September 06, 2007	Thursday	Sha'aban 23, 1428

LAHORE, Sept 5: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz says it is premature at the moment to say anything about the (possible outcome of the) continuing dialogue between President Gen Pervez Musharraf’s emissaries and Pakistan People’s Party chairperson Benazir Bhutto for clinching a power-sharing deal.

“When the talks reach their final conclusion, we shall share the outcome with the people and our party,” he told the reporters during his brief encounter with them at the Governor’s House after a traders’ function.

He, however, did not elaborate if the talks are progressing fast or have slowed down after the reported difference of opinion between the two sides on some key issues like the dilution of the presidential powers to dismiss an elected government and dissolve the Parliament. These powers are given to the president under the Article 58(2)b of the constitution.

In answer to a question, Mr Aziz supported the Article 58(2)b, saying it has helped settle several other matters and issues. But he did not elaborate as to what matters this particular article had helped settle.

He sought to dispel the impression that the governing Pakistan Muslim League (PML) is divided on the issue of the president’s negotiations with Ms Bhutto in a bid to seek his re-election. He said the PML stands united. It is a democratic party that allows everybody to have his or her opinion and express it, he added.

“We will discuss the final outcome (of the dialogue with Ms Bhutto) at the appropriate forum and take every one into confidence on it,” he said. “We have initiated dialogue with the PPP and other parties as part of our effort to improve political atmosphere in the country through national reconciliation,” he said.

In answer to another question, Mr Aziz said the government will proceed against the exiled Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif according to the law if and when he decides to return home.

He said peace is essential for the country’s economic progress and prosperity, and no-one will be allowed to disturb peace.

Referring to a report appearing in the media in which a Saudi official has advised Mr Nawaz to abide by his pledge and refrain from returning home before completing 10 years in exile, he said “Saudi Arabia is a close and dear friend of Pakistan and if we make a commitment with its government we should honour it.”

Speaking at the function earlier, he said the ruling PML and its coalition partners - Muttahida Qaumi Movement, PPP (Sherpao), PML (Functional) and others will contest this year’s election from one platform. He said President Gen Musharraf will be a candidate of the PML and its coalition partners for a second term in office. Replying a question about the timing of the president’s election, he quipped: “You better ask the Election Commission of Pakistan.” He said the re-election of the president will symbolize continuity of policies and stability in the country.

He also condemned this week’s suicide explosions in Rawalpindi, saying the government will continue its action against such elements who are responsible for disturbing peace in the country and tarnishing the image of Pakistan and Islam across the globe.

He also reiterated the government’s stand not to allow any foreign country or force to undertake any military action on the Pakistani soil. He also stated that the government is capable of defending and protecting the country’s nuclear assets, which are a guarantee for peace in the region.