Musharraf s uniform issue resolved, claims Bhutto

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who is currently negotiating with top aides of President General Pervez Musharraf in Dubai, has claimed that the issue of the General quitting the Chief of Army post, ahead of the Presidential polls, has been resolved.

Islamabad, Sept 5 : Former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who is currently negotiating with top aides of President General Pervez Musharraf in Dubai, has claimed that the issue of the General quitting the Chief of Army post, ahead of the Presidential polls, has been 'resolved'.

She stated that 'good' progress has made in the renewed round of talks that were stalled following her remaining firm on three issues, which included Musharraf removing his army uniform to remain as President of the country, abrogation of special Parliamentary powers bestowed on President like the dissolution of the National Assembly, and removal of the clause that forbids anyone to become Prime Minister for more than two times.

Both Benazir and her arch political rival Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif have been Prime Minister for two times.

"There has been progress in some areas and we are working on those areas," the News quoted her, as saying.

She also expressed her desire to meet and negotiate with Musharraf 'face-to-face', but added that it would be difficult for the latter since he is running the country.

"I prefer face-to-face negotiations between himself and myself (but) I also appreciate that he has got a country to run and that might be very difficult," she said.

Reiterating that her party, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) would not accept "President in uniform", Benazir said that she would act tough on Islamic militancy and would continue with Musharraf's alliance with Washington and his cooperation with US-led and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

ANI