Commonwealth lifts Pakistan suspension

The Commonwealth re-admitted Pakistan as a full member yesterday after a six-month suspension triggered by a clampdown by President Pervez Musharraf, the grouping's secretary general said.
The suspension was lifted after a meeting of key ministers of the 53-nation Commonwealth 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 Marlbo-rough House headquarters.
Pakistan was suspended from 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.
Musharraf had declared a state of emergency on November 3, placing the chief justice under house arrest, detaining lawyers, rights activists and opposition members and curbing press freedoms.
The Commonwealth ministers notably welcomed the fact that 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.