Britain to Musharraf: free elections, quit by mid-November (Roundup)

Nov 7, 2007, 14:15 GMT

London - The British government Wednesday called on President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan to guarantee free elections in January and step down as chief of the army staff by November 15.

Making the demands in a statement to parliament, Foreign Secretary David Miliband expressed the government's 'grave concern' at the imposition of a state of emergency by Musharraf, which had 'set back the process of democratic transition' in Pakistan.

Miliband called on Pakistan's president to release all political prisoners, relax restrictions on the media and guarantee 'free and fair' elections in January after stepping down as chief of the army staff on November 15.

The Foreign Secretary described the situation in Pakistan as 'dangerous, fast moving and important to Britain.'

However, commentators noted that Miliband's statement did not include a call for the reinstatement of Supreme Court judges in Pakistan, indicating that the British government was taking a 'cautious' approach over developments in Pakistan.

'They have no desire to bite off their nose despite their face,' said one commentator, pointing to Britain's 'vital interest' in relations with Musharraf, especially over counter-terrorism.

The British government clearly believed that Musharraf would respond to international pressure and give in to the demands placed on him.

Miliband also confirmed that the state of emergency declared by Musharraf would be discussed at a meeting of the Commonwealth action group, at the level of Foreign Ministers, in London next Monday.