Commonwealth Secretary-General visits Pakistan to Reinforce Democracy

Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku said today that he was greatly relieved to arrive in Islamabad in the wake of developments that signalled an end to the serious political crisis that had faced the country.

The Secretary-General said: "I was concerned about the political crisis in Pakistan and considered it important to discuss the matter with the country's leaders. I am greatly relieved that the latest developments indicate that the crisis is effectively over.

"I hope that my presence in Pakistan at this time and my forthcoming discussions with the Prime Minister and other leaders will underscore the Commonwealth's support for the principles of democracy and constitutional rule. These principles, including the supremacy of parliamentary democracy, are at the heart of the Harare Commonwealth Declaration and I am glad that the leaders of Pakistan have decided to continue to uphold them," the Secretary-General said.

Issued by the Information and Public Affairs Division,
Commonwealth Secretariat,
Marlborough House,
Pall Mall,
London SW1Y 5HX,
Britain.
Tel: 0207-839 3411;
Fax: 0207-839 9081;
Telex: 27678

97/63 03 December 1997