US wants Musharraf to work closely with Bhutto

The US has said it is encouraging Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf to work more closely with Benazir Bhutto and other moderates, even as three top Senators urged the General to ensure the safety of the former premier in the wake of the recent attempt on her life.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice while touching upon the situation in Pakistan at a US congressional hearing on Wednesday, said the US hopes “there will be an effort of all moderates to be prepared for fully democratic elections to take place in the parliament in December, so that Pakistan can take that next step toward a more stable democratic environment.”