Brown meets Musharraf amid protests

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As chanting demonstrators gathered outside Downing Street to protest against Mr Musharraf's visit to No 10, the Prime Minister said he had urged him "to work with all political parties in Pakistan for a peaceful, democratic future for the country".

The protestors were led by cricket star-turned opposition politician Imran Khan and his ex-wife Jemima, reunited in their opposition to Mr Musharraf. Speaking after the talks, Mr Brown hailed Pakistan as a "key ally in combating terrorism".

And he told a press conference: "A stable Pakistan is essential for security in the south Asian region.

"I urged president Musharraf to work with all political parties in Pakistan for a peaceful, democratic future for the country and I called on him to continue to promote reconciliation - as I know he wants to do - between moderate forces to unite against the growing threat of violent extremism."

Mr Musharraf's visit to London follows his six-week suspension of Pakistan's constitution at the end of last year after his disputed re-election as President.

The constitution was restored and a state of emergency lifted last month, but tensions were reignited by the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto on December 27. Postponed parliamentary elections are now due to take place on February 18.

Mr Brown went on: "For Pakistan, credible elections on February 18 are essential. President Musharraf has assured me that all electoral processes are in place to ensure transparent, credible polling. The priority now for the international community and the government of Pakistan must be to ensure that the democratic process remains on track."

Later, it emerged Mr Brown had held private talks with ex-Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev. The two met over breakfast at No 10 for what Downing Street insisted was simply a courtesy visit.

Mr Gorbachev, the last president of the USSR from 1985 to 1991, was credited with helping bring the Cold War to an end, along with then prime minister Margaret Thatcher and US president Ronald Reagan.