Benazir willing to work with Musharraf conditionally

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has categorically said she has no issues about working with President Pervez Musharraf in the same government, if their respective powers are balanced.

Washington, Aug 6 : Former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has categorically said she has no issues about working with President Pervez Musharraf in the same government, if their respective powers are balanced.

"Well, if the people of Pakistan give me a mandate, yes (I am willing to work with Musharraf), but there would need to be a balance between the powers of the presidency and the powers of the parliament," Benazir, whose PPP is negotiating a power-sharing deal with the Musharraf regime, told CNN.

She did not confirm her meeting with Musharraf in Abu Dhabi, but admitted that there have been contacts between the two at various levels, including her own.

On the uniform issue, she emphasised the need for Musharraf to shed it, saying it would be unrealistic for him to remain both the President and the army chief.

The Daily Times quoted her as saying, that given the present mood of the higher judiciary in the country, Musharraf's bid to hold both offices could be challenged legally.

Commenting on reports that the US is considering direct military action against extremists in Pakistan's tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, she said it would undermine Pakistan's sovereignty.

The US and Pakistan should instead work together in the "tribal badlands" against terrorists, she added.

ANI