The recent failure of talks between the two major political parties over restoration of judges has caused uncertainty in the minds of the public. Our prime minister admits that the judges have to be restored, only the method of restoration needs to be worked out. On the other hand Nawaz Sharif states that the Murree Declaration spells out everything in clear terms. The misunderstandings between the two leaders is not in the interest of smooth functioning of democracy in the country. The internal and external interferences can prove to be disastrous. Shuttle diplomacy of US officials is an indication that our elected representatives are being subjected to undue pressure from external sources. People strongly resent this and condemn outside dictates in no uncertain terms. -MOHAMMAD AFZAL SADIQ, Attock, via e-mail, May 16.