India cautious on CW decision

KAMPALA—India on Friday reacted cautiously to the suspension of Pakistan by the Commonwealth, hoping that the country will “return to stability and democracy as soon as possible”.
Hours after the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) announced Pakistan’s suspension from the 53-nation grouping demanding restoration of democracy in that country, an Indian official spokesperson said: “We have noted the decision of the CMAG. Our hope remains that Pakistan will return to stability and democracy as soon as possible.”
A statement read out after midnight Thursday by the Commonwealth said the situation in Pakistan, which is not attending this summit, “continued to represent a serious violation of the Commonwealth’s fundamental political values”.
“CMAG regretted that the government of Pakistan had failed to implement the necessary measures set out in the CMAG statement of Nov 12.
“Accordingly, consistent with that decision, CMAG suspended Pakistan forthwith from the Councils of the Commonwealth, pending the restoration of democracy and the rule of law in that country,” it said.—Agencies