Britain expressed concern Sunday about the escalating crisis in Pakistan but welcomed the governments promise to appeal a court ruling barring main opposition leader Nawaz Sharif from office.
"The risks to security are real and pressing but so is the need for political unity and progress," Foreign Secretary David Miliband said. He praised President Asif Ali Zardaris vow to appeal the court ruling on Sharif and resolve a row over sacked judges.
"This is an act of statesmanship from President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani that recognises the urgent needs of the country," he said. "These announcements need to be followed by commitments from other parties and real talks about the future." Miliband urged all parties to "unite in common cause against Pakistans true enemies - terrorism, poverty and political instability".
He also called on all those involved in the banned mass protest that Nawaz was leading to the capital to ensure it was peaceful. "I remain concerned about the arrests of opposition supporters, which is not an appropriate response to legal public protest," he said.
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