Commonwealth hails return of Pakistan to fold

Commonwealth leaders on Sunday welcomed last year's return of Pakistan to the body of mainly former British colonies after it held elections. Pakistan was readmitted in May 2008 after a six-month suspension triggered by a temporary political clampdown by then president Pervez Musharraf.
"Heads of government welcomed the reinstatement of Pakistan in the councils of the Commonwealth following the conduct of credible elections in the country in February 2008 and the assumption of office by an elected civilian government in April 2008," the body said in a final declaration issued Sunday.