Brown plea to Pakistan president before elections

UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown today urged Pakistan’s President Pervez Musharraf to ensure “transparent, credible” elections in his country next month.

Mr Brown held talks with the Pakistani leader at 10 Downing Street as a large group of demonstrators, including cricket star Imran Khan and his ex-wife Jemima, chanted anti-Musharraf slogans outside.

Speaking after the discussions, Mr Brown hailed Pakistan as a “key ally in combating terrorism” with which Britain shared a “long-standing friendship and shared history”.

He told a press conference at No 10: “A stable Pakistan is essential for security in the south Asian region.

“I urged President Musharraf to work with all political parties in Pakistan for a peaceful, democratic future for the country and I called on him to continue to promote reconciliation – as I know he wants to do – between moderate forces to unite against the growing threat of violent extremism.”

Mr Musharraf's visit to London follows his six-week suspension of Pakistan's constitution at the end of last year after his disputed re-election as President.

The constitution was restored and a state of emergency lifted last month, but tensions were reignited by the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto on December 27. Postponed parliamentary elections are now due to take place on February 18.

Mr Brown said: “For Pakistan, credible elections on February 18 are essential.

“President Musharraf has assured me that all electoral processes are in place to ensure transparent, credible polling.

“The priority now for the international community and the government of Pakistan must be to ensure that the democratic process remains on track.”

Mr Brown said the two leaders had also discussed improving co-operation between Britain and Pakistan on combating terrorism and extremism.

British experts are currently in Pakistan to discuss assistance which the UK and the international community can offer in terms of forensic skills, training and the investigation of the financing of terror groups.