US House mourns Bhutto's assassination

{image-Benazir Bhutto_17012008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Washington, Jan 17: The US House of Representatives has adopted by a vote of 413 to 0 (zero), a resolution, condemning, in the strongest terms the assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

The resolution, passed by the House yesterday, also reaffirms the commitment of the United States to assist the people of Pakistan in combating terrorism, and promoting a free and democratic Pakistan. It also supports efforts by the Government of Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice those responsible for the assassination and it expresses condolences to the Bhutto family and the families of all those who were killed or injured in the attack.

In addition, the resolution urges the people and Government of Pakistan to be relentless in its pursuit of a democratically-elected government, including the holding of free and fair elections at the earliest possible opportunity.

The measure expresses support for the freedom of the media, the ability of political parties to express their views without restriction, and the independence of the judiciary in Pakistan.

Democratic Congressman Gary Ackerman who moved the resolution, said Ms Bhutto's life was marked by tragedy that played out on Pakistan's public stage.

He said the United States and the rest of the international community had a vital interest in supporting a free, stable and secure Pakistan so as to stem the rise of extremism in South Asia, prevent global acts of terrorism from originating in Pakistan and support the movement toward stable political institutions, democratic values and the rule of law.

UNI