May 16, 2008	Friday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 10, 1429

ISLAMABAD, May 15: Pakistan People’s Party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari formally asked Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday not to accept the resignations of PML-N ministers.

PPP sources said that in their meeting, the two leaders discussed the overall political situation, with particular reference to the PML-N pulling out of the cabinet.

Although Mr Zardari has not met Nawaz Sharif since his arrival from London on Tuesday night, he said he had a telephonic conversation with him and would soon meet him.

According to an official handout, Mr Zardari said he was committed to promoting national reconciliation and asked the prime minister not to accept the resignations of the PML-N ministers. He said he would talk to Mr Sharif and persuade him to withdraw the decision in national interest.

The PM apprised Mr Zardari of his recent telephonic conversation with Mr Sharif.

Mr Gilani expressed the hope that the two major coalition partners would remain united to strengthen democracy and face the challenges confronting the country.