Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has praised the country's armed forces and stressed the supremacy of parliament among the country's institutions. He was speaking at the start of a
high-profile
defence meeting with Pakistan's army chief. Jill McGivering reports.
Mr Gilani's comments sounded polite and
conciliatory
. He praised the armed forces but also stressed the important role played by parliament. It was the first time he'd met General Kayani face to face since the dramatic increase in tension between Pakistan's civilian and military leaders that sparked widespread concern about a political crisis. Earlier, General Kayani held a separate meeting with the president. That, too, was closely watched, but there was little official comment afterwards. For many, though, these latest meetings suggest a welcome lowering of political tension.
The incumbent President of Taiwan, Ma Ying-jeou, has won a second term in office and promised further steps towards reconciliation with China. He won on a campaign of economic
rapprochement
with China. Ma Ying-jeou addressed cheering crowds at his campaign headquarters.
"In the next four years, cross-strait relations will be more peaceful with greater mutual trust and the chance of conflict will be less. I must let Taiwan have a long-lasting environment of peace and stability."
China indicated its satisfaction at the result, saying that peace and development across the Taiwan Strait was the correct path.