(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-02-20 22:08

Even so, some analysts say that there are ideological differences between the PPP and Sharif's party, which might make a coalition difficult.

In the short term, the two parties stand together to deal with Musharraf; but in the long term, they are expected to see unavoidable difficulties ahead for cooperation if forming a coalition government in the future, said analysts.

Musharraf has expressed his willingness to work with the new government through reconciliation. Musharraf told the Wall Street Journal that he hopes the new government would follow a conciliatory course. "The confrontational politics of the 1990's should be left behind," the president said.

Besides, the United States wants to see a stable Pakistan and hopes Pakistan remains a partner to fight terrorism, thus will urge the next government to work with Musharraf.

"We certainly would hope that whoever becomes prime minister and whoever winds up in charge of the new government would be able to work with (Musharraf)," US State Department spokesman Tom Casey said.

The US hopes the new Pakistan government will "work with us as partners in counter terrorism", White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said on Tuesday.

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