On Musharraf and Vajpayee Summit:
"The PPP advocates dialogue between India and Pakistan for a resolutionof outstanding disputes between the two countries, including Kashmir. However,it is double-minded about the world's largest democracy talking to a dictator.
"The end of the ceasefire by India is indicativeof the level of violence in the valley continuing unabated despite theceasefire. In calling off the ceasefire, Prime Minister Vajpayee could beplacating his hardliners who resisted talks with the architect of Kargil due towhom many Indians lost their lives.
"As far as I can see, the visit will enableMusharaf to have coffee with Vajpayee, send smoke signals of peaceful intent tothe west, visit his old home and do some shopping. I am willing to be provedwrong but I doubt that the visit will lead to any substantive agreementregarding Kashmir."
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Since Musharraf lacks the mandate to represent thepeople of Pakistan, his position is weak in negotiating lowering of tensionsbetween the two countries, she said.
Kashmir:
Bhutto said in order to resolve the Kashmir issue, PPP has advocated a formulato have an open and safe borders between India and Pakistan without prejudice tothe UN resolutions with a view to building a South Asian trading block.
On Hurriyat:
Asked whether Pakistan should involve Hurriyat conference to the summitmeeting, she said "I am unable to comment on this as I am not privy todiscussion on this issue. I understand that the military regime has announced itwill not meet Hurriyat leaders during Musharraf's visit to New Delhi".
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"The APHC is a party to the dispute and ifMusharaf regime can have negotiations with New Delhi without the APHC, itsleaders may feel that they too can negotiate with India without Islamabad."
Pakistan:
Commenting on a question about the political future of Musharraf, she saidit is now clear that he needs to get elected to carry on in power in thefuture."But to get elected you need political support", she said.
The PPP opposes formalisation of the military's role inthe political affairs of the country. That formalisation under the eighthamendment led to the destabilisation of democracy since 1985 and misery of thepeople, she said.
Asked why she can not return to Pakistan from her selfexile like the former chief of Pakistan navy, admiral Masoorul Haq, who wasrecently brought back from US to face charges of corruption levelled againsthim, she said the admiral has admitted his guilt and returned on a plea bargain.Whereas she and her husband Asif Zardari were innocent and persecuted forpolitical reasons.
