Envoys of Musharraf meet Bhutto in UK

Islamabad, Aug 27: Pakistan's embattled President Pervez Musharraf has sent representatives to London to negotiate with former prime minister Benazir Bhutto on a power-sharing pact, an official and newspapers said today.

Pakistan is facing weeks of uncertainty and the risk of turmoil as army chief Musharraf prepares to secure another term as president, while his opponents vow to end military rule.

The United States and other Western countries are likely to watch developments closely in a nuclear-armed ally seen as vital to efforts to end terrorism and bring peace to Afghanistan.

''We are in contact with Benazir Bhutto, that's true,'' said Information Minister Mohammad Ali Durrani, referring to newspaper reports that three senior Musharraf confidants were in London for talks. He declined to elaborate.

Musharraf, who analysts say is at his weakest since he seized power in a 1999 coup, met self-exiled Bhutto in Abu Dhabi last month.

Liberal-minded Bhutto is seen as a natural ally of Musharraf's who promotes a vision of ''enlightenend moderation'' for his country. Both oppose Islamist militancy.

Her Pakistan People's Party is generally seen as the country's most popular party, and a pact with her would broaden his support base.

Bhutto, a two-time prime minister who still has corruption charges hanging over her, later said any deal would depend on Musharraf taking confidence-building steps by the end of August.

She wants immunity for the actions of civilian governments from when she first came to power in 1988 and the lifting of a ban on a prime minister serving a third term.

She is also demanding that Musharraf resign from the army.

CHALLENGES Last week, Musharraf issued a call for reconciliation with everyone and some Pakistani newspapers reported that Musharraf had also sent representatives to talk to another former prime minister in exile in London, Nawaz Sharif.

But Durrani denied that.

''There has been no contact by the government with Nawaz Sharif nor is there any plan to for now,'' he said.

Sharif, also a two-time prime minister, was ousted in a 1999 coup and later sent into exile by army chief Musharraf.

The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that Sharif, who has allied himself in the past with conservative religious parties, should be allowed to return.

Vowing to end Musharraf's rule, Sharif said he would be back soon to contest elections in a move analysts say would likely hurt Musharraf's plans to secure another term.

Musharraf intends to seek re-election from the national and provincial assemblies, while remaining army chief, between mid-September and mid-October and hold parliamentary elections within months.

But he is expected to face challenges to his attempt to seek re-election as president while army chief.

But even if he resigns as army chief, he is likely to be challenged over a clause in the constitution that says state servants -- civil and military -- must wait two years after resigning before running for public office.

REUTERS>