|
New Delhi, Moscow, Paris: World leaders condemned the assassination of Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto and said the tragedy would deal a blow to the democratic process.
"In her death the subcontinent has lost an outstanding leader who worked for democracy and reconciliation in her country," said Sanjaya Baru, spokesman for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
"It is equally sad that this happened when the people of Pakistan were looking up to her," junior Indian foreign minister Anand Sharma told the NDTV news channel.
"It is a terrible blow to the democratic process, and no words are adequate to condemn this abominable act," he said. "We offer our condolences to her bereaved family members but also to her friends and supporters at this hour of their grief."
Russia condemned the killing and called on the authorities to ensure stability.
"We firmly condemn this terrorist act, we express our condolences to Benazir Bhutto's relatives and loved ones, and we hope that the Pakistani leadership will manage to take necessary steps to ensure stability in the country," Foreign Ministry spokesman Mikhail Kamynin said.
"It will probably unleash a wave of terrorism," Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov was quoted by ITAR-TASS news agency as saying.
"We think this is a dangerous development that will add to the instability ahead of elections in Pakistan," Losyukov said.
Anatoly Safonov, an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin said the assassination was "extremely worrying" and could destabilise Pakistan. "It's clear that a powerful factor has been added to an already not very calm situation in Pakistan, which could radically change the situation in the country," Safonov said.
France described the killing as an "odious act".
A statement said that Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner "expresses his deep emotion following the attack which has cost the life of Benazir Bhutto, whom he knew personally."
"He presents his condolences to her family, to the victims of this attack and to the Pakistani people. He strongly condemns this odious act. He salutes the memory of Mrs Bhutto, an eminent figure in Pakistani politics," the statement said.
"He reaffirms our country's attachment to Pakistan's stability and its democracy, which should be at the centre of attention for the whole international community," it said.
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said he was "deeply shocked" by the death of Benazir Bhutto and called for "restraint but also unity".
He said the Pakistani opposition leader knew the risks of returning to her homeland from exile earlier this year but "was convinced that her country needed her."
'Dear friend of UAE'
Abu Dhabi: The UAE yesterday strongly condemned the assassination of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and urged the people to stick together in the face of terrorism.
Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, said the UAE was shocked at the great loss, which not only affected Pakistan but the UAE as well.
"The late leader was a dear friend of the UAE, and had distinguished human relations with the country for many years," Shaikh Abdullah said.
"Words fail to express our strong condemnation of this cowardly criminal act and our bereavement at the loss of Benazir Bhutto," he added.
He called on the family of Bhutto to maintain their patience and solidarity and urged the people to put differences aside to protect their nation from its enemies, whose aim is to undermine the country's unity and stability.
Shaikh Abdullah offered the UAE's warmest condolences to Bhutto's family and the Pakistani people for their great loss.
- WAM
|
