Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf says he will convene parliament within the next 10 days, a key step in forming the country's new government. Speaking in (the southeastern) Sindh province (Friday), President Musharraf also said he will support the incoming coalition government, as long as peace is maintained.
The president has been under criticism from the two parties that defeated his allies in last month's parliamentary elections -- the Pakistan People's Party, now run by the widower of slain opposition leader and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and the party of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The Pakistan People's Party won the most votes but has yet to name a candidate for prime minister. It is negotiating with Mr. Sharif's party and another, smaller party to form a coalition government. On Thursday, Pakistan's military chief said the armed forces will also support the newly elected lawmakers. General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said the military supports the democratic process.