By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistan has summoned the top British diplomat in the country to the foreign ministry to lodge a protest over his political remarks urging "full restoration" of democracy, officials said Monday.
"The acting British high commissioner was called to the foreign office and was told that such remarks are unacceptable and unsuitable and tantamount to interference in Pakistan's internal affairs," Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam told a weekly press briefing.
Acting British High Commissioner to Pakistan Robert Brinkley told reporters in Lahore last week that Britain sought restoration of "full democracy" in Pakistan. He also asked President Pervez Musharraf to "separate" the offices of the president and the army chief this year as demanded by the commonwealth.
Brinkley added that it was important that Pakistan respected independent judiciary and rule of law.
He said that Britain wanted "free and fair elections" and "all political parties should be provided with level-playing fields in the forthcoming general elections".
Aslam added: "He (Brinkley) was asked to convey to the British authorities our strong protest," she said. "We believe such remarks are against diplomatic antiquates and should not be repeated."