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Pakistan News Story

 05 July 2008 14:10 BST

Pakistan readmitted to Commonwealth

Monday, 12 May 2008 16:29
Pakistan readmitted to Commonwealth six months after being suspended when Pervez Musharraf declared emergency rule

Pakistan In Focus 

Pakistan has been readmitted to the Commonwealth, almost six months after having its membership suspended.

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) reinstated Pakistan after a meeting of key ministers in London, who welcomed the country's return to democracy.

The south Asian country had originally been kicked out following president Pervez Musharraf, then head of Pakistan's army, declaring emergency rule on November 3rd.

Since then Mr Musharraf has given up his role of chief of the army staff – a "longstanding requirement" of the CMAG – and held parliamentary elections won by an opposition coalition.

"The government of Pakistan had taken positive steps to fulfil its obligations in accordance with Commonwealth fundamental values and principles," a statement released from the group's London headquarters of Marlborough House said.

"It [was] accordingly decided that Pakistan is now restored to the Councils of the Commonwealth."

But ministers also emphasised the need for electoral reform in Pakistan and the reinstatement of an independent judiciary.

They called on the Commonwealth to support the strengthening of democratic institutions and processes in the country.

Suspension from the Commonwealth does not amount to a diplomatic blackout but does bar a country from attending meetings and can lead to economic sanctions as well as aid projects being suspended.

Last November's suspension was the second suffered by Mr Musharraf's administration, the first taking place following his bloodless military coup in 1999.End of story


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