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Bush Condemns Bhutto Assassination
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U.S. congressional leaders, meanwhile, recalled meetings with Bhutto and stressed a need for Pakistan to step back from a potential maelstrom of violence.
"It is important . . . that political leaders show a commitment to resolve but also restraint," said Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.). "Extremists must be brought to justice, but extremism must not undermine commitment to the rule of law, to human rights and to democracy."
Sen. Richard G. Lugar (R-Ind.), the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said, "This is a critical moment for Pakistan, for the region and for the community of nations as we encourage democracy and stability in Pakistan." He expressed support for pressing ahead with the Jan. 8 elections "in honor of Benazir Bhutto's memory."
Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) called the murder of Bhutto "a lightning bolt wake-up call for anyone who had taken their eye off of the turmoil in Pakistan."
"Her loss underscores the fragility of the situation in Pakistan and the perils of a volatile mix of unrest, tension, radicalism and nuclear weapons," Kerry said. "Her killing embodies everyone's worst possible fears and reinforces how tenuous the circumstances in Pakistan really are." He said the United States and its allies should focus urgently on "developing a Pakistan strategy that will crush extremists and provide freedom, peace, and security."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called the assassination "a tragic setback for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan." Bhutto's "courageous return to Pakistan this year gave hope to all those concerned by efforts to extinguish rule of law there," she said.
The United States now "must stand with the Pakistani people in their struggle for democracy and continue to press the Musharraf government to ensure that the coming election is free and fair," Pelosi said.
Gardner reported from Crawford, Tex. Staff writer Colum Lynch at the United Nations and correspondent Emily Wax in New Delhi also contributed to this report.
