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Pakistan says UK, US, France offer help in Benazir's assassination probe

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Jan 2, IRNA
Pakistan-Benazir
Pakistan said on Wednesday that a number of countries including the United States, the United Kingdom and France have offered help in the probe.

Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq told newsmen at the weekly briefing in Islamabad that the visiting French Foreign Minister during his talks with Pakistani leadership, offered assistance in the investigations.

"These countries have been told that Pakistan would contact them for assistance if required," he said and added that Pakistan is committed to a thorough and transparent investigation into Benazir Bhutto's assassination and is open to receiving assistance from outside.

He said Pakistan has received a large number of condolence messages and statements from foreign leaders. Foreign Office had instructed all Pakistan missions abroad to observe the three day official mourning period by flying the national flag at half mast and opening condolence books.

"The Government is deeply moved by the expression of condolences and sympathy with the people of Pakistan and the family of Benazir Bhutto.

These messages and condolence books would be transmitted to her family."

To a question about demands by some circles about UN probe into the killing, the spokesman said it was an unfortunate and extraordinary situation and some extraordinary statements were expected.

Replying to another question he said the situation and circumstances of Rafik Hariri murder and Benazir Bhutto's assassination were quite different. He said the Commission on Hariri assassination has submitted nine reports since its establishment two year back without bringing the matter to a closure.

Asked to comment on a letter written by some US Congressmen to the Secretary of State on the issue, the spokesman said Pakistan's Government is committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the incident and holding elections. He said it would not be appropriate to jump to conclusions. He warned that threats of suspension of US assistance would not help improve relations between the two countries that are based on mutual interest.

"It will also be not in the interest of regional peace and stability as well as the political process in Pakistan," he said.

"To another question he said Pakistan's nuclear assets were safe and we know how to defend them."
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