US hails reinstatement of Pak top judge

Washington, July 21: The George W Bush Administration has hailed Pakistani Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry's reinstatement as evidence of the strength of that country's political institutions.

State Department Deputy Spokesman Tom Casey told newsmen yesterday that it ''speaks positively'' about the situation in Pakistan that an issue as difficult and emotional as that of Chaudhry's status could be resolved through established institutions and the rule of law, and be accepted by all the various participants.

He said, ''It was a decision that, not insignificantly, was not the position that the president [Musharraf] had taken, but that nonetheless the president and his government showed respect for that institution and for the rule of law by saying they accepted it. So, I think that is a positive step, and I think it's something that we view as a positive resolution of the situation.'' Mr Casey called President Musharraf a strong US ally in the war against terrorism who is committed to a process of democratic change in Pakistan, including ''free, fair and transparent'' elections in October.

The Pakistani Supreme Court yesterday ruled that President Musharraf's March 9 suspension of his political nemesis Chief Justice Chaudhry, for allegedly abusing office and pulling rank, was illegal and ordered his restoration to office.

UNI