International reaction to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto
Encyclopedia
The international reaction to the assassination of
Benazir Bhutto
consisted of universal condemnation across the international community
, including Pakistan's regional neighbors Afghanistan
, China
, India
, Bangladesh
, and Iran
. Indian Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh
praised Bhutto's efforts for the improvement of India-Pakistan relations. The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting and unanimously condemned the assassination, a call echoed by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
. Both European Union
President
José Manuel Barroso and U.S. President
George W. Bush
also expressed the hope that Pakistan will continue on the path of democracy.
strongly condemned the assassination, saying: "We condemn this assassination and terrorist act, and pray for God Almighty to bless her soul."
– European Commission President
José Manuel Barroso condemned the assassination as "an attack against democracy and against Pakistan," and "[hopes] that Pakistan will remain firmly on track for return to democratic civilian rule." First Vice President
Margot Wallström
said, "In a region of such global importance, Benazir's was a rare woman's voice speaking out for democracy and against violence. Much of her life was spent working for these values. I am saddened by this loss and send condolences to her family and to the people of Pakistan. I hope that democracy will prevail there and that the country will remain on track for a return to democratic civilian rule."
– Secretary General Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu
"condemned in strongest terms the outrageous and brutal murder of the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and leader of Pakistan People's Party, Ms. Benazir Bhutto in a shocking suicide attack in Rawalpindi
."
– Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon
said: "I strongly condemn this heinous crime and call for the perpetrators to be brought to justice as soon as possible. This represents an assault on stability in Pakistan and its democratic processes." The Security Council
held an emergency meeting and unanimously condemned the assassination.
– Spokesman Mustafa Abu al-Yazid was quoted in Philippine media saying that "we terminated the most precious American asset who vowed to defeat the mujahideen
."
However, a spokesman for Al-Qaeda-linked Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan
leader Baitullah Mehsud
was quoted the following day as saying, "I strongly deny it. Tribal people
have their own customs. We don't strike women."
– Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit
"conveyed deep condolences to the bereaved family of Benazir Bhutto, her party workers, government and people of Pakistan.."
– President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf released a statement, saying that she was "deeply disturbed and saddened by the events in Pakistan."
– The Foreign Ministry
released a statement condemning the "odious terrorist operation" and affirming its "staunch opposition to all that is likely to jeopardize security and peace in Pakistani society".
– King Mohammed VI
condemned the assassination in a message to Musharraf, describing Bhutto as "one of illustrious leaders [of Pakistan] both in the Government and in the opposition."
– A Foreign Affairs Ministry statement called on the Pakistani authorities to "ensure that those who have carried this pre-meditated and cowardly killing are brought to justice." It also offered condolences to the families of Bhutto and those who were killed in the blast.
– President
Umaru Yar'Adua urged Bhutto's family, the Pakistani government and her supporters "to take solace in the knowledge that she died in active pursuit of her vision of true democracy for her country, and that in death, she has become an eternal martyr to the cause she believed in with all her heart."
– Foreign Affairs
spokesman Ronnie Mamoepa said, "Clearly South Africa is saddened by the news of the murder of Benazir Bhutto and condemns unequivocally this outrageous act of violence...We call on the Pakistani people do everything in their power, to leave no stone unturned to find the perpetrators of this dastardly act."
– The Foreign Affairs Ministry released a statement that strongly denounced the assassination, expressing "regret over the Pakistani official's slaying."
– Foreign Affairs Minister Isaac Musumba said, "It is very deplorable and very pathetic. We thought that democracy was finally having its day in Pakistan. The murder of Bhutto and other people shows that terrorism must continue to be fought relentlessly and without compromise."
Hamid Karzai
condemned "the act of cowardice and immense brutality in the strongest possible terms." He praised Bhutto for "having sacrificed her life for the sake of Pakistan and for the sake of this region."
– The government denounced the assassination, saying that "[it] extends its sincere condolences to Bhutto’s family and all the Pakistani people" and calling for "self-restraint."
– Prime Minister
Fakhruddin Ahmed
condemned the attack, stating that "it was an unpardonable crime that has shocked the world. The government and people of Bangladesh mourned this tragedy with their Pakistani brethren." Major political parties also condemned the assassination. In a statement, Awami League Acting President Zillur Rahman
urged "pro-democratic and progressive forces to stand united against this heinous killing". He added that Bhutto "will serve as an inspiration to the democratic politics of South Asia".
- Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah
"expressed shock" and condemned Bhutto's assassination. He also conveyed his deepest condolences and profound respects to the people of Pakistan and to the family and friends of the late Benazir Bhutto.
- Prime Minister
Hun Sen
condemned the assassination, calling it "coward terrorism", and said that her killing was "a serious problem in Pakistan". He also expressed his condolences to Bhutto's family and called for all political parties in Pakistan to solve matters patiently.
– A Foreign Ministry
spokesperson Qin Gang said that China was "shocked at the killing of Pakistan's opposition leader Benazir Bhutto" and "strongly condemns the terrorist attack."
– Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh
said he was "deeply shocked and horrified to hear of the heinous assassination of Mrs. Benazir Bhutto. Mrs. Bhutto was no ordinary political leader, but one who left a deep imprint on her time and age. Her contributions to a previous moment of hope in India–Pakistan relations
, and her intent to break India Pakistan relations out of the sterile patterns of the past, were exemplary. In her death, the South Asia has lost an outstanding leader who worked for democracy and reconciliation in her country. The manner of her going is a reminder of the common dangers that our region faces from cowardly acts of terrorism and of the need to eradicate this dangerous threat. My heartfelt condolences go to her family and the people of Pakistan who have suffered a grievous blow." Foreign Minister
Pranab Mukherjee
said he "heard with shock and horror of the death of Mrs. Benazir Bhutto," whose "contributions to democracy, to the improvement of India–Pakistan relations, and to the restoration of normalcy within Pakistan will be an inspiration. Mrs. Bhutto was a brave and outstanding woman leader of the South Asia. That she should fall to a barbarous terrorist attack is particularly tragic, and should strengthen our resolve to fight this scourge."
– President
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
said, "...he was shocked and condemned the terrorists". He expressed a hope that such a fatal accident will not harm democracy in Pakistan, which is now unstable especially towards its general elections which will be held on January 15, 2008. He also said that "the incident had dealt a serious blow to the transition of democracy."
– Foreign Minister
, Manouchehr Mottaki
expressed the deep sympathy of the Iranian nation and government and said he hoped that the Pakistani government would try and track down the culprits behind this crime against Bhutto and a number of innocent people who were present at the scene when a gunman fatally shot her and set off a bomb. A Foreign Affairs Ministry
spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini
said that "we hope the Pakistani government will identify and bring to justice those behind such a criminal act and restore tranquility to the country," and that "the Pakistan government should use all efforts to identify the terrorist group which caused this incident and punish them to prevent terrorist groups from finding opportunities to undertake such actions again."
– President
Jalal Talabani
called on the world to unite against the "cancer of terrorism".
– President
Shimon Peres
praised Bhutto, saying "[she] was a brave woman who did not conceal her opinions, knew no fear, and served her nation with unusual bravery and ability. She was an immeasurably charismatic leader and a warrior for peace in her land and all the world." President Peres hailed Bhutto as a "courageous woman" and said he was "shocked" by the news of her assassination. Deputy and Foreign Affairs Minister
Tzipi Livni
issued the following statement: "We convey our condolences to the people of Pakistan and to the families of the victims. Benazir Bhutto was a well-known leader in Pakistan and in the international community who demonstrated brave leadership for her people. Israel expresses the hope that Pakistan will continue along the path of reconciliation, moderation and democracy." Ambassador to the United Nations
Dan Gillerman
said that in the weeks prior to her assassination, Bhutto had expressed fear of being killed by extremist elements in Pakistan in emails she sent to him.
– Foreign Affairs Minister
Masahiko Kōmura
condemned the attack, saying that "it is absolutely unacceptable to try to solve something by the means of violence."
– King Abdullah II
, in a message to Musharraf, condemned the assassination and expressed Jordan's "support to Pakistan" to overcome the consequences of this incident.
– Cabinet Affairs Minister Faisal Mohammad Al-Hajji said, "The State of Kuwait strongly condemns the vicious terrorist act which targeted the convoy of Mrs. Benazir Bhutto", and also said that Kuwait expresses sympathies for families of Bhutto and all those who were killed.
– Prime Minister Fouad Siniora
said that "Lebanon was shocked by the news of the assassination of former Prime Minister and leader of the Pakistan People's Party Ms. Benazir Bhutto", adding that "on behalf of the Lebanese people we denounce, condemn and deplore the assassination."
– Prime Minister
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
extended his deepest condolences to the families of Bhutto and the others who were killed. He also said, "The resort to extremism and violence is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated anywhere at any time. The perpetrators must be brought to justice." He added, "I hope the people in Pakistan will remain calm and I pray that the situation in Pakistan will soon stabilise."
- President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
condemned the attack and extended his condolences to the Pakistani Government, citizens and the families of Bhutto and the others who were killed. He said, " The government and people of the Maldives join me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to you, and your Government and to the brotherly people of Pakistan, at this time of distress and sorrow. Mrs. Bhutto had served Pakistan for many years, and during her years as Prime Minister, played an important role in regional and world affairs. She was also a very good friend of the Maldives."
– Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala
said he was "shocked to hear the murder of Bhutto."
– President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
condemned the assassination, saying "We mourn with the nation of Pakistan over the deaths of Benazir Bhutto and others killed in the shooting and bomb attack in Rawalpindi. We strongly condemn this unmitigated, senseless atrocity, even as we convey our sympathies to the followers of former Prime Minister Bhutto and the families of those who perished. Whoever perpetrated it, this attack is an assault on democracy. The Philippines joins hands with the entire civilized world in solidarity against such mindless barbarity and in unwavering defense of peace, freedom, law and order." Arroyo called on the international community to join hands in preserving peace and order and democracy.
– King Abdullah
stated that the assassins were "wicked murderers who are distant from Islam and morals."
– The Foreign Affairs Ministry
released a statement saying that Singapore "is shocked and horrified at the suicide bomb attack" and strongly condemns the murders. The heads of state and government also sent condolence letters to Bhutto's family.
– A Foreign Ministry
statement said: "The (South Korean) government cannot hide its bitter shock over the death of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was killed by terrorists on Thursday while on an election campaign, and it offers its sincerest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our government condemns any type of terrorist acts."
– A Foreign Affairs Ministry
statement described Bhutto as a South Asian leader who "successfully stood up for democracy", adding that "this brutal assassination underlines the need for the absolute commitment to fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, in order to make it unacceptable in civilized society."
– A Government
spokesman said, "The Syrian government and people...express sincere condolences to the family of Ms. Bhutto, the Pakistan People's Party and the Pakistani government and the confidence that Pakistan will be able to overcome the difficult conditions."
– Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont
condemned the assassination of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, branding the act as deplorable. A statement issued by Foreign Ministry Spokesman Tharit Charungvat said, "Thailand was deeply shocked and saddened by the deplorable act which led to the deaths of Mrs Benazir Bhutto and several other innocent bystanders. Thailand condemns all forms of terrorist and extremist acts and calls on all parties to react with restraint and work together for the stability of Pakistan."
– Foreign Affairs Minister Abdallah Bin Zayid Al Nahyan stated: "The UAE has been tormented by this huge loss which did not hit Pakistan only, but also affected the UAE."
- The Foreign Affairs Ministry
released a statement saying that Vietnam "strongly condemns the brutal terrorist attack" and "hope that...the instigators will be severely punished".
– A Government
official called the assassination a "sinful attack" and "strongly condemned this distressing terrorist act, which was intended to destabilize the security of Pakistan and its national unity."
– Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik
was "shocked and disgusted" by the murder of Benazir Bhutto. Adding that Pakistan "lost a courageous fighter for the country's return to a pluralist democracy."
– President
Ilham Aliyev
said, "This tragic event confirms once again the need for mobilization of all forces in order to fight terrorism and for joint efforts against this calamity, which is a source of constant threat to humankind" and expressed his "deepest condolences to the people of Pakistan, as well as to the families of those killed."
– Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt
said, "This is not only an attack on the life of a former prime minister and present opposition leader. This is yet another attack on the democratic process in Pakistan." Foreign Minister
Karel De Gucht
issued a similar condemnation, saying that, "extreme forces are strengthening their actions to destabilize the country and put it into chaos."
- President Alexander Lukashenko
expressed his condolences to the people of Pakistan, President Musharraf, and to the families of those who were killed. President Lukashenko described the incident as a terrorist attack that took the life of the "well-known policy maker" Benazir Bhutto.
– A Foreign Ministry statement has strongly condemned the terrorist act and said “Bulgaria extended its deepest condolences to Bhutto's family.”
– President
Stjepan Mesic
has condemned the killing of Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, stating, “terrorism is one of the greatest evils the modern world is faced with and which should be battled with joint efforts”.
– Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek
sharply denounced the attack, saying he "hopes the crime will not trigger an avalanche of further violent acts." President Václav Klaus
said the hatred behind the attack is a "threat to civilization".
– Foreign Minister
Per Stig Møller
said: "It is terrible and a tragedy for Pakistani society, because there was a real hope of reforms and democratization conjoined with her return to Pakistan and with the election on January 8. It is also an attack against that process, as the people who did this do not want reforms and democracy."
– Prime Minister
Matti Vanhanen
said, “Benazir Bhutto made a brave return to her homeland to take part in free elections and to promote democracy. Her tragic death is a setback to democracy and speaks in a shocking way about the internal confrontations of Pakistan.”
– President
Nicolas Sarkozy
"condemned the odious act with the greatest severity," stating that "terrorism and violence have no place in the democratic debate and in the combat of ideas and programmes. More than ever it is necessary for the [Pakistani] legislative elections to take place in conditions of pluralism, transparency and security." Foreign Affairs Minister
Bernard Kouchner
referred to the assassination as an "odious act" that "reaffirms France's commitment to the stability of Pakistan and its democracy."
– Chancellor Angela Merkel
stated that the "cowardly act underscored the need to continue the fight against terrorism and support those who suffer its consequences." Foreign Minister
Frank-Walter Steinmeier
commented that Bhutto's death was a "severe blow to everyone in Pakistan who is fighting for democracy".
– Foreign Minister
Dora Bakoyannis
said, "Greece condemns the terrorist attack in the most categorical way that, just two weeks ahead of the Parliamentary elections in Pakistan, has led to this tragic loss." She called Bhutto "a leading international personality who struggled steadfastly for democracy, peace, respect for human dignity and reconciliation in her country," and stated that “we are watching the events with great concern, at the same time expressing the wish and the hope that this country will follow the path towards the construction of a democratic regime. This will also constitute the sole vindication of the tragic sacrifice of Benazir Bhutto."
– Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Lajos Szelestey said, "Hungary strongly condemns all forms of terrorism". He called the attack which resulted in the murder of Bhutto and dozens of others "an unjustifiable crime, which will seriously hamper the democratization process of Pakistan and will render the elections in January more difficult".
– President
Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson
said Bhutto was "an admired leader that warned against terrorism and extremists' views, highly educated and broadminded, full of energy."
– Describing herself as “shocked and saddened,” President
Mary McAleese
said, “On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Ireland, I send my deepest condolences to her family and to the people of Pakistan and especially to those members of the Pakistan community here in Ireland.” Prime Minister
Bertie Ahern
said, “Ms Bhutto and her party have been campaigning heavily in the run-up to the parliamentary elections due to be held in less than two weeks, an election which will provide all of the people of Pakistan with an opportunity to secure democracy for their country. It is my sincere hope that this appalling attack will not prevent the Pakistani people from achieving that objective.” Foreign Affairs Minister
Dermot Ahern
said he was "...deeply shocked by the assassination". He also called upon the Pakistani authorities to do their utmost to ensure that Pakistan continues on its path back to democracy
– Prime Minister Romano Prodi
said, in a statement, "I express my sadness and that of the whole government following the death of Benazir Bhutto, a woman who wanted to fight her battle until the end with just one weapon—that of dialogue and political discussion. I condemn with great indignation the blind rage of terror which has again seen blood spilled and brought pain to Pakistan, a country already too often martyred by fanaticism. The difficult path towards peace and democracy in this region should not be abandoned and the sacrifice of the former prime minister… should be the strongest example for those who do not give up in the face of terrorism." Foreign Affairs Minister
Massimo D'Alema
said, "I absolutely condemn this barbaric act of violence which, in striking at Pakistan just days before elections, places serious question marks against the complex and difficult path towards democracy."
– Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker
described the assassination as a "deeply contemptible act."
– Foreign Minister Michael Frendo
said, "The killing of Benazir Bhutto is an attack on democracy and on secular politics in Pakistan. We express our solidarity with the people of Pakistan at this moment of loss."
– Foreign Affairs Minister
Maxime Verhagen
expressed his disgust over of the bombing. On behalf of the Dutch Cabinet
he stated the bomb attack is a huge blow for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan.
– Prime Minister
Jens Stoltenberg
said, "It is with sadness that we have received the news of the murder of the former Prime Minister. We condemn the attack as a serious atrocity against the process of reestablishing democracy in Pakistan. Bhutto was a controversial, but a brave to reestablish the democracy in Pakistan, and she was in the middle of the process when she was killed. Her death is a terrible blow on this process." He also said it was important that "the despicable act would not halt the reforms in Pakistan."
– Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski condemned the assassination and added that he hopes that killing will not affect next year's elections.
– President
Aníbal Cavaco Silva
condemned the "tragic attacks" that killed the former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, describing the killing as a "heinous act". He also expressed "deep sorrow and solidarity" to the president and people of Pakistan.
– The Foreign Affairs Ministry "firmly condemned" the attack, "expressed [their] condolences to Benazir Bhutto's relatives and loved ones" and "hoped that the Pakistani leadership will manage to take necessary steps to ensure stability in the country." In a statement addressed to Pervez Musharraf, President Vladimir Putin
expressed his condolences to friends and relatives of the victims as well as hope that the perpetrators will be found and punished. He also commented that "[f]orces of terrorism are challenging not only Pakistan, but the international community".
– Prime Minister
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero
said: "I want to express the most firm condemnation at the savage terrorist attack carried out in Rawalpindi."
– Foreign Minister
Carl Bildt
said in a press conference about an hour after the murder that he felt both disgusted and angry for what had happened, and also worried over the further consequences.
– The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
released a statement strongly condemning the attack. It called on Pakistani authorities and all concerned actors to maintain the country's stability and to continue pursuing the democratic process.
– Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
expressed his sorrow over Bhutto's demise during a phone conversation with Musharraf. Erdoğan, who strongly condemned the terrorist attack, also said that he hoped such attack would not hamper the democratization process in Pakistan. President
Abdullah Gül
, who met Bhutto during a visit to Pakistan earlier that month, called on the international community to assist Pakistan in this "critical" time as it prepares for parliamentary elections. Gül said: "They should own up to their country and make sure there is no more bloodshed".
– Speaker of Parliament
Arseniy Yatsenyuk
, after the parliament had held a minute’s silence, stated that Parliament
"wished to extend its condolences to the family of the deceased (Bhutto), and to the Pakistani people for their loss." Ukraine's Foreign Ministry called for an objective and detailed investigation of the assassination of Pakistan's opposition leader Benazir Bhutto.
– Prime Minister
Gordon Brown
stated, "Benazir Bhutto may have been killed by terrorists but the terrorists must not be allowed to kill democracy in Pakistan and this atrocity strengthens our resolve that terrorists will not win there, here or anywhere in the world." Brown further stated those responsible were "cowards, afraid of democracy" and that the British government would "work with all in the Pakistani community in Britain and elsewhere in the world, so that we can have a peaceful, and safe, and democratic Pakistan." Foreign Secretary
David Miliband
released a statement saying, "In targeting Benazir Bhutto, extremist groups have in their sights all those committed to democratic processes in Pakistan. They cannot and must not succeed. This is a time for restraint but also unity," also stating that he was "deeply shocked." Justice Secretary Jack Straw
added in his statement, "The sense of grief at her senseless killing will I know be shared not just by Pakistani communities across the world but by everyone, because this terrorism is an attack on us all, regardless of race, religion or party. We will ensure that it is defeated."
– Secretary of State
Tarcisio Bertone expressed the sadness of Pope Benedict XVI
, saying that "the Holy Father expresses sentiments of deep sympathy and spiritual closeness to the members of her family and to the entire Pakistani nation. He prays that further violence will be avoided and that every effort will be made to build a climate of respect and trust, which are so necessary if good order is to be maintained in society and if the country's political institutions are to operate effectively." Spokesman Federico Lombardi
said that "this attack shows how extremely difficult it is to pacify a nation so wrought by violence." He also said that the Vatican "share[s] the sadness of the Pakistani population."
said, "Her assassination has left much of the world in a state of shock and grave concern for the future of Pakistan, the region and the world."
– Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier
issued the statement: "Canada condemns in the strongest terms 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. The anti-democratic 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 regional stability and security. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Benazir Bhutto, to the families of the other victims of today’s attack, and to the Pakistani people. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time." Prime Minister
Stephen Harper
later added to reporters at a press meeting in Calgary: "We condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms. This was an abhorrent act of terror. We hope that the government of Pakistan will act to bring the perpetrators to justice".
– Prime Minister
Bruce Golding
expressed shock and outrage at the assassination and expressed the hope that "the Pakistani people will find lasting peace within a framework of democracy, tolerance and mutual respect."
– Foreign Affairs Secretary
Patricia Espinosa
"energetically condemned" the event, reaffirmed Mexico's rejection of "terrorism in all its forms and the loss of innocent people's lives", and expressed their "deepest condolences to Benazir Bhutto's relatives and the families of the 20 other victims, as well as to the people and authorities of Pakistan."
– The Foreign Affairs Ministry released a statement, saying that "the Government and people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago express the deepest sympathy to the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and family members of former Prime Minister Ms Benazir Ali Bhutto, political leader of the Pakistan People’s Party, on the tragic incident which resulted in her untimely demise and that of innocent civilians", adding that "the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago strongly condemns this act and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to international efforts to eradicate terrorism."
– President
George Bush
strongly condemned the assassination, urging her killers to be brought to justice. Bush condemned the assassination as a "cowardly act by murderous extremists," and encouraged Pakistan to "honor Benazir Bhutto's memory by continuing with the democratic process for which she so bravely gave her life." Bush also offered some strong praise of Bhutto, noting that "she knew that her return to Pakistan earlier this year put her life at risk. Yet she refused to let assassins to dictate the course of her country." Speaker of the House
Nancy Pelosi
said, "The brutal assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto is a tragic setback for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan. Her courageous return to Pakistan this year gave hope to all those concerned by efforts to extinguish rule of law there." Senate Majority Leader
Harry Reid
said, "It is important, when faced with the violence and loss of innocent life over the last few days, that political leaders show a commitment to resolve but also restraint. Extremists must be brought to justice, but extremism must not undermine commitment to the rule of law, to human rights, and to democracy." At another press briefing at around 13:00 EST on December 27, a State Department
spokesman asserted that "some kind of postponement or delay" in Pakistan’s democratic process would be "a victory" for "the extremists" who were responsible for Benazir Bhutto's assassination. He also asserted that "perhaps the best antidote to extremism is the continuation of the democratic process." He called for a "credible and transparent" investigation of the attack, and alluded to the "broad international outrage" about the incident. He also said that Bush spoke with Musharraf at 13:15 EST. Ambassador to the United Nations
Zalmay Khalilzad
, while describing Bhutto as a “courageous figure”, said that “The world has much at stake in the success of Pakistan's democratic institutions. It's a great tragedy because she stood for moderation, for rule of law, for democracy in her country, and her death is a loss for the cause of moderation, democracy, and rule of law for Pakistan. She was clear-headed about the problems of her country, the challenges that she faced — even the security challenges she faced." Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice
said in a statement,"We extend our sincere condolences to the Bhutto family and to the families of others who were killed and wounded in the attack. We condemn in the strongest terms possible this cowardly and murderous attack."
