Sharif, Zardari hold crucial talks to save coalition

Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif held a "make or break" meeting to discuss restoration of deposed judges and the impeachment of President Musharraf - the two "basic issues" threatening their fragile coalition.

PPP chairman Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday held a "make or break" meeting to discuss restoration of deposed judges and the impeachment of President Pervez Musharraf, the two "basic issues" threatening their fragile coalition.

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The two leaders were assisted by their close aides during the parleys at Zardari's residence in Islamabad. Sharif and Zardari had held several meetings in the last few months but could not arrive at a consensus over the major issues.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Sharif made it clear that he intended to make the meet "as decisive as possible" and pointed out that there was no progress till now on the basic issues even four months after the coalition government came to power.

However, he refused to spell out what he would do if the parleys produced no results.

"We don't want to see the coalition breaking up...The promises should be fulfilled so that democracy is strengthened and the dictator is punished," the former premier added.

The PML-N is facing pressure from people for remaining in the coalition even after the PPP had failed to deliver on promises to reinstate the judges sacked by Musharraf during emergency, Sharif said.

The meeting is being described by political observers as a "make or break" one for the coalition. Ahead of the talks, both Sharif and Zardari held deliberations with senior leaders of their respective parties.