Bush condemns 'cowardly act by murderous extremists'

The United States, Russia and other countries were quick to condemn the suicide attack that killed Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto on Thursday, with Russia stressing the danger of wider violence and Canada deploring an "especially heinous" attack on democracy.

U.S. President George W. Bush makes a statement on the death of Benazir Bhutto Thursday.
(CBC)

In a brief statement at his Texas ranch, U.S. President George W. Bush offered condolences to all Pakistanis.

"The United States strongly condemns this cowardly act by murderous extremists who are trying to undermine Pakistan's democracy," he said. "Those who committed this crime must be brought to justice."

Bush added: "We stand with the people of Pakistan in their struggle against the forces of terror and extremism and urge them to honour Benazir Bhutto's memory by continuing with the democratic process for which she so bravely gave her life."

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov told the Itar-Tass news agency that Bhutto's killing will "trigger a wave of terrorism."

"An act of terror is a bad sign," he said. "We hereby offer our condolences."

News services also quoted a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Mikhail Kamynin, as saying: "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."

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier denounced what he called "this attack on the restoration of Pakistan's efforts to return to full democracy."

"Today's violence is especially heinous in view of the upcoming elections on January 8, 2008," he said in a statement. "The antidemocratic intent of the perpetrators could not be more obvious.

"I urge the government and people of Pakistan to continue to reject all forms of violence and to resist those who seek to destabilize their country. Stability in Pakistan is vital for democracy, regional stability and security."

Bernier, who is spending the holidays in his riding of Beauce, said Canada extends deepest condolences to the Bhutto family, the families of other victims of the attack and the Pakistani people.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper joined the chorus of condemnation and condolence while passing through Calgary International Airport Thursday afternoon.

"This was an abhorrent act of terror and we hope that [the] government of Pakistan will act to bring the perpetrators to justice," Harper said.

"And this cannot be allowed to permit any delay in the return of Pakistan to full democracy, something the people of Pakistan have been waiting for for far too long."

Liberal foreign affairs critic Bob Rae called Bhutto "one of the important forces in the history of the country — somebody who was very committed to a secular Pakistan, somebody who was very committed to equality between women and men and to creating the conditions for a democratic and plural Pakistan."

Her assassination "is clearly a tragedy for many people in the [Pakistani-Canadian] community here, who I think understand the significance of her death," he said.

Calls for restraint

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said he was "shocked and outraged" by the assassination.

"This represents an assault on stability in Pakistan and its democratic processes," he said in a statement. "I strongly condemn this heinous crime and call for the perpetrators to be brought to justice as soon as possible."

Moon, too, offered condolences to Bhutto’s family, her colleagues and the people of Pakistan.

"While strongly urging for calm and restraint to be maintained at this difficult time, I call on all Pakistanis to work together for peace and national unity," he said.

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband called for restraint in Pakistan, saying he was "deeply shocked" by the killing.

"Benazir Bhutto showed in her words and actions a deep commitment to her country," he said in a statement posted on his ministry's website. "She knew the risks of her return to campaign but was convinced that her country needed her.

"This is a time for restraint but also unity. All those committed to a stable future for Pakistan will condemn without qualification all violence perpetrated against innocent people.

"In targeting Benazir Bhutto, extremist groups have in their sights all those committed to democratic processes in Pakistan. They cannot and must not succeed."

Britain's large Pakistani community "will be gravely concerned about these latest developments," Miliband added.

"Let me reassure them that the U.K. government will continue to work with all those who want to build a peaceful and democratic Pakistan."

French politicians joined in the condemnation of the attack.

François Hollande, first secretary of France's Socialist party, denounced the "despicable" attack and praised the assassinated leader.

'Courage and tenacity'

"The courage and tenacity displayed by Mrs. Bhutto since her return from exile must remain an example to all Pakistanis who are fighting hard for freedom and democracy," he said.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai, one of the last foreigners to meet with Bhutto, called her a brave woman with a clear vision "for her own country, for Afghanistan and for the region."

He said she told him she hoped for peace, democracy and good relations for Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Associated Press reported.

The Afghan leader met with Bhutto on a two-day trip to Pakistan, where he met with President Pervez Musharraf Wednesday.

In Bangladesh, a senior official called the attack "an unpardonable crime that has shocked the world," China's Xinhua news agency reported.

Fakhruddin Ahmed, chief adviser to the military-backed Bangladesh government, issued a message of condolence, saying the government and people of Bangladesh mourn with their Pakistani brethren.

With files from the Associated Press