Two interim formulas

WE now have two prescriptions to resolve the existing political impasse. We thank both the AL and the BNP for coming out with respective formulas to tide over the current political impasse. Both formulas address the issue of pro tem arrangement that would oversee the conduct of the next parliamentary elections. Admittedly, there is a degree of novelty in Begum Zia's formula.
The two formulas have provided the two parties with an opportunity to engage in discussions, something which till now had seemed extremely remote. We do not want to dilate on the merits and demerits of the two proposals, but cannot emphasise more on the need for the two parties to engage immediately in discussions and use the two formulas as starting points. We have had enough of brinkmanship and irresponsible behaviour from the two.
This is not the time to spilt hairs. We are sure that the imperative of dialogue is not lost on the two parties either. The country has had enough of hostility over the issue of the next parliamentary elections. We can no longer endure another spate of shutdowns and seiges and disruptions in public life. This is an opportunity to deliver the people from a feeling of uncertainty that they have been gripped with so far.
What the AL and BNP must be aware of is that the public hold them responsible for bringing the country to the brink of chaos. The window of opportunity to avert a violent situation must be seized without delay.