International reactions to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto

International reactions to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto consisted of universal condemnation across the international community, including Pakistan's regional neighbors Afghanistan, China, India, Bangladesh, and Iran. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh praised Bhutto's efforts for the improvement of India-Pakistan relations. The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting and unanimously condemned the assassination, a call echoed by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Both European Union President José Manuel Barroso and U.S. President George W. Bush also expressed the hope that Pakistan will continue on the path of democracy.

Africa

Algeria – The Foreign Ministry issued a statement, saying that "Algeria is keen to condemn with the greatest firmness this criminal act, which came to shatter the fate of an exceptional personality, fully involved in the democratic fight for the renewal of her country."

Egypt – Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit "conveyed deep condolences to the bereaved family of Benazir Bhutto, her party workers, government and people of Pakistan.."

Liberia – President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf released a statement, saying that she was "deeply disturbed and saddened by the events in Pakistan."

Libya – The Foreign Ministry released a statement condemning the "odious terrorist operation" and affirming its "staunch opposition to all that is likely to jeopardize security and peace in Pakistani society".

Morocco – King Mohammed VI condemned the assassination in a message to Musharraf, describing Bhutto as "one of illustrious leaders [of Pakistan] both in the Government and in the opposition."

Namibia – A Foreign Affairs Ministry statement called on the Pakistani authorities to "ensure that those who have carried this pre-meditated and cowardly killing are brought to justice." It also offered condolences to the families of Bhutto and those who were killed in the blast.

Nigeria – President Umaru Yar'Adua urged Bhutto's family, the Pakistani government and her supporters "to take solace in the knowledge that she died in active pursuit of her vision of true democracy for her country, and that in death, she has become an eternal martyr to the cause she believed in with all her heart."

South Africa – Foreign Affairs spokesman Ronnie Mamoepa said, "Clearly South Africa is saddened by the news of the murder of Benazir Bhutto and condemns unequivocally this outrageous act of violence...We call on the Pakistani people do everything in their power, to leave no stone unturned to find the perpetrators of this dastardly act."

Tunisia – The Foreign Affairs Ministry released a statement that strongly denounced the assassination, expressing "regret over the Pakistani official's slaying."

Uganda – Foreign Affairs Minister Isaac Musumba said, "It is very deplorable and very pathetic. We thought that democracy was finally having its day in Pakistan. The murder of Bhutto and other people shows that terrorism must continue to be fought relentlessly and without compromise."

Asia

Afghanistan – President Hamid Karzai condemned "the act of cowardice and immense brutality in the strongest possible terms." He praised Bhutto for "having sacrificed her life for the sake of Pakistan and for the sake of this region."

Azerbaijan – President Ilham Aliyev said, "This tragic event confirms once again the need for mobilization of all forces in order to fight terrorism and for joint efforts against this calamity, which is a source of constant threat to humankind" and expressed his "deepest condolences to the people of Pakistan, as well as to the families of those killed."

Bahrain – The government denounced the assassination, saying that "[it] extends its sincere condolences to Bhutto's family and all the Pakistani people" and calling for "self-restraint."

Bangladesh – Chief Advisor Fakhruddin Ahmed condemned the attack, stating that "it was an unpardonable crime that has shocked the world. The government and people of Bangladesh mourned this tragedy with their Pakistani brethren." Major political parties also condemned the assassination.