Pakistan Bows; Requests International Investigators
After finally admitting that Benazir Bhutto died from a gunshot wound, not from hitting her head on the sunroof latch like it was originally reported, President Musharraf has requested investigators from Scotland Yard to conduct and investigation of her assassination:
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said Wednesday that he had requested a team of investigators from Britain's Scotland Yard to assist in the investigation into the killing of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto.
"We decided to request a team from Scotland Yard to come. I sent the request to (British) Prime Minister (Gordon) Brown, and he accepted the request," Musharraf said, adding that the British team would assist local investigators.
"We would like to know what were the reasons that led to the martyrdom of Benazir Bhutto. I would also like to look into it," Musharraf said in a nationally televised address.
Opposition officials have rejected the government's version of events surrounding Bhutto's killing in a suicide attack after a rally Thursday and demanded an international investigation.
Musharraf's nearly 30 minute speech was his first major address since Bhutto's slaying.
"This is a time for reconciliation and not for confrontation," he said.
"The nation has experienced a great tragedy. Benazir Bhutto has died in the hands of terrorists. I pray to God almighty to put the eternal soul of Benazir at peace," he said.
Will this help things in Pakistan, namely in calming down the violence, and easing tensions? One would hope so, but it is hard to tell. President Musharraf did not state how much access Scotland Yard will get. This is a good first step in reconciling with the people, especially given the violence since the assassination.
No one bought the official government line. President Musharraf knew this, and held onto it until today when, left with no other choice, he bowed to pressure and called on the Brits. All we can do is sit back and hope that they are given the necessary latitude in conducting their investigation. President Musharraf had better hope that no one in his government had a hand in this assassination, or all Hell will break loose.
Marcie
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said Wednesday that he had requested a team of investigators from Britain's Scotland Yard to assist in the investigation into the killing of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto.
"We decided to request a team from Scotland Yard to come. I sent the request to (British) Prime Minister (Gordon) Brown, and he accepted the request," Musharraf said, adding that the British team would assist local investigators.
"We would like to know what were the reasons that led to the martyrdom of Benazir Bhutto. I would also like to look into it," Musharraf said in a nationally televised address.
Opposition officials have rejected the government's version of events surrounding Bhutto's killing in a suicide attack after a rally Thursday and demanded an international investigation.
Musharraf's nearly 30 minute speech was his first major address since Bhutto's slaying.
"This is a time for reconciliation and not for confrontation," he said.
"The nation has experienced a great tragedy. Benazir Bhutto has died in the hands of terrorists. I pray to God almighty to put the eternal soul of Benazir at peace," he said.
Will this help things in Pakistan, namely in calming down the violence, and easing tensions? One would hope so, but it is hard to tell. President Musharraf did not state how much access Scotland Yard will get. This is a good first step in reconciling with the people, especially given the violence since the assassination.
No one bought the official government line. President Musharraf knew this, and held onto it until today when, left with no other choice, he bowed to pressure and called on the Brits. All we can do is sit back and hope that they are given the necessary latitude in conducting their investigation. President Musharraf had better hope that no one in his government had a hand in this assassination, or all Hell will break loose.
Marcie
posted by Syd And Vaughn | 2:50 PM
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