Balance of power will shift to Parliament: PM Gilani

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani said he would seek to tip the balance of power back toward parliament, a move that could help restore democratic checks and balances in the country.In an interview to US newspaper, Premier Gilani vowed to return to parliament authority that it lost in 2002 when former leader Pervez Musharraf gave sweeping powers to the presidency, including the power to dismiss parliament. "We are committed to changing the system," Gilani said. "My main endeavor is to end the politics of confrontation." "I am sure we can work with Nawaz Sharif in strengthening the democratic process," premier said. "We have to return to parliamentary democracy.” Mr. Gilani said he would offer Mr. Sharif the opportunity to rejoin the governing coalition. Mr. Sharif's party was part of the coalition after the elections but he quit over disagreements with Mr. Zardari."I hope we will go back to our relations," Mr. Gilani said. "I can offer Nawaz Sharif to join the coalition at an appropriate time. That shows our resolve for the reconciliation." "We need to implement the charter of democracy signed by two former prime ministers," prime minister added.