrictions imposed on Pakistani and international media, including the British Broadcasting Corporation must be lifted, he urged.
Britain does not plan to withdraw the 236 million pounds in aid it has pledged to Pakistan over the next three years, he said. "Now is not the time for threats and that is important to the Pakistani people," he said.
Earlier, an official spokesman said Britain was reviewing the implications for development and assistance programmes.
© 2024 Rediff.com -