RAWALPINDI, Sept 17: Participation of all the political parties in the forthcoming general elections is a good omen for the establishment of democracy in Pakistan.

This was stated by the Russian ambassador, Eduard S. Shevchenko, while talking to the central vice-president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid-i-Azam (PML-Q), Syed Kabir Ali Wasti, at the leader’s residence here on Tuesday.

The ambassador said after his meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner, Justice Irshad Hassan Khan (retired), he was satisfied that elections would be held according to the rules. Nobody should doubt the sincerity of the president, Gen Pervez Musharraf, regarding restoration of democracy, he added. “Transfer of power to the party in majority will benefit future developments in Pakistan.”

Mr Shevchenko said the whole process should be completed smoothly and the political leaders should accept the election results courageously.