ISLAMABAD, Feb 22: Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has again claimed that the government is in contact with the People's Party Parliamentarians and the two sides are discussing the 'political future' of the country.

Talking to Dawn here on Tuesday, the minister refused to elaborate the nature of the contact, saying it could damage the process. He said that although the government was busy in reconciliation with the PPP, there was no place for the party in the present set-up. "The PPP has no role in the present set-up and talks are being held only on future politics in an effort to bring stability to the country," he said.

Replying to a question, he categorically ruled out the possibility of general elections in the country this year, a major demand of the PPP. However, the minister hinted that the issue of fresh elections was being discussed between the two sides. "Yes, the PPP wants elections in 2005 and the government is insisting on 2007."

NO GOVERNOR's RULE: Earlier, speaking at a religious conference in Rawalpindi, Sheikh Rashid said political stability and reconciliation in the country was essential in the prevailing regional and international scenario and the government was in contact with the PPP to achieve this objective.