US pushing Pak moderates to form a political centre

The United States Administration is encouraging the moderate elements in Pakistan to come together and provide a moderate political centre to the country, which is presently caught in a turmoil with radical elements gaining strength.

Washington, Aug 17 : The United States Administration is encouraging the "moderate elements" in Pakistan to come together and provide a moderate political centre to the country, which is presently caught in a turmoil with radical elements gaining strength.

A State Department official told a Pakistan daily that US wants to see a moderate political centre that would follow democratic process.

"US encourages moderate elements of Pakistani society to come together to combat extremism, " the Dawn quote a State Department official, as saying.

The US would like these moderate elements to support "a democratic process, promote participation by political parties and the election of a leader that represents the choice of the Pakistani people," the official added.

Meanwhile, the White House has said that the US supports free and fair elections in Pakistan, and it was ultimately a decision for the people of Pakistan to make who they want to lead them.

The comment came after there were reports in US media that the Bush administration is urging Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to work out a political alliance with former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

Though US has not admitted to any official interaction with Bhutto, who is presently in New York, the State Department official said that they have been interacting with many political parties of Pakistan.

"We've met with the various parties; explained the US position, which is we are hopeful for free and fair elections, but also a system that follows democratic norms," said White House Deputy Press Secretary Johndroe.

ANI