UK urges Pakistan to confirm parliamentary election date

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Britain's foreign secretary urged Pakistan's military government Monday to restore democratic and constitutional processes, and to confirm its intentions to go ahead with parliamentary elections in January. "The whole world will be 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 at a news conference. In Pakistan on Monday, police attacked hundreds of Pakistanis protesting President Gen. Pervez Musharraf's decision to impose emergency rule. Western allies threatened to review aid to the troubled Muslim nation. Musharraf's government said Sunday that Pakistan's parliamentary elections could be delayed up to a year. "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 the development in Pakistan. I think now is the time for leadership from President Musharraf," Miliband said.