Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08OTTAWA2327
2008-01-02 12:50:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Ottawa
Cable title:
CANADA OPEN TO SHORT DELAY IN PAKISTANI ELECTIONS,
how-toVZCZCXRO3139 OO RUEHGA RUEHHA RUEHQU RUEHVC DE RUEHOT #2327 0021250 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 021250Z JAN 08 FM AMEMBASSY OTTAWA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7088 INFO RUCNCAN/ALL CANADIAN POSTS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHZG/NATO EU COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHIL/AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD PRIORITY 0809 RUEHKP/AMCONSUL KARACHI PRIORITY 0012 RUEHLH/AMCONSUL LAHORE PRIORITY 0006 RHMCSUU/FBI WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L OTTAWA 002327
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/31/2012
TAGS: PREL PINS PRFL PTER SHUM PK CA
SUBJECT: CANADA OPEN TO SHORT DELAY IN PAKISTANI ELECTIONS,
ASSISTANCE
REF: STATE 170928
Classified By: PolMinCouns Scott Bellard, reasons: 1.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L OTTAWA 002327
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/31/2012
TAGS: PREL PINS PRFL PTER SHUM PK CA
SUBJECT: CANADA OPEN TO SHORT DELAY IN PAKISTANI ELECTIONS,
ASSISTANCE
REF: STATE 170928
Classified By: PolMinCouns Scott Bellard, reasons: 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (U) During a December 31 news conference, Prime Minister
Stephen Harper commented regarding Pakistan that "we
understand there may be some delay in holding elections. I
think that's justifiable as long as it's a delay to ensure a
fairer process. As long as it is not a delay leading to
suspension." PM Harper emphasized the need for the elections
to be held soon, telling reporters "there's obviously some
reasons for delays, but the democratic process must go ahead,
just the same, in a timely manner."
2. (C) In response to reftel demarche, Department of Foreign
Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) South Asia Division
Director Jim Nickel said that DFAIT was in the process of
considering how Canada would respond to possible scenarios
that may develop on January 1, when the Pakistani Election
Commission is due to announce whether the January 8
parliamentary elections will face a delay. Nickel said that
Canada would appreciate any insights into how the United
States would respond to any "significant" delays. Nickel
noted that DFAIT understands that President Musharraf may be
considering a British offer of assistance for an
investigation into Benazir Bhutto's death, adding that Canada
is also prepared to offer assistance into an investigation,
if needed.
Visit Canada,s Economy and Environment Forum at
http://www.intelink.gov/communities/state/can ada
BREESE
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/31/2012
TAGS: PREL PINS PRFL PTER SHUM PK CA
SUBJECT: CANADA OPEN TO SHORT DELAY IN PAKISTANI ELECTIONS,
ASSISTANCE
REF: STATE 170928
Classified By: PolMinCouns Scott Bellard, reasons: 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (U) During a December 31 news conference, Prime Minister
Stephen Harper commented regarding Pakistan that "we
understand there may be some delay in holding elections. I
think that's justifiable as long as it's a delay to ensure a
fairer process. As long as it is not a delay leading to
suspension." PM Harper emphasized the need for the elections
to be held soon, telling reporters "there's obviously some
reasons for delays, but the democratic process must go ahead,
just the same, in a timely manner."
2. (C) In response to reftel demarche, Department of Foreign
Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) South Asia Division
Director Jim Nickel said that DFAIT was in the process of
considering how Canada would respond to possible scenarios
that may develop on January 1, when the Pakistani Election
Commission is due to announce whether the January 8
parliamentary elections will face a delay. Nickel said that
Canada would appreciate any insights into how the United
States would respond to any "significant" delays. Nickel
noted that DFAIT understands that President Musharraf may be
considering a British offer of assistance for an
investigation into Benazir Bhutto's death, adding that Canada
is also prepared to offer assistance into an investigation,
if needed.
Visit Canada,s Economy and Environment Forum at
http://www.intelink.gov/communities/state/can ada
BREESE