US want fair elections in Pakistan

United States Senator Joseph Lieberman has said that the US Congress might take some strict action against Pakistan if elections were not held free, fair and transparent manner.

Islamabad, Jan 10 : United States Senator Joseph Lieberman has said that the US Congress might take some strict action against Pakistan if elections were not held free, fair and transparent manner.

"The US Congress may take some action, if elections are rigged. That would be awful, as relations between US and Pakistan is very important for both countries," Lieberman said in a meeting with President Pervez Musharraf.

"There are some who have expressed concerns about the security of the Pakistani nuclear arsenal," he said, referring to doubts expressed by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency in recent days. "Overall I felt reassured ... and I will take that message back to Congress," the Daily Times quoted Lieberman, as saying.

Lieberman, who is the chairman of the US Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs said perfect elections were not possible even in the US, adding that no one should claim that the government had rigged the elections.

"Fair elections are important for the future of Pakistan," he said.

"I stated with clarity that election should be fair and free as it is important for Pak-US relations. I got a specific response from Musharraf that they would be free," he said, adding that the US would send monitors to observe the elections.

Lieberman also expressed his unhappiness on the suppression of freedom of press and judiciary in Pakistan.

ANI