Call for amnesty to Baloch leaders : PPP to take part in elections: Benazir

* Former PM hints at reconciliatory talks with Musharraf

LARKANA/KARACHI: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairwoman Benazir Bhutto has said that the PPP will not boycott the upcoming general elections.

Talking to reporters at her Naudero residence, she said the PPP had tried to convince all other political parties to participate in elections and they were now following the party’s stance. She said the PPP also wanted an independent Election Commission, adding that the PPP would sweep the elections if emergency is lifted before polls, illegal transfers and postings are cancelled and irregularities in setting up of polling stations are reversed, reported APP.

Benazir alleged that the government had already decided to rig the elections and had transferred many judges across Sindh for this purpose. She said the PPP rejected such actions but would contest the elections instead of leaving the field open for rivals. Later, the ex-premier demanded the release of all Baloch leaders, general amnesty for them and an end to the “military operation” in Balochistan, at Bilawal House. Daily Times learnt that she said the country should “heal the wounds” of the Baloch people.

Reconciliation: Benazir also pointed towards resuming reconciliatory talks with President Musharraf if he relinquished his uniform as he had promised, Daily Times Monitor quoted Aaj television as reporting. She welcomed doffing of uniform by Gen Musharraf “in a peaceful manner” and hoped it would lead to a peaceful return of democracy in Pakistan. She also welcomed General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani. staff report/app


http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default...-11-2007_pg7_1