Russia expects Pak to hold elections on schedule: Spokesman

Moscow, Dec 30 (UNI) Russia has expressed hope that Pakistan will keep to the law and hold elections on time.

''It is the question of the terrorist act against Benazir Bhutto that was perpetrated shortly before the elections, at a moment crucial for Pakistan and its democracy,'' the official spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Mikhail Kamynin told the Russian Vesti 24 TV Channel.

''We want to believe that Pakistan authorities will keep to the law, prevent the escalation of violence and hold the elections on time,'' Mr Kamynin said.

He also said if the situation in Pakistan, which has its own nuclear arsenal, went out of control it could lead to unpredictable consequences both for the country and region.

Russia has already strongly condemned the killing of Bhutto and urged Pakistan's political forces to exercise utmost restraint and not to respond to any provocation.

Russian Foreign Ministry has warned the people of the country against visiting Pakistan.

UNI