rediff.com: Clinton will warn Pak over restoring democracy: AFP

US President Bill Clinton will warn Pakistan it must choose the road to peace and democracy or risk becoming an ostracised and "failed state," a US official said on Friday.

The brief and controversial visit with military ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf in Islamabad on Saturday wraps up Clinton's six-day South Asia tour.

"We are concerned about Pakistan," said spokeman Mike Hammer, pointing to the dispute with India over Kashmir, the country's military rule and near bankrupt economy. "The president will signal that Pakistan is at a crossroads and say 'You can either choose to address the serious problems facing Pakistan internally ... to ensure that Pakistan not become a failed state or continue on this current path of single-minded focus on Kashmir'."

The White House has stressed that the stop, expected to last only a few hours, in no way endorses the military regime and is essential for Clinton's peacemaking mission. But Hammer downplayed expectations, saying: "We don't expect any instant results on any of these issues."

Clinton will not be offering any carrots to Musharraf, who seized power in a military coup in October, and apparently will instead hold out the threat of continued -- and perhaps increasing -- alienation from Washington.

"Our relations are strained and cannot return to normal until there is a return to democracy. That should be a strong incentive," said Hammer.

He noted that military-to-military exchanges were on hold, and warned: "Our willingness to cooperate with the government is limited, particularly if we remain convinced that the focus of their attention is on Kashmir."

On Thursday the White House welcomed Musharraf's announcement he would hold local elections next year, but said what was needed was a blueprint for a complete restoration of democracy.

"It is a positive step. However, what we are looking for is a roadmap to the national elections and a return to democratic rule," said Clinton's spokesman Joe Lockchart. Clinton will also be taking his case directly to the Pakistani people with a speech broadcast live from the presidential residence in Islamabad.

Asked about concerns the address would be not be aired throughout the nation, Hammer said: "We have no reason to believe it will be restricted in any way."

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