NeWs from Pakistan: PML-N and PPP look to bury the hatchet

PM Gilani met Nawaz Sharif at Raiwind on Sunday 'bearing an oilve branch'

RAIWIND Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani met with senior PML-N leadership including Nawaz Sharif on Sunday as part of a bid to foster reconciliation between the two parties in the wake of the long march.Addressing the press after his day-long meeting at Raiwind, the PM said ‘We must respect the mandate of all political parties, and I have passed on President Zardari’s message to Mian Nawaz Sharif. The situation demands reconciliation, as the country faces many challenges; the worsening economy, political stability and terrorism.’ The PM went on to say ‘The only way these challenges can be overcome is if all democratic parties in the country combine. I congratulate Mian Nawaz Sharif, the entire country and President Zardari on the movement to restore the judges.’ Gilani concluded by saying that he had taken the opportunity to meet with Sharif and ‘Dispel any misunderstandings’ over the SC decision to disqualify the Sharif brothers from holding office, and that the government would appeal against the verdict. The PM said that he ‘looked forward to working together for the betterment of the country under the Charter of Democracy.’ Nawaz Sharif responded to the PM’s remarks by saying he welcomed the views expressed by Prime Minister Gilani, and that they reflected the ‘need of the hour.’ Hailing the long march as a ‘profound change’ in the history of Pakistan he lauded the movement as a new way forward and congratulated all parties involved, as well as President Zardari. Sharif went on to say that the movement was ‘No-ones defeat,’ and instead reflected the ‘triumph of justice.’ He concluded by remarking ‘We will, I am sure, work together … and we are ready to work together … in the spirit of the Charter of Democracy, from which we will not budge one inch.’ Responding to media questions, Sharif said that the two leaders had not discussed the PML-Ns return to the ruling co-alition, saying that the aim of the movement was not about returning him to power.