UNCLAS ATHENS 002399

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV GR PK
SUBJECT: MGPK02: GREECE CONDEMNS BHUTTO ASSASSINATION


1. Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis condemned the
assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir
Bhutto, expressing shock at the death of "a leading
international personality who struggled steadfastly for
democracy, peace, respect for human dignity and
reconciliation in her country." Bakoyannis added, "Greece
condemns the terrorist attack in the most categorical way
that, just two weeks ahead of Parliamentary elections in
Pakistan, has led to this tragic loss."


2. Greek opposition leader and Socialist International
President George Papandreou also condemned the assassination,
noting "I had the opportunity of meeting her and of
appreciating the struggles of her family and of herself for
democracy, for a state of justice, under difficult conditions
in Pakistan." Papandreou concluded, "being the President of
the Socialist International, I condemn the assassination
attack, and I express the strong concern of the international
and of the European democratic community over the course that
developments have taken in Pakistan, at the responsibility of
the Pakistani regime."
SPECKHARD