Call for quick return to democracy, rule of law : China expresses concern

BEIJING, Nov 4: China expressed concern on Sunday over Gen Pervez Musharraf’s move to suspend the Constitution and declare emergency rule.

“We are concerned about the situation in Pakistan, and believe the Pakistani government and people are capable of solving their problems,” foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao was quoted as telling official Xinhua news agency.

Liu also expressed China’s hope that stability could be maintained in its politically fractious southern neighbour, Xinhua said.

Facing a possible paring back of his power as both political and military supremo, Gen Musharraf declared a state of emergency on Saturday, sacking the nation’s top judge. He blamed judicial interference in government affairs and a wave of Islamic militant attacks for the move.

In Dhaka, Bangladesh said it hoped Pakistan would avoid instability after Gen Musharraf declared emergency rule, describing the move as an ‘internal matter’.

“As a friendly country Bangladesh is observing the developments in Pakistan very closely. We view those events as their internal matter,” interim foreign minister Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said in a statement.

“However, we hope that (it does) not lead to any kind of instability,” he added.

In Kabul, Afghanistan said it was concerned about the imposition of emergency rule in Pakistan and wanted the country to return to normal quickly in the interests of its own stability.

“Security and stability in Pakistan directly affect the situation in Afghanistan and vice versa,” foreign ministry spokesman Sultan Ahmad Baheen told AFP.

“We are following the situation in Pakistan with concern and very seriously. We want stability and peace in our neighbouring country. We hope that the situation in Pakistan can become normal quickly.”In Sydney, Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer urged Pakistan to return to constitutional rule, saying Canberra was ‘very concerned’ about the declaration of a state of emergency there.

Downer acknowledged Pakistan faced difficult security challenges but said democratic processes still needed to be maintained.

“Australia’s strong view remains, however, that democracy and the rule of law are an essential part of achieving peace and stability,” the minister said in a statement.

Progress towards democracy could not be made without the protection of civil rights and freedom for political parties, the judiciary and the press, he said.

“Australia urges the earliest possible return to democratic processes and constitutional rule in Pakistan,” he said.

Downer called on all Pakistani parties to exercise restraint and calm.

In Paris, Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon said emergency rule “is a step in the wrong direction and a serious setback to democracy.” Pakistan was expelled from the 53-nation club for five years when Gen Musharraf seized power in 1999.—AFP

Dawn - 5/Nov/2007