Tuesday, April 25 2006 11:53 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: Ruling out any deal with President Pervez Musharraf, former Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif have called for free and fair elections in Pakistan through an interim government of national consensus, open to all political parties and leaders.

The two leaders in exile also decided to hold talks here on May 14 to chalk out a strategy for next year's elections and announce the Charter of Democracy and Code of Conduct to be placed before the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy summit scheduled for July 2. In a joint statement released after their marathon 150-minute meeting here last evening, Bhutto and Sharif said they had agreed to vigorously pursue the course of democracy and reaffirmed their resolve to restore the 1973 Constitution.

Bhutto, who was Pakistan's premier twice, told reporters here that restoration of democracy in Pakistan would also help improve relations with India.

"We are better placed to bring about better relations and legitimacy with India," the Chairperson of Pakistan Peoples'Party (PPP) said.

She recalled that it was during Sharif's regime that the historic Lahore agreement was signed with then Indian premierAtal Bihari Vajpayee and she herself had reached an accord with Rajiv Gandhi to improve bilateral relations.

Sharif declared that both leaders would shortly be in the country to press for democracy.

"You will see us soon in Pakistan. Musharraf has no authority (to keep us in exile)it is our Pakistan. Pending that whatever possible from outside will be done. Musharraf is only a dictator; his rule is absolutely unfortunate," he said.