China confident Pak can solve its problems

World leaders called on Sunday for a swift return to a constitutional government in Pakistan and said Gen Pervez Musharraf’s declaration of Emergency was a setback for democracy.

World leaders called on Sunday for a swift return to a constitutional government in Pakistan and said Gen Pervez Musharraf’s declaration of Emergency was a setback for democracy.

Asia’s two largest countries, however, reacted with restraint.

China said it was confident Pakistan could solve its problems, while India tempered its response to keep tensions low, saying it regretted Pakistan’s “difficult times”. Japan, which recently halted a six-year anti-terrorism mission in the Indian Ocean, said Musharraf’s actions hindered the establishment of democracy.

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer called for a rapid return to constitutional rule. “Pakistan faces difficult security circumstances and a number of serious challenges to its stability. Australia’s strong view remains, however, that democracy and the rule of law are an essential part of achieving peace and stability,” he said.

Neighbour Afghanistan said it was concerned and wanted the country to return to normal quickly in the interests of its own stability. “Security and stability in Pakistan directly affect the situation in Afghanistan and vice versa,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Sultan Ahmad Baheen said.