LONDON, April 15: The British Foreign Office has said that the holding of presidential referendum in Pakistan on April 30 is a matter for Pakistan and its people and the British government welcomes the democracy roadmap announced by President Musharraf.

A Foreign Office spokesman told Dawn here that the British government hoped that the general election planned for October this year would go ahead smoothly and in a democratic manner so that power was transferred to people’s representatives.

The decision by London not to criticise President Musharraf on holding referendum is bound to change opinion in Europe where some nations are undecided whether to support or oppose the referendum. Diplomatic sources said that Europe was very pleased over cooperation of the Musharraf government in combating international terrorism and understands the difficulties that this has posed for him.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has repeatedly praised President Musharraf for what he calls his strong and courageous support for the military campaign against terrorism. Since Sept 11 attacks Musharraf’s standing on the world stage has undergone a dramatic reverse. Once an international pariah as a military dictator, General Musharraf now enjoys the support of the whole Western world.