Musharraf reiterates Paks reservation against Northern Alliance

ISLAMABAD, Oct 11 (UNI) Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf has reiterated that the anti-Taliban,Northern Alliance should not have any role in the post-attack set-up in Afghanistan, media reports said here today.

"We will not accept the Northern Alliance and I have told everybody that it should even not be allowed to enter Kabul," Gen Mushrraf said after addressing a cabinet meeting here yesterday, according to The News.

Spelling out the bottom line of his governments post-strikes Afghan policy, he said there should be no room for any "imposed" political dispensation in Afghanistan.

According to the newspaper, Gen Musharraf said he would talk in length on the subject with US Secretary of State Colin Powell when the latter would visit Pakistan later this week.

"I find a clear understanding and appreciation amongst the coalition partners of the need to facilitate the installation of a broad-based political dispensation in Afghanistan representing all ethnic groups with due consideration of their demographic composition," The News quoted the president as saying.

Gen Musharraf did not rule out the option of bringing in deposed King Zahir Shah or any other broad-based arrangement.

Commenting on the ongoing strikes, he said there should be efforts to avoid civilian casualties and chaos.

The president said he had received assurances from the United States and Britain that the strikes will not be targeted against civilians and that every effort will be made to prevent loss of civilian lives.

The newspaper said Gen Musharraf briefed the cabinet on the present crisis, including of his contacts with world leaders.

He also told them about his meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and the telephonic call he had with president George W Bush last Sunday.

The News said Gen Musharraf told the cabinet that Pakistan will continue to provide information, air space and all possible help to combat terrorism.

"We have a desire and wish for an orderly transition ensuring unity, stability and peace in afghanistan....

No operation against the Taliban regime in Afghanistan has taken place or is taking place from Pakistan," he was quoted by the newspaper.