24 May 2004	Monday	04 Rabi-us-Saani 1425

ISLAMABAD, May 23: The decision taken by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) is a recognition of Pakistan's principled position and vindication of its commitment towards democracy , said foreign office spokesman Masood Khan here on Sunday.

Welcoming the decision to reinstate Pakistan's membership of the Commonwealth, Masood Khan in a statement said: "This decision, which was long overdue, should facilitate full and mutually beneficial interaction between Pakistan and the Commonwealth."

In the recent past, Pakistan had made major progress towards deepening and strengthening of sustainable democracy and democratic institutions, he said. In a CMAG's statement, however, a reference to the 17th Amendment and other constitutional issues was gratuitous and unwarranted. In this context, external conditionalities were not acceptable, he said.

Fully conscious of its obligations on the democratic process, the leadership of Pakistan would take all decisions in accordance with the country's Constitution and law as well as in the vital interests of the people of Pakistan, he said.

"It is regrettable that the Commonwealth secretary-general, apparently influenced by misguided political elements as well as some Commonwealth countries, has made comments which were not germane or relevant to the restoration of Pakistan's membership," he said.

Some Commonwealth countries, whose views the secretary-general seemed to echo, themselves needed to strive hard to improve their democratic standards, he said. With the reinstatement, the Commonwealth and Pakistan should begin a new chapter of political and economic cooperation based on mutual respect, he said.

Pakistan would continue to work towards the goal of creating a modern, moderate and democratic Islamic state, reflecting the aspirations of the people of Pakistan, and continue to play its role in the comity of nations, he added. -APP