Benazir's assassination result of failures at number of levels: US

Washington, Apr.17 (ANI): Backing the UN enquiry commission's report over former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's assassination, the United States has said that the slain leader's murder was a result of 'failures at a number of levels.'

Interacting with media persons during a regular press briefing, Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs Philip Crowley said: "Benazir Bhutto assassination was a result of failures at a number of levels where she did not have the protection that she deserved and obviously needed."

Noting that Washington "cooperated fully" with the UN investigation team, Crowley said the US is committed to help democracy flourish in Pakistan.

"The assassination was a tragedy for the people of Pakistan. We will continue to work with Pakistan to make sure that we build the institutions of democracy going forward," The News quoted Crowley, as saying.

The UN enquiry commission's report has blamed the then Musharraf government of 'deliberately' failing to probe the December 2007 gun and bomb attack, saying the tragedy could have been averted if adequate security arrangements would have been made.

"The Musharraf government failed to provide foolproof security to Ms. Bhutto which ultimately allowed a lethal assault on her. The security breach left wide-open room for an attack to happen," the report said in its opening remarks. (ANI)