Commonwealth lifts suspension of Pakistan

LONDON - The Commonwealth lifted Monday its suspension of Pakistan from the grouping, its secretary general said after a meeting of key ministers in London.
The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) agreed that since November ‘the government of Pakistan has taken positive steps to fulfil its obligations in accordance with Commonwealth fundamental values and principles.
‘It accordingly decided that Pakistan is now restored to the councils of the Commonwealth,’ Kamalesh Sharma said, reading from a statement after the talks at the Commonwealth’s Marlborough House headquarters.
Pakistan was suspended from the councils of the 53-nation Commonwealth on November 22 last year, with the organisation saying that conditions under President Pervez Musharraf were in violation of its fundamental values.
The Commonwealth ministers notably welcomed the fact that President Pervez Musharraf had given up his military role, lifted the state of emergency, held elections and removed curbs on the mass media.
But it also urged Pakistan to ‘reinforce the independence of the judiciary and resolve current issues through the parliamentary process as soon as possible so that it contributes to democratic political stability in Pakistan’.
‘There (is) need for reform. In this regard it welcomes the new government’s state intention to reform the election commission and enhance its independence,’ the statement added.
In addition the ministers agreed that the Commonwealth should continue to ‘offer technical assistance to... Pakistan, as appropriate, to support the further strengthening of democratic institutions and processes in the country.’
‘CMAG also urged other Commonwealth members to provide similar assistance,’ they added.