Gilani downplays row with army after Kayani's 'clarification'

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani today sought to downplay a reported rift between his civilian government and Pakistan's military, contending a clarification issued by the powerful army chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani had helped clear the air.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Saturday sought to downplay a reported rift between his civilian government and Pakistan's military, contending a clarification issued by the powerful army chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani had helped clear the air.

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"The army chief's clarification issued yesterday – it is extremely well taken in the democratic circles. It will certainly bring an improvement," Gilani said while interacting with reporters on the sidelines of a function at Fatima Church in Islamabad ahead of Christmas.

In an apparent response to Gilani's remarks about conspiracies being hatched against the civilian government, General Kayani on Friday said the army will continue to support democracy.

The top most Pakistani commander dispelled speculation about a military takeover, saying such talk was a "bogey to divert the focus from the real issues".

When a reporter asked the premier if Kayani's clarification meant conspiracies were no longer being hatched against the government, Gilani replied: "Golden words are never repeated."

Sharp differences have emerged between the government and the army over an alleged memo that sought American help to stave off a feared coup in Pakistan after the US raid that killed Osama bin Laden in May.

The government has said President Asif Ali Zardari and the Prime Minister played no role in drafting or delivering the memo to former US military chief Admiral Mike Mullen.