Pakistan 'a vital friend'

2008-08-18 16:12

London - Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's resignation ends a "critical period in Pakistan's history", British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said on Monday.

Miliband called on Pakistan's political leaders to "come together" to ensure the new government stays on course with economic and security policy, and called for the "early" election of a successor to Musharraf.

"The announcement... by President Musharraf that he is standing down as president brings to a close a critical period in Pakistan's history and its relations with the UK and other countries," he said in a statement.

"Pakistan is a vital friend of the UK and it is essential... that it has a strong and democratic government with a clear mandate and programme for thoroughgoing reform of its social, political and economic structures."

He praised the "significant dividends" of Musharraf's time in office, including on the economic front, in fighting terrorism, tackling corruption and promoting dialogue with long-time foe India.

"But reform depends above all on legitimacy, and that is why the UK has been at pains to stress the importance for Pakistan of strong institutions rather than strong individuals, and why we believe a strong democracy is key.

"The responsibilities on political leaders in Pakistan are now significant. They need to come together to ensure that the recently elected government carries forward an economic and security agenda consistent with the long-term interests of the Pakistani people."

He added that Britain, the former colonial power in Pakistan, would remain "strongly committed" to the country, notably through aid but also through stronger security co-operation with the new government.

"And we will be clear about the essential nature of a new partnership between Pakistan and Afghanistan," said.

"I look forward to the early election of a new president in Pakistan to take forward the important shared work that binds our two countries together," he added.

- AFP