Sharif, an outspoken critic of Musharraf, who ousted him from power in 1999, had said he wanted to keep all options open.

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We keep all options open and the play-offs are possible.

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"I keep all my options open, " he said.

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Though he has set aggressive green goals, he wisely chooses to keep all domestic energy options open.

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"I asked Mars to explore all options to try and keep the factory open, but I'm afraid the decision has been taken, " he said.

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After all a First Minister without a majority needs to keep his options open.

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