US House to vote resolution condemning Bhutto's death

Washington, Jan 16 (UNI) The full US House of Representatives is expected to vote tomorrow on a non-official resolution, condemning in the strongest terms the assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Sub committee on the Middle East and South Asia Gary Ackerman (Democrat) introduced the measure yesterday which expresses ''the outrage and dismay of the House over the cruel and cowardly assassination of Benazir Bhutto.'' Mr Ackerman, in a statement, said, ''the resolution also expresses our unwavering support in the wake of this brutal attack for Pakistan to be restored to a full democracy.'' The resolution 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.

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.

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