SECRETARY-GENERAL ‘SHOCKED AND OUTRAGED’ BY BHUTTO ASSASSINATION

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s statement on Pakistan:

I am shocked and outraged by the assassination of Ms. Benazir Bhutto, the leader of the Pakistan People’s Party and former Prime Minister.  This represents an assault on stability in Pakistan and its democratic processes.  I strongly condemn this heinous crime and call for the perpetrators to be brought to justice as soon as possible.  I convey my heartfelt condolences to Ms. Bhutto’s family, her colleagues and to 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.

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For information media • not an official record