The United States downplayed on Friday the possible return to politics by former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, saying it's a matter for the Pakistanis to deal with.
"This is a matter for the Pakistanis to deal with," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said.
"I, personally, am not aware of any legal barriers to her return, but I think you'd have to check with Pakistani authorities and check with her party," McCormack said.
McCormack said that the United States has been aware of the announcement of her return to Pakistan, but it is unable to confirm the fact that she is going to be returning on that date.
"Our view, very generally, is we're not in the business of picking candidates, we're not in the business of favoring parties. We have an interest, obviously, in seeing Pakistani democracy move forward and progress. Part of that is having free, fair and open, transparent elections," he said.
According to media reports, Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto is returning to Pakistan Oct. 18 to press for the restoration of democracy, regardless of the outcome of her talks on sharing power with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, who has been a key ally of the United States on the war against terror.
Pakistan is due to hold presidential elections later this year.
Source: Xinhua
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