Britain and US in 'safe return' deal for Bhutto

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Source: Independent

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."

Read more: http://news.independent.co.uk/world/asia/article3038411.ece

[saigon68]

1. Another Ring created in the 5 ring circus

I wonder how much the US taxpayer paid for the bullet proof limousine