DATE=10/28/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PAKISTAN / COMMONWEALTH (L)
NUMBER=2-255553
BYLINE=SCOTT ANGER
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: A delegation of Commonwealth ministers has
started two days of talks with Pakistan's new military
rulers on a time frame for the South Asian nation to
return to democracy. As Correspondent Scott Anger
reports from Islamabad, this is the first high-level
visit by a foreign delegation since a bloodless
military coup ousted the democratically elected
government October 12th.
TEXT: The eight-member Commonwealth action group --
which investigates abuses of democratic rule in its
member states -- has met with Pakistan President Rafiq
Tarar to discuss the current political situation in
the country. The delegation is scheduled to meet with
number of civil and political leaders including
General Pervez Musharraf, who led the coup, which
ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Commonwealth Spokesperson Kaye Whiteman says the
delegation's mission is to probe the military's plans
for the country.
///WHITEMAN ACTUALITY///
The mandate of the mission is to meet with the
Pakistani regime and explore with the regime its plans
for the early return of Pakistan to democracy.
///END ACTUALITY///
In addition to its planned meetings, the delegation is
hoping to speak to Nawaz Sharif -- who has not been
seen or heard from since the military takeover. The
army says the former prime minister is under
protective custody.
Commonwealth leaders say the international financial
institutions Pakistan relies on will be influenced by
the delegation's findings. After ousting the
democratically elected government, General Musharraf
pledged to revive Pakistan's ailing economy, which is
burdened by billions of dollars of debt.
At stake for Pakistan is its membership in the 54-
nation group of mostly former British colonies. The
Commonwealth temporarily suspended Pakistan from
membership in its councils after the military
takeover.
Mr. Whiteman says Pakistan can only be suspended from
the Commonwealth -- not expelled -- if the military
government decides not to return to democracy soon.
He says only one other country has been suspended in
the group's history.
///WHITEMAN ACTUALITY ///
The only precedent is that of Nigeria, which was
formally suspended in 1995 and returned (to
membership) following the democratic elections this
year.
///END ACTUALITY///
During a meeting next month in South Africa, the
Commonwealth's heads of government will determine if
any further action will be taken against Pakistan.
(SIGNED)
NEB/SA/wd
28-Oct-1999 03:38 AM EDT (28-Oct-1999 0738 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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