Rice: End martial law in Pakistan

JERUSALEM, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Sunday called for an end to the martial law imposed in Pakistan by President Gen. Pervez Musharraf.

Rice, speaking with reporters in Jerusalem, called for Musharraf to return Pakistan to constitutional rule and affirm that elections will be held for a new parliament, Voice of America reported Sunday.

Rice, in Israel for two days of Mideast diplomacy, called on all parties in Pakistan to act with restraint in what is "obviously a very difficult situation."

Rice's sentiments were echoed by Britain's Foreign Secretary, who said Pakistan's future depends on democracy and constitutional rule to achieve

stability, development and to counter terrorism, the VOA reported.