20000121Benazir calls on West to shun Pakistan junta

LONDON: Former Pakistani premier Benazir Bhutto urged the West on Thursday to shun Pakistan's military government until it restored democracy.

Bhutto said she was surprised and disappointed that the military junta installed 100 days ago had yet to set out a transition to democracy, which set a bad example to other would-be coup leaders around the world.

"I am very much surprised at the delay," Benazir told Sky television. "I hope the international community will not do business as usual with Pakistan until it returns to a democratic order."

The delay "puts Pakistan apart from the rest of the world and encourages other generals...waiting in the wings in Africa and other countries", she added.-Reuters