'Return of rivals good for reconciliation'

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf terms the return of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif good for political reconciliation, the says after taking oath for second term.

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said on Thursday the return of opposition leaders Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif was good for political reconciliation.

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"Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif are back. I personally feel this is good for the political reconciliation I have spoken of," Musharraf said in a speech after he was sworn in for a second term as president.

Former prime ministers Bhutto and Sharif, the man Musharraf ousted in 1999, have recently returned after years in exile and are considering a boycott of a January 8 national election, although analysts expect them to take part.