US presidential candidates react to Benazir’s assassination

By Rana Fawad

WASHINGTON: Presidential candidates in the US have also reacted to the assassination of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and termed it a horrific act.

In a press release issued today, Republican candidate Rudy Giuliani said it was a tragic event for Pakistan and for democracy in Pakistan and demanded the murderers must be brought to justice. He also commented, “Her death is a reminder that terrorism anywhere — whether in New York, London, Tel-Aviv or Rawalpindi — is an enemy of freedom. We must redouble our efforts to win the Terrorists’ War on Us.”

Another Republican front runner Mike Huckabee said it “is devastating news for the people of Pakistan, and my prayers go out to them as we follow developments regarding this dire situation.”

He added, “On this sad day, we are reminded that while our democracy has flaws, it stands as a shining beacon of hope for nations and people around the world who seek peace and opportunity through self-government.”

Republican Senator John McCain offered his condolences to the family and supporters of Benazir Bhutto. The Senator said, "The death of Benazir Bhutto underscores yet again the grave dangers we face in the world today and particularly in countries like Pakistan, where the forces of moderation are arrayed in a fierce battle against those who embrace violent Islamic extremism.”

Referring to his own visits to Pakistan, John McCain said the politicians faced many challenges in that country and “There are, in Pakistan, brave individuals who seek to lead their country away from extremism and instability and into the light of a better day. America, I believe, must do all we can to support them.”

Another Republican candidate Mitt Romney condemned the assassination and said moderate forces needed to be supported.

He offered condolences “to the family of Benazir Bhutto, and to all the people of Pakistan who are fighting against extremist forces that would commit such heinous acts as the whole world has witnessed today.”

Democratic front runner Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton reacted by saying she was profoundly saddened and outraged by the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.

She said Benazir was a leader of tremendous political and personal courage and added “She returned to Pakistan to fight for democracy despite threats and previous attempts on her life and now she has made the ultimate sacrifice. Her death is a tragedy for her country and a terrible reminder of the work that remains to bring peace, stability, and hope to regions of the globe too often paralyzed by fear, hatred, and violence.”

Hillary hoped Beanzir’s “legacy will be a brighter, more hopeful future for the people she loved and the country she served. My family and I extend our condolences and deepest sympathies to the victims and their families and to the people of Pakistan.”

In a brief statement issued by Barak Obama’s campaign, he said, “I am shocked and saddened by the death of Benazir Bhutto in this terrorist atrocity. She was a respected and resilient advocate for the democratic aspirations of the Pakistani people.”