Rice calls for continuing democratic process in Pak

Hailing the former PM as a 'champion for democracy', the US Secy of State urged Pak to continue the democratic process.

Hailing slain former prime minister Benazir Bhutto as a “champion for democracy”, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has urged Pakistanis to continue the democratic process in the country.

“We are in contact with people in Pakistan, all of the parties. But, obviously, it’s just very important that the democratic process go forward,” Rice said.

“This is a day of great tragedy, great mourning. She was a champion of democracy. She was a courageous woman. In my conversations with her, her commitment and her dedication came through very clearly, and most especially her love for her people and for her country,” she said.

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“Let me just say that I wanted to come to express personally, and also on behalf, of course, of the American people our deep sympathies with the Bhutto family, with her supporters of Benazir Bhutto, and of course with the Pakistani people,” she said.

“And I believe that her legacy will be one of being remembered for that dedication. And as the president said on Friday, the way to honour her memory is to continue the democratic process in Pakistan,” Rice asserted.

Rice was among the senior administration officials and diplomats including the Indian Ambassador Ronen Sen, who were at the Pakistan Embassy to sign the condolence book.

Ambassador Sen was the first senior Indian official to have had his meeting with Bhutto in 1988 as a personal envoy of the then Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.