Islamabad, July 14: In an attempt to break a protracted deadlock with the opposition, Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali held fresh talks with key leaders, urging them to resume negotiations, a government minister said today. Pakistan's parliamentary opposition, led by a powerful radical religious alliance, has stymied legislation in an attempt to press its demand that President Pervez Musharraf choose between the presidency and army chief two positions he currently holds. The opposition also wants the rescinding of constitutional changes by Musharraf that give him power to dismiss Parliament and the Prime Minister.

Musharraf has refused both demands.

Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said yesterday's meeting was a first step in breaking the talemate. No promises were made on either side, he said. "This is just an initial stage,'' Ahmed said, expressing hope that it will lead to further talks and a postponement of demonstrations threatened by the religious opposition alliance.

"Nothing was decided. Both sides presented their points of view,'' said Hafiz Hussain Ahmed, a lawmaker from the religious alliance.

Another meeting is expected, but no date has been announced.

Bureau Report