Zardari considers himself strongest candidate to replace Mush

has rejected a proposal by President Pervez Musharraf to remain as a figurehead without any power and considers himself to be the strongest candidate to replace the ex-army chief, aleading U.K. daily claimed today.

In a last ditch effort to stay in the office, yesterday night Musharraf "offered to remain as a figurehead without anypower," The Daily Telegraph said.

However, Zardari rejected the proposal, saying thatMusharraf should resign or face impeachment.

The talks are at the final stage and Musharraf sought assurances that if he resigns he would be granted immunity from prosecution and receive high-status security, a seniorP.P.P. official said.

"Well-wishers are trying to ensure that matters are settled amicably through discussions rather than going through a long, protracted impeachment process," a Musharraf loyalistTariq Azeem said.

Asked if Musharraf had decided to resign, he replied, "There are people who are advising him to avoid confrontation but I don't think he has made up his mind." Azim said the President's possible resignation, with legal protections, was an option, as was the idea of strippingdown the presidency to a figurehead role.

Quoting P.P.P. officials, the daily said, "Zardari regards himself as the strongest candidate to replace Musharraf." The newspaper also quoted Rashid Qureshi, Musharraf's spokesman, dismissing reports of the President's imminent resignation as "baseless and malicious rumours". PTI HSR AMT