Musharraf to court Saudis on return to Pak

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Former Pakistani leader Pervez Musharraf will visit Saudi Arabia this month to shore up international support for his eventual return, his spokesman confirmed.

Chaudry Fawad told The News in Pakistan Musharraf would take part in the Umra pilgrimage on Jan. 19 or 20 but could not confirm the retired general had a meeting scheduled with King Abdallah.

The News said Sunday Musharraf would meet with the king Jan. 22 while a close associate has an appointment this week with the U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Sources told The News Musharraf wants to line up support from the Saudis and the United States to clear a path for his return to Pakistani politics. His current plan is to return from a self-imposed exile at the end of January but has not yet made an official announcement.

Musharraf reportedly has some international support from governments who see him as someone who could provide needed stability in Pakistan.

The current Pakistani government actually would like to see Musharraf return, but only to face criminal charges stemming from his days as military ruler.