Pak coalition govt unable to impeach Musharraf

Islamabad, Feb 26 (UNI) Pakistan media today splashed an interview of Pakistan People's Party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, saying a coalition of PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-N would be unable to impeach President Pervez Musharraf.

He said that he would seek a working relationship with the embattled leader.

''The ground reality is that we do not have two-thirds majority in both the houses of parliament that would be required for a successful impeachment,'' the newspapers quoted him as telling the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

''Our main objective is to work for the smooth transition to democracy,'' he said.

The WSJ said Mr Zardari's comments were among the most conciliatory to date regarding its intended approach to President Musharraf.

The PPP-PML-N pairing, which appeared as the second biggest in the February 18 polls, has caused concern that the two parties might focus too much on seeking Mr Musharraf's ouster and not enough on fighting religious militants.

''We want to unify the country, which is facing some very serious challenges. We have to establish democracy and for that we need unity and not confrontation,'' said Mr Zardari.

The PPP has not nominated its candidate for the top job of prime minister, but Mr Zardari confirmed that Amin Fahim was the front-runner.

''We will name the candidate when the party is invited to form the government. The PPP government would increase cooperation with the US, adding that the Pakistan faced its own threat from the extremists,'' stated Mr Zardari.

We are fighting our own war on terror, rather than the American war on terror, he said. Adding that his government would not talk to the militants, but that it would reach out to the people living in the restive tribal areas.

We will take democracy there and political reforms to win the support of the tribesmen.

Mr Zardari also said that he did not have any intention of becoming the prime minister, but would concentrate on party organisation and assist the government.

Though leader of the party, he did not seek a seat in parliament in the election. It is more important to guide the government and the party, he added.

He also indicated that he might run for a parliamentary seat in a by-election in Ms Bhutto's constituency in Sindh and would contest the elections if the party decides.

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