NEW YORK, Sept 6: Underscoring that there is a strong faction in the government which is resisting any agreement between Pakistan People’s Party and the president, former prime minister Benazir Bhutto has said the negotiations are aimed at achieving a peaceful transition to democracy by striking a balance between the powers of the president and that of the parliament.“This is such a rollercoaster that one cannot be sure about the final outcome,” Ms Bhutto told the Wall Street Journal in an interview on Thursday. “Gen Musharraf is sincere, but there are some vested interests who do not want to see a peaceful transition from military rule to democracy.

“It is up to the government to decide whether it wants a peaceful transition to democracy through free and fair elections or face people’s power and a Ukrainian-style Orange Revolution in Pakistan,” Ms Bhutto said.

She said some significant progress was made in the negotiations. Advisers on both sides have said it is likely a deal will be announced soon.

Ms Bhutto acknowledged that some issues remained unresolved and claimed there was a strong faction in the government resisting any agreement. The negotiations had stalled last week after objections raised by top leaders of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League.

Responding to questions about the dissent in her party, Ms Bhutto said she realised the risks involved but maintained that the dialogue with Gen Musharraf was necessary, since the country’s security was threatened by terrorism and religious extremism.

“Pakistan’s unity is at stake because of terrorism and religious extremists,” she said. “So, need for unity among the moderate and liberal forces is much greater today.”

A major point still to be resolved is diluting the current power held by the president to dissolve the parliament. “There is need for a balance of power between the president and the parliament,” she said.