'Britain hails Musharraf, backs democracy push'

Britain pays tribute to outgoing Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, but says its relations with Islamabad do not depend on one individual.

Britain paid tribute on Monday to outgoing Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, but said its relations with Islamabad do not depend on one individual.

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Prime Minister Gordon Brown's spokesman voiced support for bolstering democracy and stability in Pakistan, a former British colony and a key strategic partner in fighting terrorism.

"During President Musharraf's time in office we have seen a deepening of UK-Pakistan relations," said the spokesman. "We wish him well in the future," he added.

"But relations between the UK and Pakistan don't depend on individuals and as we have made clear we support measures that promote strong democratic institutions which lead to greater stability, democracy and rule of law in Pakistan."

The comments came after Musharraf announced his resignation, bringing the curtain down on a turbulent nine years in power to avoid the first impeachment in the nuclear-armed nation's history.