PPP asks PML-N to end links with MMA

Although the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) was able to reach an understanding with the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz group) for seats in Lahore city, it is apparently unwilling to extend this agreement until it has certain commitments from the PML-N.

Topping this list is the demand that the PML-N end its alliance with the Muttahida Mahaz-e-Amal (MMA), a coalition of 12 religious parties.

The PPP believes that it cannot link up with the MMA because of the strong differences in ideological belief. At the same time, it believes that aligning itself with the PML-N, which is also in alliance with the MMA, would "damage its image."

The PPP is said to be "very concerned" about this matter, particularly as members of the regime are claiming that despite her claims of being a liberal leader, the PPP had during Benazir's tenure in office in fact backed the Taliban.

Information Minister Nisar Memon has been the latest to make claims to this affect, backing his words by citing several policy decisions taken by Benazir.

The purpose of the military regime is apparently to damage the image of Benazir Bhutto in the eyes of Western leaders and especially the U.S., at a time when she is once more presenting herself as the only "viable option" to these leaders.

PPP sources maintain Benazir has in fact lately been in contact with several 'top figures' in Washington, particularly after the announcements of constitutional reforms by President Pervez Musharraf.

It is understood that these changes were "not appreciated" in Washington and that Benazir is currently attempting to take advantage of the doubts cast over Musharraf's democratic credentials.

In this scenario, the linkage between the PPP and the MMA, if only as fellow allies of the PML-N is thought likely to go down badly in the West.

The PPP, after several meetings on this issue, has therefore requested the PML-N to either end its understanding with the MMA, or "restrict it only to certain seats and to certain areas."

The PPP is said also to be arguing that the MMA has "very little popular appeal" and that it will not suit the interests of the PMl-N to link up with it.

It has also warned that in fact if the PML-N does not agree to this demand, the "PPP would have to seriously reconsider its agreement with the party."

The PMl-N, eager to line up with the PPP, is known to have contacted its leaders in Saudi Arabia to "seek their opinion on this matter."