Kevin Rudd
urged restraint, saying "Benazir Bhutto showed great courage and defiance in her resistance to extremism. I urge all parties in Pakistan to act with restraint and to work for a return to a peaceful democratic process. It is my hope that a democratic Pakistan will be Benazir Bhutto's legacy."
– Finance Minister
Mahendra Chaudhry
said, "Ms. Bhutto was, in recent times, a beacon of hope for the millions of Pakistani people who aspired for a free, fair and democratic Pakistan. It is a real tragedy that Ms Bhutto has not been allowed to realise her vision for Pakistan and the rest of the world."
– Prime Minister
Helen Clark
said she was deeply shocked and saddened saying "Benazir Bhutto showed great courage in returning to Pakistan to contest the election. She had survived attempts on her life and was acutely aware of the dangers she faced in returning to campaign for the elections. Her death is a great loss to Pakistan and to the region. My sympathies go out to her immediate family, political colleagues, and to the people of Pakistan for their terrible loss."
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner
condemned "energetically the awful attack that (...) took the life of Benazir Bhutto. The Argentine government wishes to express its deepest condolences to the Bhutto family, as well to the other victims' families and the whole people of Pakistan".
– The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a letter to UN asking for an investigation of the assassination. In name of President
Evo Morales
it expressed Bolivia's condemnation of the attack.
– President
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
condemned the attacks and spoke of his "great pain and indignation" at the violence. Later, in a statement, Lula da Silva reaffirmed his "firm rejection to the use of violence in political life" and extended his condolences "to the families of the victims and the Pakistani nation" in the name of the Brazilian Government
.
– President
Michelle Bachelet
condemned the assassination and paid tribute to Bhutto. The Foreign Affairs Ministry expressed deep consternation at the loss of Bhutto and condemned the events as "terrorist acts." The ministry also expressed its hope that "this event does not dim the opening process towards a total democracy and the national reconciliation."
– The Foreign Affairs Ministry sent an official message conveying the condolences of the government and people of Guyana and hoped "peace and stability will prevail."
– The Foreign Affairs Ministry
issued a statement expressing its rejection of "acts of violence and the loss of human life", repudiating "acts of terrorism in any of its manifestations", and "[sending] to the Bhutto family, to the families of other victims, as well as to the people and authorities of Pakistan, its sincere condolences."
– President Alan García stated at the Casa de Pizarro
that "Peru
reaffirms its absolute opposition to terrorism, which must firmly be fought with total respect to human rights and democratic liberties." Garcia expressed the condolences of the Peru
vian people to Bhutto's family and hoped that Pakistan
would soon find order. It was also revealed that García was a close friend of Bhutto, according to a Chancellorship
note.
– President Hugo Chávez
said, "We received the news with great pain, and I hope this is never repeated ever again, anywhere."
Assassination of Benazir Bhutto
The assassination of Benazir Bhutto occurred on 27 December 2007 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Bhutto, twice Prime Minister of Pakistan and then-leader of the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party, had been campaigning ahead of elections due in January 2008...
Benazir Bhutto
Benazir Bhutto
Benazir Bhutto was a democratic socialist who served as the 11th Prime Minister of Pakistan in two non-consecutive terms from 1988 until 1990 and 1993 until 1996....
consisted of universal condemnation across the international community
International community
The international community is a term used in international relations to refer to all peoples, cultures and governments of the world or to a group of them. The term is used to imply the existence of common duties and obligations between them...
, including Pakistan's regional neighbors Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
, China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Bangladesh , officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh is a sovereign state located in South Asia. It is bordered by India on all sides except for a small border with Burma to the far southeast and by the Bay of Bengal to the south...
, and Iran
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
. Indian Prime Minister
Prime Minister of India
The Prime Minister of India , as addressed to in the Constitution of India — Prime Minister for the Union, is the chief of government, head of the Council of Ministers and the leader of the majority party in parliament...
Manmohan Singh
Manmohan Singh
Manmohan Singh is the 13th and current Prime Minister of India. He is the only Prime Minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to return to power after completing a full five-year term. A Sikh, he is the first non-Hindu to occupy the office. Singh is also the 7th Prime Minister belonging to the Indian...
praised Bhutto's efforts for the improvement of India-Pakistan relations. The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting and unanimously condemned the assassination, a call echoed by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
Ban Ki-moon
Ban Ki-moon is the eighth and current Secretary-General of the United Nations, after succeeding Kofi Annan in 2007. Before going on to be Secretary-General, Ban was a career diplomat in South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in the United Nations. He entered diplomatic service the year he...
. Both European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
President
President of the European Commission
The President of the European Commission is the head of the European Commission ― the executive branch of the :European Union ― the most powerful officeholder in the EU. The President is responsible for allocating portfolios to members of the Commission and can reshuffle or dismiss them if needed...
José Manuel Barroso and U.S. President
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
also expressed the hope that Pakistan will continue on the path of democracy.
International organizations
– Secretary General Amr MoussaAmr Moussa
Amr Mohammed Moussa is an Egyptian politician and diplomat who was the Secretary-General of the Arab League, a 22-member forum representing Arab states, from 1 June 2001 until 1 June 2011. He is a candidate in the 2011 Egyptian presidential election....
strongly condemned the assassination, saying: "We condemn this assassination and terrorist act, and pray for God Almighty to bless her soul."
Commonwealth of NationsCommonwealth of NationsThe Commonwealth of Nations, normally referred to as the Commonwealth and formerly known as the British Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states...
– Secretary-GeneralCommonwealth Secretary-GeneralThe Commonwealth Secretary-General is the head of the Commonwealth Secretariat, the central body which has served the Commonwealth of Nations since its establishment in 1965, and responsible for representing the Commonwealth publicly...
Don McKinnonDon McKinnonSir Donald Charles "Don" McKinnon, ONZ, GCVO is a former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand. He was the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations from 2000 until 2008.-Early life:...
said "I hope that this terrible tragedy will make crystal clear the folly of violence and the importance of restraint and reconciliation as the only way of consolidating the democratic process. The Commonwealth stands by Pakistan in that effort.”
– European Commission President
President of the European Commission
The President of the European Commission is the head of the European Commission ― the executive branch of the :European Union ― the most powerful officeholder in the EU. The President is responsible for allocating portfolios to members of the Commission and can reshuffle or dismiss them if needed...
José Manuel Barroso condemned the assassination as "an attack against democracy and against Pakistan," and "[hopes] that Pakistan will remain firmly on track for return to democratic civilian rule." First Vice President
Vice-President of the European Commission
A Vice President of the European Commission is a post in the European Commission usually occupied by more than one member of the Commission. Since the 2009 Lisbon Treaty entered into force, one of these is ex-officio the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,...
Margot Wallström
Margot Wallström
Margot Elisabeth Wallström is a Swedish social democratic, currently holding the job as . Prior to this post, she served as European Commissioner for Institutional Relations and Communication Strategy...
said, "In a region of such global importance, Benazir's was a rare woman's voice speaking out for democracy and against violence. Much of her life was spent working for these values. I am saddened by this loss and send condolences to her family and to the people of Pakistan. I hope that democracy will prevail there and that the country will remain on track for a return to democratic civilian rule."
– Secretary General Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu
Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu
Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu is a Turkish academic, diplomat and currently the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation , the second largest intergovernmental organisation after the United Nations...
"condemned in strongest terms the outrageous and brutal murder of the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and leader of Pakistan People's Party, Ms. Benazir Bhutto in a shocking suicide attack in Rawalpindi
Rawalpindi
Rawalpindi , locally known as Pindi, is a city in the Pothohar region of Pakistan near Pakistan's capital city of Islamabad, in the province of Punjab. Rawalpindi is the fourth largest city in Pakistan after Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad...
."
– Secretary-General
United Nations Secretary-General
The Secretary-General of the United Nations is the head of the Secretariat of the United Nations, one of the principal organs of the United Nations. The Secretary-General also acts as the de facto spokesperson and leader of the United Nations....
Ban Ki-moon
Ban Ki-moon
Ban Ki-moon is the eighth and current Secretary-General of the United Nations, after succeeding Kofi Annan in 2007. Before going on to be Secretary-General, Ban was a career diplomat in South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in the United Nations. He entered diplomatic service the year he...
said: "I strongly condemn this heinous crime and call for the perpetrators to be brought to justice as soon as possible. This represents an assault on stability in Pakistan and its democratic processes." The Security Council
United Nations Security Council
The United Nations Security Council is one of the principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. Its powers, outlined in the United Nations Charter, include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of...
held an emergency meeting and unanimously condemned the assassination.
- World Bank GroupWorld Bank GroupThe World Bank Group is a family of five international organizations that makes leveraged loans, generally to poor countries.The Bank came into formal existence on 27 December 1945 following international ratification of the Bretton Woods agreements, which emerged from the United Nations Monetary...
– President Robert ZoellickRobert ZoellickRobert Bruce Zoellick is the eleventh president of the World Bank, a position he has held since July 1, 2007. He was previously a managing director of Goldman Sachs, United States Deputy Secretary of State and U.S. Trade Representative, from February 7, 2001 until February 22, 2005.President...
said, "This tragedy will only hinder Pakistan's critical agenda of meeting the urgent needs of its many citizens. On behalf of the World Bank Group, I would like to extend my sympathies and deepest condolences to Ms. Bhutto's family and to the families of the other victims of this tragic event."
Militant groups
Al-QaedaAl-Qaeda
Al-Qaeda is a global broad-based militant Islamist terrorist organization founded by Osama bin Laden sometime between August 1988 and late 1989. It operates as a network comprising both a multinational, stateless army and a radical Sunni Muslim movement calling for global Jihad...
– Spokesman Mustafa Abu al-Yazid was quoted in Philippine media saying that "we terminated the most precious American asset who vowed to defeat the mujahideen
Mujahideen
Mujahideen are Muslims who struggle in the path of God. The word is from the same Arabic triliteral as jihad .Mujahideen is also transliterated from Arabic as mujahedin, mujahedeen, mudžahedin, mudžahidin, mujahidīn, mujaheddīn and more.-Origin of the concept:The beginnings of Jihad are traced...
."
However, a spokesman for Al-Qaeda-linked Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan
Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan
Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan , alternatively referred to as the Pakistani Taliban, is an umbrella organization of various Islamist militant groups based in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas along the Afghan border in Pakistan. Most, but not all, Pakistani Taliban groups coalesce under the TTP...
leader Baitullah Mehsud
Baitullah Mehsud
Baitullah Mehsud was a leading militant in Waziristan, Pakistan, and the leader of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan . He formed the TTP from an alliance of about five militant groups in December 2007. He is thought by U.S...
was quoted the following day as saying, "I strongly deny it. Tribal people
Federally Administered Tribal Areas
The Federally Administered Tribal Areas are a semi-autonomous tribal region in the northwest of Pakistan, lying between the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and the neighboring country of Afghanistan. The FATA comprise seven Agencies and six FRs...
have their own customs. We don't strike women."
