The Hindu : Front Page : Great tragedy, says Musharraf

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Dec 28, 2007
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Great tragedy, says Musharraf

Nirupama Subramanian

ISLAMABAD: President Pervez Musharraf condemned the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, describing it as a “tragedy,” and reiterated his resolve to combat extremists and terrorists until they were eliminated.

“This is a great tragedy which I cannot describe in words ... I am deeply saddened and I condemn it very strongly,” he said.

He announced that the national flag would fly at half mast for three days.

“Pakistan … faces the greatest threat from these terrorists. I, on this tragic incident, want to express my resolve, and also seek solidarity from the nation, their cooperation, also to stand by me, that we will not rest … until we eliminate these terrorists and root them out,” he said in a brief address on national television.

General (retired) Musharraf said the act had been carried out by the terrorists whom the government was already fighting “because it is vital for the survival of our nation and for its development as these are a major impediment in our progress.”

He also expressed condolences to Ms. Bhutto’s family, including her mother Nusrat Bhutto, sister Sanam, husband Asif Zardari, and three children — Bilawal, Bhaktawar and Asifa.

Benazir Bhutto 1953 - 2007

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