ISLAMABAD, Feb 26: US Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson said on Tuesday that the United States was ready to work with the new government in the country.

“Through the electoral process, the Pakistani people have expressed their views and we respect their choices,” she said during a meeting here with Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) deputy convener Dr Farooq Sattar.

“We are ready to work with whatever coalition is formed. It is up to those elected to form a government,” she said.

She reiterated that the US would continue to work with Pakistan for “advancing our common agenda of improving the lives of the Pakistani people through development assistance”.

Ms Patterson congratulated Mr Sattar on the victory of his party in the general election.

Talking to reporters, Mr Sattar said that matters of mutual interest had come under the discussion during the meeting.

Asked if the MQM was ready to become part of the PPP-led coalition government in Sindh, he said: “We will see to it when the time comes”. When his attention was drawn to the clear position of different political parties in favour of restoration of the pre-November 3 judiciary, he said the PPP had a majority in the National Assembly and “we will look into it when the PPP takes some step.”

Meanwhile, the PPP has said that a final decision about an alliance with the MQM was yet to be taken. PPP secretary information Sherry Rehman told DawnNews TV that the party’s co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari had not ruled out an alliance with the MQM since he wanted to take all political forces on board. “Working with President Musharraf is also possible as the PPP does not have the required numbers to oust him,” she said.

She said the PPP remained committed to abrogating the 17th amendment and removing the bar on third-time premiership.

Answering a question, she did not rule out the possibility Mr Zardari contesting for a NA seat in a by-election. However, she said Mr Zardari was not trying to lead the parliamentary party. “Nothing is final as yet as extensive meetings are being held currently in the Zardari house here to set the future agenda of the PPP,” she said.