World reacts to Pakistan emergency

New Delhi: World leaders called on Sunday for a swift return to a constitutional government in Pakistan and said military ruler General Pervez Musharraf's declaration of a state of emergency was a setback for democracy.

China, one of Pakistan's closest allies and a major source of investment, trade, and armaments, signaled its preference for behind-the-scenes diplomacy.

"We believe the Pakistani government and people have the ability to solve its own problem," Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said in a statement. "We hope Pakistan maintains stability and development."

Longtime rival India tempered its response to keep tensions low, saying it regretted Pakistan's "difficult times."

Japan, which recently halted a six-year anti-terrorism mission in the Indian Ocean, said Musharraf's actions hindered the establishment of democracy.

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer also called for a rapid return to constitutional rule, saying that "democracy and the rule of law are an essential part of achieving peace and stability."

France expressed its "worry" over the developments and also urged a return to "the regular functioning of the institutions and the maintenance of a constitutional state."

France hopes "a dialogue between all Pakistani political forces can guarantee stability and democracy," its Foreign Ministry said.