US hints General can continue in both posts

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf held talks with two senior US diplomats and a top military official on Saturday, as the embattled...

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf held talks with two senior US diplomats and a top military official on Saturday, as the embattled leader received indications that Washington would accept him holding both the posts of president and army chief.

Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte and Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher met Musharraf near Islamabad, said an official at the president8217;s office. The two US officials apparently discussed the 8220;blue print8221; for the Presidential polls and the general elections slated for later this year, with Musharraf.

Adm William Fallon, commander of the US Central Command, also met separately with Musharraf at his Rawalpindi office.

The official said Negroponte praised Pakistan8217;s role in the fight against terror, and Musharraf informed the US officials about steps his government had taken to secure its border with Afghan-

istan, where members of Taliban and al-Qaeda are believed to be hiding.

The meetings came after Boucher on Friday urged Musharraf to ensure elections are fair and told Pakistani television that the US believes 8220;it8217;s time for Pakistan to move back to democratic elections and civilian rule8221;.

8220;The issue of a free and fair election is much more fundamental8221; than how Musharraf deals with the contentious issue of his occupying both the presidency and the powerful army leadership. 8220;That particular question needs to be answered, but I think we have a bit of patience in seeing it answered at whatever is the appropriate time,8221; Boucher said, according to excerpts of the interviews released by the US Embassy.

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US State Department spokesperson Sean McCormack, too, endorsed Musharraf8217;s leadership during a briefing on Friday. 8220;We believe President Musharraf is an agent for positive change, not only in the region, but for Pakistan,8221; he said.

These statements come just days after the US had issued apparent ultimatums to Musharraf, asking him to quit the uniform before getting re-elected as president.