Fed: Smith urges Pakistan to hold elections ASAP

AAP General News (Australia)
12-29-2007
Fed: Smith urges Pakistan to hold elections ASAP

CANBERRA, Dec 29 AAP - Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has urged Pakistan to hold elections
as soon as possible and restore democracy following the assassination of opposition leader
Benazir Bhutto.

The 54-year-old former prime minister was assassinated on Thursday, plunging the nuclear-armed
country into crisis and triggering bloody protests.

At least 31 people have died in the violence, increasing fears a January 8 election
meant to restore civilian rule in Pakistan could be put off.

Mr Smith said he warned against any lengthy postponement of the election during a telephone
conversation with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Inam ul Haque last night.

"I conveyed the Australian government's view that democracy and the rule of law are
essential prerequisites for achieving peace and stability in Pakistan and the strongest
basis for combating extremism," Mr Smith said in a statement.

"I told Mr ul Haque that Australia strongly supports a return to democratic processes
in Pakistan, and the holding of elections at the earliest possible opportunity under conditions
allowing for full and safe participation."

Mr Smith said he expressed Australia's deepest sympathy to the people of Pakistan following
the death of Ms Bhutto.

"I condemned this act of political violence in the strongest terms," Mr Smith said
in a statement.

"On behalf of the Australian government, I urged all parties to exercise restraint
at a moment of great and grave difficulty for Pakistan."

Mr Smith said Mr ul Haque had thanked him for expressing Australia's support and sympathy.

AAP kc/cjh/mn

KEYWORD: PAKISTAN SMITH

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.