Britain Offers To Help Pakistan Rejoin Commonwealth

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan's transition to democracy was praised yesterday by Britain's Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, as it flexed its muscles by test-firing a long-range, nuclear-capable missile that could strike deep into India. He offered to help reinstate Pakistan's membership of the Commonwealth which was suspended in November after it imposed emergency rule.

Mr. Miliband also backed the new civilian government's plans to negotiate with terrorists who renounce violence.

The new Pakistani government came to power after elections in February ending eight years of military rule.

Ending a two-day visit to the country, Mr. Miliband met the newly-elected prime minister, Yousaf Raza Gilani, and President Musharraf.

"The democratic transition that Pakistan's people have undergone over the last few months, has I think, been ... for many parts of the world an inspiration," Mr. Miliband said at a press conference.

"I want Britain to be a leading voice calling for Pakistan's re-entry" to the Commonwealth, he added.

The Commonwealth, a 53-nation grouping comprised mainly of Britain and its former colonies, has little power but Pakistan's exclusion has been a diplomatic embarrassment.

Packed with Mr. Musharraf's foes, the government is planning to reinstate many judges sacked during the emergency, which could strike another blow to the president's efforts to stay in office.

But under pressure from America, and possibly Britain, the new government has agreed to work with Mr. Musharraf.

The missile test-firing was the second in three days, the military said.