By Anwar Iqbal
WASHINGTON, Nov 29: President Pervez Musharraf’s decision to set a date for lifting the emergency rule was a positive and significant step but more needed to be done, the US State Department said on Thursday.

“This announcement combined with the fact that President Musharraf has taken off the uniform and is now sworn in as president of Pakistan as a civilian are all positive steps that will help get Pakistan back on the pathway to democratic and constitutional rule,” the department’s spokesman Sean McCormack told a briefing in Washington.

“But there are still steps left in order to get Pakistan back firmly on that road to constitutional democratic rule,” he added. The spokesman then explained what more the US would like President Musharraf to do. These include allowing the candidates to “peacefully participate” in the political process; giving them access to “free and independent” media and allowing the media to operate freely and independently.

Mr McCormack also noted that there were provisions in the Pakistani Constitution for election observers and the government should ensure that the observers could move freely throughout the country to observe the election.

The United States, he said, would expect a government to take all such measures in any election taking place anywhere around the globe.

The State Department official, however, emphasised that “today’s announcements are positive and a significant step forward.”

He disagreed with a reporter who suggested that international pressure forced President Musharraf to retire from the army and announce a date for lifting the emergency. “It’s in the best interests of Pakistan and Pakistan’s future. So I’m sure that those were the motivations that were foremost in his mind,” Mr McCormack said.

“Of course, the international community has been calling for these measures. And inasmuch as he is committed to taking these steps, it is a positive, positive movement.”