PM congratulates Gilani on passage of key legislation

I / Washington April 14, 2010, 11:41 IST

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who had two brief encounters with his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani here, today said he had congratulated him on the passage of a key legislation that makes him "more powerful personality" in that country's politics.

No other issues were discussed, said Singh at a press conference here while responding to a question on his interactions with Gilani on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit here.

"...I did run into him (Gilani) twice, and we exchanged pleasantries," said Singh who shook hands and chatted briefly on Monday evening and Tuesday morning with the Pakistani Prime Minister.

The two first met at a reception hosted by US President Barack Obama and then yesterday just before the plenary session of the summit.

"In fact, I complemented the Prime Minister on the passage of the Constitution Amendment Bill which, I think, makes the Prime Minister more powerful personality in Pakistan's political system," Singh said.

Pakistan parliament had recently passed the landmark Constitutional Amendement that strips sweeping powers of President Asif Ali Zardari. The powers would be reverted back to the Prime Minister.

Singh was evasive when asked whether he would meet Gilani in Bhutan during the SAARC Summit being held on April 28. "I think there is still time to think about the meeting in Bhutan. When we reach there we would cross the bridge."

Asked about Gilani's reported remarks that he had extended an invitation to him to visit Pakistan, he said, "I am hearing it for the first time."