Non-governmental organizations
- Amnesty InternationalAmnesty InternationalAmnesty International is an international non-governmental organisation whose stated mission is "to conduct research and generate action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights, and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated."Following a publication of Peter Benenson's...
– AsiaAsiaAsia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
n Program Director Catherine Baber said: "It is shocking to see someone’s life cut short in such a brutal way. Attacks such as these can never be justified. They violate international law and the rules of democratic behavior. We know that the government of President Musharraf will find itself under enormous pressure to go after the culprits and keep the country calm and stable, but Amnesty International calls on President Musharraf – and on the security forces – to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law. The killing of Benazir Bhutto must not be allowed to become a setback to civilian governance or indeed lead to a further crackdown on civil liberties." AI United States Government Relations DirectorAmnesty International USAAmnesty International USA is one of many country sections that make up Amnesty International worldwide.Amnesty International is an organization of more than 2.2 million supporters, activists and volunteers in over 150 countries, with complete independence from government, corporate or national...
Alex Arriaga said: "Pakistan is at a dangerous crossroads. If it cannot rely on an independent judiciary, some of the most dangerous aspects of martial lawMartial lawMartial law is the imposition of military rule by military authorities over designated regions on an emergency basis— only temporary—when the civilian government or civilian authorities fail to function effectively , when there are extensive riots and protests, or when the disobedience of the law...
will become enshrined in its legal and political system, leaving the people’s human rights in the balance. The United States government must press its ally, which has used the 'War on TerrorWar on TerrorismThe War on Terror is a term commonly applied to an international military campaign led by the United States and the United Kingdom with the support of other North Atlantic Treaty Organisation as well as non-NATO countries...
' to justify its actions, and put an end to this slippery slope. Without these steps, the Bush administration will further acquiesce that fundamental rights can be denied, and those who oppose Musharraf are likely to face intimidation – or even death."
- Human Rights WatchHuman Rights WatchHuman Rights Watch is an international non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights. Its headquarters are in New York City and it has offices in Berlin, Beirut, Brussels, Chicago, Geneva, Johannesburg, London, Los Angeles, Moscow, Paris, San Francisco, Tokyo,...
– A statement was calling the assassination a "tragic event with serious implications for Pakistan's transition to democracy" and stating that "political violence of this nature has claimed far too many innocent lives in Pakistan and it must stop. Benazir Bhutto was a democrat who believed in the supremacy of constitutional rule and throughout her career, sought power through the ballot box. Today, she died campaigning for votes and calling for a free election." HRW South Asia researcher, speaking for the organization, called on the Pakistani government to "undertake an independent and transparent investigation into Bhutto’s assassination and fully cooperate with such an investigation."
Africa
– The Foreign Ministry issued a statement, saying that "Algeria is keen to condemn with the greatest firmness this criminal act, which came to shatter the fate of an exceptional personality, fully involved in the democratic fight for the renewal of her country."– Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit
Ahmed Aboul Gheit
Ahmed Aboul-Gheit is an Egyptian diplomat who was the Foreign Minister of Egypt from 11 July 2004 to 6 March 2011, since the government of Ahmed Nazif took office. Aboul-Gheit previously served as Egypt's ambassador to the United Nations. In December 2005 he began mediating the Chad-Sudan conflict...
"conveyed deep condolences to the bereaved family of Benazir Bhutto, her party workers, government and people of Pakistan.."
– President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf released a statement, saying that she was "deeply disturbed and saddened by the events in Pakistan."
– The Foreign Ministry
Foreign ministers of Libya
This is a list of foreign ministers of Libya.*1951–1954: Mahmud al-Muntasir*1954–1954: Muhammad Sakizli*1954–1957: Abdul Salam al-Buseiri*1957–1957: Abdul Majid Kubar*1957–1958: Wahbi al-Bouri*1958–1960: Abdul Majid Kubar*1960–1961: Abdul Qadir Allam...
released a statement condemning the "odious terrorist operation" and affirming its "staunch opposition to all that is likely to jeopardize security and peace in Pakistani society".
– King Mohammed VI
Mohammed VI of Morocco
Mohammed VI is the present King of Morocco and Amir al-Mu'minin . He ascended to the throne on 23 July 1999 upon the death of his father.-Education:...
condemned the assassination in a message to Musharraf, describing Bhutto as "one of illustrious leaders [of Pakistan] both in the Government and in the opposition."
– A Foreign Affairs Ministry statement called on the Pakistani authorities to "ensure that those who have carried this pre-meditated and cowardly killing are brought to justice." It also offered condolences to the families of Bhutto and those who were killed in the blast.
– President
President of Nigeria
The President of Nigeria is the Head of State and head of the national executive. Officially styled President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The current President of Nigeria is Goodluck Jonathan.-History:On October 1, 1960, Nigeria gained...
Umaru Yar'Adua urged Bhutto's family, the Pakistani government and her supporters "to take solace in the knowledge that she died in active pursuit of her vision of true democracy for her country, and that in death, she has become an eternal martyr to the cause she believed in with all her heart."
– Foreign Affairs
Department of Foreign Affairs (South Africa)
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation is the foreign ministry of the South African government. It is responsible for South Africa's relationships with foreign countries and international organizations, and runs South Africa's diplomatic missions...
spokesman Ronnie Mamoepa said, "Clearly South Africa is saddened by the news of the murder of Benazir Bhutto and condemns unequivocally this outrageous act of violence...We call on the Pakistani people do everything in their power, to leave no stone unturned to find the perpetrators of this dastardly act."
– The Foreign Affairs Ministry released a statement that strongly denounced the assassination, expressing "regret over the Pakistani official's slaying."
– Foreign Affairs Minister Isaac Musumba said, "It is very deplorable and very pathetic. We thought that democracy was finally having its day in Pakistan. The murder of Bhutto and other people shows that terrorism must continue to be fought relentlessly and without compromise."
Asia
– PresidentPresident of Afghanistan
Afghanistan has only been a republic between 1973 and 1992 and from 2001 onwards. Before 1973, it was a monarchy that was governed by a variety of kings, emirs or shahs...
Hamid Karzai
Hamid Karzai
Hamid Karzai, GCMG is the 12th and current President of Afghanistan, taking office on 7 December 2004. He became a dominant political figure after the removal of the Taliban regime in late 2001...
condemned "the act of cowardice and immense brutality in the strongest possible terms." He praised Bhutto for "having sacrificed her life for the sake of Pakistan and for the sake of this region."
– The government denounced the assassination, saying that "[it] extends its sincere condolences to Bhutto’s family and all the Pakistani people" and calling for "self-restraint."
– Prime Minister
Prime Minister of Bangladesh
The Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh is the Head of the Government of Bangladesh. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet are collectively accountable for their policies and actions to the Jatiya Sangsad Parliament, to their political party and ultimately to the electorate...
Fakhruddin Ahmed
Fakhruddin Ahmed
Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed is a noted Bangladeshi economist, civil servant, and a former governor of the Bangladesh Bank, the country's central bank...
condemned the attack, stating that "it was an unpardonable crime that has shocked the world. The government and people of Bangladesh mourned this tragedy with their Pakistani brethren." Major political parties also condemned the assassination. In a statement, Awami League Acting President Zillur Rahman
Zillur Rahman
Md. Zillur Rahman is the President of Bangladesh and a senior presidium member of the Awami League...
urged "pro-democratic and progressive forces to stand united against this heinous killing". He added that Bhutto "will serve as an inspiration to the democratic politics of South Asia".
- Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah
Hassanal Bolkiah
General Haji Sir Hassan al-Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah GCB GCMG is the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the 29th Sultan of Brunei and the first Prime Minister of Brunei Darussalam...
"expressed shock" and condemned Bhutto's assassination. He also conveyed his deepest condolences and profound respects to the people of Pakistan and to the family and friends of the late Benazir Bhutto.
- Prime Minister
Prime Minister of Cambodia
The Prime Minister of Cambodia , is the head of government of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Prime Minister is appointed by the King under Article 119 of the Constitution and is responsible for leading the government of the Kingdom.-Constitutional powers:The powers of the Prime Minister are established...
Hun Sen
Hun Sen
Hun Sen is the current Prime Minister of Cambodia.He has been the sole leader of the Cambodian People's Party , which has governed Cambodia since the Vietnamese-backed overthrow of the Khmer Rouge in 1979...
condemned the assassination, calling it "coward terrorism", and said that her killing was "a serious problem in Pakistan". He also expressed his condolences to Bhutto's family and called for all political parties in Pakistan to solve matters patiently.
– A Foreign Ministry
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China is an executive agency responsible for foreign relations between the People's Republic of China and other countries in the world. The agency is led by the Foreign Minister. The current minister is Yang Jiechi...
spokesperson Qin Gang said that China was "shocked at the killing of Pakistan's opposition leader Benazir Bhutto" and "strongly condemns the terrorist attack."
– Prime Minister
Prime Minister of India
The Prime Minister of India , as addressed to in the Constitution of India — Prime Minister for the Union, is the chief of government, head of the Council of Ministers and the leader of the majority party in parliament...
Manmohan Singh
Manmohan Singh
Manmohan Singh is the 13th and current Prime Minister of India. He is the only Prime Minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to return to power after completing a full five-year term. A Sikh, he is the first non-Hindu to occupy the office. Singh is also the 7th Prime Minister belonging to the Indian...
said he was "deeply shocked and horrified to hear of the heinous assassination of Mrs. Benazir Bhutto. Mrs. Bhutto was no ordinary political leader, but one who left a deep imprint on her time and age. Her contributions to a previous moment of hope in India–Pakistan relations
Indo-Pakistani relations
Relations between India and Pakistan have been strained by a number of historical and political issues, and are defined by the violent partition of British India in 1947, the Kashmir dispute and the numerous military conflicts fought between the two nations...
, and her intent to break India Pakistan relations out of the sterile patterns of the past, were exemplary. In her death, the South Asia has lost an outstanding leader who worked for democracy and reconciliation in her country. The manner of her going is a reminder of the common dangers that our region faces from cowardly acts of terrorism and of the need to eradicate this dangerous threat. My heartfelt condolences go to her family and the people of Pakistan who have suffered a grievous blow." Foreign Minister
Indian Foreign Minister
The External Affairs Minister or the Indian Foreign Minister is a position of office at cabinet level within the Government of India. The chief responsibility of the External Affairs Minister is to represent India and its government in the international community...
Pranab Mukherjee
Pranab Mukherjee
Pranab Kumar Mukherjee is the current Finance Minister of India and leader of the current Lok Sabha.Mukherjee is a senior member of the Cabinet Committees on Economic Affairs, Infrastructure, Parliamentary Affairs, Political Affairs, Prices, Security, Unique Identification Authority of India,...
said he "heard with shock and horror of the death of Mrs. Benazir Bhutto," whose "contributions to democracy, to the improvement of India–Pakistan relations, and to the restoration of normalcy within Pakistan will be an inspiration. Mrs. Bhutto was a brave and outstanding woman leader of the South Asia. That she should fall to a barbarous terrorist attack is particularly tragic, and should strengthen our resolve to fight this scourge."
– President
President of Indonesia
The President of the Republic of Indonesia is the head of state and the head of government of the Republic of Indonesia.The first president was Sukarno and the current president is Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.- Sukarno era :...
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono AC , is an Indonesian politician and retired Army general officer who has been President of Indonesia since 2004....
said, "...he was shocked and condemned the terrorists". He expressed a hope that such a fatal accident will not harm democracy in Pakistan, which is now unstable especially towards its general elections which will be held on January 15, 2008. He also said that "the incident had dealt a serious blow to the transition of democracy."
– Foreign Minister
Minister of Foreign Affairs (Iran)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is an Iranian government ministry. The Minister for Foreign Affairs is the Cabinet member in charge....
