Talks between Musharraf and Bhutto in 'final stage': Rashid

ISLAMABAD: Back-channel talks between Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto have reached the "final stage" and the "good news" would be announced soon, Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said on Monday.

Talks between Musharraf's emissaries and Bhutto, who is on a self-imposed exile, has reached an advanced stage, Rashid said in Rawalpindi. "Political contacts have entered the final stage and things are moving in the right direction. She can give a great surprise," he said.

The political contacts were important to give a final shape to political agreements and move things forward, he said.

"Give and take is necessary to streamline political matters and Benazir should have to give something," he added without elaborating.

The talks between Bhutto and Musharraf gained credence after Bhutto herself in a television interview admitted to telephonic contacts with Musharraf and his emissaries.

A previously bitter critic of Bhutto, Rashid said the leader of the Pakistan People's Party, being a seasoned politician and having great political insight, could further strengthen the country's democratic political process.

"Bhutto's active participation in national politics would have a positive impact to strengthen democracy in the country," state-run APP quoted him as saying.

He said Bhutto could further strengthen the government's hand in the fight against "Talibanisation" and extremism in the country.

"Those parties will win the forthcoming elections which are fighting against extremism, terrorism and Talibanisation," he said.

On another former prime minister, Nawaz Shaif, Rashid said he has no political understanding and his return from exile in London is out of question as he had left the country under an agreement.