Canadian Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier condemned on Thursday in a statement the assassination of Pakistan's opposition leader and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
"Canada condemns in the strongest terms this attack on the restoration of Pakistan's efforts to return to full democracy. Today's violence is especially heinous in view of the upcoming elections on Jan. 8, 2008. The anti-democratic intent of the perpetrators could not be more obvious," the statement said.
"I urge the government and people of Pakistan to continue to reject all forms of violence and to resist those who seek to destabilize their country. Stability in Pakistan is vital for regional stability and security," said the statement.
Bernier offered condolences to the family of Bhutto, to the families of the other victims of the attack, and to the Pakistani people.
Bhutto, 54, was killed Thursday evening in a suicide attack when she was leaving an election rally in Rawalpindi, some 30 km south of Islamabad, Pakistan's capital.
At least 22 others were killed and 56 wounded in the attack.
Bhutto, who served twice as Pakistan's prime minister between 1988 and 1996, was leader of opposition Pakistan People's Party, the country's largest party.
Source: Xinhua
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