28 December 2007
South African President Thabo Mbeki, on behalf of the government and people of South Africa, has condemned the assassination of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto and other Pakistani nationals in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on Thursday.
The 54-year-old former prime minister was killed in a suicide attack as she left a rally in a city park ahead of elections that are due to take place on 8 January. According to news agency Reuters, the suicide bomber fired gunshots at Bhutto before blowing himself up, killing more than 10 others in the blast.
"South Africa condemns all forms of violence to promote political objectives and in this regard reiterates its oft-stated view that violence can only beget violence," Mbeki said in a statement.
"Accordingly, the South African government appeals to all political parties and the people of Pakistan to remain calm during this very turbulent period in its history and remain committed to the political processes towards elections."
Mbeki added that South Africa "joins the international community in reaching out in thought and prayer to the family of Benazir Bhutto as well as to those who have lost their loved ones.
"South Africa expresses its confidence that the authorities will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act face the full might of the law."
SAinfo reporter
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