, Manouchehr Mottaki
Manouchehr Mottaki
Manouchehr Mottaki is an Iranian politician and diplomat. He was the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs. Whilst technically appointed by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, he is considered to be closer to more pragmatic conservative factions and during the 2005 presidential election, he was the campaign...
expressed the deep sympathy of the Iranian nation and government and said he hoped that the Pakistani government would try and track down the culprits behind this crime against Bhutto and a number of innocent people who were present at the scene when a gunman fatally shot her and set off a bomb. A Foreign Affairs Ministry
Minister of Foreign Affairs (Iran)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is an Iranian government ministry. The Minister for Foreign Affairs is the Cabinet member in charge....
spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini
Mohammad Ali Hosseini
Mohammad Ali Hosseini is the vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran. He is the current spokesman of the Ministry and Vice Minister of parliamentary affairs.-References:...
said that "we hope the Pakistani government will identify and bring to justice those behind such a criminal act and restore tranquility to the country," and that "the Pakistan government should use all efforts to identify the terrorist group which caused this incident and punish them to prevent terrorist groups from finding opportunities to undertake such actions again."
– President
President of Iraq
The President of Iraq is the head of state of Iraq and "safeguards the commitment to the Constitution and the preservation of Iraq's independence, sovereignty, unity, the security of its territories in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution." The President is elected by the Council of...
Jalal Talabani
Jalal Talabani
Jalal Talabani is the sixth and current President of Iraq, a leading Kurdish politician. He is the first non-Arab president of Iraq, although Abdul Kareem Qasim was half Kurdish....
called on the world to unite against the "cancer of terrorism".
– President
President of Israel
The President of the State of Israel is the head of state of Israel. The position is largely an apolitical ceremonial figurehead role, with the real executive power lying in the hands of the Prime Minister. The current president is Shimon Peres who took office on 15 July 2007...
Shimon Peres
Shimon Peres
GCMG is the ninth President of the State of Israel. Peres served twice as the eighth Prime Minister of Israel and once as Interim Prime Minister, and has been a member of 12 cabinets in a political career spanning over 66 years...
praised Bhutto, saying "[she] was a brave woman who did not conceal her opinions, knew no fear, and served her nation with unusual bravery and ability. She was an immeasurably charismatic leader and a warrior for peace in her land and all the world." President Peres hailed Bhutto as a "courageous woman" and said he was "shocked" by the news of her assassination. Deputy and Foreign Affairs Minister
Foreign Affairs Minister of Israel
The Foreign Affairs Minister of Israel is the political head of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The position is one of the most important in the Israeli cabinet after Prime Minister and Defense Minister...
Tzipi Livni
Tzipi Livni
Tzipporah Malkah "Tzipi" Livni is an Israeli lawyer and politician. She is the current Israeli Opposition Leader and leader of Kadima, the largest party in the Knesset. Raised an ardent nationalist, Livni has become one of her nation's leading voices for the two-state solution. In Israel she has...
issued the following statement: "We convey our condolences to the people of Pakistan and to the families of the victims. Benazir Bhutto was a well-known leader in Pakistan and in the international community who demonstrated brave leadership for her people. Israel expresses the hope that Pakistan will continue along the path of reconciliation, moderation and democracy." Ambassador to the United Nations
Israel Ambassador to the United Nations
Israel Ambassador to the United Nations, full title, Representative of Israel to the United Nations, with the rank and status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, :-External links:*...
Dan Gillerman
Dan Gillerman
Dan Gillerman was Israel's 13th Permanent Representative to the United Nations. He was appointed in July 2002 and assumed his post on January 1, 2003, serving through 2008.- Education :...
said that in the weeks prior to her assassination, Bhutto had expressed fear of being killed by extremist elements in Pakistan in emails she sent to him.
– Foreign Affairs Minister
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Japan)
The is a cabinet level ministry of Japan responsible for the country's foreign relations.The ministry is due to the second term of the third article of the National Government Organization Act , and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Establishment Act establishes the ministry...
Masahiko Kōmura
Masahiko Komura
is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party. He was Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1998 to 1999 and again from 2007 to 2008, and he is a member of the House of Representatives for the First District of Yamaguchi Prefecture....
condemned the attack, saying that "it is absolutely unacceptable to try to solve something by the means of violence."
– King Abdullah II
Abdullah II of Jordan
Abdullah II ibn al-Hussein is the reigning King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. He ascended the throne on 7 February 1999 after the death of his father King Hussein. King Abdullah, whose mother is Princess Muna al-Hussein, is a member of the Hashemite family...
, in a message to Musharraf, condemned the assassination and expressed Jordan's "support to Pakistan" to overcome the consequences of this incident.
– Cabinet Affairs Minister Faisal Mohammad Al-Hajji said, "The State of Kuwait strongly condemns the vicious terrorist act which targeted the convoy of Mrs. Benazir Bhutto", and also said that Kuwait expresses sympathies for families of Bhutto and all those who were killed.
– Prime Minister Fouad Siniora
Fouad Siniora
Fuad Siniora is a Lebanese politician, a former Prime Minister of Lebanon, a position he held from 19 July 2005 to May 25, 2008 the date of the election of the new President of Lebanon; he was renominated to the post on 28 May 2008 and held the post as Acting President between those...
said that "Lebanon was shocked by the news of the assassination of former Prime Minister and leader of the Pakistan People's Party Ms. Benazir Bhutto", adding that "on behalf of the Lebanese people we denounce, condemn and deplore the assassination."
– Prime Minister
Prime Minister of Malaysia
The Prime Minister of Malaysia is the indirectly elected head of government of Malaysia. He is officially appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the head of state, who in HM's judgment is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the members of that House of Representatives , the...
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Tun Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi is a Malaysian politician who served as Prime Minister from 2003 to 2009. He was also the President of the United Malays National Organisation , the largest political party in Malaysia, and led the governing Barisan Nasional parliamentary coalition...
extended his deepest condolences to the families of Bhutto and the others who were killed. He also said, "The resort to extremism and violence is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated anywhere at any time. The perpetrators must be brought to justice." He added, "I hope the people in Pakistan will remain calm and I pray that the situation in Pakistan will soon stabilise."
- President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was President of the Maldives from 1978 to 2008. After serving as Minister of Transport, he was nominated as President by the Majlis of the Maldives and succeeded Ibrahim Nasir on November 11, 1978. He eventually became the longest-ruling head of government in Asia...
condemned the attack and extended his condolences to the Pakistani Government, citizens and the families of Bhutto and the others who were killed. He said, " The government and people of the Maldives join me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to you, and your Government and to the brotherly people of Pakistan, at this time of distress and sorrow. Mrs. Bhutto had served Pakistan for many years, and during her years as Prime Minister, played an important role in regional and world affairs. She was also a very good friend of the Maldives."
– Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala
Girija Prasad Koirala
Girija Prasad Koirala was a Nepalese politician and the President of the Nepali Congress, a major political party. He was Prime Minister of Nepal for four times, serving from 1991 to 1994, 1998 to 1999, 2000 to 2001, and from 2006 to 2008; he was also Acting Head of State from January 2007 to July...
said he was "shocked to hear the murder of Bhutto."
– President
President of the Philippines
The President of the Philippines is the head of state and head of government of the Philippines. The president leads the executive branch of the Philippine government and is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines...
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga...
condemned the assassination, saying "We mourn with the nation of Pakistan over the deaths of Benazir Bhutto and others killed in the shooting and bomb attack in Rawalpindi. We strongly condemn this unmitigated, senseless atrocity, even as we convey our sympathies to the followers of former Prime Minister Bhutto and the families of those who perished. Whoever perpetrated it, this attack is an assault on democracy. The Philippines joins hands with the entire civilized world in solidarity against such mindless barbarity and in unwavering defense of peace, freedom, law and order." Arroyo called on the international community to join hands in preserving peace and order and democracy.
– King Abdullah
Abdullah of Saudi Arabia
Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, is the King of Saudi Arabia. He succeeded to the throne on 1 August 2005 upon the death of his half-brother, King Fahd. When Crown Prince, he governed Saudi Arabia as regent from 1998 to 2005...
stated that the assassins were "wicked murderers who are distant from Islam and morals."
– The Foreign Affairs Ministry
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Singapore)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries. It is headed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the office currently held by K...
released a statement saying that Singapore "is shocked and horrified at the suicide bomb attack" and strongly condemns the murders. The heads of state and government also sent condolence letters to Bhutto's family.
– A Foreign Ministry
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (South Korea)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is in charge of diplomacy for South Korea, as well as handling external trade and matters related to overseas Korean nationals. It was established on 17 July 1948. Until 1998, the ministry was known as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; its jurisdiction over...
statement said: "The (South Korean) government cannot hide its bitter shock over the death of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was killed by terrorists on Thursday while on an election campaign, and it offers its sincerest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our government condemns any type of terrorist acts."
– A Foreign Affairs Ministry
Foreign relations of Sri Lanka
Foreign relations of Sri Lanka refers to the diplomatic and commercial relations between Sri Lanka and other countries. Sri Lanka has stressed its principle of friendship towards all, enmity towards none in its diplomacy. Sri Lanka traditionally follows a Non-Aligned Foreign Policy and does not...
statement described Bhutto as a South Asian leader who "successfully stood up for democracy", adding that "this brutal assassination underlines the need for the absolute commitment to fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, in order to make it unacceptable in civilized society."
– A Government
Politics of Syria
Politics in the Syrian Arab Republic takes place in the framework of what is officially a parliamentary republic, but what is considered an authoritarian government where the power is in the hands of the President of Syria, his family, the ruling Ba'ath Party, and the Alawi sect.The two presidents...
spokesman said, "The Syrian government and people...express sincere condolences to the family of Ms. Bhutto, the Pakistan People's Party and the Pakistani government and the confidence that Pakistan will be able to overcome the difficult conditions."
– Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont
Surayud Chulanont
General Surayud Chulanont is a Thai political figure. He was the Prime Minister of Thailand and head of Thailand's Interim Government between 2006 and 2008...
condemned the assassination of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, branding the act as deplorable. A statement issued by Foreign Ministry Spokesman Tharit Charungvat said, "Thailand was deeply shocked and saddened by the deplorable act which led to the deaths of Mrs Benazir Bhutto and several other innocent bystanders. Thailand condemns all forms of terrorist and extremist acts and calls on all parties to react with restraint and work together for the stability of Pakistan."
– Foreign Affairs Minister Abdallah Bin Zayid Al Nahyan stated: "The UAE has been tormented by this huge loss which did not hit Pakistan only, but also affected the UAE."
- The Foreign Affairs Ministry
Politics of Vietnam
Notwithstanding the 1992 Constitution's affirmation of the central role of the Communist Party, the National Assembly, according to the Constitution, is the highest representative body of the people and the only organization with legislative powers. It has a broad mandate to oversee all government...
released a statement saying that Vietnam "strongly condemns the brutal terrorist attack" and "hope that...the instigators will be severely punished".
– A Government
Politics of Yemen
Politics of Yemen takes place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic republic, where the President of Yemen is the head of state, while the Prime Minister of Yemen is the head of government...
official called the assassination a "sinful attack" and "strongly condemned this distressing terrorist act, which was intended to destabilize the security of Pakistan and its national unity."
Europe
– The Foreign Ministry said, "Albania expresses its deepest regret and shock at the tragic event in Pakistan, and strongly condemns this hideous terrorist act".– Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik
Ursula Plassnik
Ursula Plassnik is an Austrian diplomat and politician. She was Foreign Minister of Austria between October 2004 and December 2008.-Early life and career:...
was "shocked and disgusted" by the murder of Benazir Bhutto. Adding that Pakistan "lost a courageous fighter for the country's return to a pluralist democracy."
