The Hindu : Front Page : Benazir was the voice of democracy: all-party meet

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Saturday, Dec 29, 2007
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Benazir was the voice of democracy: all-party meet

Special Correspondent

Leaders resolve to defeat the forces of terrorism

M.K. Narayanan briefs political leaders
Cabinet Committee on Security reviews situation

NEW DELHI: All major political parties on Friday unanimously condoled the death of the former Pakistan Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, and resolved to “defeat the forces of terrorism in the region.”

A resolution passed at an all-party meeting, convened here to discuss the situation in the region in the wake of Benazir’s killing, conveyed its heartfelt sympathies to the members of her family and the people of Pakistan. The leaders, who were briefed by National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan, described Benazir as an outstanding leader of South Asia and the voice of moderation and democracy in Pakistan.

Just before the all-party meeting, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security that reviewed the situation in the region and domestically, and discussed the steps by India to deal with the situation. There was a discussion on various issues but no details were made available.

Earlier, Dr. Singh, on his arrival from Goa, visited the Pakistan High Commission here, where he signed the condolence book and wrote: “It was with the deepest sense of horror and sorrow that I have learnt of the tragic demise of Madam Benazir Bhutto.

In her sad and untimely demise, Pakistan and South Asia have lost an outstanding political leader, who was passionately committed to the cause of moderation, democracy and peace and friendship between our two countries. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and the people of Pakistan.”

The all-party meet was attended by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Defence Minister A.K. Antony, Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Mr. Narayanan. The Bharatiya Janata Party was represented by the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, L.K. Advani, and the former External Affairs Minister, Jaswant Singh.

At Advani’s request

Among those who attended the meeting included Sitaram Yechury (Communist Party of India - Marxist), A.B. Bardhan (Communist Party of India), Raghuvansh Prasad Singh (Rashtriya Janata Dal), Shahid Siddiqui (Samajwadi Party), Satish Mishra (Bahujan Samaj Party), Sharad Yadav (Janata Dal- United) and T.R. Baalu (DMK).

The meeting was convened on the request of Mr. Advani who spoke to Dr. Singh on Thursday.

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