U.S. President Barack Obama spoke with incoming Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif by telephone Tuesday to congratulate him on his party's success in the country's May 11 parliamentary elections, White House spokesman Jay Carney said. "Over the weekend, the president also commended the people of Pakistan on the successful completion of their parliamentary elections," Carney told reporters. "The United States stands with all Pakistanis in welcoming this historic, peaceful, and transparent transfer of civilian power, which is a significant milestone in Pakistan's democratic progress." "It really is important to note the significance of consecutive democratic elections and the transfer of civilian power from one government to the next. The United States and Pakistan have a long history of working together on mutual interests, and this administration looks forward to continuing our cooperation with the Pakistani government that emerges from this election as equal partners in supporting a more stable, secure, and prosperous future for the people of Pakistan," Carney said.
