BANGKOK. Apr 3: Pakistan's military leader General Pervez Musharraf today warned that Washington and Islamabad were edging further apart on dangerous issues, reports AFP.

In Thailand on the last leg of a tour of Southeast Asia. Musharraf said the United Slates and Pakistan remained deeply divided on key "issues of concern and tension" including Kashmir, terrorism, nuclear weapons and Islamabad's relations with Afghanistan

Tm bothered about what Pakistan's relationship with the United States is. the substance of that." said Musharraf, a week after President Bill Clinton ended a tour of South Asia.

On his tour. Clinton spent five days In India but only six hours in Pakistan, a traditional US ally and former ma-

jor recipient of US aid. leading some commentators to point to a shift in Washington’s South Asia policy towards New Delhi.

While in Pakistan. Clinton delivered an uncompromising address on Pakistani television after meeting Musharraf, calling for a restoration of democ racy and stressing that Washington would not mediate in the Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India.

Musharraf emerged as Pakistan's new leader after a military coup in October.

In I liailand. as he had done throughout his tour. Musharraf lambasted India, accusing it ol sabotaging attempts to improve regional security

Although Pakistan was committed to a South Aslan regional summit, "the idea was scuttled by India, and that’s a

pity. It was a chance to have some sort of dialogue." Musharraf said.

"Whatever happens In India, they find it convenient to blame it on Pakistan."

AP adds: Musharraf said that his regime "cannot accept corrupt, inept politicians that have ruined the country" when elections are eventually held to restore democracy.

But otherwise, Musharraf said, the elections will be a level playing field" for all contenders. Including fundamentalist Islamic parties.

"All we are desiring is that politics must be clean,” said Musharraf.

Musharraf refused to set a time frame for general elections, repeating his position that local elections would begin this December and the com-

pleted by July' 2001. Provincial and national elections would follow.

"We have certain objectives that we have identified to be achieved before going In for a total return for democracy," Musharraf said.

Musharraf said he did not fear that' fundamentalist parties might come to power.

"Pakistan is a very moderate country," Musharraf' said, calling perceptions that It was headed for extremism "dlslu-formation "

Musharraf said the trial of Sharif should be allowed to run Its course, but hinted that he favoured leniency, saying several times that he Is "not a vindictive man."

He accused the Sharif family of corruption and said public opinion would be against a proposed bid by Sharifs wife. Khulsoom, to enter politics to protest military oppression.

"Talk to anybody in the streets of Pakistan and you will see how wrong she is." Musharraf said.

"They have looted and plundered Pakistan's wealth, they are living tn obscene opulence," he said. "We have heard about President Marcos of the Philippines, but this family puts them to shame."

In their talks. Chuan told Musharraf that Pakistan should return to democratic rule as soon as possible, said Akapol Sorasuchart. the Thai government spokesman.

It was a message he has heard throughout his trip, which also took him to Malaysia. Indonesia. Singapore and Brunel. Musharraf appears to have come away with little else than lectures on democracy. Justice and diplomacy.

Another report says, Musharraf today pledged to hold general elections to restore democracy In his country' after first holding local elections in July 2001, a Thai government spokesman said.

The spokesman said that Musharraf told the Thai PM the military government would hold local elections between December 2000 and July 2001 and schedule general elections some time after that. He gave no specifics.