US, Britain to send officials to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Jan 11: High-level British and US delegations arrive in Pakistan this week to try to push the country's military rulers to set a timeframe for a return to democracy, diplomats said today, reports Reuters.

A four-member Congressional delegation led by Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle arrives on Thursday, one day after Britain's chief of defence staff Sir Charles Guthrie was to arrive for a three-day visit.

"I know they will discuss the military's plans for a return to democratic government in Pakistan," a US Embassy official said.

The United States and Britain both strongly condemned the military coup in October which removed prime minister Nawaz Sharif and put General Pervez Musharraf in power, but have not called for Sharif to be returned to power.

Daschle's two-day visit was to have taken place before the coup but was delayed by a budget fight in the Congress. It will be the highest level US visit since Musharraf seized power.

The embassy official said he expected Daschle's talks with Musharraf to cover a range of topics, including regional security and the nuclear Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, which Washington has been pressuring both Pakistan and India to sign.

Pakistani critics of the treaty say it will prevent Islamabad from developing and modernising its nuclear weapon system, which they see as a deterrent to the nuclear programme of rival India.

The visits come as Pakistan's relations with India have deteriorated further, with New Delhi accusing Pakistan of being behind the recent hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane.

Islamabad denies the charges.

In London, a Foreign Office spokesman said Guthrie's mission was aimed at establishing high-level British contact with Musharraf without endorsing his takeover.

"The visit is not a sign of return to business as usual. (Guthrie) will be making it clear that the British government views the military coup as unacceptable and we are looking to General Musharraf to restore democracy," the spokesman said.

"Sir Charles will also take the opportunity to underline British concerns about security issues and our expectation that Pakistan will play a responsible role in ensuring stability within the region."