US says it is reviewing UN report on Bhutto
Noting that it is reviewing the UN report on the assassination of former Pakistani Premier Benazir Bhutto, the US has said it will continue to work with Pakistan to build and defend institutions of democracy.
"We have the report. We are reviewing it. The United States cooperated fully, not just in this UN investigation but obviously in the independent Scotland Yard investigation that preceded it," Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs P J Crowley said.
"The assassination was a tragedy for the people of Pakistan, and Benazir Bhutto gave her life in defence of the development of Pakistan's democratic institutions and the progress of which you heard described here," he said.
The Obama Administration will continue to work with Pakistan to make sure that the US builds the institutions of democracy going forward and help them defend them as well.
Noting that the US encouraged Bhutto's return to Pakistan, Crowley said: "We encouraged Pakistan's return to a civilian government and civilian rule. Clearly, tragically, there were failures at a number of levels where she did not have the protection that she deserved and obviously needed."
At the same time, Crowley refrained from commenting on the particulars of the report. "The report speaks for itself."
Meanwhile, the US strongly condemned the bombings that occurred on Thursday in Kandahar city.
The senseless act of violence took the lives of Afghan citizens and wounded numerous others from the international community, including American citizens, he said.
"Those killed and injured last night were in Afghanistan working, on much-needed development, economic opportunity, and providing electricity to the people of Kandahar. The terrorists who carried out this attack are clearly not interested in improving the lives of those citizens," Crowley said.
