December 25, 2006	Monday	Zilhaj 03, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 24: Khalid Mahmood, a member of the British parliament, has said political parties in Pakistan should have democratic structures. He, however, has said President Gen Pervez Musharraf’s uniform is an internal matter of the country.

“Democracy is not just about elections, but (is) a process involving democratic attitudes of political parties, opportunities, transparency and rule of law,” he told journalists here on Sunday.

Mr Mahmood said he supported Pakistan’s right to have a civil nuclear energy deal under the International Atomic Energy Agency’s safeguards. He said talks between Pakistan and the UK on the subject were under way.

He said no other country had the right to dictate terms to Pakistan. Therefore, no country had the right to ask President Gen Musharraf to quit his army post. He pointed out that the president of the United States was also the supreme commander of the country’s armed forces.

Mr Mahmood said economic stability could help strengthen democratic institutions in the country. He condemned remarks of European Parliament member Nina Gill threatening sanctions if the forthcoming elections were rigged. Individual members of the EU had no mandate to hurl such threats on a country, he said. “It can be done only by the European Commission or the Council of Ministers,” he opined.

Mr Mahmood said he would take up the issue with the European Commission and Parliament.

He was of the view that European countries should assist Pakistan in terms of trade, instead of hurling threats. He said people in the European Union needed to understand that it was good for them to work with Pakistan. The European Union should have meaningful trade negotiations with Pakistan, he said.

He said Pakistan had been supporting the international community by playing a remarkable role in the fight against terrorism.

He said the Department for International Development and the British Council had enhanced their allocation to strengthen democratic institutions in Pakistan.Answering a question, he said Pakistan’s economy was moving in the right direction but it needed support from the international community.

The British MP said he would take initiative for a friendship treaty between the trade unions of Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

He welcomed the proposals of demilitarisation and self-rule for Kashmir given by President Gen Musharraf and said India should respond to them positively to pave way for the settlement of the dispute.

Responding to a question, he said it was the right of Iran to pursue a peaceful nuclear programme under the IAEA safeguards. He said Iran must cooperate with IAEA inspectors.