The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, London

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Monday told Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf that next month's elections had to be credible, insisting the country's stability was vital for South Asia.

Brown's call came as demonstrators staged angry protests against Musharraf's visit to London, at the end of a week-long trip to Europe aimed at reassuring leaders about the transparency of the delayed February 18 vote.

"Credible elections" were "essential", Brown said at a joint news conference following what he called "very productive" talks with a "key ally" in combating terrorism and extremism.