National reconciliation after general polls, says Musharraf

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said that he is in favour of national reconciliation, but added that it would happen after the general elections.

Islamabad, Aug 19 : Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said that he is in favour of national reconciliation, but added that it would happen after the general elections.

"I am in favour of national reconciliation in view of internal and external situations, but this will be given a serious thought after the general elections," Musharraf was quoted as saying by a participant of a meeting between the President and Pakistan Muslim League (PML) parliamentarians in Bahawalpur yesterday.

National reconciliation would take on the basis of political parties' strength in the new assemblies, the Daily Times reported.

Musharraf, who has been holding a series of meetings with PML parliamentarians ahead of seeking his re-election, yet again avoided divulging details of his recent meeting with former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in Abu Dhabi.

"Your interests will not be harmed," he was quoted as saying, adding, "The PML and the PPP will separately contest the elections."

Another participant said that Musharraf was confident that he would be re-elected, "but he did not drop a single hint as to what he would concede in case of a deal with the PPP."

Musharraf reiterated that both the presidential and the general elections would be held in accordance with the law and the Constitution.

ANI