We are close to understanding with Musharraf, says Benazir Bhutto

Former Prime Minister of Pakistan and the leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Benazir Bhutto, today expressed optimism over hammering out a power-sharing agreement with President Pervez Musharraf.

London, Oct 4 : Former Prime Minister of Pakistan and the leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Benazir Bhutto, today expressed optimism over hammering out a power-sharing agreement with President Pervez Musharraf.

"But we are now optimistic that this is going through and we are close to an understanding," Bhutto told reporters here, a day after she had announced that the talks had stalled.

"We are optimistic today, but I cannot say everything is finalised, because we are still waiting, to see in documentary form, what is the verbal understanding between the two sides, so we have to wait 'till we see -- there's many a slip between the cup and the lip," she added.

She also said that her party would neither be voting during the October 6 Presidential polls nor would be resigning from the National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies.

"PPP stands for democracy and democracy means a distinction between civilian and military and since General Musharraf continues to be chief of army staff we will not be voting for him but we will also not be resigning," she said.

An understanding between the government and PPP has been achieved as final touches are being given to the National Reconciliation Ordinance, which is expected to be promulgated by the government.

All other important political leaders, including Bhutto, will be granted amnesty and political cases registered against them will be withdrawn.

The ordinance will quash all corruption cases registered against politicians and other important persons between the period of 1988 and 1999, according to reports.

However, the contentious Article 58-2-B of the Constitution has been left untouched that deals with special powers bestowed on President, including power to dismiss Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

To resolve other issues, the talks between the two sides would continue after the October 6 presidential election.

ANI