KARACHI, Jan 22: The power tussle between the two business groups in the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry apparently came to an end on Thursday when Ilyas Bilour , leader of one of the two groups attended the FPCCI Managing Committee meeting and announced "support and respect" for the elected President Riaz Ahmad Tata.

"I declare my support for Riaz Tata as President of the FPCCI in the best interest of the business community," Bilour announced later in a press conference which was also addressed by the FPCCI President Riaz Tata.

The business group led by Ilyas Bilour has contested continuation of Tata as FPCCI president for the second year from January 1 last on the plea that Tata had pledged in writing that he would quit the office after one year to give a chance to the other agreed candidate of their group.

Tata, however, refused to accept this plea and contended that under the constitution the President was elected for two years term and he had no intention to quit. "I had made it clear that I would not contest if my election as President of the FPCCI is not unanimous," he declared in the impromptu press conference on Thursday after the meeting of the Managing Committee was over.

Flanked by the two power brokers of the business community Tariq Sayeed on his left and Ilyas Bilour on his right Tata said he would continue as the FPCCI President with total support of his managing Committee.

Ilyas Bilour refused to answer a question whether he now supports Tata for the second year term. "I stick to my statement given in the Managing Committee meeting," he replied to repeated queries to explain his position.

The business leaders were asked whether the dispute of the President of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) would also be resolved "amicably with same spirit of accommodation". "Yes, if the parties involved in dispute approach us," Bilour replied but added that Aptma

leadership dispute is an altogether different issue. The leadership dispute in the FPCCI cropped up in December last when business group led by Ilyas Bilour demanded Riaz Tata to quit and provide Maqsood Ismail an opportunity to take over as FPCCI Chief for remaining one year. Tata refused and the resulting dispute generated such a tension that Tata sought protection from the Rangers because he did not trust police. The Managing Committee is reported to have adopted report of the audit of the accounts.