– President
President of Azerbaijan
The country of Azerbaijan is a presidential republic, with the President of Azerbaijan as the head of state, and the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan as head of government...
Ilham Aliyev
Ilham Aliyev
Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev is the President of Azerbaijan since 2003. He also functions as the Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party and the head of the National Olympic Committee...
said, "This tragic event confirms once again the need for mobilization of all forces in order to fight terrorism and for joint efforts against this calamity, which is a source of constant threat to humankind" and expressed his "deepest condolences to the people of Pakistan, as well as to the families of those killed."
– Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt
Guy Verhofstadt
Guy Verhofstadt is a Belgian politician who was the 47th Prime Minister of Belgium from 1999 to 2008. He is currently a Member of the European Parliament and leader of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe.- Early career :...
said, "This is not only an attack on the life of a former prime minister and present opposition leader. This is yet another attack on the democratic process in Pakistan." Foreign Minister
Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs
-1800s:-1900s:-2000s:...
Karel De Gucht
Karel De Gucht
Karel Lodewijk Georgette Emmerence De Gucht is a Belgian politician who has been the European Commissioner for Trade since 2010...
issued a similar condemnation, saying that, "extreme forces are strengthening their actions to destabilize the country and put it into chaos."
- President Alexander Lukashenko
Alexander Lukashenko
Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko has been serving as the President of Belarus since 20 July 1994. Before his career as a politician, Lukashenko worked as director of a state-owned agricultural farm. Under Lukashenko's rule, Belarus has come to be viewed as a state whose conduct is out of line...
expressed his condolences to the people of Pakistan, President Musharraf, and to the families of those who were killed. President Lukashenko described the incident as a terrorist attack that took the life of the "well-known policy maker" Benazir Bhutto.
– A Foreign Ministry statement has strongly condemned the terrorist act and said “Bulgaria extended its deepest condolences to Bhutto's family.”
– President
President of Croatia
The President of Croatia , officially styled the President of the Republic represents the Republic of Croatia in the country and abroad as the head of state, maintains the regular and coordinated operation and stability of the national government system, and safeguards the independence and...
Stjepan Mesic
Stjepan Mesic
Stjepan "Stipe" Mesić is a Croatian politician and former President of Croatia. Before his ten-year presidential term between 2000 and 2010 he held the posts of Speaker of the Croatian Parliament , Prime Minister of Croatia , the last President of the Presidency of Yugoslavia , Secretary General...
has condemned the killing of Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, stating, “terrorism is one of the greatest evils the modern world is faced with and which should be battled with joint efforts”.
– Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek
Mirek Topolánek
Mirek Topolánek is a former prime minister of the Czech Republic and former President of the European Council. A member of the Civic Democratic Party, he was chairman of the center-right party between November 2002 and March 2010, succeeding Václav Klaus, who was elected President in 2003.On 24...
sharply denounced the attack, saying he "hopes the crime will not trigger an avalanche of further violent acts." President Václav Klaus
Václav Klaus
Václav Klaus is the second President of the Czech Republic and a former Prime Minister .An economist, he is co-founder of the Civic Democratic Party, the Czech Republic's largest center-right political party. Klaus is a eurosceptic, but he reluctantly endorsed the Lisbon treaty as president of...
said the hatred behind the attack is a "threat to civilization".
– Foreign Minister
Foreign Minister of Denmark
The Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs handles Denmark's foreign affairs. The Foreign Minister works in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.The current Minister for Foreign Affairs is Villy Søvndal.-External links:***...
Per Stig Møller
Per Stig Møller
Per Stig Møller was Culture Minister of Denmark. He has been a member of Folketinget for the Conservative People's Party since 1984, and was Minister for the Environment from December 18, 1990 to January 24, 1993 as part of the Cabinet of Poul Schlüter IV and Foreign Minister from November 27,...
said: "It is terrible and a tragedy for Pakistani society, because there was a real hope of reforms and democratization conjoined with her return to Pakistan and with the election on January 8. It is also an attack against that process, as the people who did this do not want reforms and democracy."
– Prime Minister
Prime Minister of Finland
The Prime Minister is the Head of Government of Finland. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President, who is the Head of State. The current Prime Minister is Jyrki Katainen of the National Coalition Party.-Overview:...
Matti Vanhanen
Matti Vanhanen
Matti Taneli Vanhanen is a Finnish politician. He is a former Prime Minister of Finland and a former Chairman of the Centre Party. In the second half of 2006 he was President of the European Council. In his earlier career he was a journalist...
said, “Benazir Bhutto made a brave return to her homeland to take part in free elections and to promote democracy. Her tragic death is a setback to democracy and speaks in a shocking way about the internal confrontations of Pakistan.”
– President
President of the French Republic
The President of the French Republic colloquially referred to in English as the President of France, is France's elected Head of State....
Nicolas Sarkozy
Nicolas Sarkozy
Nicolas Sarkozy is the 23rd and current President of the French Republic and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra. He assumed the office on 16 May 2007 after defeating the Socialist Party candidate Ségolène Royal 10 days earlier....
"condemned the odious act with the greatest severity," stating that "terrorism and violence have no place in the democratic debate and in the combat of ideas and programmes. More than ever it is necessary for the [Pakistani] legislative elections to take place in conditions of pluralism, transparency and security." Foreign Affairs Minister
Minister of Foreign Affairs (France)
Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs ), is France's foreign affairs ministry, with the headquarters located on the Quai d'Orsay in Paris close to the National Assembly of France. The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs in the government of France is the cabinet minister responsible for...
Bernard Kouchner
Bernard Kouchner
Bernard Kouchner is a French politician, diplomat, and doctor. He is co-founder of Médecins Sans Frontières and Médecins du Monde...
referred to the assassination as an "odious act" that "reaffirms France's commitment to the stability of Pakistan and its democracy."
– Chancellor Angela Merkel
Angela Merkel
Angela Dorothea Merkel is the current Chancellor of Germany . Merkel, elected to the Bundestag from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, has been the chairwoman of the Christian Democratic Union since 2000, and chairwoman of the CDU-CSU parliamentary coalition from 2002 to 2005.From 2005 to 2009 she led a...
stated that the "cowardly act underscored the need to continue the fight against terrorism and support those who suffer its consequences." Foreign Minister
Foreign Office (Germany)
The Foreign Office is the foreign ministry of Germany, a federal agency responsible for both the country's foreign politics and its relationship with the European Union. From 1871 to 1919, it was led by a Foreign Secretary, and since 1919, it has been led by the Foreign Minister of Germany...
Frank-Walter Steinmeier
Frank-Walter Steinmeier
Frank-Walter Steinmeier is a German politician of the Social Democratic Party of Germany , and currently the leader of the opposition in the Bundestag. Steinmeier was a close aide of Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, serving as Chief of Staff in the German Chancellery from 1999 to 2005...
commented that Bhutto's death was a "severe blow to everyone in Pakistan who is fighting for democracy".
– Foreign Minister
Minister for Foreign Affairs (Greece)
The Minister for Foreign Affairs is the senior minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece, established on 3 April 1833. The current Minister for Foreign Affairs, since 11 November 2011 is the former European Commissioner Stavros Dimas...
Dora Bakoyannis
Dora Bakoyannis
Dora Bakoyannis , born Theodora Mitsotaki , is a Greek politician. From 2006 to 2009 she was Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, the highest position ever held by a woman in the Cabinet of Greece; she was also Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in...
said, "Greece condemns the terrorist attack in the most categorical way that, just two weeks ahead of the Parliamentary elections in Pakistan, has led to this tragic loss." She called Bhutto "a leading international personality who struggled steadfastly for democracy, peace, respect for human dignity and reconciliation in her country," and stated that “we are watching the events with great concern, at the same time expressing the wish and the hope that this country will follow the path towards the construction of a democratic regime. This will also constitute the sole vindication of the tragic sacrifice of Benazir Bhutto."
– Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Lajos Szelestey said, "Hungary strongly condemns all forms of terrorism". He called the attack which resulted in the murder of Bhutto and dozens of others "an unjustifiable crime, which will seriously hamper the democratization process of Pakistan and will render the elections in January more difficult".
– President
President of Iceland
The President of Iceland is Iceland's elected head of state. The president is elected to a four-year term by universal adult suffrage and has limited powers. The president is not the head of government; the Prime Minister of Iceland is the head of government. There have been five presidents since...
Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson
Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson
Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson is the fifth and current President of Iceland. He has served as President since 1996; he was unopposed in 2000, re-elected for a third term in 2004, and re-elected unopposed for a fourth term in 2008. He is the longest-serving left-wing president in the history of...
said Bhutto was "an admired leader that warned against terrorism and extremists' views, highly educated and broadminded, full of energy."
– Describing herself as “shocked and saddened,” President
President of Ireland
The President of Ireland is the head of state of Ireland. The President is usually directly elected by the people for seven years, and can be elected for a maximum of two terms. The presidency is largely a ceremonial office, but the President does exercise certain limited powers with absolute...
Mary McAleese
Mary McAleese
Mary Patricia McAleese served as the eighth President of Ireland from 1997 to 2011. She was the second female president and was first elected in 1997 succeeding Mary Robinson, making McAleese the world's first woman to succeed another as president. She was re-elected unopposed for a second term in...
said, “On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Ireland, I send my deepest condolences to her family and to the people of Pakistan and especially to those members of the Pakistan community here in Ireland.” Prime Minister
Taoiseach
The Taoiseach is the head of government or prime minister of Ireland. The Taoiseach is appointed by the President upon the nomination of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas , and must, in order to remain in office, retain the support of a majority in the Dáil.The current Taoiseach is...
Bertie Ahern
Bertie Ahern
Patrick Bartholomew "Bertie" Ahern is a former Irish politician who served as Taoiseach of Ireland from 26 June 1997 to 7 May 2008....
said, “Ms Bhutto and her party have been campaigning heavily in the run-up to the parliamentary elections due to be held in less than two weeks, an election which will provide all of the people of Pakistan with an opportunity to secure democracy for their country. It is my sincere hope that this appalling attack will not prevent the Pakistani people from achieving that objective.” Foreign Affairs Minister
Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ireland)
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade is the senior minister at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the Government of Ireland. Its headquarters are at Iveagh House, on St Stephen's Green in Dublin; "Iveagh House" is often used as a metonym for the department as a whole.The current...
Dermot Ahern
Dermot Ahern
Dermot Christopher Ahern is a former Irish Fianna Fáil politician. He was a Teachta Dála for the Louth constituency from 1987 to 2011...
said he was "...deeply shocked by the assassination". He also called upon the Pakistani authorities to do their utmost to ensure that Pakistan continues on its path back to democracy
– Prime Minister Romano Prodi
Romano Prodi
Romano Prodi is an Italian politician and statesman. He served as the Prime Minister of Italy, from 17 May 1996 to 21 October 1998 and from 17 May 2006 to 8 May 2008...
said, in a statement, "I express my sadness and that of the whole government following the death of Benazir Bhutto, a woman who wanted to fight her battle until the end with just one weapon—that of dialogue and political discussion. I condemn with great indignation the blind rage of terror which has again seen blood spilled and brought pain to Pakistan, a country already too often martyred by fanaticism. The difficult path towards peace and democracy in this region should not be abandoned and the sacrifice of the former prime minister… should be the strongest example for those who do not give up in the face of terrorism." Foreign Affairs Minister
Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs
As in most countries, in Italy the Minister of Foreign Affairs, which is the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is one of the most important ministerial positions...
Massimo D'Alema
Massimo D'Alema
Massimo D'Alema is an Italian politician. He is also a journalist and a former national secretary of the Democratic Party of the Left...
said, "I absolutely condemn this barbaric act of violence which, in striking at Pakistan just days before elections, places serious question marks against the complex and difficult path towards democracy."
– Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker
Jean-Claude Juncker
Jean-Claude Juncker is a Luxembourg politician, 23rd and current Prime Minister of Luxembourg, since 20 January 1995. He is the longest standing head of government of any European Union state...
described the assassination as a "deeply contemptible act."
– Foreign Minister Michael Frendo
Michael Frendo
Michael Frendo is a Maltese politician who has been Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malta since 2010. Previously he served in the government of Malta as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2004 to 2008.-Political life:...
said, "The killing of Benazir Bhutto is an attack on democracy and on secular politics in Pakistan. We express our solidarity with the people of Pakistan at this moment of loss."
– Foreign Affairs Minister
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Netherlands)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the Dutch ministry of foreign affairs: it is occupied with the external relations of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including European cooperation and International development...
Maxime Verhagen
Maxime Verhagen
Maxime Jacques Marcel Verhagen is a Dutch politician in the Christian Democratic Appeal party. He is the Minister of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation and Deputy Prime Minister since October 14, 2010 in the Cabinet Rutte.He previously served as a Member of the European Parliament for...
expressed his disgust over of the bombing. On behalf of the Dutch Cabinet
Fourth Balkenende cabinet
The fourth Balkenende cabinet or Balkenende IV is the previous Dutch coalition cabinet formed by the political parties Christian Democratic Appeal , Labour Party , and ChristianUnion . The cabinet succeeded the third Balkenende cabinet following the 2006 election, and was installed by Queen Beatrix...
he stated the bomb attack is a huge blow for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan.
– Prime Minister
Prime Minister of Norway
The Prime Minister of Norway is the political leader of Norway and the Head of His Majesty's Government. The Prime Minister and Cabinet are collectively accountable for their policies and actions to the Sovereign, to Stortinget , to their political party, and ultimately the...
Jens Stoltenberg
Jens Stoltenberg
is a Norwegian politician, leader of the Norwegian Labour Party and the current Prime Minister of Norway. Having assumed office on 17 October 2005, Stoltenberg previously served as Prime Minister from 2000 to 2001....
said, "It is with sadness that we have received the news of the murder of the former Prime Minister. We condemn the attack as a serious atrocity against the process of reestablishing democracy in Pakistan. Bhutto was a controversial, but a brave to reestablish the democracy in Pakistan, and she was in the middle of the process when she was killed. Her death is a terrible blow on this process." He also said it was important that "the despicable act would not halt the reforms in Pakistan."
– Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski condemned the assassination and added that he hopes that killing will not affect next year's elections.
– President
President of Portugal
Portugal has been a republic since 1910, and since that time the head of state has been the president, whose official title is President of the Portuguese Republic ....
Aníbal Cavaco Silva
Aníbal Cavaco Silva
Aníbal António Cavaco Silva, GCC , is the President of Portugal. He won the Portuguese presidential election on 22 January 2006 and was re-elected on 23 January 2011, for a second five-year term. Cavaco Silva was sworn in on 9 March 2006....
condemned the "tragic attacks" that killed the former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, describing the killing as a "heinous act". He also expressed "deep sorrow and solidarity" to the president and people of Pakistan.
– The Foreign Affairs Ministry "firmly condemned" the attack, "expressed [their] condolences to Benazir Bhutto's relatives and loved ones" and "hoped that the Pakistani leadership will manage to take necessary steps to ensure stability in the country." In a statement addressed to Pervez Musharraf, President Vladimir Putin
Vladimir Putin
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin served as the second President of the Russian Federation and is the current Prime Minister of Russia, as well as chairman of United Russia and Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Union of Russia and Belarus. He became acting President on 31 December 1999, when...
expressed his condolences to friends and relatives of the victims as well as hope that the perpetrators will be found and punished. He also commented that "[f]orces of terrorism are challenging not only Pakistan, but the international community".
– Prime Minister
Prime Minister of Spain
The President of the Government of Spain , sometimes known in English as the Prime Minister of Spain, is the head of Government of Spain. The current office is established under the Constitution of 1978...
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is a member of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party . He was elected for two terms as Prime Minister of Spain, in the 2004 and 2008 general elections. On 2 April 2011 he announced he will not stand for re-election in 2012...
said: "I want to express the most firm condemnation at the savage terrorist attack carried out in Rawalpindi."
– Foreign Minister
Minister for Foreign Affairs (Sweden)
The Minister for Foreign Affairs is the foreign minister of Sweden and the head of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.The office was instituted in 1809 as a result of the constitutional Instrument of Government promulgated in the same year. Until 1876 the office was called Prime Minister for Foreign...
Carl Bildt
Carl Bildt
, Honorary KCMG is a Swedish politician, diplomat and nobleman. Formerly Prime Minister of Sweden from 1991 to 1994 and leader of the liberal conservative Moderate Party from 1986 to 1999, Bildt has served as Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs since 6 October 2006...
said in a press conference about an hour after the murder that he felt both disgusted and angry for what had happened, and also worried over the further consequences.
– The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
Foreign relations of Switzerland
The foreign relations of Switzerland are the primary responsibility of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs . Some international relations of Switzerland are handled by other departments of the federal administration of Switzerland.-History:...
released a statement strongly condemning the attack. It called on Pakistani authorities and all concerned actors to maintain the country's stability and to continue pursuing the democratic process.
– Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been Prime Minister of Turkey since 2003 and is chairman of the ruling Justice and Development Party , which holds a majority of the seats in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. Erdoğan served as Mayor of Istanbul from 1994 to 1998. He graduated in 1981 from Marmara...
expressed his sorrow over Bhutto's demise during a phone conversation with Musharraf. Erdoğan, who strongly condemned the terrorist attack, also said that he hoped such attack would not hamper the democratization process in Pakistan. President
President of Turkey
The President of Turkey is the head of state of the Republic of Turkey. The presidency is largely a ceremonial office but has some important functions...
Abdullah Gül
Abdullah Gül
Dr. Abdullah Gül, GCB is the 11th and current President of the Republic of Turkey, serving in that office since 28 August 2007. He previously served for four months as Prime Minister from 2002-03, and as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2003-07....
, who met Bhutto during a visit to Pakistan earlier that month, called on the international community to assist Pakistan in this "critical" time as it prepares for parliamentary elections. Gül said: "They should own up to their country and make sure there is no more bloodshed".
– Speaker of Parliament
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is the speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's unicameral parliament. The speaker presides over the parliament and its procedures. They are elected by secret ballot from the parliament's deputy ranks...
Arseniy Yatsenyuk
Arseniy Yatsenyuk
Arseniy Petrovych Yatsenyuk is a Ukrainian politician, economist and lawyer. Yatsenyuk served in the government of Ukraine as Minister of Economy from 2005 to 2006; subsequently he was Foreign Minister of Ukraine in 2007 and Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada from 2007 to 2008.-Early life:Arseniy...
, after the parliament had held a minute’s silence, stated that Parliament
Verkhovna Rada
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is Ukraine's parliament. The Verkhovna Rada is a unicameral parliament composed of 450 deputies, which is presided over by a chairman...
"wished to extend its condolences to the family of the deceased (Bhutto), and to the Pakistani people for their loss." Ukraine's Foreign Ministry called for an objective and detailed investigation of the assassination of Pakistan's opposition leader Benazir Bhutto.
– Prime Minister
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the Head of Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister and Cabinet are collectively accountable for their policies and actions to the Sovereign, to Parliament, to their political party and...
Gordon Brown
Gordon Brown
James Gordon Brown is a British Labour Party politician who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Labour Party from 2007 until 2010. He previously served as Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Labour Government from 1997 to 2007...
stated, "Benazir Bhutto may have been killed by terrorists but the terrorists must not be allowed to kill democracy in Pakistan and this atrocity strengthens our resolve that terrorists will not win there, here or anywhere in the world." Brown further stated those responsible were "cowards, afraid of democracy" and that the British government would "work with all in the Pakistani community in Britain and elsewhere in the world, so that we can have a peaceful, and safe, and democratic Pakistan." Foreign Secretary
Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, commonly referred to as the Foreign Secretary, is a senior member of Her Majesty's Government heading the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and regarded as one of the Great Offices of State...
David Miliband
David Miliband
David Wright Miliband is a British Labour Party politician who has been the Member of Parliament for South Shields since 2001, and was the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs from 2007 to 2010. He is the elder son of the late Marxist theorist Ralph Miliband...
released a statement saying, "In targeting Benazir Bhutto, extremist groups have in their sights all those committed to democratic processes in Pakistan. They cannot and must not succeed. This is a time for restraint but also unity," also stating that he was "deeply shocked." Justice Secretary Jack Straw
Jack Straw
Jack Straw , British politician.Jack Straw may also refer to:* Jack Straw , English* "Jack Straw" , 1971 song by the Grateful Dead* Jack Straw by W...
added in his statement, "The sense of grief at her senseless killing will I know be shared not just by Pakistani communities across the world but by everyone, because this terrorism is an attack on us all, regardless of race, religion or party. We will ensure that it is defeated."
– Secretary of State
Cardinal Secretary of State
The Cardinal Secretary of State—officially Secretary of State of His Holiness The Pope—presides over the Holy See, usually known as the "Vatican", Secretariat of State, which is the oldest and most important dicastery of the Roman Curia...
Tarcisio Bertone expressed the sadness of Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI
Benedict XVI is the 265th and current Pope, by virtue of his office of Bishop of Rome, the Sovereign of the Vatican City State and the leader of the Catholic Church as well as the other 22 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Holy See...
, saying that "the Holy Father expresses sentiments of deep sympathy and spiritual closeness to the members of her family and to the entire Pakistani nation. He prays that further violence will be avoided and that every effort will be made to build a climate of respect and trust, which are so necessary if good order is to be maintained in society and if the country's political institutions are to operate effectively." Spokesman Federico Lombardi
Federico Lombardi
Federico Lombardi, SJ is an Italian Roman Catholic priest and the current director of the Holy See Press Office.-Early life and ordination:...
said that "this attack shows how extremely difficult it is to pacify a nation so wrought by violence." He also said that the Vatican "share[s] the sadness of the Pakistani population."
North America
– Prime Minister Hubert IngrahamHubert Ingraham
Hubert Alexander Ingraham is the Prime Minister of the Bahamas. He first served as Prime Minister from August 1992 until May 2002 and became Prime Minister again in 2007. He is a member of the Free National Movement Party . The Rt. Hon. Hubert A...
said, "Her assassination has left much of the world in a state of shock and grave concern for the future of Pakistan, the region and the world."
– Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier
Maxime Bernier
Maxime Bernier, PC, MP is a Canadian politician currently serving as the Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism in the cabinet of Prime Minister Stephen Harper....
issued the statement: "Canada condemns in the strongest terms 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. The anti-democratic 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 regional stability and security. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Benazir Bhutto, to the families of the other victims of today’s attack, and to the Pakistani people. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time." Prime Minister
Prime Minister of Canada
The Prime Minister of Canada is the primary minister of the Crown, chairman of the Cabinet, and thus head of government for Canada, charged with advising the Canadian monarch or viceroy on the exercise of the executive powers vested in them by the constitution...
Stephen Harper
Stephen Harper
Stephen Joseph Harper is the 22nd and current Prime Minister of Canada and leader of the Conservative Party. Harper became prime minister when his party formed a minority government after the 2006 federal election...
later added to reporters at a press meeting in Calgary: "We condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms. This was an abhorrent act of terror. We hope that the government of Pakistan will act to bring the perpetrators to justice".
– Prime Minister
Prime Minister of Jamaica
The Prime Minister of Jamaica is Jamaica's head of government, currently Andrew Holness. Andrew Holness was elected as the new leader of the governing Jamaica Labour Party and succeeded Bruce Golding to become Jamaica's ninth Prime Minister on 23 October 2011...
