Musharraf asks new govt. work in harmony

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, whose party lost the parliamentary election, Tuesday urged the new government to work in harmony with other parties.

Speaking to a delegation of U.S. senators in Islamabad, Musharraf said Monday's election, which he said was free, fair and transparent, had vindicated his unswerving commitment to democracy, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

The senators, who came to Pakistan to observe the polls, included Joseph Biden, John Kerry and Chuck Hagel.

Musharraf said he hoped the post-election scenario would move in a positive direction, stressing all the parties must now focus on the future and cooperate in the best interest of the country.

The U.S. visitors were quoted as appreciating Musharraf for meeting his commitment to hold the polls and saying he now has a great opportunity to strengthen the democratic process.