Sunday, December 16, 2007
WASHINGTON, Dec 15 (APP): Pakistan Peoples Party chairperson Benazir Bhutto has indicated that she remains open to working with President Pervez Musharraf, if next month’s parliamentary elections are free and fair, Voice of America reported.
Her comments came as the Pakistani leader Saturday moved towards lifting the state of emergency, about three weeks ahead of the vital January 8 poll for the country.
In a telephonic interview, the former prime minister said she may find it possible to cooperate with President Musharraf but observed that will depend on what happens in the elections.
“It’s very difficult to say anything on this matter at this stage,” she said.
“A lot will depend on the elections themselves and what the mood of the people is following the elections,” she said. However, she predicted a confrontation course between the opposition parties and the president if the elections are rigged.
At the same time, she also acknowledged that President Musharraf has taken important steps including relinquishing the office of army chief and said she will welcome a fair election.
“But certainly, Musharraf has taken some steps that surprised many people, including me. And that included retiring as chief of army staff. So if he surprises us all by having a fair election, that will be very welcome. But the way things are going today, that would be a very big surprise.”
Bhutto was of the view that “at the moment the situation is not conducive to fair elections within Pakistan” and alleged “preparations for electoral fraud” are already well under way.
0 comments:
Post a Comment