US welcomes Pak move to reinstate chief justice

8220;This is a statesmanlike decision taken to defuse a serious confrontation,and the apparent removal of this long-standing national issue is a substantial step towards national reconciliation,8221; it said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani announced on Monday that government8217;s decision to reinstate Chaudhry and other judges sacked in 2007 by then President Pervez Musharraf during Emergency.

President Asif Ali Zardari had come under massive pressure to defuse a standoff with main opposition PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif,who led a mass movement demanding reinstatement of sacked judges.

8220;Now is the time for all Pakistanis and their political representatives to work together,with the support of their friends and allies,to peacefully strengthen their democracy and ensure a positive dialogue as they move forward to deal with the many issues confronting them,8221; the US embassy statement said.