Parliament elects Gilani as PM

Islamabad: Pakistan's parliament has elected former speaker and Bhutto loyalist Yousuf Raza Gilani as the country's new prime minister.

Gilani was a long-time aide to slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, whose party now dominates the parliament after last month's elections.

Cheers of ''Long live Bhutto, BB is still alive!'' rang out through parliament.

The National Assembly voted 264 to 42 on Monday to confirm Gilani to the post. He will be sworn in Tuesday by President Pervez Musharraf.

Gilani immediately shook the hand of Bhutto's son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who could be seen wiping away tears. His mother held the post of prime minister twice before being killed in a suicide attack in December.