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Brown hosts talks with Musharraf PM urges 'credible' Pakistan poll
(30 minutes later)
Gordon Brown is expected to use his meeting with Pakistan's President Musharraf to urge him to ensure that upcoming elections are free and fair. UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has told Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf "credible elections" in his country are "essential", during talks at Number 10.
Mr Brown and Mr Musharraf are also discussing the fight against terrorism during talks which began at 1230 GMT. Mr Brown said Mr Musharraf had assured him "that all electoral processes are in place to ensure transparent, credible polling".
BBC diplomatic correspondent James Robbins said the PM would offer more help and equipment to fight extremism. After hour-long talks the prime minister said the links between Pakistan and the UK were "strong".
Meanwhile, armed men have taken about 250 children hostage at a primary school in north-west Pakistan. Pakistan was a "key ally in combating terrorism and extremism", he said.
There are conflicting reports as to whether the hostage-takers are Islamist militants or local criminals, but police say there are six or seven armed men involved. 'Surrender'
Protest Mr Brown and Mr Musharraf met as gunmen who took up to 250 Pakistani school children hostage on Monday freed them all and surrendered to tribal elders.
Before Mr Brown and Mr Musharraf's meeting, protesters including Pakistan cricket star- turned-politician Imran Khan gathered outside Downing Street. Before the leaders' talks, protesters including Pakistan cricket star-turned-politician Imran Khan gathered outside Downing Street.
The crowd waved pictures of assassinated opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, shouting: "We want justice."The crowd waved pictures of assassinated opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, shouting: "We want justice."
James Robbins said Mr Brown would also "press for much more spending on state schools in Pakistan to provide a real alternative to madrassa schools, accused of teaching radicalism and violence".
Mr Musharraf has been touring Europe trying to reassure governments that next month's national elections will be a positive turning point for Pakistan.Mr Musharraf has been touring Europe trying to reassure governments that next month's national elections will be a positive turning point for Pakistan.
Parliamentary polls planned for January were postponed until 18 February after Ms Bhutto was assassinated at a campaign rally.Parliamentary polls planned for January were postponed until 18 February after Ms Bhutto was assassinated at a campaign rally.
'Transparent''Transparent'
The president's three-day visit to the UK drew demonstrations outside Downing Street at the weekend and on Monday.The president's three-day visit to the UK drew demonstrations outside Downing Street at the weekend and on Monday.
Human rights campaigners and lawyers have been protesting against his dismissal and detention of judges he has come into conflict with.Human rights campaigners and lawyers have been protesting against his dismissal and detention of judges he has come into conflict with.
Many are concerned he will try to delay or rig the poll.Many are concerned he will try to delay or rig the poll.
Mr Musharraf's first engagement was on Friday at the Royal United Services Institute in London.Mr Musharraf's first engagement was on Friday at the Royal United Services Institute in London.
British officials are said to be pleased with Mr Musharraf's detailed commitments when answering questions about the delayed elections.British officials are said to be pleased with Mr Musharraf's detailed commitments when answering questions about the delayed elections.
He promised they would be "free, fair, transparent and peaceful".He promised they would be "free, fair, transparent and peaceful".