Bruce Golding
Bruce Golding
Orette Bruce Golding MP served as Prime Minister of Jamaica from 11 September 2007 to 23 October 2011. He is a member of the Jamaica Labour Party.-Biography:...
expressed shock and outrage at the assassination and expressed the hope that "the Pakistani people will find lasting peace within a framework of democracy, tolerance and mutual respect."
– Foreign Affairs Secretary
Secretary of Foreign Affairs (Mexico)
In Mexico, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs is a member of the federal executive cabinet with responsibility for implementing the country's foreign policy. The secretary is appointed by the President of the Republic and heads the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs ...
Patricia Espinosa
Patricia Espinosa
Patricia Espinosa Cantellano is a Mexican diplomat. She is a former ambassador to Austria, Germany, Slovenia and Slovakia and currently serves as Secretary of Foreign Affairs in the cabinet of President Felipe Calderón....
"energetically condemned" the event, reaffirmed Mexico's rejection of "terrorism in all its forms and the loss of innocent people's lives", and expressed their "deepest condolences to Benazir Bhutto's relatives and the families of the 20 other victims, as well as to the people and authorities of Pakistan."
– The Foreign Affairs Ministry released a statement, saying that "the Government and people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago express the deepest sympathy to the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and family members of former Prime Minister Ms Benazir Ali Bhutto, political leader of the Pakistan People’s Party, on the tragic incident which resulted in her untimely demise and that of innocent civilians", adding that "the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago strongly condemns this act and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to international efforts to eradicate terrorism."
– President
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
George Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
strongly condemned the assassination, urging her killers to be brought to justice. Bush condemned the assassination as a "cowardly act by murderous extremists," and encouraged Pakistan to "honor Benazir Bhutto's memory by continuing with the democratic process for which she so bravely gave her life." Bush also offered some strong praise of Bhutto, noting that "she knew that her return to Pakistan earlier this year put her life at risk. Yet she refused to let assassins to dictate the course of her country." Speaker of the House
Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
The Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, or Speaker of the House, is the presiding officer of the United States House of Representatives...
Nancy Pelosi
Nancy Pelosi
Nancy Patricia D'Alesandro Pelosi is the Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives and served as the 60th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011...
said, "The brutal assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto is a tragic setback for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan. Her courageous return to Pakistan this year gave hope to all those concerned by efforts to extinguish rule of law there." Senate Majority Leader
Party leaders of the United States Senate
The Senate Majority and Minority Leaders are two United States Senators who are elected by the party conferences that hold the majority and the minority respectively. These leaders serve as the chief Senate spokespeople for their parties and manage and schedule the legislative and executive...
Harry Reid
Harry Reid
Harry Mason Reid is the senior United States Senator from Nevada, serving since 1987. A member of the Democratic Party, he has been the Senate Majority Leader since January 2007, having previously served as Minority Leader and Minority and Majority Whip.Previously, Reid was a member of the U.S...
said, "It is important, when faced with the violence and loss of innocent life over the last few days, that political leaders show a commitment to resolve but also restraint. Extremists must be brought to justice, but extremism must not undermine commitment to the rule of law, to human rights, and to democracy." At another press briefing at around 13:00 EST on December 27, a State Department
United States Department of State
The United States Department of State , is the United States federal executive department responsible for international relations of the United States, equivalent to the foreign ministries of other countries...
spokesman asserted that "some kind of postponement or delay" in Pakistan’s democratic process would be "a victory" for "the extremists" who were responsible for Benazir Bhutto's assassination. He also asserted that "perhaps the best antidote to extremism is the continuation of the democratic process." He called for a "credible and transparent" investigation of the attack, and alluded to the "broad international outrage" about the incident. He also said that Bush spoke with Musharraf at 13:15 EST. Ambassador to the United Nations
United States Ambassador to the United Nations
The United States Ambassador to the United Nations is the leader of the U.S. delegation, the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. The position is more formally known as the "Permanent Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations, with the rank and status of Ambassador...
Zalmay Khalilzad
Zalmay Khalilzad
Zalmay Mamozy Khalilzad is a counselor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and president of Khalilzad Associates, an international business consulting firm based in Washington, DC. He was the United States Ambassador to the United Nations under President George W. Bush...
, while describing Bhutto as a “courageous figure”, said that “The world has much at stake in the success of Pakistan's democratic institutions. It's a great tragedy because she stood for moderation, for rule of law, for democracy in her country, and her death is a loss for the cause of moderation, democracy, and rule of law for Pakistan. She was clear-headed about the problems of her country, the challenges that she faced — even the security challenges she faced." Secretary of State
United States Secretary of State
The United States Secretary of State is the head of the United States Department of State, concerned with foreign affairs. The Secretary is a member of the Cabinet and the highest-ranking cabinet secretary both in line of succession and order of precedence...
Condoleezza Rice
Condoleezza Rice
Condoleezza Rice is an American political scientist and diplomat. She served as the 66th United States Secretary of State, and was the second person to hold that office in the administration of President George W. Bush...
said in a statement,"We extend our sincere condolences to the Bhutto family and to the families of others who were killed and wounded in the attack. We condemn in the strongest terms possible this cowardly and murderous attack."
Oceania
– Prime MinisterPrime Minister of Australia
The Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia is the highest minister of the Crown, leader of the Cabinet and Head of Her Majesty's Australian Government, holding office on commission from the Governor-General of Australia. The office of Prime Minister is, in practice, the most powerful...
Kevin Rudd
Kevin Rudd
Kevin Michael Rudd is an Australian politician who was the 26th Prime Minister of Australia from 2007 to 2010. He has been Minister for Foreign Affairs since 2010...
urged restraint, saying "Benazir Bhutto showed great courage and defiance in her resistance to extremism. I urge all parties in Pakistan to act with restraint and to work for a return to a peaceful democratic process. It is my hope that a democratic Pakistan will be Benazir Bhutto's legacy."
– Finance Minister
Cabinet (Fiji)
Fiji has the Westminster system - executive authority is vested nominally in a President, but exercised in practice by a Cabinet of Ministers, presided over by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is formally appointed, but not chosen, by the President: the President must appoint as Prime...
Mahendra Chaudhry
Mahendra Chaudhry
Mahendra Pal Chaudhry is a Fijian politician and the leader of the Fiji Labour Party...
said, "Ms. Bhutto was, in recent times, a beacon of hope for the millions of Pakistani people who aspired for a free, fair and democratic Pakistan. It is a real tragedy that Ms Bhutto has not been allowed to realise her vision for Pakistan and the rest of the world."
– Prime Minister
Prime Minister of New Zealand
The Prime Minister of New Zealand is New Zealand's head of government consequent on being the leader of the party or coalition with majority support in the Parliament of New Zealand...
Helen Clark
Helen Clark
Helen Elizabeth Clark, ONZ is a New Zealand political figure who was the 37th Prime Minister of New Zealand for three consecutive terms from 1999 to 2008...
said she was deeply shocked and saddened saying "Benazir Bhutto showed great courage in returning to Pakistan to contest the election. She had survived attempts on her life and was acutely aware of the dangers she faced in returning to campaign for the elections. Her death is a great loss to Pakistan and to the region. My sympathies go out to her immediate family, political colleagues, and to the people of Pakistan for their terrible loss."
South America
– PresidentPresident of Argentina
The President of the Argentine Nation , usually known as the President of Argentina, is the head of state of Argentina. Under the national Constitution, the President is also the chief executive of the federal government and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.Through Argentine history, the...
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner
Cristina Elisabet Fernández de Kirchner , commonly known as Cristina Fernández or Cristina Kirchner is the 55th and current President of Argentina and the widow of former President Néstor Kirchner. She is Argentina's first elected female president, and the second female president ever to serve...
condemned "energetically the awful attack that (...) took the life of Benazir Bhutto. The Argentine government wishes to express its deepest condolences to the Bhutto family, as well to the other victims' families and the whole people of Pakistan".
– The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a letter to UN asking for an investigation of the assassination. In name of President
President of Bolivia
The President of Bolivia is head of state and head of government of Bolivia. According to the current Constitution, the president is elected by popular vote to a five year term, renewable once...
Evo Morales
Evo Morales
Juan Evo Morales Ayma , popularly known as Evo , is a Bolivian politician and activist, currently serving as the 80th President of Bolivia, a position that he has held since 2006. He is also the leader of both the Movement for Socialism party and the cocalero trade union...
it expressed Bolivia's condemnation of the attack.
– President
President of Brazil
The president of Brazil is both the head of state and head of government of the Federative Republic of Brazil. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the Brazilian Armed Forces...
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva , known popularly as Lula, served as the 35th President of Brazil from 2003 to 2010.A founding member of the Workers' Party , he ran for President three times unsuccessfully, first in the 1989 election. Lula achieved victory in the 2002 election, and was inaugurated as...
condemned the attacks and spoke of his "great pain and indignation" at the violence. Later, in a statement, Lula da Silva reaffirmed his "firm rejection to the use of violence in political life" and extended his condolences "to the families of the victims and the Pakistani nation" in the name of the Brazilian Government
Politics of Brazil
The politics of Brazil take place in a framework of a federal presidential representative democratic republic, where by the President is both head of state and head of government, and of a multi-party system...
.
– President
President of Chile
The President of the Republic of Chile is both the head of state and the head of government of the Republic of Chile. The President is responsible of the government and state administration...
Michelle Bachelet
Michelle Bachelet
Verónica Michelle Bachelet Jeria is a Social Democrat politician who was President of Chile from 11 March 2006 to 11 March 2010. She was the first woman president of her country...
condemned the assassination and paid tribute to Bhutto. The Foreign Affairs Ministry expressed deep consternation at the loss of Bhutto and condemned the events as "terrorist acts." The ministry also expressed its hope that "this event does not dim the opening process towards a total democracy and the national reconciliation."
– The Foreign Affairs Ministry sent an official message conveying the condolences of the government and people of Guyana and hoped "peace and stability will prevail."
– The Foreign Affairs Ministry
Foreign relations of Paraguay
Paraguayan foreign policy has concentrated on maintaining good relations with its neighbors, and it has been an active proponent of regional co-operation. It is a member of the United Nations and has served one term in the UN Security Council in 1967-1969...
issued a statement expressing its rejection of "acts of violence and the loss of human life", repudiating "acts of terrorism in any of its manifestations", and "[sending] to the Bhutto family, to the families of other victims, as well as to the people and authorities of Pakistan, its sincere condolences."
– President Alan García stated at the Casa de Pizarro
Government Palace (Peru)
The Government Palace of Peru, also known as House of Pizarro, renoved in 1937, was the house of the Peruvian government headquarters and was built over a huge Indian burying ground Waka that had a shrine of Indian chief Taulichusco. It has been through many alterations...
that "Peru
Peru
Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
reaffirms its absolute opposition to terrorism, which must firmly be fought with total respect to human rights and democratic liberties." Garcia expressed the condolences of the Peru
Peru
Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
vian people to Bhutto's family and hoped that Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
would soon find order. It was also revealed that García was a close friend of Bhutto, according to a Chancellorship
Foreign relations of Peru
Peru has been a member of the United Nations since 1949, and Peruvian Javier Pérez de Cuéllar served as UN Secretary General from 1981 to 1991. Former President Fujimori’s tainted re-election to a third term in June 2000 strained Peru's relations with the United States and with many Latin American...
note.
– President Hugo Chávez
Hugo Chávez
Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías is the 56th and current President of Venezuela, having held that position since 1999. He was formerly the leader of the Fifth Republic Movement political party from its foundation in 1997 until 2007, when he became the leader of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela...
said, "We received the news with great pain, and I hope this is never repeated ever again, anywhere."