Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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November 23, 2007

Pakistan Calls Commonwealth Suspension 'Unjustified'
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1A58924:A6F02AD83191E160EF617974C7A32CE60531BB26A5003E7B& Foreign Ministry
says imposition of emergency rule was to prevent an internal crisis in
the country and that the government is committed to restoring
democracy Pakistan's Foreign Ministry says it "deeply regrets" the
country's suspension Thursday from the 53-nation Commonwealth group of
former British colonies. Officials called the decision "unreasonable
and unjustified". VOA's Barry Newhouse reports from Islamabad.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said the decision by the Commonwealth
Ministerial Action Group does not take into account the conditions
inside Pakistan.

In a statement read on state television, the Foreign Ministry
expressed its disappointment.







Pakistani human rights activists, Christian children and journalists
participate in a protest rally against the country’s military ruler
President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, 19 Nov 2007The ministry said
imposition of emergency rule was to prevent an internal crisis in the
country and said the government is committed to restoring democracy.

The ministry said it has asked the Commonwealth to send a delegation
to Pakistan to assess the situation.

The 53-nation group notified Pakistan earlier this month that its
membership would be suspended unless it lifted emergency rule, freed
political prisoners and scheduled national elections by November 22.

Pakistan was suspended from the Commonwealth for five years following
General Musharraf's coup in 1999, but was re-admitted after making
democratic reforms.


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