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Musharraf Leaves Home to Mend Fences

Sudden trip to Saudi Arabia likely attempt to forge deal with old foe

By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 20, 2007 3:50 PM CST
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(Newser) – Pervez Musharraf traveled to Saudi Arabia today, and the desperate Pakistani president may attempt to broker a power-sharing deal with the PM he ousted in a 1999 coup, Reuters reports. Nawaz Sharif has said he will not meet with Musharraf while emergency rule is in effect, but Musharraf relaxed the edict last night by releasing 3,400 prisoners.

Now that a deal with Benazir Bhutto appears unlikely, "Musharraf is in big trouble, and I don't think Sharif will agree to support him," says a Karachi restaurant owner. But some say Musharraf is instead trying to ensure Sharif stays in Saudi Arabia. "The last thing he wants is Sharif coming back in this highly charged environment," says a journalist.

Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, right, is greeted by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal upon his arrival at Riyadh airport, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007. Musharraf has been under immense pressure from Washington to free opposition leaders, end media restrictions and step down as head of the armed...
Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, right, is greeted by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal upon his arrival at Riyadh airport, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007. Musharraf has been...   (Associated Press)
Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, front, left, is welcomed by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, right, upon his arrival at Riyadh airport, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007. Musharraf has been under immense pressure from Washington to free opposition leaders, end media restrictions and step down as head of...
Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, front, left, is welcomed by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, right, upon his arrival at Riyadh airport, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007. Musharraf...   (Associated Press)
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrives in Islamabad, Pakistan following his trip from London, England, Monday Sept. 10, 2007. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was taken into custody Monday soon after his return from exile to Pakistan where he plans to lead a campaign against the U.S.-allied...
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrives in Islamabad, Pakistan following his trip from London, England, Monday Sept. 10, 2007. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was taken into custody Monday...   (Associated Press)
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrives in his car at London's Heathrow airport, before boarding a flight to Pakistan, Sunday Sept. 9, 2007. Pakistan's exiled former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif plans to return home Monday to campaign against its military ruler, defying last-minute pressure from Saudi Arabia to honor...
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrives in his car at London's Heathrow airport, before boarding a flight to Pakistan, Sunday Sept. 9, 2007. Pakistan's exiled former Prime Minister Nawaz...   (Associated Press)
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif talks to members of the media while aboard a Pakistani International Airlines' flight from London to Islamabad, Pakistan, late Sunday Sept. 9, 2007. Sharif was taken into custody Monday soon after his return from exile to Pakistan where he plans to lead a campaign...
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif talks to members of the media while aboard a Pakistani International Airlines' flight from London to Islamabad, Pakistan, late Sunday Sept. 9, 2007. Sharif...   (Associated Press)
In a file photo Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007. Pakistan's reconstituted Supreme Court on Monday, Nov. 19, 2007, dismissed legal challenges to President Gen. Pervez Musharraf's continued rule, a senior official said. (AP Photo/B.K....
In a file photo Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007. Pakistan's reconstituted Supreme Court...   (Associated Press)
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COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Saudis back allowing Sharif to return to Pakistan
New York Times

Meets the crown prince
Times of India (India)

But will he meet Sharif?
Dawn (Pakistan)

 
Saudi Arabia • Pakistan • Pervez Musharraf • Benazir Bhutto • Nawaz Sharif

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