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Musharraf: Door is open for Sharif
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ASIANAGE on 03 July, 2008 04:26:42
 
By Our Pakistan Correspondent
Islamabad
July 3: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said that his doors are open
for everyone, including arch rival Nawaz Sharif, whom he toppled as Prime
Minister in 1999.
"I am in no way an obstacle for the democratic system in the country. My doors
are open for everyone, including Mr Nawaz Sharif," said President Musharraf.
Talking to US deputy secretary of state Richard Boucher here on Wednesday
evening, the President said that under the current circumstances, he does not
want to create problems for anyone as political confrontation has already done
much damage. "I am a staunch supporter of democracy, not a hurdle in the
democratic process and I want Parliament to complete its tenure," he said.
President Musharraf said that he supports the Pakistan People’s Party
(PPP)-led government’s strategy regarding crackdown in the tribal areas
against terrorists and extremists.
He urged that the US should provide immediate aid for setting up commercial
areas to put an end to poverty and unemployment, which is the root cause of
extremism in the area.
The President emphasised that the US should look at the ground realities and
should realise that force alone cannot win the war on terror. "We will not allow
the terrorists to hold hostage and all resources will be used to bring this
menace to an end," the President was quoted as saying by an official.
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Movement of Pak PM restricted
Islamabad, July 3: Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s security has
been tightened and his movement restricted in view of "serious threats" to his
life. Mr Gilani has been requested to avoid attending public gatherings and to
undertake only activities that are necessary and urgent, sources in the security
department told the Dawn newspaper. The sources said the step was taken in the
wake of an intelligence report about "serious threats to the Premier’s life".
—PTI