By Andrew Buncombe and Omar Waraich in Islamabad
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/asia/article3038411.ece
The depth of British and US involvement in the deal that helps General Pervez Musharraf retain office for another five years emerged yesterday when it was revealed the two countries have worked to secure a "safe return" to Pakistan for the woman he is poised to share power with.

British and American diplomats have met with leaders of a controversial political party long at odds with former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and encouraged it to show restraint when she returns to Karachi in 10 days' time. The leadership of the MQM party – which this year was blamed for violence in the city which left 41 dead – has vowed to keep off the streets on her return.

Details of the effort to smooth Ms Bhutto's return came as General Musharraf called for national unity following the overwhelming vote that should secure him another five years as president. "A majority, a vast majority, have voted for me and therefore that result is the result," he said after winning in a vote by the national and regional assemblies.

A central part of pre-election political horse-trading was a deal with Ms Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party (PPP) that paves the way for her to return and seek a historic third term as prime minister. A bullet-proof limousine is to be flown in for her arrival on 18 October. She told the Sunday Times: "I know there are security risks, people who want to kill me and scuttle the restoration of democracy."

She may have good reason for concern. In May, 11 PPP members were among 41 people killed during political violence in Karachi. Pakistani media and human rights campaigners blamed the MQM for instigating the riots. The MQM – whose leader Altaf Hussain lives in London, having left Pakistan where he faces murder charges – has denied the accusations.

A Western diplomat said British and American officials had spoken with MQM officials in Karachi, Islamabad and London to ensure Ms Bhutto's safe return. "Because the MQM [leadership] is based in London the British are taking the lead and the Americans are working with them," he said. Dr Farooq Sattar, a senior member of the MQM, confirmed his party had spoken with British officials. He said he could not remember the specifics but said the MQM had publicly undertaken not to disrupt Ms Bhutto's return.

A spokesman for the British High Commission played down its role in the negotiations. He said diplomats met with all of Pakistan's political parties "as a matter of course". However, he admitted Britain and the EU had "called on all parties to exercise restraint" on the occasion of Ms Bhutto's return.

What leverage may have been exercised over the MQM is a matter of speculation. However, the so-called National Reconciliation Ordinance signed by General Musharraf on Friday that cleared the way for Ms Bhutto's return also wipes clear a raft of charges against other politicians, including MQM members.

Submitted by islamservices on Mon, 2007-10-08 07:25

• islamservices's blog
• Login or register to post comments
• 111 reads
•