Leaders agree in principle on political reconciliation in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, March 22 -- The meeting between Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and major opposition leader Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Sunday concluded in the eastern city of Lahore at the latter's residence.

Both leaders agreed in principle on political reconciliation, according to local press reports.

Sharif said that he would go for a legal fight for ending the governor's rule and non-eligibility of him and his brother.

The leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) further said that he extended cooperation to the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) for the superiority of the parliament.

Before the luncheon, Gilani said that the two parties shared the same view on the supremacy of the parliament and implementation of the Charter of Democracy.

"We want to reconcile with PML-N," Gilani said.

He said the political mandate in the federation and the Punjab province should be respected, adding that the PML-N with majority would be invited to form the government in Punjab.

Sharif, a former prime minister, on the occasion lauded Gilani's role in connection with the restoration of judges. He said that the PML-N was ready to support the PPP if it repealed the 17th amendment of the constitution, which gives the president power to dissolve the parliament.

"The revival of relations depends on the decision on review petitions and lifting of governor rule in Punjab," Sharif said, making his stance clear.