US Senate demands restoration of democracy in Pakistan

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Washington, Feb 9 : Senator Joseph R Biden has introduced a resolution in the US Senate expressing condolences for the death of former Pakistan premier Benazir Bhutto, and urged Washington to ensure that democracy is restored in Pakistan.

The co-sponsors of the resolution are: Senators Barack Obama, Max Baucus, Dick Durbin, Tom Harkin, Robert Casey, Robert Menendez, Harry Reid and Dianne Feinstein.

The resolution also calls for an independent investigation into Benazir's murder, and calls upon the Pakistan government to return to democracy by ensuring fair elections without further delay; release all political detainees; revoke restrictions on the press and free speech; and restore a genuinely independent judiciary.

Senator Biden's resolution also urged President George W Bush to review all US aid to Pakistan to ensure that all assistance furthers the common goals shared by the two countries to combat violent radicalism and promote a free and democratic Pakistan.

"The assassination of ... Benazir on December 27, 2007, was a political thunderbolt, and those of us who knew her personally have shared the loss felt by Pakistanis of all political outlooks," said Senator Biden.

"In the wake of this shocking act of terrorism, Pakistani democracy remains seriously threatened. This is not merely a matter of concern to Pakistan, but to the US as well," the Daily Times quoted Biden, as saying.

Until the political crisis in Pakistan is resolved, no government in Islamabad will have the focus, the will, or the military and intelligence resources necessary to combat the threat of al Qaeda and the Taliban effectively, he warned.

"Pakistan stands at a critical juncture. We must all work together to ensure that it returns to a stable democracy as quickly as possible," Biden added.

ANI

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