Washington, Nov 30: President Pervez Musharraf’s decision to set a date for the lifting of emergency rule is a positive and significant step, but more needed to be done, the US State Department has said.

"This announcement combined with the fact that Musharraf has taken off the uniform and is now sworn in as Pakistan’s civilian President are all positive steps that will help get Pakistan back on the pathway to democratic and constitutional rule, " State Department’s spokesman Sean McCormack said.

"But there are still steps left in order to get Pakistan back firmly on that road to constitutional democratic rule, " he added.

McCormack then explained what more the US would like Musharraf to do. These include allowing the candidates to "peacefully participate" in the political process, giving them access to "free and independent" media and allowing the media to operate freely.

He also noted that there were provisions in the Pakistani Constitution for election observers and the government should ensure that the observers could move freely throughout the country to monitor the election.

McCormack disagreed with a reporter who suggested that international pressure forced Musharraf to retire from the army and announce a date for the lifting of emergency.

"It’s in the best interests of Pakistan and country’s future. So I’m sure that those were the motivations that were foremost in his mind, " the Dawn quoted McCormack, as saying.

"Of course, the international community has been calling for these measures. And inasmuch as he is committed to taking these steps, it is a positive, positive movement, " he added. (ANI)