Tariana Turia
Co-leader of the Maori Party

Maori Party Statement on Assassination of Benazir Bhutto

The brutal assassination of Benazir Bhutto, twice former Prime Minister; chair of the Pakistan People's Party, and opposition leader, has been greeted today with great sadness by the Maori Party.

"Benazir Bhutto lived her life in a way which demonstrated unwavering faith and commitment to her political crusade" said Tariana Turia, Co-leader of the Maori Party.

"The double tragedy for their family and supporters, is that ultimately her fate mirrors the death of her father, and former prime minister, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto; and two of her brothers".

"We acknowledge Benazir Bhutto as the first woman elected to lead a Muslim state, as well as someone who dedicated her life to standing up for her beliefs".

"I am aware that less than a month ago she was urging indigenous ethnic Pashtuns to forsake militancy and support her movement" said Mrs Turia.

"It is the most tragic of ironies - that no matter what one thinks about her political aspirations, that she would lose her life as a victim of the senseless violence she was determined to oppose".

"We would all hope that peace can return to Pakistan, as the people mourn" said Mrs Turia.

"And of course we would extend our greatest respects to her husband, Asif Ali Zardari, and their three children, who have been robbed of their loved one by this savage act".

ENDS

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