Musharraf swears in new prime minister as U.S. envoys arrive for talks

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Source: International Herald Tribune

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: President Pervez Musharraf swore in a loyalist of slain ex-leader Benazir Bhutto as prime minister Tuesday, as two top U.S. envoys held talks with Pakistan's old and new leaders in what some viewed as an ill-timed visit.

Yousaf Raza Gilani, who will front a new government vowing to cut back the U.S.-backed president's powers, took the oath from Musharraf at a stiff ceremony in Islamabad.

Seated side-by-side on a raised dais and flanked by two honor guards with white and gold-braided uniform, Gilani followed the president's lead in reading the oath of office.

Members of Gilani's party chanted "Long Live Bhutto!" after the formalities were complete.

IHT

Read more: http://iht.com/articles/ap/2008/03/25/asia/AS-GEN-Pakistan-Politics.php