World condemns assassination

Staff Report/APP

ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday condemned the assassination of Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer.

In a statement issued by the US embassy in Islamabad, she said, “We strongly condemn the assassination in Pakistan of Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer. I had the opportunity to meet Governor Taseer in Pakistan and I admired his work to promote tolerance and the education of Pakistan’s future generations. His death is a great loss. Our deepest sympathies are with Governor Taseer’s wife and children.”

“The United States remains committed to helping the government and people of Pakistan as they persevere in their campaign to bring peace and stability to their country,” Clinton added.

Meanwhile, Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan telephoned President Asif Ali Zardari and condemned Taseer’s assassination.

Offering his condolences to Zardari and condemning the assassination, the Turkish PM also asked the president to convey his heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and the people of the country.

Separately, US Counsel General in Karachi William J Martin also called on the president and offered condolences over the death of Salmaan Taseer.

Furthermore, China and the EU expressed shock and offered condolences on Taseer’s assassination.

“China is shocked by the incident. We extend our sympathies to the family of Salmaan Taseer, “ Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.

“We believe the Pakistani government will properly handle the incident and maintain national stability and unity,” Hong added.

Catherine Ashton, high representative of European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, strongly condemned the brutal murder of Salmaan Taseer.

A spokesperson of the EU high representative, in a statement from Brussels said, “Catherine Ashton strongly condemns the brutal murder of Salmaan Taseer.”

Ashton expressed her condolences to Taseer’s family and to the people of Pakistan. “The European Union urges Pakistan authorities to bring the perpetrators of this crime rapidly to justice,” she added.

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