ISLAMABAD, Dec 21: The Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam on Tuesday backed the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal's decision of observing a 'black day' on Jan 1 if President General Pervez Musharraf retained his army post beyond Dec 31.

The endorsement came at a JUI majlis-i-shoora meeting which suggested that the MMA should take the Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy into confidence before starting the second phase of agitation.

The meeting, held with JUI chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in the chair, expressed satisfaction over the completion of the first phase of the MMA's mass mobilization campaign. The party welcomed the ARD's participation in the MMA rallies.

Talking to journalists later, Maulana Fazl said the JUI, a component of the MMA, backed the announcement made by MMA president Qazi Hussain Ahmed at the Rawalpindi rally to observe a country-wide 'black day' on Jan 1 against Gen Musharraf's backing out of the agreement on 17th Amendment.

He said there would be a country-wide protest on Dec 24 against the deletion of religion column from passport as announced at an All Parties Khatm-i-Nabuwat Conference held under the auspices of the JUI.

He said the MMA was ready to negotiate with the government on all issues except the 17th Amendment and the president's uniform since these issues had already been settled.

Maulana Fazl, who is also secretary-general of the MMA and leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, said the MMA had not boycotted the National Security Council's meetings. Rather, he pointed out, the alliance had entertained Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz's visit to the NWFP in this connection.

He criticized President Musharraf for his tirade against Islamic values like hijab and beard and asked him to shun abusing the fundamentals of Islam. Maulana Fazl announced that his party would take part in the coming local bodies polls.

In reply to a question whether the MMA would change its stance on the 17th Amendment, he said it would be decided at the MMA's supreme council meeting on Dec 24. The opposition leader condemned re-arrest of PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari and termed it a bad beginning for those who thought that they were making efforts for national reconciliation.

He said his party did not support the idea of a national government nor was it in favour of snap polls but it would also not leave the field open if such elections were held.