950807

Govt has nothing

to do with new

MQM leadership,

says N D Khan

KARACHI: Federal Law Minister and leader of the government's team negotiating with Altaf Group Prof. N.D. Khan, has reiterated that the government had nothing to do if a new leadership emerged from the MQM.

Replying to a question at a press conference on Monday, the Law Minister, however, said he would not like to make any premature comment.

Prof. N.D. Khan said "we are not against either any individual or a party. We are only against the terrorists".

He told the questioner that he could not stop if a party was formed and could not help if a party broke up.

He said when talks were held between the two sides, they do experience various difficulties and problems. The problems crop up when they sit at a distance but when they come to the table these were resolved face to face, he added.

The Law Minister told newsmen about his meeting with the Sindh Governor.

He also apprised them of the development which took place during talks held up to July 24 and thereafter and the efforts made to date for resumption of talks.

As regards calling Altaf Group as MQM, Khan said that parties were recognised by their leaders like PML, JUP, JUI etc. He said it was not a big issue and through talks it can be resolved.

Khan said the Prime Minister had asked him to accelerate the process of talks by adhering to laid down principles and to make all efforts for a negotiated settlement. He said the same were also the views of the President and the Governor and the Chief Minister of Sindh.-APP